World of Warcraft®

War drums pound their incessant beat, raging out from the Grim Maw Clan's stronghold's ramparts in Orgrimmar. The very walls shake with the beat, and supplies pour into the hold. Grims are seen coming and going with an intent purpose etched on their faces, armor polished, or freshly adorned with blood in some cases, and weapons limbered in their sheaths and holsters. A steady stream of messengers enter and leave the stronghold, as allies are contacted and alliegances made.

Deep inside the hold, blood pacts and oaths are signed, or carved into flesh. Spirits, fel powers, and Ancestors are called upon in proflagation. The miasma of magic and power permeates the air above the hold, causing flying beasts to shy away from overflying the hold. Orgrimmar guards are on high alert, and Warchief Garrosh was heard to only grunt when told of the increases in Grim Maw activity.

Grim Maw scouts are seen to be entering the Dark Portal, and winging their way to Nagrand. What is their purpose? What is their target?

Abominus leaned over the ramparts and watched the scurrying figures below him.

"Sssoon, yesss. Sssoon will blood flow, and vengeance be sssated, yesss. Flesssh will be torn and consssumed, yesss." Abominus turned to a messenger. "Sssend word to our alliesss, yesss. We march on Friday, yesss."

Andelia watched tiredly from a spur of rock overlooking the compound gates. As far as she could tell their efforts were directed to the Outland.

She fervently hoped it meant they were going to take a break from dogging Alliance settlements for a time. Surely there was enough territory out beyond the Dark Portal for everyone...?

Outland? Well, at least it isn't Stormwind.

All those drums pounding away, soo much pounding. The noise annoyed Sorble to the point he started to curse out loud.

"What in da 'ell is with all this flippin racket?! Those orcs got nothin else to do they gotta drive me insane with that pounding? I ain't puttin up with it! Where is the complaint department? I can't think with that goin on and these big ears ain't for show. Who do I yell at?"

Sorble covered his ears and looked around in anger for someone to yell at. A light tap was felt on his shoulder. Spinning around ready to melt whoever touched him, he turned to see his Felguard Erak standing over him pointing in the direction of the drums.

"Not that you care to pay attention you lil green snot, but the drums are coming from over there." He growled

Not amused, Sorble pointed a finger at Erak. "Don't you call me names you overgrown bag of demon crap. I tell you what to do remember? Why don't you go over there and shut up whoever is banging that drum if you are feelin so brave."

"Because it's not the city guards who are doing it. That is a Grim Maw stronghold." Erak replied.

Sorble looked back over his shoulder and frowned. "Is that so? I suppose I won't be gettin any sleep any time soon."

Walking away from the sounds, Sorble snapped his fingers. "Let's go, we can get a room in Ratchet for cheap. I know the bartenders sisters, cousin, half brother once removed. Might even get it free. When we get there, I need you to go to the Boss and..." He pauses and looks up at the demon.

"...on second thought, Big demon with ax an' as ugly as you tromping through a city will only get you killed faster. I'll send the imp. The boss will want to know what's goin on here."

Sorble stopped for a moment and looked over his shoulder again.

"Flippin hate drums."

((Is the talk about Outland IC or ooc?))

((*has a bad feeling*))

The strike on Halaa went well. Overwhelming Horde strength crushed the defenders, allowing the Maggot Lord to collect needed supplies, including herbs that would be of use later. Surprised Alliance defenders arrived, but were quickly overwhelmed by the Horde. At one point, Imperon fled the fighting, hoping to elude death. However, Orgonash, an Orc warrior of the Maw, found and gutted him. Abominus took his liver as a prize.

Cyrus fought hard on the eastern Bridge, and managed to hold the Horde back for a short time, but he fell to the blades and spells of the Horde.

Then, it was time to visit Stormwind, for some relaxation. King Varian was not amused.

After being brought back by magic, Abominus thanked his friends and allies.

"We have obtained vengeance for the insssult to usss on the Day of truce, yesss. Now, we go to plot our next move, yesss."

Who knows what is in store next?

Vanressa watched the retreating Grim Maw from atop the mage tower and crumpled in her hands the reports that had been given to her regarding the group. More than anything else, what stood at the forefront of her thoughts was this skulking forsaken figure taunting her people. She thought aloud as she stood gazing out over the city:

"I was once one of you. I was once decaying and broken and set only upon causing pain and gaining vengeance for what I perceived was the world wronging us. I care not that your number includes the living. All that I see is yet another hand of unacceptable tyranny and filth where it needs not belong. Your excuses for innards shall decorate my banners which I will parade before your own city, where the people will at last know the truth behind your degenerate clan."

Vanressa's eyes crackled with arcane energies and her countenance became icy cold to all who met it. Brenri walked up to her, alongside Gisele, where they were greeted not with the usual pleasantries of the Lordaeron noble, but rather:

"Remember what we fight for, remember what honor truly is. Vargas need not have been crippled so in vain."

Sitting in the common room of Mahr Carreg, Imperon occupied his usual cushioned chair. With a book in his lap and a meal sitting on the small table beside him, the mage was planning on spending a quiet evening (quiet for the tower, at least) reading one of the newest additions to his library.

As was so often the case, within minutes of settling in and opening the book, the mage became aware that someone was trying to get his attention. He became aware of it when a the clomp of hooves announced the arrival of a large draenei who loudly said "hey boss, did you hear the news?" Heathens, who interrupts a man when he's-oh. Imperon glanced up over the top of the book.

"Captain," the mage said, drawing the word out just a little. "I have not, in fact, heard any news. Most people aren't foolish enough to interrupt me while I read."

"Oh, wonderful," Cyrus replied. "In that case, the Horde killed you tonight, in Nagrand."

"Ooooh, that's wonderful" said Ardam from not far behind the draenei. Cyrus jumped, then glared at Ardam and pretended he hadn't. The necromancer had been doing a very successful imitation of a coat rack, complete with coats and a couple hats.

"Ardam made me a flesh golem and I covered it with a rather nice illusion. Tonight was the first night it proved useful beyond being a tool of confusion" Imperon said. Cyrus gave up glaring at the necromancer (who was already back to being a coat rack) and decided to ignore him in favor of listening to Imperon. "With luck someone will try to eat the thing before the illusion fails and reveals it for what it is."

"You should have let me make it explosive," said the coat rack. "Poisons, bah!"

"Too much collateral damage if it had been incapacitated near friendly targets," Imperon explained.

"All part of the fun," argued the coat rack.

Now Imperon decided to ignore it too. "Captain, I don't suppose there are rumors of any feasts upon the dead or the like after our bit of fun in Draenor?" The draenei shook his head. "Unfortunate. Well, Ardam, the question of whether a plagueborn undead can suffer from food poisoning will have to be answered another time, then." He smirked at Cyrus. "Good fight, though. It's not often we're outnumbered like we were."

"It's not often we lose, either," replied Cyrus. "That part I would rather do without."

"Defeat reminds you to seek victory, captain. Besides, perhaps the Horde will believe these reports of my demise. Maybe the Alliance will too." His book now forgotten, Imperon scratched at his beard with one finger and narrows his eyes in thought. Cyrus shrugged and headed for the kitchen. The hat rack remained still, patiently waiting for its next victim to come within arm's reach.

Gisele was flying South from Mount Hyjal over Ashenvale. Vanressa had requested she and Alston scout Kalimdor for any information regarding the movements of the Grim Maw.
To Orgrimmar it is then! Gisele thought to herself. Time to look up an "old friend". She chuckled at the thought.

It had been a long time since Gisele had been to the Horde capital. It was more fortified thanks to their new leader but the layout was generally the same. She landed in the Valley of the Spirits and stealthed from building to building trying hard not to be seen. One wrong turn and that's it! she thought. The Cleft of Shadows was her goal; she knew she'd be there.

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Mihra had just left a nearby tent after purchasing necessary supplies missing from her pack when she saw something in the darkness from the corner of her eye. She moved towards the darkness blade drawn for further inspection. Suddenly, she was pinned against the stone, knife to her throat, as she heard a familiar voice:

"It's been a while, Sin'dorei" Gisele whispered in Mihra's ear.

Mihra cursed silently to herself for fitting the proverbial curious cat. Her arms were pinned behind her and blade had fallen to the ground.

"You're going to do something for me, and unless you want more visits like this, I suggest you do it well." Gisele smirked. "I need some information on Abominus and his cronies. I want to know where they are planning to strike next."

"I have no dealings with them! Go find someone else!" Mihra protested angrily. Her hand was slowly moving closer to her off-hand blade.

"Well then it sounds like it's time for you to make some new friends." Gisele's blade pressed harder against Mihra's throat. "Send word to me once you have worthwhile information...until then, my friend."

As Gisele began to release her hold, Mihra was able to grasp her blade. She swung in a large arc behind her in the direction of Gisele, but she was already gone.

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After leaving Orgrimmar, Gisele decided to stop in Rachet for a drink before she continued her trek. She sat down at a small table near the entrance and noticed some familiar faces approaching the tavern. Raoul, Durkas, and another she did not recognize apparently were looking for some refreshment as well.

She went unnoticed for awhile, listening in on their conversation. Gisele scolded herself for not spending more time learning Orcish. After a time, Durkas spotted Gisele sitting at the table. The two came over to get a closer look as to what she was up to. They tried to engage her in what she assumed was some friendly banter, but of course, she still kicked herself for not learning the language. More Horde were beginning to arrive so Gisele thought it best to make herself scarce and observe from afar.

She watched for a short time when a Forsaken priest caught her attention. Even thought she hid in the shadows, this one still spotted her. He motioned her aside, and she followed.

"You, show yourself." He spoke. Gisele was intrigued to here him speak common.

The priest introduced himself as Brennock, formerly of House Endran, Vanressa's house. Apparently he recognized the colors on Gisele's tabard.

"What are you doing here in Rachet?" Brennock asked.

"Do I have to have a reason? This is a common port." Gisele answered.

"Vanressa sent you here to scout, didn't she?"

Gisele was not really surprised he knew his sister so well. "I'm to track the movements of the Grim Maw. I happened upon those few up the hill and thought I'd listen in."

"Oh, they're not up to anything other than drunken antics. The Tauren seems suspicious of you though." Brennock commented.

"I'd be suspicious of Alliance members too if my order were just seen attacking Stormwind not but a few nights ago." Gisele scowled.

"Durkas was there?" Brennock asked.

"I do not know if he was there but I spotted several of the Ebon Shields there with Abominus."

"Hmmm....tell your lady I will send word of anything I can find out. For now, you best not be seen."

Gisele bowed and vanished as Brennock walked back up the hill to join the others. She would need to report the news to Vanressa.

"Halaa?" Andelia looked pained. "That's not really of strategic value to anyone anymore. Now they're just looking for excuses to fight!"

Loxxi shrugged up at her. Andelia had noticed the goblin's tendency to go politely stupid whenever her employer was cross; she hadn't made an issue of it yet. The blank, pleasant smile was always a good reminder that she needed to reel her temper in. She took a few slow, disciplined breaths and thought a quick prayer up toward the roof.

"Well, tell the Maggot Lord I'd like to speak with him when he has the chance. Perhaps we can barter an exclusive distribution arrangement for his Hello Maggy goods in exchange for some semblance of peace around here, or something."

A hint of life returned to the goblin's face. "Yes, ma'am!" she chirped brightly. "Will you be telling him yourself, ma'am?"

Andelia shook her head. "No, it's good practice for the new recruits. They can all use training in the Abominus Policies sooner rather than later. Make sure they've read the chapter in their handbooks before sending them out, though. The last thing we need is maggot-infested couriers handling other goods..."

She listened to the reports of the conflict with confusion. Why were the Grim Maw bothering to attack anyway? I mean, there were so much more worthy things to fight if they really felt like they had to fight something, things that were threatening to blow up the world and all. She was kind of attached to the world, it was where she kept all her stuff. She wasn't a fighter, the very thought of harming another being made her queasy. She was a midwife, and a healer.

"I know what Abominus needs that would stop this silly mess. Brownies! Or maybe cupcakes, I wonder if maggots like chocolat- Ooh, whats that?" She lost her train of thought as she spent the next five minutes worrying a squirrel in a tree.