With one fell swoop, the Alliance has come to Quel’Thalas and in their fury, they have dispatched an entire fleet of Thalassian Warships, taken a province of the Ghostlands, nearly taken Sunstrider Isle, besieged the Sunwell, and locked Quel’Thalas in a barrier of magical nullification. Armies from Stormwind, Kalimdor, Gilneas, Kul Tiras, and even reclaimers of high elves and void elves have landed to bring Quel’Thalas into submission.
Just as the ink was signed for the Sunguard to become a fully fledged regiment within the Royal Thalassian Army was the battle called. An army of Three Hammers moves onto Silvermoon City and the Sunguard moved to intervene. Thane Fergus Mountainbeard and regiments of dwarves position themselves to fight head-on with the elven host. The Sunguard, moving to the fields south of Silvermoon make into battle array for a pitched battle while Gilnean forces close in on their rear and ready to reave into the Dawnspire.
Off the coast of Sundial Anchorage, a Stormwind and Kul Tiran Fleet led by Commodore Lucious of Lordaeron takes command as soldiers from Kul Tiras, Stormwind, and Arathor are ready to disembark.
Near Sunsail Anchorage, Admiral Drake dispatches his Kul Tiran marines onto the shores and brings the Citadel of the Last Ember, home of the Phoenix Guard under siege.
Attempting to make some sort of headway on the Isle of Quel’Danas, Fleet Commander Esme Sunshard and Commander Faervel Bael’nar ready themselves with Stormwind 3rd Fleet and a garrison of undead that hold the beach landing.
Further south, a new nation sparks into the hearts of all former exiles of Quel’Thalas. The Kingdom of Quel’Thalas Reborn, a thalassian enclave has reclaimed the former Windrunner Holdings. Their elven regiments move onto Embertree of Shallowbrook and further into Havenblaze port.
With the war sounding out in the deep Amani trolls swept out of the mountain passes and surround the Emberlight. Dispatching General Idrya Blacksun to the Blacksun Gates, the Emberlight prepares for the carnage. Sailing north, Severus Blacksquall engages with the Stormwind 9th fleet off the coast of Sundial Anchorage.
The night was not without some victories as the Sunguard was able to dispatch squads of agents. Monax the Undying was successfully able to raise new soldiers in Autumnvale while the scout Thinariel was able to show the Sunguard main force a position of an ambush on the dwarven column. Finally, the bard Vaelan Cindercloak gave a rousing song to the Mage-Guard under Azriah Thelryn’s command.
Research into Militia Training and Advance Seafaring were completed by the human Gideon and the Pathfinder Caelinda respectively while a force was sent to Suramar to assist in retrieving allies. A troop of consisting of Caeliri Dawnsworn, Melori Bronzeblade, and Elovriel the Wyrm were successfully able to find and meet with the Matron known as Ayra, a rising figure within the city-state.
On the southern front, an elite force consisting of Oosaarn Bloodaxe, Sibelia, and the Spellbreaker Thordemar were able to cross over the Thalassian Mountains into the Ghostlands and link up with a battalion of elite Forsaken soldiers known as the Queen’s Hand.
With the battle lines drawn, the Sunguard prepares for its next adventure in the PHOENIX WARS!
The Sunguard has dispatched itself to the Ghostland’s village of Mistybrook where a strange affliction had been plaguing newly born livestock. Investigating, the Sunguard encountered a strange hooded woman with deep knowledge of blood magic. They soon realized that the affliction was a powerful necromantic curse that applied to children in the womb. Following the blood of animals with the curse, the Sunguard was able to track it to its source. There they discovered that their hooded friend is a former member of the Cult of the Bleeding Eye, the Sunguard’s most hated enemy. These necromancers however only sought a way to break the iron will of their former lord, Akhlain.
In a bloodlust, three members of the Sunguard attacked and murdered the necromancers. Their blood caused a ripple of necromantic energy to cause the floor to collapse. There they were met with a living memory of the first Necromancer and his grief. The seal was just a whisper of Akhlain’s total power and in order to lift the curse, one would have to absorb his memory. The Bleeding Eye cultists wished to be the vessel as means to free themselves from Akhlain’s grasp, but having been murdered they were of no use. Sacrificing himself, a risen orc known as Gronnash volunteered and absorbed the memory into himself. With it came new powers and grave flaws.
This was one of my first attempts at a zero combat event where the only elements were heavy storytelling and player reactions. It was a ton of fun, and the story took a wild and unpredictable turn.
The Battle of the Beard was fought on 12/4 Year 33AP between the army of Three Hammers and the Royal Thalassian Army. It was a fierce and bloody affair but the elves were able to envelop the dwarven host from both sides of their column and draw the battle to a full route. The Battle of the Beard was fought in two stages:
Early in the morning, six battalions rode to the northern flank of the Dwarven Army and brought battle against them.
Commanders Azriah Thelryn, Lirelle Dawnbrook, Sederis Emberheart, Thanidiel Highdawn, Veleth Ashcaster, and Tassandria Dor’wynn engaged five battalions of alliance forces. Able to use superior mobility, the Sunguard was able to drive the dwarves into indefensible positions and destroy them. Even the famed Sir Erik Townsend left the field knowing the battle was lost. His knights later linked up with Alliance forces pressing into the Dawnspire.
Later that afternoon, the Sunguard prepared its ambush against the Army of Three Hammers led by Thane Fergus Mountainbeard. Though the Dwarven army was impressive, it was not able to fully materialize its offensive capabilities with its artillery. Striking hard and true, the Sunguard was able to destroy the dwarven cannons and encircle their forces on the field. Hours of bloody fighting later, the Sunguard was able to isolate their commanders and kill them. Thane Fergus was taken captive after losing a duel with Siildore Frostlotus and soon after the dwarven lines began to route.
Elsewhere, the Royal Thalassian Army did not fare better. On Sunstrider Isle, Stormwind forces led by Dame Everleigh took Falthrien Academy and pressed hard onto the Broken Bulwark. While the humans were able to breach the walls, the defenders fought bravely until the cost of battle was too high for the alliance to bare.
Further south near Sunsail Anchorage, the defenders of the port managed to sink several Kul Tiran ships, but ultimately Admiral Alphonso Drake managed to capture the port. Tirassian marines brought siege against the Citadel of the Last Ember, the home of the famed Phoenix Guard. Sending wave after wave against the castle proved to be folly and the powerful warrior sect managed to hold onto the battlements and deal heavy damage to the Alliance forces.
In the Dawnspire, the defenders of Quel’Thalas did not fare better. The village of Autumnvale was lost after a surprise strike by the chieftain of Worgen Alphas caught the defenders in the field. Sabotage by an agent known as the Faceless allowed the gilneans access into the village and the defenders were quickly ripped apart.
Even worse, Sundial Anchorage, home of the Crimson Fleet was taken leaving the elves of Quel’Thalas only three remaining ports to set sail from. Though the defenders of the port city did all they could to defend, it was ultimately overrun. Combined Alliance troops from Arathor, Stormwind, and Lordaeron made landfall and the countryside of the Dawnspire is in despair.
In the straights near Quel’Danas, the Crimson Fleet engaged with the Stormwind 3rd Fleet and suffered great losses at the hands of the humans. Even worse, Fleet Commander Esme Sunshard was taken captive and brought to safekeeping within Port Seahawk. The Crimson Fleet was sunk and all remaining ships lost. Even worse, from shore, the magisters under the leadership fo Commander Faervell Bael’nar watched as the fleet was set ablaze. Pressing onto the undead citadel known as Lich’s Landing, they attempted to storm the castle but was repulsed by a surprising garrison of skeleton warriors.
In the province of Shallowbrook, the Kingdom of Quel’Thalas Reborn presses hard onto the castle known as Embertree. While the defenders did what the could, the estate fell to their assault. The remaining armies of High Elves and Void Elves look further west to take Port Havenblaze, seat of House Firestorm.
Finally, in the Emberlight, a massive army of Amani trolls flung themselves at the fabled Blacksun Gate. Under the command of Idrya Blacksun, the thalassian garrison was able to defeat their enemies and drive the trolls from the field.
Lost: Autumnvale
Lost: Crimson Fleet
Lost: Sunsail Anchorage
Lost: Sundial Anchorage
Lost: Falthrien Academy
Lost: Embertree (Militia Defeated)
Diminished to Garrison: The Broken Bulwark
Repelled: Blacksquall from Sir Royce
Repelled: Faervell at Lich's Landing
Hold: Phoenix Captain Sunstorm, Citadel of the Last Ember
Victory and defeat echo across Quel’Thalas as thalassian armies move into position on several different war fronts. While the armies of the Emberlight were able to hold the Blacksun Gate against a large tide of amani trolls that threatened to break through. In Sunstrider Isle, an evening attack turned sour as Sunguard forces were stopped and routed by Dame Elizabeth Everleigh of Stormwind.
Within the Emberlight, several noble figures gathered at the Blacksun Gate ready to defend the walls of the mighty citadel. Forces loyal to the Lord Paramount of the Emberlight Izulde Netherstar were placed under command of the fabled Idrya Blacksun, Warden of the Blacksun Gate.
After several waves, the Amani were ultimately defeated but at the cost of hundreds of elven warriors. Lord Izulde suffered grievous wounds as a rampaging troll god-hulk burst through the lines and took him unaware.
Lady Idrya has rallied the remaining defenders and they seek to make repairs on the damaged gate, but with Izulde wounded, the armies there are forced to remain within the province.
Further north, the Sunguard forces pressed into Sunstrider Isle hoping to drive deep into the Alliance lines and to capture many of the Stormwindian commanders. While outnumbered, the Sunguard forces made early gains by killing Sir Bartholomew who held the bridge connecting to the island in a duel.
The armies of Stormwind were able to rally their forces despite their recent considerable losses with the attempt to secure the Emberglades to the north. Though depleted, the Alliance still had a numerical advantage and were able to envelop the Horde army and defeat many of their commanders. The famed commanders Lirelle Dawnbrook and Sederis Emberheart were both killed in the ensuing battle while Tassandria Dor’wynn was wounded and her whereabouts remain unknown. Captured was Lady Azriah Therlyn, commander of the Suncasters who was taken to Falthrien Academy.
Now coming the morning before the Siege of Sunsail Anchorage, the Sunguard looks to broker a meeting with Admiral Alphonso Drake, the high command of the Alliance in the Thalassian theatre.
With the final stroke of a sword, the Legion advanced into the Dawnspire, their numbers endless and unleashing glorious slaughter onto the elves of the Sunguard. Knowing that his people would make one final stand, the Archon Telchis Truefeather brought his forces down to the Phoenix Heart, the burning soul of the Dawnspire. There they would face any and all that came to despoil their home.
Using the blood of the captives High Confessor Abbigal Reddings and Sir Arthur Royce, the Legion broke the final seal to the Phoenix Heart and began their assault on the Sunguard. After hours of battle, and many fallen, Kintaros Tyril Sunspear took a leap to jump into the cleansing waters of the Heart and reborn himself as the Citadel’s ancient protector, Alazar the Burning Heart of Belore. There the phoenix unleashed a massive blast of fire and ruin onto the Doom Lord Baal.
Knowing full well that the elves had played their final card, Baal ordered his Warship the End Game to fire directly into the Heart, cutting a scythe through the fortress and strking Alazar. All seemed lost as the End Game charged its next shot, until the damaged Doom Glaive rengaged the skies above.
Ordering her Dying Suns to abandon ship, Dread Commander Asteryn the Blackheart took command of the helm and fired all thrusters into the End Game. The collision caused a massive explosion and ripped apart the portals that lingered over the Dawnspire. With their connection to the nether cut, the Legion began to wither. With a final blast of holy fire, Alazar destroyed Baal and rendered him to nothing but ash. The battle was won but at great cost. Thus the Legion fell, and the wars of the Sunguard came to a bitter-sweet ending.
This was perhaps one of the greatest undertakings I have done in my career as a guild leader and a amaeture DM. After nearly 150 hours, the Sunguard finally brought our Legion story to a close. I just want to thank everyone who was a part of the under taking and thank them for their kind words and support.
Special thanks to @sakialyn who assisted me with countless tokens and was always there to help me manage players needs.
Special thanks to @azriah who not only put up with all the hours I had to focus at a computer screen but also cheered me on when I felt like I could not carry through.
Special thanks to @curiouslich @cynfuldax @captainswingbeard for taking up the special job of RPing as some NPC and giving the events a unique feel.
Special thanks to everyone in the @thesunguardmg for letting me beat up their characters each week.
Finally, thanks for all those who followed and not part of the guild. Your likes, reblogs, and exposure has really encouraged me. Thank you!!
I will leave you with the last scene of the campaign, and as a reminder that it is always okay to change and begin once again.
Following the return of the Illidari to Outland, the Cabal of the Dying Sun has sought to consolidate its power by bringing in the former factions of the Illidari into a single army. The Fel Orc tribes of Outland were once the anvil to the Illidari’s hammer and made up the bulk of Illidan’s forces. Now they rallied behind a despot under the name of Kramok Doomlash.
Traveling to Hellfire, the Illidari find the Citadel under siege by a faction of Lightforged Draenei and the Shattari. There, Exarch Baatah, a broken vindicator made introductions to the General Bendarius and the Naaru of vengeance So’ro. There, the Lightofrged showed to the Illidari the carnage they were too late to stop. Leading the draenei assault was the redeemed Exarch Islaa, who smashed through the fel orc line killing their Warlord. Knowing that the draenei would soon slaughter the remaining orcs, the Cabal of the Dying Sun moved to intervene.
Racing through the ruins, they managed to slip past the Exarch’s forces to the central chamber of the citadel where the Warchief Doomlash had greeted them. After some initial taunts, Dread Commander Asteryn the Blackheart commanded Monax the Undying to defeat the Warchief in a duel and present to her the Warchief’s head. After a very shourt flourish, Monax finished his prey and presented to the Dread Commnander his still bleeding head.
The orcs, true to their nature submitted to their new leader, Monax the Undying. Some choose to join the Illidari while others fled, but by the time the Exarch’s forces arrived to claim the right of victory, they were only left with a bloody sigil of the Illidari’s presence.
This was an awesome event and a ton of fun to tell. The Sunguard got a chance to continue on its side Illidari story and make sense of the mess left on Outland. I can’t wait for the remaining clashes between the Lighforged and Illidari to rear its ugly head.
Following the destruction that was the Invasion of the Dawnspire: Legionfall, and the crisis that gripped Silvermoon City, the Sunguard was tasked to deal with several brigands in the woods near Autumnvale. Upon arrival, they soon discovered that that recently been raided and several villagers were killed. The local Knight Sir Reval, informed the Sunguard that after all the wars, morale was low among the people of the Dawnspire and many flocked to a rebel banner known as the Broken Men.
Using a daring tactic to lure the bandits from their hiding, the Sunguard hid in several merchant wagons where the rebels attacked thinking they may get easy loot. After dealing with the bandits, the Sunguard learned of their lair and advanced. There they discovered a disgraced nobleman named Bladelord Dreden had ordered his Broken Men to capture the Lady Vella, leader of Autumnvale. More myseriously was the pale man with a pallid complexion.
Using a tactical approach, the Sunguard was able to extract the wounded Lady Vella and escape before they could suffer any further injury. Bladelord Dresden and his rebels however live on.
Tonight’s event was a fun time to introduce several new players to our roll20 system while furthering the story of the Sunguard. With our major campaigns completed, our focus is on the fall out of the many wars the order has faced and those who are impacted.
The final battles of Legionfall have proved deadly, with the bulk of the Legion forces assaulting the main gates of the Dawnspire, the other forces attempted to surround the castle and attack at all sides. The defenders held on bravely. On the walls perished Leoc Blacksquall, High Kraken of Dawnbreaker Anchorage and a company of Phoenix Guard, cut down to the last man. Hundreds of others lay dead and dying only to be trampled on by the approach of the Legion.
At the main gate, the Sunguard held firm until the entrance of the Doom Lord Baal himself. Crushing through the main line, the Sunguard was forced to retreat and in a stunning defeat, they were forced from the field. Now the Legion reap through the outer courtyards of the citadel. Though Doom Lord Baal would not be distracted. Her desired one thing, the living beating heart of the citadel itself and soon he shall have it.
