Reviews:

Guest 1: It all depends on if she researched like she claims, or is just still with a stick up her arse. But IDK why there seems to be such a "they wont acdept another faith" attitude, the list of Minor deities and acdepted Gods in the Empire's territory is extensive. Though certainly followers of the Light would be under extensive scrutiny until they can prove themselves against chaos. Which really is going to be hard to do because chaos corruption is extremely blindsighting since at first they look so blatant and obvious but then you realize that voice in the back of your head telling you that you can save everyone now has you selling your soul to Khorne to "save" everyone.

and As I've tried to describe Priests and Paladins of Azeroth are more closely related to Chaos Sorcerers mechanically speaking in that its their own magical power, followed by divine blessing making the whole thing all the stronger.

Guest 2: Yeah i find it really annoying how Blizzard has more or less shafted Warfare on Azeroth. I mean hell it's just plain good tactics apparently to allow a mob of 30ish dudes to fight one or two of your commanders, or vital war equipment, who will fight all by themselves against those 30ish guys...no need to intercept them with your own 30ish guys or help your commanders as they get mobbed.

and then we see the faintest hints of formations in the background of the whole thing only for those to get absolutely sharted on by Blizzard, and more and more internal logic destroying details get used with no explanation. like seriously by Warcraft 3s time at this rate melee should have been gone from Azeroth forever based off some of the "wez so stronk" arguements I've seen. And I'm just left there going, you ruined your internal consistency for a chance to prove how stronk you are? I didn't play Warcraft 3 to have Goku shouting for five episodes and then destroy the world with an attack that didn't even scratch his opponent, I played it for the first word in its two part name war, Footmen and Grunts are part of your universe and they exiat for a reason outside of dying so some magic caster can look cool.

Guest 3: Yeah go Avenah it's your birthday, it's tour birthday.

Guest 4: She says she is. and the Demolishers got Demolished. It's amazing what some simple military planning can do, the Chaos Dwarves didn't even need to hire adventurers, they just waited for the Demolishers to fire a few times then droped a bomb on their position.

Guest 5: It's because the GW executives hate the idea of a cultural and ideologically diverse setting, let alone allowing their fans to have different ideas than what's the approved corporate Orthodoxy. Thats why Sigmar went from Nudist super chad who supports individual action and selflessness, to God-Emperor 2.0 complete with Space Marines you should sit around and wait for to save you. Also their combo of financial laziness and disconnect from fans meant we'd never get a more mainline exploration of some of the Empire's various faiths, let alone the Southern Realms.

Guest 6: The Alliance did, but I just have sort of sidelined that for story quality reasons. But things are taking place in Ostermark as well, but in a more bording process.

OscuroSignore-51: for the question so far it changes very little. I only can celebrate because it pushes us further from AoS, and while i like some of the AoS armeis and models. i dislike the gameplay and the lore behind it, like Stormcast eternals, blatant Spezz mahrine attempt with some crummy lore, and a worse setting...but would be amazing as Sigmar's "not daemons" that he sends down specifically to save mortals from threats that are beyond the WHFB world.

and while i love to rip on the Naaru...i mean they chose a bunch of long lived morons to be their champions "We're going to run away from home because we forgot to warn our closest friends Satan was coming for a visit, but we're going to forget where home is and just hope we don't accidentally run right back to home." I love Draenei, most played Alliance race but you got to admit they're pretty nieve and stupid at times. But the Naaru considering that well before they arrived on Azeroth were able to grant powers enough that a whole massive religion popped up and that religion basically is half the human military, they're doing pretty good.

micelzod: Stormwind's got a lot to deal with, but we'll them very soon. as for the Maelstrom, best description i got is that it's a drain that relies on a whirlpool extra drainage can never hurt...except when they disrupt that whirlpool...and of course the unforseen consequences of where that drainage goes because on the end where it comes out not all drainage is good drainage.

Hakuryuu: The Ar-Ulric, and Volkmar considering that he's the guy she's picking a fight with.

Random Anon: Haters gonna hate the best chaos faction out there. Also "Horde my lord, they are as brutish as they are stupid..." The advisors secret plot to drive Sylvanas insane letting her know about Ogres.

Kit: I knew he with his cold, despicable and serious demonor would be a instant fan favorite.

As for the battle, thanks.

and the Warhammer info yeah it's a bit wild. since it's been around longer than 40k it's got the most varience in the lore, and then GW more or less hates WHFB fans. So everything I state is meant to be taken a bit loosely by you all, or highlight certain details about either world.

In a very broad sense though Azeroth=more readily available magic, questionablly (in terms of actual significance, because some of their in universe story telling and mechanics fall apart if you take it at face value) better tech but certainly more armored vehicles and flying stuff, better campaign mobility, better champions and higher moral, lots of little suprises and advantages

Warhammer= Larger armies, more disciplined troops but usually probably not better skilled (if a Ork who talks to and fights himself like a lunatic can get his Orks to form orderly battlelines then for any Ork who'd know what those are or care enough to try can), nastier monsters more readily at the disposal of the armies, slightly more reasonable leaders and better "unnamed" leaders. (Azeroth almost hyper focuses on the big name characters and has a tendency to sideline guys who would have been better suited for a task cuz you know the best guy to send to a peace negotiation is the guy wearing the other leader's brother's skull- didn't happen but it's that level, and their leaders used to be the more reasonable and better statesmen of the two settings but Blizzard seemed to think that Warhammer End Times level bad writing was the best thing for their series). And I'd say Azeroth has a lot more to currently bring and the advantage, but GW's writers apparently forgot what "scale" is and dramatically pumped up some of the numbers just before end times so it almost balances out, but the edge still goes Azeroth's way.

ww1990ww: We'll have to see.

Army Formations of Azeroth

So as i've and several forums have gone on with Warcraft fans one detail in the back and forths involving formations has kept coming up. And then researching the Azerothean militaries a few sad details have cropped up that's a sad reality both ways but on the side that most needs addrsssing:

1) Many people seem to not quite understand formations. This I blame on the, admittedly highly effective, European block formations like the phalanx. Formations are still in use today, both in squad firefights, tank movements, fleets (the formations of fleets really exposes the priorities and doctrines of national militaries modernly), and even basic convoys and full battlelines.

But formations also historically has involved units as small as the Chinese "Go" a five man unit , 10 man units i can't find a name for, and 25 man units then scaling up to thousands all working in a complex formation of soldiers. Even Azeroth, even in their poor military representation in WoW, show signs of needing or straight having mitary formations dedicated to particular tasks.

2) As i touched on, Azeroth's military got a extremely poor showing in WoW which often leads people to often come to one of two conclusions. A: "Oh wow look at the foes they beat these guys can't even be challenged by petty lesser fantasy worlds" or B: "WTF these guys basically depend on adventurers and plot to do absolutely everything for them, lazy losers wouldn't last a minute on their own."

Which isn't really fair from either side of that analysis since it doesn't touch on the function of militaries at all. Which is exasperated by whenever the game shows a new detachment or elite task force its the same basic guys with a different statline that could more easily be explained as trying to balance against player level progression as the tactics and everything else is either ignored or unable to be adequately or even in a remotely fun way represented in a "Holy Trinity" driven RPG (Holy Trinity is tank, dps, healer, and it often sucks the tactics or variety out of a game)

Both those factors seem to have really hurt Azeroth as a ppace for military fiction and I personally think severely hurt it when time for BFA came around as Blizzard had no scale, organization, or limits of any kind to work with so we ended up with the DBZ and Superman effects both coming into play spoiling the whole expansion's plotline. Yet enough evidence and weapons exist for us to try and cover the formations here.

So as my "BIG" Project before this chapter I figured I'd work on a bit of a breakdown of likely formations based on the unit types, most likely preferred strategies, national military philosophies, and moral philosophies, and resources in terms of material, man power and logistics of each state.

Also before I start, i will emphasize that I think Azeroth would use a formation system more like the ancient chinese where formations are like a arrangement of small unit formations into a larger combination so many combinations can be tried or created on more or less on the fly, but some particular larger formations will be seen routinely. But since this is "BIG" I'll likely break it into multiple parts to save you all the pain of scrolling past this in a uncaring frustration to get to the story.

Horde Formations

Durotar: First up will be the central block of the Horde. The metaphorical glue connecting all the races, the Orcs of Durotar. Now they have the most presence in both terms of present individuals, sub militaries, and strategy game history. The state has the Orc species, often rolls in the alternate Draenor Mag'har Orcs, and includes the Warcraft Ogres. We'll keep the Alternative Draenor Orcs seperate because their tech and philosophies regarding warfare will actually be fairly different leading to different formations.

Now the first details of the state of Durotar is the history and resources which will tie into the organization of their military. First the state is actually one born out of the Horde rather than one that merged into it. And as such Durotar has three details of philosophy that will impact the military planning that goes into their formations.

1) Multinationalist military: Basically Durotar will always expect to be fighting to support or with the support of the allied states.

2) Clan unity: The Orc clans are far more integrated in Durotar than with their AU counterparts, this is born mostly due to the aftermaths of their first and second wars and then how the Horde that they came from was created from the "totally not slave camps, ignore the swastikas" of the Alliance.

3) Aggression: Orcs are naturally aggressive, have a culture that once/still highlights this, and it has served them well enough historically.

4) Honor: The Orcs as a race operate off a individual Honor system which when in combat encourages warriors to try to fight and stand out individually from their comrades, as such their spacing will often try to reflect this or create this.

In the realm of resources Durotar has a good stockpile with only quality wood being a contested item. And despite multiple near genocides of their species and other self or enemy inflicted mass casualty events the Orcs still retain a relatively high population.

All of these combined lends to a state prepared to serve as the mainline of any conflict, and who will want to maximize damage, but will likely abandon most defensive strategies for something more aggressive.

So to start well begin with the smaller formations. Likely smallest unit formations on Azeroth will be between 5 to 10 men, Durotar would field 10 man formations as their smallest, we shall refer to these as lines and squads.

•The first being a basic melee line, kept loose to avoid splash damage, but still tighter than a modern squad file formation. This will put all the Orcs in one or two relatively straight-ish lines about one to two meter apart from the closest ork, and then five to fifteen meters to the next two Orcs in the line on either side.

•Second we'll have the non-magic mixed combat/patrol line both will consist of a similar composition but a slight difference in facing and positioning for the mixed in element. in combat we'll see a five man front line of Melee Grunts, in the second line we'll either see ranged elements of a other state, or Durotar's own archers. If it's Durotar's archers due to the aggressive doctine, we'll likely see three archers/crossbowgrunts/gungrunts and two additional melee grunts on the sides to intercept enemies. On patrol we'd see the ranged element towards the center in both ranks, now columns, but with at least one melee grunt breaking up the grouping to avoid any splash damage incident killing all the ranged element. The combat purpose of this formation is simple, Grunt line intercepts enemies and punishes them allowing ranged element to fight without fear and that when a enemy gets too close they might change their focus on a further enemy while the grunts pummel the closer foes.

•Magic Mixed combat/patrol line. This will function much as above, however the rear line will comprise of five possible unit compositions, two melee grunts one magic caster (most commonly a shaman) and two archers, or two melee grunts one archer and two magic casters, or three archers and two casters, three casters and two atchers, or one melee grunt two casters and two archers. The intent of this formation is to provide magical support to the melee forces or allow a even longer ranged magic caster to have the screening and protection needed to safely use their spells.

• We also have the magic line and firing line, both would function much like the melee line, but focus almost solely on grouping archers/gungrunts/crossbowgrunts or grouping ranged casters or melee magic users into the mutually supportive block, particularly as a element of a larger formation.

•"Single" Entites would normally be expected to work independently or as part of a seperate "line". But often many of these are instead expected to serve as support, or require protection from things like arial attacks, cavalry rushes, spell casters, or adventurers who would otherwise destroy vital equipment or turn it against its own forces (definately not a tounge in check jab at how often adventurers sabotage, or hijack vital war materials on Azeroth yet no one does anything other than constantly leave said items in spots adventurers can easily get to), these entities would include Demolishers, Kodo mounts, catapults, and gunpowder based artillery like cannons.

•The Wolf Raider squad would be a five man team dedicated to moving and fighting in a tighter Wolf formation, often using one handed weapons so heavy a human footman would struggle to weild it. Noted these squads seldom will be integrated into the larger formations normally and when they do they are often a combination of multiple squads to match to numeric scale of the unit types they are mixed with.

•Wind Rider Squadron, not able to mix with the medium level formations well, the 5 Grunt Wind rider Squadrons still find a place in larger Durotar formations as a fast ariel attack unit and are usually consistent of multiple squadrons in the larger formations.

-Now that we covered the fairly 'simple' basic Orc building blocks we'll go to the mid scale fromations which will comprise of combinations of the above small formations. Note these arrangements would likely be the "common" ones and not necessarily the only ones and when merging into larger formations the positioning of units could change to better suit the larger formation. One of these formations would usually then have as many men as your smaller medieval European formation at roughly 50 to 60 Grunts average. We'll refer to these roughly as blocks.

• The Melee Scrimmage line/block: This will comprise of six Melee Lines all spaced either "densely" at around five meters apart or "loosely" with up to thirty meters between each 'line'. As Durotar and Orcs in General seems to capitalize on lightly armored, but incredibly strong melee fighters, getting the most of them past enemy gun/spell lines and into melee with enough numbers that the "mosh pit" that inevitably forms has enough "honorable" warriors to crush the enemy is a priority for the Orcs

•The Combined arms Block: Technically a block of three lines, the main three lines of the block would be two likely melee emphisizing mixed lines and one magic mixed line, with the last three slots reserved for adding this block to allied formations to serve as a defensive or melee buffer line. However when on its own the block can repeat the first half.

• The Mixed Unit Block: Designed with just Durotar's military in mind, the first three lines are melee lines, the back three are a number of combinations of magic, archer and mixed lines.

•The Kudo/Demolisher Star: This formation exists to defend the Horde's and Durotar's siege engines and other heavy single entities such as heavy golems. The front two most lines will be melee lines, the third line will be a magic mixed line, the fourth line would be a archer line and the fifth line a magic line. The formation can shift or even mix units to maximize coverage to defend the central unit until the unit is in position of maintaining the block is no longer advantageous which then they can seperate and engage the enemy on the front lines as a Mixed unit Block.

• The Raider Block: a Block formed of 50 raiders, meant to help factor Raiders into a battle plan or into a larger Battalion organization and less of a combat formation.

• The Wind Rider Wing: a Block of 50 wind riders, the purpose is much the sames as the Raider Block.

• The Horde's Lance: a type of Offensively focused mixed block, that when used results in a denser concentration of troops in a frontline engagement, notably vulnerable to flanks however. Two Melee lines at the front with maybe 2 meters space between the lines, a melee/magic support focused magic line behind them at a half dozen or more meters, a Mixed Line behind that, followed by another melee line, and then a magic line focused on range, support and healing.

•The Skirmish Block: This will be Durotar's own range focused block, the first three lines will often be arrayed in a outward bending or inward bending curve typically with up to twenty meter spacing between them, these three lines will be Mixed lines, the fifth line will be behind the curved battle line and be comprised either of a ranged line or a magic line, the sixth line then will have its placement decided by what line fills the position. Another Magic or Ranged Line will be placed next to the fifth line, an additional mixed line will be placed just to the side of the Block, a Melee line will be between the fifth line and the first through third line, and a Raider or Wind Rider Squad will technically march just ahead of the formation but will in battle seperate to seek their own path to attack the enemy from, but are encouraged to still support their block.

• The Raid: Almost exclusively used by adventurers, the effectiveness of the 15 to 30 man raid on Azeroth and beyond has not been questioned and national leaders still throw out money to adventurers willing to form raiding groups which often ignore mainline battles, and instead go "boss farming" killing champions, commanders, monsters, and vital assets of a enemy force.

-With these basic blocks and some other variable designs we then move on to what I'll call the battalion half or "Battalion Formation", two of these will form a full Battalion for Durotar as so each is intended to both support the other but also act semi-independently as they are a half of a Battalion and both halfs will either be committed to a battle or working towards whatever goal the Durotar military has set. Each half will consist of 5 or 6 blocks. and then the halves combine to obviously form the Battalions, which Battalions in Azeroth have a WIDE variety of very specific goals or theaters of war they exist for so i think at this level will be a decent cutting off point particularly since I'd have to start drawing maps and such to explain wider theater and battle tactics and formations, which would be like exaining the Maginot Line and its incredible strenghts...and very obvious weakness that were never addressed by the very people in France who pointed them out to the world.

•Melee Battalion Formation: The crude, simple and easily built Battalion half. This particular formation is just either five to six Melee Scrimmage blocks in a single long line or in two lines depending on the melee needs of the battle. This type of Melee Grunt intensive Formation is unlikely to be fielded however as on Azeroth its utility is limited and it would need more significant support and Durotar still doesn't expect to always have others providing direct support for them.

•Siege Battalion Formation: referred to as such because the golems and artillery often used in these arrangements. This formation consists of three Demolisher star blocks and then a Combined Arms Block, a Mixed Unit Block, and occasionally a sixth block which could either be a Skirmish Block, a Raider Block, a wind rider wing, or a Melee Scrimmage Block. However while effective with the right arrangements, these Battalion formations are slow often putting the Demolisher stars in the rear and risking both lives and potential flanks to help ensure the vital equipment is brought into range to unleash against the enemy.

• The Horde's Bow: This Battalion Formation is a uniquely offensive focused arrangement intended to push a gap in the enemy defenses. the outer two most Blocks will typically be Skirmish or Mixed unit Blocks, meanwhile wedged between these two units and shielded by them is two blocks of the Horde's Lance Blocks which while covered by the outer two blocks will rush a enemy line gap, or charge headlong at a enemy force they intend to push through. following the Horde's Lance Blocks would then follow a Mixed Unit Block, Demolisher Star Block, or a Raider Block each arranged for short ranged combat and meant to either help hold the gap open, furher widen the gap, or push past to hit the enemy rear.

•Ariel support Battalion: One of Durotar's major roles for their Wind riders is to support their air ships and Zepplins as they transport troops or move into flying artillery range. As land based cannon, various fliers, and many different guns can endanger these complex vessels multiple Wind Rider Wings are often attached to any Battalions operating with Zepplins or Air ships such as the famed Horde Gunship, without these flying supports any Battalion operating off a Horde or Durotar Airfleet finds themselves in serious risk as often many of their soldiers are not even able to combat an attacking enemy (and before anyone tries to argue that Horde Gunship too strong yadda yadda yadda, the AC-130, the ultimate flying direct fire artillery peice, is vulnerable to ground fire when performing one of its combat turns, and the B-52 the flying ICBM nuclear missile platform which travels faster than the Horde Gunship by a decent margin while flying dramatically higher can still be intercepted by ground based AA artillery, USA absolute air domination preventing counter attack is why these things rule)

And we'll call this one here and likely continue with the Mag'har Tribes/Iron Horde Orcs next.

Daughter of Elune

Jaina sighed before stepping through the portal once again. With little less than a step she was back on Azeroth once again and immediately advisors from the Kirin Tor were at her side. Immediately delivering reports, updates on experiments on the now redesignated 'warpstone', discoveries from going over various books acquired and research from the Azerothean side looking for perhaps a past like arcane or otherwise between the worlds, and observations and points of note from going over the reports and stories of each of the survivors of the battle for the Mordheim encampment.

Jaina silently endured listening to and memorizing every detail spoken much like her earliest days as a mage. Pushing past she made her way to out of the Alliance's fortifications away from the Shrine of Goldrinn and towards another Alliance Keep, outside of the Keep two forces stood watch, the first was the Sisterhood of Elune, the second soldiers from the Royal Guard and even Knights of the Lions Guard behind them.

Jaina knew exactly what this meant and didn't like it. Part of this whole expedition was effectively to distract her from the Horde and she knew it. They wanted to keep her away from direct military affairs and funnel her energy into the portals project like some sort of race.

Jaina was immediately allowed to pass the assembled soldiers and entered inti the keep. There in the main hall she immediately found what she suspected. An array of military maps, of both Azeroth and what they could find of the other world. Ironically the other world maps took up more of the table than the Azeroth maps despite everything they possessed so far amounting to little more than the region referred to as the 'Old World' by the native inhabitants.

Around the table sat a multitude of other individuals. First among them was King Aunduin, the young ruler looking concerned as he went over volumes of reports, and hovering next to the King of course was Glenn Greymane a king himselfbut acting more like a supporting vassel of Aunduin who he legitimately seemed to treasure. Next was Marthias Shaw, he seemed to already know the contents the King was reading and casually helped or gave context while sitting next to his leige. There was also Moira Thaurissian at the table though she had few reports or papers and looked more interested in the map and the arrayed icons and peices placed on it, after her Muradin Bronzebeard carefully analyzd the table and everyone about it. Almost as she expected Gelbin also sat at the table but he was clearly less interested in everything, likely either already memorizing what he found interesting, or dismissive of the other world entirely.

After these stood Turalyon representing the army of the light and who was carefully taking measure of the map and a booklet simply labeled 'Daemons'. Next to him sat his wife Alleria Windrunner who herself also seemed to take interest in the other world, but rather than reading about the Daemons was reading a book on their faiths with a document listing what Jaina knew about their magic laying next to it.

And then watching the door waiting, was Tyrande Whisperwind, behind her was Shandris, Jaina was surprised to see the general here so early thinking she had been the first of the two to arrive. Still the High Priestess and the General watched Jaina intently, as she strode into the room.

Before anyone could speak or act, Jaina decided to take the initiative. "At first glance I would assume this is anything but a peaceful, or even well intended meeting." Jaina tried to be humorous though she knew she wasn't always very successful.

"You should know what this is about..." Tyrande's likely tirade was cut short by Aunduin.

"I know you could be expecting diplomatic evoys at any moment, so I apologize for taking you away from the Expedition at this time. However the Alliance has reason to fear that matters on the other world are taking a turn for the more severe than what we hoped, which could be leading to potential conflict." The young king explained, earning a smirk and raised eyebrow from Jaina.

"So what dangerous force have the Horde unleashed against us?" She asked.

Marthias Shaw was the next to speak, giving a politite cough grabbing everyone's attention and standing. "Yesterday we recieved undeniable confirmation that the Horde's portal had fallen under attack. We are not certain as to by who or what force, but the Deathguard mobolized from Lordaeron and are still on the other side of the portal, but we do have two confirmations.

First a spy confirmed a hush order to cover up the casualties on the other side of the portal, it's imprecise but they suspect up to nine-tenths of the garrison was killed. Second we can confirm that Sylvanas is currently remaining on the other side of the portal, but is sending missives to her other Horde leaders, we suspect she's going to gather her own council to the Portal." Shaw then ended giving a smirk to Jaina before sitting.

Tyrande then spoke up. "That is two major offensives against Azeroth within a month of the portals opening..." But again the Kaldorei High Priestess was interrupted.

"Would we call these a major attack? The one against us featured primarily skeletons and Undead that by the description aren't even half as aware as the Forsaken or the Scourge." Gelbin Mekkantorque asked with a dismissive tone.

Jaina prepared to give a quick informative answer but a slammed fist stopped her. "You didn't have to bury the bodies High Tinkerer. You didn't have to scour the lands around that twisted city. Their world is infested with Monsters any lone adventure would struggle to face head on, and in numbers enough to be a severe threat if they were on our world, despite seeming to be mindless beasts. I trust my scouts reports, and the reports of Kaldorei like Kyn'ra." Jaina was certain Shandris was over exaggerating due to the passion she'd shown over the last several days exploring and securing the Alliance's side of this new world.

"Kyn'ra, the Night Elf who your own reports claim has gone missing after displaying psychologically unstable behavior?" The High Tinkerer countered as Tyrande sighed in frustration.

Quickly Jaina interjected. "The threat of the attack on our Expedition wasn't from the army, nor directly. It was the ones leading the army, ones I dueled and I can attest to the skills and Necromantic potential of. If their leader had gotten through and escaped north then likely the Scourge would have developed a new break away faction, one strong enough to challenge war against either the Alliance or the Horde. The individual soldiers were almost less than cannon fodder."

Aunduin stood and let himself be heard. "I believe everyone here has interrupted Tyrande long enough!" The king sat. "Please proceed."

Tyrande gave a grateful nod to her counterpart. "As High Priestessof Elune since the Portals first bagan opening on Azeroth they've been claiming my attention. I had convinced with her nightly and her attention has been ever on the Portals since they opened. She's shown me her own vision of the portals. They bleed dark powers into our world, and lingering just beyond, as if this power itself was yet another portal I could sense other dark presences. It's as if the Void Lords themselves could walk through this power and onto Azeroth itself."

The High Priestess of Elune stated all of this turning gravely between all the members of the chamber before she continued. "Fearing another incident like that of the Legion's invasion, I sought out Velen's guidance on the matter. He agreed to meet with me, however once we met on the shores of Azuremyst Isle we came under attack, Naga and a Void creature weilding a green stone empowering it. Velen was wounded and will need some time to recover, but between the attack, and Velen's own prophecy. The other world is a threat we need to fortify against immediately. Our Armies need to march!"

"And what would you have us do? Pour stone into the portals, invade peoples who have done us no wrong? Pull garrisons from defenses meant to watch the Horde or give aid to others?" Now Muradin Bronzebeard stood up casting a slight glare at Tyrande. "If there is a danger for us to fight, let it come and we will beat it. I will not wrongly conquer and fight people who deserve better of us!"

Sitting to the side both Turalyon and Alleria stood. The couple having a momentary back in forth spoken entirely silently with little more than small jestures and glances.

Eventually Turalyon sat down allowing his wife to speak first. "Personally I'm intrigued by their Gods. The briefings are scarce on details, but are you sure their people at least didn't worship Wild Gods? I think it would help explain a lot considering the names and nature of most of these Gods."

Jaina sighed, the topics of war apparently sidelined. "I would and wouldn't. You could ask Malfurion what he or the Wild Gods would think of humans or dwarves building one of their cities around their shrines. The fortifications we have here have been met with a lot of protest from Shamans of all kinds, even Tauren Druids who have supposedly pushed for the horde to forceably remove us. Yet many of these Wild Gods of their world seem to be neutral or supportave of the expansion of human civilization on their territory, and have supposedly supported the Sigmar God who I've listed. On those documents."

"And you're sure that guy's even real? I mean what kind of human warrior, runs around buck naked, killing a guy who is by the paper description maybe as bad as Kel'thuzad, fights some champions of the Legion and Legion Demons, I would assume saving theit world from destruction in the process, and beats their equivalent of the first War, weilding nothing but Doomhammer? If I wanted propaganda to make my nation sound all powerful and assumed everyone inside it was a idiot, that's what I'd do." The Ren'dorei blatantly claimed.

"The God is likely to be as likely to be real as any of the ones listed. The feats he performed 'as a mortal man' can be attributed to propaganda though." Jaina answered.

"And then the force their Gods oppose, these Daemons of Chaos. How much credit do you give them?" Turalyon then interjected hding open a book to a page roughly depicting a multi-armed blob.

"I'd surmise that following the Legion's defeat whatever Demonic forces are threatening their world have started a slow decline, but they're still significant. The city Mordheim, was actually considered lost to their forces and there's clear evidence of unique corruption within the city. we have yet to be able to explore much of the City but we think that the Alliance has our portion of the city secured, and we intend to expand that security, however attempts to demolish the buildings outside our camp have been met with unexpected resistance." Jaina answered, turning the focus more towards the unique aspect of these particular demons.

"Resistance? Who?" Tyrande asked.

"The city itself. Whenever we demolish a building whatever portions aren't being immediately ovserved,...umm, reconfigure. Whatever buildings they are relflect a ruined paradoy of the district they originated in. But I suspect even if we were to demolish the entire city, we'd see segments of the city returning within the month. Whatever we construct using our own materials seens to stay as we set it, but if destroyed our own structures seem to join this bizarre behavior." Jaina explained.

"Hmm, what sort if spell or ritual did these Demons use?" Turalyon asked.

"Based off the locals, they didn't, it's just a magical side-effect. Some of the locals claim the city itself has a malicious will of its own." Jaina answered.

Moira Thaurissian stood up, snapping her fingers for everyones attention. "You all can theorize about magic later. But I think there's an elephant in the room everyone is failing to address."

Most the room turned to the Dwarfen future King's mother. Aunduin was the one to ask what everyone was thinking. "And what would that be?"

"Who first sent Dwarves and Humans to this other world?"

Avenah slowly opened her eyes. She hadn't moved since arriving, her companions were now each asleep on the floor of the Empire's Grand Cathedral. But with all her companions asleep the Draenei wasn't the only one awake, with a set of chairs and a table placed out the Grand Theologist sat patiently waiting and looking down onto the 'meditating' Draenei. The Draenei who thanked the light she didn't drool or snore when she slept like this, most of the Elves or Humans in the Church of the Holy Light still had yet to catch on to her special naps.

"I see your done. My time is limited, and I'd rather not waste it watching someone sleep." The Grand Theologist stated flatly.

"Who says I was sleeping." Avenah challenged.

"Everyone who meditates like that sleeps. They think they can dream of God or greater skill. The truest form of meditation is one that works the body to focus the mind. Studying and rest after meditation, not during."

"I have had a Pandaren master say it wad good to meditate and rest."

"He likely needed to rest after putting up with your childishness. Now stop wasting my time, you insulted Sigmar, but I'll give you that the priest says you did a good job deflecting almost all your insult onto me alone." The Theologist stated while pulling out a set of cups and pouring drinks of what looked like a weak wine.

"You've dismissed the Light and what I wish to provide for your people. Another ally against the darkness at your borders." Avenah began.

"I dismissed you, YOU failed my test and I could see in your eyes the sort of spirit a Priestess of your light has with you." The Man interrupted.

"Let me provide, let me show what I can do." Avenah pleaded increasingly upset with the human.

"So what you can break when faced with reality?"

"So I can prove to you your judgment was wrong!" Avenah forcibly proclaimed

Volkmar the Grim smiled, it was a dark smile but his eyes were alight. "Hmmm, now that is a spirit I want to test. You want a debate, lets start with that, and if I think you speak true we'll put your words to the test."

"You want a debate, then fine, your God Sigmar is just a man. He gained his powers from something else, something beyond your Gods." Avenah started, daring to make a statement she feared would outrage the man, but also knowing she had to come out strong or he would dismiss her.

"Your right, and that's why we worship him. Sigmar was a man so great Gods from all sides across the realms clamored for him. Only Ulric held Sigmar's devotion, and Ulric helped Sigmar become a God so Sigmar could do what he was always meant to do. Protect, Serve and Guide his Empire of Man, and our Devotion combined with his strength keeps us strong. Your Light on the other hand has shown nothing but weaknesses Where was it when Gods all sought Sigmar's approval, where was it when the heavens broke and the tide of Chaos swept over the World? Where was it when Be'lakor was first born? You claim it to be a greater power than even Gods, yet you could not stand against a Daemon hiding within a wretch. You claim it reaches all realms, yet why isn't it here before you?" An unexpected response, though the priest's hands did slam the table with enough force to shake the wine cups. She had certainly expected a denial, not a proud admission of her claim and then a counter-attack so poignant.

"The Light's focus was likely stolen from you in your time of need by the peoples I represent. My own people, my own race failed the Light, ignored its guidence, we lost our world as our kin turned themselves into Demons in a dark bargain. My people needed to be sheparded away by the Light and its chosen, the N'aaru. We fled from world to world, our own demonic people destroying everything behind us.

We even inadvertently brought our currupted own to a wonderful verdent world that they destroyed, forcing entire races into harship and still ongoing conflicts. But with the people I am with now, on our world, that cycle ended, we likely stole the Light away from you, but to end this threat to the worlds that had been following my people.

And the Light's army was at the forefront, and many others fought with us, and we defeated a entire world of Demons! That's the strength of arms I am promising! Yes I failed your test, it was MY arrogance and history that cost me your respect then. But I'll earn it now!" Avenah gained more passion as she spoke, her conviction growing stronger, she will earn the Light a place within the defeat of this world's demon invaders.

"So you're promising me an army? And what authority do you have to bring this army to me?" He was right Avenah had even sided with the human Church of the Light, she has no authority to command the Army of the Light.

"None, but they will come."

"Why?"

"I will make it so."

"Strong words..." Avenah cut the Grand Theologist off.

"Without strong actions to back them up." And Volkmar grinned darkly yet again before drinking deeply of his cup of wine.

"You have conviction, lets see how long it holds out. I plan to lead a expedition to the east. Let us see if you survive it. And as fortune would have it, you'll be leaving before any insane Wizards have a chance to make a mess of you."

Kyn'ra watched as the barge slowly pulled onto the shore a short distance from the abandoned river fort. As the barge hit the shore the five members of the Alliance and their human companion each disembarked and began their march towards the Fortress. The moon was high and as bright as the love of Elune for her children, yet still the shadows only grew longer as the six closed with the Fortress gate. The abandoned gate lay partially open, with dead grass and plants all about it and rotted boards making up portions of the gate doors.

"This isn't the best place to go hunting." Mata stated, the Gnome holding her lighting caster gun close. The Gnome kept a close eye on each of the empty ramparts and causeways.

"Nay lass, but it is a good place to find who we are looking for." Arman Duelmail stated, his hammer ready as the Dwarven Paladin scanned the area ready for an attack at any moment.

Silandel watched silently, her eyes scanning the near empty fortress, the wide open courtyard meant for mustering troops, and the walls each dark and ominoue turning the Dock the fortress used to be built around into a killing zone.

The Ren'dorei passed through the shadows in a instant , bandoning the side of Aursuun and Kyn'ra both of whom were also moving forth with great caution.

On the wall the Void Elf carefully gave herself to her senses, the voices of the Void, speaking more loudly now speaking in twisted riddles in her ears as she scanned the walls, every stone subject to scrutiny.

Whispers of promises to free the High Elves from Blood Elf oppression, of how to save the Alliance from a doom she could not understand, warnings of coming hardship all passed through the Void Elf. All were ignored as she found what she wanted, traces of dark energy long passed formed echoes of their magical power across the wall, thin disruptions in the dust and dirt gave away past movement along the ramparts, and tracing countless signs she finally spotted the source of the dark powers she sought.

On the other side of the fortress, lay a pair of conjoined buildings. One was meant as the officer's barracks, the other based off the bars on the windows was the prison.

The prison has a set of wide doors and both buildings seemed far darker in the moonlight than the rest of the fortress. "I think I found him." Silandel stated, preparing her staff and aiming at the two buildings.

Aursuun nodded and turned towards the two buildings and their entrances. Arman joined the Draenei Paladin his shield and hammer ready, behind them Kyn'ra prepared her bow and to the rear Mata aimed her caster gun while Eike unlatched the sword from his waist. Then Silandel Lividbrook stepped through the darkness joining the human and gnome at the back of the group.

As the elf moved however clapping began to echo across the courtyard. "Bravo, bravo...I expected retaliation. But nothing soooo, daring." The voice was smooth, and seemed to roll with a dark grace as it echoed over the group of vengeful warriors.

Kyn'ra had enough of the monster's game. "Show yourself Vampire! I will not tolerate a coward afraid of the justice of the Kaldorei and of the light of the moon."

"Hmmm? Yes the one who slipped between my fingers, such a desireable figure you pose for me now, however it's your companions who all I find more intriguing." The voice of thr Vampire, Aleksandr continued.

"She said, show yourself!" Aursuun commanded.

In answer there was only cruel laughter, and then suddenly the fortress came to horrific unlife. spectral beings came out from the walls, their faces vaguely humanoid, grasping hands with long claw like fingers reaching and barely noticeable forms could be seen beyond these details. Skeletons started to march in from outside the fortress their movements wide, jerking, uncoordinated, and without the grace of a living creature. Boats rasied from the ruined dock, on their decks stood rotting zombies in soldiers uniform and holding a wide variety of weapons, river water gurgling out from their rotting mouths and noses.

And the prison's doors swung open of their own, torches lighting one by one revealing that the dungeon's entry had been rebuilt as a courtly hall with a throne at the end. Upon that throne Aleksandr sat, his sword and shield leaned casually against the seat, as the Vampire remained without his armor, and wearing only his pants. The deathly being smiled at them from on top his throne.

"Truly your audacity knows few boundaries. Fortune would then have it that I am one who prefers my unique oddities from the living rather than wanting to crush anything outside of my vision of perfection." the Vampire stated with a dark arrogance.

"Good for you." Kyn'ra stated bitterly, drawing her bowstring, calling upon Elune to guide her and putting all of her power and focus into her bow loosing her arrow. The shaft flew with incredible speed, at her best Kyn'ra could fire an arrow at speeds even a Pandaren master could not deflect. The arrow stopped in Aleksandr's grasp, between two claws where the wood had even peeled trying to continue despite the grasp of the Vampire's claws.

"She was right, you aimed for the heart." The Vampire stated with a growing smile that reflected the entirety of the monster's blood-thirsty nature.

"Who, who told you?" Silandel asked the Void Elf's growing unease causing her to raise her defenses more. Secretly the warlock prepared to summon her familiars, while she could sense Aursuun calling the light to his side.

"I told him." The voice came from the officer barracks, there in the second floor a deck extended to the fortress wall and a stairwell down into courtyard. Walking down this path was a Draenei, no Aursuun knew that was not the case, and even Silandel could sense a darkness that should have never been dwelling within the thing before them.

"Man'ari..." The Draenei Paladin gasped, tightening his grasp on his weapon, at his side Arman also prepared. While all the others prepared for an inevitable conflict, Kyn'ra stared at the being before her in disbelief .

"Emis. W-what happened? Why are you...?" The Night Elf was frozen with shock as Aleksandr softly chortled to himself.

"By Sigmar... Shallya please watch over us because this bastard actually went and did it." Eike muttered, his own disbelief washing past and slowly the human prepared to leap into action as the Gnome at his side took several steps back.

"Please Aursuun, if any of us are Man'ari it is you, still a slave to the Light. Proud of its burning hypocrisy flowing through your veins. I am now the first Shuk'tar, freed from the twisted lies of the Light that made us willing sacrifices and slave soldiers, and liberated such that to have seen that truth I didn't have sell myself to the Burning Legion. I only now must obey my instincts and passions. I don't have to torment myself to fulfill the Light's hypocrisy, making myself feel guilt over every foe slain and innocent death, because I couldn't rationalize everyone I killed as deserving the Light's cruelty." As she spoke Emis slowly walked down the stairs into the courtyard.

Emis smirked at the Draenei across from her as Aursuun scowled at the twisted affort before him. "So Aursuun, which are you? Needlessly guilty over the death of each and every morsel beneath you? Or, do you convince yourself that they always deserve it, that whomever you harm they need to suffer for the light."

"Emis! What happened what Neather fuckery is going on here!?" Kyn'ra demanded. The Night Elf came to save Emis, now she was here insulting Aursuun, acting like a ally of that damned monster.

Emis just gave Kyn'ra a cold stare. "For someone from Azeroth and who sould have some basic knowledge, you seem rather oblivious."

"Silence 'Cyrpt-born'" Aursuun commanded preparing his hammer.

"I am now Tarei Von Carstein, first of the Shuk'Tar. I am the reborn one! The Light's oppression been purged from me, and now I thirst for more." The Vampiric Draenei, the self named Tarei, mocked her would be rescuers as she closed in. Her new armor dark, tight, revealing and a monument to her new found disdain of her Draenei heritage. And in each hand her maces had now been reforged, the spirits that used to inhabit each twisted or replaced and now they glowed with hellfire or exhibited the chill of soulless death.

A single gunshot then rang out and Tarei's shoulder flinched back, before the bullet hole began to smolder with blue flame. "To hell with this!" Eike growled holding the smoking pistol.

On his throne Aleksandr sat forward eagerly, just beyond his sight Tarei looked to the burning wound and then to the Adventurers before her. With a low hiss in her voice the Vampress commanded the Undead. "Kill them."

The battle began in a second, Mata unleashing a bolt of lightning at closing ghosts only for the power to divert through the apparition bending and diverting into a skeleton and blasting off the Undead's skull. Arman was descended upon by the fowl spirits of the damned, which the power of the Light helped fend off. Meanwhile Silandel and her familiar Imps began to send fel magics into the undead gradually thinning their ranks.
"What the hell, how is lightning just passing through these things?" Mata demanded firing another shot which again passed through the spirits around them.
"Their Ghosts, we're lukcy if we can even hit them." Eike stated aiming and putting a round into a zombie.
At the same time Kyn'ra and Tarei clashed. Arrows were deflected by the vampiric Draenei's mace, vicious flames and death's chill were avoided by the Kaldorei. But even as the pair fought, the vicious mind of the Vampire Azerothean still targeted the entirety of the group, and calling her prior skills and powers the self labeled Shuk'tar unleashed a current of lightning which stabbed past Kyn'ra and took the Gnomish companion of the Night Elf in the shoulder.
The Gnome dropped with a loud cry of pain. Quickly Silandel dropped to the Gnome's side casting a gaze over the battle while flinging Fel-fire into a zombie. "We need to retreat they'll overhwelm us in moments if we don't!" The Void Elf shouted to hee companions.
"No!" The resonse was sudden but the Night Elf still matching her bow and arrows against the Vampiric Shaman across from her shouted.
"Ey, we need to run, but where is Aursuun?!" Arman replied, the Dwarf using all his might to hold back the etherial undead.
"Really, how in Taal's ass are we getting out of here!?" Eike shouted now fending off a skeleton while dodging a ghost's claws.
Silandel watching their situation deteriorate made her decision. "I've got this! Just hold out, I'll find Aursuun as well." And the Void Elf and the wounded Gnome disappeared in a wave of void, reappearing on the fortress wall, and a second later a Felhunter manifest next to the Void Elf. The Felhunter immediately began to tear into undead even consuming the spirits chasing Silandel as they appeared though the wall beneath their feet. Another jump, and a deep breath of air and Silandel and Mata were outside the fortress and far enough away that the Elf felt safe leaving the unconscious Gnome to begin retrieving her comrades.
"No one dies, not today."

As the battle raged outside Aleksandr watched one particular foe with mild amusement. The other 'Draenei' creature weilding a massive crystal hammer forced his way past the spirits and ghosts of Tarei and even past the few Skeletal undead the Vampire had kept as a honor guard forcing his way into Aleksandr's court.
"Aleksandr!" The Paladin roared as he entered the hall. Aleksandr grinned at this one's audacity, using magic he close the doors behind the Paladin.
"I was told you attacked us because one of your progeny was slain by our Expedition." The Draenei shouted, thusting forward his hammer toward Aleksandr.
"Yes what of it. Do you intend to Apologize?" The Vampire couldn't help but snark at the foolish mortal living before him.
"This is the Hammer that took her life." The other warrior stated flatly to Aleksandr. This immediately changed Aleksandr's airs. Now before him was the one who had killed what had previously been his most precious creation, the one to thank for the existence of Tarei, the one who most needed to die to settle the Vampire Lord's troubled heart.
Slowly the Vampire rose from his throne, then in less than two seconds he had his sword and shield and was across the hall, immediately infront of Aursuun bringing his blade down in a savage single handed stroke. Aursuun was ready and immediately countered brining his hammer up in a single handed strike that deflected the Vampire's blade.
Aleksandr swiftly recovered redirecting his swing into a wide circular arc. But Aursuun's hammer came again faster, a thrust that forced the Vampire to arrest his sword swing and move his shield to block the blow. With the blow intercepted the Vampire was forced back several meters.
Again the Vampire charged in at Aursuun, his sword thusting for the Draenei's chest. Aursuun moved again to counter this time with the intent to shatter the Vampire's blade. However as the Draenei brought his hammer in to strike sword tip the vampire twisted his wrist, in a manouver so swift and precise few Blade Masters could achieve it in practice on a battlefield, the Vampire moved the sword around and past the hammer head then slapped the blade along the shaft sliding in viciously for Aursuun's hands. With a clear intent to remove his hand Aursuun let go with his forehand and used his back hand to start pulling away. This however went to Aleksandr's expectation and with anothet twist of the sword and a follow up slap of the shield the Vampire disarmed the Paladin senind his hammer skidding off to a corner of the room.
Aursuun refused to die here, calling upon the light he empowered his fist and drove it into the Vampire's unarmed chest, burning the monster of the dark and pushing him back. This left Aleksandr heaving and in a hunched posture. The Vampire merely smiled in response, however eventually the Vampire frowned and stood up straight.
"I may not be a Blood Knight, but I have my warrior's pride damn it." The Vampire threw down his shield and sword, both embedding themselves inches into the ground. With his weapons gone Aleksandr spread his fingers into claws, as his face became more beastial.
"I'll kill you like this!" The Vampire growled now lunging with his claws at the Paladin.
Moving with solid force the paladin caught the Vampire's claws. Aleksandr hissed as he slowly pushed back Aursuun's arms back and swipped at the Draenei with his fangs. Aursuun swiftly rammed his head into the Vampire, then as Aleksandr reeled back from the blow the Draenei dislodged his hand to strike, only to take a blow to the rib from Vampire's claws. The claws stabbed deap drawing a pained grunt from Aursuun who stumbled back, turning his back to the Vampire. But as Aleksandr closed to rip into the Draenei's back Aursuun's legs thrust back kicking Aleksandr back several feet. Recovered from the blow thanks to the Light's healing, Aursuun quickly lunged for his warhammer.
And then Aleksandr was on the Draenei, straddling him, one claw peircing the Paladin's hand, and the other held back the other claw.
"I'm going to pull out your heart and feed it to my new sire!" The Vampire threatened with a eager grin. But as Aursuun began to despair the Vampire looked up with a look of shock. Suddenly Aursuun's hammer struck Aleksandr in the face sending the Vampire flying across the room.
Then Aursuun's hammer dropped onto the Draenei's chest and the world faded then the shadows waved and moments later Aursuun could see once again.
Silandel stood over Aursuun yelling. "Kyn'ra come on we have to go!"
Tarei had the Night Elf cornered each of Kyn'ra's arrows easily deflected. As the Vampire closed in Kyn'ra looked at the two last of her companions. "Just go, Ill make my own way."
Standing over Aursuun, Silandel sighed then kneeled down touching the Draenei as ghosts closed on them. And then the darkness spread and the next thing Aursuun saw was Silandel gasping for air as she and he were on the fortress wall, a spear suddenly thrust through the Elf's shoulder and then the darkness spread again and the next thing Aursuun knew he and the Elf were outside the fortress in swampland and she was laying on him bleeding.

Kyn'ra and Tarei stared off with one another. The Night Elf was now alone, low on arrows and facing a Vampire Draenei surrounded by corrupt spirits. The Vampire threw her spirits at Kyn'ra like one would throw stones forcing the Kaldorei to dodge desperately again.
"Look at you Kyn'ra, finally trying to play the hero. We know your chance for that has passed. You rotted on the vine, never destined to amount to anything with a soul that is wasted and haggard unlike the decipt your flesh provides to the world about you." The Vampire mocked as she closed in.
"I may have washed out as a Warden, and failed as many things, but I still have something you could never hope to pretend to have." Kyn'ra stated back.
"Oh please like there's anything you have that I'd want." The Shuk'Tar stated with a cruel grin, enjoying tormenting her prey before before the kill.
"You should, It's Elune's favor, the Night belongs to her children!" As she boasted the Night Elf faded from view and a new chapter of their battle began. Enraged Tarei sent spirits flying toward where the Night Elf had been, but the spirits impacted nothing. The Vampire roared in rage, throwing out spirits, and then commanding them to seek out the soul of her intended victim.
However the spirits found nothing and it was only after a moment that the Shuk'Tar realized that the fortress gate still stood open. And with a outraged roar took off towards it.