Appearing Characters: Belysra Starbreeze, Celestine, Darius Crowley, Elissa Cross, Liam Greymane, Liiraluma, Lorelei Crowley, Lorna Crowley, Nandos, Ralaar Fangfire, Rethilgore, Seria, Tobias Mistmantle, Tol'vas Moonshadow, Uther Menethil, Valorinn, Valorn Stillbough, Vassandra Stormclaw, Velameestra Windrunner, Vincent Godfrey
September 16th
The day after the cancellation of Operation Silverfall, Uther approached Godfrey and requested a moment of his time. Godfrey gave Uther a mirthless smile and removed his glasses to clean them.
Vincent Godfrey says: What can I do for you?
Uther Menethil says: A word, if you please. In private.
Godfrey gestured for Uther to follow him and they made their way to the stables.
Uther Menethil says: I know about Silverfall.
Godfrey froze.
Uther Menethil says: Perhaps that’s not entirely accurate. I doubt I know everything. I do know enough to know that the result was going to be a slaughter. And in the short time that I’ve been here, through reputation and being in your presence, there are two things I can say without absolute certainty.
Vincent Godfrey says: And what would that be?
Uther Menethil says: First, your people have been beset upon insurmountable odds for as long as I’ve been alive, and I believe your people have been alive in no small part due to your skills as a tactician. Also you are possessed of conviction I even find myself impressed by. With those two things in mind, I believe that your plan was as foolproof as you could have made it, and I don’t think you called it off because you didn’t think you could succeed. So. I would know why.
Vincent Godfrey says: That is a complicated question, your highness, one that I am still puzzling over even now. In spite of everything, and all the praise you levied, there is one thing you were remiss to speak on. Our nation has been beset upon by many difficulties, and I’m wise enough to know that my presence is responsible for the survival of many lives. But I also have been unable to succeed. Gilneas has danced from war to war for many decades now. But you and your companions have come, and in a matter of weeks, have done much my policies could never have hoped to, regardless of whether I approve of your approaches or actions, they have achieved results. And… in that meeting when we spoke, I saw something. Something in your eye that, perchance, reflected his majesty’s. Something I’ve not seen in Gilneas for a long time. Hope for tomorrow. I can’t understand what that feels like, not any longer. This old and shriveled heart of mine has long since forgotten the emotion.
Uther smiles.
Uther Menethil says: I had rather hoped that’s what you would say. It may have been long since you felt it, Lord Godfrey, but I don’t believe you are incapable of feeling it anymore. I’ll be keeping what I learned to myself.
Uther hoisted the Libram of Justice.
Uther Menethil says: Are you familiar with this?
Godfrey narrowed his eyes and looked over his glasses.
Vincent Godfrey says: That is one of the sacred relics of the church, correct? One of the librams penned by your ancestor. I thought they were to be carried by the leaders of your order.
Uther Menethil says: They were. This one is the Libram of Justice, formerly in the hands of my own lord father. Since coming into my possession, I have read this book more times than I can count. Penned within its pages are a number of essays and truths, questions and answers, and sometimes it feels like a different book entirely. But everytime I read it, I feel like I come to a more intimate understanding of the true nature of justice.
Vincent Godfrey says: Is that so?
Uther Menethil says: I still have much to learn, but what I have come to understand so far is that retribution that is… from teaching a lesson is an effective punishment. No blood was spilled. That being said, you did plan the slaughter of dozens of people. Were this case to sit before me, and I were called to pass judgment, mine would be that until your dying breath you would do all you could to serve all of Gilneas’s people. Something that I feel you had already made up your mind to do before I spoke to you today.
Uther let the Libram settle back to his side.
Uther Menethil says: I know you haven’t known me very long, Lord Godfrey, but do I strike you as an ambitious man?
Vincent Godfrey says: You have an ambition, but it is not one that craves power, I feel. Different from the ambitions of most men.
Uther Menethil says: Power I don’t believe should ever be one’s ambition. It’s a tool. What a person plans to do with that power… that’s what ambition truly is. For some, I suppose, securing the safety of themselves, seeking fulfillment of whatever whims they may find themselves having… but I do have ambition, and it will take a tremendous amount of power. Lord Godfrey, I want every single person capable of feeling love to know peace and prosperity. Now I imagine that when you heard me say person, you thought I meant humans, elves, and dwarves… but I do mean all creatures capable of feeling love.
Vincent Godfrey says: Then perhaps I was mistaken. You are far more ambitious than I gave you credit for. I need not say how difficult a task that would be, yes?
Uther laughed.
Uther Menethil says: Nigh impossible, yes! And I know I can’t do it alone. And I have a feeling that your own king Liam desires something similar, and he won’t be able to do it alone either.
Vincent Godfrey says: I’m certain you’re correct.
Godfrey nods.
Vincent Godfrey says: I daresay no one could.
Uther Menethil says: I truly believe that if we all lift together, we can accomplish this.
Vincent Godfrey says: I admire your optimism, prince Menethil, and I do hope that you’re right. But I am not a young man anymore. Whatever utopia you aspire to help build, I will not live to see, even should I die many years from now, in a bed surrounded by my most devout followers, and most loyal subjects. This is ambition for younger folk. But, you are right about one thing. Your judgment is not a solitary one. I accepted it for myself when I drew back from the cliff’s edge. When your… friend prescribed me the same solution. I do not believe that you will succeed. The ask to unite all peoples in peace and prosperity is… little more than the dream of one that has not yet allowed the suffering of the world to touch their mind and sink into their bones, but I also understand I am not a man who knows every solution and outcome. That much was proven to me. So prove me wrong, master Menethil. Though I may feed the worms and watch from beyond the veil by that point, a man tormented by my sins, but prove me wrong nonetheless.
Uther Menethil says: With pleasure, Lord Godfrey! Thank you for speaking with me.
Uther extended a hand, and Godfrey accepted it.
Vincent Godfrey says: Gilneas is stronger for having steadfast individuals such as yourself looking out for her. This much I know.
Uther Menethil says: Thank you for your kind words. I must be off to forge an alliance with the ettins!
Vincent Godfrey says: One thing to remember, Uther, the nature of justice is one that is evolving, but do remember that retribution as well is one of the same five virtues extolled by the same ancestor that penned the tome at your side.
Uther Menethil says: Perhaps one day I’ll be fortunate enough to read that tome as well. For the time being, I’ll reserve retribution for those not interested in redemption.
Vincent Godfrey says: Well said. We both have much and more to do. It will not do to keep the ettins waiting.
September 18th - September 21st
As the days went by, eventually the group started to make their way to the very center of Gilneas in the bay archipelago that surrounded the city itself. Some camps were built up around it to prevent other worgen from going to the city, and ensure people couldn’t escape the city.
Some denizens of the Dream were poking around the outskirts of the camp.
September 22nd
Before the final meeting, a voice came to Tol’vas.
Familiar Voice says: Master Tol’vas.
Valorn Stillbough, the young druid and agent that was to be their point of communication between Gilneas and those down south that were looking into the whereabouts of Valinde Starsong.
Valorn Stillbough says: I come with word from Captain Frostshadow.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I hope it’s good news.
Valorn Stillbough says: It is, though it’s tinged with tragedy. We should gather the others.
The night elves, and the party, were gathered at the druid grove that had been created by the night elf druids on the outskirts of camp.
Valorn Stillbough says: It’s good you’re all here. It seems the circumstances here are progressing well.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: We’re about to make way into the city.
Valorn Stillbough says: Good. When I return I’ll pass your news to the others. You’ll be happy to know the forces of the Wolf Cult have been scattered and sent running in the region known as Duskwood. The branch’s leader was a former Gilnean by the name of Gervase. He has been eliminated by Melyria Frostshadow’s group, along with some local mages. Karlain and his son and a priest known as Revil Kost.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Archmage Karlain was there?
Valorn Stillbough says: Indeed. He was investigating a matter pertaining to the Dark Riders. I sent a raven back to speak with the master of the tower, as I understand he too is interested. But it seems the Wolf Cult was likewise seeking to take a shot at the same riders.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Have the riders been found?
Valorn Stillbough says: Some of them. I do not know the full breadth of that situation. Our group was focused on the Wolf Cult. The worgen who were loyal have been scattered. Those who were not captured or slain have fled into the deeper reaches of the forest.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: We’ll have to flush them out later then.
Valorn Stillbough says: Captain Frostshadow is attempting to do so. They will be unable to reinforce Alpha Prime here. Unfortunately, this news comes at a cost. The fate of Velinde Starsong has been identified. She was slain by Alpha Prime during one of his visits to Stormwind. It is in that confrontation that he was able to claim the scythe. She was killed in an old collapsed mine named Roland's Doom. We confirmed that it was indeed her. But we were unable to find more leads.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Another crime for him to pay for then.
Valorn Stillbough says: Indeed. Captain Frostshadow wished to inform you that she had not completed her own training under Master Starsong. She recinds any claim as the inheritor of the Scythe of Elune, not that I believe she desired to wield it in the first place.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I’m sure Archdruid Staghelm will have words about that.
Valorn Stillbough says: That is not Captain Frostshadow’s concern.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Nor is it mine.
Valorn Stillbough says: But needless to say, we have been successful. I intend to return with news of Gilneas, as well as samples from these waters so the local worgen can be treated.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: How is the grove in Stormwind?
Valorn Stillbough says: The grove in the deeper reaches of the region is how we were able to coordinate. It is also where I am planning on returning. They are busy with some of their own matters, so I don’t believe they’ll be able to send their own aid.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: We have a warning though.
Valorn Stillbough says: Anything you wish to bring back to them, I’ll gladly do so.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: One of the black dragonflight are making moves in Stormwind. So, I would just have them be careful.
Valorn nodded.
Valorn Stillbough says: I will ensure that Emeriss knows.
Tol’vas looked at Vel.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Anything else to add? You are our expert there.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We believe the dragon in question is the broodmother Onyxia. We suspect she is maintaining the guise of the court mage Katrana Prestor.
Valorn Stillbough says: I see. Admittedly that is beyond my expertise, but I will let them know.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: There has also been other news. Goldrinn’s been reborn.
Valorn Stillbough says: The ancient? That is substantial news. I’ll ensure the information gets back to the circle as quickly as possible. When possible.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Of course. There’s a lot happening in the world.
Valorn Stillbough says: Indeed. At least all that has occurred has not been tragic. I wish you the best of luck, and I’ll speak with you again sometime in the future. But I’ll pass your words on to those who I can reach. Elune watch over you.
Valorn left and Belysra sighed.
Belysra Starbreeze says: I had a feeling that would be the case, about Velinde, but it does not remove the sting of it. I only pray she can find peace. Perhaps once this is all finished I’ll seek out this mine myself, and perhaps if I can find anything remaining of her, I can ensure she is laid to rest properly.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Of course. Giving you that time is the least we can do.
Belysra nods.
Belysra Starbreeze says: She was an inspiration to a great many of our sisters, but at least now we can rest easy knowing she is watching over us, and once we bring an end to Alpha Prime’s tyranny, perhaps that too can give her some modicum of rest. Looks like tomorrow is the big day. Are you all ready?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I don’t think there’s anything else I can do at this point.
Vassandra nods.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: We will aid in whatever way we can, and ensure that both during and after this battle all the people of this land are given a fighting chance. That is the least we can do after everything.
The druids continued going about their own preparations. Seria, however, followed up with Vassandra Stormclaw.
Seria says: Sorry to bother you, normally I would ask my... teacher about this, but I can’t get in contact with her right now.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: I understand, given the strange field of disruption. You are Seria of the Circle of Shapes, yes? The new circle that was just established.
Seria nodded.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: I apologize for not speaking with you sooner, things have been busy, but please, if there is guidance I can give you, I’d be pleased to do so in place of your shan’do.
Seria says: The other night I had a weird dream, and when I woke up…
She shaped her hands into the claws she had woken with.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: Tell me everything you recall of this dream.
Seria says: It’s not much, but…
Seria goes into her recounting of the nightmare.
Seria says: It’s never happened before.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: There exists dark places within the dream. Places where the idyllic dreams of those who slumber across Azeroth fear to tread. It is a matter that is not fully understood, as its source is… as mysterious as the darkness that it claims. We refer to it as the Nightmare.
Seria nodded.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: So you’ve heard of it?
Seria says: Yes.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: Tell me, Seria.
Seria explained everything that she had encountered, including the Howling Vale, the nightmare grove, and what Zen'tabra had told her.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: Seems you have brushed with it on more than one occasion. Like the chills that can persist after a bad dream, one does not simply shake off exposure to the twisting forces of the Nightmare. It is something that myself and the other archdruids have been trying to discover more about. Indeed, Emeriss, the being whom Master Stillbough spoke of, I presume is looking into the same phenomenon. As guardians of the Dream, that is their responsibility. But we must be careful with such things. Tell me, did anything happen to you? Recently? That may have provoked this Nightmare?
Seria says: Just the Ritual of Balance… everything else has been what I normally do.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: I cannot say what may have caused this. What I can say is that this force is something that touches your very mind and soul, one that is deeper than a single night or thought. Balance. Control. Serenity. Tranquility. These are things that the Cenarion Circle teaches. Balance between man and nature, but also within one’s self. An unbalanced mind is one that is susceptible to dark dreams. I would only urge that if you seek to avoid losing yourself to this… dark shadow of the Dream, remember that balance. The forces of nature can do great good, but so too can they be used to perpetuate great darkness and evil.
Vassandra gestured toward Gilneas City.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: The hardships of this city and these people has been perpetuated by one of our own. Even so, we cannot allow this to twist us. I do not know how your shan’do taught you, but I would simply urge you to remember those teachings, and remember that your mind is your greatest weapon, but also your greatest weakness. I’m sorry if that does not help you much, but it is unfortunately the most I can tell you. If you have the opportunity, seek out one of the green. Their flight has protected the Emerald Dream since well before our kind walked amongst it. If one of them deigns to speak with you, perhaps they’ll give you more guidance than I could.
Seria nodded.
Vassandra Stormclaw says: I do hope that what I have been able to tell you has given you some guidance, and I hope that this Nightmare stays far away from you. Far away from all of us.
Seria says: I hope that too.
A short time later, the group was summoned by the rest of the leaders of the coalition that had been pieced together. They met in Godfrey’s tent with the map of Gilneas City in the center so that they could prepare for their assault.
Liam smiled.
Liam Greymane says: Well met everyone! I hope you completed all your plans accordingly, because tomorrow things are going to get interesting very quickly.
Velameestra Windrunner says: What’s the current plan?
Liam Greymane says: Glad you asked. Godfrey?
Vincent Godfrey says: Of course.
Godfrey gestured to the map.
Vincent Godfrey says: At present, the Wolf Cult’s forces are spread across most of Gilneas, but as we have tightened the noose, so too has Alpha Prime consolidated his forces in the city. Our approach come tomorrow’s conflict will be a four pronged attack. Our forces will divide themselves into four quadrants, and we will advance on Gilneas on the four bridges that lead to the city proper. Each of these bridges enters into one of Gilneas’s four primary districts. We have some intelligence on these districts and their threats, and we also know what to look for in regards to what each district can give us once secured. While a full-frontal assault may possibly be successful, we are still outnumbered. However, should the weapon devised by the artificers lead by Liiraluma be half as successful as we hope, we hope that the scores will be more even based on the number of weapons we have at our disposal.
Darius Crowley says: Each of the major forces will be divided into a number of squads. These squads will consist of a worgen vanguard to soak up damage and control the spread of the worgen curse. Their bites can’t infect what’s already cursed, after all. They will be backed up by rifle fire and sabers, and each squad will be accompanied by the druids, the church acolytes, or harvest witches. Their primary objective will be to minimalize casualty and retrieve the bodies of any feral worgen who are subjected to the ECGs or who are cut down in the fray. We are hoping to collect any of our fellow Gilneans and give them a chance to recover later. We ain’t fools enough to believe there won’t be casualties. We’re hoping to minimize them.
Vincent Godfrey says: The four major quadrants comprise of the military district where the royal guard barracks are located, and the Stoneward Prison under the control of the Blackhowl Company. This district has a great deal of munitions, even after decades of looting and disrepair. And it would be foolish not to reclaim the gunspires. They are heavily armored watch towers that overlook the bay and can fire in and out of the city. They are a dangerous tool in the hands of the wolf cult. If we can acquire them, we can support the entire city. Next up is the merchant square. This was a mercantile district and one where many of the residents lived. This place is overrun by no small amount of Wolf Cult worgen, but if we can reclaim it, the shops, homes, and banks would have resources for us to reclaim. Undoubtedly, the resources acquired would give us the opportunity to resupply the front lines and minimize casualties.
Tobias Mistmantle says: Not to mention there are some old smugglers tunnels. If we can secure them, it’ll make it easier to move from district to district.
Vincent Godfrey says: The third is Greymane Court. This was the more affluent district where a great many of business and guilds held their operations, as well as many of the noble houses. This is a position of power and reclaiming it will enable us to use the houses of the local nobles as bases of operation. We also have reason to believe that some of the documentation and Alpha Prime’s leadership is located here, and the intel they have may aid us in the reset of the fights across the city. Lastly, we have the cathedral quarter. This section has been transformed into the base of operations of Alpha Prime himself. While we expect him to appear elsewhere, if there will be a confrontation, it will be there. He has transformed it into a mockery of the groves the druids create, and no small amount of dark magic is pouring from the forests and gardens. It is also the most direct route to Light’s Dawn Cathedral, the church at the center of the city where Alpha Prime has made his den. We will need to capture it. That much is for certain.
The group decided to go to the military district first, then up to the merchant square, and assess the situation from there.
Liam Greymane says: Then the plan is set. Get your rest tonight, ladies and gentlemen. Tomorrow we end this nightmare once and for all.
That evening, Tol’vas was going over plans with his newly awakened Circle of the Crescent. Things had started to quiet down, and Valorinn approached Tol’vas and sat next to him.
Valorinn says: Tol’vas.
Tol’vas looked over to him.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Something on your mind?
Valorinn says: Is… is all of this my fault? This rage. This suffering. Am I to blame for this?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: No. This was taken from you. You had no choice and no say. While you slept and recovered in the Dream, they reached out to you, and took from you your rage. We took from you.
Valorinn says: I feel a weight pressing on me since I returned. This… memories. Emotions. Feelings that are mine and yet…
Valorinn sighed.
Valorinn says: My heart is… it burns with fire and makes me want to howl. But it’s also heavy and cold, like a stone.
Tol’vas thinks on his words for a few moments.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You’re connected to all of us. Every man, woman, and child that has and carries your blessing. Perhaps you feel not just your own rage. Maybe you’re carrying not your own guilt.
Valorinn looked at Tol’vas with bright and piercing eyes.
Valorinn says: Maybe you’re right. You… you would know, after all. We will end this.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: One way or another, this needs to be stopped.
Valorinn looked up at the waning moon beyond the clouds.
Valorinn says: I don’t know if this is what He would have done, what I would have done before, or whatever. But this is what I’m going to do now. This is what we’re going to do.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You are not him. You get to walk your own path.
Valorinn chuffed.
Valorinn says: It’s funny. You speak those words, I hear them, yet my feet… I wonder if they will listen, or if they too will be drawn to that same path. I cannot say. But what I can say is that I was drawn here, in this moment, to this place, to you. And I do not know if that is what he wanted, or if it is simply the way of things. But I’m glad to have awoken. Powers may have been taken from him, but now it is time to take that power back. And perhaps in time I too will be worthy of that fang.
Valorinn looked up at the sizeable fang that had made the Scythe of Elune.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You’ll grow into it.
Valorinn says: Hmph. Perhaps mine will grow larger.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Perhaps they will.
Valorinn says: In spite of everything, I am glad to look upon Her once again.
He looked back at the moon. Tol’vas smiled, as that was a difference between Valorinn and Goldrinn. However, he then realized that Goldrinn was this size once, and Tol’vas had to wonder how different that relationship was with Elune really, or if it was just a different phase. Perhaps, long ago, Goldrinn’s rage at Elune was influenced or directed, but it was hard to say. For all Tol’vas could see, Valorinn was the same, and different, all at the same time.
Luma had looked over the battleplans and everything that needed to be done with the ECGs and the ECG drones. There were a few tune-ups made on their turrets. Luma clapped their hands and headed out to find Tobias, who was drinking with a group of other people.
Liiraluma says: Find any good drink the day before we may die, again?
Tobias Mistmantle says: I got no intention of dyin’ tomorrow. You’re welcome to join us!
Liiraluma says: Good. I was planning on imposing myself anyway!
Tobias Mistmantle says: We’re talking about what we’re going to do when we reclaim the city. You know. Once it’s not overrun with beasts. Present company excluded.
Liiraluma says: Did you call it home once?
Tobias Mistmantle says: Not me. I was born in Stormwind.
Liiraluma says: The one with the big church?
Tobias Mistmantle says: One of them. There are a lot of cities with big churches.
Liiraluma says: The biggest church.
Tobias Mistmantle says: I don’t really compare the size of churches!
Luma laughed and waved it off. They looked at the other people present.
Liiraluma says: What are you all going to do?
Tobias Mistmantle says: Well, I’m going to probably head around and buy myself a nice coat. This piece of shit is falling apart. We have a lot of work to do, and I deserve something nice. Maybe I’ll get a top hat!
Some of the others say what they’re going to do, which were a menagerie of really mundane things. Luma covered their mouth and listened.
Tobias Mistmantle says: What about you, Luma? What are you going to do once you get your home back?
Liiraluma says: I have to build it first.
Tobias Mistmantle says: After you build your home then! We got plenty of buildin’ to do here.
Liiraluma says: That’s a big question. I’ve been alive for a long time, comparatively speaking. It’s hard not to think it’s a bit too big! My people lost a home, overrun, funnily enough, by our own people. By a curse of knowledge. A curse of… getting too big for britches… bitches? I don’t remember which one.
Gilnean Soldier says: Britches!
Liiraluma says: Bitches is funnier!
There were some raunchy jokes.
Liiraluma says: I think I will look upon the city in the stars and ask what next and I’ll keep going until… I don’t know. Might be the easier way to say.
Tobias Mistmantle says: What’s it like? Traveling through the stars like that? You miss it.
Liiraluma says: I do. More than I thought I would. I wanted to get my hooves on the ground, but I didn’t realize what that would entertain. You people and your toes. Imagine the quietest night you can think of, but then when your dreams are good and you’re daydreaming and it feels like you can go anywhere after a good day, after something… you feel very small, but capable. Every day could be the most boring day, or you come across something new you’ve never seen before!
All the Gilneans were listening with rapt attention. None of them had ever considered that possibility.
Liiraluma says: There is terror and joy and the idea of endless possibilities down to meeting new people or fighting the next battle… it’s hard to quantify, but, standing on a world now. I don’t think I expected the element of people, for all I was looking ahead, I think I was looking at… how do I even explain this?
Luma laughed.
Tobias Mistmantle says: This might help!
Tobias handed them a drink, and Luma laughed and kicked it back.
Liiraluma says: I had always looked at, and I think I still do, it’s hard to get down where you all are. I’m traveling with everyone, but I always viewed the world as suspended, as that’s what it is. Imagine you’re floating in water. That’s what the whole of your world is doing, and you can see it if you go high enough, or if you are on the moon.
Luma projected a round sphere of a hologram, and two little moons around it. Then it zoomed out to the sun.
Liiraluma says: Everything can look like this from far enough away. That is all we would often see. Passing by worlds burning. I don’t know how to explain. I’m probably getting drunk! But everything felt very insignificant because of it. I could think of the cities I could build, but there are a lot of people already living here, and a lot of people feeling things and making their own contributions. But what I do next will be to wonder more about connections like this than what I could build, while I build. Does that make sense?
Tobias nods, but one of the other Gilneans admitted they lost them.
Gilnean Soldier says: I changed my mind! I want to travel the stars after this!
They started to bicker about how they wouldn’t last five minutes traveling the stars, and Luma set back and listened to them bicker. Luma mused they might introduce people to the concept of astronomy.
One of the Gilneans was convinced the world was flat and the gnomes lived on the other side. They even accused Luma of meeting a gnome and getting their tech from one. The evening continued on much in the same way, and by the end Luma was quite drunk.
The group started to disperse.
Liiraluma says: Well.
Luma helped Tobias up.
Liiraluma says: We discussed what we are going to do, but have we discussed who you are going to do?
Tobias Mistmantle says: After all this?
Luma laughed.
Liiraluma says: I know we have no intention of dying, but–
Tobias Mistmantle says: Oh! Sorry! Drink! Hm. I mean I’m down. But, uh, this, the whole worgen thing, is kind of… well… I wouldn’t want you to get anything, if you know what I mean. I don’t know if you sky dwellers can get it, but…
Liiraluma says: Sky dwellers, I like that.
Tobias Mistmantle says: We could probably just have one of the–
Liiraluma says: We’ll worry about it in the morning!
Tobias Mistmantle says: Guess that’s a good way to research it. Find out if you can get it. So I guess I’m a bit obligated to help out. Though it’s not like I’m going to turn into a worgen or anything–
Liiraluma says: That’s a shame!
Tobias Mistmantle says: Wait, you want that?
Liiraluma says: Yeah!
Tobias Mistmantle says: Well. Alright then!
They head off together.
As the group is resting, Tol’vas’s eyes open. He recognized the sky of the Emerald Dream.
Alpha Prime says: The little lost pup finally came home.
Tol’vas sat up, and standing before him was the unmistakable, hulking, jet black, nine-foot-tall form of Alpha Prime. He was on a scaffolding high in the air, and behind Alpha Prime was a bright golden clock–the clock tower within the city. But they were in the Emerald Dream.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Ah, Fangfire. Come to offer your surrender?
Alpha Prime laughed.
Alpha Prime says: It’s been a while, Tol’vas. How are things?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Things are well. Everything’s in place.
Alpha Prime says: Yes yes, I saw the fires. You’ve gathered an impressive little pack of your own, it seems. What are you hoping to accomplish? To stop me?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I’m not hoping to stop you. I will stop you.
Alpha Prime says: Tol’vas, Tol’vas, Tol’vas. You know as much as I the power we hold in our claws. What changed? You always understood what needed to be done before.
Alpha Prime started to stalk around Tol’vas.
Alpha Prime says: You weren’t afraid to break a few rules if it meant doing what we needed to do to protect the Dream and Azeroth from the real threats, and yet now you’re here playing with a bunch of misguided humans.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I don’t know if you’ve noticed, Fangfire, but the Dream’s turned against you too.
Alpha Prime says: No no, you’ve convinced a few misguided denizens. But that won’t change anything. The Dream obeys my command. The worgen obey my command, and they will obey yours too. You know this, Tol’vas. You have the strength and might to do what needs to be done. A lot of people are going to die tomorrow, Tol’vas.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: They don’t have to.
Alpha Prime says: You’re right. They don’t. Return the scythe to me. Come back. And we can–
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: The Scythe never belonged to you!
Alpha Prime says: Is that what you think? I understand you finally unlocked its potential.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I’m sure you felt it.
Alpha Prime says: I did. And I felt you awaken those who share your misguided mindset.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Yes, the ones that don’t wish to bathe in blood of innocents.
Alpha Prime says: Tol’vas, you’ve lost so much over our long slumber! You saw this world burn!
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: And I won’t be the one to set fire to it again!
Alpha Prime says: You saw the pools of blood boiling at their will, you know the strength required to stand against them when they return, but the teachings of the Cenarion Circle are misguided and weak, and all they will do is create shrapnel when the Legion returns. You know this! You feel it in your heart! Because we’re the same, you and I. It’s why Goldrinn’s power recognized you, as it recognized me. Why the Scythe answered your command as it did mine. You think I’m some villain. That I am slaughtering the innocents for no reason. That all I’ve constructed here is for some personal gain, but you know that’s not the truth, because you have seen it first-hand.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I don’t think you’re doing this out of a want for your power, I think you’ve lost yourself to the madness of your rage.
Alpha Prime says: I had hoped you would be there when the time came to return to Ashenvale.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I’ve already been. It’s doing quite well without you.
Alpha Prime says: We will see about that. You will know, one way or another. You will know. I’ll be waiting, Tol’vas.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Then I’ll meet you there.
Alpha Prime says: Sweet dreams, old friend.
Alpha Prime turned and vanished into the shadows and mist. There was cracking and breaking as the clocktower began to crumble beneath Tol’vas. As it broke, and Tol’vas slipped, his mind fell away from the Dream, and he returned to his slumber.
When Tol’vas woke the next morning, there was an unease in his heart as he gazed on the same clocktower at Light’s Dawn Cathedral at the center of town.
September 23rd
The group awakened the next day, and the squads were already gathering. For the entry into the tunnels beneath the Stoneward Prison, Tol’vas and his fellows entered with only a Blackhowl mercenary as a guide, as stealth was some amount of important.
Above ground, the battle began in earnest. Liam, his saber in hand, threw commands out to his people, and a writhing pool of worgen began to emerge to meet the Gilneans as they marched forward.
Liam Greymane says: Hold your fire! Hold your fire until my mark!
Some of the druids equipped with the ECGs deployed the weapons, and a handful of harvest witches took the form of flying creatures to scout. Several faerie dragons also appeared with deployable devices and they and the wildshaped druids dropped the devices that began to spray out the blessed water across the city. Thunder cracked overhead, a storm threatening but not fully opening.
Many worgen looked up at the falling water, and individuals started to howl and clutch their heads or pass out as they were sent into complete disarray.
Liam Greymane shouts: FIRE!
Guns were unloaded and the Gilnean worgen charged into the masses. Harvest witches worked to stabilize those that were dropped, and they drew as much focus from the infiltration teams as possible.
Crowley barreled through group after group with a loud battlecry. Elissa and Lorelei fought their way through another entrance with some of the other Northgate worgen. At yet another entrance, the vanguard was punched through by a massive dire wolf alongside a Druid of the Pack in his pack form. Crowley drove forward on his mount and drew two pistols as he was launched over the pack form druid and fired into the massive wolf’s back. Lorna Crowley then got it in her crosshairs and another shot went straight through the druid’s skull.
Tol’vas, Valorinn, and his companions emerged from the sewers into the Stoneward Prison. They could hear howling and gunfire in every direction. Tol’vas used [Pass without Trace]. As Vel passed by a pile of bones, she used [Bone Shield], and several bones were wreathed in necromantic energy and moved into place hovering around her, flickering with a spectral light.
Uther hangs back a bit on Radiant as the rest of the group push forward. They made their way through the area and dispatched a few worgen quietly. They were at the back of the column of where they could see a handful of worgen picking apart a few areas. There was one druid of the pack in their massive pack form. Tol’vas saw a few people he recognized.
There was a black furred worgen picking apart some of the salvage. It was one of Alpha Prime’s lieutenants, a druid by the name of Rethilgore, who was the one in charge of pursuing those who ran. There was also a pack of black-furred wolves that were searching and hunting for something, frosty breath coming from their mouths. There was something supernatural about them. Leading them was another worgen named Nandos, who was also a lieutenant of Alpha Prime’s. He was a severe man, but he had his own sense of honor. He had a powerful kinship with his inner beast.
Tol’vas summoned an isolated storm with [Call Lightning] as he shoved his scythe straight into the air. A bolt of lightning slammed into old manacles and debris that Rethilgore was controlling with vines, as well Rethilgore himself.
Eyes immediately went to Tol’vas and Valorinn.
Rethilgore says: They’re here!
At that moment, Lorna Crowley aimed up a shot and fired at one of the manacles, but it went wide.
Vel used her bladesong and then she conjured a massive [Sleet Storm] that opened up across many of the enemy worgen and wolves, and several slipped and tumbled to the ground.
Luma deployed their turrets and they fired at Rethilgore as Seria used [Faerie Fire]. Several of the wolves and Nandos were surrounded by rainbow pixie dust spewed by a translucent faerie dragon. She then transformed into a bear with a roar on the edge of the sleet storm. Several other wolves tumbled to the ground.
Valorinn leaped into the sleet storm and released a fury of sound, ice, and lightning. Both a feral worgen and the form of the pack druid were struck by it. He then tore into the feral worgen.
Valorinn says: You disgrace the powers you abuse!
He seemed to be completely unaffected by the sleet storm as he howled again.
Wolf Master Nandos stumbled, but got back to his feet. He tried to harness the storm and extinguish it. He then ran forward at Valorinn.
Pack Master Nandos says: Tol’vas! Alpha Prime said you arrived. And you must be Goldrinn’s reincarnation. We shall see if you are as strong as the great ancient one, and if not, we will ensure you have the strength to ENDURE!
He swiped into Valorinn with his claws as the druid of the pack also homed in on Valorinn.
Druid of the Pack says: Kill the others!
Rethilgore ran at the scaffolding and his chain-like vines launched him over the edge and over Luma. He swung his chains at them and Vel, but Luma ducked out of the way and Vel wrapped the chain around her sword and deflected it away. Two of the chains also snaked up toward them, and one chain missed Luma, but the other wrapped around Vel and began to dig into her flesh with their thorns.
Several of the sons of Fenrus wolves charge at Seria and bite at her, but she deflected them aside. Tol’vas sent another strike of lightning at Nandos and the feral worgen. Another two feral worgen dashed across the square.
As Vel was being wrapped up by the chain vine, Celestine flew down in the form of a turkey vulture. She halfway transformed back and used greenish energy as she used [Toll the Dead]. The energy started to drain the vine.
Celestine says: Begone!
Celestine gave Vel a nod before taking off as a turkey vulture again, and Vel shrugged the withered chains from her body.
Luma put a dog whistle to their lips and blew as they used [[Mind Sliver] on Rethilgore. The high-pitched sound made both Vel and Tol’vas flinch, but Rethilgore nearly doubled over from the close proximity.
The heavily injured feral worgen tried to claw at Valorinn, but it was completely ineffective.
Valorinn says: Your claws cannot harm me. Stand down, child!
He knocked the worgen to the ground before Valorinn rounded on Nandos. He howled again.
Son of Fenrus says: You… you smell like father. But you are not him!
He launched himself at Valorinn, but the large wolf deflected him aside. Nandos swung into Valorinn and there was a ripple of life energy that blasted out from around him. Several people are cast from their feet. Vel disappeared into a flurry of mist and reappeared right behind Nandos as she drove her sword into his back and opened a magically bleeding wound.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Predators hunt in packs, don’t they?
Nandos snarled as he rounded on her. Meanwhile Rethilgore turned his full attention to Luma. He spun his chains around and tried to wrap them in them, but Luma was able to deflect the attacks aside.
Seria swung her flaming claws into one of the sons of Fenrus and he dropped to the ground as she carried the attack over to his brother.
Son of Fenrus says: Her claws! They burn!
Meanwhile, Radiant made a heroic neigh as Uther reared back. Rethilgore turned around just in time to get caught with an underhand swing of his hammer that sent the worgen sailing down over the railing and slamming into the ground, where he fell unconscious.
Another son of Fenrus ran over to Vel and ice spikes erupted at her and Valorinn while another son swiped at Valorinn. The pack form druid of the pack dispersed into mist and materialized next to Seria.
Druid of the Pack says: Stand back, I will handle this interloper!
He took a bite out of Seria’s side as Radiant kicked the nearby pack ravager in the face. Unfortunately, it was not effective.
Radiant says: Your highness, I don’t think these horseshoes will cut it against these dreadful beasts!
Uther Menethil says: Noted. We’ll get you magic horseshoes.
Radiant says: Verily! A humble request, could I have them match your armor?
Uther Menethil says: I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Luma blew their dog whistle again, which caused the ravager to snarl.
Worgen Ravager says: This thing is so annoying!
Liiraluma says: Well thank you!
The ravager glared at them as he prepared to launch himself at them, but then the artificer's turrets went off and shot him in the back of the head.
Suddenly, there is the sound of the scaffolding cracking, and Vel looked around just in time to see it shatter beneath Luma, Uther, and Radiant as well as Luma’s turrets. They tumbled into the rubble, but Radiant summoned his wings at the last moment and lightly landed on his hooves with all the grace of a show horse. Uther was able to stay seated on his back. Luma, however, got buried in a light amount of rubble.
Liiraluma says: Fuck!
One of the feral worgen ran for them, but they were able to deflect the claws aside with their projection shield. Radiant pranced around to the other side of the worgen and Uther smacked the worgen with his hammer. The worgen was knocked on his back and Radiant moved forward to stand between the worgen and Luma.
Uther Menethil says: Bad dog! Luma, are you alright?
Liiraluma says: I’m fine. Sometimes it’s just nice to yell.
Uther Menethil says: Very good! On your feet, we have the rest of the battle to fight!
Liiraluma says: What feet?
Uther laughed. The sons of Fenrus continued to bite and jump at Valorinn. Radiant kicked a son of Fenrus in the face. The wolf was knocked to the ground and Radiant kicked him again before returning to his position at the worgen.
Vel used [Steel Wind Strike] and massacred two of the sons of Fenrus before ending with a flourish into Nandos’s back again.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Seems your pack is thinning.
The feral worgen tried to attack Vel, but a spectral skeleton materialized as the bones whirled around and deflects the claws aside as the gaping wound she had inflicted on the worgen continued to drip to the ground.
Seria raked her claws into the druid of the pack and the thick thorns in his fur cut into her flesh. She let loose an angry roar and started to wrestle the massive wolf. The sons of Fenrus started to retreat, as they quickly realized they were outmatched.
Son of Fenrus says: Come! We must find father!
One of the still healthy wolves continued to fight, however. Tol’vas called lightning down on the worgen ravager, and lightning arced off and was imbued with life magic before it mended some of Valorinn’s wounds. The ravager tried to attack Luma but they kept cursing as their shield deflected the claws away. Another worgen went for Vel, but the spectral skeleton and bones continues to deflect the blows aside.
Blood dripped from Nandos as he launched himself at Vel. Again, the spectral skeletons deflect the attacks aside as if it was some sort of ghostly guardian. Nandos snarled and looked over at Tol’vas and used [Blight] on Tol’vas, but Vel countered the spell. Nandos roared as he rounded on her.
Pack Master Nandos says: You witch!
He harnessed the magic and used [Dispel Magic] to rip her bone shield away.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Hmph. I suppose you’re pleased.
Pack Master Nandos says: I may fall here, but you will all fight for every step you take!
