[ TW: Mentions of violence, death, gore, and corporal punishment. ]
Was it dawn yet?
Bleary eyes lazily scanned the dark shoreline, the sound of the waves lapping at the beach providing a soothing, metronome-like percussion amidst the groans and cries of the injured and dying. The Warband had taken what felt like a crushing blow at the hands of the sea, the naga, and perhaps even the void. One ship destroyed entirely, the captain and two crew members, dead. Many more were missing in action, washed off of the ship by the behemoth waves and lost to the tides. Hopefully, that was only temporary.
All of their supplies had been washed away or stolen by the invasive naga, leaving them almost entirely empty-handed. Never before had she felt this defeated before the true battle had even begun. Eārisse sat quietly, huddled in a blanket on the shoreline. Sand clung to her damp face, and her hair hung in disarray around her features. Twice had she herself been flung off of the ship, tossed and turned around in the violent riptides like a rag doll, despite her size and the sheer power of her muscles alone. She was in an understandably sour mood, between lack of sleep, last nightās events, and having to hand out a rather vicious punishment to a brand new recruit who thought she could simply get away with being blatantly disrespectful to a commanding officer. Despite claiming to be a part of the Shado-Pan order, the Pandaren woman had done just about everything but physically spit in Eārisseās face. If that had happened, she simply would have taken the tongue.
āBut ātis strange and oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray us in deepest consequenceā¦.ā
Situated just south of Nazjatar, the Dusk Isles were once a small religious community south of Zin-Azshari ā until the seas came to swallow them all. Now, with the shifting of the waves at the behest of the Tidestone and Queen Azshara, these islands have surfaced and with them, all of their secrets.
The Warchief has ordered Blackheart Warband to explore the Isles and bring back to her an object of considerable power. Commonly called the Chalice of Whispers, not much is known about the artifact aside from the fact that it radiates magic like a beacon. Surely others will be drawn to the same beacon. Itās only a question of who will find it first: the Horde, the Alliance, or someone else?
ā
<Blackheart Warband> is a Horde military RP guild on Wyrmrest Accord which features events 1-2 times a week, and overarching campaigns. Our guild focuses on protecting the Horde and its people and interests no matter the cost. We have distinct units that showcase a range of character talents, and a d20 system which provides unique bonuses that players can craft themselves to give an individual feel to every character.
Recruitment is open for the Warband as we head into our fourth campaign! If you are interested, feel free to PM this account or send a message to any Warband member in-game, who can get you in touch with an officer. We accept all races of the Horde from many walks of life.
sunshine; early bird or night owl? (For Aethera and Aya!)
Aethera yawned with a cup of tea in her hand, taking a sip after she was done. "Oh easy one. Night owl. I'm definitely no fan of early mornings, but I will do it if I have to. Especially as far as Quel'Thalas goes, there's still quite a lot of fun to be had in the evening if not more, as opposed to the morning." She responded, placing her tea down on her desk as a subtle smirk grew up on her face. "There's plenty of better uses of that time than just sleeping, but that's just me."
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Halfway across the world, Aya turned, pivoting quietly, her dark brooding interrupted by the intrusive question, she stood there silently for a moment staring through her heartless blood red eyes. She tilted her head, bowing her head slightly as she silently decided she would entertain this one. "Well.. I don't need sleep like the living.. So, I suppose you could say I tolerate both, but if I absolutely had to choose, I prefer the night. I don't like the sunlight, it irritates my eyes." The dark ranger narrowed her eyes after her response. "If that's all, move along." She said, before rolling her eyes. "Please."
The blonde woman turned at the question, raising and eyebrow before taking a brief introspective, her eyes rolling as she thought into the question. "Well.. This isn't the easiest question to answer and I'm probably just over thinking it really, but I think people who tend to be clumsy or silly are cute. In my experience, it's always the ones who are less full of themselves and more easy-going that are more exciting and interesting to be around, and not just as people I'd consider being with but also as good and best friends."
"Oh! Scars too, absolutely. I'm not sure what it is about scarring, but one can learn a lot from scars and stories that can be told through them. Someone who isn't afraid to show them, physical or not has my admiration and attention. I guess, it's more of the vulnerability in a sense, but either way. S'at answer your question?"
āYou had to see that one coming. Also wed Aethera and bed Eārisse. I mean, weāre already such good friends, Summerlight, that we might as well be married. And if Loramaer is the only other option, thenā¦ Why not?ā
āI... uh..Ā Iām surprised I wasnāt behead actually. You think you can tolerate me enough to be wed? You just find a new way to surprise me every time, donāt you Pyresong?ā
During the day, there was sunlight, warmth, happiness, peace, symbolic of life itself. However, on the contrary as dusk descended upon the land each day, there was only darkness, a symbol of death. A cowl of black that descended upon the world. A small figure stood atop a mountainous hill just beyond the Stonetalon mountains, within Ashenvale overlooking Blackheart Keep. Dusk had deprived her of the light she so despised. To what many would call beautiful, she considered the sight disgusting. To her, the solar cycle symbolized death, and more often than not, it was her own. Yet, despite the sun having set on her life, she was still here, eternally enshrouded in darkness, lies, and loss.
The woman removed her hood revealing the wiry, bleached head of hair she wore as it spilt out onto her shoulders and back. Her dead, ashen skin clashed in a violent battle against the deep seas of blood red that were her eyes, a piercing glare through the dark of night. Their faint glow reflected off her pale skin, giving her an eerie glow that could unsettle even the most stalwart soldier.
'That girl is dead.' Her mind whispered to her, it was her own voice, yet it was different and distorted. 'You are dead.' The Dark Ranger shook her head from left to right. She peered long and thoughtfully at the fortified keep. "Aethera Summerlight." She said aloud with a condescending sneer..The woman had watched from her perch afar as the Centurion carried out her duty as a Sunblade to punish her friend, Weleria and past that into the evening, and now night as the keep bustled with the light of torches and braziers dimly illuminating the fortress.Ā āI hope youāre ready to face your demons, sister.ā She scoffed coldly.
Ā The woman leaped off her perch with her arms spread wide at first before clasping them together above her head.as if she were diving into a raging ocean. Moments would pass, but without fail a black, wicked plaguebat would catch its mistress upon itās back. She held loosely onto the reins as it soared through the vale towards the place she so frequently worked. āThatās far enough, Malice.ā Sheād say, as she stroked the creatures fur, cautious of the distance she covered as to not catch any eyes. She crouched atop the creatureās back and drew her bow as it reeled, sending itās rear into the air and catapulting the woman who jumped off its back through the air towards the side of the keepās upper echelons. She had calculated every second, planned her approach during a shift change, and covered her back embraced in the dark of night. She landed with a dull thud against one of walls of the keep using her bow as a hook of sorts to latch onto one of the spikes that lied below the steel-barred window.. As she pulled herself up onto the small landing. She glanced into the room for a solid moment, but she had no time to waste. The guards would return quickly as was the routine nature of Blackheart. The dark ranger focused intently on the small, closet-like room before her. Once she had the mental picture, she closed her eyes as she raised a palm to the steel that barred her entry. She raised her hand flat against the steel bars, fingers spread wide as she coalesced dark magics from her finger tips to the center of her palm and within a moment, there was silence. She counted, one, two, three and it was then, sound returned. Though it was only the roar of torches and the subtle flipping of pages. No, not just flipping, but a book closing.
She opened her eyes, and when she did she was inside, looking at the window from within rather than from outside where she had been perched at mere moments ago. The deep violent red of their glare pierced out of the corner of the room she had pictured herself in moments before. The shadow's embrace brought her this close, the light mere meters away wouldn't stop her now. It was her, she could tell. Drawing her acidic poisoned blades out of their special sheaths, she stepped once forward into the doorway that led into the study before her. A step she had prepared for, ready as ever. A step out of the shadow, and into the light.Ā
Aethera knew the sensation. Something off in the direction towards the roomās door-less closet was offending her aura and magic. The subtle clash of the two energies was like the warmth of soft, cotton blankets and hugs crashing against metal spikes, rust, and itchy wool. Aethera closed the early edition copy of Ysrathilās biography and set it down on the table before her as the torches in the room flickered, being swatted at by dark magic Not long after, the roomās locks clicked behind her. Aethera stood from the couch she sat at, tensing as the sound of her being locked in registered in her mind. She glanced from left to right ahead of her trying to identify whatever it was in front of her. She was in simple clothes, her armor hung up for the day, though she always kept the gladius she was gifted by her side, and in this moment, she found herself grasping for the hilt. Thatās when the shadowy figure stepped from the room into the study proper standing in the doorway before her. She swallowed, taking immediate notice of the glaring red eyes that peered at her from the shadows, though their form was mostly difficult to make out.Ā āPyresong? Whatās the meaning of this?ā She called out to the figure. No answer. Aethera waited around for something, anything, but she didnāt get it. āIām not playing games.ā Aethera said aloud, the light of the blondeās eyes flickered madly against the growing darkness within the room. Again, no answer.
Aethera paused, squinting at the figure, she opened her mouth to shout this time, but she was cut off by the shadowy figure who spoke.Ā āSummerlight.ā They greeted, rather, stated. They spoke through dry cracked lips, her voice cold and heartless, like Weleriaās, though completely different in its own right. Aetheraās eyes squinted slightly more as she tried to make out just exactly who was in front of her.Ā āWha..ā She started, but not before she could eke out her first complete word, the shadowy woman spoke again.Ā āPride. You wield that name with an arrogant pride that makes me sick. I hate you, and that damn forsaken name.ā The figure said, crouching into a low stance, the faint glint of the torches that still breathed air within the room shone off the womanās daggers in hand, dripping in a viral dull red that looked almost like blood. Aethera shrunk slightly, getting clear of the couch that was behind her, drawing the gladius from its sheath, the blade gleamed faintly in holy light as she held the blade with one hand in defensive posture, holding her free hand up in front of her as if by miracle, her assailant would stop.Ā āWait!ā The blonde woman exclaimed, trying to make heads and tails of what was happening. āDie Aethera.ā The shadowy figure growled before she darted towards her, daggers primed like the fangs of a hungry wolf, dripping with anticipation to be sunk into their prey.
As the woman quickly closed the distance, the last of the torches within the room began to die out as she passed by them, though for a brief second the womanās face was visible and offered a hint of what she was up against. Stone-cold, unmoving features, alongside an icy glare unmatched by anything she had ever witnessed. It looked like her long dead little sister. Aethera went white, as if she had seen a ghost. ā..Aythress..?ā Aethera mumbled. Her sisterās long white-yellowed hair danced excitedly behind her as she ran with a deadly purpose at her elder sister. Aethera tensed, her instincts wouldn't fail her in this moment. ā...No..ā was all she could say before the two siblings clashed. The sound of metal clanged through the air, a drop or two of her sisterās poison of choice splashed at the blonde womanās face, which promptly began to sizzle and burn. She winced at the substance that graced the blades of her sister. Only a drop or two was painful.. she didnāt wanna know what might happen if she got a true blow in. Aethera had grasped the woman by the wrist with her outstretched hand as she deflected the other dagger with her sword, struggling in the relentless onslaught being put up by her sister. With Ayaās free hand she thrusted at her elder sisterās stomach repeatedly, and Aethera deflected it blow after blow. At this point the dark ranger had given up on the hope of ending this in fair fight, she knew her sister was stronger than her, but Aya knew she was smarter. She took aim at her sisterās arm as it was locked in an iron grip with her other wrist. She was going to end her sisterās life one way or another and she wanted to make it as miserable as possible. Though, Aethera was a master of defensive combat, angling the blade more towards herself, the flat of her Gladius rested on her forearm with impeccable timing, deflecting the strike yet again. Aethera attempted to strike with the pommel of her blade now primed to slam itself into her assailant no matter who it was and she tried taking the opening. Though, her sibling was all too eager for the opportunity, Aya was colder and more calculating and hers wasnāt a strike she expected to land in the first place, but simply put was to create an opening. Stepping forward with plenty of power in her stride, ducking under the pommel strike that had been aimed for her forehead, the dark ranger struck with a powerful kick between her older sisterās legs, wrenching her arm free as Aethera fell to a knee with a small crying yelp, her gladius too fell and clanged to the stone floor though it hurt, she wasn't about to give up on her life just yet.
On the contrary, the dark ranger sought to end it here in this moment as she brought her hungry blades to bear towards Aetheraās neck. Aya smirked in the delicious moment of what she thought was her sisterās demise.Though, it was then the kneeling woman raised a palm to her little sister's stomach in rapid response. It was then, a flash of light blinded the undead woman alongside an overwhelming burning sensation and within milliseconds before her blades could strike, she felt herself sent flying back across the room. She let out a yelp of her own as the light seared her flesh and overwhelmed her senses. Crrrackk. She then heard the sound of her own old bones smashing against the stone wall of the room and she fell to the floor but mere seconds afterwards. After the dust settled the woman groaned and staggered back to her feet albeit not easily. The undead woman growled extremely dissatisfied, meanwhile the blonde on the other side of the room was in pure shock, but she still managed to maintain a sense of tact, staring down the forsaken woman from across the room as if she were analyzing any other enemy. She wouldn't let her mind cost her her life, she had let her mind get the better of her before and she bore the scar to prove it.
"Who are you!?" Aethera shouted, though the answer was so deceptively simple to her it couldn't be true. Her sister was buried in Quel'thalas, to her this was little more than a monster of nightmare sent to torture her. A challenge that she would have to triumph over. That's when the forsaken woman figured she couldnāt triumph in strength alone. She had to play dirty and underhanded if she was to succeed. In this moment, there was only her and her sister, locked in mortal combat. There was no war, no orders, no Dark Lady, no Warband, just an old score she wanted to settle. In the break of the heat of battle, she spoke in a sickeningly sweet voice. "Oh Aetha.. sister dearest, have you not figured it out yet?" She asked, drawing two throwing knives, though they couldn't withstand the acid that coated her combat blades, they served their purpose time and time again as effective weapons. Her bow would be too obvious of a move, so she had to resort to blades. Unfortunate. Arrows would've done the trick a little faster and a little better.
Aya reeled her arm back within the shadow of the far wall, letting loose her dagger as if she were skipping stones and then a second one in rapid succession slightly off the first mark. Aethera wasn't blind, but she was taken aback by the voice of her sister, the one she had never expected to hear again, it stung her heart. Though unconsciously, she was taking note of the other woman's offensive stance, she darted quickly stepping to the left, the shadowy woman's first dagger missed her by a wide margin, it was the second she hadn't accounted for as it struck her in the right shoulder embedding itself deep within her muscle. The woman allowed a gasp of surprise to escape her lips, as she grasped at the shoulder the dagger had pierced through, she felt the blood running down her sides, but beyond the burning sensation of a wound, she sighed relieved, not recognizing any hint of whatever liquid poison the other woman had dripping off her main blades.
"What do you want...?" She asked aloud, in slightly labored breath. "Sister sister... I want your life." Aya said flatly, with a cold and dark, and twisted tone. Aethera was quick to rebuke her claims, growing restless and angry. "You are NOT my sister." She growled, though the other woman fired back just as quickly. "Tsk tsk, oh but I am. Unfortunately." She sneered, as she began pacing around the right of the room keeping her cold red eyes ever present on Aethera, never once blinking. "Enough of this charade!" Aethera spat angrily, her eyes lit up, a small halo of light faded into existence above her head as she summoned a bubble of light surrounding her form. She concentrated all of her magic into the shield, far more than she needed to protect herself as her little sister froze. She could've thrown more daggers but she knew the light would protect her sister at least for now, so she'd wait. Drawing her bow now, she nocked an arrow, awaiting the moment her shield began to falter, though she couldnāt have predicted what happened next. Aethera let loose a holy nova of energy, the built-up light magic exploding in a mix of pure light and holy fire, sending waves upon waves of pulsing light and white hot fire into the room. The torches once burnt out along the walls now roared to life in golden flames. Aya winced and hissed as she let her arrow fly, but it burnt up as soon as it got close to her elder sister. If it hadn't been obvious before it was now, Aethera could tell the woman certainly looked like Aythress, in a twisted sort of way, it sounded like her too. Could it actually have been true?
"Why do you come to torment me ghost?" Aethera asked quietly, an unspoken test that would prove once and for all if it truly was her little sister. The elder blonde woman was clearly disturbed and pensive at the sight of her sisterās ashen features. Her freckles, even the triangle three at the corner of her left eye alone convinced her that the worst had indeed come to pass. Her sister was never buried, despite her hopes, but in fact raised by the scourge. "You abandoned me." She barked, her skin sizzling in the proximity to the light. "I'm a corpse walking, rotting away above ground because you were too much of a coward to take me with you. You're the reason I'm dead and I'm going to return the favor!" Aya hissed as the waves of light put her through agony, though they subsided as she spoke words of truth. Aethera frowned, saddened by the words that stung her ears.. The holy energy that radiated from her form subsided. Her little sister slumped to the ground, still attempting to recover from the searing pain of the light, though her eyes never left Aethera. The blonde woman paused to speak again."It's true.. And you're right.. I froze... and I failed to protect my dear sister.. and l left you because I couldn't bear to face the pain I inflicted by my inaction. Apologies won't fix a thing, not now.. but for what it's worth, I'm sorry it came to this."
Aya squinted as she stood back to her feet, though her body ached. She couldn't necessarily feel it, but her movements were sluggish and she knew her striking against a stone wall with such force left injuries that had inhibited her at least slightly. Her rationality returned if for a moment. If she tried to keep this up, there was a chance she might risk exposing herself, sheād always have another chance. "You can't hide from the shadows of your past, Summerlight.." She groaned, as she circled the room again back to the open closet. "You did this to me, remember that. This is your fault." She glared, sheathing her bow upon her back. Aya quickly flashed a glare to the door behind Aethera before looking back at her sister and squinted. The frown that rested itself upon her little sisterās features told her everything she needed to know. She felt the pain, the demand for revenge, her willpower, and her dedication all at once emanate from her little sisterās form. This was a punishment, to her even for a moment, she felt she deserved it.
Thatās when she heard the banging of a fist on the door leading to the hall behind her. "Centurion Summerlight, what's going on up here?? Open up or we're coming in." She heard an orcish voice ask outside the door. She instinctively turned at the sound of her name, but aware of the enemy.. no.. assailant present within the room, she turned back quickly, but her sister was gone. The shadowy embrace, their ashen skin, those glaring red eyes. Only Weleriaās stare had ever come so close to making her feel as those pair did moments ago. She looked around frantically for her, but she sensed the offensive magic had disappeared completely, her aura told her that much. She rolled her shoulders, taking a deep breath and sighed, though she winced as she did. "I'll be right there. No reason for concern, soldiers." Glancing down to her shoulder, he eyes went wide in surprise. She grabbed the hilt of the knife and pulled the forsaken throwing dagger from her shoulder, breathing deeply as she did, groaning at the momentary pain. Ideally she'd keep it in until treatment, but she couldn't be seen with that in her shoulder, who knew what sort of mess it would cause. Not to mention explaining it on paperwork. She tucked it into her shirt, letting it rest just above her breast as she walked to the door.
Aethera unlocked and opened the door outside to the hall, a tauren and an orc woman dressed in standard issue armor looked at her with weapons drawn, but more importantly past her into the room. "Captain Snarlfang." The orc introduced herself. "Is something wrong? We heard shouting and several reports of light magic were seen from outside the window from this room. Aethera glanced behind her, taking note of her gladius that still rested upon the ground. "I'm.. okay. I was just attempting some of the tactics and swordplay in Ysrathil's biography." She lied outright, something she had rarely felt the need to do. "There's this one part that incorporates a roll in addition to several blasts of light magic at a time. It's an extremely advanced technique, cut myself trying, that's when I called it quits." She explained attempting to laugh it off, doing her best to keep what really just happened quiet. "Oh.. Well, I suppose that's fine, I'd appreciate if you take it out to the pit next time, wouldāt you? There's a lot of good men and women you had concerned. The last thing I need is a bunch of grunts moaning about potential threats that aren't real." The Orc said, clearly tired and ready for a shift change of her own. "It'll be done Captain, my apologies, I should be getting home anyway." Aethera explained, placing a fist softly over her chest as to not aggravate her wound. The orc and the tauren saluted her in return. "Be safe, Centurion. Have a good night." The two said before walking off.
Aethera closed the door, slumping down to the floor as tears began to well up in her eyes. All the emotion from the evening had all bubbled up and over as she let tears silently fall from her face, the blonde woman trembled as she tucked her head into her knees, terrified of what would happen next. She didnāt know what to do. She felt waves of guilt wash over her. Not only were all of it true, but her sister languished and suffered in undeath as well. There was no peace it had seemed, for either of them. Although she had tried to take her life that night, did she really have the right to blame her? She wouldāve tried to do the same thing if she were in her shoes. She had only hoped, eventually maybe, she could find her peace without trying to kill her sister. She doubted she could do it alone. The woman seemed to hold a flame within her that roared to life in passion as they fought. She felt everything her sister felt in that battle. Every raw, unchecked emotion, the pain, everything. Only time would tell what lie ahead for her.
Trying to get back into the fandom! So if youāre a WoW blog, like or reblog and Iāll follow you! Particularly if youāre on Wyrmrest Accord since thatās where Iām playing!
Them as a person :Ā āIāll be quite honest, I was skeptical at first. I never imagined myself befriending an agent of the Warchief. I see now, though, that Aya is much more than that. Sheās more compassionate than meets the eye, and does care about others. She jumped in front of me when an arrow was about to hit me - took the hit for me. Iāve come to see her as something of a little sister.ā
Level of attractiveness :Ā āDespite being.. Well. Undead, sheās quite pretty. Her hair color is unique, and it honestly suits her complexion well.ā
What annoys them most :Ā āThereās still that lingering doubt of whether I can trust her completely or not.. Seeing as she is an agent of Sylvanas, and weāve no idea where this war brewing amidst the Horde will go.. I donāt want to end up on opposite sides.ā
What they like the most :Ā āShe has a good heart, and a solid head on her shoulders. I can respect anyone like that.ā
What theyād do if they were locked in a closet together for 4 hours :Ā āGet to know one another better, perhaps? Play one of those, ah.. Human games. Twenty questions? I think thatās what itās called.ā
Overall opinion :Ā āOverall, though there is still a bit of distrust, Iām honored to be able to work with her and fight alongside her. Sheās proven quite the ally in my eyes, and Iād trust her with my life on the field. I technically have before, too.ā
Rating :Ā āRating? You want me to rate her? That seems counterproductive, Iām not going to put a number on someone I consider a friend.ā
Centurionās Report: The Alliance Forward Command
Centurion Aethera Summerlight, Blackheart Warband. This document is my official mission statement and report on General SIlverwingās request to ensure the abandonment of the Allianceās Forward Command in the Barrens The information stated in this document is classified information privy only to those deemed necessary by Warlord Lightsworn or General Silverwing.
The 11th day of the 4th month, 12pm. The Warband took flight to the previously scouted forward command base of the Alliance army in the Barrens.Several scouts on Windriders had indicated the Forward Command was practically empty, this was further confirmed by General Silverwing herself.
We proceeded with caution into the forward command, as per orders. As the operation commander, I took point in that if anyone were to be caught in some sort of trap or ambush, as to protect the others. Indeed, our suspicions had proven correct. The Alliance had trapped what was likely several sections of their encampment. I personally had walked into a carefully hidden trap among the tall grass in the camp. Luckily enough, the primitive design seemed like it was designed for an animal who wouldnāt be able to free themselves from the device, but it was easily pried away.
We took to searching the remains of the camp, however it was fairly bare-bones to our knowledge. Most of the supplies that were on site were likely packed up and the camp gutted hastily as they made their retreat Personal affects were left behind mostly, Books, letters of no significance and the sort.Upon further investigation, the Warband identified one hastily buried trapdoor in the earth. The discovery came after taking note of several wagon wheel like tracks that led into the ground and stopped. So, the Warband began to unearth the thing to open it as Iāve been told..
While I attempted to get a better look at some of the larger tents in the area, a pitfall triggered, taking me and Stone Guard Khaine with it. I had fallen on and injured my wounded leg. It wasnāt the severest of wounds, but it was also extremely unpleasant and by this point I was frustrated with the Allianceās cowardly methods. We were helped out of the hole with the aid of Eārisse, Drathan, and Aeravhir. Warbringer Loramaer promptly tended to both my wounds and the other soldierās.Ā
Not soon after Aeravhir detected a second trapdoor beneath his feet, the sounding of wood buried shallowly beneath him. The Reclusiarch was injured by the door flinging open. A spring locked system. Champion Lightsworn made sure to identify any further traps that may have lied in wait quite successfully.This one was small, much smaller than the other in fact. There were stairs leading down into a somewhat dark, damp room. The three of us descended into the room. In the corner I identified some forgotten rifle ammunition, dwarven make. Alongside this, there was a note written in common calling for these supplies to be shipped to Northrend as soon as possible. Itās likely there must be some sort of fortification to the north the Alliance is trying to establish or has flown under our radar. None of this is yet confirmed as far as Iām aware, but it gives further credibility to the idea.
Beyond some musty ale in barrels, the room was mostly empty. Champion Lightsworn though detected another door leading into a separate room primed with another explosive trapped door. She disarmed it quickly and we moved into the darker tunnel. As we went, Aeravhir went charging into the darkness, citing he heard voices. I followed suit. Turns out it was just the other half of the warband. After a small scuffle, we regained our bearings. They had found the trapdoor that led into this long tunnel, we had simply come through a side entrance. The tunnel that seemed to go on for quite some time. Likely used as a storehouse for livestock, ammunition, and rations.
Stone Guard Yjrassil detected the tunnel may have ended up leading north-east, so itās to be assumed that the tunnel was supplying Northwatch during the siege and how they were able to get an army in and out so easily.Ā
Ā As far as the Alliance goes, we ran into one. We couldnāt completely identify the assailant, but itās believed that the attacker was Kaldorei, possibly female. Thatās all we could gather at this time, but it seemed there was only one.They lashed out at Warbringer Loramaer with thrown weapons. A dart minutes before, and a knife after, both poisoned. The Warbringer was already feeling ill from the first, so we called a retreat to ensure her safety. The toxin seemed to work fast, so if we have the dart or the knife, Iād like to send it to one of our own proficient in such a field to attempt to create an antidote. As lucky as we were to have the Chaplain with us, that might not always be the case, so we should be prepared in case they or any other Kaldorei appear with such a deadly weapon at their disposal.
Prior to the penning of this report, I had debriefed the rest of the Warband under my command. It is my belief that we may not need any further investigation into the Forward Command as most of itās supplies and critical information seem to have been taken with the Alliance to wherever they cower and hide now.
Ā This concludes this report - Centurion Aethera Summerlight
Mentions @theirondragon @azkaellonlightsworn @autumnspyre @eleeriaĀ @blackheart-warband
The Blackheart Warband is a militaristic unit searching for new recruits to join in the fight to protect our homes, land, freedom and loved ones. All races and backgrounds are welcomed with open arms. Food, free lodging, and monetary compensation are provided, as well as the possibility of gaining ranks as time progresses.
Joining the Blackheart Warband is to bear the weight of your peoples, and the freedom of the Horde, upon your shoulders. To be a defender, and a conqueror. To fight and die for the glory and survival of the Horde!
Some must fight so all may be free. Selamaāashalanore, Lokātar Ogar.
For the Horde.
Yes, itās true! Blackheart Warband is looking for new members to join our ranks on Wyrmrest Accord, Horde side. Weāre a lore-friendly guild with a unique story line and structure, and weād love to have you (yes you) as a part of our wacky little family.
Want more information, either IC or OOC? You can find it here on our recruitment flyer, or here on our forum post!
If you still have questions, or are interested in joining, please feel free to reach out to one of our officers! (See below)
@azkaellonlightsworn - The Warlord/GM. Azkaellon in game, no alt codes.
@eleeria - General, Commanding Officer of the Phoenix Corps/Co-GM. EleerĆa in game, Alt+0237 for theĀ āĆā
@neliedoria - Champion of the Shattered Talons/Officer. Neliedoria in game, no alt codes.
Nilthra - Champion of the Lionbreaker Vanguard/Officer. Nilthra in game, no alt codes.
@summers-light - Centurion of the Lionbreaker Vanguard/Officer.Ā Ćethera in game, Alt+0194 for theĀ āĆā
@theirondragon - Warbringer of the Ironstead Regiment/Officer. ErĆsse in game, Alt+0237 for theĀ āĆā
@autumnspyre - Warbringer, Honor Guard to General Silverwing/Officer. Autumnspyre in game, no alt codes.
Boosts are very much appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read about our guild, have a lovely day!
The scene was set. The decorations were in place. This had been coming for weeks, and Tanna was still nervous. This was her big day. The one sheād been wanting for a long time. Eli stood beside her in a gorgeous canary yellow dress, waiting patiently for the ceremony to begin. The rest of the wedding party was gathered further down the beach, with Azkaellon and Eleeria at the head. Everyone was dressed exquisitely, dolled up to the nines. Out of habit, both Eli and Tanna were still armed to the teeth, even under their dresses. The redhead was ready to go bridezilla on anyone who dared try to ruin her big day.
A large tree with carnation-colored leaves provided a decent amount of shade, so no one would become too hot in the sun, which was slowly beginning to sink below the horizon. The fingers of her right hand absently toyed with the engagement ring already on her finger. There was a pure white and blue flower crown perched atop her head, which Arabella had made prior to the ceremony. It was a perfect contrast to her soon-to-be-husbandās, which was made of black and red flowers. The bouquet clutched in her hands was an elegant mixture of whites, pale reds, and sunshine yellows - with greenery mixed in, of course. It was reminiscent of the classic Sinādorei colors and heritage, something sheād never invested much time or effort into learning about until delving into archaeology and the history of Azeroth as a whole.
āIām so nervous. What do I do? I canāt stop freaking out..ā she admitted to the woman who would soon become her sister-in-law. Quite the fearless type, this anxiety thing was rather new to the fiery redhead. She felt Eliās hand on her shoulder.
āBest thing I can suggest is just to breathe. Itāll be over before you even know it. This part, itās the worst of it.ā The fair-haired woman offered.
They couldnāt have planned a more perfect night. The sky was golden in hue, and waves lapped gently at the shores of the Duskwither Grounds. Seagulls called aimlessly overhead, watching the gathered wedding party with mild interest. The evening was calm, quiet and warm, not out of the ordinary for Quelāthalas, ever stuck in a summer-like state. The venue was small, but gorgeously decorated. Red roses and white orchids accented gold and black posts lining the aisle. Elite Vanguardsmen from the Warband escorted guests towards the ceremony, making a perfect line down towards the beach. At the very end of the procession stood Azkaellon, Eleeria and Arabella, all dressed to the nines. There were a few familiar faces in the crowd as well. Aethera, Lilith, Nilthra, and a few others. Idle chatter filled the air, drowning out the seagulls.
Centurion Aethera Summerlight, Blackheart Warband. This document is my official mission statement and report on the Warbandās second scouting mission into the Overgrowth. The information stated in this document is classified information privy only to those deemed necessary by Warlord Lightsworn or General Silverwing.
The Warband was briefed and informed of our mission at the crossroads at sundown. I, accompanied by Champion Dusksong beside me led the 2nd scouting expedition into the Overgrowth as the sun broke below the horizon in an attempt to bring lightĀ to what exactly was happening within that jungle. Our mission statement was clear, and although discretion was advised, I believe we failed to maintain our advantage of surprise due to both the size and makeup of our expedition.Ā
We stopped not too far from the forest edge, stabling any mounts far enough as to not draw any attention to our presence. Assuming a practical scouting formation, we entered the jungle. It was not long before we encountered plenty of corruption, in addition there was an eerie silence within this place now, unlike before. A lack of natural fauna was apparent, no birds, no crickets, not a single creature stirred. This leaves me to believe either the corruption of the void has entrenched itself so deep, the wildlife has either fled or fallen to itās vile nature. Local flora was not spared either, plenty of experimentation was evident within the vegetation, some of which had become violent. We happened upon an overgrown weed that lashed out, ensnaring one of the locals, a Sinādorei woman, we cut the abomination down, freed the girl and sent on her way to the road where she was promptly escorted back to the Crossroads safely.Ā
We pushed forward, in an attempt to discover more and happened upon a growing darkness. Several of the Warband attempted to purge the darkness from the area, however it did little to shed light on the situation we were walking into. In fact, itās my belief that this act may have led the expeditionās presence to being exposed to the enemy. We entered the darkness anyway, against better judgement. Within our visibility was reduced, to that end I personally kept Initiate Karis Sunseer close by my side as we walked tentatively into what came next. I cannot confirm, but we believe whatever darkness was nearby, it began to whisper to her. Her inexperience likely leading her to be the most susceptible to this. Itās my belief whatever it was that took notice of us was exploiting that fact. Despite that, she was in the safest spot of the formation, she refused whatever offer the void in a defiant rebuke.Ā
A whisper into the open air sounded off, warning us to give up Karis. We absolutely refused and it seemed as if whatever was asking begin to approach from the north, It was not long before we were struck, it started with Champion Dusksong, a cowards strike from behind, we learned they were using void rifts, but the darkness made it difficult to tell where they would appear. Warbringer Eārisse was struck next, in the same manner. Before I could react, Karis was against my back, a safe bet, I thought, they couldnāt attack us if they couldnāt reach our backs without risking exposing themselves to attack. I loosely held onto the Initiate with the hand that held my blade. Before I could even react, the Initiate was ripped from my backside, out of my hand, as I turned I could see the faint shape of a rift closing. Karis had disappeared into the darkness with the likely Renādorei threat.Ā
Our two trackers in the party immediately set out to track Karis down, I changed the mission priority from gaining information to retrieving the Initiate asĀ best we could. There would always be another day, but we had been discovered, that much was obvious. We followed the dire wolves, they tracked her scent down to the western border of the Great Divide.Several of her personal affects were scattered throughout the Overgrowth, we retrieved her shield, alongside her gladius, a limited edition copy of Ysrathilās biography, and a set of prayer beads. We can only assume she was putting up some sort of a fight, either that or she was trying to lead us to her. However, as we stopped at the last of her affects, 4 Renādorei riftblades exited out of the darkness of their disgusting portal magic, surrounding us. They were elite soldiers, that much was apparent by their armaments and armor, however the Warband did not falter and we dispatched three of them, the last of which attempted to flee back into a rift, however with the aid of Stone Guard Aenarion, we managed to prevent her escape.
Our luck was fortuitous, as the vile creature was none other than Syrene Rosewither, the head spymaster and supposed leader of the riftblades organized within the Overgrowth. I will spare the more gruesome details, but with the aid of Aenarion and Aeravhir we managed to convince her into revealing a few details about Karisā wherabouts. She was being held in a northeastern alcove of the Overgrowth, if their efforts to convert her have failed, then itās likely sheās being held for now. At least, I can only hope. We discovered that she was indeed putting up a fight and making them pay for their heinous actions. After taking what information we could, the Renādorei was executed. In retrospect, taking her prisoner was likely a smarter decision, however, the woman was untrustworthy, no doubt she would be nothing more than a thorn in our side, had we done so. With our trail gone mostly cold, I called the order to return to the Crossroads We learned a little, but at far too great a cost. The Renādorei threat is a growing issue that needs to be addressed soon, lest our losses continue to rise.
.
((Mentions... A LOT))
Eyes lifted from the book sheād been utterly engrossed with as the Knightās voice graced her ears. Eārisse admittedly looked a little befuddled, her brow creasing for a few moments before a small smile broke out on her lips. Setting the book in her lap, she sat up a little straighter.
āThank you, Aethera. Though I could say the same about you. Youāre very bright. Donāt ever let something or someone snuff that out. For some, youāre the small spark in the darkness that lights the way to something better. You help people hope, and thatās a trait you should hold onto.ā She responded evenly, brushing a loose strand of hair out of her face.
It was a glorious thing to watch, an army marching to war. Drums beating, boots thundering on stone, the rustle of weaponry, the slamming of a thousand fists to their chests in unison. While he had not always liked leading, Azkaellon relished watching his army marching to war. Today he had ordered four of his cohorts to full mobilization and now, he had them marching out of the Blackheart Keep. He sat astride his large stone construct hog, his presence imposing even with the odd choice in mount. Lines upon lines of Horde soldiers of all shapes and sizes marched by him. Each turning their heads right and saluting as they went past.
While he was not able to meet every single gaze, he tried to spread his over the mass of men and women. They deserved at least that much. His words from his speech earlier entering his mind once again as he watched on.
āGo forth, the instruments of my wrath. Go forth with axe and spear, sword and stave, bow and gun, arcane and elements. Offer the Alliance no quarter, offer them only fire and an honorable death.ā Though he did not yell, his voice boomed across the square wherein his forces gathered in tightly packed ranks. Different unit banners flapping in the wind from the high poles their chosen bearers held. āKill for the living, kill for the dead.ā
Now those same banners bounced in time with the steps of their bearers as they marched out to war. And as the final troops passed, he spurred his hog forward. Taking up position at their rear with his retinue in tow. Arabella, his daughter, mounted on her destrier to his right. Aeravhir Mithtaliel, his personal chaplain, mounted on a destrier as well on his left. Along with Aethera and a few other choice warriors given the honor of accompanying the Warlord.
He spoke in that harsh tone he always carried, though there was a sense of levity to it for those in his retinue since they knew him well enough to catch it. āCome, we have quite a distance to gallop if we are to take the head of the column.ā Before Aethera, whom was his sworn protector, could protest he was already sending his hog into a charge. Weaving to the side of the column and out of the gates to make his way to the head of the formation, a few miles away at this point.
