So it has been awhile since I typed up a scenario, and I figured it was time to type up my idea of how to get the Stonemaul Clan into the storyline after the events of 8.2, while giving a meeting place in Dustwallow Marsh for those who want to plot a coup against Sylvanas.
First of all, while I’m going to attempt to avoid saying what exactly happens in 8.2 that we know of, at the time of this post, I may have some light spoilers. Please keep this in mind if you want to read the scenario.
Second, as I usually state, my writings are far from perfect. Likely I may have overlooked or misinterpreted something.
Third, I plan to do this in parts. I am unsure how many parts it will be, but I figure it is better to do that instead of just posting a giant wall of text…not that I don’t do that already, of course. <- <;
And lastly, the usual assumptions:
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Whether a coup actually happens or not, it’s clear that Sylvanas’ popularity among the Horde leaders is lower than a fart in an elevator. Thus, a place to meetup where she may not be keeping tabs would be a good way to plan out a coup.
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Dustwallow Marsh would work as a meeting place because Sylvanas is occupied with other things. Other than likely putting the remains of Theramore on lockdown or guard, thanks to Baine meeting with Jaina, she likely either doesn’t remember or doesn’t care about the Stonemaul Clan enough to keep tabs on them.
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This scenario is meant as a way to introduce playable Horde Ogres in the future, be it as a core or allied race. It is also a way to introduce the Stonemaul Clan back into the story while trying to explain what it is they have been up to, along with the other Horde Ogre clans. If a coup attempt does take place, the Horde needs as many allies as they can get, and the Stonemaul Clan would help repay their debt to the Horde by helping to save it.
We’ll start with the scenario taking place after the events we know of in 8.2 having occurred. A message is delivered to the player character in Orgimmar, via messenger bird:
“Champion,
Your assistance is requested in the Southern Barrens for an important mission. Make sure you’re not followed as you arrive. More details to follow.
-(Horde Symbol)”
Going to Southern Barrens, somewhat close to Dustwallow Marsh, we find Thrall, who sent the letter:
Thrall: Ah, champion, you got my message. We have a difficult task ahead of us, and in order to accomplish it, we need all the help we can get. While we were infiltrating Orgimmar, Rexxar went ahead to make contact with the Stonemaul Clan in Dustwallow Marsh. They’re a clan of Ogres that have helped the Horde many times, and Rexxar was the one to help bring them to our side. Since he left, however, we have not heard back from him at all. There seems to be some sort of commotion and action coming from Dustwallow Marsh that makes me feel uneasy. I contacted you for assistance in traveling there to see what has happened and to find Rexxar.
As you ride with Thrall, Thrall reminisces:
Thrall: The Stonemaul Clan are Ogres that sought our help a long time ago in removing their corrupt chieftain that was leading their clan to ruin. It’s interesting that the tables have turned, and we now seek their help for a very similar reason. Most Ogres we’ve had to deal with have not been very friendly towards us, but the Stonemaul Clan have proven to be both honorable and reliable. While we consider them part of the Horde, they were never officially inducted to my knowledge. Perhaps after all this, I should help rectify that considering all they have done for the Horde. In particular, they were a great help when we lead the attack on Theramore to…
(Thrall stops and looks up at the sky)
Thrall: …Jaina. So much has happened…I…(ahem) Pardon me. There will be time for that later. Right now, let us focus on the task at hand.
After entering Duskwallow Marsh, there is a sudden ambush by the dragonkin mobs, which you and Thrall fend off.
Thrall: These dragonkin still prowl the area? And these weapons they have…something is familiar about them. This is an ill omen…wait a minute, I see smoke in the distance in the direction of Brackenwall Village. Quickly, champion!
As you and Thrall arrive, you notice that the entire village is being attacked and there is fire. You and Thrall start by attacking some groups of the dragonkin around the village before entering it to find that the inhabitants are still alive and defending the area.
Thrall: Rexxar!
Rexxar: Thrall! Almost missed all the fun!
Thrall: Indeed, old friend. Fill me in after the battle.
All the NPC’s previously in the area are here and helping in the fight, including Brogg who is the two-headed Ogre in Mudsprocket that offered you some quests. In addition there are male and female Ogres now, Megs Dreadshredder is here with her Dunemaul Ogres and a unique female Ogre model that is the chieftain put into place by her, a unique Ogre model that is the leader of the Gorian Ogres that came with the Mag’Har, and Tharg now has a unique model as he has since become the leader of the Stonemaul Clan. Orhan Ogreblade is also here from Feralas.
The attack occurs in a few waves that occurs throughout the whole village. Eventually, a dragonkin commander charges in. After he is slain and the rest of the mobs are killed, we then put out all the fire in the village. Some more exposition follows.
Thrall: It’s no wonder I didn’t hear back from you, Rexxar.
Rexxar: Things have gotten worse since the Cataclysm occurred here. At first, the dragonkin here were decreasing in numbers as the Stonemaul tried to retake their village…but gradually, more began to appear, and they became more and more aggressive while taking and patrolling more of the area in the process.
Tharg: Stonemaul almost take back home, but den da Stonemaul got run out again.
Orhan Ogreblade: It got so bad that I had to take the Stonemaul with me in Feralas to assist here. We barely have been able to hold this village, and they were wielding weapons we haven’t seen before. I’m afraid our absence in Feralas means that Dire Maul has been left unchecked…
Megs Dreadshredder: Aww, don’t worry about that, hon! Once we get finished with here, I’ll help get us back to Feralas and my Dunemaul can help with that.
Thrall: Dunemaul? Did an Ogre clan join the Horde while I have been away?
Megs Dreadshredder: Err, in a sense. Look, right now, we need to help out these poor Stonemaul Ogres get their place back.
Thrall: I see. So we have two clans of Ogres helping us?
Orhan Ogreblade: Three, actually.
Gorian leader: Da Gorians be helping too!
Megs Dreadshredder: Yeah, so when the Mag’har joined us, these guys came along with them. They needed a place to go so I decided to get them to help us at Feralas until we had to come here to help out.
Rexxar: I trust they aren’t just indentured servants?
Megs Dreadshredder: Totally voluntary! No contracts involved! I promise!
Rexxar: Hmm…
Tharg: Thrall. Me knows Da Stonemaul ask for lots before, but da Stonemaul need help again. Me ask if da Horde help get back home for good. Da Stonemaul do whatever Horde want.
Thrall: I’m sure we can work something out, Tharg. Your clan has done a lot for the Horde, and we won’t abandon you here in your clan’s time of need. First, let us figure out what to do next.
This bit of exposition is meant to help tie up some of the loose ends I mentioned before in this thread. It also sets up plans in motion for what I previously typed involving Mok’morokk taking over Dire Maul with the Gordunni, since the area is more or less unopposed with the Alliance busy.
This is just part one of the Dustwallow Marsh scenario. I plan to continue it more in the near future as I plan stuff out for what occurs next. A lot of it is taking ideas I typed previously, and fleshing them out a bit more. Once I get the next part planned, I’ll be sure to share it. ^^