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| Details |
| Author: | Alli |
| Summary: | Corduin, Icaros, Roper, Syarra and briefly Goreia fight together from their re-birth in Acherus to the Battle of Light's Hope Chapel. |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
The death knights assemble at Death’s Breach.
Goreia waves at you.
Goreia bounces up and down.
Goreia salutes Prince Valanar with respect.
Syarra looks around at her new squad, measuring them up.
Prince Valanar considers the new death knights.
Prince Valanar says: Do you smell it?
Ropèr stares directly back at Syarra, looking up at her. He flicks his fingers over and over, as if he's rolling a coin through his hands, except there's nothing there.
Syarra stares at Valanar dully and doesn't answer.
Valanar sniffs the air. "Fresh meat… The scent of Scarlet Crusader wafts through the air."
Valanar salivates.
Prince Valanar says: Apologies, team. I'm sure you're not interested in my choice of fine cuisine. You are here to work! To lead the charge! Yes… I know. The Lich King has told me all that I need to know about you. The time for bloodshed is now.
Valanar smirks with dark amusement. "They make their stand now, outside of Death's Breach, futilely attempting to push us back in hopes of saving their horses, mines, lumber and citizens."
Prince Valanar says: This will be your first lesson in Scourge warfare: TERROR!
Prince Valanar says: Go to the front lines, south of here, and destroy Scarlet Crusaders. Leave their corpses so that we may utilize them for the death march.
Prince Valanar says: But most importantly: kill the fleeing villagers. Soldiers dying are an affordance, but villagers? That is what strikes fear into the hearts of man.
Syarra nods understanding, touching a hand to her sword hilt.
Ropèr tilts his head to one side. "Terror, indeed."
Corduin nods.
The draenei looms silently.
[Corduin]: We'll kill every #$%@ing last one…
[Syarra]: We will target them specifically, sir.
The draenei follows the herd.
The death knights begin to duel one another and other death knight NPCs.
The draenei observes.
Syarra wins a duel.
Syarra steps back, satisfied.
[Syarra]: It seems wrong that we do not kill them.
The draenei salutes Goreia with respect.
Roper wins a duel.
Ropèr taps his left hand on his leg. "They're gonna die eventually. Sounds like a Them problem."
Syarra]: Well. Enough of fighting our own. Time to kill the peasants?
[Ropèr]: Civilians.
[Ropèr]: Make it hurt.
They head down to the chaos of the front lines in Havenshire. People are desperately trying to evacuate as the place is overrun by Scourge. Our death knight squad wades in and starts killing.
Scarlet Peasant: Please, no! Spare me!
Syarra listens to the peasant beg.
The draenei beckons.
[Ropèr]: Get over here!
Scarlet Peasant: I… I’ve got a sick grandma at home. I… I’m all she’s got!
[Syarra]: I will kill your grandmother. Have no worry. *Syarra says to the corpse.*
[Ropèr]: Eventually.
[Ropèr]: No running.
The draenei nods.
They kill some military men.
Syarra looks up at Roper. "I don't think that one was on the list."
Ropèr stabs the captain in the back. "No. Just saw me. So he dies.”
Scarlet Peasant: Let me live! I’ll do whatever you say!
[Corduin]: Yeah…you will.
Corduin says die.
The draenei looks around.
[Syarra]: We should stick together. Don't let the Scarlets separate us.
[Corduin]: Fine.
The draenei eyes the horses speculatively.
[Ropèr]: No.
[Syarra]: We could take one of the horses to ride back.
They do take one of the horses to ride back. The horsemaster sends them into the Shadow Realms to kill a Dark Rider and recover a deathcharger.
Syarra looks around uneasily.
The draenei points at Dark Rider of Acherus.
[Syarra]: I suppose we each kill one?
[Corduin]: It wouldn’t be a challenge for us otherwise.
They all head out and kill a Dark Rider, each recovering a deathcharger. They return to the ordinary realm.
Syarra summons her horse and pats it gently. "I will call her Glory. Glory to the Lich King."
Ropèr makes a sound like a chuckle.
Prince Valanar says: I can already tell you have been successful. Do you feel it? That sensation is raw power coursing through your body. Such a thing cannot exist for mortals.
Syarra clenches a fist and nods.
Prince Valanar says: This is the opening sonata, death knight. The Scourge death march begins with the eradication of the front lines.
Prince Valanar says: The geist will finish the job and prepare the grounds for Razuvious. We turn our attention now to more practical targets.
Prince Valanar then chews out Syarra and Corduin for not collecting enough arrows. They head back into the field and are back soon.
Syarra rides up. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize the arrows were so important. Are we running short?"
The draenei nods.
[Draenei]: Saronite found only in Northrend.
Prince Valanar says: Are you questioning your orders?
Syarra shakes her head, looking down.
Prince Valanar says: Anyway… CHAOS, my minions! The Crusade is in a frenzy. They have diverted all forces outside of New Avalon to set up a blockade at Light's Point, east of here.
Prince Valanar says: They are desperately trying to strip the Havenshire Mine of all resources and load the cargo aboard the frigates they have docked on the coast.
Prince Valanar says: Let's stir things up a bit, shall we? Gothik the Harvester, grand necromancer of the Lich King has graced us with his presence. He has a gift he'd like to bestow upon the Scarlet Crusade. Seek him out.
The draenei salutes Prince Valanar with respect.
Syarra mouths 'a gift?'.
Syarra looks back to her teammates.
Ropèr stares back at Syarra.
The draenei waits to see who is leading the way.
Syarra takes the lead.
Let's go, then. To Gothik.
[Corduin]: #$*@ the Scarlet Crusade. I've got a gift for 'em…
They head to Gothik the Harvester.
Gothik the Harvester says: Valanar sent you, then? I trust you are somewhat competent. I do have a gift for the Scarlet dogs. One that is sure to speed up their work in the mines.
Gothik the Harvester says: I have come from the frozen heart of Naxxramas to feast on souls and deliver a vicious threshing upon our sworn enemies - and I'm all out of souls.
Ropèr snorts.
Syarra smiles slightly.
Gothik the Harvester says: This device I'm about to give you is a portable plague spreader. Take it east, to the Havenshire Mines, and unleash it near the Scarlet miners working inside.
Gothik the Harvester says: Use it to turn the miners into ghouls and return to me when you have a small army at your side. I have saved a special place for them in the vacuum cleaner of souls!
Syarra looks pleased. "A ghoul army. I like the sound of that."
The draenei seems generally unmoved by any of this one way or the other.
[Ropèr]: Foot soldiers. Boring, but effective.
[Corduin]: That guy some kinda Scourge celebrity?
[Syarra]: I have never met him before. Definitely outranks us, though.
[Ropèr]: For now.
Syarra smiles at Roper. "Ambitious."
[Ropèr]: I know my worth.
They create little ghoul armies and bring them back to Gothik. He takes it over from there, and sends them back to Prince Valanar. The Prince lets them in on the next step of Plan: Destroy the Scarlet Crusade.
Prince Valanar says: In their haste the Crusade will make one fatal error: forgetting to check the mine cars.
[Ropèr]: A common mistake.
Prince Valanar says: You are to return to Havenshire Mine, east of here, and locate the mine car that my minions have planted near the outhouse.
[Ropèr]: Easy to exploit.
Prince Valanar says: Climb inside the mine car and a Scarlet miner will unwittingly see to it that you are placed safely behind enemy lines.
The draenei looks decidedly dubious for a moment, but says nothing.
Prince Valanar says: Once aboard one of their ships, use the cannons against them! SLAUGHTER THEM ALL!
Corduin stifles a snicker.
Syarra eyes brighten. "Cannons…"
[Ropèr]: Simple. I like it.
[Syarra]: Think of all the death.
Corduin shivers.
They get into mine carts. A helpful Scarlet pulls them right through the enemies lines and deposits them on a ship near the cannons. He then leaves the unexpected mine carts unsupervised, and carries on about his day.
[Syarra]: Well, that was simple. These people aren't very bright.
[Ropèr]: People rarely are.
The death knights cannon them to pieces. Then they call down a necromantic flying creature and head back to Prince Valanar.
Prince Valanar looks gleeful. "The entire Scarlet fleet wiped out in a matter of minutes! I will receive a commendation from the Lich King for this!"
Prince Valanar says: All that remains of the Scarlet Crusade now are the denizens of New Avalon. I'll set the fire starters and necromancers upon Havenshire immediately. You will carry my report to the Highlord!
Prince Valanar hands you a sealed scroll.
Prince Valanar says: This is the full report of our victory at Death's Breach. You are to deliver this to Highlord Mograine - inside Acherus. I have made sure to include your heroics in the report. Go now!
Syarra straightens up proudly.
The draenei salutes Prince Valanar with respect.
Ropèr eyes the seal on the report, but does nothing.
They fly up to the necropolis and give the report to Highlord Mograine.
Highlord Mograine reads over the report. "The ENTIRE Scarlet fleet?"
HIghlord Mograine says: It is the will of the Lich King that drives us onward. None are more aware of this than death knights. Our very existence is intrinsically tied to his consciousness.
HIghlord Mograine says: Surely you have heard him speak to you - invading your thoughts… Can you hear him now? Perhaps it is too early for you.
Mograine closes his eyes and nods to an unseen host. "Yes, my lord. It will be done. You are to return to Death's Breach and report to Prince Valanar. The Lich King commands it!"
Ropèr 's face goes stony at that and he's clearly trying to listen….harder.
Syarra looks thoughtful. She glances up, as if the voice might be coming from the sky.
[Syarra]: Everyone ready for the Prince? I am eager to prove myself further.
Ropèr studies the lesson intently.
The draenei nods.
They all head back to Prince Valanar, who is lecturing about mercilessness to a group of kneeling death knights.
Corduin kneels down.
The draenei kneels before Prince Valanar.
Corduin cheers at Prince Valanar!
The draenei does not cheer.
The draenei seems fine though.
Ropèr also doesn't cheer, but he's staring intently at the prince, almost as if he's memorizing things about him — his mannerism, his word choices. Everything.
Prince Valanar says: Havenshire is ours! A thousand corpses litter the ground, patiently awaiting rebirth. We strike now at our enemy with the awakened strength of the Scourge!
Prince Valanar says: The ghouls have already begun their assault upon New Avalon. Our forces have moved in behind them and taken the Crypt of Remembrance.
Prince Valanar says: The attacks upon the gates of the last Scarlet bastion have begun. Our ghouls are wearing the Crusade's front lines down while we labor to fortify our new forward base, the Crypt of Remembrance.
Prince Valanar says: Venture south to the crypt, which borders New Avalon, and report to my dear brother, Prince Keleseth. He will be expecting you.
Prince Valanar says: Prepare yourselves, for you are about to witness the next stage of Scourge warfare: DOMINATION! Ride now, death knights!
Syarra nods and whispers, "Domination."
[Syarra]: Terror… domination…
The draenei seems cool with whatever.
[Ropèr]: Terror. Simple. Good.
[Corduin]: Just…give me something to kill…
Syarra takes stock of the team. "Let's ride out. We have people to dominate."
Corduin flexes her fingers.
The draenei nods approvingly at the state of Havenshire.
[Syarra]: They mentioned this, before. Do you feel empty, when we aren't killing?
[Ropèr]: Yes.
[Draenei]: I feel pain.
[Corduin]: It feels…sick…yeah, painful…#@$ing hurts…
They arrive at the Crypt of Remembrance.
Syarra nods at the others, and places a hand on her stomach.
Noth the Plaguebringer, standing in a field, flags them down as they pass.
Noth the Plaguebringer says: Look at these pumpkins! Do you notice anything missing? Of course not, because you're a moron! Your brain was probably the first thing to die.
Noth the Plaguebringer says: I am putting together a plague cauldron, but I need the ingredients. Do I need to spell out what goes into a plague cauldron?
Ropèr flicks his wrist. Nothing happens.
The draenei shakes his head.
[Syarra]: No, sir.
They head off.
[Syarra]: This was not the prince. Let's find him, he is more important.
[Ropèr]: He said his brother. I don't think he meant figuratively.
They arrive at the Crypt of Remembrance.
Prince Keleseth says: Hail, death knights. I am the blood lord, Keleseth, ruler of the southeastern reaches of Northrend. The Lich King has sought to utilize my talents in endin'g this mortal affront to the Scourge.
The draenei salutes Prince Keleseth with respect.
Prince Keleseth says: As with all things the Lich King asks of me, I am happy to oblige. Of course, a sea of endless souls to sate my thirst certainly sweetened the deal, don't you think?
Syarra sighs. Yes.
Ropèr rolls his wrists, his fingers moving constantly, as though moving something across them.
Prince Keleseth says: Nothing less than total annihilation will suffice. To that end, a few hundred mindless ghouls assaulting the front gate of New Avalon will not do.
Prince Keleseth says: We must infiltrate the inner sanctum and dispose of their officials. They must be shown that no one can escape the Scourge's grasp!
Prince Keleseth says: Make your way to the New Avalon Town Hall, southwest of here, and assassinate the mayor. Search the building for the New Avalon registry and bring it to me.
Syarra bows to Prince Keleseth.
Ropèr nods. "Infiltration. If they believe they're safe behind a wall, we aren't doing our jobs right."
[Syarra]: We will root them out, wherever they are. Let's go kill this mayor.
Ropèr tap tap taps his leg. "Easy. Simple."
They come out of the crypt, and a truly large number of ghouls is in their path.
Syarra tenses at the massive horde of ghouls, then seems confused with herself.
The draenei seems fine with all of it.
Ropèr is eyeing the wall.
[Corduin]: He's as good as dead already.
[Syarra]: The town hall, first?
There are many citizens outside the Town Hall. They all seem agitated, but they stand in place as the death knights walk by.
[Syarra]: The cowards. They stand there and do nothing as we pass.
Mayor Quimby says: Scourge! You are not welcome here!
The draenei has rarely been welcome anywhere in his life. He will be fine.
They kill the mayor. Then they head outside to slaughter the citizens. Many of them wail that they were supposed to be safe here, as they die.
[Syarra]: NOWHERE IS SAFE!
They finish their extra slaughtering of the citizens and consider their next steps.
[Syarra]: What else does one need for a plague cauldron? I suppose a literal cauldron?
The draenei nods.
[Draenei]: Also, chain.
[Syarra]: Chain, alright.
[Syarra]: The inn, maybe? For a cauldron.
They kill their way toward the inn.
[Corduin]: Be happy, mortal! The Lich King’ll set you free!
12:32:23 The draenei nods.
[Corduin]: No escape, @$*#ers
A citizen offers to give us whatever we want.
[Syarra]: We can take it just as well with you dead. *Syarra looks down at the corpse*
A citizen wails that they’re too young to die.
[Ropèr]: You're never too young to die, *Roper mutters at a corpse.*
They have secured a cauldron. Next step, chain. Syarra turns to Corduin and Roper.
[Syarra]: Humans. Where would a human keep a chain?
[Corduin]: Bedroom?
[Syarra]: Bedroom. Okay. Let's check.
Syarra frowns. "What are your names?"
The draenei doesn’t answer. He may not know.
Ropèr hesitates. "Roper."
[Syarra]: Roper. Wait. Why the bedroom?
[Corduin]: I'm…not sure. Seemed to make sense when I said it.
[Draenei]: Forge.
[Draenei]: Make chains at forge.
[Syarra]: Draenei… I will call you Forge.
Forge nods.
[Syarra]: And female human, you are?
Corduin thinks for a moment.
[Corduin]: Cor…Cori…Corduin.
[Corduin]: Corduin.
[Syarra]: Corduin. *Syarra smiles briefly.* And I am Syarra.
[Syarra]: I may not understand humans, but forge seems more likely.
Forge nods.
[Syarra]: If not there, we check bedrooms.
Ropèr snorts.
They head to the forge.
[Corduin]: Check to see if they have any small swords there, too.
[Corduin]: Well…smaller.
[Syarra]: Small? Is yours too big?
Forge makes the exact grunt of a dude proven right.
Syarra tests the balance of her sword. "Mine seems familiar. I used something like this in life, without runes."
[Corduin]: It's fine. I'd just prefer one in each hand.
Syarra nods at Forge. "And chain. Forge was right."
Ropèr looks around the forge. "I'd kill for some real knives." He pauses. "Okay, I mean, I'd kill without them, too. But I'd like the knives."
Corduin picks up an unfinished sword. "Hmm…nope."
Forge nods.
[Syarra]: I like the sword. Someone made me fight with an axe once. It was difficult.
Forge's brows draw together under his hood as he tries to remember something… and hits a blank wall.
[Ropèr]: I…*Roper stops. Frowns, and says nothing more.*
[Syarra]: I don't really remember why.
[Syarra]: Forge, Corduin, Roper, let's move out.
They collect things and head out.
Forge salutes Syarra with respect.
Forge seems content to follow.
They make it back to the Crypt of Remembrance.
Syarra kneels and hands up the registry.
"The registry will tell us many things about the Scarlet insects." Keleseth flips through the pages of the registry. "Death rates, births, but most importantly, movement."
Prince Keleseth says: Look here, they have already sent three vessels abroad. Let me see here… Where are they headed?
Prince Keleseth says: WHAT? This is impossible. They sail to Northrend! Beside the coordinates are the words: "Crimson Dawn."
Ropèr nods, tapping his fingers against his leg in an erratic rhythm.
[Syarra]: They are trying to invade us? *Syarra's eyes widen at their audacity.*
Prince Keleseth says: In my travels across this world I have made several interesting discoveries. For instance, did you know that with the proper amount of encouragement one can extract all the truths that a man dares hide?
Forge listens intently to Prince Keleseth.
[Syarra]: I am not sure that's… *Syarra shuts her mouth at a glare from the Prince.*
"As luck would have it, I have some encouragement on hand." Keleseth pulls something out of an ornately jeweled box. "These are my 'persuaders.' Use them on the New Avalon soldiers and ask about this 'Crimson Dawn'."
Ropèr blinks, and there's something that makes him stare into space for a moment, before he shakes it off.
Syarra looks at the persuaders curiously.
[Syarra]: Let's… persuade some people. *Syarra seems somehow both intrigued and repulsed by the prospect.*
Syarra says: I’ll tear the secrets from your soul! Tell me about the “Crimson Dawn” and your life may be spared!
[Syarra]: Oh. I went too hard. He died.
Roper says: Tell me what you know about the “Crimson Dawn” or the beatings will continue!
Scarlet Citizen says: I used to work for Grand Inquisitor Isilien! Your idea of pain is a normal mid-afternoon for me!
[Ropèr]: Mine enjoyed it.
Corduin says: “Crimson Dawn!” What is it! Speak!
Scarlet Preacher says: I’ll tell you everything! STOP! PLEASE!
Scarlet Preacher says: We… We have only been told that the "Crimson Dawn" is an awakening. You see, the Light speaks to the High General. It is the Light…
Scarlet Preacher says: The Light that guides us. The movement was set in motion before you came… We… We do as we are told. It is what must be done.
Scarlet Preacher says: I know very little else… The High General chooses who may go and who must stay behind. There's nothing else… You must believe me!
Corduin says: LIES! The pain you are about to endure will be talked about for years to come!
Scarlet Preacher says: NO! PLEASE! There is one more thing that I forgot to mention… A courier comes soon… From Hearthglen. It…
Scarlet Preacher dies from the torture.
The death knights agree to take what they have learned back to Prince Keleseth. They head back to the Crypt and relay the information they have uncovered.
Prince Keleseth says: An awakening? What nonsense do you speak! What kind of fool would deliver their people into the very heart of the frozen wastes? Perhaps, though, this courier holds the answer.
Prince Keleseth says: I have sent Orbaz, Thassarian and Koltira behind enemy lines to search for the courier. They have set up a base of operations at the Scarlet Tavern, located at the southern end of New Avalon.
Forge listens intently to Prince Keleseth.
Prince Keleseth says: The tavern is tucked away behind the two orchards, adjacent to the Chapel of the Crimson Flame. Report to Orbaz Bloodbane there.
Forge salutes Prince Keleseth with respect.
Syarra salutes Prince Keleseth with respect.
Ropèr hasn't saluted anyone, and it doesn't seem like he's going to start.
They head through the ruins of Havenshire.
Syarra looks around the defeated town with some satisfaction.
They simply ride through enemy lines, heading straight for the Scarlet Tavern. Several Scarlet Crusaders chase them into the building, where there are many Scourge operatives.
[Syarra]: You should not have followed us in here.
The Scarlet Crusaders die. The team walks upstairs to find Orbaz Bloodbane.
Orbaz looks over the team, and does not appear impressed. "Looks like we'll let anyone into the dark order these days. When I was given the gift, things were different. Much different! As to this courier…"
"We haven't got a damned clue about when or where this courier is supposed to show up. None of these humans had an answer either." Orbaz points to the Scarlet corpses strewn across the floor.
Forge is standing on one.
Orbaz Bloodbane says: I did manage to beat something useful out of the last one. Inside Scarlet Hold they keep a schedule of all patrol routes. I want you to break into the hold and steal the schedule.
[Ropèr]: Steal it, or take it.
[Syarra]: Break in and take things. That is our specialty. That and murder. And torture. *Syarra frowns* We have a lot of specialties.
Ropèr looks like he might have just a few specialities, but they are all currently relevant.
Syarra glances at Roper. "I assume we kill our way in? They can't stop us."
Ropèr nods. "That's not stealing. That's taking. Doesn't matter to me which one. Just want a clear objective mission parameter."
[Syarra]: I would say taking. Any objections?
[Ropèr]: None.
[Syarra]: Did you do a lot of stealing and taking, before?
[Ropèr]: I.
Ropèr says nothing more.
[Forge]: Before matters not.
[Syarra]: Yes, well, the skills matter.
[Ropèr]: I could get in here, unseen, and steal that, and get out, with no one ever knowing I was here.
[Syarra]: But then… no one would die.
[Ropèr]: Or I could leave no witnesses…another way.
Syarra nods.
[Syarra]: That is better. It feels better.
They take the schedule. Death of Scarlet Crusaders is involved
Ropèr starts rapidly reading through papers.
Forge does not.
[Ropèr]: They're good. But they don't have the manpower to keep this up.
As Roper goes through the schedule, the others idle and think.
[Syarra]: I… I think I was more of a front-line fighter. Before. So this is all very familiar.
Ropèr flips the patrol schedule into his hands.
[Syarra]: I fought with a team, just like this.
Forge frowns under his hood.
[Syarra]: It's a good size for a team. Mobile, versatile.
Ropèr pages through the patrol notes. "Easier to blend in, with a team. No one looks at you if you've got someone standing in front of you."
[Ropèr]: Then you stab them in the back. Effective.
[Syarra]: We lack a healer… Do we need a healer?
Ropèr flinches, for some reason.
[Ropèr]: No.
They find a death knight in the basement.
[Syarra]: This one is one of us.
An inquisitor comes down to fight them.
[Ropèr]: Hey! HIGH INQUISITOR!
Forge lops off his head.
[Ropèr]: Works every time.
Corduin summons a friend. Sort of. A ghoul!
Forge peers at Risen Ghoul searchingly.
The ghoul crumbles into death.
[Syarra]: They don’t last very long.
Corduin shrugs. "They aren't needed for very long."
They arrive back at the tavern and hand the schedule to Orbaz.
Orbaz flips through the schedule. "These worthless cretins have been busy! Northern patrol routes, southern patrol routes, western patrol routes, eastern patrol routes, but nothing about their couriers' routes."
Orbaz Bloodbane says: Wait a minute. What's this? It looks like a western patrol route, coming out of Western Plaguelands? This patrol will pass through here today! I'm going to need time to plan.
Orbaz Bloodbane says: You may as well help Thassarian with his ridiculous vengeance in the meantime.
Ropèr snorts. "Sure. I've got nothing better to do."
[Syarra]: Vengeance. *Syarra looks thoughtful*
Thassarian sends them to Knight Commander Plaguefist, who is attacking a church where prisoners are being held.
Knight Commander Plaguefist says: They're only flesh and bone - no match for the Scourge. We didn't find any of our brothers, but we did stumble upon something special.
Knight Commander Plaguefist says: We got here, tore the place apart, and headed toward the prison house. We weren't expecting what we found there.
Knight Commander Plaguefist says: Seems the Crusade's been real busy. That whole thing is full of Argent Dawn prisoners. Most of them were already dead by the time we arrived, but a few were still breathing.
[Syarra]: Argent Dawn…
Forge twitches slightly.
Knight Commander Plaguefist says: I was about to go in there and execute the rest of them, but I think you should have the honors. In particular, there's some real feisty ones in there that I think you'll take great pleasure in executing.
Ropèr tilts his head.
[Syarra]: Forge, Roper, Lin…Corduin, I mean. Shall we execute these prisoners?
Forge nods.
Ropèr tilts his head to the side.
The team splits up, each to address their own prisoner. For each, it is someone they knew in life. For this narrative, we follow Corduin’s experience.
Corduin’s of the Prisoner
Ellen Stanbridge says: Come to finish the job, have you?
Ellen Stanbridge says: I'd like to stand for…
Ellen Stanbridge says: Corduin?
Ellen Stanbridge says: Corduin, I'd recognize that face anywhere… What… What have they done to you, Corduin?
Corduin scowls. "Saved me."
Ellen Stanbridge says: You don't remember me, do you? Blasted Scourge…They've tried to drain off everything that made you a righteous force of reckoning. Every last ounce of good… Everything that made you a human!
Ellen Stanbridge says: Think, Corduin. Think back. Try and remember the former beauty of the Eastweald…of Andorhal, where you were born. Remember the splendor of life, sister. You were a champion of the Alliance once! This isn't you.
[Corduin]: Andorhal…Cal-…. No. This is more me than you could ever know.
Ellen Stanbridge says: Listen to me, Corduin. You must fight against the Lich King's control. He is a monster that wants to see this world - our world - in ruin. Don't let him use you to accomplish his goals. You were once a hero and you can be again. Fight, damn you! Fight his control!
Knight Commander Plaguefist yells: What's going on in there? What's taking so long?
Corduin's eyes narrow.
Ellen Stanbridge says: There… There's no more time for me. I'm done for. Finish me off, Corduin. Do it or they'll kill us both. Corduin… Remember Andorhal. This world is worth saving.
Ellen Stanbridge says: Do it, Corduin! Put me out of my misery!
The cold, blue fire in Corduin's eyes flares brighter for a moment as she lifts her sword and whispers, "Death is a gift." The sword falls, and Ellen's head falls with it.
The team reconvenes, post-execution.
Ropèr keeps flicking his wrist, as though it's going to do something.
[Icaros]: Icaros.
[Icaros]: Was my name.
Knight Commander Plaguefist says: Felt good, didn't it? You're not one of them anymore. You're Scourge. You're one of us. Forever…
Icaros hesitates, then nods.
Syarra looks a little shaken. "Should… I still call you Forge?"
[Icaros]: I… do not know.
Knight Commander Plaguefist says: Return to Thassarian at the Scarlet Tavern and let him know that Koltira's cry for vengeance has been answered. The Chapel of the Crimson Flame will be a pile of ashes in a matter of hours.
Knight Commander Plaguefist says: You're a team of cold-blooded monsters. I salute you.
Ropèr says nothing. He flicks his wrist, again and again, as if trying to make something happen. He doesn't look shaken. But he's not looking at Commander Plaguefist, at all.
Icaros salutes Knight Commander Plaguefist with respect.
Corduin nods sharply.
Syarra murmurs, "Monsters…"
[Corduin]: We serve the Lich King. He…saved us.
[Syarra]: I didn't need… *Syarra shakes her head* Yes, we serve the Lich King. Forever.
They head back to the tavern and Orbaz Bloodbane.
Orbaz Bloodbane says: While you were out burning churches and murdering vermin, I've been busy formulating a plan.The Scarlet courier is scheduled to pass by the Scarlet Overlook within the hour.
Orbaz Bloodbane says: The roads by the overlook are swarming with Crusaders. Use this to hide at the overlook and wait for the Scarlet Courier to pass.
Orbaz Bloodbane says: When he's close enough, strike with all your fury! Cut him down and take his belongings - including his clothes!
Icaros looks dubious.
Syarra looks at Orbaz, and whispers to Corduin, "I don't think his clothes will fit us well."
Ropèr looks comfortable with this plan.
[Ropèr]: We need eyes on the road. Here.
They head to the hiding spot, but a lot of Scarlets follow them. They kill them all.
Corduin takes a shuddering breath
[Syarra]: Do you think the bodies will give us away?
They did not. Anyway, the courier still came right by the death knights, and they killed him.
Corduin shivers.
[Corduin]: Die for me….
[Ropèr]: Love it when commanders make things my problem, *Roper mutters.*
[Syarra]: Now to find the rest of the plan.
They bring the courier’s message back to Orbaz in the tavern.
Orbaz reads the message. "The armies of Hearthglen and Tirisfal will be marching into a massacre."
Orbaz smiles. "Now for the second part of the plan. You're going to deliver this message right into the hands of High General Abbendis. That's what the clothes are for…"
Ropèr nods. Seems reasonable.
Icaros frowns.
[Syarra]: We're going to dress like Scarlets. *Syarra's expression is very flat.*
Orbaz Bloodbane says: Yes. This message must reach Abbendis. We do not want to draw their suspicion. They must continue under the assumption that everything is going as they planned.
[Icaros]: Ah. Magic. *He nods.*
Orbaz Bloodbane says: You will don the Scarlet courier's clothes and with the help of some dark magic, take on the form of the courier.
Orbaz Bloodbane says: Abbendis is at King's Harbor, southeast of the Scarlet Overlook. Drop off the message and get as much information out of her as you can. She will tell us what we need to know about the "Crimson Dawn."
Corduin touches her face. "Don't think I've ever had a moustache before."
Icaros frowns.
Ropèr 's body language changes. He seems exactly like the courier, down to how he holds himself and his weapon.
[Syarra]: I do not want to look like those… *Syarra grits her teeth and nods.*
They walk right up to General Abbendis, through many troops. Apparently they are convincing.
Syarra starts to say something as she hands over the message, but then decides not to.
High General Abbendis reads the message. "Damn it! The armies of Hearthglen and Tirisfal must not reach New Avalon! The Scourge will slaughter them all!"
Icaros nods.
High General Abbendis says: Listen well, courier. The Scarlet lands are lost. New Avalon and Havenshire are overrun by Scourge. The specter of death looms overhead and threatens to overtake us at any moment.
Syarra tries not to look happy about that.
Icaros luckily has no problem not looking happy.
High General Abbendis says: Return to Galvar with this message: "Turn your armies around and prepare your ships for travel to the frozen wastes. When we next meet it will be in Northrend."
"Give this to Galvar." Abbendis hands you a journal. "It will explain everything. The Scarlet Crusade is no more. Long live the Scarlet Onslaught!"
Ropèr nods emphatically. "We'll get them, Commander. Light be with us all." He sounds encouraging and almost fanatic. "Long live the Scarlet Onslaught!"
They head back toward the tavern, and Syarra looks at Roper curiously.
[Syarra]: Were you an actor, as well as a thief?
[Corduin]: @#$% me…
[Ropèr]: No. Or. *He pauses.* Yes.
[Ropèr]: I.
Ropèr stops again, gritting his teeth.
[Icaros]: Syarra. Stop. Asking.
[Syarra]: What? I ask only of skills. Not of experiences.
[Icaros]: Stop.
[Ropèr]: I can be anyone I need to be.
[Ropèr]: That's the skill.
They get back to the tavern and give the journal to Orbaz Bloodbane.
Orbaz laughs. "What is this? Some child's coloring book?"
Ropèr drops the Courier act.
Orbaz Bloodbane says: We must prepare for encroaching armies. You will take what you have discovered to Highlord Mograine at once! I will open a portal directly to Acherus. Step inside and it will transport you.
Orbaz Bloodbane says: Give Highlord Mograine Abbendis' journal as well. Perhaps he'll find it useful.
Icaros salutes Orbaz Bloodbane with respect.
[Ropèr]: Right. Portals. *Roper mutters something.*
[Ropèr]: If you close your eyes, it won't…*Roper cuts off.*
They go through the portal to Acherus.
Syarra looks at her familiar dead hands in relief. "Not a Scarlet anymore…"
Corduin pulls her hood back over her head.
Icaros takes care not to step on the giant scroll.
Syarra kneels before Highlord Darion Mograine.
Highlord Mograine says: The trap has been sprung, death knight. The armies of Hearthglen and Tirisfal have arrived. Just in time to see their enclave in flames! If they turn their back now, they might fight us with their backs turned.
Mograine shakes his head. "No, they have only one option, which has only one outcome: APOCALYPSE! As we speak, they prepare to make one final stand. The Lich King awaits your return, champion. He stands below us at Death's Breach."
Ropèr doesn't kneel, and he doesn't salute. He stands there, staring intently at Highlord Mograine.
Corduin salutes Highlord Darion Mograine with respect.
Syarra looks nervous at the prospect of seeing the Lich King in person again.
Corduin smiles. "It's time"
They go to their meeting with The Lich King.
Icaros kneels before The Lich King.
[Corduin]: My liege…
Syarra kneels before The Lich King.
Corduin kneels before The Lich King.
The Lich King says: You have served me well. The mark of the Scourge has been burned into these Scarlet lands. You have reaped death and destruction for as far as the eye can see and delivered to me the last of the Scarlet armies.
Syarra looks up at him, drinking in the praise.
The Lich King points to the ruins of Havenshire and the burning city of New Avalon. "It is now time to finish what you started."
The Lich King says: You have slaughtered legions beyond number and still your dark heart craves more. Your hunger knows no end.
The Lich King says: There must come an end to all things, death knight. The Scarlet armies make their final stand against us. For them, there is no escape… no choice. And for this reason they will fight with a ferocity that you have yet to witness.
Ropèr tips his head back at 'finish what you started.' It seems to resonate with him, more than anything else.
Icaros inclines his head.
The Lich King says: Use this horn to call forth one of my wyrms. Climb upon its back and command it into battle. With it you will end the Scarlet Crusade.
The Lich King says: Kneel, champions. I place this helm upon your head to complete your terrifying visage. Any that dare look upon your dark countenances will know that death comes.
Corduin kneels before The Lich King.
Ropèr kneels, when the Lich King tells him to kneel. He stares up into the face of the King with something like reverence, or absolute obedience.
Syarra kneels before her king, looking up at him with absolute trust. All doubts banished.
Icaros kneels before The Lich King.
The Lich King says: Let none stand so boldly against your king so as to face your merciless wrath.
"There remains one final task." The Lich King looks west. "Light's Hope Chapel."
The Lich King says: The Scarlet Enclave is no more. What remains of the Crusade will be dealt with in Northrend. We now turn all of our efforts to Light's Hope Chapel. No longer will this affront to your master be allowed to exist.
Icaros twitches slightly.
The Lich King says: I have issued my final command. Highlord Mograine awaits your arrival at the edge of Browman Mill. Do not fail me.
They go through a cave, and into an area filled with giant mushrooms.
[Syarra]: This place I remember.
Realizing she’s talking about memories again, Syarra tries to repair the moment by saying, “We will crush them.”
They reach the Scourge Commander.
Scourge Commander Thalanor says: The Argent Dawn stands defiantly against us at Light's Hope Chapel. They dare oppose the Scourge and for that reason alone they must be destroyed!
Scourge Commander Thalanor says: The mighty armies of the Lich King stand at the ready as the final battle for the Plaguelands approaches. Today we ascend into the immortal realm of Scourge heroes! Are you prepared, death knight?
Icaros twitches. Twice, this time.
[Ropèr]: I am ready.
Icaros lets everyone know that he is ready!
Highlord Darion Mograine yells: Soldiers of the Scourge, stand ready! Prepare to unleash your fury upon the Argent Dawn!
Icaros twitches.
[Ropèr]: Paladins. F&*ken paladins.
[Syarra]: Paladins. *Some of the animation leaves Syarra's expression*
[Corduin]: My fury…
Corduin frowns under her helm.
Syarra looks down at her deathcharger, like maybe she doesn't recognize it for a second.
Icaros is fine. The cold never bothered him anyway.
[Corduin]: The Lich King cured me of my fury…
Highlord Darion Mograine yells: The sky weeps at the glorious devastation of these lands! Soon, Azeroth's futile tears will rain down upon us!
It starts to rain.
[Ropèr]: Well, there's the tears.
[Syarra]: Futile tears. It is time for death.
Highlord Darion Mograine yells: Death knights of Acherus, the death march begins!
Highlord Darion Mograine yells: Soldiers of the Scourge, death knights of Acherus, minions of the darkness: hear the call of the Highlord!
Highlord Darion Mograine yells: RISE!
Highlord Darion Mograine yells: The skies turn red with the blood of the fallen! The Lich King watches over us, minions! Leave only ashes and misery in your destructive wake!
Korfax, Champion of the Light yells: Scourge armies approach!
Lord Maxwell Tyrosus yells: Stand fast, brothers and sisters! The Light will prevail!
The battle commences! It is 300 defenders against 10000 scourge. The death knights wade into the battle, killing with reckless abandon.
Icaros threatens Lord Maxwell Tyrosus with the wrath of doom.
After nearly a third of the forces of Light’s Hope Chapel are killed, Tirion Fordring comes forward.
Highlord Tirion Fordring yells: You cannot win, Darion!
Tirion rides over to the path in front of Light's Hope Chapel and dismounts.
Orbaz Bloodbane flees.
Highlord Tirion Fordring yells: Bring them before the chapel!
'The Light of Dawn' is cast on Koltira, Thassarian and Darion, which subdues them in a sphere of Light energy and pulls them into position in front of Tirion. Four Defenders spawn to surround Darion. The Argent Dawn arranges themselves behind Tirion, Lord Maxwell Tyrosus and Korfax, Champion of the Light in particular kneel to his left and right respectively.
Highlord Darion Mograine kneels in defeat before Tirion Fordring. Koltira and Thassarian kneel in the same formation with Darion.
Highlord Darion Mograine says: Stand down, death knights. We have lost. The Light… this place… no hope…
[Corduin]: What…?
Syarra]: But…
Ropèr flinches. "No. We finish the mission. At all costs."
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: Have you learned nothing, boy? You have become all that your father fought against! Like that coward, Arthas, you allowed yourself to be consumed by the darkness, the hate… feeding upon the misery of those you tortured and killed!
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: Your master knows what lies beneath the chapel. That is why he dares not show his face! He's sent you and your death knights to meet their doom, Darion.
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: What you are feeling right now is the anguish of a thousand lost souls! Souls that you and your master brought here! The Light will tear you apart, Darion!
Highlord Darion Mograine says: Save your breath, old man. It might be the last you ever draw.
Highlord Alexandros Mograine appears. Darion stands and turns around to look at him.
Highlord Alexandros Mograine says: My son! My dear, beautiful boy!
Highlord Darion Mograine says: Father!
Highlord Darion Mograine says: Argh… what… is…
Darion falls to one knee, and a shade of his past appears in front of him.
Darion Mograine says: Father, you have returned!
Young Darion walks up to Alexandros.
Darion Mograine hugs his father.
Darion Mograine says: You have been gone a long time, Father. I thought…
Highlord Alexandros Mograine says: Nothing could have kept me away from here, Darion. Not from my home and family.
Darion Mograine says: Father, I wish to join you in the war against the undead. I want to fight! I can sit idle no longer!
Tirion walks up until about two steps behind Highlord Darion's right shoulder, watching the memory play out.
Highlord Alexandros Mograine says: Darion Mograine, you are barely of age to hold a sword, let alone battle the undead hordes of Lordaeron! I could not bear losing you. Even the thought…
Darion Mograine says: If I die, Father, I would rather it be on my feet, standing in defiance against the undead legions! If I die, let me die with you!
As Alexandros speaks, the shade of Darion disappears and it is as if Darion's father is speaking directly to his son.
Highlord Alexandros Mograine says: My son, there will come a day when you will command the Ashbringer and, with it, mete out justice across this land. I have no doubt that when that day finally comes, you will bring pride to our people and that Lordaeron will be a better place because of you. But, my son, that day is not today.
Highlord Alexandros Mograine says: Do not forget…
Icaros is hopelessly confused.
Icaros peers at Highlord Tirion Fordring searchingly.
Syarra looks confused.
The Lich King appears.
[Corduin]: My liege!
The Lich King yells: Touching…
The Lich King seals Alexandros' soul away into a [soul shard].
The Lich King says: He is mine now…
Icaros flinches.
Highlord Darion Mograine becomes himself again… and is now angry.
Highlord Darion Mograine yells: You… betrayed me. You betrayed us all, monster! Face the might of Mograine!
Darion charges blindly at the Lich King, who in turn swats him away. Darion lands hard on his feet some distance away, falling to one knee.
The Lich King says: Pathetic…
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: You're a damned monster, Arthas!
The Lich King lets out a low, evil chuckle.
The Lich King says: You were right, Fordring. I did send them in to die. Their lives are meaningless, but yours…
[Corduin]: …what the $%#@…?
The Lich King says: How simple it was to draw the great Tirion Fordring out of hiding. You've left yourself exposed, paladin. Nothing will save you.
The Lich King casts a spell on Tirion, weakening him. Tirion falls to one knee; it is all he can do to keep from collapsing.
Highlord Tirion Fordring gasps for air.
Lord Maxwell Tyrosus yells: ATTACK!!
The Lich King yells: APOCALYPSE!
The Lich King begins casting Apocalypse, a powerful spell which kills the Defenders and knocks back the others.
Highlord Darion Mograine says: That day is not today…
Highlord Darion Mograine yells: Tirion!
Darion stands up and throws the Corrupted Ashbringer to Tirion. The blade whirls through the air, tip over pommel, and Tirion catches it.
Highlord Darion Mograine collapses.
Tirion becomes awash with the Light, and Ashbringer is cleansed.
Highlord Tirion Fordring yells: ARTHAS!!!!
The Lich King yells: What is this?
Highlord Tirion Fordring yells: Your end.
Tirion charges towards the Lich King with Ashbringer in hand and strikes. Arthas is injured, but manages to leap back before more damage can be done to him.
The Lich King yells: Impossible…
The Lich King yells: This… is not over!
The Lich King yells: When next we meet, it won't be on holy ground, paladin.
The Lich King teleports. Tirion runs over to where Darion fell, and heals him with Lay On Hands. The Argent Dawn members that are conscious run over to watch. Darion rises to remain kneeling.
[Ropèr]: Paladin…
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: Rise, Darion, and listen…
Syarra steps back, simply watching.
Icaros peers at Highlord Tirion Fordring searchingly.
Tirion walks away from Darion for a distance (a few steps near Thassarian), then turns to face him.
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: We have all been witness to a terrible tragedy. The blood of good men has been shed upon this soil! Honorable knights, slain defending their lives — our lives!
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: And while such things can never be forgotten, we must remain vigilant in our cause!
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: The Lich King must answer for what he has done, and must not be allowed to cause further destruction in our world.
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: I make a promise to you now, brothers and sisters: the Lich King will be defeated! On this day, I call for a union.
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: The Argent Dawn and the Order of the Silver Hand will come together as one! We will succeed where so many before us have failed!
Highlord Tirion Fordring says: We will take the fight to Arthas, and we will tear down the walls of Icecrown!
Highlord Tirion Fordring yells: The Argent Crusade comes for you, Arthas!
Darion stands and faces the Argent Dawn.
Highlord Darion Mograine says: So too do the Knights of the Ebon Blade. Although our kind has no place in your world, we will fight to bring an end to the Lich King. This I vow!
Light washes over the chapel — the Light of Dawn is uncovered.
Corduin removes her helm.
Syarra looks empty.
Corduin blinks her cold, dead eyes.
Icaros leaves his helm where it is. And just stands there.
Ropèr stares across the battlefield towards the chapel.
[Icaros]: Betrayed… again.
Highlord Mograine says: There will be no atonement for us. We are forever damned to walk the earth as monsters. While the Lich King may have loosed his grip upon us, the specters of the past will forever haunt our memories.
Highlord Mograine says: We must make amends in the only way we know how: Death… I ask you now to join me in Acherus as a Knight of the Ebon Blade. Together we will destroy the Lich King and end the Scourge.
Syarra blinks, looking around as if just realizing where she is.
Ropèr rips open that gate, and runs through at full speed.