Chapter 2: Hollow peace

Emerald Dream
1

The Warriors of the Eclipse with a small detachment of Clan Battlehammer forces were defeated in the Siege of Fenris Isles. Both sides fought hard but in the end the martial prowess of the Blademasters won them a great victory. The retreating Alliance forces in their rage slaughtered the supply lines of the blademasters. None survived. Kaidon Shamzakel, covered in blood, gazed over the battlefield. Bodies of both sides were on the field and within the walls of the keep. “Blademasters! You have honored yourselves this day! We have won a great victory against the Warriors of the Eclipse! They are no longer an effective fighting force this day!”, yelled Shamzakel. Rally Master Torrack bowed, “Kaidon. What is your command?”. Shamzakel saluted the Rally Master and responded, “Gather our dead. Give them a proper burial. We must honor our dead.”. “What of the alliance bodies Kaidon?” retorted Torrack. Shamzakel went to the maps and coldly responded, “Let them rot where they lay.”. Torrack bowed and walked to his duties. Majordomo Ultyr stood by watching Shamzakel observing the maps, “What is it, Kaidon?”. Shamzakel still observing the maps reponded, “We won’t have to worry about the Warriors of the Eclipse now. Their backs have been broken in this battle. My attention now is Clan Battlehammer. We must avenge our brothers and sisters that have fallen from their hands. Do you agree?”. Ultyr nodded with purpose, “Yes, Kaidon. I have no objections to fighting the dwarves.”. Shamzakel nodded with a smile, “Good, lets send a message out to King Regent Pragus.”

TLDR: The Blademasters have defeated the mighty warriors of the eclipse. Their remnants continue to fight but does not stand a chance against the blademaster war machine. Blademasters turning our attention towards Clan Battlehammer. There can be peace…but for a price…will Clan Battlehammer submit? Stay tuned.

6 Likes
2

Mortignis wriggles his tongue deep inside a cave

2 Likes
3

Warriors of the Eclipse will have revenge.

5 Likes
4

“Welp… back teh Dornogal!” called Pragus. Having successfully removed th’ Horde from Azj-Kahet, th’ Hammers headed teh th’ hottubs teh relax a bit before bein’ called teh their next battle. Most were dismissed when suddenly those that still remained in th’ tubs heard a crude shouting in Orcish coming from th’ other side o’ Dornogal. Amongst the garble they could make our their name, “Rek gorug stom Battlehammer!” came the repeating cry.

“Let’s check it out,” Pragus said to those in the tubs. They found an orc with th’ Blademasters tabard on doin’ th’ shoutin’ and understood him clearly this time as they downed their potions of tongues on the way to th’ location o’ th’ shoutin’.

“Clan Battlehammer are weaklings! They would not show their faces in Khaz Algar for fear of losing them to the Blades of the Blademasters!” yelled the orc, putting on a sinister grin as he watched th’ small force o’ Hammers marching toward him. They recognized him as none other than th’ notrious Torrak whom had led th’ Blademasters in battle against th’ Hammers before.

“Shut yer mouth, orc!” yelled Pragus as they approached. “Weh were out an’ about looking for Horde like yeh teh kill! Th’ only reason yeh may ‘ave nah seen us migh’ of been some awful sharding magic…”

“Harharharhar!” the orc laughed at them. Then we walked down the steps to just outside of Dornogal with his group of Blademasters following him.

Pragus fumed. “They’ll nah laugh a’ us and yell falsities in Dornogal. Charge!” he yelled as he ran down th’ stairs after them. Not entirely prepared or expecting this, th’ Hammers looked at each other in confusion for a moment until they heard Pragus yell, “I’ve been gripped! Git down here an’ help meh!” The other Hammers charged down th’ stairs, though they were staggered, quickly strapping their armor back into place. Pragus lived by using shield after shield and fearing th’ Blademasters but another Hammer tha’ was first to join him sadly fell. Th’ seriousness o’ th’ situation had sadly increased teh where it was time teh get coordinated and fast! The Hammers grouped together and began focusing their fire on target calls… and like tha’, th’ Blademasters dropped.

Th’ Hammers hopped on their rams, yelling, “Long Live Clan Battlehammer!” in an attempt to prepare for th’ coming onslaught. Th’ Blademasters would without a doubt recover and bring even more with them for the next engagement. Scouts from th’ Blademasters hovered over them shouting foul curses in orcish as th’ Hammers entered one of th’ caves in th’ hills east o’ Dornogal.

“This isn’t gonna beh pretty,” said Pragus, “No matter how many they send down this hole, FIGHT! FIGHT UNTIL WE ARE FORCED FROM THE CAVE!” Moments later th’ Blademasters piled inteh th’ cave and fought with such fury tha’ th’ Hammers were, in fact, forced from th’ cave. Their forces were unexpectedly split as some of the injured appeared alive at the nearby graveyard while others found themselves searching for their bodies, running from a different graveyard. “Outnumbered and now discombobulated, I’m gonna make th’ call teh retire for th’ evenin’. Though weh defended our honor and came out on top of one engagement, our stamina is fading and our axes dull from a full day o’ battle. These opponents are fierce. Weh must rest and prepare fer th’ next engagement.”

(( GGs Blademasters. Some hella fun RPPVP to end our night last night! Only wish we could have come across each other in Azj-Kahet earlier, but we killed plenty of other Horde there so don’t you worry XD ))

5 Likes
5

Days had passed since the siege of Fenris Keep. The Blademasters started rebuilding the fortress and manning a garrison for their new hard fought territory. The expeditionary force returned to Hearthglen in the Western Plaguelands. The Blademasters headquarters won over in a siege many years ago against the Order of the Sun. Shamzakel was in a frenzy, sending messengers to various allies and enemies. “Kaidon, we are getting reports from dornogal…a clan battlehammer force with King Regent Pragus personally leading it is in the area.”, said Marshal Pocket. Shamzakel looked up from the maps with interest, “Has the King Regent responded to our message?”. The marshal looking through all the reports before responding, “ No Kaidon.”. “Good, send a message to Rally Master Torrack. Let him know to prepare his forces for battle…he will be very happy with that. Emphasize that he is to lure the enemy to battle and to hold them for reinforcements.”, said Shamzakel as he was gathering his sword and used hand signals to get his mages to open a portal to dornogal. The marshal bowed and went about the task. Rally Master Torrack was elated. He finished reading his orders and with a hearty laugh looked at the messenger, “Tell the Kaidon and the Marshal I will not disappoint them. Give them my thanks. My blades and my forces hunger for battle!”. The messenger bowed before running to his duties. The Rally Master was eager for battle, wanting to prove himself worthy of his rank and title. Given to the most capable Blademaster in the ranks. Kaidon Shamzakel, Majordomo Ultyr, Marshal Pocket, Midai Merc, Zealot Dokraga and Zealot Storm were all at his initiation. He was the first rally master in many years. He will not dishonor his title…even if it costed him his life. “BLADEMASTERS SHARPEN YOUR BLADES…PREPARE FOR BATTLE! I AM HERE ALLIANCE DOGS!”, he yelled with pride as his warriors yelled and cheered with their blades high in the air. His eyes narrowed at one of dwarves,”ahhh that must be their leader”, Torrack thought to himself with a smirk. Torrack looked at Pragus and yelled, “CLAN BATTLEHAMMER ARE WEAKLINGS! THEY WOULD NOT SHOW THEIR FACES IN KHAZ ALGAR FOR FEAR OF LOSING THEM TO THE BLADES OF THE BLADEMASTERS!” Not soon after Clan Battlehammer responded with battle. Their force crashing into the Blademaster battle line led by Torrack. Both sides taking heavy casualties. It looked Torrack’s force was going to break due to heavy support and reinforcements from clan Battlehammer was battering his forces hard. Rally Master Torrack was ready to die in a blaze of glory when he heard his Kaidon yell “NO QUARTER BLADEMASTERS!” His forces slamming into the Clan Battlehammer line in an hammer and anvil causing the dwarves to retreat their forces into a better defensive position. Shamzakel looked around seeing the wounded and dead Blademasters mixed with the clan Battlehammer dead, “Send out scouts find the dwarves! Gather our dead and get the wounded back into the neutral city!”. Shamzakel then looked at the rally master, “you did well rally master you honor yourself and your warriors fought hard.”. Torrack bowed,” you honor us Kaidon…may I ask a favor?” Shamzakel nodded with acknowledgment,”I know what you are going to ask…my answer is yes you may lead the assault.” Rally Master Torrack roared with excitement. Blademaster Kikolay ran up to Shamzakel, merc, ultyr and Torrack and bowed to all four, “Kaidon, Midai, Majordomo, Rally Master! We have found the remaining dwarve forces. They lodged themselves in a cave in the north.” Shamzakel saluted the Blademaster, “Well done Blademaster. Torrack prepare your force for battle!”. Torrack’s force began blocking the entrance of the cave. Rally Master Torrack turned to his force, “Brothers and Sisters! We will avenge our fallen and our wounded this day! Our leaders are all watching us! Strength and honor!”. “Strength and honor!” Yelled his force in response. “CHARGE! NO MERCY BLADEMASTERS!” He roared as he charged into the cave with his brothers and sisters behind him. The Blademasters fury and hunger for vengeance outweighed the impressive defense by Clan Battlehammer. This marked the third high intensity between the two powers. The beginning of the Blade and Hammer wars has begun… ((ggs clan Battlehammer very fun fights hoping to organize more battles with you guys since both sides looking to fight without dealing with the headaches of phasing.))

5 Likes
6

Charlotte receives word of the clash between Clan Battlehammer and The Blademasters. As a frown creases across her forehead she thinks, “I should have been there to help.” Shaking her head, she grasps at her necklace, somewhat nervously. “The Blademasters are formidable warriors, but next time I’ll be there to help my dear Dwarves.”
Looking to the sky, Charlotte gathers her strength, raising her staff high into the air shouting, “Long Live Clan Battlehammer!”

5 Likes
7

The bar in Orgrimmar’s Drag district was alive with its usual raucous energy—grunts of laughter, the clang of tankards, and the faint hum of a distant war drum echoing through the night. Among the crowd, Dorbroka sat at the counter, his hulking frame squeezed into an elegant black tuxedo that looked almost comical in the rugged surroundings. He swirled his mug of Thunderbrew Lager, half-listening to a goblin at the next table gossip about mercenary contracts. Then, a grizzled troll pushed through the doors, his voice cutting through the noise. “Clan Battlehammer just crushed The Blade Masters up in the Hinterlands!” The words sent a shiver down Dorbroka’s spine. He froze, then choked on his drink, spitting out a mouthful of ale onto the bar.

“Clan Battlehammer…” he growled, his voice a deep rumble laced with hatred. The room seemed to fade around him as memories from years ago clawed their way to the surface. He saw his village again—a small village in durotar, a humble settlement built with sweat and pride, now engulfed in flames. The air had been thick with smoke and screams, the acrid stench of burning huts filling his nostrils. At the heart of the destruction, he remembered King Bruenor Battlehammer, standing atop a hill with his flaming red beard glinting like a banner in the firelight. The dwarf had laughed, a booming sound that rivaled the crackling flames, as he raised his tankard of ale. Dorbroka had seen that laughter etched in nightmares ever since.

Slamming his mug onto the bar, Dorbroka’s mind raced. He knew the dwarves were disciplined, ruthless, and tactically brilliant, but this recent defeat of The Blade Masters made it clear they were an escalating threat to the Horde. His hands clenched into fists as he whispered one name: “Mortignis.” The Forsaken warlock was infamous for his dark prowess, speaking fel incantations with a sinister wriggle of his tongue that seemed to twist reality itself. Dorbroka had worked with Mortignis before—unholy alliances forged in the name of vengeance—and he knew the warlock’s cunning would be key to striking back at Clan Battlehammer. Dorbroka’s lips curled into a wicked grin; with Mortignis at his side, even the dwarves’ iron discipline could crumble.

Rising from his seat, Dorbroka pushed past a pair of goblins and made for the exit. The barkeep, a stout orc with a perpetual scowl, called after him, “Oi! You didn’t pay for your drink!” Dorbroka didn’t even glance back. The clink of coins was meaningless when vengeance burned brighter than any currency. As he stepped into the cool Orgrimmar night, the bustle of the city surrounded him, but his focus was razor-sharp. He knew where to find Mortignis—lurking in the dark corners of the Cleft of Shadow—and he would ensure the warlock joined him in his crusade.

The streets of Orgrimmar were alive with the rhythm of Horde life, but to Dorbroka, they felt like the prelude to war. The memory of Bruenor’s laughter echoed in his ears, spurring him forward with every step. This wasn’t just about vengeance—it was about sending a message. Clan Battlehammer’s reign of terror would end, and their discipline would shatter beneath the chaos he would unleash. By the time he reached the shadowy alleys of the Cleft, his mind was set. His tuxedo might have drawn stares in the bar, but soon, it would be drenched in the blood of dwarves.

5 Likes
8

The Blade and hammer War declared 7 days ago seemed so far away from the constant battle between both forces. Both sides not seeming to back down. In order to keep morale up, Kaidon Shamzakel started giving out campaign medals to his veterans of the campaign. Shamzakel looking down at the maps, unsure of what King Regent Pragus was planning. Shamzakel slammed the desk, “What are those dwaves up to! Our scouts are finding his forces inside caves and we eradicate them like pests…but I do not see any strategic value in these caves…is he trying to grind my forces down?”, wondered Shamzakel out loud. He stopped and smiled, “If that is your plan dwarf, We embrace it!”. Shamzakel took his quill and put it onto the parchment.

TO: HELLBOUND BATTALION
FROM: BLADEMASTER HEADQUARTERS

Thank you for your mercenaries. They are doing well in this war against Clan Battlehammer. We need more from you now. The dwarves are happy with their defensive battles. Send in more troops so we may end this war. As promised Blademaster forces will aid in a secret attack on Ironforge.

-Kaidon Shamzakel

Shamzakel made a gesture with his hand and a messanger ran to him and bowed. “Take this message to the Warlod of Hellbound Battalion”, said Shamzakel as he handed the messanger the letter. The messanger replied, “Kaidon!” and bowed to go about his duty. Shamzakel then looked to Rally Master Torrack with a smile, “Continue your campaign against the dwarves until their hammers crack to our blades, Rally Master.” Torrack roared with glee, “AS YOU WISH KAIDON!”

5 Likes
9

Clan Battlehammer gathered at Contender’s Gate in Dornogal forming opposite of a war party already in progress by the infamous Ironsworn Regiment, a longtime rival of the Hammers that had recently heavily increased its presence in Khaz Algar.

Pragus glared at the line across from that of the dwarves.

“Keep formin’ up. I care nah about their numbers. They will nah run unopposed through these lands or any tha’ ‘ave been placed under th’ protection o’ Clan Battlehammer, bah th’ authority o’ King Bruenor! Stare ‘em down like th’ filth you know they are!” Pragus bellowed across the Gate, his dwarvish probably sounding to the enemy like orcish sounded to him… just plain offensive. Then, he heard such an offense coming directly at him, not from across the gate… rather directly below him and to the left as he sat on his ram. He looked down to find a blood elf demon hunter spewing orcish at him. Having not consumed a potion of tongues recently, Pragus resisted the urge to cover his ears and stared ahead stoically. He did notice that the offensive Horde presented a Blademasters tabard upon his chest. Finally, Pragus broke his stoic countenance and turned to the demon hunter, yelling, “Beh gone, Horde filth! I know of you an’ yer guild. Yeh think yeh’ll ‘ave a run a’ our caves!? Woe teh any Horde tha’ thinks they can step inteh our domain! All o’ Khaz Algar, but most SPECIFICALLY ITS CAVES, are under th’ protection o’ Clan Battlehammer, bah th’ authority o’ King Bruenor! STAY OUT! LONG LIVE CLAN BATTLEHAMMER!”

The chorus of “LONG LIVE CLAN BATTLEHAMMER!” rang out with a deafening effect, leaving all those present at the gate stunned for a moment. The Blademaster demon hunter at Pragus’ side cackled maniacally and skittered off with other Blademasters joining by his side as they approached the stairs, clearly hoping to catch the Hammers as they exited into the Isle of Dornogal.

“Stay on yer gryphons!” yelled Pragus. “Th’ waterfall cave! Our enemies our boisterous and rude! They think they can jus’ ‘ave territory tha’ beh rightfully ours bah way o’ kin. These Earthen are with th’ dwarves. Th’ ones tha’ joined the Horde beh lost souls teh us! DEFEND TH’ CAVE! FLY!”

The Hammers took to the air on their gryphons executing coordinated flight maneuvers to all land near the mouth of the waterfall cave to which Pragus referred. They charged in and took a defensive position, calling out “Long Live Clan Battlehammer!” to let any enemy within earshot know that the cave was currently under the protection of Clan Battlehammer. Seconds later a Horde hunter baring the Blademasters tabard charged into the cave, quickly gripped and grinded in the dwarven pit.

Two more waves of Blademasters charged honorably into combat but were felled, unable to gather enough Horde to join their quest to force Clan Battlehammer out of the cave. Then came the third wave… now the numbers were nearly equal and the Blademasters had a death knight in their midst to grip the unwary dwarf as had been an occurrence a few battles previous. The Hammers played it safe this time and forced their opponents around the cave and into the dwarven grinder, though this time the grinder’s motor spurred and coughed as it worked to digest the sinewy meat being fed into it at a larger quantity. After doing enough damage to the front line, the Hammers charged into the back lines and forced the Blademaster clean out of the cave mopping them up outside.

The Hammers again returned to the cave. This time stamina would be lower. The enemy would no doubt be even greater in number. This was no surprise to the dwarves of Clan Battlehammer, Longbeards having experienced this under King Bruenor and new blood knowing of it through word of mouth lore. The Hammers had long faced enemies that were forced to bring a few more legions along than originally planned to contend. The ferocity of the dwarf claims three legions per every one of other members of Azeroth. History proved and the number of Horde finally exceeded the amount that the Hammers could tolerate and they were forced to recall to Dornogal for the next battle, but only after stubbornly whittling away the might of the enemy through attrition with the long term victory always in mind. LONG LIVE CLAN BATTLEHAMMER!

(( GGs Blademasters. Please bear in mind that this is my RP response. Please feel free to present your own and know that I don’t expect our RP stories to align. Dwarves know what dwarves saw. Horde scum know what horde scum saw :wink: Looking forward to more faceoffs of increasing intensity. The caves are ours… always. ISR, enjoyed the fun in AV afterwards. You know we love a bridge defense. LLED! ))

5 Likes
10

Weh stay among the misty cave
The horde smell blood and war they crave
they came in first by three then five,
but none did come back out alive.
The called in troops from a distant land
For Battlehammer’s here to make a stand
and now that cave’s stained a haunting red
and weh pause to honor the savage dead

6 Likes
11

A small clan battlehammer scouting party destroyed by a Blademaster scouting group with mercenaries. All dwarfs that stood to fight perished. All that tried to run away…was put to the sword. No quarter until Clan Battlehammer submits. A bloody skirmish erupted outside dornogal. Pushed the dwarves back into the city. Those that couldnt flee were put to the sword. Agreements with Division 7. They will join the conflict against the dwarves.

4 Likes
12

Hope you dont mind if I take these souls for my… umm… clan.

4 Likes
13

Soulshatter clan can use their bodies for experiments and their souls are yours. Another clan battle hammer force crushed in the silvershard mines by the Blademasters. The blade and hammer war continues. Blademaster scouts tracking more dwarf forces on Khaz Algar. Can Clan Battlehammer stand under the pressure? We will see.

4 Likes
14

Pragus cursed and looked at the map of the Silvershard Mines again with his magnifying glass, looking for any possible advantages he overlooked. Then he moved his attention to the map of the Temple of Kotmogu, again looking for any way to turn the battle toward their favor the next time they were called to either of these locations.

The Hammers had recently faced excruciating battles against the Blademasters in these battlegrounds, each time being forced backward by the absolute brutality of the enemy’s advance.

“With th’ limited numbers of soldiers that can plausibly figh’ combined with th’ composition o’ their forces, I suppose it is no wonder they are a challenge,” Pragus grumbled to himself out loud as he stroked his ‘stache. "Rare is it that weh dwarves can acquire the services of a dragonkin or druid for these battles. Perhaps I should start bein’ a lil’ nicer teh th’ knife ears an’ nah laugh derisively every time I see a dragonkin. Still… there’s gah teh beh somethin’ I’m overlookin’he-"

“Oi, lil’ brother! You still pourin’ o’er those maps?!” yelled Kraggus busting in the door without knocking as per his usual. “Dunna yeh worry… they may ‘ave gave us a good stompin’… but I put one righ’ between th’ eyes o’ tha’ Torrak fellah last round!”

“Bah… speak nah teh meh o’ tha’ bothersome orc. It’s those tha’ surround him in these battles tha’ ‘ave mah eye. In addition teh bringin’ supportive classes tha’ weh simply struggle teh access, th’ ones weh see ‘ere are like a different breed o’ Blademasters. They’re bigger, stronger, and I’ll beh damned if weh e’er catch em flinchin’!”

“Hah! Chin up, brother!” bellowed Kraggus as he headlocked Praggus and began giving a most intense noogying session that knotted Pragus’ beautiful locks all together in a foolish looking mess atop his head. “There’ll beh more chances teh stick it to ‘em in those small scale battles. Weh’ll adjust an’ git better e’er time… but that’s one thing about th’ dwarves o’ Clan Battlehammer… weh dunna surrender. Weh figh’ teh th’ glorious death in th’ name o’ King Bruenor. How can yeh ferget this stuff? Yer supposed teh beh th’ King Regent righ’ now! Some morale! An’ jus’ remember… out there in Khaz Algar… they git their faces smashed in e’ery time until as always they start bringin’ more than weh can cook!”

Kraggus smacked Pragus across the back of the head playfully yet forcefully and exited his brother’s room guffawing joyfully. Pragus rubbed the back of his head while wincing when his eyes fell across the maps again. He let forth a dwarven roar and cleared the table with a massive arch of his hands, shoving all the battle maps to the floor.

“Bah… I’m gonna go 'ave a drink… or ten.”

4 Likes
15

I figured I’d show my Head in here, Beh 'good!!!

4 Likes
16

The Blademaster victories in Kotmogu and Silvershard mines increased morale in the ongoing blade and hammer war against Clan Battlehammer. “I have to admit Clan Battlehammer can take a beating. Any other alliance foe would of given up by now.” thought Shamzakel as he was reading paperwork on the victories. Marshal Pocket sensing Shamzakel’s thoughts responded, " This war will keep our brothers and sisters busy, hopefully Clan Battlehammer won’t surrender so easily Kaidon". Shamzakel nodded in agreement, " Yes Marshal, I agree this war is keeping us sharp for the new territory in Undermine. Our goblin raced blademasters are reporting back that city is opening their gates. We must prepare to fight them on that front. We know how they dislike goblins!“. Marshal Pocket bowed, " Zealot Stormsanta will enjoy slaughtering dwarves in goblin territory”. “Yes I’m sure he will, once Torrack is recovered from his wounds we will send his forces to support Stormsanta. Have messangers sent to the Darkwolf Clan for their mercenaries. Lets put more pressure on Clan Battlehammer. I do not want to use our secret weapon so soon” shamzakel grinned. “Kaidon.” The Marshal responded before leaving to go about his duties.

4 Likes
17

As news of the recent raging battle reaches Charlotte, she shakes her head, “So many dead!” Turning to her stores of healing elixirs, potions and bandages, Charlotte re-stocks her pouch; nearly empty from the last skirmish she joined in. “Praise the Light these healing enhancers have not run out, yet.” Charlotte then departs her home in Stormwind to seek out King Regent Pragus.

18

Blademaster forces encountered a 7 man clan battlehammer group in the isle of dorn cavern. Slaughtered the initial group. Dwarf reinforcements pushed the outmanned Blademaster group out. Scouts were attacked by Legion of the NRU. Blademaster forces shifted attention towards them and decimated their 9 man group.