Live a Soldier, die a Soldier

[Garbhan]

The story of Garbhan Steelbrow is quite a long one. A very long life, and not a simple one, it is important to hear the whole thing, for your understanding. Within lies pride and loss, glory and love. This is not meant to be embelished in any way to change your vision of a person, but is designed to be an accurate, in-depth view at a Dwarf - husband, father, leader and above all, Soldier.

Garbhan was born in Ironforge. His father, Gorbhan Redblade, was an officer in the city guard, charged with the safety of the King, Modimus Anvilmar. His mother was Treasa and a cook by trade. Garbhan was the oldest of four sons. They’d all grown up during a time of particular political strain and cramped living. Ironforge would grow no more, and its population was about to burst. On the snow of Dun Morogh lived the Wildhammers and deep in the lower caverns of the city were the Dark Irons. Garbhan, his brothers, and their Bronzebeard compatriots lived in the main levels and, in bands of troulbleseeking youth, often went on what they affectionately called ‘Delving Runs.’

The idea behind this questionable activity was that a bunch of the lads, and the occasional feisty lass, would take a stroll into the deeper warrens. Beforehand, you would shine your buttons, polish your shoes and comb and bead your beards. Walking tall, in all their finery, the youths would invariably run into groups young, hot-headed Dark Irons with the same trouble-making ideas. A few quick comments and a brawl would break out. At first, they seemed to be all in good fun, and occasionally the Wildhammers would show up, but soon, they became more personal. Leather armour started to come into play as well as bats, chains and the rare blade. The life of a Dwarven youngling in Ironforge was on the brink of gang warfare when a more serious event happened, rocking the foundation of the Dwarven way of life inescapably. Modimus Anvilmar, High King of Ironforge and all of Khaz Modan, passed away.

King Anvilmar left no clear heir to the throne, and all three factions of Dwarves claimed rights. Within a week, hostilities were widespread and soon after, all able bodied men were drafted into the guards of their respective faction. Garbhan, his three brothers, their many cousins and friends, went to war without ever leaving their home city. The Redblade’s earned their namesake in the city fighting. There wasn’t enough equipment to arm everyone, and so any sense of organized manoeuvres were lost. Street fights, looting, ambushes in the Forlorn Cavern and drownings in the Mystic Ward pool were commonplace. In time, the city was cleanly split in three with no clear victor in site. The Wildhammers held the main exits of the city and most of the commons, the Dark Irons held the Forlorn Cavern and the Mystic Ward, while the Bronzebeards held the military Ward and had enough Crossbowmen stationed in the shops to hold the Great Forge. After what seems to be endless fighting, there was a brief time of calm. This, however, did not last and it was not long before the final battle occurred. In true dwarven form, all three factions threw their might into the fray. The Bronzebeards, however, had had the traditional roll of guarding the city and the King and thus had the best soldiers and equipment. After years of fighting secretly within the confines of Ironforge Mountain, the civil war ended with the crowning of King Madoran Bronzebeard.

Khardos Wildhammer led his exiled people North, where they founded their own kingdom in the mountain of Grim Batol, where they began to rebuild their wealth. Thane Thaurissan led his people south to the Redridge Mountains and founded a city which he named after himself. They too did prosper. The Bronzebeards, victorious, immediately set to work in rebuilding the city they had fought so hard for. The Militia being disbanded, Garbhan found himself without work and a way to contribute to his family. He had no trades – his youth had been spent mostly involved in gang fighting in the lower caverns. His path was unavoidably clear and he followed his father’s footsteps, becoming a soldier of Ironforge, oathsworn to King Madoran.

[Garbhan]

Prosperity and the passing of years did little to ease the Dark Iron's rancour toward their cousins. Thaurissan and his sorceress wife, Modgud, launched a two-pronged assault against both Ironforge and Grim Batol. The Dark Irons were intent on claiming all of Khaz Modan for their own. By now, Garbhan had risen to the rank of Sergeant in the Ironforge 6th Infantry. The Dark Iron army smashed against the gates of Ironforge. Due to the sorcerous advantage against them, the Bronzebeards were forced back inside the gates, their force splitting in two, barely holding the Dark Irons from the Commons. The 1st, 2nd and 4th infantry divisions had held strong at first, but were slowly destroyed by the Dark Irons sheer numbers. On the left, the 6th were heavy into the fighting. Garbhan was tucked snugly into the shield wall with his fellow soldiers shouting curses while the dark army washed against them like waves on rock. Every so often a magical blast would tear a hole through their line, only to have it filled by more stubborn soldiers. The situation looked grim – if the 6th were wiped out, they Dark Irons would have a clear path into the city and Ironforge would be lost.

On the right, something slightly different was happening. The 3rd still held, albeit barely, and the 5th eagerly awaited their chance, and it seemed that their time would come soon. The Dark Irons made another push against the wall of steel and gritted teeth. It seemed that they would finally overrun the flank when a great roar rang out from within the Bronzebeard ranks. King Madoran himself, carried upon a shield by two ancient soldiers was pushing to the front. The fighting paused slightly until the eerie still was broken with Madoran’s battlecry “For Khaz Modan!” The Bronzebeards responded with a shout of their own and surged forward – now they fought for their entire land - their kingdom - and would rid it of the Dark Irons forever.

The left flank heard the cry and Garbhan’s Captain stepped onto the knees of two of his soldiers and raised his hammer. The same battlecry bellowed from the grizzled 6th and they pressed forward. The Dark Irons on either side stood for a few moments before the rout was complete. At the foot of Ironforge, a mighty cheer echoed through the mountains from the victors. Many had died but they’d defended their home and would celebrate those who had made the greatest sacrificed. For now, however, word had come that a second army of Dark Irons were assaulting their cousins in Grim Batol and the King refused to allow them a foothold within the Dwarven Kingdoms. The army marched north. In the open, they could now use their war machines and crossbows to far better effect and the 3rd was left behind to guard the city.

Garbhan suffered only one wound during the initial fighting; a gash on his forehead caused by a hammer to his helmet. Still being of sound mind, it obviously wasn’t serious, though the blood was starting to obstruct his vision and he had to wipe it away constantly. He would later learn that the flow of blood would be the cause for his loss of sight in the left eye.

[Garbhan]

While the Bronzebeards marched north, the Wildhammers fared even worth. Thaurissan’s sorceress wife, Modgud, had broken through the outer gates of Grim Batol and now battered her army against the fortress itself. It wasn’t until King Khardos entered the fray that the tide turned. Wading through the masses of Dark Irons, Khardos slew Modgud. With their queen dead, the Dark Irons broke and ran, only to be met by the armies of the Bronzebeards. Trapped between two armies, they were utterly destroyed. By now, the 6th Ironforge Infantry had been whittled down considerably. They were charged with the care of the wounded and disposing of the dead, along with a contingent of Wildhammers. Meanwhile, the combined forces of Ironforge and Grim Batol marched south to finish the Dark Iron threat for good, only to be chased off by the volcanic explosion that caused the creation of the Burning Steppes and the Searing Gorge.

The Bronzebeard injured were taken to the nearby Dun Modr. The entire outpost was converted into a medical facility. Garbhan, much to his displeasure, finally succumbed to the efforts of Moira Goldeye, one of the acting healers. Through his stay in Dun Modr, he and Moira had grown rather close. When soldiers were no longer needed in Dun Modr, the entire 6th were decorated for stouthearted bravery, unwavering tenacity and presented each with the Mark of the Veteran for their successful defence of Ironforge during the Dark Iron siege. However, for Garbhan, the glory came bittersweet for he was blind in one eye and sight in the other had faded as well. He was deemed unable to continue his military services and was honourably discharged. Quite distressed by this, his future was brightened when Moira asked him to accompany her home in what would later become Menethil Harbour. Garbhan lived with her and her father and later wed Moira. When her father, Rhunr Goldeye, passed away, Garbhan took charge of his business, which bought, sold and transported fish and fishing goods. For many years, Garbhan drove a cart back and forth from the village to Thelsemar and practiced herb lore in the swamps. He had two sons with Moira, Aengus and Argun and a daughter named Aoife. They were responsible for 8 grandchildren, and Aengus' oldest son brought into the world Eibhe (pronounced Eve), Garbhan's great granddaughter.

[Garbhan]

Garbhan’s family prospered. His children had children of their own, and he had a beautiful young great granddaughter who was growing up well and happy. The town had been named after King Menethil of Lordaeron as a token of friendship from the recently crowned King Magni. The name Redblade, however, was no longer a suitable title. The family was well known for being stern, proud and especially stubborn, even by Dwarf standards. They were heralded as being refreshingly old fashioned and tended to shun new constructions and advances. They became known as the Steelbrow clan and accepted it with a gruff, but proud demeanour. Nearing Garbhan’s fourth century, word came of an invasion in the southlands in the human kingdom of Stormwind – an army of green barbarians that pillaged and killed and destroyed, forcing the humans of Stormwind north, past Khaz Modan and into the lands of Hillsbrad and Arathi.

Rumour had it that the Orcs had chased them and a second war had began. Many of the Steelbrow men grew anxious when the King lent the support of the Dwarves to the effort. Garbhan, however, would hear none of it and told them in no uncertain terms that the best contribution that they could make for the war would be to keep supplies flowing. They accepted it without question – Garbhan was many decades older and obviously had more experience in such matters, and his wisdom could not be ignored.

By now, a small caravan had become a regular occurrence, and Garbhan drove his cart just the same as he always had, but with one exception. This trip would not stop and turn around at Thelsemar, but continue all the way to Ironforge itself. Eibhe, was quickly becoming a young woman, and wanting to learn more of their kingdom, had begged Garbhan to let her come along. He’d flashed her a rare smile and agreed. When they arrived at Ironforge, Eibhe was awed at its massive roofs and arches and at the sheer size of everything within the city. Garbhan was somewhat disappointed – the walls did not gleam as they once had and the splendour of the great city was slightly diminished. The pride, though still there, was muted, as if an afterthought, compared to his youth. They met Garbhan’s cousin Snorri and his wife, Anistha, who were the last of Garbhan’s close family. Despite having been the eldest son of Gorbhan, his brothers had all perished before him. From Snorri they learned of the Orcish invasion of Khaz Modan. They had taken Grim Batol and now it was unsafe to travel without armed escort.

After their stay in Ironforge, Garbhan told Eibhe that she would be left with Snorri and Anistha until the war was over and it was safe to return home. Eibhe was exited at the prospect of exploring the great city of the Dwarves and wished Garbhan a happy farewell and safe trip. During the stopover in Thelsamar, talk was grim about the Orc business. They'd made attacks on Dun Modr and nearly taken Dun Algaz twice, which would cut off Dwarven forces from the Wetlands, making them unable to aid the Alliance of Lordaeron with their Wildhammer cousins. Garbhan took the freshest ram from the Caravan and rode on ahead. He was old, but he was determined and if the Wetlands were to be isolated, he would be there with his family. On his way through Dun Algaz he was stopped by an aging soldier. He wore an eyepatch and his beard was set in large, greying braids. He introduced himself as Gatemarshal Bruuk, Captain of the 6th infantry. They clasped hands and after recalling their brief actions together during the War of Three Hammers, Garbhan explained his situation. Were it not for their connection through the 6th, Garbhan never would have been allowed entry to the wetlands – the pass was on total lockdown. Riding as quickly as the old dwarf could manage, Garbhan arrived at the bridge to Menethil Harbour. The gates were bashed and the town was burning. Filled with worry, Garbhan frantically searched the town. His shop had been completely burnt to ash and the remains of his family could be found. His wife, his sons and daughter, their children were all lost. All except Eibhe.

[Garbhan]

A number of human war vessels made port the next day. Searching the town, they found Garbhan curled up on the floor of a burnt out building. He was near comatose. After convincing him to drink and eat a little, the men managed to get him coherent enough to speak, though most of it was mumbled names. A Marine was charged with Garbhan’s care and explained what he could. A small fleet of Troll Destroyers had made landfall and sacked the near defenceless town. They had caught up to them a few days before their arrival in Menethil and had engaged them. They’d sank two ships and captured one, but the rest had escaped. It took time, but the Marine managed to discover who Garbhan’s surviving family were and where. When Khaz Modan was cleared of the Horde and made safe, the Human soldiers facilitated Garbhan’s return to Ironforge, managing to locate his cousin Snorri. Snorri and Anistha brought Garbhan into the care of the Priests, who, through their teachings, brought Garbhan to come to terms with his loss. The next years, through the Third War, Garbhan lived in the home of his cousin with Eibhe and studied the lore behind Khaz, theorized creator of the Dwarves, and the ways of Light and Shadow. Snorri went off to fight in the third war with Garbhan's blessing. He was the muscle part of a Mortar Team. Garbhan thought he'd have a chance to kill Orcs, but in fact he spent most of his time battling the Undead hordes of the Scourge of Lordaeron. He'd returned with a ghostly look in his eyes and spoke little of it.

[Garbhan]

After completing his studies as a Priest, Garbhan went out to do what he could for the communities of Khaz Modan in his twilight years - the Trogg attack had caused much damage throughout the Dwarven lands, not to mention the halls of the Gnomes. After a few months, of stubborn adventuring Garbhan fell in with what has become publicly renowned as the Ironforge Regiment, a militia group of Dwarves in service of King Magni, in the hopes of defending the Dwarven people from outside threats while the army is otherwise occupied. Garbhan quickly rose through the ranks to become an officer; his extensive years of experience in the schools of violence and warfare proving an invaluable asset. The soldiers under his direct command have found him to very hard, strict but fair, a testament to the Dwarves of a different age. It is common for him to grumble about how today's beasts are far smaller and weedier than they used to be and how nothing is as well made as it was in their day. It is a rare Dwarf who would gainsay him as he has the experience and the scars to prove it.

Despite his abilities as a priest, he is often found at the front of an operation, where he is able to demonstrate his time-won skills, disdainful of any minor shifts in fortune that would throw less experienced warriors into confusion, and woe betide any beardling who falters under his stern eye, for they will be admonished in no uncertain terms, all the while giving sound advice to his fellow officers.

A few of his closer friends joke that Garbhan is simply too stubborn to succumb to the rigors of old age. Others theorize it is his steadfast belief in his Ancestor God that keeps him alive. If asked about the secret to his long life, Garbhan would gruffly state “No time for rest. There’s too much to do and no one else to do it.”

[Sojii]

Awwwww. Why'd I have to go and roll horde? Axe High!

[Garbhan]

((The grass is always greener. I was hardcore tempted to make a troll and try for the Frostwolf brotherhood around lvl 40 XD

Soji.... Roll Dwarf... get to level 10... The Ironforge Regiment wants You...!))

[Rhowen-Prea]

(( Or roll anything and hit up the 'Ward. ^_~ ))

[Sojii]

{{Why do everyone love Sojii? Sojii are confused. :? }}

[Northern]

Nice read!