Dark forces rippled through Arathi Highlands. The elements became corrupted, twisted and threatened to destroy all those lived in the lands. The Thirteenth sprung into action, rushing to the Circle of East Binding to try and aid the water elements, but where beaten back when the forces proved too strong, fueled by familiar, corrupted energies.
Where might and steel failed, the spiritual heart of the Horde came forward. Lead by Sergeant Stormfang, a force of skilled shamans banded together, working as one to cleanse the corruption.
Sergeant Stormfang prepared a binding core, to help remove the corruption and remained at base to help channel its power and commune with the elements. Passing the stone to one of the shamans, Sokia Wildhunt, gifted in healing (and a little unhinged thanks to a potion incident), the Thirteenth once again set out to aid the elements, with the Senior Sergeant remaining at Hammerfall to defend it with the guards present.
Among the Thirteenth’s ranks sent out, were many gifted in fine shamanistic powers.
Korokk Thundergrasp, an orc warrior with a strong bond to the element, calling on them to encase him in earth, fire or call on healing waters to aid his allies.
Fritz Mekkajolt, a strange goblin shaman that carries a bucket and uses unconventional tactics to do his duties.
Garndur Frostgrin, a Laughing Skull shaman, skilled in combat more than communing with the spirits, but his bond is strong with them.
Doriak Boulderfang, a young orc shaman, ever learning but energetic and eager to do his part.
And lastly, Takiwa Earthhorn, a talented healer and gentle soul among the more vicious members of the Thirteenth.
Among them, various grunts also followed to protect the shamans, ready to hold off whatever elemental force is thrown at them. And each one was a test.
Against the water ascendant, the shamans worked as one to purify it, returning the stagnant waters to their pure forms once again. And giving them nightmares about buckets…
Against earth, they stood their ground even as it shook and quaked. It was here, that Korokk’s bond with the elements aided the Thirteenth to victory.
When the forces of air came, the Thirteenth took to the skies, many blown back to the ground as the battle was long fought until the howling gale returned to the calm breeze.
Fire, as fire always is, was the most dangerous. Armed with potions to help resist the flames, the grunts withstood the fires, ceasing the rampage and leaving with their bodies smoking and covered in soot.
Even cleansed, however, the elements felt wronged and attacked Hammerfall, seeking to find the source of the corruption. Sergeant Strongfang managed to convince the spirits of water to not attack, leaving only three elements to deal with.
With fire assaulting the north side, the earth ascendant sent forth a corrupted Alliance foot soldier as its champion, attacking the south gate. And high above, the air ascendant struck with lightening on both fronts.
The Thirteenth fought bravely. Sokia Wildhunt crushed the binding core, once used to purify, now a weapon to control, as she commanded the air ascendant to cease fighting, using her words to convince it that they were not the enemy.
Released from the control, the air ascendant joined battle against the fire ascendant.
The earth ascendant’s champion fell to the might of the grunts defending the south gate. With a final plea to it, Sokia convinced it to cease its assault and the earth was quiet once more.
But fire, as fire is, could not be reasoned. The battle went on, wounds mounting, as the fire ascendant corrupted his brother of air and turned him into a firestorm.
During the battle, Fritz Mekkajolt’s tricks could not aid him forever, and for the first time, managed to call on the spirits to come to their aid, tending to many of the Thirteenth’s wounds.
Sokia made a desperate plea to the one element that did not join the fight. And her plea was answered as the water ascendant joined, helping to cleanse his fire tainted brother.
The fire ascendant, however, fell, his flames snuffed as he would not submit.
With the elements at rest once again, the Thirteenth heeded their warning. To not see them corrupted again. Humbled, the Horde reminded themselves how grateful they are to have such a bond with the spirits.
A new ascendant of fire rose up the next day. Hammerfall was repaired. And the Arathi Highlands was at peace once again.
