Grim Views

Bowing quickly before the assembled Grim there, the gaunt supplicant unrolls the poster in his hands and places it on the table for all to see. "Grim. A new initiative, by one 'Slagworth' of Horde HR", he says in a raspy voice, "It seems there is a contest of sorts for the nomination of a Captain for each Horde city". Pausing to glance back down at the poster, Therean continues, "to oversee the nuanced needs of a settled civilian populace". Pausing momentarily before the silent Grims before him, Therean attempted to explain himself, "Though it seems to be a largely ceremonial position, akin to a town mayor, I see it as an opportunity for the Grim to get some exposure and influence- and to prevent it's enemies from doing the same. Some of you might already be aware that our very own Ashenfury is confirmed as a cantidate in the upcoming debate that will decide the winner. His opponent; the terrorist Ugraz, of the Horde Brothers, who seems to have taken an interest in politics".

"Whilst I am relieved one of our own is there to prevent Ugraz from taking the Captaincy of Orgrimmar, there remains yet the uncontested seats of Undercity, Thunder Bluff, Silvermoon City, and 'the colonies'- the lattermost a district invented to oversee the many outposts and settlements of the Horde beyond her main cities. I would encourage all of you to consider running for one of these positions, and to attend the debates to support your fellow Grims who have- as the debates themselves decide the winner, based on crowd appraisal. Ashenfury's debate has not yet been scheduled for a time, but I shall return when it has. Beyond that, the other uncontested nominees so far are 'Altherion' for Undercity, 'Melahna' for Thunder Bluff, and 'Visca' for Silvermoon". Therean came to a halt, realising that he had been speaking for quite some time, looking about the Hall at the other Grims he decided to end his speech there, punctuating it with a salute, "Peace through Annihilation".

Greebo listened with growing disdain. "Talking and ceremonial positions, who knew that Orgrimmar strove to become Silvermoon-in-Kalimdor. Admittedly this will bring the chattering classes and the ahhh malcontents out into the open."

Nodding, a little humiliated, Therean responded, "Indeed, Sir. Not one week has it been posted and already the renegade malcontent of the Horde Brothers has come forth."

"Though...", Therean thought aloud, "with a Grim like Ashenfury, perhaps the scope of this fledgling position could be... filled out." Therean smoothed back his hair, as his thin lips cracked as they stretched; a rough approximation of smile, "For the Mandate".

(( oh my apologies, that was meant to be an inner monologue or at most a quiet mumble - wasn't intended to be a call out or any such thing. ))

Ashenfury looks up from his paper scribbling and spits out a golden earring that had come from the dark skinned elf ear that he was gnawing on. The jewelry makes a pronounced tinking sound as it bounces across the floor and then rolls in a ever shrinking circle until it comes to an abrupt halt.

Ashenfury first glanced to Arrothien and Bryii relaxed by the hearth. Bryii was writing in her journal and enjoying wine before the Supplicant had stepped in but it seemed as if those things were forgotten as she stared at Therean. Arrothien returned the glance and nodded. Ashenfury nodded and looked to the other side of his table. Knithawk was already observing the Orc who was frustrated at having ink on the bottom of his palm and a quill in his fist.

"Therean, you will be standing in for me at these debates.". Ashenfury said with a tone of finality. As he did so a wolf that had been following Therean from the shadows emerges in the doorway behind the Supplicant and approaches his master. He goes to sit directly in front of the Shaman. They lock eyes and have a silent but brief conversation that ends with both of them nodding and the wolf scampering out of the guild hall. "Study The Mandate that you see posted on several walls within the guild hall. This is what we bring to the table and nothing more. Do not make promises of supply or protection if they are not mandated. If you are unsure of The Enforcers will then simply seek me out.".

"Also, we are to leave Nika Davies alone during this. She is acting as an instrument of my will and has been funneling very accurate and difficult to attain information to us about the people involved.". Ashenfury looked to the faces of those around him to see if there was any argument. Not seeing any he continued, "She is not Grim so she will not be held to our standard. With her no longer being useful to The Enforcer he cares little if at all for her fate.".

Greebo wrote:(( oh my apologies, that was meant to be an inner monologue or at most a quiet mumble - wasn't intended to be a call out or any such thing. ))

((Not at all, I apologise- I am a relative noob to forum board RP))

His face betraying his pride, Therean saluted, "Certainly sir. Any chance you might publically nominate me as your representative in this matter, for protocol purposes?". Glancing down for a moment, Therean hesitantly continued, "though there has been much enthusiasm about town already for seeing you personally debate Ugraz."

There was no movement as Therean's echo bounced down the hallways of the Grim. The large Orc sat unmoving except for the rise and fall of his armored chest. The room remained silent save for the occasional crack from an ember escaping the burning logs within the hearth.

Ashenfury tilted his head forward and looked at Therean through the squinted eyes of one that has been twice betrayed. He considered the question at length and then finally answered in a measured reply "I want to hear your opening statements before they are made. Several trusted Warbringers will be in the crowd. I believe this serves our purpose better as we can direct the flow of questions and remove anyone speaking out too loudly against us." He grinned widely showing broken teeth and a chipped tusk.

Leyujin stroked the fire knowing that the Orc only Grins with a certain train of thought. He continued to listen as the logs groaned and scraped into their new, more efficient, position.

"One thing I forgot to mention Therean... I'll have more than a shadow behind you during the debate. Do not think this simply for your protection. Cross us and you will feel cold steel ran through what I'm told are your kidney meats..." Ashenfury nodded in satisfaction that the warning was made. "Yes, I will make it official for the debate at least.".

Grendze appears from the shadows with flyers in hand. It looks like his picture is on it eating a dead Gnome baby in front of an adoring crowd. " I hear its a paid position!"

Therean solemnly took in the words of Ashenfury, and held his gaze for a sufficient time to guarantee to himself that he'd just been threatened, and ensure Ashenfury that his words weren't taken lightly. Giving a slow singular nod, Therean at last responded, "I should best review the mandate, as you advised, to prepare my opening statement." Bowing and taking his leave, Therean stopped momentarily on his way out of the main hall, thinking perhaps to assure Ashenfury and the other Grim of his loyalty. With a short shake of the head he decided against it and prodeeded to the long hallways adorned with the mandate; actions speak louder than words, and all respect must be earned.

Returning to the chamber Therean stood before the assembled members, and unfolded a scrap of parchment in his trembling hands. His condition had deteriorated somewhat, though as far as anyone knew he hadn't left the guild hall for the last two days. His skin was whiter even than it's usual pallid hue, and his hair seemed dry and thin. Contrasting violently with this washed out visage was his eyes, which had darkened into an angry, almost black on the edges. Clearing his throat, Therean stretched back his thin cracked lips and rasped, "Peace, Unity, Justice". The Blood Elf, disregarding his condition, looked up at his superiors with gravitas, "It has been over 30 years now since the horde, enslaved by Demons, first barrelled through the Dark Portal. Over the course of two wars, both of which many of you no doubt fought in- on either side, with great victories and losses for either side, that horde was defeated. By the noble Alliance, who proceeded to imprison and enslave the entire orcish race for ten years." Therean closed his eyes and nodded, "Something was missing from this horde."

"It was from these ashes that the Horde we know today was born. Championed by Thrall, saviour of the Orcs, this Horde has gone from strength to strength. No longer a vast force of fel-enslaved Orcs- we are a standard under which many peoples rally. But what do we fight for? Peace, Unity, and Justice. The new horde is made of scattered people, ruined by fate, restored by hope and the will to fight. The Orcs have broken the fel hold on their race and now stand proud and free. My own people, the Blood elves too lost their homeland, and were betrayed by the Alliance, and by our own King. The Golbins lost Kezan, The Darkspear were driven out of Stranglethorn, The forsaken lost their mortality, and right now, this very day, the Alliance bears upon Tauren lands. We cannot peace without unity, and so we have united. This unity is founded on the need for justice, and cannot exist without it. And so we are bound, we are horde, and we must fight. For the Alliance shall show us no peace, they should shatter and enslave us as they have before if but they could, there is no justice in the Alliance for the Horde."

Therean darts a glare to an empty spot in the hall, "Some among us would disagree. Would break from the bonds of righteous struggle that unite his brothers. Would embrace the Alliance that enslaved his people. "For the Peons" he says, posing a mockery of justice. What then? Would he deliver us into the hands of the Alliance, so that the poor peons might instead become peasants? Or perhaps just imprisoned wholesale like last time. I make no pretenses to you, though. The life of a peon is a hard one. But these honorable souls work toward something bigger than themselves, a grand Horde that makes everything possible. Why do they not join this terrorist in his sedition? For, though the times are tough, working and fighting for your people's security is an honor, and honor that all loyal to the Horde share."

"The weaker parts of ourselves may be inclined to give sympathy to this wretched beast, this kinslaying animal- for he was of the peon caste, and has had his opinions twisted by hardship. I know another orc of the Peon caste. His name is Ashenfury. Lo, did he begrudge his station and turn to sabotage? No! He embraced all that was orcish, and harnessed the elements- making a shaman of himself. He took arms against the Alliance and fought for his people. But hold, this is not just a tale of orc honor and ferocity, this hero of the Horde spent his life fostering a discarded blood elf child to independence and adulthood. In Ashenfury, we see the Horde. An orc that made his own way, but did not turn against his people. An orc that is willing to take in the peoples of the new Horde, but expects much from them. A rising figure in the respected and mighty guild the Grim, Ashenfury of the Ashen clan now stands as High Inquisitor and Dreadweaver. Subjects of the Horde, hear me. This day you shall make a choice- a choice between a terrorist that ineffectually does all he can to tear this city in two, and a hero of the horde, wise and mighty that will bolster it with his unswervable will. Your voice can be a brick in these mighty walls, or take one from them. Though noble, it is not enough to dedidicate yourself to Peace, Unity, and Justice. Doubtless our opponent considers that he does so himself, and I do not question it. Peace, Unity, and Justice become worthless if not possed with... STRENGTH AND HONOR!"

Therean coughed and wheezed after making his final shout. Then turning to Ashenfury, explained "I'll need to cut it down somewhat, but those are my talking points. I have taken the premise of the mandate without specifically mentioning or repeating it. It was my thought that lecturing them on the founding document of the Grim may intimidate some and lead them to think to much on this as an election of the Grim."

(( Nice, very nice. You might try datamining some stuff from Animal Farm to see where the supposed peasant revolution is really headed - prolly Gallywix's Pleasure Palace. ))

Ashenfury reclined with outstretched legs next to Knithawk holding a lit pipe. There were many paw prints near and around him but they were dried and there was no sign of either his feral spirit wolves or any others of his pack. When Therean stepped into the room Ashenfury looked him over thoroughly. His eyes darted to the haggard elf's hands and then rested on his eyes.

After a moment Ashenfury exhaled a slow breath of thick smoke that he had been holding in. Knithawk took the pipe from Ashen's hand and held his own jaw in proper alignment enough to take a pull. Bryii was nowhere in sight but there was a drained glass of wine, a mostly empty bottle, a fine ink well and a closed journal where she usually sat. Grendze was trying to be nonchalant in an attempt to read the journal while everyone was watching Therean. When Grendze noticed Arrothien eyeing him he made a full circle on his heel and whistled as he walked over to meld into the darkness of a far corner.

"It will have to be shortened to keep the attention of a green skin. It sounds like you are speaking as a student of the mandate now, very good. I will have a Warbringer ask you about how we will seek peace, who you plan to unite with and what do you consider justice." Ashenfury states.

Knithawk is holding his breath with a puffed up chest. He starts to cough while attempting to hold in the smoke. Ashenfury motions to a piece of paper on the desk beside him. It is in very neat, almost perfect Orcish handwriting. It is the mandate and code of conduct.

The Mandate
The complete destruction of the Alliance is the goal towards which we strive. Though we are loyal to the Horde, we believe the warchief does not take the necessary steps to ensure its survival. Many who are allied under the banner of the Horde do not agree with our methods. But talk and half-measures are for the weak. It is through our hands that the Horde will become the dominant force on Azeroth and the world beyond.

The Alliance is not the only danger in this world. From the ancient sands of Silithus and the plaguelands of Lordaeron to the caverns below Serpentshrine Lake and the gates of the Black Temple – beings of ancient power and growing strength plot our downfall. By killing and plundering and turning their own weapons against them, we will save the Horde from these threats.

This is our purpose. These are our obstacles that we must overcome. Everything we do we do for this one single goal.

Peace through annihilation.

The Grim Conduct
- The Grim is as much its members as it is the ideal. Each member of the Grim will remember that they are companions in the fight against our enemies. While one may not respect the person, they will respect the cause and their guild mate’s place in it.

- Our loyalty is to the Horde and its continued survival. We must understand we are not alone in our struggle. The Horde has many like-minded heroes who will take the necessary steps of survival and so we will show the same to them proper respect. Just because they are not Grim now, does not mean they will not be Grim soon.

- The world is split into two different spheres. The part the Horde control and the part the Horde will control. Some of it is not yet ripe for the harvest. The Grim will not take part in the plunder or destruction of the weaker hovels and communities of Azeroth. Our strength is better used on the front lines against the strongest of the Alliance.

**A letter arrived at the guildhall, addressed to Ashenfury.**

Ashenfury,

Here is a bit of evidence for use in your debate on Sunday, should you feel the need to use it. Just an example of why the opposing candidate is not suited for the job.

-Nika


Included is a snapshot of a certain horde terrorist standing over a homeless citizen that had been killed, the banner of the Horde Brothers planted over the body.

Knithawk takes a long draw off of the gnomish pipe handed to him by Ashenfury, holding it in before releasing the intoxicating fumes through the bottom of his eyelids. As he exhales, the mage notices Grendze eying the pipe he was puffing on. In the blink of an eye, Knithawk is sitting across the table atop the parchment Therean had just laid down, gazing into the eyes of the supplicant.

"I will be quick and to the point with you Therean. You are new around here. No matter how civil you may be with me, or the rest of the guild for that matter, your disrespect of the arcane magics disgusts me. One who turns his back on such a precious gift will recieve no respect from me." The mage coughs up a curdled ball of hairy, red and green flem, spraying fowl mucus membrane all over Thereans new tabord.

In the midst of Knithawks conversation, Grendze notices the pipe he was previously eying in Knithawks possession is now smoldering in his own little green hands. He clutched the pipe in his mouth and made a typical spastic little goblin gesture, rubbing his greedy little hands simultaneously in rapid fashion while chuckling to himself.

Knithawks eyes begin to turn dark. "Further more Therean, I do not trust you. And not IF, but WHEN you turn your back on The Grim, I will be the one who seeks you out. After Ashen has his way with you," He turns to the slobbering Orc, who just happened to be snacking on a blood elf ear at that particular moment. "Your final demise will be an icy eternal tomb, crafted by myself." Knithawk gives the elf an evil smirk then blinks back to his chair, grabbing the pipe on the way.

Grendze lit his wick and held it up to the half ashed bowl of herbs the group had been partaking in to realize the pipe was no longer in his hands, but back in those of that damn mage.