Jeddaven

Tales of Azeroth: Flames of Chaos

@EzekielApproved!

Tales of Azeroth: Flames of Chaos

Gilneas, Northern Headlands

It'd been ages since Genn heard the sound of tens of thousands of Gilnean soldiers on the march. Years, as far as he could recall -- even when Gilneas had abruptly rejoined the Alliance, its army had practically rushed out from the wall -- but now, with wounds healed and a new weapon in their arsenal, he felt they were truly ready for the war ahead.

Marching astride his army atop his ash-white steed, white fur bleeding into grey and black toward its extremities, he allowed himself a moment to survey the soldiers moving apace before him, past his steed's dark mane.

Toward the fore of the formation stood its most hardened, elite close combat troops, several handfuls' worth of worgen clad in light brigandine and flexible mail, clad in the navy-blue tabards of Gilneas replete with yellow-gold trim. Each one was a towering hulk in their own right, fur ranging from snow white akin to their gin to night-black coats, and everything in between. Unlike many of the other Gilnean soldiers, they carried no weapons -- only their wicked, dagger-like claws and crushing jaws were necessary. At their head stood none other than the towering form of Ivar bloodfang, each shoulder marked with the sword-and-shield icon of a Knight-Champion of the Alliance, so massive that he stood taller than every last person in his already physically outsized unit of shock troops. Every step the man took seemed to radiate cold, barely-contained fury, his rigid movements orchestrated as though his muscles were constantly at tension.

Next came the first units of standard close combat troops -- more worgen, like those who came ahead of them, though generally not nearly as large as the soldiers that followed the Knight-Champion. They all wore the royal livery of Gilneas, replete with sallet-style helms and extended visors, necks protected by reinforced, brassy-gold scale, the very same that covered their legs and arms in brigandine, those few pieces of solid steel visible on their helms, gauntlets, and shoulder a stark, bluish silver.

Perhaps the most archetypal feature of the Gilnean uniform, however, were the reinforced pieces of silvery steel over the nose, around the eyes, and all the way up to the rear of the helmet -- replete with sharp angles and a large spike toward the helmet's top, the design was made to both convey aggression and imitate the three-pronged Gilnean flaw, a band more of steel reach backward along the helmets toward the protruding spike.

"Your Majesty Greymane?"

The voice of his Grand Marshal -- Darius Crowley -- broke him from his reverie, and Genn shifted to face his once friend-turned enemy-turned friend, spending a quiet moment or two regarding the man's concerned expression, framed by his auburn hair and extended goatee.

"You aren't worried about the army, are you? They-"

Genn scoffed, cutting Darius off with an abrupt wave of his hand.

"Not in the least. Not the army." He said, gritting his teeth. "We have what damn well might be the strongest army of the living on Azeroth! Our artillery nearly rivals Khaz Modan in volume, we've enough hand-guns to equip ourselves for years ahead, we have the Worgen -- [i]ourselves[/i.] I'm not worried about the damned army, Crowley."

When he noticed that Darius, the very same man who was trying to depose him a handful of years ago, was still looking at him with that same expression of concern, he sighed in defeat. Whether for his King or for his people, Genn didn't know for certain -- but he had a few guesses.

"You were right. That's it. About the Alliance, about needing to intervene against the Scourge -- can you imagine what would have happened if we brought this to bear when it was asked for? When that disgusting traitor of a Prince left for Northrend, or when he murdered his father? If we'd never left the Alliance in the first place?"

"If you hadn't left the Alliance and dragged us with you, Your Majesty." Genn corrected him, his expression briefly shifting to one of sour hostility before flattening out again.

"But it is, as empty as this may sound, in the past. You're aware of your mistakes, no? That you won't make them again? Your people need you to lead them now, to make up for those mistakes. You know I won't forgive you for what you did. Plenty of people won't -- but all you can do now is do better. You have to."

The concern Darius'd shown was gone now, Genn noted. His features were mostly flat, expressionless -- except for a deep furrowing of his brow. Judging. Silent.

Genn found that reassuring, somehow, managing a sharp nod as he held out a hand, leaning toward Crowley as he pointed toward the looming silhouette of the Greymane Wall.

"We're nearing the gates," he said, clearing his throat.

"Make our presence known!" He shouted -- mere moments later, the sound of drums and brass joined the din of marching feet.

"Louder, louder -- and signal to have those damned gates opened!"

For Gilneas, he thought.

"For Gilneas! For the Alliance!"

Tales of Azeroth: Flames of Chaos

There is nothing here.

Tales of Azeroth: Flames of Chaos

@Jeddaven please have a read and let me know what you think!

@Pagemaster

Accepted!

Tales of Azeroth: Flames of Chaos

Lady Mangus Amama Trueflower

Name: Lady Mangus Amama Trueflower

Faction (if applicable): Quel’Thalas

Rank/Role (What's their 'job' in the faction they play a part in?):

Appearance (images welcome, text description required):

Amana was graced with the elven beauty and dexterity of the Highborn Elves.

As a young girl Amama was a bit of a tomboy, climbing trees, walls, and seeking adventures. She was easy to spot in a crowd, with hair a dark auburn color and her skin was tan. She was always in a dress and normally barefooted. It is rumored that through her use of magic her hair and skin color have changed. Some believe it was just aging or being in her lab and out of the sun. Amama does not really seem to care. Now her hair is a fiery strawberry blond and her skin is pale like a smooth cream.

Even in her middling age, she looks to be a young woman and is hiding her years well. Some believe that the use of magic changed her hair and skin color. Like many nobel women, her hair shows her position and office. When let down her hair can flow like the train of a formal dress. It has not been cut, more than a trim, for over one hundred years. She has a human maid servant just to tend to her hair and clothing. Normally Amama wears it braided so it does not drape the floor. Her eyes are a clear pale blue like emeralds shining in the cool morning light of a winter's day. Her height is slightly over six feet and tends to look down on most humans and most of the women she is around. She is still a thin woman weighing about 130 lbs. Now she has to work to keep the weight off as she has reached middle age.

Like many High Elves, she likes to wear clothing that is more formal. Her dresses are made from soft fabrics like silks, while her magus robe tends to be heavy wool with a gold clasp that has symbols of the Sunstriders and of the Kirin Tor. She wears soft leather footwear that is well cared for.

She chooses the colors depending on the situation. Colorful when she is really trying to be noticed, to either solid white or black depending on the formality of events. She also wears the violet of the Kirin Tor when acting on their behalf.

The jewelry tends to be gold with fine gems. No need to wear silver when you can wear gold. Her items tend to be functional and well made,be it a spell foci or a weapon. In her world everything serves a functional purpose.

She is rarely seen without her red oak staff which has been hardened with enchantments and is her main spell foci. On the top of the staff is an area that is formed by three separate stems that leave the main trunk and hold a rose quartz crystal about the size of her hand that she can make glow.

Personality (especially important for non canon characters, but also for canon characters, so I can grasp how you'll play them):

Amama is a diplomat by nature, a mediator that strives for common ground. She can also have a temper at times, but chooses when to let her anger control her thinking. Personally she is driven by a desire for magical power. She wishes to study Titan and other ancient Artifacts to learn their secrets. While she does not wish to be the Grand Magus or a political leader, she is drawn to power behind the scenes. She sees many leaders as being trapped from having true power and freedom. She does wish to be close to that power as it provides opportunities and benefits that are helpful. Even so, she does see the need for structure and good governance. People need to farm so all can eat. Craft people need to make things, soldiers need to keep order, and so on. Her role in the world is to learn magic and use it to make things better.

As a mage she prefers not to get into situations where she needs to fight. Direct conflict, in her opinion, is best handled, indirectly and by others. If pressed she prefers to fight with her staff over a blade. Given the choice she would avoid killing. When dealing with the Scourge, she uses all of her abilities to fight it.

Her biggest flaw is that she is drawn to expanding her magical powers. An artifact or ancient magical item, would be a temptation to sway her thinking about things.

Amama finds some technology strangely fascinating, though she would rather use her magic than rely on technological devices.

For an Elf, Amama keeps a relatively small servant staff. She has a maid that handles much of her daily things, from her tending to her hair and clothing to cooking. Amama uses her as a sounding board for ideas but only in private.

Biography (at least since PoD, if canon):

Amama was born to a noble house in Quel’Thalas. She is a cousin to Prince Kael’Thas Sunstrider through her father. Her family, like most elves, is involved in the politics of Quel’Thalas and magic. She is not trying to gain the throne of Quel’Thalas. She is sure that Prince Kael’Thas would be better suited for the job.

Her father was a traditionalist, loyal to the crown, and the old ways. He served as a Magister fighting the scourge in the war. Her mother was a Lady and moved in the quieter world of backroom politics and dealing. Protecting the family name and position. This meant many fancy parties, balls, and the required social niceties.

As a young girl Amama wanted to learn all she was allowed. She started early with her magic, having fine tutors. Then came the other important subjects - languages, literature, history, music, and handcrafts. Being able to do needlework was both practical and social.

To this day, Amama still loves learning new things. While this was frowned on by her mother, it was not discouraged. Amama’s argument was that it was important to be better read and more well rounded so that she could discuss things with possible suitors.

When she was about to come of age her father taught her the way of the bow, a necessity to be a proper elf and join the hunts, and the staff as she, even as a child, shied away from spilling blood. Being able to defend herself was important. These were things needed to be a proper elven lady.

As a young noble girl, she found that her magic allowed her to influence others. Her magic could influence other people's perspectives. A little injection of emotion to stir for a cause or away from another. Her belief is that it is no more than what a good speech or the beating of a drum would do, she just uses a bit of magic with it. This was especially useful during her early teenage years, where young women tend to be very conflicted, territorial, and packish. A little bit of terror made her way easier.

After Amama’s father died Amama moved to Dalaran to study magic with the Kirin Tor. This was a touchy thing.

With Kael'thas Sunstrider’s refusal to return home, Lady Amama found herself in a strange place. Her loyalty was torn between the Prince and the King, between Dalaran and Quel’Thalas, and between the Elves and Kirin Tor.

Amama found herself being the one to bring a group of Elven Magi home to help fight against the Scourge with the Scarlet Crusade. She also relayed the message to King Anasterian Sunstrider that Kael’thas refused to return.

Amama offered to be the Grand Magus’ assistant, which would give her access to more magic knowledge from deeper in the Kirin Tor libraries. Kael’thas’ refusal to return home put much of her ambition up in the air.

Powers and other Abilities (what are they capable of?):

Amama is still young as Mage. She is still coming into her true powers, which will take wisdom and experience. Her affinity is towards magics that influence emotions and by using illusions on people and crowds. Her magic can also allow her to read behind words to what people are feeling, which is helpful as a diplomat. Even so, she is quite a capable mage, able to defend herself and use magic in a wide variety of situations. Her usage tends to be more pragmatic in nature. Offensive magics tend to take a higher toll on her.

She has offered to be the Grand Magus’ assistant. This would give her access to more knowledge of magic, allowing her better access to the Kirin Tor libraries and access to more exotic reagents. It would also mean that she would need to “put on being nice” for him at times. Being of a noble house, this was something she has been raised to do.

@Meleck

Accepted.

Tales of Azeroth: Flames of Chaos

The Scarlet Crusade

Name: The Scarlet Crusade (adj.: Lordaeronian)

Held Territories: Hillsbrad Foothills; the Scarlet Monastery and Scarlet Watch; Tyr's Hand; New Avalon and Havenshire; Scarlet Redoubt, Fenris Isle; Chillwind Outpost.

Other Assets: The Church of the Holy Light is the centerpiece of the Scarlet Crusade's formidable power. In the face of the Scourge, the Church is the only edifice of the Capital City which has remained, besides Calia Menethil herself. Furthermore, thanks to the Knights of the Silver Hand, especially its surviving founders, the Holy Light has become the Lordaeronian people's greatest strength in the wake of the Scourging of Lordaeron. The zealotry for the Light found within the Scarlet Crusade is unparalleled...for better and for worse. Southshore Citadel is the new home of the Church of the Holy Light, its walls purpose-built to withstand even the mightiest of siege weaponry, though the city still undergoes construction.

In addition, the Scarlet Crusade has issued a plea and has received invaluable foreign aid. The Old Alliance has been partially reformed, thanks to the efforts of the Crusade and the newly married Greymane-Menethil family to rejoin the disparate forces of the Eastern Kingdoms once more under its holy banner. Dalaran, Gilneas, Gnomeregan, Khaz Modan and the willing Wildhammer clans have all, in some way or another, supplied troops, equipment, livery, training, and civilian skill to the Scarlet Crusade, for which it has been graciously thankful.

Goals and Motivations: There are three primary goals of the Scarlet Crusade: #1: Obliterate the Scourge; #2: Reclaim Lordaeron from the Scourge; #3: Preserve the Menethil line. The motivations of the Scarlet Crusade, however, are far, far from as explicit these three objectives.

For some, this is the will of the Holy Light, to purge the world of the Scourge, and they believe this call goes far beyond the shores of Lordaeron and is a call for the safety of all the world; many in the Crusade are of noble heart and a kindly soul. However many these may be, there are others who divide the purpose of the Crusade.

The surviving noble families of Lordaeron have sought refuge within the Crimson Bulwark; their money, manpower, and authority may have been lessened, but it is not entirely lost. There are those who fight not for the Light, but for the Barovs or their homesteads. There are some who fight for the lords they have lost, such as the good King Terenas Menethil II. There are the volunteer forces who fight for the right of the Lordaeronian people to their own land and for the destruction of the Scourge. There are they who fight because they cannot abide the thought of their families' rotting corpses shambling about...

...And those who are purely filled with a sanctimonious hatred of all things "unclean."

The Third War looms heavily over the people of the Scarlet Crusade, the weight of millions of souls resting on its shoulders. Betrayed by their Prince and driven to the edge of their sanity, it should be no surprise that a certain fanatacism has swept certain remnants of Lordaeron.

Recent History

After the destruction of Dawnstar Spire, everything changed. From what seemed like the end of days, there came a glimmer of life, a pillar of fire forged by the Dwarven King Magni Brozebeard, the Bane of the Scourge...

The Ashbringer.

The Highlord Alexandros Mograine gathered the most trusted, surviving members of the Silver Hand in Southshore, to establish a plan to counteract this Scourge.

The Holy Light of the Ashbringer tore through the Scourge wherever it landed, but it was dedicated to the defense of Hillsbrad as the last bastion of Lordaeron. Yet, there came a brighter light still, a beacon of hope...

Calia Menethil had lived...by the might of the Knights of the Silver Hand, she escaped and rode with Prince Tirion Fordring to the Greymane Wall - all while the other Knights not slain by the Betrayer King gathered with the Highlord Mograine to respond to the disaster at hand. All the founders of the Order but Uther the Lightbringer and Gavinrad the Dire survived the Scourging of Lordaeron. Soon there was the return of Turalyon from beyond the Dark Portal, the marriage of Liam and Calia, the establishment of the Federal Monarchy and the official sanction of the Scarlet Crusade under Highlord Alexandros Mograine and Archbishop Benedictus. Hillsbrad was fortified, and the Southshore Citadel began construction.

The Scarlet Crusade was instituted in conjunction with the Federal Monarchy of Gilneas-Lordaeron. In some ways, it first had become the host of a disgruntled Lordaeronian nobility who, unable to fathom swearing fealty to Liam Greymane, swore themselves to the Holy Light and the reclamation of Lordaeron on behalf of Calia Menethil (or, really, themselves) in the meantime.

However, over the course of a grueling war against the Scourge and Arthas, peoples of all kinds - elf, human, orc, dwarf, gnome, and troll - refugees, volunteers, veterans, farmers, mages, and many, many others were welcomed with open arms by the Knights of the Silver Hand and the Church of the Holy Light into the Hillsbrad Foothills. For orcs and trolls, amnesty was given under the condition that they accept the Light as they understood it and join the Crusade in whatever capacity they were most capable.

This has caused much turmoil within the Crusade, as there are many who struggle to accept the new reality of working side-by-side with their former, life-long enemies. However, the fierce religiosity and dedication of the people to the Light has pushed back against the racial clashes erupting in this strange new organization and the places it touches. In the Crusade, there is one thing which binds all of its members together - the Scourge. Be it the Culling of Stratholme or the Corruption of Zeb'Watha, all of its citizens have suffered at the hands of the Scourge. The Scourge binds the most fervent members of the Crusade to the least. Until the Eastern Kingdoms are freed from the Undead Menace, the citizens of this Crusade cannot and will not betray each other to such a fate as Undeath.

This military order of the Church attempted, with Gilneas, to employ the Worgen in the First Silverpine Offensive a bit more than three and a half years ago. Although a tactical success with the capture of Fenris Isle and Shadowfang Keep, it was a strategic failure thanks to the Worgen Curse which spread throughout the forest and the isle. However, this did not deter the Crusade, which turned outwards for assistance along with Gilneas and has spent the last three and a half years

Now better prepared thanks to the aid of a strange elven people from beyond the Great Sea, the Scarlet Crusade

Key Players:

Grand Crusader Alexandros Mograine, the Ashbringer - The Supreme Commander of the Scarlet Crusade, Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand (founding member), Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. Many military honors.

Grand General, Prince Tirion Fordring - The Primary Strategist and First Military Officer of the Crusade after the Grand Crusader, Highlord of the Knights of the Silver Hand (founding member), Prince of Hearthglen, Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. Many military honors.

Field Marshal, Turalyon - Hero of the Alliance, Field Commander of the Crusade, Highlord of the Knights of the Silver Hand (founding member), Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. Veteran of the Alliance Expedition to Outland. Awarded the Sigil of the Lightbringer for going above and beyond the call of duty in the face of overwhelming odds. Awarded the Shroud of the Lightbringer, for distinction in service in Quel'Thalas.

Field Marshal Saidan Dathrohan - Field Commander of the Crusade, Highlord of the Knights of the Silver Hand (founding member), Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. Many military decorations.

High General Abbendis - High General of the Scarlet Crusade, Highlord of the Knights of the Silver Hand, Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. Many military decorations.

Archbishop Benedictus - The Spiritual Father of the Crusade and Leader of the Church of the Holy Light.

Lord-Crusader Weldon Barov - Sole Survivor of the Barov Family and rightful Lord of Tarren Mill, Caer Darrow, Brill, and Southshore.

High Inquisitor Fairbanks - High Inquisitor of the Scarlet Crusade, Advisor to the Grand Crusader Mograine, Veteran of the Second and Third Wars.

High Wizard Arellas Fireleaf - High Wizard of the Scarlet Crusade, Ambassador to Dalaran, Veteran of the Second and Third Wars.

Grand Crusader Alexandros Mograine, the Ashbringer

Name: Alexandros Mograine, the Ashbringer

Faction: The Scarlet Crusade

Rank/Role: Grand Crusader of the Scarlet Crusade - A. Mograine is the head of the whole of the Scarlet Crusade.

Appearance:

Personality: Needless to say, Mograine is a man driven by his duty to the Light and his duty to his people. If one were to ask him, Mograine would say that he is a paladin of the Silver Hand, a priest-warrior dedicated to the preservation of all of Azeroth and to the good of all peoples on its surface. Though not known for being the most patient person, he is remarkably understanding of the many cultures which have come to clash in the Eastern Kingdoms. In the wake of the Scourge, he has come to recognize the inherent value of even orcs and trolls, whom he had once called his most hated enemy.

He is a veteran of both the Second and Third Wars and as such he is a battle-hardened military man who knows how to place the objective of a mission before his own personal glory. As well, he is a proud subject of Lordaeron - he would be the first to call Liam Greymane his king and Calia his queen (and Weldon Barov his lord); furthermore, he would be the first to lay down his life for his fellow man (or non-man!). He is a man wholly dedicated to the cause of the Scarlet Crusade and has even given his only two sons to the Order of the Silver Hand.

If the Grand Crusader has any fault, it is his overwhelming hatred of the Scourge and particularly the Lich King and the paranoia spawned by the insidious nature of the Cult of the Damned. Ever since the failure of the First Silverpine Offensive, Mograine has spent nearly every waking moment either in prayer, with foreign dignitaries, organizing troops in the war-room, or planning the Scarlet Crusade's growth and security with his First Advisor, High Inquisitor Fairbanks. Alexandros, like many of his comrades, has known only war for the greater part of his life, and it has come to shape how he understands the world around him.

Biography: Since the destruction of Lordaeron and Dawnstar Spire, Mograine had become the leader of the first organized Lordaeronian resistance and for the past four and a half years, he has led an unending war against the Scourge.

After the failure of the Scourge at the walls of Quel'Thalas and the sudden disappearance of the commanders Balnazzar and Mal'Ganis, the Knights of the Silver Hand were able to reorganize in the far south of Lordaeron and several secure locations throughout the Old Kingdom, under the leadership of then-Highlord Alexandros Mograine. Under Alexandros' command, the Knights of the Silver Hand were able to regroup with the remnants of the Lordaeronian army and nobility and form a united front against the Scourge in the Silverpine Forest. In a combined effort, they were able to organize rescue efforts in what remained of the Eastweald, Westweald, and Tirisfal Glades. Mograine learned early on that, until Arthas could be countered or killed, retaking land from the Scourge was a waste - what was most important was saving lives.

During that first year of the Scourge, Alexandros struggled, though he had been given the Ashbringer by King Magni Bronzebeard. Men, food, water, weapons...everything was in short supply. Disaster was averted nearly every week. It was only when Calia Menethil had been brought to the western tower of Hillsbrad, riding upon General Abbendis' horse, that the Highlord Mograine had a moment to breathe. With her counsel and assistance, Alexandros was able to get the help he required

Through Calia's marriage to Liam Greymane, Gilnean troops came to the aid of Alexandros and his resistance, then formalized as the Scarlet Crusade. Thanks to this turn of events, the Silver Hand and the remnants of the Lordaeronian peoples were able to put up a solid defense of the Foothills, and even begin to push back. It was around that time, about a year into the conflict, that Alexandros came to learn that Arthas had left the Eastern Kingdoms. He and many others felt it was time to act.

What was meant to have been the secret weapon needed to destroy the Scourge turned disastrous. Many faithful men and women of the Crusade were turned to horrible wolf-creatures, doomed to attack those they held dear when their minds were overtaken by the Curse.

With the failure of the offensive, Mograine decided to focus on building an overwhelming force to knock out the Scourge once and for all. For the past three and a half years, he has been amassing that force. Now, he has called upon his allies, both current, prospective, and old, to come the aid of the Crusade in its war against the Scourge.

Powers and other Abilities:

Grand Master of the Silver Hand: Alexandros Mograine excels in the use of the Light both in and out of combat. Whether it be consecrating the land around him to burn the flesh of ne'er-do-wells or healing his companions, Mograine stands as a Champion of the Light.

Old Guard: Alexandros is an expert swordsman who has now seen over a decade of active combat. Even without the use of the Light, he is still a force of reckoning.

The Ashbringer: The pies de resistance, for which Alexandros has earned the moniker he now carries. The Ashbringer is a powerful sword named for its ability to slaughter the undead and leave nothing but ash in its wake. The legendary sword was crafted by King Magni Bronzebeard on the Great Anvil of Ironforge, and was infused with the Holy Light. It's core was made from a corrupted orb taken from an orcish warlock in the Second War at the battle of Blackrock Mountain.

@Erezrim

Accepted!

Tales of Azeroth: Flames of Chaos

Khaz Modan Dwarves

Name: The Ironforge Dwarves of Khaz Modan.

Held Territories: Khaz Modan and all its holdings.

Other Assets:
The Great Forge: The largest and most powerful forge in Azeroth, where the most legendary items can be crafted by the skilled hands of the Dwarves.

War Machines: Notable tinkerers like their Gnomish cousins, the Dwarves make guns, steam tanks, mortars, gyrocopters, and much more.

Legions of Dwarf Warriors: The Dwarves are a war-like people, purpose built for labor and warfare. Even the Orcs begrudgingly admire their strength and toughness. With axe, shield, and armor, the Ironforge Dwarves are terrible to behold on the battlefield.

Goals and Motivations: To restore the old Alliance, the help the humans retake Lordaeron, to get vengeance on Arthas for the death of Muradin, and to retake Gnomeragon. More inwardly, to rekindle the old powers of the Dwarves from their past.

Recent History (at least since PoD, if canon): The history of the Dwarves is long and storied, the oldest records going back two thousand years. However, one could perhaps argue the most recent conflicts are the most prevalent. No other time in Khaz Modan's long annals had it ever been conquered, even if only on the surface level, and yet the immense Horde of Orgrim Doomhammer managed to hold most of the unoccupied land the Ironforge Dwarves held.

Once Khaz Modan was retaken and Grim Batol was purged of the Orc and Dragon menace, the Dwarves began to reforge their Kingdom. Over the next few years, the Dwarves rebuilt their strength, and by the time of the Third Great War, the Dwarves sent their aid to Lordaeron, and had already send colonists to Norththrend for expansion and colonization. A new cultural goal had developed, prompting not just forging and warfare buit excavation and archaeology of the Dwarves storied history.

Following the Scourge's invasion, the Dwarves lost contact with their colony in Northrend and Muradin Bronzebeard, the King's brother, presumed dead. The Dwarves sent to Lordaeron were also decimated as the human population was, and a Trogg invasion of Gnomeragon has ravaged their close cousins, the Gnomes. Magni Bronzebeard and his coincil have risen in wrath, and the last four years Khaz Modan has been mobilizing for vengeance and war.

Key Players: Magni Bronzebeard (King), Brann Bronzebeard (Explorer/King's Brother) High Priest Gheradin (Priest), Thargas Anvilmar (Senator/Warrior), Khargos Gildenhalls (Senator/Merchant), Brawner Mountainrunner (Scout Captain).

King Magni

Name: Magni Bronzebeard, High Thane of Ironforge and King of Khaz Modan

Faction (if applicable): Ironforge Dwarves

Rank/Role: King/High Thane

Appearance: A heavily muscled and large dwarf, clad in a resplendent crimson cape and a magically enchanted and gilded, masterfully crafted plate armor. True to the name of his clan, his beard is reddish brown and thick, cuffed with gold and styled immaculately. Wearing a crown of gold with a red diamond at its center, his blue eyes are steeled and his hands generally grasp his two, huge, runic hammers imbued with various blessings and runes of buffing and damage.

Personality: Magni is charismatic and a fine, albeit spur-of-the-moment orator, he has a strong will and powerful opinions. He cares deeply for his people and the honor of his clan, and tries his best to balance his cares between them. He has worn the kingly mask so many years, he only really shows his dry wit and doubts in rare instances in private.

Biography (at least since PoD, if canon): Having been King of Khaz Modan since the Second War, where he led his dwarven fighters into combat personally and slew many Orcs, Magni shares in the toils of his brethren with typical dwarven stoicism. He led the defense of his homeland and kept the Orcs at bay for years, enduring orc axes and dragon flames.

With charisma, he renewed the dwarven spirit and relit the forges and reestablished trade with the outside world once the horde had been routed. For many years he played an administrative role, but the Third Great War reared its head, Magni did not hesitate.

Sending mortars and gyrocopters to Lordaeron for aid in its defense, he mobilized his forces to guard the passes and hold off the restless dead to keep the passes open for refugees. At some point during the war, Magni had to take part in the fighting himself and fought alongside Chen Stormstout, a panderan brewmaster. The two became fast friends.

Near the end of the war, he received news of his brother's death and the betrayal of Arthas, as well as the news their northern colony was decimated. He went to the council and gave an impassioned speech, prompting them to mobilize their forces not only for a defense, but a full northward assault. Unfortunately, the Troggs arriving and attacking their Gnomish allies have slowed them down far more than Magni would like, he is patient and dangerous. He already sent a charter and another group of tough dwarves with fighting experience to travel to northrend again and reestablish a base there.

His latest activity, other than the soon-to-be-enacted plan to route the Troggs, is to send twelve hundred dwarven soldiers to the aid the Scarlet Crusade under Thargas Anvilhammer, as well as three hundred priests and paladins under the watchful eyes of Gheradin, the High Priest of Ironforge.

Powers and other Abilities:

• Powerful and skilled in close combat.
• Able to throw his hammers great distances.
• Is tough and armored.
• Can break stone and cause shockwaves.
• Has the avatar state, increasing his strength, toughness, and size.

@POOHEAD189

Accepted!

Tales of Azeroth: Flames of Chaos

Gnomeregan

Name: Gnomeregan



Held Territories: Gnomeregan Valley. Shimmer Ridge and other traditional Frostmane territories west of Gnomeregan still held by the Frostmane tribe.

Other Assets: what most distinguishes Gnomeregan is its incredibly advanced technology -- from robotics to punchard computing, mastery of electricity, and technological manipulation of magic normally available only to specialized magic users, the gnomes have it all. Their most militarily valuable asset is perhaps the Deeprun tram running from Stormwind to Gnomeregan then terminating in Ironforge -- but gnomes also possess incredibly advanced flying machines and armor, from full tactical bombers to machine gun-armed fighters, steam tanks, agile spider tanks, speedy mechanostriders, or communication technologies like Wizbang Cranktoggle’s Buzzboxes.

Gnomish forces, though extremely small both literally and figuratively, are heavily supplemented by aircraft, tanks, and robots, making them a powerful force to be reckoned with. The Gnomeregan Covert Ops led by Kelsey Steelspark are also one of the most capable Covert Ops units in the Alliancez using their advanced technology and small size to engage in highly effective covert operations. Although the city itself is still somewhat vulnerable to underground attack, since the trogg invasion, sensitive seismic sensors have been installed to detect similar incursions before they occur in the future.

Goals and Motivations: Gnomeregan is one of the few societies on Azeroth that’s completely evolved beyond the need for absolute rule, governed as a democracy, albeit one that highly values academic acumen. Nonetheless, it can be truthfully said that there are no unhoused persons in Gnomeregan, every last citizen being adequately cared for.

Above all else, however, Gnomeregan seeks technological advancement, both to improve the quality of life of the Alliance and to reinforce its military capabilities. Gnomeregan has few if any territorial ambitions, though the city itself does occasionally expand deep beneath the surface of Azeroth.

Recent History: once entombed by the Titans in Uldaman, the Troggs -- a failed creation driven mad by the biological instability of their minds and bodies -- unleashed by Dwarven exploration of their containment, followed the fleeing explorers home, digging rapidly through the earth. Unbeknownst to the Dwarves, in fleeing directly home, they'd brought the Troggs with them -- but not to Gnomeregan.

Attracted by the artificial noise emanating from Gnomeregan through rock and soil, the Troggs abruptly changed course towards the source. Not long after reaching Gnomeregan, the troggs breached its walls, pouring into the lowest depths of Gnomeregan in an attempt to find the source of the noise.

The gnomes were left with no option but to fight -- if they did shut down the things attracting the troggs, they'd be effectively hammering the nails on their civilization's coffin.

And so, as such, the Tinker's Court voted to fight the troggs. For the next three months, that was exactly what they did, duly informing Ironforge of the situation but refusing reinforcements in effort to avoid distracting from the war with the Scourge.

That changed three months later, however.

Little progress had been made in repelling the troggs, thanks to their sheer numbers -- but with the Scourge busy besieging Quel'Thalas, the Tinker's Court deemed it reasonable to call for reinforcements from Ironforge, despite Mekgineer Thermaplugg's insistence on venting radiation into the lower levels to exterminate the troggs. With the help of Ironforge, they were able to keep the troggs at bay while Gnomeregan's scientists and engineers sought a solution.

With time -- nearly a year of research -- they arrived at a solution: if trogg behaviour was affected by sound, then sound could be used to turn them against each other. A device called the S.A.D.D. (Sound and Arcane Disruption Device) was deployed, using sound and magic to turn the troggs against each other, effectively wiping out the Uldaman strain in less than a week.

In lieu of the victory -- and Thermaplugg's rabid insistence that his method was the only permanent solution -- the Tinker's Court launched a prompt investigation into Thermaplugg, and just in the nick of time, with enforcements officers discovering Thermaplugg attempting to build an illegal radiological device. They attempted to arrest him, however, in order to prevent Thermaplugg from detonating the device, they were forced to kill him.

Gnomeregan immediately set about rebuilding and expanding, its engineers bringing their knowledge to bear in the fight against the Scourge. Airfields supporting Gnomish and Dwarven aircraft were rapidly constructed in various places in Alliance territory, Gnomish robots and peasant workers put to work constructing ammunition depots able to keep their powerful technology supplied. The Gnomes were unable to participate in the first Silverpine Offensive, but as the second approaches, they stand ready to bring to bear technological wonders the likes of which the world has never seen... Or so they think.

Key Players:

Dr. Pippi Lightspark, Director of L.A.M.P. (Light Acquisition and Magic Proliferation): as the director of LAMP, Dr. Zapswitch is Gnomeregan’s preeminent expert on technological manipulation of magic, from the Holy Light to the Arcane. She's already made substantial progress, from technological devices capable of counterspelling, to devices that fire beams of energy identical in function and effect to the Holy Light. Her position makes her somewhat controversial outside of Gnomeregan, however -- though her work is generally not viewed as a violation by the Church of the Holy Light. She is, however, a highly suspicious person despite her general kindness, and views darker magics as highly dangerous, in a strange mirror of the very same things she seeks to manipulate with science. Predictability, in other words, is her preference.

Kelsey Steelspark: head of Gnomeregan's newly formed Covert Ops division, Kelsey Steelspark, in spite of her small size, is an incredibly lethal assassin in addition to the typical genius of Gnomes. Hers lies in the arts of warfare, sabotage, and, of course, precise application of explosives (unlike those reckless Goblins), though she's also possessed of a knack for picking apart and spotting lies that might not be expected of Gnomanity. Young and recently promoted, she's yet to prove herself on the battlefield, already drawing up plans for sabotage against the Scourge.

Gelbin Mekkatorque

Name:

Faction: Gnomeregan, Khaz Modan

Rank/Role: High Tinker of Gnomeregan

Appearance:

Relatively well-built and tall for a Gnome, among his people, Gelbin strokes a relatively imposing figure -- among his people, at least. At 4'2", he's still dwarfed by practically all of his allies, though Gelbin's white Burnside whiskers and bald held belie his well-earned experience -- if not the stately, confident manner in which he carried himself.His bright green eyes nearly match the color of his neon goggles, piercing and unfaded despite his substantial age, his face framed by a large arrow-shaped nose and equally large, rounded ears.

Personality: creative, compassionate, and intelligent, Gnomeregan's High Tinker in many ways represents the best of Gnomanity -- the very reason why he was voted in as High Tinker, and is well-loved by his people even despite his inability to realize Thermaplugg's hostile ambitions. Although traumatized by his best friend's betrayal, above all else, Gelbin understands his duty to both Gnomanity and the Alliance, and, with the enthusiastic support of his people, is both willing and able to do everything he can to help his friends -- especially putting his immense genius to work making the lives of Alliance citizens better and better equipping its soldiers.

Biography: though shocked and surprised by the Trogg invasion of Gnomeregan, Gelbin remained stoic in the face of horror. He was Gnomeregan's leader, after all, and that meant putting aside Gelbin -- at least for a little while -- to become the High Tinker. Trogg progress into the city, thankfully, was slow at first. Unfortunately for Gelbin, however, as more Troggs poured in, more tunnels were dug -- and slowly but surely, the Gnomes were being pushed back with no signs of immediate relief.

Gelbin and the Tinkers' court wrestled with the decision of whether or not to ask the Alliance for military aid. If they did ask, Ironforge would surely provide whatever was asked for... But doing so would draw the stretched-thin Alliance forces away from the war with the undead Scourge -- and was it really the correct long term decision to pull troops away from the war that threatened to annihilate them all, despite the inherent advantages an active Gnomeregan would provide?

Gelbin's decision was suddenly made for him when the Scourge struggled to breach the First Elfgate, and Gilneas abruptly rejoined the Alliance. Now, Ironforge had plenty of spare troops -- and so, the call went out, and the Bronzebeards answered. With Dwarven help, the Gnomes would have enough time to think of a safe, effective solution, just as they always did. His most trusted friend, Sicco Thermaplugg, insisted on flooding the Trogg tunnels with radiation, and although his plan could theoretically work, Gelbin refused on the grounds that it would risk contaminating the environment or spreading throughout the city (despite Thermaplugg's insistence that he could contain it), not that his friend let up.

Soon, their research bore fruit -- a device was engineered that used sound to manipulate Trogg behavior, turning them against each other in a maddened frenzy.

In the face of Thermaplugg's increasingly rabid insistence that his method would be the only successful one, Gelbin reluctantly ordered a prompt investigation into Thermaplugg's activities, resulting in his accidental death when the Gnomes apprehending him were forced to kill him to prevent the detonation of a "dirty" bomb.

Devastated, Gelbin nonetheless soldiered on, endeavoring to repay the Alliance for its assistance in their hour of need with expansive packages of military and civil aid -- all with the wonders of Gnomish technology.

Powers and other Abilities: although physically imposing for a Gnome, Gelbin's true power comes from his immense intellect and the devices he is able to design with it. These include a personal mechanostrider, his very own spider tank, and a work-in-progress Steam Armor.

Tinkmaster Overspark: alongsider Oglethorpe Obnoticus, Overspark is one of Gnomeregan's foremost robotics expert, and the driving force behind its prolific use of artificial constructs to expand its army and thus spare Gnomish lives. He's also a wireless communications expert, and, although generally a serious person, he's more than willing to speak with those curious about Gnomish engineering, and even endeavors to teach those who make the effort of finding him -- when his busy schedule as Gelbin's foremost advisor permits it.

Milhouse Manastorm: although only slightly sane, Milhouse is, unquestionably, Gnomeregan's most potent mage, easily counted among one of the most outright powerful in Azeroth. He is, however, incredibly unpredictable and difficult to control, and though he is a citizen of Gnomeregan, his loyalties to it are only present in the loosest sense. Nonetheless, he is eager to prove his ability, acquire strange artifacts, and, most of all, blow something up, a passion that his wife, Millificent, shares. Despite his insanity, however, he is effectively incorruptible -- in the spiritual sense.

Captain Tread Sparknozzle: one of Gelbin's advisors and perhaps one of the most seriously-mannered Gnomes, Captain Sparknozzle commands Gnomeregan's Air Intervention Regiment (A.I.R.), its home-grown air force and an organization of the most elite pilots in Azeroth. A.I.R. is equipped with the best equipment available, all at the command of its highly capable, hard-nosed commander.

Tales of Azeroth: Flames of Chaos

Kahet-Fera

Name:
Kahet-Fera (The City of the Hunt)

Held Territories:
During its height, the Nerubian Empire had tunnels and settlements throughout the Northrend underground. Sholazar Basin is home to such a network as well, through the only area above ground that the Nerubians living there have claimed for themselves is around the Suntouched Pillar.

Other Assets:
Due to the pillars of Sholazar, the Scourge cannot invade the region either above or below ground. The various magical crystals of the region are also a resource.

There are other still living Nerubian factions in the world. While they are more then welcome to join Kahet-Fera, the situation currently requires all Nerubians to work together in some fashion, regardless of allegiances.

Unlike the rest of the Nerubian Empire, Kahet-Fera's location in Sholazar Basin caused the development of a special caste of Nerubian Seers; Shamans. While the idea of a Nerubian becoming a shaman wasn't unheard of in other places in the Empire, Sholazar's overwhelming strong natural energy and its elements being much less bloodthirsty and cruel then elsewhere on Northrend resulted in a surprisingly large number of Shaman Seers to be born or trained in the region.

Goals and Motivations:
During what has been called 'The War of the Spider', the Nerubian Empire was broken and the surviving Nerubian people decimated and scattered by the Scourge while the dead were raised to join its ranks. While Kahet-Fera largely escaped the direct horrors of the war, their current goals are two fold: Ensure that their people have a future by saving as many of the survivors as they can and destroy the Scourge.

There is also a desire to create a new Empire, but exactly what form that Empire will take is somewhat hazy at this early stage. There is also a respect and interest in the workings of the Titans on Azeroth.

Recent History:
Before the War of the Spider, Kahet-Fera was simply a distant colony of the Nerubian Empire. Separated from Azjol-Nerub in Dragonblight by a great deal of the continent, Kahet-Fera was originally set up as an outpost in order for the Spiderlords to hunt the bountiful wildlife in the wilderness of Sholazar Basin. The idea of the area becoming a breadbasket for the empire was considered a number of times, but the resources and political push to convert the Basin into a proper farming region simply never manifested.

When the War of the Spider came, Kahet-Fera never came under direct attack by either the Scourge or the minions of the Old Gods. The Scourge never entered the Basin in order to wage war there (even if the local Nerubians didn't understand why) and as such, there was never any direct pressure for Kahet-Fera to dig deeper into the earth and uncover things best left alone. The armies of Kahet-Fera marched to war anyway to protect other parts of their empire all the same... few of those brave warriors would return. What did come the other way were refugees and survivors of the conflict.

As the rest of the Empire fell silent and the trickle of survivors stopped coming, those that remained in Kahet-Fera prepared to defend their home and their lives from the invaders... only for them never to come. While they waited for over a year for the attack to come, the Scourge simply never came. The answer to why the invasion never came was answered by the newly appointed royal Vizier, the Shaman Seer Droka; Communing with the Elements, they revealed that due to something that the Titans had done to the Basin long in the distant past, the life energy of the Basin was powerful enough that the undead simply couldn't enter it.

In the years that followed, the forces of Kahet-Fera have continued the long war against the Scourge, through most of their goals were based on locating other Nerubian survivors. This period also brought about an... awkward question to be discussed; As lowly as the other species are, should we reach out to them anyway to develop alliances going forward?



Key Players:
Shaman Seer/Vizier Droka:
A relatively young Nerubian, Droka has been promoted to his position recently due to an unfortunate truth; He was the most qualified person for the position because everyone more qualified then himself was either too old to march to war and passed away recently, or went off to said war with the Scourge and never returned. His appointment is very much a 'Best of a bad situation' deal and everyone knows it... through in fairness, he is at least trying to step up to the challenge presented to him.

Queen Sunah'gevam:
The Queen of Kahet-Fera. Queen Sunah'gevam is a highly revered figure among her people, in part because Kahet-Fera is her domain and thus most of its locals are her brood, but also due to her advanced age. She has led her people through times both prosperous and harsh for many centuries, but nothing as destructive and cruel as the War of the Spider. Her remaining time in this world is limited and she knows it... but until her daughter produces her first clutch of eggs she is going to carry on to the best of her ability.

Princess Rezal'soram:
The eldest surviving daughter of Queen Sunah'gevam, Rezal'soram has barely entered her 23rd year of life. By the standards of her people she is kind hearted, and thus the weight of the loss of Nerubian life has crashed down on her heavily because her position and access to the grander picture of the War of the Spider means she has a very clear picture of what has happened, despite her young age. When she isn't overseeing her duties or studies, Rezal can normally be found helping the weavers create memorial tapestries.

@Bright_Ops

This looks great! Love the Nerubians and this expansion on them. I will need a charseet for the Queen and/or Princess, howerever, and/or whoever else you deem appropriate. Ince that'sdone, you'r accepted.

Tales of Azeroth: Flames of Chaos

The big starting factions are almost up! Horde is still needed, if anyone's lurking, as is Stormwind.