It was a quiet evening, or as quiet as one can expect at the Inn. All around the building, Orcs, Humans, Elves and other races of Azeroth were laughing, cheering, or crying out in horror or disgust. Many of them had drinks, but they all had one thing in common. That thing was Hearthstone, a card game where simple folk could take control of legendary heroes, soldiers and spells in an effort to best their opponents. Most often the prize was some gold and bragging rights, but occasionally drinks or other favors were thrown in as well.
The Innkeeper, a jolly dwarf who was always willing to aid newcomers into the game, was just getting ready to sit down to a real match when the door swung open. He turned to look, and saw standing in the doorway a cloaked figure. He couldn’t make out much, but it was apparent to him that this was not a native of Azeroth. This being came from somewhere else.
It stepped into the inn, closing the door behind it. The Innkeeper, not one for prejudice, walked over with a smile.
“Welcome to my inn,” he said in greeting. “Pull up a seat by the hearth, if ya can, and I’ll get ya something to drink. Any preferences?”
“Hard cider, if you have any,” The voice was feminine, and as The Innkeeper looked the being over, he noticed that it was quadrupedal. The being continued. “If not, I’ll forego the drink. I’m actually here for Hearthstone matches.” The Innkeeper laughed, leading her over to a small table by the hearth.
“Who isn’t these days, lass? I’ll get ya your drink, then you can play me. I’ve been hoping for a match, maybe you’ll present a real challenge. You have decks?” The figure nodded, not taking off her hood.
“Indeed I do. I hope you don’t mind, they may not be decks you’re used to here.” The Innkeeper frowned, but shrugged and trundled off to get her drink. Her returned a short while later with two drinks in one hand and his box in the other, his smile back on his face.
“I can tell you’re not from this world, lass, but you seem friendly and as long as you have the game back home, I’m more than willing to see what you bring to the table.” He set down the drinks and opened the box, letting its contents spill out. “You know the basic rules, I’m sure. Thirty cards, thirty life, first to zero loses, and you can concede at any time. Max mana is ten, as well. Any preferences on the battlefield?” The cloaked figure took a sip of her drink and lifted her own box onto the table, opening it as well.
“May we use one of mine? I think it could be a little more fun to try a brand new arena for you.” The Innkeeper gave a hearty laugh, pulled out a deck from his box, and slid it aside.
“Sure, lass! I like your style. Let’s see what you have.” The figure laid a battlefield onto the table, the environment that of a dark, eerie forest. The Innkeeper saw the name “Everfree” carved into the side. “Interesting. Well, I’ve chosen Jaina Proudmoore as my hero, so I’ll be running a mage deck. And you?”
The figure paused, shuffling through her box before nodding and pulling out a deck. She set her hero in place, the Innkeeper following suit.
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Wind gently rustled the trees of the Everfree forest as two figures made their way into a small clearing. One was a human female, an Archmage by the name of Jaina Proudmoore. She had fought long and hard for humanity, and was well beloved for her heroism. On top of that, she was a brilliant mage.
Opposite her was an equine female, an alicorn known as Luna. She was the princess of the night, and ruled over it as such. Once, her kingdom of night had left her bitter and power hungry, but now she was a proud, fine ruler. But she was still one to be feared.
They came to a rest at opposite ends of the clearing, staring at each other. They heard the flip of a coin somewhere above them.
“You asked for it.” Jaina declared, stretching and rolling her arms as she felt the mana rush into her. She had first move, and was ready and waiting to go.
“I hope you’re prepared.” Luna called back. She was on edge. She had the upper hand into terms of spells to cast, but she was left waiting to see what Jaina could do.
Jaina shrugged, and Luna felt the mana rush into her. Jaina had been unable to cast anything, so Luna took advantage of her opening.
“Bat Pony, come forth!” Luna cried. From the sky a bolt of black flew down and landed on the ground. It was shrouded in shadow, but Luna heard it call out its arrival.
“The night is here!” It called. Luna ended her turn, sending the mana back to Jaina, who gave a laugh.
“A one/one minion with Stealth? Well played. Now let’s try this. Pint-Sized Summoner!” A gnome materialized on the battlefield, staff in hand.
“Summoning portal open, hm.” She said. Jaina smiled, proud of herself. Luna scoffed as she regained control.
“Cute, but foolish.” She charged some magic up in her horn, aiming it square at the summoner. “Night Beam.” She unleashed the beam, striking the gnome in the face. It cried out in pain. Luna gave her bat pony a nod, and it rushed in, closing the gap quickly and bashing into the gnome. Both creatures disappeared into the night. Luna smiled as she gave up control.
“Interesting, but you’ll need to do better, Luna.” Jaina said, as she charged her own spell. “Frostbolt!” A bolt off ice shot across the field, striking Luna and freezing her hooves to the ground. Jaina whirled, charging another spell. “Ice Lance!” She hurled her lance, striking Luna again. As Jaina ended her turn, Luna was left wounded and stuck, her health cut by almost a third.
Luna groaned, searching her options. She found two that she liked, and smiled accordingly. First, she called into play a secret spell, one that wouldn’t be activated until Jaina tried to cast a spell again. With Luna’s remaining mana, she called out to the sky.
“Night Guard!” The bat pony slammed into the ground in front of her, wings raised.
“At your service, m’lady.” He said, and with a nod from his princess, her charged at Jaina, striking her. Jaina was confused by the sudden attack as she regained control.
“How on earth does that work?” She asked. Luna shook what was left of the ice off of her hooves before replying.
“Night Guard has three attack and two durability, but only has Charge when I am wounded beyond five points of damage. I’m down seven points, so he could instantly go.” Luna smirked. “It’s pretty nifty.” Jaina smiled.
“Well done, but I think you’ll have some trouble now. Polymorph!” Jaina attempted to cast her spell, but found that it had no effect on the Night Guard. She frowned. “What happened?”
“My secret spell came into play. The first spell you cast was countered.” Jaina’s eyes went wide and she stomped in frustration, relinquishing control. Luna immediately took advantage of the situation.
“Crescent Moon.” She said, materializing a long halberd beside her. She lept forward, charging across the field and taking a powerful swipe at Jaina with it, her Night Guard close behind. Jaina fell to her knees, gasping from the pain. Luna returned to her post, planting the halberd base down in the dirt beside her.
As Jaina regained control, the life count stood at Luna with twenty-three and Jaina with twenty-two, the Crescent Moon halberd having a two damage swing. The mage struggled to her feet, searching her options. A smirk flashed across her face. “Let’s see her deal with these. Water Elemental! Mirror Image!”
Instantly on the field arose a being made purely out of water, as well as two clones of Jaina. The clones stood in defensive positions, and Luna knew instantly that the pair had Taunt abilities. She would have to deal with them first, and her hand didn’t leave her much in terms of countering it. As she regained control and drew her next card, she frowned. Her trump card had just been pulled, but it wasn’t what she needed. She only had five mana crystals to spend, but her trump needed nine.
Not having any options in her hand, she cast it aside and took up her halberd, charging forward and striking down one of the Mirror Images. Her Night Guard followed up on the other, and as Luna lept back, she fired off a Night Beam at the Water Elemental, bringing its health down ever so slightly. The halberd disappeared into the night as Luna gave control back to Jaina, who smirked.
Looks like you’re out of luck. Arcane Intellect.” Jaina paused as the spell took effect, allowing her to draw two more cards. She grinned. “Frost Nova.” Instantly the Night Guard felt his hooves freeze solid. He strained against his bonds, but to no avail. The Water Elemental, all but forgotten, slid around him and struck Luna, freezing her as well and bringing her remaining health down to twenty. She grimaced in pain as she was given control again.
“First, The Coin.” Luna cast the spell, allowing her an extra mana crystal for one turn. With that small boost, she gained a slight edge as she cast her next spell. “Manticore!”
There was a guttural growl from the woods behind Luna, and she smiled. Out of the shadows leapt a hulking beast, a manticore of the Everfree Forest. With bat wings, a scorpion tail, and lion’s body, it was a force to be reckoned with. And Luna was grateful that the beast came complete with stealth. Jaina groaned in annoyance as control was given back to her, but her groan turned to a laugh of delight.
“Lord of the Arena!” she cried. Out of the air materialized an armor clad man, intimidating and dauntingly large.
“The gates are open!” He yelled, lowering his shield in a defensive stance. The Water Elemental surged around him, taking the opening to strike the Night Guard, who vanished into the night. Luna frowned, angry at Jaina’s clever counter. The mage gave control back to Luna, who dusted off the ice and drew her next card. She smiled.
“Moonlight Charm!” Instantly the Lord of the Arena fell to his knees in pain, dropping his shield. Jaina cried out in anger as Luna explained her move. “It’s a very high cost spell, but Moonlight Charm not only silences an opponent, it also deals three damage to it. Now, Manticore!” The manticore roared and charged, striking Jaina and bringing her health down to eighteen. Luna gave control back to Jaina, who was now seething with rage.
“A four/six creature with Stealth and Enrage? Oh, you are going to pay for that.” She growled, letting the mana rush back into her and straightening up. As she drew her card, a wicked grin appeared on her face. “Oh ho ho, this is gonna be good. Archmage Antonidas!”
Luna gasped as out of a portal stepped an aged wizard, his beard long and his gaze heavy. She knew instantly that this man was a threat to her plan of victory. The man, once he had materialized completely, turned to look at Jaina. “You require my assitance?” He asked. Jaina nodded, turning to her Lord of the Arena.
“Rise, and take her down. Elemental, the Manticore. Stop it cold.” Both creatures moved in sync, the Lord charging Luna and landing a heavy strike, bringing the alicorn’s health down to fourteen. Meanwhile, the Elemental rushed the Manticore, freezing it in place. Luna growled in anger as Jaina ended her turn, a smug smile on her face. Luna drew her card.
“Shadowbolts!” She called to the sky. A pair of ponies flew out of the night, landing in front of Luna in defensive stances. The pair growled in rage.
“None shall harm the Night.” They cried in unison. Luna took her remaining mana and fired off a Night Beam, striking and slaying the Water Elemental. She then gave control back to Jaina. Jaina drew her card and frowned.
“Hmm, not what I wanted. Oh well, Arcane Explosion!.” A brilliant blue light washed over the battlefield, striking all of Luna’s minions. The princess growled as Jaina’s minions surged forward. The Lord rushed in, sacrificing himself to slay one of her Shadowbolts. Antonidas, after tossing something to Jaina, shot a bolt of magic at the other, slaying it as well. Only the Manticore remained. Jaian ignored it, readying a second spell.
“Fireball.” She said, hurling a ball of fire at Luna. Luna stood immobile, flinching as her health was brought down to eight. Antonidas tossed Jaina another card, and the mage smirked at Luna. “Almost over now. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Luna felt the mana rush into her, and she drew her next card. Her eyes went wide. A brilliant strategy opened itself up to her. If she played her cards right, she could win within three turns.
“First, a pair of Shieldponies.” The ponies appeared on the battlefield, lowering shields into defensive stances and glaring at Antonidas.
“Ready and willing.” They called. Luna smiled, playing her second card.
“Full Moon.” A halberd appeared next to her, this one much more elaborate than the last. It radiated magic, and as she hefted it, a glowing blue aura surrounded her. She charged and struck Antonidas across the chest, driving him to his knees. She returned to her place, planting the halberd once more. Jaina blinked in surprise, but didn’t have time to react as the Manticore lunged and struck at Antonidas, killing him and itself in the process. Luna grinned.
As she felt the mana rush into her, Jaina smiled and shook her head. “Two taunt minions and a seven cost halberd that grants Immune while attacking a minion. Well played. Now it’s my turn. Fireball, then Lord of the Arena!” Luna took the firebolt full blast, falling to her knees in pain as her health dropped to two. The halberd slipped into the dirt, and her Shieldponies turned to look in concern at her. The Lord of the Arena emerged from his portal, calling out about the gates being open. Luna struggled to rise as the mana rushed into her, her strategy unfolding perfectly.
“First, Moonbeam.” A beam of light launched from the moon, striking the Lord of the Arena. Luna then rose, steadied her halberd, and charged forward. Though weak, she still had enough health to strike down the Lord of the Arena, clearing a path for her next move. Knowing that Jaina had no more Lords, she smiled as she cast her next spell.
“Nightmare Moon.”
The arena was plunged into total darkness. From that darkness sounded a menacing laugh. The laugh chilled Jaina to the bone, and in her fear she failed to notice her only remaining card vanish from her hand. The darkness cleared away, to reveal a pony shrouded in darkness.
“The Night. Will last. FOREVER!” She cried to the heavens, laughing as she did. Jaina recoiled in horror at the figure. This was something she was not expecting. Luna smiled and let the mana return to Jaina, who drew her card. She cried out in anger.
“Of course, it would have a Battlecry of opponent discards a card. Fine. Polymorph, then Fireblast.” Jaina cast her pair of spells, hitting one of Luna’s Shieldponies, who promptly turned into a sheep, gave out a confused bleat, and was then killed, dissolving into the night. Luna still had the upper hand, or hoof in her case, and Jaina had made a fatal slip. One that would cost her everything.
Luna felt the mana rush back into her and drew her card. She grinned, playing down a secret spell, before unleashing her next move. “Woona!”
There was a long pause. Jaina blinked in confusion. “Did your spell go awry? I don’t see anything.”
“That’s because she’s down there.” Luna called back, pointing down. Jaina’s eye lowered until they alighted on a filly, no bigger than a dog, gazing up at her with giant eyes.
“Hi!” Woona called. Jaina’s heart melted, and she took four damage to boot. Her health now at fourteen, she didn’t notice as the shadowy figure lunged forward until it struck her across the face, bringing her health down to eight. Jaina growled as she got a good look at Nightmare Moon. She thought it looked surprisingly like Luna, but paid it no mind as she felt the mana rush back into her and drew a card. Her eyes went wide and she smiled.
“Sorry to say but this match is over. Pyroblast!” Jaina moved to cast the spell, but it fizzled out in her hand. She roared in anger. “No! Not that blasted secret again!”
“I’m afraid that’s exactly what it is.” Luna replied, feeling the mana rush back into her. She smiled. “And you were right, this match is over. Nightmare, Woona, go. I’ll finish her.” The two minions charged forward, one confident and defiant, the other a little to happy with the whole situation. One after the other they struck, bringing Jaina’s health down to one. Luna smirked. “I’ll end this. Moonbeam.” The beam of light fell from the moon once more, striking Jaina and bringing her health to zero. The mage gasped in pain.
“I never expected such a worthy adversary to come from something like you. Well... played.” Jaina gave Luna a warm smile, then collapsed into the dirt and breathed her last, vanishing into the night. Luna smiled as she watched the small crystalline particles drift away. She had won.
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The Innkeeper leaned back, dumbfounded by his adversary. The equine across from him merely laughed, a charming, cool laugh. Soon enough, The Innkeeper joined in, and the pair shared a good, hearty laugh.
After he had finished laughing, The Innkeeper looked around, and noticed that a small crowd had gathered to watch the match. They were dumbfounded at the skill of the newcomer, and at her strange deck. The Innkeeper, an idea creeping into his mind, rose and stood on his chair.
“Listen to me, all of ya!” He cried, making his voice heard even over the other ruckus of the tavern. “We have ourselves an interesting new challenger! Now, she may have bested me, but I’d like to see her take on some of the best. Whoever manages to beat her gets a free month of drinks, on me! Now, may I present to you...” he turned to look at the equine, frowning. “I’m afraid I never caught your name, lass.” The equine smiled and lowered her hood.
She was blue furred, with a mint blue mane and lavender eyes. From the top of her head poked a small horn, and her face was plastered with a cocky grin.
“I am Trixie, and I will accept all challengers.”