Update 3 – Month: 7-8 Year: 30 ADP
GADGETZEN TIMES – Neutral town, neutral news.
World:
Grand Council Meets! Under the guidance of Argent Dawn moderators the nations of Silvermoon, Darnassus, Hillsbrad, and Kul Tiras have met for the first meeting of the Grand Council between the Alliance and Horde. While Undercity refused to send an envoy, and other nations of these pacts said little or nothing, it is an important step in securing a global peace.
First Global Midsummer Festival! While only taking place for the first 4 days of the 7th month, the Midsummer Festival has been seen as a global accomplishment. Celebrated across the continents with the lighting of bonfires and firework celebrations, the festival has perhaps highlighted the similarities between Horde and Alliance in this age of détente.
Naga Raids Reappear! After several months of respite the Naga have once again launched raids against multiple maritime nations across the world. This time they have launched more concentrated attacks against the nations closest to the maelstrom.
(Thereamore: -2 navy, Orgrimmar: -2 navy, Kul Tiras: -3 navy, Stormwind: -1 navy)
Murlocs Fortify! The Murloc infestations which have not been taken care of (Bloodmyst, northern Darkshore, Duskwallow, Trisfal, Westlands, Westfall, Swamp of Sorrows) have fortified their positions and have received an unknown number of reinforcements. Murlocs in Stranglethorn Vale have also captured some small ponds in Bloodscalp lands.
Northern Kalimdor:
Darnassus Wages War! The Night Elf armies have marched against the demon-friendly coven of Jaedenar. Under the command of the Archdruid Fandrel Staghelm himself, the force hoped to recapture the Howling Vale and push farther into Felwood. The initial attacks proved successful and Jaedenar’s border defenses were overrun, but the invasion met an every increasing resistance the farther it pushed into Felwood. The expedition was defeated outside the satyr village of Jadefire Run and forced to retreat back across the river. Jaedenar has been able to rally the bulk of their army which greatly outnumbers the expedition. The Archdruid has successfully gained support from the Cenarion Circle which has established the Emerald Sanctuary in southern Felwood, helping supply and support the Night Elf invasion. Only the night elf air cover and the Cenarion support has allowed Darnassus to maintain their current positions without being overrun. Meanwhile the Jaedenar forces in Ashenvale have launched attacks against Darnassus positions which have been mostly beaten back by local defenders.
(Darnassus: -9 army, -3 air, -7 magic, +1 Level Andorashi; Jaedenar: -10 army, -8 magic)
Twilight Forces Found in Raids! Meanwhile raids between Orgrimmar and Darnassus have continued, but recently several of the dead and captured have been found to be members of the Twilight’s Hammer Cult. It is unknown what this means exactly, but few see it as a good thing. Most raiding has been relegated to the area known as Warsong Gulch, perhaps as an unofficial recognition of the need to minimize the scope of these raids.
Central/Southern Kalimdor:
Witchwing Turn Sides! The Witchwing were persuaded to make peace with Orgrimmar in return for land and the ability to annex the Kolkar outpost at Forgotten Pools oasis. The Witchwing were quick to attack their new enemies, perhaps the deciding factor in spoilng the Kolkar attack on the Crossroads. Most Kolkar forces have abandoned this northern position for the one farther south after the Battle of Crossroads, giving the Witchwing complete control over the area.
(Withwing: -3 army, -1 magic,+2 g/t; Kolkar: -6 army, -2 magic, -1 g/t)
Battle of Crossroads! A combined force of Kolkar Centaur and Razorfen Quillboar attempted to capture the Orgrimmar town of Crossroads in what may be the deciding battle of the war. Thanks to the aforementioned Witchwing double cross, the Kolkar were unable to work with the Quillboar forces in surrounding the town, allowing reinforcements from Orgrimmar under the command of Overlord Saurfang to arrive in time to defend the town from attack. Saurfang successfully led a defense of the town, against a force which was slightly stronger. Thanks to the town’s defenses, control of the air, and Saurfang’s leadership the town was saved though heavily damaged. Orgrimmar forces have been too weak to launch a counterattack, but the defeat has forced the Razorfen to focus elsewhere and the Kolkar to go on the defensive.
(Orgrimmar: -12 army, -6 air, -7 magic; Kolkar: -8 army, -4 magic, +1 level Warlord Krom’Zar; Razorfen: -11 army, -6 magic)
Razorfen Advance Elsewhere! Due to Orgrimmar forces being sent to defend the Barrens, the Razorfen in Durotar have reclaimed lands taken from them last month and have launched several probing raids against Razor Hill in central Durotar. This may one again force Orgrimmar to rapidly switch the positions of its troops as Razor Hill is a crucial link between northern and southern Durotar and also between Durotar and the Barrens. Meanwhile the Razorfen have opened several fronts against the Tauren of Thunder Bluff, attacking positions in the Barrens, Mulgore, and Thousand Needles. Several major skirmishes have taken place, and a minor battle outside Camp Taurajo have shown the current weakness in Tauren defenses with a large portion of their army over seas.
(Orgrimmar: -1 army; Thunder Bluff: -5 army, -2 magic; Razorfen: -3 army, -1 magic +1 level Hagg Taurenbane)
Stonemaul Capture Bramblescar! In a daring feat the ogres of Stonemaul marched over the hills separating Duskwallow and the Barrens and captured the lightly defended Razorfen village of Bramblescar. This move has greatly increased morale in Stonemaul, and across the Horde forces. The Razorfen may be forced to call back forces from the frontlines to defend their homeland from ogre attack.
(Stonemaul: -1 army)
Gordok Civil War! King Gordok made a large mistake when he ordered the removal of his Ogre Magi advisors and top command in favor of more brutish subordinates. This angered Cho'Rush the Observer, King Gordok’s right hand, who was beginning to suspect something had changed about Gordok before this move had happened. Cho’Rush then gathered the support of a large portion of the Gordunni Ogres who were under Gordok command as the Gordunni had a large portion of magi, shamans, and warlocks who were impacted by this change. This has left King Gordok with few magic using supporters, but the supermajority of his army has remained loyal.
Lordaeron:
High Elves Claim Tranquil Shore! The High Elves have moved against the Murlocs in northern Eversong feeling they were a threat against their own security. Citing the lack of any attempt by Silvermoon to remove this threat, the High Elves moved unilaterally against them. The High Elves now claim this land as their own and demand that Silvermoon recognize this land grab as legitimate.
Amani Forces Contained! Silvermoon has moved in an effort to simply contain the Amani Trolls, a move which has proved a great success. The Amani have no longer been able to launch powerful attacks against Elvish lines and have been forced back from Dawnstar Spire as well. The Blood Elves have continued to send deep strikes into Amani lands, but for the most part the violence of the earlier part of the war has ended as the trolls have opted to defend from strongholds rather than engage in open combat. The local Tauren commander has also become increasingly distressed about the news of his homeland and may soon order a retreat without orders from Thunder Bluff.
(Silvermoon: -4 army, -2 magic; Thunder Bluff: -1 army; Amani: -4 army, -2 magic)
Scourge Forces Reconnect! In a major offensive against the Argent Dawn and Silvermoon, the Scourge of Lordaeron successfully attempted to reconnect with their forces in eastern Eastern Plaguelands. The Silvermoon fortifications at the Quel’Lithien Lodge and Northpass Tower have been captured. The major offensive was led by Kel’Thuzad himself and it was only luck that the reinforcements from Tranquilien escaped with their lives upon arriving to defend the area. Meanwhile the Argent Dawn sent their best soldiers to try and stave the attack, but proved ineffective in turning the tide, being brushed aside like a minor nuisance. The Noxious Glade was secured and the Argent Dawn has once more gone on the defensive.
(Scourge: -6 army, -2 air, -3 magic, +1 g/t; Argent Dawn: -5 army, -3 air, -3 magic; Silvermoon: -3 army)
Scarlet and Argent Forces Connect! Advancing forces from the Argent Dawn in the Western Plaguelands have met with advancing Scarlet Crusade forces after a combined attack took the once Scourge occupied remains of Darrowshire. While this land route is treacherous, it has opened up supplies and free travel between the two regions.
Scourge Turns Back Assault on Andorhal! Undercity launched a powerful attack on Andorhal led by Varathimas and Nathanos Blightcaller. The attack proved unsuccessful after several waves were turned back by Araj the Summoner and Marduk Blackpool. The forces were near evenly matched, with the Scourge having more army, air, and a powerful defensive position and Undercity with greater magic and leadership. Still the Scourge successfully staved off the several attacks, but has been unable to take back ground.
(Scourge: -7 army, -3 air, -4 magic, +1 level Marduk; Undercity: -8 army, -4 air, -2 magic)
Fenris Finally Falls! The rest of Undercity’s forces were used in storming Fenris Keep. This proved successful as the Keep had fallen into disrepair under the Rot Hide’s command. While the battle was still bloody, casualties were lighter than expected as the Rot Hide surrendered after Snarlemane was killed.
(Undercity: -6 army, -5 magic, +1 level Drake; Rot Hide: Destroyed)
Syndicate Loses Positions Around Durnholde! Marcus Redpath launched a successful, yet bloody, attack on the tower stationed south of Durnholde after a feint attack was made on Durnholde itself. After this reinforcements from Dalaran burgeoned the local forces. Allaince forces have slowly been enveloping the Keep as near daily skirmishes continue to take a toll on both sides. Meanwhile it seems internal problems have begun to show in the Syndicate with disputing between locals and occupiers, but nothing major enough to effect the frontlines.
(Hillsbrad: -5 army, -3 magic; Dalaran: -2 army, -3 magic; Syndicate: -7 army, -5 magic)
Stromgarde Continually Stops Boulderfist! Several attempts by the Boulderfist to advance past the bottleneck have proven fruitless as Commander Amaren has led Stromgarde forces against Kor’gresh Coldrage. Still it has taken near all of Stromgarde’s forces to hold back these attacks and it is lucky the Syndicate has been held up elsewhere.
(Stromgarde:-3 army, -1 magic; Boulderfist: -2 army, -2 magic)
Khaz Modan/Azeroth
Ironforge Launches Major Offensive! In a major effort to defeat the Dragonmaw Ironforge sent the majority of her forces into the Algaz Pass from Thelsmar. Casualties have been reported very high, but King Bronzebeard has made it very clear that the area must be captured at all costs. After several weeks of intense fighting, the pass was finally cleared and forces from Loch Modan have spilled into the Wetlands and the Dragonmaw are in full scale retreat.
(Ironforge: -18 army, -4 air, -10 magic; Dragonmaw: -15 army, -8 magic)
Dark Iron Invasion! With the majority of Ironforge forces finally concentrated against the Dragonmaw, the Dark Iron Dwarves have launched an invasion of Loch Modan from the Badlands. Believing Ironforge to be a greater threat than the preoccupied Old Horde, the Dark Irons hope for a quick victory in Loch Modan so they can return their attention to the Orcs. Thelsamar, Ironbrand’s Excavation, the Farstrider Lodge, and the South Gate Pass. The capture of the last one would open up direct supply and reinforcement from main the Dark Iron region of Searing Gorge.
(Ironforge: -3 army; Dark Iron: -1 army)
Frostmane Activity! In response to the weakening of local garrisons the Frostmane have begun raids against Anvilmar, Brewnall Village, and Kharanos. The Frostmane once held an empire in Dun Morogh before being destroyed by the Dwarves and Gnomes many years ago. The remnants may be seeking to reestablish a long lost dominance. The attacks have caused few casualties but the locals have been making pleas to the king to restore the garrisons.
Battle of Eastvale! Nearly the whole of the army of Stormwind prepared itself for a climactic showdown with the advancing Old Horde. The Old Horde’s forces were slightly greater in number, but they were not led by the Horde’s leaders who have remained in Blackrock Mountain in order to ensure its safety against a possible Dark Iron attack. This granted the Archbishop and Mathias Shaw breathing space to better aid operations. As the battle dragged on for several hours neither side made headways against the other. However the nobles’ army disengaged the gnolls and began an attack on the rear supply line of the Horde. This forced the orcs to call the battle in order to defeat this threat. Over the next few weeks neither side engaged in a similarly sized battle, though several major skirmishes have gone both ways. Elwynn has been secured for now, but at what cost? (see below)
(Old Horde: -12 army, -4 air, -6 magic; Stormwind: -7 army, -2 air, -5 magic Stormwind(Nobles): -4 army, -2 magic; Wildhammer: -1 air)
Dragonflights Battle Over Burning Steppes! The Red Dragonflight was spotted sending a large group of dragons towards Stormwind lands, taking the most direct route possiblr to save time. As a result they were forced to fly over the Burning Steppes, homeland of the Old Horde and now Black Dragonflight. The Black Dragonflight moved to engage the Red Dragons and after several skirmishes the Reds retreated to avoid what could have been a titanic battle. Nefarian himself was spotted by goblin merchants in the area. He reportedly verbally harassed the Red dragons as his compatriots struck down several young drakes. The Black dragons were also supported by reserves of Old Horde air and small amounts of ground support.
(Black Dragonflight: -4 air Red Dragonflight: -5 air)
Will Duskwood Ever See Peace?! With the removal of the Noble’s Army from the region, Duskwood has fallen prey once more. The Shadowhide Gnolls have solidified themselves in the hills northeast of the town of Darkshire, the local militia reiliant to fight off an attack which has yet to come. This move has also endangered Stormwind supply lines to Netherharde Keep which may embolden the Burning Legion to launch a new attack. The Black Riders have once more struck out, capturing Roland’s Doom. Word is they’ve begun employing some excavators in the area for some reason.
Defias Resurges! The expedition from Kul Tiras has been hard pressed to stop the Defias Brotherhood from reclaiming areas of Westfall that Stormwind ecaptured several months ago. Defias Pillagers and Rogue Mages have taken a toll on the Kul Tiras army which is still ill-equipped to fight a superior force of magic.
(Kul Tiras: -3 army, -1 magic; Defias: -2 army)
Assassination Attempt?! The City of Stormwind was left mostly in the hands of local defenders, but also a small contingent of night elves sent by Darnassus. However things turned sour when the night elves made way towards the Nobles’ quarters. While not entirely peculiar it was not normal routine and the group was stopped and questioned by the guards. It seemed all was in order when a second group of night elves successfully snuck past the guards and attempted to force entry into Lady Katrina Prestor’s quarters. Its believed the Lady somehow successfully kept her door locked just long enough for the guards to be notified. The Nobles have called this an assassination attempt, but Darnassus has denied such wild accusations. The true meaning of this affair is unknown, but violence against Elven residents (High and Night) have been at an all time high and the majority of the citizenry are demanding the removal of the Darnassus forces. The Committee on the Conduct of the War has sided with the people (either in the name of vengeance, or simply keeping the peace) and has asked Highlord Bolvar to recall his plea of aid to the Night Elves
Avatar of Hakkar Summoned! An Avatar of the Hakkar the Soulflayer, The Blood God has been summoned inside the Sunken Temple of Atal’Hakkar. While it is only a physical manifestation of the spirit of Hakkar (and thus not the Blood God itself), the Avatar has already begun demanding sacrifice, perhaps in an effort to gain enough strength to bring Hakkar’s true body into this world. We have received news from local Orgrimmar scouts that envoys from Gurubashi have slipped past the weak Green Dragonflight defense perimeter for some reason, as well as the departure of Twilight’s Hammer groups and a small fleet of theirs. The Atal’ai could not have had enough resources to create this terrible event so soon. This question must then be asked: who supplied the Atal’ai with enough gold to do this?
Southseas:
Goblin War! For the first time since the Second War goblins have gone to war, and for the first time in decades it has been against one another. The Bilgewater Cartel and The Venture Company have finally gone to war over the issue of Tel’Abim. Who fired the first shot is unknown, but a well concentrated assault on Bilgewater Port was launched by Venture Company not long after the start of the war. The majority of both plutocracies’ have engaged in battle over the port, but the Bilgewater have kept control thanks to the town’s defenses and location behind a river from the Venture attacks. Sea engagements have been decidingly in favor of the Bilgewater Cartel. The Venture Company has made pleas to the other Goblin princes, but all have so far respected the NAP between the Goblin nations. All Venture and Bilgewater diplomats, merchants, tinkers, bruisers, etc have been thrown out of the neutral city of Undermine, hurting business for both.
(Venture: -7 army, -6 navy, -2 air, -4 magic, -1 g/t; Bilgewater: -5 army, -3 navy, -3 air, -4 magic, -1 g/t)
Northrend:
Scourge Offensive Stalls! After several clashes with the now combined force of the Orgrimmar Expedition and Taunka, the Scourge has finally been stalled in their advance towards Warsong Hold. Unfortunately this has not stopped the spread of Scourge control over the rest of northern Taunka lands, further crippling these people and giving more servents to the Lich King. Without new reinforcements arriving from Orgrimmar thanks to the Barrens War the Expedition may soon have to forfeit the remains of the Taunka land for the safety of Warsong Hold.
(Orgrimmar: -4 army, -2 air, -3 magic Taunka: -9 army, -6 magic - 2g/t; Scourge: -10 army, -4 air, -8 magic +1 g/t)
NPC Diplo:
From Syndicate and Boulderfist
To Alliance:
We are willing to begin peace negotiations. The Syndicate will agree to withdraw all forces from the Arathi Highlands placing the new border behind the ruins of the ancient Thoradin’s Wall. The Boulderfist meanwhile will agree to peace at current borders.
From Stromgarde
To Alliance:
We would appreciate your advice before deciding on whether or not to accept this peace proposal.
From Dragonmaw
To Ironforge:
We are willing to make peace at pre-war borders.
ooc:
Dreadnaught and a_propagandist have not sent orders in 2 turns, or asked to be temporarily NPCd, so Scarlet Crusade and Dalaran are now open.
Also the *** next to a person’s name means they haven’t sent orders this turn. It’s a warning to send orders or lose your nation. The nation is not NPCd, it follows last turns orders , which may or may not be up to date and the best use of resources/planning.
Could some of you send more specific orders on the exact amount of stuff you’re sending where. Not naming any names but wording like “some…will attack supply caravans” or “In order to achieve this, we will need a concentrated force of infantry and magic” doesn’t help me much in determining the amount of stuff that’s going to go into it.
TLJ: Grim Batol is under occupation of the Red Dragonflight right now, the Dragonmaw are pretty afraid of the place. They’re located in the hills of the Wetlands.
I have finally decided on a system of how much power heroes have at each level, as well as the power of a settlement’s defenses. Check the 1st page for these numbers.
MAP
Will get orders in this turn, however.
