Observations from the Field

[Lovely]

((Taken from in game events yesterday))

I had traveled to the Arathai Highlands yesterday to help one of my guildmates kill some people in Stromgarde keep. I usually stay away from the Arathai Highlands, for even though they are beautiful, I reserve that area for Lord Jerone and the Keepers of Stromgarde. However, since I always answer the call to aid a guildmate, I found myself there once again.

Upon defeating the ones known as Otto and Falconcrest, we made our way back to Refuge Point. The area was crawling with horde. Most of the horde I encountered were in their mid-seasons of training, and beneath my notice. I hit a few of them who were getting too close to Alliance adventurers, just to make them aware of my presence, and for the most part the horde was respectful.

Once at Refuge Point, my companion was struck down. My companion is a mage, only halfway through her training. The one who attacked her was a troll rogue of my season. As she slid to the ground, he laughed and jumped up and down, happy with his work. To me, this is why we have a war with the horde. Not because of Thrall, or even Lady Sylvannis....But for people like this murderous troll, who would not even receive credit from his people for such a lowly kill.

I sprinted into action, running to the Troll rogue and cracking his skull with my mace. The Icey chill of my weapon ran into him, slowing his movement, and within a matter of seconds, this troll was sent to the spirit healer. I stood, perplexed for a moment. Usually, a rogue of my season is a formidable adversary. This troll was not...He went down easily.

The question I asked myself was this...Why had his masters allowed him to complete his training if he didn't have the skill to back it up? Perhaps they didn't....Perhaps he stole the ranking, or bribed himself into it, and thats why he had to come to this area and attack Alliance forces....Because they were much weaker than him....

As I pondered this, the rogue returned from the spirit healer, but this time a tauren was with him. The Tauren was a druid, also of my season. The two of them should have easily been able to take me down. Instead, the rogue went down a second time, and as I pulled my mace from the troll's spattered head, the druid turned and ran from me.

Yes....Turned and ran....

This druid could have easily taken me. I was injured from fighting the rogue, and although neither of them knew it, I could not use my Lay on Hands for another 20 minutes, due to a bad pull while in Stromgarde Keep. Yet....The druid ran....

Not one to let a villain escape, and willing to risk being led into more enemies, I mounted on my faithful steed Splendor and began to chase the druid. Within moments, I was joined by the Warlock Sweetfeather, who I had briefly met as a member of the Greyward.

We chased the Tauren all the way to Hammerfall, and being a bit reckless, entered the gates themselves. Within seconds, the orcish guardians of that outpost were upon us.

This is when I noticed why I have a problem with most horde. As Sweetfeather and I battled the guards, each of us having 4 or 5 of them on us, the druid ran further into the outpost. He never looked back, even as his lower seasoned brethren came at us in an attempt to help the guards.

In a matter of minutes, the guards of the gates lay dead at our feet, and so did those who came to aid them. Injured, but alive, the warlock and I looked perplexed at each other....The druid was nowhere to be seen.

We returned back to Refuge Point, thanking each other and going about our ways. It was then that I decided to make this report, to send to all the Alliance, so they may see the true face of cowardice that the horde allows to be in their ranks.

I have faced many horde in my life, and have tasted both victory and defeat. I have adversaries I respect, such as The Grim, and then there are those like the troll and the druid I faced at Refuge point.

To you, Alliance leaders....I offer this encouragement....That if we fight these horde, we can easily take them out of our lives. By destroying these cowards of the Horde, we can perhaps help even Thrall himself to see that we have honor, and perhaps a long term peace can be attained.

These are my observations....

Lovely of Lakeshire,
The Tainted Paladin

[Lupa]

((Taken from in game events yesterday))

The Nether Council patrol mustered for the security detail of Hillbrad that evening with high spirits. Many attended the call to duty, including yours truly, Karkarov the newly elected Council leader, Grisch of Sanctuary and others of our respective clans; Queequeg and Chalia of Citadel, Alteza of Sanctuary, Maudib of The Immortalis and Tzitzimime of Eye of Kilrogg.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/toxctii/patrol1.jpg

The patrol was seen off by Soraxis, who alas had other committments elswhere. The patrol began in peace, with no untoward actions demanding our attention. We talked about recent events, such as the attack on Splintertree, and generally enjoyed the companionship.

After a time, the call came that a lone tauren was being attacked by powerful Alliance in the vicinity of the yeti cave. We made our way there in haste to discover that indeed a gnome rogue of considerable renown was harassing this poor soul. Cassidie was the name that came to lips. Swiftly she was dispatched as she attempted to flee our force for the safety of Southshore.

We returned to our patrol only to recieve the call once again that the gnome had returned from the Nether and had resumed her senseless attack. Once more the culprit was ferretted out. This drama repeated itself enough times that suspicions arose within our ranks; either the tauren was a complete fool to stay in the area, or in some way he was in league with the rogue, as bait for weaker Hordlings.

As our actions were drawiing the attention of both Horde and Alliance alike, who believed an attack on Southshore was in the making, our patrol moved along to diffuse the situation. Assault was not our mission, only security. Of such is the mettle of the Nether Council and its members.

Our patrol wound its way into Arathi Highlands. Soon after we announced our presence we again received a distress call. Two hordlings were being slaughtered at Dabryie's Farmstead by two extremely superior Alliance, a hunter and a druid.

On our arrival the hunter was taken down before he knew what was happening. The druid fled like a coward. But then, that was true to his nature, assaulting those much weaker than himself.

A lowly gnome mage appeared over the crest. Thinking he was coming to join his cowardly allies, I marked him as a warning. He fled, and we pursued. Surrounding him the little fellow looked ready to soil himself. Taking pity on the tiny humanoid, for it was obvious he was no threat, we let him pass. His relief and gratitude were immense. Now there was an honorable Alliance. May he remember that night when the Nether Council took pity on him.

The call came again from the farmstead. The hunter was back and attacking again. We returned to the scene, only to find the culprit fleeiing our approach and running for the safety of Refuge Point. Or so he thought. Silly Fool!

There was no safety for him inside that undefendable death trap! Karkarov ran straight into the mouth of the dragon. Gatheriing the coward's would be defenders together so that we might pick them off at will. The hunter was punished again, and again. Those that ran to his defence were taught not to trifle with our patrol.

Mission complete, we rode in slow, easy strides to Hammerfall where we marvelled at the cowardice of some Alliance. Yes, there are those among them who are indeed honorable. One might even come in time to regard them as friends, or at least as respected rivals. But we felt we might even be doing them a favor by weeding out those who would tarnish their own reputation with such acts of cowardice as we saw that night.

To those Horde leaders who read this. Once the cowards are removed, and all that remain are the honorable, respected Alliance soldiers, we might one day have a chance at peace.

So our patrols continue.....

[Chingaso]

((taken from in-game experience over the weekend))

Chingaso still of modest season, but aspire to advance so be of more value to Grim. While hunt in Hillsbrad near Tarren Mill, Chingaso attacked by group of she-elf druids of full season. Chingaso sent to spirit healer quickly. Upon return, Chingaso find group camping chingaso corpse. Chingaso not recognize any of elfs, so spoke through hearthstone to other Grim. Overhearing names from otherwise gibberish of elf-talk, Chingaso report names. Grim reply that she-elfs without honor and well-known for harass underseason Horde. Chingaso finally accept rez sickness and stone out of Hillsbrad back to security of Barrens.

Much later Chingaso in Ashenvale at Splintertree post. No sooner than Chingaso land that group of three filthy man-elfs and man-pink of advance season send Chingaso to spirit healer. Chingaso return and watch from distance as honorless Alliance group attack and kill innocent Horde as they land in Post.

It true Chingaso hate elfs, and it true Chingaso attack on sight and kill when able any Alliance. But Chingaso kill and move on. Chingaso see no honor in camping opponent.

[Barke]

He was wiping orc blood off his blade when he heard the call. One of the undead were attacking people well under his season. Barke started making his way back to Lakeshire when he found the wounded body of a dwarf lying to the side of the road. He quickly got to the dwarf asking what happened. The dwarf replied with the description of the undead he had got from others. He looked up in time to see the undead rogue come to a skidding stop on his mount right before turning and trying to run.

Barke was in full sprint and gaining on the horse. The undead saw him gaining and tried to push his mount faster. The two were coming in fast to a cliff where the undead creature leaped off. The rogue and the horse arced as they started their fall towards water. Barke went straight out catching the rogue as he was falling. He went into a deadly spin and as Barke hit the water he found it was now raining the undead rogues body. He did not take pleasure in that kill but the rogue was his season and attacking those not even half his season.

Barke has seen plenty of horde to know they are not all like this but it was still disheartening. Maybe someday there will be peace.

[Lovely]

((This is just what I wanted with this thread. RP accounts of observations from the battlefield. Whether they be good or bad, they are good snippets and fun to read...Keep em coming!))

[Xeran]

((Taken from in-game events a long time ago))

When I was a paladin in my midthirties, season-wise, I was sent on assignment to assist the outpost in the Arathi Highlands. Upon arrival, I was given several tasks to do one of which involved battling the ogre population there. As I was fighting the ogres, I noticed a tauren hunter being killed by a dwarf rogue of advanced season. I wasn’t sure what to make of it at the time.

I completed my mission among the ogres and returned to Refuge Point. I was conversing with the smith there about getting my armor repaired when a commotion behind me caught my attention. A dwarf rogue was being killed by two high-season Horde : a rogue and a warrior. I raced forward to heal the dwarf but was too late. Once he fell, the warrior ran out of the valley and the rogue vanished before my eyes. There were several of us present, yet the twosome had singled out the rogue. As I looked down upon the dwarf’s body, I recognized him: it was the one I had seen earlier killing the hunter. Being a servant of the Light, I began the necessary spell work to bring the rogue back to life. A sudden thump on the head left me dazed and unable to complete the ritual. I tried a second time and was again dazed. The rogue was still present in the base. Yet even though I was wearing what, to him, was little more than tissue-paper for armor, the rogue did not kill me.

The two Horde waited for the dwarf rogue to revive himself and then struck again. This time I tried to keep the rogue healed. It was my duty to protect, after all. A swift kick from the Horde rogue ended my healing attempt and the dwarf was felled again. Once again the warrior left the base and the rogue vanished. Once again I was left alive. No other member of the Alliance was harmed save the dwarf. Then it dawned on me: the Horde were sending a message. The dwarf would be leaving their younger members alone, or he would pay dearly. The Horde were protecting their own against unwarranted aggression. All others not responsible for the harassment of the tauren hunter were left in peace.

I have been told that the Horde are nasty and brutish. I have been told that the Horde are without honor while the intrinsic “goodness” of the Alliance must prevail. I have been misinformed. The Alliance are capable of senseless violence against the weak and defenseless and the Horde are capable both of peace and of mounting the kind of self-sacrificing defense too few Paladins practice for their own people. Members of both sides in this petty struggle have honor. Both sides also harbor criminals, cowards and fools. One cannot tell friend from foe by the banner under which they march.

Our future may be alight with hope and possibility, but the days now are dark and we are, all of us, blind.

[Alucian]

((Aaaand a post on Alucian's character, taken from an incident a long time ago. :) ))

If there was one place Alucian hated going to, it had to be the mountains of Stonetalon. The area was out of the way, it was dry and dying, slowly being devoured alive by the loggers and miners. Nature cried here, and though he knew he could help stop it, the sounds of her anguish set him on edge.

In fact, at this moment, he was prowling about the logging camp, looking for any goblin, human or dwarf that appeared to be one of the higher-ups. He hoped that by at least ridding their "company" of the command structure, it could help topple the whole affair from within.

He slinked over a rise, his cat claws digging into the earth, when his eyes fell on an unexpected sight. Ahead, a small female orc stood in battle with one of the workers, swinging her large sword high to cleave the goblin almost in two. The goblin cried out and fell to the earth below, still. The orc knelt beside the corpse and began to root through its pockets for whatever loot she could find.

Alucian's held his breath. Here was one of his mortal enemy, completely exposed! She had no idea he was in the area as well, as evidenced by her guard being completely down. Before he knew what he was doing, he crept forward until he was at the orc's exposed back.

The orc was busy counting copper coins that she'd retrieved from the goblin's coin purse. She made a grunting noise, apparently pleased at what she found, and slipped the coin into her own purse. She then hefted his mace, looking it over to see if it was worthy of being salvaged.

Behind her, Alucian planted himself and raised one of his front paws, intent on first knocking the orc in the head, stunning her, and giving him enough time to finish the job. But...something stayed his hand. He gave the orc another look and realized she was barely beyond a recruit, many seasons behind him in experience. He knew it wouldn't take more than a few swipes of his claws to send her to meet the angel. An intense feeling of dread grew in his stomach. Why should he slay this orc? Simply because they were enemies? Should he allow himself to look on things so blindly? If he did...where would it end?

The orc nodded as her inspection of the mace ended with her stuffing it in her pack, and she fingered the cloth of the goblin's shirt, wondering if it was enough to salvage as well for bandages.

Behind her...Alucian was gone. The orc never even knew he had been there.

[clys]

((from an in-game experience very recently))

Clys was doing one of her frequent patrols, this one started in Stranglethorn, which is always a hotbed of violence. She stepped silently through the area, making her way to Nesingwary's camp. Close to the Alliance graveyard, and near the exit to Duskwood, Nesingwary's was always dangerous. All appeared quiet, as a single young Horde member stood and talked with the dwarf there. Suddenly, a wolf appeared to leap out of the water nearby, and attacked the Horde member, who was much too weak to defend himself. After the wolf killed the Hordling, it disappeared again into the water.

"What exactly is going on here?" Clys wondered. She remained cloaked in the shadows, and slipped quietly beneath the water of the river. Soon enough, the answer became clear, when the wolf appeared again to attack another Horde member.

There was a night elf hunter, sitting just beneath the surface of the water, using his Shadowmeld to remain undetected, and sending his pet in to make the kills without exposing himself to any danger. Talk about cowardly!

Clys carefully swam up behind the hunter, and with a few swift stabs of her blade he was dead, his blood drifting downriver. She stayed around, and sure enough he returned to his spot and set up again, melding into the background. It took several deaths to convince him to leave the area for good.

"A clever tactic," thought Clys. "Not brave, but clever. I do, however, think some revenge is required."

With that, she made her way up into Duskwood, to terrorize the area. It was only right.