[H-RP] The Hallowed Host 🚩

[Yorold-argent-dawn (Yorold)]

The Hallowed Host

The air was alive. Or at least, as alive as anything any of them had felt in a long time. The crimson vapor that clung to their surroundings settled on their cheeks, brows, armor, weapons and tongues. The scent of it was rife with iron and copper. The battle was over and all around was the mess that followed.

The dark forest was filled with the screams and groans of the dead, the dying, those soon to be returned to death or their final true end. Crimson armor clanked as weapons were raised to cut down wounded necromancers or finish slavering but immobile ghouls. The vile desecration they wrought earned them no quarter. Not now, not ever. Such abuses of magic had led to their downfall however, those who they may have once considered ‘allies’ now cutting them down and hacking them up like a butcher would a fat swine.

They had been only a few in a long line of fools who had sought to bend dark powers to their side in order to wield the dead like puppets. They just never learned.

“Host! To me!” Came the call, all eyes turned, while some weapons still plunged into both the heart and helm of the defeated. Their messy work put aside, the small group gathered about the Forsaken who called them over, their Harbinger. His spiked armor and war blade were unmistakable as he stood beside their banners.

With the cloth background to his side he shouted atop his long unused lungs.

”These defilers and enemies of our kind and the Horde have once again been what happens to those who face those who carry our banner! To look upon its black aegis! To gaze upon that dark sword! To fear its crimson!” He gestured to their first flag, their own. It was crimson red for blood and bore the symbol of a black shield and a black sword. Simple, but evocative.

None cheered, they never did, it wasn’t needed. Cheering was an act for the living, zeal and joy, were replaced by cold patience and bitter fury for any foe that yet lay ahead. Frivolity was not to be had by them, not anymore. Cast aside like so many other things.

”Sylvanas is gone! The Forsaken nearly became a ship without a rudder! But we still have a place, and a purpose to fight for!”

He cast his hand to the second banner. There stood the curling, spiked symbol that many of them had once thought little off. It’s black shape was simple, even crude, but had meaning. It too sat on a blood red field, for blood.

”The Horde is that place, and any animal or monster that stands in our or its way will feel the same wrath we have mette out here today!”

They bobbed their heads, all of them. Nightborne, Forsaken, Tauren, Zandalari. All had felt the touch of the grave and now they would all fight as one against those who would play at gods.

”We are Damned! We are Horde!”

Hello! We’re the Hallowed Host. A guild dedicated to giving the undead in the Horde, and loyal to the horde, a home and purpose.

Key points:

• We Recruit any undead that belong to the Horde.

• We are specifically Horde Loyal.

• We put an emphasis on fighting the dark enemies of the Horde and bringing justice for the Undead.

• We also put an emphasis on combat/DM’ed events, regularly venturing across Azeroth on our adventures.

*We can be found in Orgrimmar or Vengeance Landing (Howling Fjord), if not travelling on our ship during our campaigns.

We also have a simple, linear rank structure that allows members to progress in a steady fashion based on their efforts:

Initiate:

The initiate has a single responsibility, prove themselves. Only through supporting the efforts of the host and proving their value to the cause in many a fashion can an initiate begin to walk the path of the Hallowed.

Adherent:

“Through Death I am given freedom…”

The Adherents have taken the first step upon the Hallowed path, knowing true freedom of death, but still learning the responsibility that comes with it.

Adherents form the backbone of the Host, always in flux as many eagerly wish to rise higher. They are expected to know and understand the will of the Harbinger and be able to respect not only his, but also the Arbiters, Authority.

Gravewarden:

“…Through the Horde I seek strength…”

The Gravewarden is a veteran position within the Host, held by those that have shown to exhibit the strength so valued by the order and the Horde. Formed of the elite, the Gravewardens are a bulwark of Horde strength and a testament to undead might.

A Gravewarden is expected to guide, not Lord over, the more junior members of the order. Instilling the ethos and standards the Harbinger expects to see in all who wish to walk the hallowed path.

Reaper:

“…among the Host I have found purpose.”

Purpose ultimately is everything, and none reflect this better than the Reapers.

The Reaper, having reached the heady height of the most elite among the Hallowed order, must now take on great responsibility.

Reapers choose to assist a particular Arbiter, acting as their right hand as well as furthering the goals of that Arbiters particular aspect. This may involve not only assisting with, but deputising and leading DM’ed events.

Arbiter:

“Through Death I am given freedom, through the Horde I seek strength, among the Host I have found Purpose”

Arbiters are the orders officers, acting as the Harbingers chief councilors, as well as his left and right hands. Each Arbiter is responsible for a particular aspect in the Host, these are…

Arbiter of Souls, Silyse - a shepherd of the Damned, the Arbiter of souls keeps order and balance within the Host. Ensuring all and everyone in their undeath are as best they can be. Preventing infighting and promoting collaboration.

Arbiter of Lore, Nathyria Un’Dyshal - undeath, necromancy, magic and runes. All complicated stuff and it’s a sharp mind with intimate knowledge to not not only understand them but wield them also. This Arbiter is the font of knowledge on dark and general magics.

Arbiter of Pacts, Aeirynn Eralos’Saenchi - builder of bonds through words, this Arbiter is responsible for the orders alliances. Be it through diplomatic efforts, treaties or other requirements.

Harbinger

The leader of the Hallowed order, the Harbinger ultimately leads the combative might of the Host. He is lord, master and keeper of the order, his word is final.

If you’re interested in joining, contact any member in game, or one of our officers:

Jorríck, Glacetoile, Aeirynn, Varthiya.

See you in game!

[Orsino-argent-dawn (Orsino)]

There’s a certain irony of the use of ‘Hallowed’ in the name. I like it

[Hedris-argent-dawn (Hedris)]

I plan on making a Forsaken when we get the level squish, i shall see you then, Zombie Chums!

[Yorold-argent-dawn (Yorold)]

@Hedris-argent-dawn

I plan on making a Forsaken when we get the level squish, i shall see you then, Zombie Chums!

See you soon!

[Lightwhisper-argent-dawn]

I can recommend this guild mostly to people that are interested in heavy action packed rp, quite insane amount of events going on and intense plots. It tend to also focus on more darker themes of the Forsaken rp and while that may not be everyone cup of tea, there are plenty that will find it just the right place for them.

[Varthiya-argent-dawn]

The Hallowed Host remains as active as ever - having recently returned from an intense period of numerous adventures, the latest grand undertaking being their journey through Feralas, hunting the nefarious ‘Cult of Waning.’

Next up is an expansion of the Orgrimmar Steakhouse menu - as the Host take on the quillboar in the Southern Barrens. Expect a grand shipment of pork coming your way, Orgrimmar! (Much to Saurfang’s dismay, were he still alive.)

[Chíel-argent-dawn (Chíel)]

for this awesome bunch.

[Yorold-argent-dawn (Yorold)]

@Chíel-argent-dawn

for this awesome bunch.

Thank you very much Chiel!

Superb hat by the way.

[Yorold-argent-dawn (Yorold)]

Had a great time for the last few weeks! The guild started out by finishing up our Silverpine Campaign before rescuing an ally In Feralas, then on to Howling Fjord!

We then teamed up with the Serpent Sisterhood to take down some Sylvanas Loyalsts and Dark rangers in Felwood! Was a great mix of subtlty, subterfuge and bloody carnage. A great bunch of Gals to be sure (Not the loyalists).

Been quite the adventure, and with Shadowlands not far away, it’ll be kicking off with a mini-campaign to reflect the gravity of the unleashed and mindless Scourge!

[Marakkha-argent-dawn]

I regain my senses in a thick bank of fog. I’m still in Zangarmarsh; the thick sucking gloop that passes for ground here reaches up to my knees. Its surface is stained red and strewn with grey-pink chunks and viscera. Silver scales float among the grime, sticking to my legs.

I think that this mess used to be Naga. Yes, the Host had been hunting Naga through the swamp. Looking around, I can see fog and towering fungus stems. A few feet away is my sword, embedded upright in the ground in another swell of mulched flesh, a red mist rising gently from the remains into the weapon’s hungry runes.

So where are the Host? I remember crossing a ragged rope bridge into a Naga settlement, and battle being met. The hot bright feeling of knowing creatures fear me as I start cutting- No Mara, stay focussed. The fishfolk broke, several fled. And I ran after them. To Ancestors know where, in this fog.

I remember, there was a greater mission than killing here. A witch, and an Illidari. So, my destruction of these fleeing Naga might mean word of our task here has not reached other ears yet. So I am still being useful, and not a blood-crazed liability.

Yes, keep telling yourself that, Redsky.

I hope they don’t think that I have deserted. I’ve done plenty of questionable things in my days, but not that. So. I’ll find my way through this mire back to them.

I start walking, the swamp sucking at my greaves with each step. This whole mulch used to be ocean. Did the water just drain away into the abyss when the planet broke? The Horde should not be here. What is the point of keeping outposts on this Fel-sick rock? Better it all just crumbles away. Years ago, in Nagrand, I saw a wolf pup clambering and pawing over the rotting corpse of its mother. Better to just let the place die and move on.

That’s practically sacrilege for an Orc raised in the shadow of Oshu’gun. But what’s one more crime against the Ancestors at this point?

I trudge onward through the mud and gore.

[Yorold-argent-dawn (Yorold)]

Not to say we’re up to no good, but we’re off “on the rob” tonight to salvage some rather useful bits of equipment for our death knights.

I knew raising that lock-picking skill in vanilla would come in handy.

[Jorríck-argent-dawn (Jorríck)]

Finally gain find a moment to post an update myself about what we have been up to.

The Hallowed Host has returned to Orgrimmar after spending some time in Northrend fighting off the Restless undead. Having only barely survived thanks to the combined efforts of the Host, Iron Wolf Clan, Blood Howl and Demonbane.

We want to thank each of these guilds for sharing in this wonderful adventure with us and hope there will be more to come.

With our return comes time to mend, gather our strength and meet other protectors of the Horde in casual rp before we leave again for distant fronts.
If you’d like to learn more about us. What we stand for and how we operate. Feel free to join us at any time and come see for yourself.

[Yorold-argent-dawn (Yorold)]

I Hate double posting… but!

Had a great week up in Northrend facing an immense scourge threat! Been a blast, bashing skulls and fighting the elements alongside Blood Howl, The Iron Wolf Clan and Demonbane. Great bunch of guilds.

We battled our way across a Frozen tundra to blow up Nerubian sink-holes. Then fought dark Drakkari necromancers and ghouls in Grizzly forests, before pressing on to spread out across Icecrown in desperate efforts to hold back the frenzied undead. Sinking Kvaldir longships, battling crazed cultists, staving off gargoyle swarms and other such antics before eventually making our retreat.

I know I and the rest of the Host really enjoyed it. Hopefully we all get to work together again soon!

Here is a few screenshots I peeled from the campaign Discord!

For the Horde!

[Xatheran-argent-dawn]

For Azeroth! Thank you so much for letting Demonbane tag along, it was by far the best campaign this year imo <3

[Yorold-argent-dawn (Yorold)]

@Xatheran-argent-dawn

For Azeroth! Thank you so much for letting Demonbane tag along, it was by far the best campaign this year imo <3

Thank you for head-butting scourge to death with that axe face. It was a pleasure to observe.

[Cacklespine-argent-dawn (Cacklespine)]

Even though Blood Howl only joined in during the second half, after the sky had broke. This was a rad campaign to take part in, thanks for helping organize this! Was a blast crushing some undead skulls with you all.

[Watcher-argent-dawn (Watcher)]

It’s been a good first week with the gang of dead’uns. Now begins the task of slowly subverting their patriotism and installing a bureaucratic machine to keep everyone in check. Not even undead can escape the claws of the bureaucracy!

[Yorold-argent-dawn (Yorold)]

@Watcher-argent-dawn

Now begins the task of slowly subverting their patriotism and installing a bureaucratic machine to keep everyone in check. Not even undead can escape the claws of the bureaucracy!

Ha, jokes on you, we’re all far too busy filling in forms-- …

Oh dear.

In other news, undead can chillax too. If only for a short spill.

And after a week getting chased by ghosts, fighting a flaming undead dragon and combating the insidious incursions of some Naga in Pandaria we deserved a momentary rest. Shame it won’t last, as we rush off to bash some ruffian sea-bound raiders this week!

For the Horde!

[Watcher-argent-dawn (Watcher)]

Random bit of writing for my character and the “life” of a goblin corpse.

‘Rain’ leaked down off the metal sheeting roofs, following the shortest path to the grime covered streets of the Goblin slums of Orgrimmar. However this wasn’t actual rain, that was a rare thing for the city instead a burst coolant pipe to some eccentric tinker several floors higher in the haphazard architecture that was so prevalent with Goblin construction efforts. At the lowest level where only the desperate could afford to live, wading ankle high through polluted waters, wrappings of new wave fast food joints and loose debris.

It was this area Suzie found her own home, trudging through streets adding her own aroma of rot to the background smells. Ducking under a half-lit sign that buzzed with the hum of dodgy lighting connections, advertising vacancies at one of the sorriest excuse of an inn this side of Kalimdor. Only lost visitors from the nearby embassy made it here or those who didn’t want to be found. An undead monster was one of those by all accounts. Her rat hole was by every definition a hole, a space barely big enough for a ram to fit in but without the need for most luxuries a living goblin would need quite spacious in its own way. A crooked training dummy made up a sorry excuse of a wardrobe for her armour in one corner. Loose tools and oils lying around in their own pattern of chaos.

With a few grunts, she wrestled off the armour as it made a series of horrible noises freeing itself from her perpetually decaying body only kept functioning by constant applications of unholy craft. Leaning her sword against the wall she looked at her face in the cracked mirror on the door, inspecting her scabbed and cracked chin with flecks of bone showing through.

“Ain’t lookin any prettier, gonna need new skin from somewhere.”

She said this more to herself, it had come a sort of ritual in itself as much as others might greet the family pet. She looked down at her patchwork body with a frown, wondering how much was her original self at this point. A shrug chased away that thought as she moved over to the far side of the room where in most places a bed would sit in hers a small shrine. Made of metal in the shape of a golden disc, inscriptions surrounding the edge with the usual prayers she had memorised them all but they were again, another ritual.

“By the virtues I do my duty. By the virtues I keep myself. By the virtues I walk in the Light.”

She rested a hand on the top of the disc as its holy energies tingled beneath the decaying touch. Looking around at her feebly bulb lit room she did her usual way to pass the time through the night. Standing absolutely still.

[Yorold-argent-dawn (Yorold)]

Great Story Suzie! Very, very intriguing.

Looking forward to more… You may even have awoken my own long dormant urge to write