The Story of Duskwood

Welcome all to the new ongoing event! It has no name, it has no theme and it is not scripted. Everybody is welcome to participate and only thing that is set, is the Starting Point. It all starts with the Chapter seizing Darkshire from the Dark Sphere and making a bold attempt to liberate Duskwood. But the Dark Sphere would not yield that easily, even if a direct confrontation is unfavorable for both sides. Besides, there is no need for a direct confrontation. The Chapter is well-known for its cruelties and fanatical tendencies and using clever manipulation the Sphere might simply turn the Chapter from ‘liberators’ into new outcast ‘cultists. The progress of the story and eventual outcome is determined by the parties participating. You can make a difference!

PS: if you have any questions, corrections or contributions, don’t hesitate to ask!

How to participate – Alliance
please note that this section will be updated based on the current situation. Also note that these are simple suggestions

• You can come to Duskwood to join the Chapter in mini-events and other activities dedicated to the purgation of the land and destruction of the Dark Sphere. All heretics should fear Light’s Wrath!
• You can come to Duskwood as a champion of justice, trying to prevent the Chapter from harming the innocents and ruling with an Iron fist while at the same time fighting dangers of the land and the Dark Sphere.
• Think up and organize your own ‘event’ involving the Revival of Duskwood. Think of supply-escorts, charity events, masses, parades, patrols.
• Contact the Dark Sphere and fight under the banner of Darkness to liberate Duskwood from the self-righteous fanatics.
• Contact the Vanguard of Duskwood to liberate duskwood from the fanatic-infestation.

How to Participate – Horde

Assuming you are after W-pvp, please contact Mordazan or me to discuss it. Massive random raids are not appreciated, but feel free to send small skirmish groups at random! (2-3 people or so).

The Story so far
This map shows the current situation. Please mind that ‘colored’ territories do not symbolize actual possession or ownership, simply influence. All these lands belong to the Kingdom! More ‘factions’ will be added as the story of Duskwood unfolds…
https://2img.net/r/ihimizer/img718/982/duskwood8.jpg

Old Maps:
https://2img.net/r/ihimizer/img211/2051/duskwood.jpg
https://2img.net/r/ihimizer/img28/6834/duskwood2.jpg
https://2img.net/r/ihimizer/img46/3206/duskwood3.jpg
https://2img.net/r/ihimizer/img214/5885/duskwood4.jpg
https://2img.net/r/ihimizer/img707/8805/duskwood5.jpg
https://2img.net/r/ihimizer/img713/5495/duskwood6x.jpg


This is the current status of Duskwood. I will discuss all changes with parties involved daily, hopefully

Darkshire
* Mood: People are frightened of the Troll invasion and desperately tired of the oppression of the military regime.

* Loyalty: the people of Darkshire have no particular loyalties, although they yearn for the old good days as part of Stormwind Kingdom.

* Maintenance: The town is being slowly repaired and rebuilt, most roofs can now hold the raid and windows provide enough isolation.

* Wealth: Some merchants go into town, and cunning townsfolk engages in active trade through the north road. A few get a chance to earn good money, the majority remains poor.
* Fields: Some peasants have returned to the land.

* Vigilance: Presence of foreign troops makes infiltration hard, but new the registering system and good administration offer some relief. It is not so easy to infiltrate the town.

* Guardianship: The defenders have a good idea of the surrounding lands, watch posts have been set, it is not so easy to attack the town unseen.

* Defenses: simple wooden barricades protect the town from south and east. Dwarven riflemen have established gunpoints at eastern frontier.

* Garrison: Darkshire is garissoned by the Chapter, Stormwind and Ironforge troops; Morale of Chapter Whitecloaks is low and they are likely to run easily.


Roads

* Road to Redridge: Road to redridge is protected by Chapter and Dwarven patrols, the bridge is repaired.

* Road to Deadwind: This road is in full control of the Sphere. Only a cultist or suicidal madman would walk it.

* Road to the crossing: The road is frequented by troll raiding parties.

* Road to the Vale: Gurubashi raids are frequent in the region, rumor has it of the bulk of the Imperial troops gathering in the valley.

* Road to Westfall: The road is in Vanguard Posession, only a madman would go there.

Countryside

* Woods: Dark Sphere controls the dark places of this land, any lone defender of the Light is sure to perish.

* All outlying villages and hamlets of Duskwood are in the hands of the Dark Sphere, Vanguard of Duskwood or vile beasts of this land.


Background
Darkshire did not always have that name. The town was formerly known as Grand Hamlet, which was destroyed in the First War by invading orcs, but was later reconstructed.

It is possible that the dark times began with a slaughter of the Nobles of Darkshire at the party in Medivh's tower Karazhan, not far from Darkshire. Several notable names can be met as enslaved ghosts within the tower, including possible brother or father of current mayor, Ebonlocke, and relatives of all councilmen in current Town Hall.

Whatever the cause of Karazhan's darkening, it corrupted the town of Grand Hamlet and the surrounding area, eventually changing southern Elwynn into Duskwood, and Grand Hamlet into Darkshire.

With Stormwind’s forces stretched thin to answer the threat of the Horde and the Scourge King Varian did his uttermost best to protect the people of southern Elwynn, Duskwood, from the rising threats. And those were many: undead raised from the graves by the Riders of Karazhan, worgen appearing from the depths of the gloomy forest, bandits and grave robbers.

King’s Varian’s rule was interrupted by the Defias Brotherhood which have abducted the monarch. Power nor rested in the hands of the regents, Highlord Bolvar Fordragon and lady Katrana Prestor. Lady Prestor, Onyxia in mortal guise, has succeeded in manipulating the Council of Nobles and even the Highlord Fordragon into abandoning the outlying provinces, including Duskwood, and sealing the fate of the Kingdom.

Only the Night Watch, militia of Duskwood’s citizens, stood in the way of total darkness. Outlying farms and villages of Duskwood were swiftly lost, mines abandoned until the territory controlled by the Watch was reduced to town of Darkshire proper. Not even the royal tracts running through the lands were truly safe.

The Dark Sphere

Riders of Karazhan are not the only sinister group to appear from the lifeless gorges of the mountains to the east. The Dark Sphere, cult led by a man known as ‘the Soulblighter’ has descended upon the Kingdom of Stormwind. In time, Shadowlords of the Sphere saw potential in the abandoned Township and soon signed a pact with the Council of Darkshire, placing the community in the Soulblighter’s shadow.

Many were the attempts to uproot the Dark Sphere, and the cultists yielded Darkshire eagerly every time, knowing that Stormwind cannot afford to continuously protect the town. Every time the Sphere was cast away, they returned. Every time they returned, the people became only more jaded towards Stormwind; after all, it only caused chaos and death and then left the town to rot again and again.

Return of the King

When King Varian returned to the throne and cast away the treacherous serpent, Onyxia, fortunes of Darkshire turned to the better for awhile. Blazing Shields regiment has succeeded in securing the Town and holding it for a significant amount of time. Tremendous loss of life at the Wrathgate and the need to make the final push against the Lich King have sadly contributed to the withdrawal of Stormwind’s forces from Darkshire and township’s return to the Cultist hands.

Chapter I – Proclamation of Revival

Forces of the Chapter of Holy Anethion have marched from their rural strongholds in Redridge Mountains and into Duskwood in a bold attempt to start the liberation of the lands and destruction of the Dark Sphere. Without much trouble the forces of Anethion have succeeded in capturing the town itself, like so many before them. What the Shadowlords of the Dark Sphere did not foresee was the fact that the Chapter is no ordinary order of Light’s followers.

What followed is atrocity followers of the Light are not supposed to commit. What the Chapter did next might actually earn an approving nod of the cruel Emperor of the Gurubashi. Cultists found in Darkshire, citizens who have affiliated or aided the Sphere and at times even innocents were grabbed by the ‘liberators’, trialed on the spot and burned at a stake. As the pyres lit the dark forest, Protector of the Chapter read out the Proclamation of Revival, vowing to liberate Duskwood. Some believed him, most followed out of fear…


Citizens of Duskwood!

In the name of the Holy Light and His Majesty King Varian we have arrived to restore justice and peace to these lands. Let pleas of the needy no longer remain unheard, let no woman weep in vain for the bread to feed her family; let no father bury his son, mauled down by abominable beasts of this land; let no cultist ever again rule with an iron fist and from the throne of tyranny over the good folk of this land!

We come as liberators and resolve to protect and further the values and interests of the people of Duskwood, as represented by the Council of Darkshire, while accommodating the needs and the will of the Crown of Stormwind! Once more you will be able to enjoy security and peace, once more will justice sit on her throne in Duskwood!

We resolve to do that and other things, and we count upon every proud citizen of Duskwood to support the cause of his community and strive for welfare and security. You have nothing to fear of us, but we assure you that the filthy cultists and those who have associated with them shall be struck down by Light’s Justice, and it shall come down upon them swiftly!

So is the Will of the Light, and so shall it be!


Chapter II - Lifeline

It was a tough night and day in Darkshire. Frightened citizens wandered the lands and doomsprophets predicted the coming of end-days. Cultist-sightings were regular. Fate of the entire operation depended on the securing the northern road, connecting Darkshire to the rest of the Kingdom.

A group of Draenei from the Wandering Company have visited Darkshire and were trapped inside the town, one of them wounded by the evils of the land. The group has agreed to offer its assistance and with the aid of the Draenei the northern road to redridge was firmly secured. In the clashes with the cultists one of the sphere's trusted cultists has been taken prisoner.

Darkshire was hectic, brewing with activity as animosity between the xenophobic Chapter and the Draenei grew. Some of the Whitecloaks started to doubt their superiors, the massacre of recent night taking its tall on their spirit. Group of Theramore marines has agreed to found a river-port on the shores of Duskwood and aid with the supplies for the people and defenders of Duskwood. For now, the Sphere still seems to be recovering from the initial shock of the invasion.

Chapter III - The Dead March

Situation in the Town of Darkshire is rapidly improving as Theramore marines start to gather up first supplies. Ironforge has sent a group of riflemen to aid in the retaking of the province. Dwarven marksmen have been put to their full use and assigned to protection of narrow eastern pass.

Defenders of Darkshire have dismantled the barns and derelict farmhouses on the southern field and used the wood to build crude fortifications in the south and the east. Sadly, they came under attack from a group of angry dead coming from a burial mound near Darkshire. Undead attacks were repelled and the remaining bodies exhumed and given to the flames.

Not much was heard from the Sphere, one may only assume that the cult is preparing to retaliate. Stormwind has indicated that troops might be sent into Duskwood to assist the Chapter, but most importantly to counter the potential Gurubashi invasion.

Chapter IV - New enemies, lost friends

Marines of Theramore have abandoned their positions in the North without informing the Darkshire defenders. Only way the news have reached Darkshire was through Theramorean newspaper. Patrols were sent to secure the southern road as it already claimed many casualties.

The way was made further south and then west untill the Chapter and the Dwarves ran into traps placed by the Vanguard of Duskwood. That group, before neutral, has finally joined the conflict. When the patrol returned, wounded and exhausted, terrible news have reached the town.

Northrern bridge, abandoned by the Marine patrols, was destroyed by the cultists, token-presence of Chapter whitecloaks was not enough to save it. Dwarves of Ironforge were immidiatly assigned to take up the northern frontier and rebuild the ruined bridge. For now, however, Darkshire remains cut off...

Chapter V - Calm before the Storm

While the dwarves were toiling at the bridge, forces of the Chapter focused on upholding the order on the roads and lands they've liberated. Morale of the Whitecloaks was decreasing and new conquests seemed impossible. Later in the day a group of Forsaken have attacked Darkshire, this attack came quite unexpectidly and while the defenders fought back the invader a group of Sphere cultists managed to free one of their men from jail.

Chapter VI - Midgame

Greatest news of the day was undoubtebly the letter from the Stormwind Council, informing that the people of Stormwind will join the war and have dispatched some orders to assist in the cleansing of Duskwood and bringing in of supplies. This served as a great relief to both the citizens and the defenders alike. Group of Theramore marines agreed, inofficially, to assist with the supply-lines as well.

As Stormwind armies march, the stage has been set for the bloody mid-game of this conflict. Reserves are summoned, alliances activated and both sides stand ready to fight it out in the dark woods of duskwood. On the side of Law are the formidable armors and equipment, Cultist forces sport knowledge of the land, terrifying magic and subtle guerilla tactics. It is uncertain who will prevail...

Chapter VII - Ambush

It is a matter of pride, as well as good strategy, to conquer Tranquil Garden Cemetery. However such an attack would be impossible as both the Sphere and the Vanguard have claims to that piece of land. And both have the opportunity to come to its defense. It has been decided to conquer hilly tract of land south-east of Darkshire in order to cut off Sphere reinforcements.

Dwarves of Ironforge, who are well-versed in the art of combat in hilly terrain were sent to accomplish the mission. Dwarven soldiers traversed the hilly terrain without much trouble untill they entered a narrow valley where they were assaulted by the Dark Sphere and a group of opressed Darkshire rebels. Initial charge of the forces of Darkness has claimed lives of many dwarves, but once they got a chance to regroup and got reinforcements the tide had turned.

The battle for the territory was concluded when the Darkmaster of the Sphere has captured the Protector of the Chapter and fled the battlefield. Remaining cultists soon lost the battle with their leader no longer in sight. Through luck and perhaps miracle the Protector managed to escaped as forces of the Chapter and the Dwarves attacked the cultist camp.

Chapter VIII - Stagnation

Following the conquest of the South-eastern hills, the Chapter and Dwarven troops were near the limit of their capacity. Situation in the town of Darkshire was rapidly deteriorating as citizens and guests started to dissent. Tavern brawls are the favorite way of venting out all frustration. More over, forces of the Chapter constantly clashed with representatives of the King over the conduct in Darkshire and other proceedings.

Military Government of Darkshire was proclaimed in order to better address the rising dissent and conflict, and military authority shared between the Dwarves and the Chapter. No Stormwind order has so far made an official request of participation. It remains to be seen whether this is a result of refusal to recognize the military regime, or refusal to participate in its Iron-handed approach.

Events took an unexpected turn when the Chairlady of the Stormwind Council was attacked and nearly killed in Darkshire by the Chapter forces. This only furthered the gap between the royal agents and defenders of the Chapter. Both sides accuse each other of many wrongs. Allegations against the Chapter cite arbitrary enforcement of laws and murder of innocents, allegations against the Stormwind agents cite their pre-occupation with the Chapter rather than the Cultists.

The Troll empire increased her raids into Duskwood, these pillaging parties have on many occasions encroached on the very borders of Darkshire making the fields unsafe once again and greatly increasing the levels of fear, not to mention resulting in loss of life amongst the guards and the civilians.

Chapter IX - The Sphere strikes back

Pushed back almost entirely from strategically important positions within Duskwood, the Dark Sphere resorted to desperate means. They've risked summoning a Greater Demon, and 'sacraficed' one of their own to keep it in check. The end justified the means. Forces of the Disciples of Light, Chapter and Dwarves were cleansing and liberated Tranquil Garden chapel when the Dark Sphere unleashed their new-found ally, Teldorn the Befouler, against the liberator-forces. In an uneven battle Darkshire-forces were forced to retreat to the safety of the town.

As conflict escalated between Chapter and Stormwind regarding misconduct and attack on the Chairlady, and Whitecloaks of the chapter lost all confidence in the Protector, Imanuel was recalled to Darkshire to account for his doings. With Captain Farglade abandoning his post in non-violent protest of the Protector's crimes, the authority of the town fell to the representative of the Inquisition. For good or for bad.

Realizing the vacuum in leadership, Northshire has sent member of the Chapter's priesthood to restore order to Anethion's troops in Darkshire. Although progress is being slowly made, general situation remains volatile, especially as more and more Stormwind troops arrive to Darkshire and constantly clash with the Chapter over authority.

...I like it. Especially that picture! ;o

Expect your honorary Whitecloak to be at hand should you need it!

Hmm... this is both the kind of plot I'd like to join as Gahalla (fits her perfectly to rush to help the poor oppressed villagers despite the fact that she'd likely be in more danger than them) and the kind of thing I'd like to mention in Jayanti's journal (which naturally means I have to have her attend as well)

You can come on Gahalla during some random evening of semi-casual RP and on Jay on a 'major' event?

Sounds interesting!Will sure attend!

UPDATED: with current Status of towns and roads in Duskwood!

All updates to the map, status or story will be discussed with parties involved. So far these changes were debated between the Sphere and the Chapter. So...GET INVOLVED!

I don't know how I can have my guild involved in this (specialy as Twins will be missing for 8 days due to RL <3), we are not really paying attention to what's happening outside Northrend. But I've transfered the informations on our guild forum. If I had time I'd have gladly made a human alt to join either one side or another.

I really whish you good luck with this, i know it will be awsome. (and don't trow stones on my journalist if she come :p)

These guys burn innocents I tell 'ye!

Poor Lucy didn't stand a chance.

Eledeza wrote: (and don't trow stones on my journalist if she come :p)

Making photos sucks out people's souls! Heretic! *stones*

Making photos sucks out people's souls! Heretic! *stones*

I agree with him! *Stones*

Cool idea. At the moment I'm taking a look here in Darkshire, it's kinda scary... Shadowy figures along the road, chapterians patrolling, cultists yelling and stuff like that.
Just one question: how do you actually "confront" with the Dark Sphere guys? It's all about occupying the territory?

Very, very, very interesting Iman, kudoes to you and the Sphere, I'm sure you'll see some form of Cultist involvement at one point or another though, Exilius is as good as a guaranteed person to show up at one point or another

Anything more than Exilius will of course be discussed with ye and Mordazan.

Intressting, good to see this kind of open event. I'll be sure to take a look at it.

Great initative.

Heh, considering how Darkshire is full of OOCtards trying to pass as RPers but then going Revenge of the Dead instantly after being killed thus ruining any sort of immersion, I believe a better tactic from the Horde side will be to mercilessly slaughter your merry gathering in Darkshire.

Looks like there's some interesting stuff going on in Duskwood, nice work Chapter and Sphere.

Hmh, should I pay a visit with Dorik or should I bring Rovena out of the closet for it...

Defently going to take a trip to Duskwood in the close future

The Dark Sphere must and will be destroyed!

Updated with the Chapter II of the story, new map and some status-updates!

Thanks to everybody who has participated in tonight's RP!

Feel free to write and post your own stories and perspectives on the events! Also correct me if status or the map are wrong!

And, if you want to arrange something directly with the Theramore Marines, contact Gunnell!

Malanar wrote:Heh, considering how Darkshire is full of OOCtards trying to pass as RPers but then going Revenge of the Dead instantly after being killed thus ruining any sort of immersion, I believe a better tactic from the Horde side will be to mercilessly slaughter your merry gathering in Darkshire.

*snicker*

I think you hordes should leave them be so I can do some work *nods*

The Cult shall fall!
*cheers*

Time to wander off and be slaughtered!

This sure has peaked my interest xD Count me in on this one!

Ah, hah, lovely weekend rp, =D


Gotta love playing Jamerson (Sev) as a local Darkshire citizen, doomsaying and preaching about the darkness which has swayed over, and telling horrific tales of the cultists, the beasts and of course the darkspawned entity which rides upon a fiend and claims those whom brave the roads and woods!

And of course, playing the killer himself ^^

Imanuel, you should update your post abit, about Jamerson and Exi himself, for example it was both Jamerson whom pladdered to the Draenei and Damor of Theramore, and the phantasm which got those Squid's crawling back and being stuck in the town for the events which were held later


Durrr, I'm really glad that things are finally getting a move outside of the darned Cathedral square, and that some nice story plots and overall life in the zones are improving and increasing.

Personally, it encouraged me to attempt to contribute more to the communities overall.


PS: I want a bloody avatar! ;_; Been looking allover the page for where I could create one, only to after an hour of casual search, find it it's moderator controlled. D:

Find a porn star for your avatar Ex. It suits you.

Anyhow the event is going well I hear so that is good. I may pop by again as some random role as I specifically can't go down there as Snow or it may result in problems. So if you guys need another innocent to burn, feel free.