Karp
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Chapter 79
🕑 Added 2024-10-08 18:53:15 +0000 UTCA few days had passed since Varrus and Syra had resolved the temple crisis that had been plaguing the Kobold's. During that time, he had taken care of business, strengthened relations, and created an alliance. Yet he was left puzzled by the events within the temple.
The symbolism had been lost on him, but he felt like he had seen something similar in Skyrim. But he hadn't played the game in such a long time, and the symbols on the statue could have belonged to any eldritch doomsday cult for all he knew.
Besides, blood red summoning circles, and the like weren't exactly something Varrus wanted to be familiar with.
So he chalked the experience up to being Void Lord shenanigans. In the World of Warcraft, there were a few extraplanar existences that could be described as ‘gods.’
The Titans, for example, were a well known group of Arcane/Order magic practitioners that were the awakened souls of planets.
Whereas the Void Lords were known to occupy a mirror dimension full of, well, Void energy. Creatures from this realm often took on cthulhu-looking appearances, or were straight up shadowy beings made manifest.
But that was beside the point. What made this temple so significant, is that it seemed to Varrus, that it was not related to the Old Gods.
The Old Gods being 4 (or 5 depending who asked) demi-god level creatures that were spawned from the Void. The Void, in fact, spawned hundreds, if not thousands of these Old God creatures, and shotgun sprayed them across the universe in hopes of finding a planet with a nascent soul. Once the world soul of the planet is corrupted, the Void Lords would then have a means to manifest themselves in the physical world.
In a way, it was a very similar plot to how the Daedric Princes in the Elder Scrolls were constantly trying to enter the world.
What was key here, was that the Old Gods had rebelled against the Void Lords, and were each out for their own gain.
That meant that this temple was a direct extension by one of the Void Lords. This told Varrus that a cosmic level being, one on a threat level of something like Darkseid had taken interest in Azeroth.
There was likely nothing to come of this information anytime soon, but Varrus would be a fool to simply ignore it.
Thankfully, future problems were for future Varrus!
Today was the final day he would be spending in the realm of the Kobold's, and the creation of the Covenant was one pen stroke away.
Sitting under the great candle at a conference table, Varrus was flanked by Telonicus, and Tae'thelon, acting in their official capacity as diplomats.
On the other side of the table sat the priest, whom Varrus had come to know over the last four days as Waxbuilder.
A lengthy document rested between them, in which it described the duties and responsibilities due to one another.
In it, there were promises of mutual defense, and provisions for trade.
Beyond all the fancy mumbo jumbo, the Kobolds essentially became a client state. One whose foreign interests were completely controlled by Quel'Thalas. However, their internal management of society would remain under local rule, so long as the minerals and ore flowed.
And flow they did!
By the numbers, the Kobolds could roughly supply the following materials on a bi-weekly basis:
20,000 blocks of clay
12,000 iron ores
9,200 moonstone ores
800 gems/minerals
120 mithril ores
10 thorium ores
Starting from the top, the blocks of clay alone made this trip worth it. With the vast labor of the Kobolds, Varrus would be able to rebuild Silvermoon, as well as the remainder of Quel'Thalas with these resources.
Every brick Varrus made was a tiny drop in the bucket for grinding his exp, but it went a long way. Quantity was a quality all of its own, and if he ever wanted to level himself to a state where he was as strong as a demi-god, or ‘god,’ this way of leveling via a ‘passive income’ method was preferable to combat.
But these supplies weren't just to make the city beautiful again, or strictly for grinding exp. As a firm believer in logistics winning wars, Varrus was committed to supplying superior arms and armor to all members of the Covenant.
When Varrus did the math, he discovered that it typically took 9 ingots to craft a full set of gear.
Meaning, every 2 weeks, Varrus would be free to craft 1,022 full sets of glass armor from the moonstone. Or, based on these metrics, he would be making 1 full set of thorium armor.
Thorium, in classic videogame fashion, was extremely rare, and as such, was the only metal fit for a Hero. But it wasn't like there were many Heroes to begin with, being able to fully outfit one every 2 weeks wasn't all that bad.
However, what really interested Varrus was the glass armor. It was no mithril armor, and wasn't fit for Elites, yet it was lightweight, and rated against bullets fired from a dwarven musket, as well as the average mages fireball. In Varrus's vision, glass armor, amongst Elven forces, would become as ubiquitous as the AK-47.
1,022 may not seem like a lot on the surface, and if he was honest with himself, Varrus was hoping for more. However, Rome wasn't built in a day, and Varrus was prepared for a long campaign.
Logistics, and long term planning were what mattered in a world constantly at war. Because at the end of the day, it was the Common soldiers and Elites that would do most of the fighting and dying.
In Varrus's opinion, force from most Heroes could only be projected in a limited area. They were of limited supply, and had to be positioned like nuclear bombs. For the most part, Heroes were strategic weapons used for final pushes, all or nothing attacks, or holding down the fort. This meant that ground troops, and other, more numerous forces were necessary to hold, and take land.
Hence, the necessary addition of the Kobolds in this new coalition, and Varrus's emphasis on the supply of weapons & armor.
Eventually, that bi-weekly 1,022 full set of glass armor/weapons would add up to 24,528 sets after a year's work. And who was to say that the Kobolds wouldn't expand their operations, or receive new technology that could expedite the mining process?
Varrus could only smirk to himself at the absolute steal his wife had murdered their way into. With the former Waxlord dead, and the priest, Waxbuilder, playing ball, the temple vanishing, and Varrus wearing the biggest candlestick on his head, the Kobolds did not resist Varrus's demands whatsoever.
However, despite his near dictatorial control over the Longcandle clan, there were a few concessions Varrus had agreed to, in the interest of strengthening this new ally.
Quel'Thalas was to provide:
1,000 tons of wax quarterly
Foodstuffs, tools and clothing
A training program for 100 paladins and priests every decade
Protection
Varrus had insisted on these provisions, because although he was taking advantage of the Kobolds, that did not mean he wanted them to suffer.
By providing so much wax-which was readily available due to the Elven addiction to tea and honey-Varrus would help strengthen the idol that the Kobolds worshiped, making them happier, and more effective workers. Additionally, this showed Waxbuilder that the alliance was worth it, as it solidified his power base.
Secondly, food, tools, and clothing would help increase the Kobold population, and decrease deaths. Azeroth was a huge planet, one with resources free for the taking. When war inevitably broke out, the Kobolds would need the numbers to help the Covenant seize those new pieces of land. This was especially true of Northrend, the continent just north of Quel'Thalas, across the sea. It was a vast land that had largely remained in a state of wilderness, like Russia or Canada, and would inevitably be a new frontier for Varrus's burgeoning empire.
Thirdly, Varrus had seen the potential that the Kobold paladins had. Their faith in the Light was shared by the Humans, and the Highborn. It was an excellent tool to bind their cultures together.
At its core, the Covenant was an empire formed through mutually beneficial arrangements, but the Light would act as the glue holding said coalition from falling apart. It was this facet that Varrus took inspiration from the faction from Halo, and decided on naming this new organization, the Covenant.
Besides, it wasn’t like he was selling a false promise like the prophets in Halo.
The Light was very real in Warcraft, and could literally heal wounds, cure diseases, and empower someone to superhuman feats solely based on faith. In some extreme cases, people could extend their lifespan, live forever, or be brought back from the dead! Heck, if powers such as these were readily observable on Earth, the majority of people, if not every person would follow this religion.
He had a few hangups about this method, given Earth history, but accepting literal ratmen into the fold was more palatable when they all shared a common cultural idiosyncrasy.
Lastly, a Rune Stone, and semi-permanent town portal had been set up within the domed city. The Rune Stone acted as a shield from scrying, whilst the portal would be activated every two weeks to facilitate trade.
Sunstrider Square acted as the teleportation hub now for the Kobolds, and Quel'Thalas's major port town, Sunsail Anchorage. It fed directly into Silvermoon's trade bazaar, and Varrus could see a future where the city became a hub for commerce, and the sharing of ideas. One day, he would restore the universities, and the brightest minds throughout the empire would be invited to study there, leading to enrichment for the Covenant as a whole.
The Highborn wouldn't like foreign races in their homeland, but at this point in time, Varrus was a national Hero, the First Seat of the Convocation, and best friends with the King. They would have to go along with it whether they liked it or not.
In fact, at the negotiating table, Tae'thelon was nakedly wearing a look of disgust at this very instant, and openly drinking from a flask, yet he went along with Varrus's plan for the Kobolds all the same.
The Highborn were an arrogant, smug people that sat afk when the Scourge devastated the kingdom of Lordaeron. However, they had been humbled when Quel'Thalas lost 70-80% of their population two months ago.
Even old fogies like Tae'thelon could only grumble as they saw the necessity of forming alliances.
Of course, when Varrus presented his case as Elven dominance over a client state, the people would likely clink wine glasses, and wonder to themselves why they hadn't done so with the Humans earlier.
Assholes.
After going over the charter one last time, Varrus affixed his signature, as well as family seal to the document, as well as a few copies.
“Gentleman, to peace in Azeroth!” Varrus clapped his hands, and grinned from ear to ear.
Tae'thelon stayed silent, idly playing with his flask, looking bored. Whilst Telonicus was off to the side discussing machinery with a confused looking Kobold engineer.
“To peace in Azeroth!” Waxbuilder took a piece of wax, and stamped his claw down on the document.
Syra, along with Rho'dan, and other members of House Vandercross stood on the sideline, acting as witnesses, and began to clap as the alliance was sealed.
Varrus stood from his seat, and offered a nod of respect to Waxbuilder, then gestured towards his fellow council members.
“Yes, yes, to peace in Azeroth.” Tae'thelon tiredly spoke unenthusiastically.
“By my calculations, a drill would increase production by 46.7%. Should you dig here, here, and here, you would achieve maximum efficiency in…” Telonicus earnestly explained to the completely lost engineer, and Varrus couldn't help but face palm at the Chief Engineers utter lack of social awareness.
“Come along, Telonicus, the funny ratman won't understand you, even if you do speak his language.” Tae'thelon rolled his eyes, and said in Thalassian.
Whilst Varrus was preparing to depart through the portal back to Silvermoon, he received a message on his scrying orb from Koren.
[The Scourge is massing for an assault. Send reinforcements.]
It was a simple message, however, it was one backed up by a startling video recording.
Outside the walled city of Tranquillien, a tide of endless Undead milled about. They easily numbered in the tens of thousands, and likely exceeded 100k. Within their ranks were many Darkfallen, and some wizards that Varrus recognized as archmages.
However, what was truly startling were two massive ziggurats that flanked the city. Resembling ancient pyramids, a giant crystal sat at the apex of these massive 4 story structures. Energy coalesced around the crystal, and then shot a punishing bolt of Death magic at the city.
The Rune Stone at Tranquillien was diffusing some of the power from shot, and a magical barrier had been set up over Tranquillien, blocking the attack, yet it was under serious stress from the constant barrage.
Varrus forwarded the message to Kael's scrying orb, and received a ping a second later.
[The treants of Fairbreeze Village are almost finished. I shall endeavor to reach Tranquillien by tomorrow, however, it may take up to two days to arrive.]
‘Shit.’ Varrus scowled.
“Varrus, what is wrong?” Syra stepped out of the crowd, and said in one part concern, and one part bloodlust.
“Tranquillien is about to be overrun, and the Sunfury are a day out. I fear that the town will be taken before reinforcements have arrived.” Varrus frowned as he pulled out a map, and took a look.
“Simply evacuate the town. The civilians have been removed already, yes? Take the Dragonhawks, and flee. It is a simple solution, no?” Tae'thelon approached, and suggested to Varrus as if he were a simpleton.
“That is an option, however, the last 3 weeks of peace within Eversong are thanks to Liadran and her army's efforts. Without them drawing the Scourge's attention, we would have had Undead flooding the province.” Varrus explained.
“Indeed? If memory serves correct, Eversong and the Ghostlands are separated by a river. There is only one bridge connecting our two provinces. If defense was the only concern, then we simply need to defend that singular, narrow corridor. I am no tactician, yet even I can see that our limited numbers would do better at defending a tiny parcel of land, compared to a city in the heart of enemy territory.” Tae'thelon arched an eyebrow, and derided.
Despite his smug attitude, Tae'thelon was correct. If all they were concerned about was defense, that narrow corridor would be the perfect location. The Elves, with their comparatively tiny force, would be like the 300 Spartans who fought against the Persians.
However, Varrus was interested in offense. If they locked themselves into a battle of attrition in one small plot of land, advancing would almost be impossible.
It was a good backup plan, one Varrus would use to live out his dream of tower defense, yet Varrus wanted to go on the offense. If they could slay the local leaders, then the majority of the Scourge forces would turn feral, and act on instinct. Once that happened, the zombies, and ghouls would become easy targets.
“Tranquillien is of strategic importance. Sitting in the middle of the Ghostlands, it acts as a check against the enemy, limiting their movements. Koren and his airforce have been using it as a base of operations, and have harassed the Scourge. In this time, they have claimed over 50,000 kills with such a small force. This figure alone should show you how critical Tranquillien is to dominating the Ghostlands. I shall concede that the bridge is a defensible zone, however, securing a beachhead behind enemy lines is critical if we wish to excise this cancer from our lands.” Varrus said forcefully.
“Typical Vandercross arrogance. I see my words are lost on you.” Tae'thelon sighed, shaking his head.
“Tae'thelon, use the Rune Stone at Tranquillien as an anchor, and open a portal. House Vandercross will see to its safety.” Varrus said in determination.
“Madness.” Tae'thelon muttered under his breath, yet complied anyway.
Soon after, a shimmering portal came into being, and Varrus could see the blackened skies on the other side.
“House Vandercross, we shall defend Tranquillien!” Varrus ordered his men, then squared his shoulders, and marched through the portal.
He didn't know if Tranquillien was defendable, but he had to try.
It was the Stalingrad of Quel'Thalas. If it fell, then the eyes of the Scourge would fall upon Silvermoon.
Varrus had peacefully grinded his levels, cleansed the city, and maxed out his Smithing/Enchanting for this moment.
Successfully defending Tranquillien was the first step to retaking Quel'Thalas, to begin their conquest.
Taking a deep breath, Varrus felt Syra hold his hand as they stepped through the portal.
The Undead had struck fear into his heart when he first arrived in Warcraft. It was time for him to return the favor.
Comments
Kasikan
I was thinking of the river being fast enough to push some down it. So it'd be easier to just dam it up with them and use them as a road for getting the rest across faster.
santhinal
my dude, thats IF you ignore the fact that they are UNDEAD and don't need to breathe. With that factor current or not they can just walk across under the water.
Kasikan
The fact they still believe a bridge would stop the undead from getting to them shows how stupidly arrogant they are. If you have a massive amount of fodder, you'd simply fill the river with enough of them to act as a bridge for the rest. Would likely only take a few thousand undead to even do so. Afterwards the water would be completely contaminated and they'd have the forces stuck at the bridge surrounded on both sides. It'd be a slaughter.
