“Are you sure the Empress will know what’s going on?” Scootaloo shouted past the rush of the wind.
“As sure as I can be,” Kyle replied loudly. He leaned forward and urged his hippogryph onwards, pushing it to go as fast as it could. The ground beneath him was a mere blur, a streak of brown. Any rocky features among the desolate landscape left his field of vision before he could even register that they were there. They’d only been in the air for half an hour, and yet to Kyle it felt like an eternity. Surely the entrance to the Hive should be showing up by now…
Aha. There it was. A large, nearly perfectly-round hole sunk into the desert floor and sloping down beneath the surface. He’d only seen the entrance once before, under the cover of night, but there was no mistaking it in this wasteland. He pulled back on the hippogryph’s reins and flew in a wide circle around the hole in the ground. Scootaloo followed suit, and soon the two of them touched down at the top of the slope.
No Changelings were waiting for them. None announced their presence as they slowly descended into the mouth of the Hive. Not that he expected a welcoming party. He had no doubt that they were even now being watched by the inhabitants of the hive, but he knew that their observers would not reveal themselves. Not unless they had a good reason to. And for now, he was content to not give them that reason.
As Kyle looked around the slope leading into the bowels of the hive, he noted a stark similarity between the Changeling architecture and the designs of other races on Azeroth. It looked very much like a cross between the Mantid’s architecture and the ruins of Ahn’Quiraj that he had explored. The dominant colors were brown and purple, with intricate patterns and carvings displayed on the walls and floor. Amber lanterns dotted the walls, while the ceiling was illuminated by glowing amber crystals. On occasion, a side passages would jut out to the side. Each one was wide enough to comfortably fit half a dozen Humans side by side, with room to spare. Each one, he noted, had a different series of runes inscribed on the floor leading into the corridor - perhaps labeling what lay beyond.
The upper levels appeared deserted, or else the Changelings within were hiding themselves very well. There were no signs of life - no movement, no noise besides their own footfalls, nothing. As they descended lower, however, Kyle would notice increasingly frequent signs of life. A flicker of movement off to the left. A faint green glow in the shadows. The faint buzz of wings. A single glowing blue eye to the right. They were watching, alright.
And then, he saw them. Dead ahead, a row of seven Changelings, standing shoulder to shoulder, fully covered in ebon-colored armor. He sensed Scootaloo’s movement become more tense as she caught sight of them too. He couldn’t blame her. It was all he could do to keep his own pace casual as he approached the line. He came to a stop a half dozen paces from the Changelings and stretched out his arm, stopping Scootaloo as well.
Kyle locked eyes with the Changeling in the middle of the line, who returned his stare evenly. Seconds passed. Seconds that seemed to stretch on for an age. Finally, the Changeling took a step forward. “You have entered the realm of the Changelings,” he announced. “Be you friend or foe?”
“Friend,” Kyle replied calmly. “We come in peace.”
“Why have you come at all?” The Changeling demanded. “You are certainly a long way from home.”
“I must speak with Grand Empress Yxia.”
The Changeling glanced over his shoulder at the line behind him before returning his gaze to Kyle. “The Empress is not receiving visitors, Human.” he retorted, sneering on the last word.
Kyle’s posture hardened. “She will receive me,” he insisted.
The Changeling’s eyes narrowed, and he crouched ever so slightly closer to the ground. “Leave. And do not return.”
Kyle returned the glare. “You will inform your Empress that Kyle Slater is at her doorstep,” he hissed. He didn’t miss the fact that half of the Changelings remaining in the original line stiffened at the mention of his name. “Or you will answer to her when she learns that he has been turned away.”
Nor did he miss the Changeling in front of him draw back half a pace. “Slater…” the Changeling hissed softly. He glanced to either side again before returning his attention back to Kyle, whose gaze had not left him. “Fine,” he growled. He turned towards the Changeling to Kyle’s far left. “You. Stay here with Slater’s beast,” he commanded. The Changeling saluted and moved forward to take the hippogryph’s reins from Kyle. The first Changeling then turned back to Kyle. “Follow us. And do not stray.” Kyle chose to ignore the threat behind the Changeling’s words, and instead fell into step alongside Scootaloo behind the seven Changelings as they descended further down the slope.
As they descended even deeper into the hive, the signs of life became far more obvious. Changelings no longer hid themselves, but instead walked openly among the side streets and up and down the main slope. Many of them starred as Kyle and Scootaloo walked past, and some of them leaned close to each other and began to speak in their language of hisses and clicks. It was clear that they didn’t see visitors very often. “Not that that’s a surprise,” he thought as he shot another look at the Changeling who had confronted them.
The group of guards leading them took an abrupt turn down one of the side passages to the right, and Kyle and Scootaloo turned to follow. Here, the street was lit far better than the main slope. The path itself was completely flat and curved slightly to the left. Various doors branched off of the street on either side
The guards turned and walked through the third such door on their left, and Kyle and Scootaloo followed. A short, narrow hallway lay beyond, leading to an even narrower counterclockwise spiral staircase that stretched both up and down. The group of eight followed the staircase upwards for a minute or two before reaching the top, which opened up into a vast hallway. Amber pillars lined the sides, each one ornately carved and decorated with fine gems and precious metals. Between each set of pillars, a detailed statue of a Changeling stood tall and proud, with a plaque at the base of each statue written in the Changelings’ native tongue. One, however, was barren - just a pedestal and a blank plaque. At the end stood a large double door, flanked by half a dozen armored Changelings on each side.
The procession stopped outside of the double doors, and the lead Changeling turned to face Kyle again. “Wait out here,” he ordered.
The Changeling turned to open the doors, but was forced to take several hasty steps backwards as the doors were flung open from the inside. Another Changeling raced forward, this one much smaller and leaner than the guards. The newcomer yelped as he barreled straight into the lead guard, sending both of them collapsing in a heap on the floor.
The guard was the first to rise, bristling. Hisses and clicks flew furiously from his mouth as he gestured angrily at both the door and the smaller Changeling cowering before him. The smaller Changeling seemed to stammer as it produced a sealed envelope. The guard blinked and glanced towards Kyle. He then pointed. The smaller Changeling’s gaze followed the guard’s hoof, and its eyes opened wide. “Kyle Slater?” it asked in a distinctly feminine voice. Kyle nodded. “Excellent! The Empress wishes to speak with you.”
Kyle couldn’t help himself as he saw the look on the guard’s face - a mixture of shock and outrage. He shot the guard a smug grin as he and Scootaloo strolled passed the guards and into the room beyond. The doors slammed closed behind them, leaving them alone in the the room.
Kyle recognized the room instantly. This was the throne room - the heart of the Changeling hive. They stood upon a path leading towards the throne, seemingly made of pure amber while the rest of the floor was stone. Four intricately-carved pillars on each side of the path towered high above them to touch the ceiling, each one wide enough to conceal both Kyle and Scootaloo easily. A small door leading to the Empress’s quarters lay near the throne on the right side of the room. And though it was now concealed, Kyle knew that the secret entrance into the throne room lay in the corner behind him and to his left.
The throne itself lay at the top of a flight of stairs. It appeared to be carved of solid amber, with purple velvet attached to it for a seat and back-rest. A trio of stained-glass windows lay behind the throne, each one depicting a Changeling - presumably great Emperors and Empresses from the past.
And speaking of Empresses…
The only other creature in the room besides Kyle and Scootaloo was a lone Changeling, sitting upon the throne. Her appearance was far different from that of the others - For starters, her eyes had fully-formed pupils, rather than being pure blue spheres. She was far taller than any other Changeling, with her head coming up to Kyle’s. Her horn, which was jagged - unlike the normal curved horns of the others - stretched far above Kyle’s head.
Yxia, Grand Empress of the Changeling Empire.
Kyle saw her raise an eyebrow as he and Scootaloo approached the throne. She hopped off of her throne and descended down the stairs to meet them at the base. “Kyle Slater.” Kyle blinked. Her voice no longer had the same Draenei-like accent that the others had. It had become smoother, more feminine, less accented. Similar to how Chrysalis’s had been, but distinctly higher-pitched. “It has been a while since last we met face-to-face,”
“Indeed,” Kyle replied. For a moment, the two of them locked eyes, neither willing to break eye contact. Finally, Yxia smiled. She extended one hoof towards Kyle, who returned the smile. He took a step forward and embraced the Empress in a light hug.
They broke the hug, and Kyle stepped backwards next to Scootaloo again. “The hospitality of your Hive leaves a bit to be desired,” he commented. “Your guard was prepared to chase us out before I mentioned my name.”
Yxia’s smile faltered slightly. “Yes, your name seems to hold power over my Changelings. They remember the death you unleashed upon the empire, but also the salvation you helped to bring. You must forgive my guard’s reaction.” Her voice became drier. “You can imagine that we do not entertain guests often. Ponies never seem to want to stop by and visit.”
“But that brings me to a question,” she continued. “I had only just sent a courier to Ironwall, not two minutes before you entered. You came of your own accord. What brings you to Hive Regali? And with your apprentice, no less?”
“I’m afraid that we’re not here to stop and visit, either,” Kyle replied. “I’m hoping you can help us.”
“Oh?” Yxia cocked her head. “How so?”
“We need information.”
“Go on.”
“There was a disturbance in the forests south of the Appleoosa Apple Orchards a few days ago,” Kyle began. “Right in the foothills. There were -”
“Trees missing and strange prints?” Yxia interrupted. Kyle hesitated for a split second before nodding. “Funny that you should come asking about this, when I had just sent a courier to you requesting you to come speak to me about this very same thing.”
Kyle raised an eyebrow. “So you clearly thought that this was something I should know about anyway,” he said.
“Indeed. One of my scouts noticed the harvesting of the trees in progress. I sent another squad of scouts out to monitor the situation. They stayed in the forest, out of sight of the cutters, and followed them.”
Kyle smiled. “Excellent. So you know where these guys are hiding out?”
“Yes. High in the mountains, farther than our patrols scout.” She paused, and Kyle gestured for her to continue. “I’m assuming you’d wish to see for yourself?”
“Yes, please.”
“Very well.” Yxia took a step backwards and closed her eyes. For a moment, she stood perfectly still. Finally, her eyes opened again. “I am told that you have brought a beast of flight with you?” she asked. Kyle nodded. “Then I and a flight wing will accompany you to their stronghold.”
“Stronghold?” Kyle repeated.
“Aye. Stronghold.”
Kyle felt his heartbeat quicken. “By any chance,” he began slowly, “did your Changelings describe to you what they looked like? Were they Minotaur”
“No, they were no Minotaur,” Yxia closed her eyes again. “Though they did stand on two legs as a Minotaur does. Let’s see now… There were two different types of creatures. Both were green. One, however, was far taller than the other, with large muscles. The smaller creatures were -”
“Let me guess,” Kyle murmured. He felt his heart tighten as he took a deep breath. “Large ears - many of them pierced - long noses, arms that nearly touched the ground, some of them riding big machines with buzz-saws attached to them?”
Yxia nodded slowly. “How did you know?”
Kyle shook his head. “Damn it all to hell…” he muttered. “The Horde is in Equestria.”
---
“Up ahead. Quiet now,” One of the Changelings murmured. Kyle nodded and glanced around him for what felt like the thousandth time. He and Scootaloo had been accompanied by Yxia and half a dozen Changelings out of Hive Regali, and together they had flown almost directly west, right towards the Macintosh Mountains. They’d flown over the foothills and past a few of the mountain peaks before settling on the western slope of one of the mountains, next to a large lake. Two of the Changelings had remained behind with Kyle’s hippogryph, while the rest of them had pushed on ahead.
And here they were. Skulking through the forest like a pack of bandits, creeping up on their target. Kyle glanced back towards Yxia, who waved with her hoof. “Go on,” she gestured. “We’ll wait back here. You go take a look.” Kyle nodded, and he and Scootaloo pushed through the trees closer towards their destination.
For a minute, the pair crept through the forest in silence. A faint smell of smoke reached Kyle’s nose. He turned his head towards his apprentice. “You okay?” he murmured to her. “You’ve been pretty quiet.”
“Not much for me to say,” Scootaloo replied quietly. “You seemed to have it covered.”
“Nervous?”
“A bit,” she admitted. She glanced over towards him. “I’m just remembering the last time I saw the Horde. That Tauren up in Kun-Lai.”
“Oh yeah…” Kyle had almost forgotten about their encounter with the Druid high in the mountains of Kun-Lai Summit, where the Tauren had saved them both from an attack by the summit prowlers. “What was his name… Tulstag?”
“Yeah.”
“Let me tell you right now,” Kyle warned, “Don’t expect every member of the Horde to be like Tulstag. He’s by far the exception, not the rule. We’re not exactly going to be welcomed with open arms if we’re spotted. So keep low and keep quiet.”
“Assuming this is actually the Horde,” Scootaloo added.
Kyle hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. “I’m praying that I’m wrong,” he murmured. “But I doubt I am.”
The two fell into silence again. The only sound besides the rustling of the undergrowth as they moved through it was the sound of birds overhead. By now, the smell of smoke was far stronger. There was definitely something up ahead. And it wasn’t far away.
Kyle pushed another branch aside and instantly drew back. “Down,” he hissed as both he and Scootaloo dropped to the ground. For a moment, there was silence. Kyle barely dared to breathe as he waited. Finally, after a full minute, he slowly moved the branch to the side again and peered under it. “Patrol,” he murmured. “A Troll and an Orc. They were headed the other way. Let’s move uphill and see if we can avoid another run-in like that.”
The two slowly made their way uphill, being careful to keep their sense open for any approaching patrols. Thankfully, there didn’t seem to be any around them as they crept up the mountain. It wasn’t long before Kyle pushed another branch aside and looked upon his target.
Kyler and Scootaloo stood upon a sheer cliff-face overlooking a fortress of iron and stone, tucked in a corner between the cliff they were standing upon and a second cliff. It was well-fortified, and had clearly been built up for a while. Solid stone buildings, metal walls, red roofs, large metal spikes. But most telling of all were the two large, red banners draped on either side of the largest building pressed up against the mountainside, with identical black symbols drawn across them. If the patrol wasn’t enough evidence, the stronghold before him left no question.
Horde.
Kyle muttered a series of expletives under his breath. The Horde was in Equestria. As if dealing with Zinju and the Burning Legion wasn’t bad enough. He looked back over the stronghold before him. Large towers rose out of the walls, each manned by two or three archers - some Troll, some Orc, and even an Undead. As he watched, a trio of wyverns sailed overhead and landed atop the large building pressed up against the mountainside. “How did they even get here?” he murmured.
It was at that moment that his mind flashed back. Many weeks ago, back to that day when he had met with Celestia and Twilight in Ironwall. “Several intruders, on separate incidents, made their way through the portal before one was caught in the act. Intruders that, to our knowledge, are enemies of the Alliance.” That’s what Celestia had said. “Damnit,” he swore again. “I should have found those intruders before it got this out of hand.”
“Hm?”
Kyle blinked and looked over. He had almost forgotten Scootaloo was there. “Doesn’t matter,” he murmured. “That’s the Horde. No doubt about it. Let’s get back to Yxia before we’re spotted.”
“Shouldn’t we do something?” Scootaloo whispered back. “I mean, we’re right here. Maybe we could -”
“Maybe we could get ourselves killed,” Kyle interrupted. “We are two Monks. Skilled Monks, but still only two. Against a stronghold like that? We’d be lucky to reach the front gate past all those archers. No, we pull back and live to fight another day.”
Kyle and Scootaloo began to make their way back down the mountain, being careful to avoid the scouts that patrolled the forest. It seemed to Kyle that in the short time that they had observed the fortress, the number of patrols had increased dramatically. More than once, they had to freeze as they spotted a patrol dangerously close. One particular encounter had a Tauren’s hoof not half a dozen feet from where Kyle lay prone in the undergrowth.
Still, the pair slowly made their way away from the Horde’s fortress. It wasn’t long before they pushed their way past another set of branches and spotted Yxia and her Changelings waiting for them. Yxia’s head popped up as they approached. “Did you find what you were looking for?” she asked.
Yes. It’s the Horde alright,” Kyle replied. “Thanks for showing this to us, though I’m afriad that there’s nothing we can do right now except get out of here. We need to head back to Ponyville and inform our leaders about this. And if I may be so bold, I’d suggest you keep yourselves quiet. If the Horde doesn’t see you as an ally, then you’re an enemy.”
Yxia nodded. “Your suggestion is noted. Your beast of flight is waiting for you by the lake.” She turned towards her Changelings and spoke quickly to them in their native language. The five Changelings then spread their wings and took to the sky, flying out of the trees and away from the mountains.
It didn’t take Kyle and Scootaloo long to make their way back to the hippogryph. As Yxia had promised, it was waiting next to the lake, drinking deeply from the crystal-clear water. Kyle mounted the hippogryph and looked down at Scootaloo. “Think you can manage the flight back to Ponyville?” he asked. “We’ve already done a lot of flying today…”
“Let’s try,” Scootaloo replied. “I’ll let you know before we reach the Everfree Forest if I don’t think I can make it.”
“Right. Let’s fly.” Kyle nudged his mount with the heel of his boots, and the hippogryph spread its wings. A moment later, he and Scootaloo were soaring over the mountain forests and around the peaks, headed north towards Ponyville.
But they weren’t the only ones in the sky.
Kyle turned his head to look over his shoulder. There, in the distance, back towards the Horde’s fortress. There were two black shadows. Two big, black, winged shadows. And they were getting bigger. Which meant they were getting closer.
Wyvern riders.
“We’ve got company!” Kyle yelled over the rush of the wind. Scootaloo risked a glance behind her, and her eyes shot open. She turned her head towards Kyle, who was now focused straight ahead. “Just keep flying!” He yelled again. “Maybe they’ll give up! If not… well, we’ll deal with that then.”
The pair continued to fly away from the Horde fortress, but it became increasingly clear to Kyle that the the riders were not about to let them get away. Their Wyverns weren’t as agile as a hippogryph or a Pegasus, but what they lacked in grace they made up for in raw speed. The distance between the Monks and their pursuers became increasingly small.
“Alright squirt! New plan!” Kyle yelled. “I hope you’ve been practicing your aim, ‘cause we’ve got a fight on our hands! We’ve got to take these guys down! Stay airborne, stay mobile, don’t let them hit you! Remember, don’t aim where they are, aim where they’re going to be! Break left!”
At his command, Scootaloo veered sharply to the left, while Kyle angled his hippogryph right. An instant later, a fireball flew through the space where his body had just occupied. Kyle whipped his hippogryph around and flew straight at his pursuers. A burst of lightning flashed from his fingertips, but was too far to the right as he soared past the Wyvern riders. One of them broke off after Scootaloo, while the other circled around and gave chase to Kyle.
Another fireball soared over Kyle’s head, forcing him to duck. This rider was a good shot. It was only a matter of time before Kyle’s luck ran out. He needed to end this quickly before that happened. Another flash of lightning arced out at the rider, this one crackling underneath his target.
For a few tense moments, Kyle and the Wyvern rider traded shots, neither able to connect. Kyle’s hippogryph was certainly more agile than the Wyvern, but the Wyvern’s speed was throwing Kyle’s aim off time and time again. Finally, the stalemate ended as Kyle clipped the Wyvern’s right wing. The creature screeched in pain and rolled to the right, flipping its rider off. Kyle couldn’t help but flinch as the rider’s scream was suddenly cut off as he impacted on the ground. The Wyvern itself spiraled down to the forest floor after its rider.
It didn’t take long for Kyle to spot Scootaloo. By now, they had left the mountains, and were in the foothills leading back into the Badlands. The rider chasing her was, if anything, even more skilled at flying than Kyle's pursuer had been. His Wyvern was making turns much faster and shorter than Kyle had believed possible out of a Wyvern. Still, it lacked the pinpoint turning that Scootaloo had, and the rider didn't seem to be nearly as good a shot as Kyle's pursuer had been, allowing her to easily avoid the ice lances that flashed out at her.
As Kyle watched, Scootaloo launched a counterattack of her own. As she and the rider sailed past each other, she flipped upside down and fired a sphere of Chi energy wildly to the right. For a moment, Kyle thought that she had missed badly… Until the rider swung to the right as well. Kyle cheered as the Chi Burst connected with the rider and exploded, sending the rider and his mount flailing to the forest floor below.
Kyle and Scootaloo reconnected in mid-air, and together they covered the small distance that still lay between them and the desert. They landed at the edge of the forest. Kyle hopped off of the hippogryph and stroked its beak a few times. The hippogryph snorted in agitation, but appeared unharmed, and so he left the beast alone. Instead, he ran over to Scootaloo, who had collapsed on the ground. “You okay?” he asked as he knelt down next to her.
Scootaloo was breathing heavily, but she grinned back up at him. “Yeah, I’m alright,” she panted.
Kyle returned the grin. “Hell of a shot back there,” he patted her on the back. “I’ve seen some good shots in my time, but that has to be one of the best. How’d you do it?”
“We’d passed each other like that a few times,” Scootaloo replied. She paused as she tried to get her breathing back under control. “Every time, I noticed that afterwards he’d turn right. I just shot where I thought he’d be, and it worked.”
“No kidding. Great job,” Kyle praised.
Scootaloo beamed, but her smile quickly faded. “But won’t the fortress notice if two of their riders went missing?” she asked.
Kyle’s own smile faded. “Yeah, they will,” he muttered. “If we’re lucky, they won’t find the bodies. We took them down a fair distance from the fortress. They might assume that they got taken down by wildlife or had an accident, if no one else saw us and if the riders didn’t tell anyone before they started chasing us.”
“That’s a lot of ‘ifs’,” Scootaloo muttered.
“I know, but it’s the best we can hope for.” Kyle rose back to his feet. “We should get out of here before anyone else spots us. Still think you can fly back to Ponyville?”
Scootaloo shook her head. “Not after that fight, no.”
“Then hop on.” Kyle walked over and mounted the hippogryph once more. “This guy can carry us both back.”
Scootaloo slowly pushed herself up and hopped onto the hippogryph as well, laying sideways on its back behind Kyle. He made sure to hold onto her as the hippogryph took to the air again and set out over the Badlands back towards Ponyville.
Time to ask Stormwind for a few siege tanks, hmm?
See if the Equestrians have anything they can muster to smack down some Greenskins.
....ohh crap they are gonna blow me to bits.....nooooo i cant loose my busness
....what?...im a goblin.....couldnt you see im wearing a headress over my nice white beard......
5991715
Now now, it is still possible that the horde is not there to really cause trouble, what have they done aside from cut down a few trees (though admittedly if they had their druids there, the trees might be replaced soonish). Add to that the fact if the Horde found legion followers there, they would either focus on the common enemy or have "be stupid" stamped across their heads and try to fight both alliance and the legion.
Kyle does not strike me as one that would attack the horde without significant cause, and given the description it is possible that the horde and alliance will wind up working together in equestria to fight the darker forces. If the might of the alliance is not enough to handle it alone then who else could they turn to to turn the tide?
Well well.... Horde Stronghold discovered. This is going to lead to some interesting times I'm sure=).
5991755
Yeah told that Gilneas or Southshore or Arathi or Ashenvale or that druid school in Stonetalon or Theramore . Yes they can work together but Horde only looking for best time when they can stab Alliance into back. There is few exceptions but only few. Just look at Lich Queen Sylvanas i have no doubt she will be best friend with ponies. I just hope Horde got what they deserve.
Well this is what happens when hubris is the name of the game. If you fighting a war of sorts with another group, and by some chance of luck you locate a new untapped place filled to the brim with resources you can get at without worry of enemy attacks. You damn well guard the ways into that place as if it is made of the most fragile of glass.
Ah well lets see how this little situation works out.
5992362
My point was more it is still too early to tell what the Author has planned for the horde in Equestria, for all we know eh could make most, if not all, of the ones there the exceptions, or he could make them out to be villains or a mix of the 2 depending on the point of view he tells certain parts in. The Horde has just been operating a lumber camp , no attacks against anyone but guards posted as they know the alliance is there. I doubt they are looking for a fight but if a fight comes to them, whoops. For all we know the Horde followed the legion operatives in an effort to stop them from taking another world.
Kyle was right in the fact that they would be welcomed with open arms, but there is still the off chance he could run into say Tulstag and get some answers from him. All we know for sure is a) the horde is in Equestria, b) they will move to engage Alliance that get too close to their stronghold (defense). Aside from that, we have little, if any, evidence of how the Horde will be written here, so I'd prefer if we at least see what firestar has in mind before jumping on the "horde can only be up to no good" bandwagon. Kyle may not want to have to fight the horde, and if he makes no moves against them/lets them make the first move, he might not have to.
5992410
This is more what I was after, just a wait and see before calling for certain things to happen, I know the Horde is often depicted as the villains, from the alliance point of view, but no one in equestria really knows much about the Horde aside from what they might have heard from their alliance friends and, knowing the ponies, it is possible that some will try to make contact to at least find out why the Horde is in their lands. I'd think that Tauren and the Horde pandaren would be the best horde races for a true first contact scenario.
No spoilers here, but I will say this much. I know that the Horde is vilified in a lot of Alliance-based fics, and i I understand that that turns off a lot of the Horde-based readers. However, the primary basis of Warcraft, at its very core, is Alliance versus Horde, and with an Alliance protagonist, that instantly shades the Horde as an antagonist of sort.
Even so, I have played Horde long enough to know that they are not villains. I tried in my previous story (and hopefully succeeded) in showing that through Tulstag. And without giving too much away, I can say with certainty that not every Horde character in this story will be a villain. I have my plans set, and don't you worry - The Horde has a place.
On a side note, the next chapter is underway. Chapter 20 will begin the Grand Galloping Gala, which will likely consume 3-4 chapters as I have quite a bit planned for the Gala. It should hopefully be ready sometime mid-week. Stay tuned
Oh, and a side side note, I'm also toying around with another story idea. This one would be another HiE fic, since I enjoy reading and writing those, but wouldn't be a Warcraft crossover. More details to come later... maybe.
5991755 The Horde has set up a base in an Alliance country and harvested its resources. The Horde have a history of stabbing the Alliance in the back, especially after they finish stabbing the Alliance in the front. Not a single member of the Horde has shown a bit of remorse for the whole 'Garrosh blew up Theramore, enlisted the Horde to commit horrible acts of atrocity against the Alliance'. Ashenvale, Gilneas, the Alliance base in Desolace. All were acts commited by the Horde player, and the two that aren't Gilneas had been conflicts that have been happening since before Garrosh.
The Horde just attacked an Alliance commander and an Alliance citizen in Alliance territory. That's an act of war. Despite the pants on head retardation that is the whole 'Ashran' affair (which the Horde started... again...), the Horde off the bat shows it has no interest in diplomacy or negotiations, considering the opening shot was a fireball. From the Horde.
And, as we know (not necessarily Kyle) there is no Burning Legion prescence - it was a member of the Zandalari, who's been killed by his own master.
The Alliance let Jaina deal with the Horde 'situation' after the Battle for Mount Hyjal. Look how that turned out? Theramore was destroyed. Kyle should report the Horde incursion to the High King and Celestia, and if between the King who saw his own Kingdom burn at the hands of the Horde, or the Princess who's been on the throne for a thousand years both don't manage to figure out that the Horde stronghold needs to go...
The Infernal at Ironwall could have easily been the Horde, considering the Horde has more than it's fair share of Warlocks.
My guess, with the consideration that this is called 'Flames of War', is that the Alliance will burn down the Horde base, celebrate in it's ashes, and then something worse comes along.
PS: I'd also like to restate my opinion that everything bad that's happened since the Dark Portal has opened has, in some way, been an Orc's fault.
Genocide of the Draenei: Nerzhul and all of the Orcs. The Orc Leaders didn't exactly hesitate when they were given the Kill Command, and Ner'zhul didn't exactly try to stop it when he learned otherwise.
The Dark Portal: Gul'dan and the Shadow Council. Gul'dan set off the chain of events that have transpired to the poor people of Azeroth with a smile on his face and his hands rubbing together like a cartoon villain.
Warcraft 1: Gul'dan, Blackhand, the Shadow Council, and pretty much all the willing Orcs. (all of them)
Warcraft 2: Doomhammer, Gul'dan. While the Humans would've come back for Stormwind, Doomhammer wasn't content with Stormwind and Azeroth. First he revelled in the slaughter of the citizens of Stormwind Keep, and then he set off after what was left. Of course, after keeping the Powers that he 'morally' despised because they offered more power.
Warcraft 2 BTDP: Ner'zhul. Do I even need to explain that he raided Azeroth, killed more people, and might've destroyed half of the Eastern Kingdoms with the backlash when he opened more portals on Draenor?
Warcraft 3: Ner'zhul (He creates a plague of undeath, enlists a guillible Mage who gets himself to far in; his Curiosity is the Death of him! and Twists Arthas as soon as possible towards the end he met.)
Vanilla: The Horde continue to invade Ashenvale. They attack the Alliance nation of Stromgarde in Arathi Basin. The Frostwolves first attack an Explorers League party in the Alterac Valley region (Technically, Dwarves were trespassing, but they still swung an axe at the Dwarves instead of asking them to leave...)
Burning Crusade: This is pretty much the pinnacle of the Alliance and Horde working together in WoW, and we see first hand the shenanigans the Orcs caused to their own homeland.
Wrath of the Lich King: Hey, if Ner'zhul didn't drag Arthas along the path he did, and then let a kid who couldn't get over losing a Horde put on the crown of unlimited power, we would still not know what the hell was in Northrend. And the fact that Ner'zhul lost to Arthas in a battle of wills to said Prince... sad. Oh, and this time, it was Orc Lackey #4 that did this one. Freakin' Thrall, and wimply slapping Sylvanas on the wrist. So much shenanigans would've been avoided if Thrall had just cracked her over the head with Doomhammer and made peace with Varian.
Cataclysm: Garrosh started a war that could sort of be called the Fourth War, but somehow it's called 'the Invasion of Pandaria'.
Mists of Pandaria: Garrosh does Theramore, and then attempts to paint Pandaria red. Some Pandaren join him, since Red is a lucky colour. Then they realized what the paint is made out of, and bail out back to the Wandering Isle. For some reason, the Alliance panda lady leaves as well. Probably to make Purple Panda babies with the Red Panda leader.
Warlords: Garrosh again! And then we get to go back in time and find out that the Orcs are assholes even without chugging Demon Blood. And then, the one cursed with vision, the one who should see how this turns out, goes and drinks it anyways!
5993903 >>And, as we know (not necessarily Kyle) there is no Burning Legion prescence - it was a member of the Zandalari, who's been killed by his own master.<<
Uh... what?
5993903
:On the first part, Theramore was a legitimate target, and the bombing of it did set some Horde leaders on the path against Garrosh and I tend to blame bad writing on Blizzards part for the "no remorse". As far as backstbbing done by the Horde, I only count 2 instances: The broken front and the events that lead to the Purge of Dalaran.
As far as the horde attacking an alliance commander and alliance citizen on alliance territory, which ties in to the horde base on alliance land question as well? has the alliance claimed all of the land of equestria or was the stronghold on what could have been the border between the area the princesses rule and "no man's land" all we know is it was in an area potentially controlled by the changelings and the closest pony settlement is like Dodge Junction or Appleloosa, in addition said commander and citizen got spotted by Horde troops in an area close to their base, what army would not "attack" spies or enemy troops they found close to their base? I am glad you brought up Ashran thought, you say the Horde started it? well, would the horde have had anyreason to be there if alliance had not failed the handling of post war diplomacy to the extent of letting the horde know what was going on with an "order" to stay the buck away? Horde has done some retarded things, but most of theirs are more physical/war based, alliance has also done some retarded things though they are more apt to fail on keeping information from the Horde (horde spies passing said information) or failing to think of what will happen when/if the horde finds out about things. To illustrate the alliance finds something that could help them in their battles, against whatever foes they are up against, the Horde finds out and becomes worried that the alliance will use it against them (even though there is a "cease fire" or "uneasy truce" at the time), The alliance then acts suprised when Horde come and attack them to prevent the alliance from getting something that could destroy the Horde.
On the last part, there is a reason I don't play orcs/forsaken, yes I am Horde based but only Tauren, Goblins, Blood Elves, and Pandaren wth 1 low lvl troll are aming my characters
5993968
I thought I recalled legion activity in an earlier chapter, possibly making a deal with Tirek
5994030 Yes. It's been said in the story by now, so I think I can safely say it without spoilers - No Zandalari. Zinju is with the Legion.
5994030 The events of Theramore set Baine against Garrosh. Vol'jin's cookies were upset from the start, Sylvanas would back a winning horse because all she cares about is surviving and not spending time with Arthas in hell, and Lorthremar only went against things when his people paid for Garrosh's shenanigans. It was a Blood Elf that helped him set up the bomb!
The Bilgewaters were the ones that gave Garrosh the technology he has in the first place. Gallywix isn't exactly a saint. The Blood Elves perpetuated more crimes against the Draenei and the Alliance. The Darkspears and Tauren were the only two 'along for the Ride' as it were, the others helped make things worse.
As for Ashran, the Alliance doesn't need to explain it's actions to the Horde. It's the other way around. The Alliance went, set up camp, and then was attacked by the Horde. They don't need to send a notice to the Horde for every action they are going to take in their efforts to defeat the Iron Horde, and it would even be unreasonable for the Alliance to ask for a weekly update or something like that for everything the Horde has been doing, and the Alliance won.
Equestria pledged itself to the Alliance in the last book. If Appleloosa or Equestria considers that forest theirs.
But, regardless, the chase occurred over territory near the Everfree Forest, which is most definitely inside of Equestria.
If Blizzard was writing this, I would feel completely confident that Celestia and Luna would suffer a massive case of the brain dumbs and be non chalant with the Horde being here for whatever reason. Thankfully, not Blizzard.
"Oh hey, these are the green people that have tried to exterminate you twice, or three times if you include the Draenei? Why don't we invite them in for tea, and have a few pastries?"
Must've forgot the Tirek part... either completely spaced, or it was just a while since I came back or the story was updated!
5994118
Sylvanas was actually against the attack on Theramore cause she is all but alone in the EK and was on thin ice with the other Horde races, including the BEs. Lorthemar was actually considering rejoining the alliance sooner, about when he found out that Garrosh was using his people as cannon fodder.
As far as the bilgewater? Gallywix is no saint, like you said, but he at least knows how to rule his people and a bad risk when he sees one, the Blank Scroll on Blizzards site explains this part of him. At the end though we don't know if the Iron Star was Bilgewater or a goblin Merc company, only thing I attribute to tech the bilgwater provided is anything from Cata through middle of mists (before Garrosh turned the horde against him).
Not that old argument for Ashran you are right in the fact that the alliance does not need to send the horde notice for every action it makes, nor does the horde need to send the alliance notice for every action they make. However, when the actions of one have possible affects on the other then it is generally wise to head off any issue that may arise, all that would be really needed in this case would be along the lines of "we found evidence of a powerful artifact here, stay away from this site and us" with maybe something along the lines of "we won't use it against you unless you give us reason to" thrown in. There is a line for information given, sometimes you want to calm potential foes enough not to attack yet at the same time not give enough information that they follow you there anyway. Bottom line was horde was afraid that the alliance would use whatever they found on Ashran against the horde, and before you say alliance would not so such, remember all it takes is one person to blow the situation badly, like what happened at Camp T (Alliance commander wanted to let the civvies escape, his second or whoever did not like that and arranged to have the commander killed and pin it on the Horde)
The chase did go over everfree, but let's not forget the Horde likely does not know where "alliance lands and airspace" begin and end, all they did was set up a stronghold in what they thought, and likely hoped, was "no man's land" and started logging (I.E. first ashenvale conflict take 2), bit hard to claim something as an act of war one one side does not know the boundaries and just sets up as far away from evident civilization as possible. So far everything you, and some others have said reguarding acts of war, hinge on things we either don't know are true (where the boundaries actually are) or downright unlikely (Horde knowing where they are)
If Blizzard was writing this, I'd be confidant that Luna would be willing to give the Horde a chance as she knows what it is like to be controlled by darker powers, she might not form a treaty or anything with them but might at least hear them out.
That said however, this is not Blizzard's story, nor your story or even mine, it is Firestars and he has already said that the Horde will have a purpose and not every horde character will be a villain. So take that information, settle down about what has happened in game, as that is neither here not there and let the story unfold as Firestar wills it. If I wanted faction fanatics and vitriol over what has been done and not related to this story I'd hit up the WoW story forums. I feel enough time and comments have been spent on things better said there as is.
5994030
I always like how Horde players got amnesia when talk is about Horde atrocities. Like Gilneas when Sylvanas attempted GENOCIDE on Gilneas peaple for thier great crime defending thier home. And Theramore wanst legit target. Jaina never attack Horde and was fried with Thrall. And as was said before none Horde leader excapt Bain done nothing against attack. And evan after attack everyone was oright with that exepct Bain.
Aszhran: what you said is just nonsense. It was legit Alliance operation and Horde have no right doing anything against it. And they attack only because there was possibility that when Alliance find that artefact they could use it against Horde. Yeah because it Alliance who tried misuse several poverfull artefact or use another artefact to destroy city.
I just hope that Celestia and Luna didnt start with that neatral bullshit and will react like every sane monarch will do after news like this.
5994271
In other words Blizzard and yours version is Luna acting like total moron for no apparent reason.
And you was one who started make Horde looks like innocent angels. So this discussion is your fault in first place.
5994289
As opposed to your most likely idea that celestia and luna wipe out the Horde in Equestria when they have, to date, made no known moves against the ponies or even the alliance base in equestria? If the Horde had killed ponies (the subjects of Luna/Celestia) then, sure, they would likely retaliate in force, as is there is reason for them to approach the Horde but take precautions. like an armed guard or escort from Ironwall, Just cause I had Luna give the Horde a chance does not make her a moron, she can visit dreams and might find a reason to at least hear them out in such
As far as me stating the Horde were innocent angels? Hardly, I made ONE tongue in cheek comment about not knowing what the author had in mind for this story, YOU brought up what the Horde has done in game, I elaborated on what my point was (not knowing how the Horde was going to be written) and Greatmane brought up more of what the Horde has done in game. I never said the Horde was innocent of everything or even anything (justification does not equal innocent), I was trying to keep the discussion focused on what was going on in this story. You and Greatmane opened the can of worms by bringing game lore, which really has no real bearing on this story. I only tried to counter your points and am guilty of only failing to stop it before it got too far. I, for the most part, kept my posts civil, as did greatmane, and just felt that it had gone on long enough.
As I said before, this is Firestar's story, and he is going to be writing the Horde at least as a mix of villains and heroes as he knows the horde are not villains, sorry if that is going to be a turn off for you, maybe if you want the horde to "get what they deserve" you should write your own story.
5994271
1: Yes, Sylvanas was against attacking Theramore, because she feared that the city being taken would incense Stormwind enough to go full out on the Forsaken. The Forsaken has no airforce to speak of and would get rolled over on the surface in a day if the Alliance committed a pair of gunships and a few squadrons of fighters. But, sadly, plot armour and Orcs prevent the Alliance from doing that.
Sylvanas wasn't against the attack because of altruism. She was against it because she was worried about her own skin. Like I said. She didn't send any troops to help, but she didn't do anything to stop an atrocity.
And if you think Theramore is a legitimate target, what are your feelings on Taurajo? You know, the only thing the Horde lost in the Cataclysm/Mists of Pandaria. Well, other than the war.
Oh well. At least the Alliance regained Gilneas and Ashenvale in the end.
2: The Bilgewater worked for the Horde, so it stands to reason that Blackfuse had his own company under the Cartel. Garrosh barely trusted anything that had pledged themselves to the Horde - I can't see him going for outside help. The simplest answer is that they are Bilgewater Cartel goblins that decided that the money was working with Garrosh.
3: The Horde are the aggressors, and it's the Horde's fault. They immediately attacked Alliance patrols in the region, rather than asking or sending a diplomatic note.
4: I'm pretty sure that it's well known by now that there are talking Horses in the Alliance. The fact would be kind of hard to hide from even the most moronic of spies. And, even assuming they didn't steal a map or figure "hey, the only faction we know about on this planet is part of the Alliance, this is probably their turf!"
But sure, I guess the Horde could be complete morons. Do no scouting at all. Just assume any patch of land that isn't laden with guards or a flag would be free for the taking. Though, knowing the Horde and their questing, those would be inconveniences before the Horde set up their base on top of a burning pile of flags and corpses.
Disregarding all that, the Horde decided to chase down members of the Alliance, in, as far as they know, completely controlled Alliance area, on a planet where the only really known race is a member of the Alliance. Just going to attack the Alliance members, who had just smacked them down in a war, is pretty stupid, especially on the risk that even one of them got away. Then again, people know where they went, so them not returning would just make the situation worse for the Horde anyways...
5: Yes, Blizzard does tend to write Alliance characters as complete morons. The Horde tends to get off the hook for every egregious action they do. Like everything since the genocide of the Draenei, except for that one time at Hyjal.
6: Oh, I remembered two more Horde or Horde member backstabbings. The Wrath Gate was a full on backstab by the Forsaken using the plague that Sylvanas endorsed, and fully intended to use as Putress did, just not at the time he did. Though, then again, that would've been the perfect time for her to use it, as there was were armies of all of the things she hates down in that valley. You know, the living and the dead.
The Horde being in Ashenvale at all after the Battle for Mount Hyjal. Either it was a backstab, or Thrall displaying massive incompetence. Couldn't even control a chieftenless clan? Well done.
6.5: I still can't get over how retarded the Orcs that pulled off the Broken Front were. I mean, they decided "Oh hey, we are in the Lich King's front yard, literally a stone's throw away from the greatest threat that's ever arisen. Let's kill those Alliance guys that are securing the only place were the heavy artillery can get through, and make sure the Undead get to keep it!"
7: See, I don't hate the Horde - it is what it is. I dislike Horde apologists, who try to hand wave their favorite faction's actions. The Horde are a villain in Warcraft - not a major one, mind you, but still villains. Not even Anti Heroes anymore. Sylvanas kills people and forcibly raises them into Undeath, (see: Andorhal). The Orcs and Goblins literally just tried to take over the world and wipe out the entire Alliance and rebelling members of the Horde. Even Reasonable Orc himself, Nazgrim, was on team Garrosh. The Darkspear only became 'civilized' and don't eat people because they joined the Horde and got a taste of their own medicine from the Naga/Murlocs. The Blood Elves are fel cursed former magic addicts whose leader attempted to usher in the end of the World via Demons. The only reason they wanted to go back to the Alliance was because they change loyalties faster than France surrenders. Oh, and they realized that the Alliance doesn't use anyone who's not Human as cannon fodder. In fact, the Humans tend to be the fodder for the cannons.
The Horde have committed down awful things, under Garrosh or Thrall. I'll give Vol'jin an expansion or two before the trend continues, but god damn. Just accept the fact that the Horde are bad people and stop apologizing or making excuses for every bad thing that they do.
(And no, the Alliance aren't saints, but I think they typically pick the better option when given the choice. Camps vs Mass Murder is the biggest example.)
5994475
1)My feelings are if Theramore was a legit target, Camp T was also legit, if Camp T was not legit, Theramore was not legit, though in Camp T's case I'll also add that was a tragedy due to alliance lacking information and on Theramore, I say it was a legit target, but not for the mana bomb (that I'd have saved for the legion or other world threat)
2) Good points, it was just never really something that was expanded on, my headcannon was Cartil that broke off and joined Garrosh.
3) yes, Horde are the aggressors, no doubt there, but that is also how they are written, my only qualm is alliance should know this by now and should try and think of ways of countering it or heading it off.
4) KNown that talking horses are members of the alliance? sure, knowing where their lands begin and end? eh, bit harder without maps, even more so when the closest known civilization is likely miles away.
5) I'd not say complete morons, but some of that is based on the fact that, for the game, the alliance can't come down too hard on the horde (I.E. extermination) but even I would prefer it if the horde had to feel some repercussions for their actions, like having to deal with an unfavorable, to them, treaty for the foreseeable future.
6) I tend not to count the wrath gate as a horde back stab, but as a forsaken one as the forsaken dropped their blight on Alliance and horde alike. Ashenvale I attribute more to bad writing (or from your possibilities Thrall coming out looking like a moron)
6.5) agreed here, I'd have attacked the undead then see if, in the face of the scourge, the alliance would be adverse to a cease-fire and sharing that gate with a camp on each side of the road.
7) Horde are not villains, and possibly not even anti-heroes like you say, but they are a graay faction (both are, alliance is light gray, horde is dark gray). The forsaken, at least the leadership (hey, the Argents have a few forsaken members) are the closest to downright villain as I'll give you. Not all of the orcs sided with Garrosh (in fact I think blizzard said the number was actually quite low, like maybe 2-3 clans), and it was only one company of Goblins, Nazgrim remaind with Garrosh out of honor and nothing else. The Horde Blood Elves had nothing to do with Kael'thas after it was found out he joined the legion and were later redeemed by the Naruu. The darkspear gave up cannibalism after joining the Horde, and are currently one of the biggest factors in "the horde is family" mindset.
Just as members of the horde have committed awful things, others have also done good, even if it did not work out for them (old horde BRD quest to save the dwarf Princess).
I am not really a Horde apologist, but I am one that tries to see both sides, what you see as "making excuses" I see as explaining things from the other side, and just to elaborate on my characters, if I could dump the horde/alliance and join one of the neutrals, like the argents or cenarians, I would do it in a heartbeat. As I am not tied to the faction (Horde) as I am to the race (Tauren are my fave and single most used at 4 characters)
5994527
1. I never telling author what he should write. I am beta reader o fanfiction and evan there i am very carefull what my advice is. And always write that author should do what he thinks is best and just ingone opinions others if it is needed.
2. They tried killed Scootaloo who is to my knowledge Celestia subject.
3. If i remember correctly Gemm was one who support Alliance helping Equestrians and it will be truly cruel from ponies just go neutral with faction who destroyed his homeland and attempted Genocide of his peaple.
4. Moreover it would be treason because from story they are part of the Alliance. They cant just go neautral with faction who is enemy of the Alliance. Not without other leaders saying they should do it.
I think it was a mistake to bring the Horde to Equestria and with that kind of way.
Not only they practically invaded but cut down Property of Equestria and attacked Scootaloo. A dumb move after what Varian promised to do to them if they pulled a Garrosh again after SoO. Even dumber because they are out of their League of what the Princesses can do to them.
5994542
1) you were just coming across as saying firestar should write it with the horde "getting what they deserve", but if what you say here is how you really feel, good, as we are both after the same thing. I am just as able of being guilty of reading other things in what other type
2) Again, she got too close and was spotted, I will say it was stupid of the horde to pursue as they did, but how would it be any different if Scootaloo wandered into the territory of other known antagonists of the ponies (dragons or changelings not in direct control of Yxia)? However, Scootaloo has now had examples of both kinds of interaction with Horde members, so she can at least speak up enough to say that not all of them are going to be peaceful (Tulstag) nor agressive (the ones in equestria). There was always that risk that Both her and Kyle would be spotted and attacked, even Kyle warned her about such repeatedly.
The best way for the ponies to deal with the Horde could very well be a case by case deal, and I am just one that gets tired of the Horde being lumped together as all one thing or the other.
3 and 4) first off "hearing the Horde out" does not mean going neutral, especially right off the bat, I would/could see both celestia and luna, in the end, becoming more like old Jaina, alliance with cordial relationships with certain horde members but with the knowledge of the other alliance leaders making sure that the horde is kept on what would likely be a very short leash..
5995135
I actually agree somewhat, however was it the fact Garrosh took their war to another land or the fact he sought out, and used, darker powers to win his war, as all Varian said was if the horde Forsook Honor, the alliance would "end them"
The thing is that I am not sure if it was a good idea to bring the Horde to Equestria with the way he did it.
5995390
At this point, I am hoping for 1 chapter, or even a part of one, that comes from the view of the Horde and explains what they did after coming through the portal. As maybe that will explain if the Horde did any scouting, how much they knew, what their orders were, etc.
5995264
1. I never said what he should done only what is my opinion. And if i cant stand little neutrality i stopped playing wow logn time ago.
2. But that change nothing on fact that first thing that Horde done after arriving into Equestria is trying kill member of kingdom which you said they should be neutral. Yeah nothing build relationships better then trying to kill member of local species and member of Alliance who is alliad with them. Moreover in words of Azhran soldier: Are these morons forget that we supposed to have treaty with them. They have absolutly no right to attack them they wasnt in middle of their base but in neutral territory.
And yeah there are few good beings in Horde but they are few and far between.
3. And why they should do that ? Maybe in situation of invading legion they could work little together but before and after there is no reason. And poor Jaina just look how she end up and her city. For everything she done for Horde they took everything from her.
They are enemies that that is simple fact.
4. And what about Forsaken if you like it or not they are part of the Horde and they are simple monsters with absolutly none redeeming qualities. Or they should be here same as ingame scourge 2.0 but with none consequnces.
5995410
Yeah i am devil because i talking my mind about story but there you are saying what should be done. Dont you think that is little hypocritical.
5995496
1) Opinions have a way of coming across as more then that in text, and if all you were doing is stating your opinion, what are the chances that was all I was doing?
2) Ugh, news flash, the Horde has been there long enough to establish a stronghold and start a lumber operation. The first clue anything was going on was indeed the trees being cut down. Until Kyle and Scoots went to check it out, no bodies of ponies, nor changelings or anything else had been reported. Even if the Horde knew the ponies were members of the alliance, the Horde has, more or less, kept to themselves, and only the Changelings even got close enough to see what was going on. I'd not say that the first thing done by the Horde was an attempt on the life of an equestrian citizen, but the first mutual contact between them in equestria was at best, a blown chance for diplomacy and at worst a defensive move that was executed very poorly. As far as the Good beings in the Horde? there can easily be more then what is seen in game, most of them likely Tauren or the pandaren that remain with the Horde, However, I'd paint most of the non-forsaken characters as just wanting to live their lives and provide for their respective families/people.
3) Lets see, aside from the fact that all the princesses have are accounts from the members of the alliance in Equestria yet no real contact with the Horde, aside from scoots who has had an even mix of positive and negative experiences. Celestia also has a history of turning old foes into friends (Discord) even knowing what they can do and tends to take precautions (Celestia did make sure the Girls could re-imprison Discord if he got out of hand again) The princesses likely know enough that there are always 2 sides to each story I did not say the entire Horde for crying out loud, the most I would ask for is the exceptions being treated cordially, as in with respect but nothing more, On the list, from big name Horde characters, would be ones like Thrall, Vol'jin, Baine, Saurfang, etc. (I would not have Sylvnanas nor Gallywhix on the list).
4) The forsaken faction is one I'd just like to see get put in their place by Vol'jin, as their existence is always going to be a block to true peace between the factions. All of the "good" forsaken are members of the Argents, and in truth I'd prefer it if those forsaken were the ones in charge of the Undercity. To elaborate, if the forsaken turn agressive and move against the alliance, I'd like the rest of the Horde to say "you started this mess, you deal with it on your own" yet if the Forsaken remain on their side for the Hillsbrad/Arathi Border and, if it is rebuilt, the Graymane Wall, and the alliance move against them, the the Horde will move in defense of the forsaken.
5) Did I say that is what should happen, or what I hope does happen? Like you hoped the Horde "get what they deserve" I hope that the story has enough to make the actions and reactions make sense. Hypocritical? maybe, but I'd say it is more telling of ones ability to choose words carefully and sense the right tone (side note: "horde getting what they deserve" when coming from an alliance player does tend to set me off) This is the problem with text/comments, it is far too easy to read more into them then is meant to be. Like you I am just stating my opinions and hopes for the story. I will note however, that I never intend to tell what should be done, my response to DPP was just me stating that we don't have the full story of how the Horde got where they are in equestria and a hope that will be explained later on, as even plans can be tweaked if the tweak is nothing too major.
Bottom line, we are both guilty of reading more into what the other wrote, as often happens in discussion between Horde and alliance players, me due to a trigger phrase that I developed after reading a few too many hardline "alliance should end the Horde" comments on the WoW story forums. Best thing to do at this point is admit we were both in the wrong and move on.
... Well then...
Let's just drop this whole Alliance v Horde debate in the comments here. There are a few miscommunications on each side (Such as the location of the air skirmish in this chapter - it was not near the Everfree Forest, but instead in the Macintosh Mountains, outside of the borders of Equestria), and it's starting to devolve into just bickering. It's an argument that no one wins and everyone loses.
5995758
Thank you and I apologize for taking it so far
I still think it was a mistake to bring the Horde to Equestria. Even worse with the way that happened. The portal was in Stormwind. Some of them Infiltrated Stormwind and went through the portal passing the Equestrian Guard. Then they found a way to open I suppose their own portal and build that stronghold. They literally invaded because they didn't even ask and started cutting down resources that didn't belong to them just like in Pandaria. Varian and the other leaders already described a backstory of the Horde to the Royal Sisters. They probably know that the Horde have a tendency to do what they like from time to time without asking and the problem is that the Horde in this situation did what they liked. I am curious to see how the Royal Sisters will react. Surely the Horde has to give an explanation for their actions.
Ah the changelings. Still sore over what happened with Chrysalis, but everything else about this story is so awesome that I keep my grumblings to myself.
... why is Vol'jin's Horde acting like Garrosh's Horde? Hope they don't get in a fight, given you know, THE FUCKING INTERSTELLAR ARMY OF DEMONS KNOCKING ON THEIR DOOR!
5996156 I'm sorry do I hear someone complaining about the horde well that's unfortunate. Looks like someone the Alliamce beaten out them
5995758 that's war man I know it's dumb and it sucks