- Location
- PA
...Right, terrible idea to actually do that. Besides we just need to know enough to know Fel when we see it and how to stick our sword in it. Kil' would LOVE to get his hands on an Orc Clan heir.
Orc Quest; or, A Critical Examination of Agency Through in Interactive Fiction (Warcraft)
- Thread starter FractiousDay
- Start date
- Fantasy
- Location
- United Kingdom
So one thing I really like about the characterisation of Gul'dan is his earnestness. There's small moments like when he throws the bird people into magic ponds to clip their wings and I can imagine him just being mean like that, or when people ask what the price for taking the Fel is and he replies with all honesty 'everything'. He's not the one going around deceiving people and actually apparently he wasn't very good at politics which is why blackhand was about.
K-J is a patsy and middle management. If we're selling our soul, we're selling it to Sargeras. We're going straight for the top, no other solution will do. One thing is certain: we will have to learn about Fel magics, even if we don't embrace them. Leading a clan of warlocks without knowing the Fel is a non-starter.
Regarding the warlocks, blademasters and the future of the clan, perhaps we can investigate Gan'rul and lure him to a... well, a civilized and polite dinner where we can ascertain the direction he wants the clan to pivot to. Who knows, maybe we can work out a nice superior-subordinate relationship? With us being the superior, of course. And if he turns out to be a weasel, well, we have our good buddy Vark.
Professor Vesca
Good News Everyone!
The most important thing for us right now if we want to revive the blade master tradition is to find a place for the blade masters in the clan and in the horde.
In many ways their form of shamanism is unique and I think its worth preserving. But if we find nothing for them to do...
We arrive back where we started.
In many ways their form of shamanism is unique and I think its worth preserving. But if we find nothing for them to do...
We arrive back where we started.
- Location
- United Kingdom
This's certainly possible, the twilights hammer invented the process of elemental ascendency where they are elementals and became them themselves. This process isn't necessarily that, but yes some sort of backbreeding sort of thing might be possible
Dark Storms interlude
- Location
- United Kingdom
You are going into battle against the renegade warlock Fizzle Darkstorm and his band of miscreants. You and your forces are currently based in Razor Hill and will depart soon to confront the goblin.
You currently know Darkstorm to be hiding in Thunder Ridge, a rocky region roughly halfway between Razor Hill and Orgrimmar. The region is largely deserted apart from a few scattered farms, and is mainly known for the large Thunder Lizards, popularly thought to be a relative of the more common Kodo. Harpies have also been known to nest in the heights of the rocks, while occasionally bands of centaur or quillboar have been seen in the area.
You've been informed that Darkstorm has gathered several other renegade warlocks, as well as a collection of outcasts, criminals and discontents. From your discussions with others you anticipate roughly forty enemies, with the majority being the equivalent of poor quality infantry, but supported by several magic users, likely other renegade warlocks.
You assume they're fortified in some area, such as a canyon, as you know Darkstorm has been raiding caravans and farms for several months to gather sacrifices for his black arts. Darkstorm has relied on the Horde's preoccupation with other matters rather than concealment and it's likely the enemy will be fairly easy to find.
While Darkstorm remains a goblin and therefore less dangerous than most creatures in close quarters, you've heard that one of his hands has mutated into a claw which he can use in a close range attack to drain the life of his enemies. You've been advised to either cut his hand off, nullify the attack with a blast of fire, or use a sort of ablative armour by taunting the Elements to take the shot for you. You've heard that Darkstorm's attack is a fairly short range one, but that it's deadly if he gets close enough.
As the heir of your clan you could call on your people in this battle. Additionally Nazgrel has told the commander of Razor Hill to assist you.
It will be important firstly to actually win the battle, and you know Darkstorm will be on ground he knows well, surrounded by his subordinates while you'll be travelling to a place you don't know and with followers of dubious loyalty to you (though not to the wider Horde).
However its equally important to consider the political implications of the battle as well as the military ones. The military objective is to kill this goblin, but what do you specifically want to get out of this mission? What are you trying to accomplish and how will you act to accomplish it?
Edit: I'm amending this slightly to emphasise the political aspect.
What are your political aims for the battle and how will you achieve them?
Example: Demonstrate the superiority of the traditional Burning Blade over the demon worshipping dregs Darkstorm has assembled. Present the battle as a fight between two halves of the Burning Blade, one uncontrolled and destructive, the other organised and capable. Go yourself with a blademaster as a standard bearer and a small guard of loyal warriors. Do not include anyone from outside the clan or from the Razor Hill garrison. Approach the enemy, announce yourself and offer a challenge, relying on the warlike nature of the orcs to force Darkstorm to duel you.
The above plan deliberately exclude warlocks and that side of the clan while glorifying the blademasters, which might achieve a political aim of trying to revive them etc. Comparably if your aim was to emphasise the Horde as a new organisation then you'd be likely to bring some trolls or Tauren rather than just orcs.
I'm aware there's a lot of moving parts in the above, possibly more than necessary. If you don't have any particular interest in one part you can leave it out and I'll write it. For example, you may only wish to given an indication regarding the political strategy, and might not be bothered with exactly who you'll bring. You could simply say 'bring forces to emphasise the allied races and the strength of the overall horde.
Considerations:
You have two pools of resources to pull on, the Burning Blade clan of Orgrimmar and the military forces of Razor Hill. You obviously won't be able to take the whole Razor Hill garrison, or the entirety of any single element of it, so you can't write 'bring 10 shaman' or similar. Assume you brought the people you chose from the Burning Blade are already with you, rather than you having to go back and get them etc.
The Burning Blade has Blademasters and warlocks of various skill levels as well as the normal pool of grunts, the poor quality infantry that all clans have. Razor Hill is a crossroads and military depot so that can have basically anything you want. If you want a Forsaken mage assume that there's one there, if you want a couple of wyvern riders assume they're there as well.
I'm not going to give 'point values' to the forces you can bring as I don't want you to abuse the mechanics because I haven't thought about something enough. Instead I'll give a general indication that 20 warriors = 1 magic user, or that 1 wolf rider = 3 warriors, that sort of thing. Consider the rarity of the resources you're trying to call on. Generally the more exotic or powerful an element is the higher it'll cost. If you do want some 'costs' with a more specific array of choices and a budget then let me know and I can write one up.
The fewer forces you take the more impressive a victory will be. Therefore try not to go above 50 warriors in terms of 'point value' as if you outnumber the enemy (in actual numbers or in power) the victory won't be at all impressive as any such force could have done the same.
This is your first independent command, do something with it that will award you prestige. The results of the battle will influence other individuals perceptions of you, this includes your clan, other leaders, as well as the military leadership of the Horde. The prestige of the victory will be split according to contributions, so if you bring 1 Blademaster they'll get a proportionally much higher amount of prestige than if you bring a load of random guys.
You can try and persuade some of the named individuals from the narrative along with you. For example Vark is coming along, although he's an automatic addition, you won't have to split anything with him because of your bloodbrotherhood and everyone thinks this is a normal thing. Comparably you could bring Kartha along as she's expressed an interest in the issue, but then again do you want to split the prestige with the Shattered Hand by including her? Do you want to associate with a clan with dubious honour?
Due to your trait you can't take any dishonourable actions. You can't hire a sniper or poison Darkstorm or some similar subterfuge. In character you just wouldn't consider these options and I'll ignore them if they're voted for. I'm also not going to mention some of the particularly inventive things you could do which I've put a couple of hints at in the information about Darkstorm above. Furthermore, this is a battle, you could starve them out relatively easily but you aren't going to, you're off to fight rather than start a siege. This actually brings up an interesting point about the nature of siege warfare in Warcraft but I think we'll leave that for another time.
[Write your plan]
You currently know Darkstorm to be hiding in Thunder Ridge, a rocky region roughly halfway between Razor Hill and Orgrimmar. The region is largely deserted apart from a few scattered farms, and is mainly known for the large Thunder Lizards, popularly thought to be a relative of the more common Kodo. Harpies have also been known to nest in the heights of the rocks, while occasionally bands of centaur or quillboar have been seen in the area.
You've been informed that Darkstorm has gathered several other renegade warlocks, as well as a collection of outcasts, criminals and discontents. From your discussions with others you anticipate roughly forty enemies, with the majority being the equivalent of poor quality infantry, but supported by several magic users, likely other renegade warlocks.
You assume they're fortified in some area, such as a canyon, as you know Darkstorm has been raiding caravans and farms for several months to gather sacrifices for his black arts. Darkstorm has relied on the Horde's preoccupation with other matters rather than concealment and it's likely the enemy will be fairly easy to find.
While Darkstorm remains a goblin and therefore less dangerous than most creatures in close quarters, you've heard that one of his hands has mutated into a claw which he can use in a close range attack to drain the life of his enemies. You've been advised to either cut his hand off, nullify the attack with a blast of fire, or use a sort of ablative armour by taunting the Elements to take the shot for you. You've heard that Darkstorm's attack is a fairly short range one, but that it's deadly if he gets close enough.
As the heir of your clan you could call on your people in this battle. Additionally Nazgrel has told the commander of Razor Hill to assist you.
It will be important firstly to actually win the battle, and you know Darkstorm will be on ground he knows well, surrounded by his subordinates while you'll be travelling to a place you don't know and with followers of dubious loyalty to you (though not to the wider Horde).
However its equally important to consider the political implications of the battle as well as the military ones. The military objective is to kill this goblin, but what do you specifically want to get out of this mission? What are you trying to accomplish and how will you act to accomplish it?
Edit: I'm amending this slightly to emphasise the political aspect.
What are your political aims for the battle and how will you achieve them?
Example: Demonstrate the superiority of the traditional Burning Blade over the demon worshipping dregs Darkstorm has assembled. Present the battle as a fight between two halves of the Burning Blade, one uncontrolled and destructive, the other organised and capable. Go yourself with a blademaster as a standard bearer and a small guard of loyal warriors. Do not include anyone from outside the clan or from the Razor Hill garrison. Approach the enemy, announce yourself and offer a challenge, relying on the warlike nature of the orcs to force Darkstorm to duel you.
The above plan deliberately exclude warlocks and that side of the clan while glorifying the blademasters, which might achieve a political aim of trying to revive them etc. Comparably if your aim was to emphasise the Horde as a new organisation then you'd be likely to bring some trolls or Tauren rather than just orcs.
I'm aware there's a lot of moving parts in the above, possibly more than necessary. If you don't have any particular interest in one part you can leave it out and I'll write it. For example, you may only wish to given an indication regarding the political strategy, and might not be bothered with exactly who you'll bring. You could simply say 'bring forces to emphasise the allied races and the strength of the overall horde.
Considerations:
You have two pools of resources to pull on, the Burning Blade clan of Orgrimmar and the military forces of Razor Hill. You obviously won't be able to take the whole Razor Hill garrison, or the entirety of any single element of it, so you can't write 'bring 10 shaman' or similar. Assume you brought the people you chose from the Burning Blade are already with you, rather than you having to go back and get them etc.
The Burning Blade has Blademasters and warlocks of various skill levels as well as the normal pool of grunts, the poor quality infantry that all clans have. Razor Hill is a crossroads and military depot so that can have basically anything you want. If you want a Forsaken mage assume that there's one there, if you want a couple of wyvern riders assume they're there as well.
I'm not going to give 'point values' to the forces you can bring as I don't want you to abuse the mechanics because I haven't thought about something enough. Instead I'll give a general indication that 20 warriors = 1 magic user, or that 1 wolf rider = 3 warriors, that sort of thing. Consider the rarity of the resources you're trying to call on. Generally the more exotic or powerful an element is the higher it'll cost. If you do want some 'costs' with a more specific array of choices and a budget then let me know and I can write one up.
The fewer forces you take the more impressive a victory will be. Therefore try not to go above 50 warriors in terms of 'point value' as if you outnumber the enemy (in actual numbers or in power) the victory won't be at all impressive as any such force could have done the same.
This is your first independent command, do something with it that will award you prestige. The results of the battle will influence other individuals perceptions of you, this includes your clan, other leaders, as well as the military leadership of the Horde. The prestige of the victory will be split according to contributions, so if you bring 1 Blademaster they'll get a proportionally much higher amount of prestige than if you bring a load of random guys.
You can try and persuade some of the named individuals from the narrative along with you. For example Vark is coming along, although he's an automatic addition, you won't have to split anything with him because of your bloodbrotherhood and everyone thinks this is a normal thing. Comparably you could bring Kartha along as she's expressed an interest in the issue, but then again do you want to split the prestige with the Shattered Hand by including her? Do you want to associate with a clan with dubious honour?
Due to your trait you can't take any dishonourable actions. You can't hire a sniper or poison Darkstorm or some similar subterfuge. In character you just wouldn't consider these options and I'll ignore them if they're voted for. I'm also not going to mention some of the particularly inventive things you could do which I've put a couple of hints at in the information about Darkstorm above. Furthermore, this is a battle, you could starve them out relatively easily but you aren't going to, you're off to fight rather than start a siege. This actually brings up an interesting point about the nature of siege warfare in Warcraft but I think we'll leave that for another time.
[Write your plan]
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hapcelion
The Abyss gazed back
- Location
- n/a
I was thinking of this as a sort of infiltration mission where we would, so we and whoever is sneakiest among us could go in and find some exploitable weaknesses in the warlocks' hideout. Give signals, and then have the warband break through.
for the infiltration, I'd use some warlocks to provide us with necessary information on traps and fel countermeasures and a bunch of blademasters (who, iirc, can be swift and silent and good for sneaking). We can sabotage things and make openings for the rest of the party. The razorhill detachment I'd probably call in as wolf riders, because we want to get this done speedily.
With regard to the political aims of the battle, the most immediate concern is how it proves us as a competent commander and leader to the rest of the clan and the Horde as a whole.
However, I think we could also squeeze in little more. For me, because I'd rather not let the way of the clan's swordsmanship die out, I'd like to have a contingent of blademasters help us defeat the renegades in order to give them more glory and potentially revitalize interests in the traditional way. Do you suppose Akinos might want in on this?
I'm not entirely sure if this is allowed, but do you think we could include Drok? I kind of feel bad for him to be considered the shame of the clan, and I wonder if including him on this mission might help his status?
Or perhaps it may be better to not have him associate with us so openly? He does seem to know stuff about Bloodeye and it may be more beneficial to keep him at a distance in the dark.
Alternatively, Kartha seems like a good warrior and intelligence agent. Maybe she'd like to tag along for this?
for the infiltration, I'd use some warlocks to provide us with necessary information on traps and fel countermeasures and a bunch of blademasters (who, iirc, can be swift and silent and good for sneaking). We can sabotage things and make openings for the rest of the party. The razorhill detachment I'd probably call in as wolf riders, because we want to get this done speedily.
With regard to the political aims of the battle, the most immediate concern is how it proves us as a competent commander and leader to the rest of the clan and the Horde as a whole.
However, I think we could also squeeze in little more. For me, because I'd rather not let the way of the clan's swordsmanship die out, I'd like to have a contingent of blademasters help us defeat the renegades in order to give them more glory and potentially revitalize interests in the traditional way. Do you suppose Akinos might want in on this?
I'm not entirely sure if this is allowed, but do you think we could include Drok? I kind of feel bad for him to be considered the shame of the clan, and I wonder if including him on this mission might help his status?
Or perhaps it may be better to not have him associate with us so openly? He does seem to know stuff about Bloodeye and it may be more beneficial to keep him at a distance in the dark.
Alternatively, Kartha seems like a good warrior and intelligence agent. Maybe she'd like to tag along for this?
- Location
- PA
Hrrm...
IDK about the strategic level in terms of dealing with Darkstorm's cronies, but it sounds like on the tactical level Darkstorm wants to get in close and life-siphon his foes. Presumably as a Warlock he's got some other general Fel-Magicks he can work, but that claw of his is the focal point of our intel on him...
His infantry sucks but he DOES have decent magical support, and he's got some solid terrain fortification. Among other things, it seems to me that the main thing keeping him from getting rolled by a few bored Blademasters is likely the prospect of challengers being obvious and getting bombarded to death before they can engage in GLORIOUS MELEE!
So...
I'm thinking a pile of sneaky plans.
First off, some sort of message to Darkstorm's followers that the Burning Blade does feature Warlocks and are willing to offer them haven-even if they already know, the point is to lower morale. Second plan is have like...Hrrm.
ten to twenty Orc Warriors march forth with orders to retreat once the fel-firebombs start falling, followed by us sneaking in the back and offing Darkstorm...Except-
Those Orc warriors are going to call us stupid because it sounds like 'I'll throw the clan's lives away for my own glory!' even removing the idea that Darkstorm has dedicated guards meaning we get dogpiled when we go for the backstab, or the threat of getting fel-fried by the magical bombardment that judging by the name of 'Darkstorm'...Yeah.
And flipping that around so WE'RE in the firing lines...Hrrrm...
Okay.
It's a plan where-in we likely have to outrun a Mountain, and Thrall will give us the stink-eye for it, but...
Message to Darkstorm to lower morale. MC does the MC Hammer shuffle to personally call them out. When the Darkstorm starts up, MC drops Proudpeak and RUNS FOR THE HILLS! Meanwhile sneaky warband comes in from behind and ganks Darkstorm.
I'm going to dub this plan Proud Pose and reserve it as a hail-mary for later.
IDK about the strategic level in terms of dealing with Darkstorm's cronies, but it sounds like on the tactical level Darkstorm wants to get in close and life-siphon his foes. Presumably as a Warlock he's got some other general Fel-Magicks he can work, but that claw of his is the focal point of our intel on him...
His infantry sucks but he DOES have decent magical support, and he's got some solid terrain fortification. Among other things, it seems to me that the main thing keeping him from getting rolled by a few bored Blademasters is likely the prospect of challengers being obvious and getting bombarded to death before they can engage in GLORIOUS MELEE!
So...
I'm thinking a pile of sneaky plans.
First off, some sort of message to Darkstorm's followers that the Burning Blade does feature Warlocks and are willing to offer them haven-even if they already know, the point is to lower morale. Second plan is have like...Hrrm.
ten to twenty Orc Warriors march forth with orders to retreat once the fel-firebombs start falling, followed by us sneaking in the back and offing Darkstorm...Except-
Those Orc warriors are going to call us stupid because it sounds like 'I'll throw the clan's lives away for my own glory!' even removing the idea that Darkstorm has dedicated guards meaning we get dogpiled when we go for the backstab, or the threat of getting fel-fried by the magical bombardment that judging by the name of 'Darkstorm'...Yeah.
And flipping that around so WE'RE in the firing lines...Hrrrm...
Okay.
It's a plan where-in we likely have to outrun a Mountain, and Thrall will give us the stink-eye for it, but...
Message to Darkstorm to lower morale. MC does the MC Hammer shuffle to personally call them out. When the Darkstorm starts up, MC drops Proudpeak and RUNS FOR THE HILLS! Meanwhile sneaky warband comes in from behind and ganks Darkstorm.
I'm going to dub this plan Proud Pose and reserve it as a hail-mary for later.
- Location
- United Kingdom
Sure, but I'm just including the most obvious, rather than everyone as I do want people to think creatively about this:
Burning Blade forces
On the Blademaster side of things:
- Grunts, normal orcish warriors, light armour, shields and axes, would be light infantry but they're orcs, not fast, hit hard, not great morale. You also have more experienced warriors, older, better armour, better training etc
- Blademasters, see previous chapters etc. While I'm including them there's no such thing as a 'unit' or a contingent of them. I've been trying to emphasise that they're in no way organised as a force, its just a load of guys wandering about. Furthermore, the most junior of them, people like Akinos, could easily solo the encampment, its too far beneath them for them to be interested and again, my question is what are you specifically contributing if they come along? Why would they accept your orders?
- A note on blademasters, there are no trainee blademasters in orgrimmar or nearby you. I've exposited this in text and there's a reason Akinos was training orcs generally rather than training some apprentice etc, I want to emphasise that their tradition is dying. You're the first person in a while who's been trying to be a blademaster not a warlock
And on the warlock side:
- The actual warlocks, varying in knowledge, skill, power and so on. You could request 'someone good at summoning demons' or 'someone good with ranged attacks' as different warlocks will have different specialities. Darkstorm concentrates on his claw attack, that's his thing, so think drain life etc. Other warlocks are demonologists or pursue other paths. The more powerful they are the less likelihood they want to come along and the more likelihood they'd take the credit for the victory.
- Other magic users, this includes some of the people mentioned in previous updates who are investigating different magical areas, like the guy who's trying to be a necrolyte.
- A load of cultists, the warlock side's sort of attempt at utilising the more martially inclined clan members, but also making them all demony. These would be the guys you fight in game in various places. Largely the same as the grunts so poorly trained etc, but better attack because they have basic magic too.
At Razor Hill as I've mentioned you've got lots of people, its a depot and garrison for south Durotar, a fort against anyone who gets over the river from the Barrens, that sort of thing. Assume you've got representation from all clans and Horde members. This means:
Plenty of ordinary warriors and hunters, decent with weapons but not great and not well equipped
Various magic users, mainly shaman and a few warlocks, but also forsaken mages, trolls of various sorts and tauren druids
Clan forces, specialists in particular areas like Warsong wolfriders, Thunderlord beast tamers (with various exotic mounts like wyverns or kodos), Blackrock heavy infantry.
Various allied forces like troll raptor riders, headhunters and so on, some tauren, that sort of thing.
There's also the named characters. These include Vark who's already coming, Kartha who has at least a minor interest given she's been selected as your Shattered Hand liaison and Sorek who could be persuaded to come get into a fight quite easily. There are various other named characters, maybe they'd like to come along, maybe they wouldn't, its up to you to ask them and provide a compelling reason for them to want to join you.
No they'd be fine. They're dedicated mage-killers and they can turn invisible. Unless Darkstorm had a felhunter or similar detection thing a single Blademaster could windwalk in there, cut the throats of all the warlocks and then quite easily pick apart the rest of them.
Darkstorm meanwhile isn't going to be summoning infernals anytime soon, his main thing is the claw. In game he's a very minor character, and he is here as well, he's not going to do anything particularly impressive
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- Location
- Reno
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Honestly we could probably get the guy trying to be a necrolyte to come along fairly easily. Plenty of bodies to raise and its a good chance to him to experiment with his magic in combat and show that it can be effective and good for the Horde.
I'm thinking a screening force of a few units of grunts, some hunters in the back and some Warsong riders if we can get them. Vrak to RIP and TEAR, Kartha to oversee our progress, Sorek for fightan and the Nercolyte guy for the reasons explained above.
We might also have some luck at getting some Tauren and Forsaken in Razor Hill involved as well. Tauren cause they Do Not Like warlocks and Forsaken if we can frame it this as a way to better intergrate themselves with the wider Horde.
I'm thinking a screening force of a few units of grunts, some hunters in the back and some Warsong riders if we can get them. Vrak to RIP and TEAR, Kartha to oversee our progress, Sorek for fightan and the Nercolyte guy for the reasons explained above.
We might also have some luck at getting some Tauren and Forsaken in Razor Hill involved as well. Tauren cause they Do Not Like warlocks and Forsaken if we can frame it this as a way to better intergrate themselves with the wider Horde.
- Location
- United Kingdom
And what are you contributing?
I really really want you guys to think about this. Actually winning the battle is not particularly difficult. The Horde could crush Darkstorm at any time, they just haven't because other fronts and incursions of hundreds of centaur, quillboar or other enemies has occupied their attention more than a goblin who occasionally attacks a lone traveller on the road.
What are you, the heir of the Burning Blade getting out of this? The other races, simply by their presence in Razor Hill, are already integrated into the Horde's war machine. The Forsaken have been shipped across the world presumably because Sylvanus wants them there and you involving them in a very minor skirmish won't make them significantly better integrated. What is the contribution you'll be brining to this battle? What are you getting out of it?
- Location
- Reno
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Fair enough. Given our abilities and proficiencies we're best suited a three-fold part to this mission.
1. Getting a glimpse of the enemies capabilities through Warsight and Flameseeing. More so the latter than the former. Presumbly Darkstorm and crew still need to do things such as see and eat cooked food; so our ability to see through their camp fires and torches will let us get a good, if not super exact, handle on their forces and what kind of terrain we'll be attacking. Warsight is less predictable but it might be able to give us some insights, if the spirits so choose.
2. Acting as high command before the battle. We probably should not be directly leading in the fight, given what our last role should be, but our knowledge of tactics and basic leadership should allow us to adeptly draw out battleplans and direct the fight before it starts. Combined with our first hand knowledge from point 1 we should have a good idea of what the enemy can bring to the battle and what kind of terrain they'll be using against us. We should use more experienced commanders, such as those found within our clan and the Razor Hill garrison, as both a sounding board and as experienced advisors, but we should be good to be responsible for the over all stragety and tactics.
3. Directly taking out Darkstorm. The Big One. Our skills in demonslaying, dueling and our shaman focus makes us very good for this task. We'll need help cutting our way through, Vraks or Sorek would be good for this, but once we get into combat with Darkstorm our focus on dueling and our knowledge of his arts will help us greatly against him. Once he dies his force should falter, and us taking his head will be a good political boost as well. Ideally I'd like to take him on with the help of another warrior, either Vraks or Sorek, and someone more focused on support. A shaman or a priest or something. However if we have to I think we stand a good chance of taking him on 1 on 1. Hes not gonna be a master in melee and so long as we can deal with his claw and spells we should be able to defeat him. Its risky but doable and I think out of everyone who isn't a 50 year old 1st and 2nd War veteran chad we have the best chance of doing it.
1. Getting a glimpse of the enemies capabilities through Warsight and Flameseeing. More so the latter than the former. Presumbly Darkstorm and crew still need to do things such as see and eat cooked food; so our ability to see through their camp fires and torches will let us get a good, if not super exact, handle on their forces and what kind of terrain we'll be attacking. Warsight is less predictable but it might be able to give us some insights, if the spirits so choose.
2. Acting as high command before the battle. We probably should not be directly leading in the fight, given what our last role should be, but our knowledge of tactics and basic leadership should allow us to adeptly draw out battleplans and direct the fight before it starts. Combined with our first hand knowledge from point 1 we should have a good idea of what the enemy can bring to the battle and what kind of terrain they'll be using against us. We should use more experienced commanders, such as those found within our clan and the Razor Hill garrison, as both a sounding board and as experienced advisors, but we should be good to be responsible for the over all stragety and tactics.
3. Directly taking out Darkstorm. The Big One. Our skills in demonslaying, dueling and our shaman focus makes us very good for this task. We'll need help cutting our way through, Vraks or Sorek would be good for this, but once we get into combat with Darkstorm our focus on dueling and our knowledge of his arts will help us greatly against him. Once he dies his force should falter, and us taking his head will be a good political boost as well. Ideally I'd like to take him on with the help of another warrior, either Vraks or Sorek, and someone more focused on support. A shaman or a priest or something. However if we have to I think we stand a good chance of taking him on 1 on 1. Hes not gonna be a master in melee and so long as we can deal with his claw and spells we should be able to defeat him. Its risky but doable and I think out of everyone who isn't a 50 year old 1st and 2nd War veteran chad we have the best chance of doing it.
- Location
- PA
Hrrm.
So. Here's what I think.
We COULD use this to say, glorify the Burning Blade's role as Fel-police. That feels like a solid role. But to do Fel-police properly, we need to know what's up and what sort of fel-monsters...
Void walkers.
We have a dude that knows how to summon Void walkers, and presumably a few demonologists.
The Blademasters are getting bored of combat and going nuts as a result.
Light-bulb moment here- permanent Grand Tournament for the Horde. Or Light Tournament-whatever it was called, that thing where the Horde and Alliance practiced and prepared against undead for taking on the Lich King. Like that. Solves both tradition's problems-Warlocks need to be something other then bad guy bait and Blademasters need something to fight.
But enough of that wrinkle.
Short-term, this fight. I'm leaning towards grabbing apprentice Blademasters (assuming their bosses don't get mad at us about that!) Or maybe trying to grab a few rouge Blademasters and luring them with the glory of the fight, and a proposition for the future, which as we get that Grand Tournament tradition going we can start pulling in the Experts, what's left of them.
Now, I'm leaning more towards either apprentice Blademasters or just grabbing some dude, having them screen the army while we duel the boss, for typical Orc tactics and getting that glory personally. Then we turn in that glory/shared experience with the wandering Blademasters to pull them into that Demon-specific Tournament thing we start running and formalize a tradition of Demon-study for the sake of destroying.
Thrall might still be giving us the stink-eye for keeping Demon-Summoning as a thing we do, but it can preserve a useful and potent tradition in the form of the Blademasters.
...
We also could use this oppertunity to begin building closer ties with the Shattered Hand as the informants to our Fel-Police but that's more of a shiny in my strategic considerations.
So. Here's what I think.
We COULD use this to say, glorify the Burning Blade's role as Fel-police. That feels like a solid role. But to do Fel-police properly, we need to know what's up and what sort of fel-monsters...
Void walkers.
We have a dude that knows how to summon Void walkers, and presumably a few demonologists.
The Blademasters are getting bored of combat and going nuts as a result.
Light-bulb moment here- permanent Grand Tournament for the Horde. Or Light Tournament-whatever it was called, that thing where the Horde and Alliance practiced and prepared against undead for taking on the Lich King. Like that. Solves both tradition's problems-Warlocks need to be something other then bad guy bait and Blademasters need something to fight.
But enough of that wrinkle.
Short-term, this fight. I'm leaning towards grabbing apprentice Blademasters (assuming their bosses don't get mad at us about that!) Or maybe trying to grab a few rouge Blademasters and luring them with the glory of the fight, and a proposition for the future, which as we get that Grand Tournament tradition going we can start pulling in the Experts, what's left of them.
Now, I'm leaning more towards either apprentice Blademasters or just grabbing some dude, having them screen the army while we duel the boss, for typical Orc tactics and getting that glory personally. Then we turn in that glory/shared experience with the wandering Blademasters to pull them into that Demon-specific Tournament thing we start running and formalize a tradition of Demon-study for the sake of destroying.
Thrall might still be giving us the stink-eye for keeping Demon-Summoning as a thing we do, but it can preserve a useful and potent tradition in the form of the Blademasters.
...
We also could use this oppertunity to begin building closer ties with the Shattered Hand as the informants to our Fel-Police but that's more of a shiny in my strategic considerations.
hapcelion
The Abyss gazed back
- Location
- n/a
Since there's fears that the old traditions would die out, we could offer a sort of resurgence. Tout the ways of the blademasters so that more would be interested in studying them and promise to put resources and personnel into the old ways so that they won't die out.
Additionally, as has been pointed out by previous posters, we could help them find acceptable targets to fight against rather than sinking into a depression or lashing out. since there are quite a number of things to fight outside the bounds of durotar, one could consider a partnership with the shattered hand, where they could be wandering travelers looking for dangerous opponents (mob bosses or some troublemakers to local populations) to take out (perhaps improving the Horde's reputation abroad) while also providing intelligence from afar when they get back. Our clans become more integrated and serve to further a purpose.
In regards to getting the renegade blademasters, could we not offer pardons for them so that they may rejoin the fold?
With the battle, I also feel we may need to actually take part at the head (my impression is that our clan and orcs in general probably aren't going to look too kindly on us making decision at the back).
Kartha seems like a good addition, since she's good at stealth and assassination. Though, for us, it's probably best that we kill the crab guy, but if we want to secure and spare the rest of the coven (you know, to have people who may like us/be loyal to us in the future) we may want to find a way to sneak in and assassinate him as quickly as possible, have the minimum body count.
I think FractitiousDay was also hinting at the question of 'what did Grok'mash contribute to the battle.' The Horde is very much a martial culture, and we'll need to 'turn up' for the fight if we wish to cover ourselves in glory. Otherwise, someone else will take the glory for a moment that should be ours, as is common in clan politics.
I have a sneaking suspicion that this mission was given to us so that we have a chance to 'prove ourselves' to the Horde leadership. If we walk out of this looking like a wet rag, well, there go our political ambitions.
hapcelion
The Abyss gazed back
- Location
- n/a
Then i think we could mostly go with what Mcclay says, though I contend that point 2 should probably be us taking the lead at the front.
- Pronouns
- Male/He/Him
First wanted to say I'm enjoying the quest so far, love seeing the interplay of clan politics and Grok'mash's own interpersonal conflicts coming to the fore in these Orgrimmar updates.
Now as for the battle against Darkstorm, these are my thoughts on composition and general uses for our assembled forces:
About a dozen Burning Blade grunts and around half that number in our clan cultists should be enough to provide a solid fighting force against Darkstorm's lackeys. Two warlocks from our clan, one demonologist and one offensive spellcaster(fel/shadow/etc. doesn't matter to me), along with Sorek to support the grunts/cultists and target Darkstorm's warlocks. If we can get Kartha and a few hunters from Razor Hill, I'd like to use them to scout out the area where Darkstorm's forces are so we get an idea of where we'll be fighting, then they can provide ranged support for our frontliners and help pick off enemy warlocks. Finally a few Warsong wolfriders to support Grok'mash and Vark pushing ahead to Darkstorm himself, returning to the main battle with the renegades when an opening is created for them.
Grok'mash himself should initially command the forces, with a more senior grunt assigned to take over once he and Vark push ahead to face Darkstorm and his bodyguard. I also like the idea of him using his flameseeing to do some scrying to see if there's any information that can be gained that way. His main focus, however, will be fighting Darkstorm, with Vark and Kartha as backup to face off any other immediate threats between him and the goblin. Focus on (literally) disarming Darkstorm's demonic claw to take away his primary strength.
In this way we're proving our leadership acumen to our clan and our own ability to handle ourselves in a fight. Any renegades who surrender or do not die in the fighting can be given the chance to be brought back into the fold and make amends for dishonoring the clan and the Horde at large. Besides showing ourselves off this is also a good chance to show our allies in the Horde that our clan's warlocks and fel-leanings can be trusted to be used as a weapon against those that'd threaten us or Azeroth at large.
If there's anything I neglected or missed let me know.
Now as for the battle against Darkstorm, these are my thoughts on composition and general uses for our assembled forces:
About a dozen Burning Blade grunts and around half that number in our clan cultists should be enough to provide a solid fighting force against Darkstorm's lackeys. Two warlocks from our clan, one demonologist and one offensive spellcaster(fel/shadow/etc. doesn't matter to me), along with Sorek to support the grunts/cultists and target Darkstorm's warlocks. If we can get Kartha and a few hunters from Razor Hill, I'd like to use them to scout out the area where Darkstorm's forces are so we get an idea of where we'll be fighting, then they can provide ranged support for our frontliners and help pick off enemy warlocks. Finally a few Warsong wolfriders to support Grok'mash and Vark pushing ahead to Darkstorm himself, returning to the main battle with the renegades when an opening is created for them.
Grok'mash himself should initially command the forces, with a more senior grunt assigned to take over once he and Vark push ahead to face Darkstorm and his bodyguard. I also like the idea of him using his flameseeing to do some scrying to see if there's any information that can be gained that way. His main focus, however, will be fighting Darkstorm, with Vark and Kartha as backup to face off any other immediate threats between him and the goblin. Focus on (literally) disarming Darkstorm's demonic claw to take away his primary strength.
In this way we're proving our leadership acumen to our clan and our own ability to handle ourselves in a fight. Any renegades who surrender or do not die in the fighting can be given the chance to be brought back into the fold and make amends for dishonoring the clan and the Horde at large. Besides showing ourselves off this is also a good chance to show our allies in the Horde that our clan's warlocks and fel-leanings can be trusted to be used as a weapon against those that'd threaten us or Azeroth at large.
If there's anything I neglected or missed let me know.
I'm not very available to talk tactics right now, but I like the scouting idea. Get some front liners and ranged specialists, try to get the Shattered Hand in on this and scout out the enemy disposition.
Also, ask around in Orgrimmar about regional maps, starting with the Shattered Hand. And plan for provisions; we can use this as an opportunity to prove ourselves as both a warrior and a military officer.
Also, ask around in Orgrimmar about regional maps, starting with the Shattered Hand. And plan for provisions; we can use this as an opportunity to prove ourselves as both a warrior and a military officer.
How about this as the start of a plan:
~10 hunters
Varks
Open to others
1. Scout out the camp using hunters
2. Check the camp for terrain to be exploited either to approach undetected or gaining an advantageous position (cliffs)
3. The hunters sneak up and begin harassing the camp
4. We use our flameseeing in the lead up to pick the perfect moment to enter the fight with the aim of dodging the adds in the confusion and going straight for the warlocks.
5. our core party of Varks, us, and whoever else pile in the warlocks to remove them.
With this plan we would be using a smaller force, not grabbing rare support, using a fairly direct approach, showcase a Burning Blade power, and personally go after the scary enemy.
Open to any thoughts!
~10 hunters
Varks
Open to others
1. Scout out the camp using hunters
2. Check the camp for terrain to be exploited either to approach undetected or gaining an advantageous position (cliffs)
3. The hunters sneak up and begin harassing the camp
4. We use our flameseeing in the lead up to pick the perfect moment to enter the fight with the aim of dodging the adds in the confusion and going straight for the warlocks.
5. our core party of Varks, us, and whoever else pile in the warlocks to remove them.
With this plan we would be using a smaller force, not grabbing rare support, using a fairly direct approach, showcase a Burning Blade power, and personally go after the scary enemy.
Open to any thoughts!
Xilentxium
Existential Crisis Management
- Location
- Temperate Regions
Why not use hunters alongside some cavalry to get a better scouting force? Maybe 5 hunters and Kartha as well as a handful (like five?) wolf/raptor riders. Terrain willing, this group could even circle round and smash into the enemy rear.
For the screen/line maybe a dozen grunts, and half again as many cultists? I'm not too sure about grabbing Blackrock Heavies for now so this could all be from the BB. We also definitely need spellcaster support, maybe a shaman and a daemonologist warlock? A shaman to support the main push (drop some healing totems? Not sure haven't played WoW) and the warlock to slap silly any creatures or targets of opportunity.
Vrak and Grok'mash could either be the anchor point for an offensive push or just be a wrecking ball to break through and have the rest of the fighters pile in after.
Not really confident with my suggestions here but if it helps someone plan that's enough for me.
For the screen/line maybe a dozen grunts, and half again as many cultists? I'm not too sure about grabbing Blackrock Heavies for now so this could all be from the BB. We also definitely need spellcaster support, maybe a shaman and a daemonologist warlock? A shaman to support the main push (drop some healing totems? Not sure haven't played WoW) and the warlock to slap silly any creatures or targets of opportunity.
Vrak and Grok'mash could either be the anchor point for an offensive push or just be a wrecking ball to break through and have the rest of the fighters pile in after.
Not really confident with my suggestions here but if it helps someone plan that's enough for me.
- Pronouns
- Male/He/Him
Yeah I'd certainly be happy to replace Kartha and instead go with a mix of hunters and riders for the scouting and like Baltika suggested getting some intel or a map from from the Shattered Hand instead. Then have our hunters draw out the enemy with some initial harassment and chaos if they can safely secure the high ground (I believe harpies were mentioned as possibly being in the area), then hit them with grunts/cultists/riders. Given we could be facing several enemy warlocks + lackeys + Darkstorm, I think it'd be prudent to keep Sorek if we can and some spellcasting ourselves, and a shaman instead of a second warlock would round out our support a bit.