[A] The Rise of Nethergarde Keep

NETHERGARDE ON THE RISE: IC Backstory (Skip to OOC concept explanation if you wish.)

In the distance, beyond the dark hills of Duskwood, the red mountains of Redridge and the dark Swamps of Sorrows, lies one of the last human strongholds, but also a key one in the southern Eastern Kingdoms. A stronghold once ruled by Archmage Khadgar, apprentice of Medivh, to watch over the fel energies of the Dark Portal and to safeguard the rest of Azeroth and its inhabitants from the demonic presence of the fallen world beyond.

This stronghold is Nethergarde Keep.



The situation is dire - the Horde, having conquered the once-ogre controlled Dreadmaul Hold, they press on with their Orkil'on Infantry, while the demon presence daily prove a serious threat to the well-being of Nethergarde. The cut-off troops are feeling desperate, and the situation grows graver as supplies are thinned out with the cut-off trade route. Nethergarde needs aid. Soon.

But there is hope. The desperate cry for help from Nethergarde has lead visionaries to the keep; visionaries who seek to restore the keep to glory days under Archmage Khadgar, as a centre of arcane knowledge, wisdom and learning. With their aid, they wish to drive back the Okril'on and push southwards to aid the southern gilnean fishing village of Survich.



To do this, they have opened a portal connection between Nethergarde and the other parts of the kingdom to make sure reinforcements can pass through and aid in restoring Nethergarde Keep.



The veterans of Nethergarde are tough and experienced, but many of the newcomers are not. Visitors from all over the kingdom, some being experienced and some inexperienced. Old veterans can hold sparring lessons and train in the most complex arts of war, but unprecedented is the presence of arcane knowledge. The visionaries of Nethergarde are veterans in these fields and will hold lessons to make this a centre of learning that will perhaps lead to be a Dalaran on Azeroth, for all universal fields. With anyone with knowledge on their field being able to teach, Nethergarde will rise from its desperate state to be a state of learning and inspiration. Classes such as demonslaying and recognising the tactics of the enemies are amongst these classes.







The most enthusiastic teachers and students will be able to access the visionaries' own private sources of learning and power, and even access areas that is exclusive to those of true dedication. Artifacts, tomes, history, exclusive lessons... allies. The possibilities are endless.

However, despite the incoming reinforcements, there have been murmurs of distrust amongst the troops of Nethergarde that have associated these visionaries with elements of darker power. Though there are a few individuals possessing powers otherwise barred, they are excused for their lack of malevolent intent. It is for the good of Nethergarde that these brave souls are accepted, not for their use of weapon.Though merely rumors, the wind carries them heavily, from soldier to soldier, and it is why they must prove that they can revive Nethergarde Keep from its situation.



With the increased reinforcements, the Okril'on are getting pushed back by daily assaults, with a mixture of powers, all from the Arcane to the Shamanistic, to even those that should not be named. Under the banner of Nethergarde, all the powers are united.



With the arts of mindweaving, the stress among the troops have decreased dramatically as they have been given the opportunity to face the memories of horror within their minds and dispel them fully.



But the visionaries of Nethergarde look beyond Nethergarde's borders. Not only is the defense of Survich a priority, but also is the need to expand. The Dark Portal leads to a world relatively untouched, with resources laying bare for those who can stand its hostile enviroments. When Azeroth can give nothing more to Nethergarde, the world beyond awaits.



Nethergarde will be a sanctuary of all magical arts, with no religious influences controlling it. The soldiers of Nethergarde will be released and the keep will rise to live its glorydays anew. This is the promise of the visionaries and it will need YOU to aid in its defense, its reconstruction and its teachings. For Nethergarde!

OOC:
This is a thread about the effort to make Nethergarde Keep in the Blasted Lands a new RP hub, a sanctuary of teaching (similar in vision to perhaps Scholomance, with some lack of evil), but not only a sanctuary of teaching but a sanctuary of the darker arts, of the shadow. It can easily be accessed through the portal in the Mage Tower in Stormwind City and then it is just a short land or flight trip away.

Though intended as a sanctuary for the dark, it is not openly accepted within Nethergarde to practise the dark arts... yet. Under the surface, efforts have been made to amass influence and to be able to bargain freedom for their kind, but first, Nethergarde must rise as a strong, independant state. To do this, it shall be a centre of learning.

The Keep is meant to be, by the visionaries, a sanctuary. It'll be a place of learning, of comfort and a sanctuary outside Stormwind. Offenses against Horde, teachings, sparrings but also tavern are planned to be some of the activities to choose from. Much needs to be done, so anyone with ideas or anyone willing to show support is needed and is welcome. Should you be interested, you can always join the "nethergarde" custom channel, where we discuss possibilities of the hub.

The more you attend and support this hub, the more trust you will gain from the hidden forces behind this sanctuary. You'll be given privileges such as the purchase of artifacts, exclusive lessons, tomes of knowledge, practices of dark arts within privileged areas, information and finally, the truth, that there may be darker forces with a different motive than perhaps is percieved by the outside eye...

Here is some examples of activities (we will continue to add them here as more are willing to hold activities)

Like many classy establishment, we also have a place classy Tavern which is hosted by the hostesses,the Blacklocke Sisters. Having traded with the traveling brewmasters for drinks of highest quality, as well trading with the southern fishing village of Survich for quality dining, this establishment will offer sanctuary within the sanctuary for what might feel to be a lost land.

An Archmage in the settlement has risen above his colleagues in terms of the knowledge of the school of the Arcanum. With his vast and unprecedented knowledge of the field of magic, he will be able to teach the most cunning, the most determined and the most talented, should they be willing. Inquire about the knowledgeable Archmage and you are sure to be guided in the right direction.

Gustajc Fardreich, profoundly skilled alchemist, with need for people to try out his alchemical concoctions. This man is confident and sure of his abilities; the chance of failure is slight... possibly. He is also willing to teach outsiders, but only the most dedicated.

Though many soldiers are present, many are tired or busy battling the Horde. There are still parasites, thieves and hypocrites who would compromise this effort. There is need for security, both in muscle and in eyes, to expose these parasites for what they are. Speak with either of the Hooded Keepers of Nethergarde to see if you can aid with the safekeeping of the stronghold.

Dharum Hatemaul, a dwarf bearing many scars, wounds and memories, is an unique specimen of the dwarven race that can teach the unlearned but naturally talented to harness elemental powers, but also speaks about quality boar meat. His field of expertise is so wide and strange that there may be things he can teach that we did not know he knew.

The Elusive Lady, a mysterious woman whose presence is almost distant and her tongue almost otherworldy, has a wide possession of ancient relics, artifacts and exotic items. Her presence may not be a common occurrence, but once you do, can you pass up the chance to meet this extraordinary lady and perhaps find some source of power amongst her selection?

The Oracle, a lady despite her title, is quite a talkative and open woman, who has the gift of being able to peer into minds. Should you have enough trust for this Oracle, she will be able to delve into the injured memories and help mend some mental scars and allow you to look at yourself in an entirely different way. Her gift is truly appreciated in times of heavy war.

Do not doubt! Come to Nethergarde! It is on the rise!

Yes! Great work, and great RP inc!

I'm still available to help with this on Lylianne if you inform her icly

Isn't Nethergarde a Dalaran outpost? Why would they accept shadow magic?

Kick ass.

Drustai wrote:Isn't Nethergarde a Dalaran outpost? Why would they accept shadow magic?

It is a Dalaran fortress yes, but with its position so far away from both Dalaran and Stormwind, and its situation so grave, this is what makes them so open for any sort of aid, which was explained in the post. The acceptance of shadow wouldn't be too open either.

Though even if it was a Dalaran fortress, why would Horde attack it? Aren't the Kirin Tor neutral?

*Points to Ambermill*

Awesume!
Skarain will pay a visit when she hears the rumors and when she have time

I support this 100%

Zaraj wrote:

Drustai wrote:Isn't Nethergarde a Dalaran outpost? Why would they accept shadow magic?

It is a Dalaran fortress yes, but with its position so far away from both Dalaran and Stormwind, and its situation so grave, this is what makes them so open for any sort of aid, which was explained in the post. The acceptance of shadow wouldn't be too open either.

Though even if it was a Dalaran fortress, why would Horde attack it? Aren't the Kirin Tor neutral?

I believe it is co ran by the Alliance an Kirin Tor to monitor the portal and dark magic used in the area. It was also founded somewhere long ago to fight against the horde.

Horde doesn't care for neutral factions.

They've raped Dalarani mages and Argent Dawn/Crusade members alike.

I always thought that Nethergarde Keep was under the direct management of the Church of the Holy Light, since it's their banners that hang from the walls.

Saevir wrote:I always thought that Nethergarde Keep was under the direct management of the Church of the Holy Light, since it's their banners that hang from the walls.

It's the Kirin Tor banners.

Cyrdain wrote:

Saevir wrote:I always thought that Nethergarde Keep was under the direct management of the Church of the Holy Light, since it's their banners that hang from the walls.

It's the Kirin Tor banners.

To my knowledge, the only other place in the game that uses the yellow-sun-on-white-background banner is the Cathedral District in stormwind. I certainly don't remember ever seeing it used in relation to Dalaran or the Kirin Tor.

I'm also still in on Lire. You can get her through Lylianne, so it's easy to find two of us if you've found the other.

The Kirin Tor is technically part of the Alliance of Lordaeron, which evolved into the Grand Alliance that currently exists. Dalaran was only recently (as in, WotLK) MADE into neutral ground in order to garner the support of both the Horde and Alliance in their conflict against the Scourge and Blue Dragonflight. That's the whole reason for the existence of the Sunreavers, after all.

The Kirin Tor is set against the Horde, and the Northrend war effort is the exception, and explains why Nethergarde troops by the Dark Portal are very angry about having to cooperate with the Horde to ensure the Dark Portal isn't overrun.

As a personal aside, I really wish people would try to shoehorn in less "accepted shadow magic" all over the place. Kinda takes away the point of a character using shadow magic, except for the - ugh - "cool" factor.

Not sure if people misread it, didn't bother to read it or it didn't come through, but is not 'accepted' in the term that people spew it around and that it is as accepted as the other schools of magic. It is still a mage-led settlement, but some of the forces behind this effort advocate the use of the darker magic, something which only the highest officers know and reluctantly accept.

*mumbles something along the lines of * Why did no one burn Zaraj on a fire.... *then recalls that perhaps this thread is the proof of why they did not * In short, looks very good!

So thats what Eira's auntie Renatha is up to....

Eira wrote:So thats what Eira's auntie Renatha is up to....

So this is where you wil station Ithric. Aah...I see, I see.

I sense a disturbance in the Light...!

Come, my brethren, our pyres hunger for unrepentant flesh! Gather up, polish armor and sharpen your swords - it is time to strike!

Crojwin wrote:

Eira wrote:So thats what Eira's auntie Renatha is up to....

So this is where you wil station Ithric. Aah...I see, I see.

Huh? I knew the dirty hagbag was up to something in Blasted Lands.

=D

Hagbag. Good word. Must use at an appropriate occasion.

Melnerag wrote:I sense a disturbance in the Light...!

Come, my brethren, our pyres hunger for unrepentant flesh! Gather up, polish armor and sharpen your swords - it is time to strike!

Intricate security measures have been put in place Lightdog, your Chapter won't last long!