[Hider=The Scarlet Crusade]

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[b]Name:[/b] The Scarlet Crusade (adj.: Lordaeronian)
[b]
Held Territories:[/b] Hillsbrad Foothills; the Scarlet Monastery and Scarlet Watch; Tyr's Hand; New Avalon and Havenshire; Scarlet Redoubt, Fenris Isle; Chillwind Outpost.

[b]Other Assets:[/b] The Church of the Holy Light is the centerpiece of the Scarlet Crusade's formidable power. In the face of the Scourge, the Church is the only edifice of the Capital City which has remained, besides Calia Menethil herself. Furthermore, thanks to the Knights of the Silver Hand, especially its surviving founders, the Holy Light has become the Lordaeronian people's greatest strength in the wake of the Scourging of Lordaeron. The zealotry for the Light found within the Scarlet Crusade is unparalleled...for better and for worse. Southshore Citadel is the new home of the Church of the Holy Light, its walls purpose-built to withstand even the mightiest of siege weaponry, though the city still undergoes construction.

In addition, the Scarlet Crusade has issued a plea and has received invaluable foreign aid. The Old Alliance has been partially reformed, thanks to the efforts of the Crusade and the newly married Greymane-Menethil family to rejoin the disparate forces of the Eastern Kingdoms once more under its holy banner. Dalaran, Gilneas, Gnomeregan, Khaz Modan and the willing Wildhammer clans have all, in some way or another, supplied troops, equipment, livery, training, and civilian skill to the Scarlet Crusade, for which it has been graciously thankful.

[b]Goals and Motivations:[/b] There are three primary goals of the Scarlet Crusade: #1: Obliterate the Scourge; #2: Reclaim Lordaeron from the Scourge; #3: Preserve the Menethil line. The motivations of the Scarlet Crusade, however, are far, far from as explicit these three objectives.

For some, this is the will of the Holy Light, to purge the world of the Scourge, and they believe this call goes far beyond the shores of Lordaeron and is a call for the safety of all the world; many in the Crusade are of noble heart and a kindly soul. However many these may be, there are others who divide the purpose of the Crusade.

The surviving noble families of Lordaeron have sought refuge within the Crimson Bulwark; their money, manpower, and authority may have been lessened, but it is not entirely lost. There are those who fight not for the Light, but for the Barovs or their homesteads. There are some who fight for the lords they have lost, such as the good King Terenas Menethil II. There are the volunteer forces who fight for the right of the Lordaeronian people to their own land and for the destruction of the Scourge. There are they who fight because they cannot abide the thought of their families' rotting corpses shambling about...

...And those who are purely filled with a sanctimonious hatred of all things "unclean."

The Third War looms heavily over the people of the Scarlet Crusade, the weight of millions of souls resting on its shoulders. Betrayed by their Prince and driven to the edge of their sanity, it should be no surprise that a certain fanatacism has swept certain remnants of Lordaeron.

[center][b][u]Recent History [/u][/b][/center]

After the destruction of Dawnstar Spire, everything changed. From what seemed like the end of days, there came a glimmer of life, a pillar of fire forged by the Dwarven King Magni Brozebeard, the Bane of the Scourge...

[b]The Ashbringer.[/b] 

The Highlord Alexandros Mograine gathered the most trusted, surviving members of the Silver Hand in Southshore, to establish a plan to counteract this Scourge. 

The Holy Light of the Ashbringer tore through the Scourge wherever it landed, but it was dedicated to the defense of Hillsbrad as the last bastion of Lordaeron. Yet, there came a brighter light still, a beacon of hope... 

[i]Calia Menethil had lived[/i]...by the might of the Knights of the Silver Hand, she escaped and rode with Prince Tirion Fordring to the Greymane Wall - all while the other Knights not slain by the Betrayer King gathered with the Highlord Mograine to respond to the disaster at hand. All the founders of the Order but Uther the Lightbringer and Gavinrad the Dire survived the Scourging of Lordaeron. Soon there was the return of Turalyon from beyond the Dark Portal, the marriage of Liam and Calia, the establishment of the Federal Monarchy and the official sanction of the Scarlet Crusade under Highlord Alexandros Mograine and Archbishop Benedictus. Hillsbrad was fortified, and the Southshore Citadel began construction.

The Scarlet Crusade was instituted in conjunction with the Federal Monarchy of Gilneas-Lordaeron. In some ways, it first had become the host of a disgruntled Lordaeronian nobility who, unable to fathom swearing fealty to Liam Greymane, swore themselves to the Holy Light and the reclamation of Lordaeron on behalf of Calia Menethil (or, really, themselves) in the meantime. Over the course of a grueling war against the Scourge and Arthas, peoples from all over the Alliance territories - elf, human,  dwarf, gnome - refugees, volunteers, veterans, farmers, mages - and many, many others were welcomed with open arms by the Knights of the Silver Hand and the Church of the Holy Light into the Hillsbrad Foothills. What unites them? The Undead Menace. The Scourge binds the most fervent members of the Crusade to the least. Until the Eastern Kingdoms are freed from the Undead Menace, the citizens of this Crusade cannot and will not betray each other.

This military order of the Church attempted, with Gilneas, to employ the Worgen in the First Silverpine Offensive a bit more than three and a half years ago. Although a tactical success with the capture of Fenris Isle and Shadowfang Keep, it was a strategic failure thanks to the Worgen Curse which spread throughout the forest and the isle. 

However, this did not deter the Crusade, which turned outwards for assistance along with Gilneas and has spent the last three and a half years rebuilding its infrastructure, its economy, and its military. With the help of a strange elven people from across the Great Sea, the Worgen seem to have been pacified, within the Crusade's own ranks at least. Now, poised to strike with a human ferocity unseen since the Troll Wars, the Crusade has called out to the peoples of the Grand Alliance, to join them in a holy crusade to purge Lordaeron of the Scourge, to reestablish the kingdom, and crush the greatest threat that Azeroth has seen since the Second War.

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[Hider=Key Players of the Scarlet Crusade]

Key Players:

[b]Grand Crusader Alexandros Mograine, the Ashbringer[/b] - The Supreme Commander of the Scarlet Crusade, Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand (founding member), Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. Many military honors.

[b]Crusader-Colonel Renault Mograine[/b] Colonel of the Scarlet Crusade, Templar of the Silver Hand, Second Ambassador to Quel'Thalas, first son of Alexandros Mograine, childhood friend of Sally Whitemane, Brigitte Abbendis, and Michael Goodchilde. Renault is, or at least tries to be, like his father in every way he can, although his younger brother reflects the old man much better. He disdains being separated from his family for long periods of time, although he must do so as a Scarlet Ambassador to Quel'Thalas. However, his years in the High Elven kingdom have changed him quite a bit and his outlook on the politics of Lordaeron.

[b]Crusader-Captain Darion Mograine[/b] Captain of the Scarlet Crusade, Captain of the Silver Hand, Ambassador to Kul'Tiras, the younger of the Mograine sons. Fiery and looking to prove himself, the youngest Mograine embodies every bit of passion his father has for the cause of the Light and the Alliance. One of the youngest ambassadors of the Crusade, his martial skills are prodigious and his diplomatic skills are showing great promise.

[b]Grand Marshal, Prince Tirion Fordring[/b] - The Primary Strategist and First Military Officer of the Crusade after the Grand Crusader, Highlord of the Knights of the Silver Hand (founding member), Prince of Hearthglen, Veteran of the Second and Third Wars, Ambassador to The Federal Monarchy of Gilneas-Lordaeron. Many military honors. Received amnesty and pardon for actions leading to his exile from Queen Calia Menethil.

[b]Crusader-General Taelan Fordring[/b] General of the Scarlet Crusade, Highlord of the Knights of the Silver Hand, Veteran of the Third War, Advisor to the Grand Crusader, and the son of Prince Tirion Fordring. Taelan Fordring is the heir to Hearthglen. He was raised as a Lordaeronian noble and Knight of the Silver Hand. Ever his father's fall from grace, there has been a rift between father and son, but the Crusade has brought them together again. Taelan is, along with the other Highlords of the Hand and the lords of Lordaeron, a member of the Grand Crusader's Holy Council.

[b]Field Marshal, Turalyon[/b] - Hero of the Alliance, Field Commander of the Crusade, Highlord of the Knights of the Silver Hand (founding member), Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. Veteran of the Alliance Expedition to Outland. Ambassador to Quel'Thalas. Awarded the Sigil of the Lightbringer for going above and beyond the call of duty in the face of overwhelming odds. Awarded the Shroud of the Lightbringer, for distinction in service in Quel'Thalas.

[b]Field Marshal Saidan Dathrohan[/b] - Field Commander of the Crusade, Highlord of the Knights of the Silver Hand (founding member), Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. Many military decorations. A passionate Knight of the Silver Hand and known as the Paladin of Compassion. Saidan Dathrohan is as trustworthy as he is capable. While capable with the power of the Light, his greatest strength lays in his biceps and his Blessed Warmaul. Dathrohan towers over most humans at seven feet tall and weighing nearly three hundred pounds. His booming voice echoes over the battlefield and inspires his fellow troops, whom he [i]always[/i] leads from the front.

[b]High General Abbendis[/b] - High General of the Scarlet Crusade, Highlord of the Knights of the Silver Hand, Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. Many military decorations. An honest, loyal man, General Abbendis is nearly always in lockstep with his childhood friend, Alexandros Mograine. Rarely, he will disagree with his friend, but their disagreements run deep where they appear.

[b]Crusader-Colonel Brigitte Abbendis[/b] - Field Colonel of the Scarlet Crusade, Captain of the Silver Hand, childhood friend of Renault Mograine, Michael Goodchilde, and Sally Whitemane. Brigitte Abbendis has come to age in more ways than one. Growing up in Lordaeron and maturing in the Scarlet Crusade, the Lady Abbendis is a spitting-image of her father in both looks and abilities. Stern and direct, she is one of the most capable young officers of the Scarlet Crusade.

[b]High General, Lord Maxwell Tyrosus[/b] - High General of the Scarlet Crusade, Lord of Darrowshire and Marris Stead, Highlord of the Knights of the Silver Hand, Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. Lord Maxwell Tyrosus is a fervent believer in the light and a close friend of Alexandros Mograine. He is a skilled tactician, as well as an accomplished warrior.

[b]High General, Baron Othmar Garithos[/b] - High General of the Scarlet Crusade, Grand Marshal of the Lordaeronian Army, Lord of Corin's Crossing and Andale (now called Terrordale), Baron Othmar Garithos remains a rightful Lord of the Eastweald, though his lands are in ruins. He is often vocal in his disdain for most non-humans but will begrudgingly work alongside them. Although a generally unlikable fellow, he is capable as a wartime organizer and strategist.

[b]Crusader-Major Michael Goodchilde[/b] - Major of the Scarlet Crusade, Lieutenant of the Silver Hand, childhood friend of Renault Mograine, Brigitte Abbendis, and Sally Whitemane. Faithful companion and bodyguard of High Inquisitor Whitemane, he would defend her to his last breath, and likely even beyond.

[b]High Quartermaster Kristoff[/b] - The Chief Logistician of the Scarlet Crusade, formerly the Chief Quartermaster of Baron Garithos. Kristoff's mind for inventory management has been a mercy to the Crusade. Thanks to his administrative skills, the remnants of Lordaeron were able to organize relief efforts which culminated in the organization of the Scarlet Crusade. Truly, far fewer operations would see success without Kristoff. The Ashbringer might crush the undead, but Kristoff crushes hunger. 

[b]Archbishop Benedictus Voss[/b] - The Spiritual Father of the Crusade and Leader of the Church of the Holy Light, successor to Archbishop Alonsus Faol. Benedictus Voss' sermons have fueled the spirit of the Crusade since its founding, and long were a source of security and reassurance for its people before the Third War. Now, his sermons will once more turn towards the grim reality ahead of the Crusade, reminding its people of the Will of the Light.

[b]Lord-Crusader Weldon Barov[/b] - Sole Survivor of the Barov Family and rightful Lord of Tarren Mill, Caer Darrow, Brill, and Southshore. One of the few survivors of the Massacre at Caer Darrow, Lord Barov is a man with an axe to grind. Patriotic is not the word to describe Lord Barov, but his will to regain his birthright is both ironclad and 

[b]Grand Inquisitor Fairbanks[/b] - Grand Inquisitor of the Scarlet Crusade, Advisor to the Grand Crusader Mograine, Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. One of the closest friends of the Grand Crusader, Fairbanks has been a pillar of support for the Crusade since its beginnings in Southshore. He is now the High Inquisitor of the Crusade and is tasked with rooting out any and all who would seek to undermine the Shield of Lordaeron. Fairbanks has utilized some unsavory means, at times, to achieve this end, including the employ of Lord Ravenholdt, but his heart remains dedicated to his lord, Alexandros Mograine.

[b]High Inquisitor Whitemane[/b] - High Inquisitor of the Scarlet Crusade, Knight of the Silver Hand, childhood friend of Renault Mograine, Brigitte Abbendis, and Michael Goodchilde. She is as fanatical as they come when it regards the Scarlet Crusade. She would give her life...no, [i]her soul[/i] for the cause of the Crusade. She is the first subordinate of Fairbanks, but operates in an independent capacity as the commander of the Scarlet Monastery, working alongside Maj. Goodchilde.

[b]Lord-Crusader Valdelmar[/b] - Duke of Tyr's Hand, Lord of the city, New Avalon and Havenshire; Veteran of the Second and Third Wars. A friend of High General Abbendis, Lord Valdelmar is a devout follower of the Light who quickly raised his banner to fight the Undead Menace. His city, Tyr's Hand, is a centre of Light worship which has held on as a burning flame of the Light in the otherwise plagued-lands of eastern Lordaeron. He has been defending it for about five years, since the beginning of the Third War. He is known for wielding a holy, two-handed claymore on the field of battle, astride his warhorse.

[b]Crusader-General Valgar Highforge[/b] - General of the Scarlet Crusade, High General of the Silver Hand, Holy Knight of Khaz Modan, Ambassador to Ironforge, Veteran of the Second and Third Wars.

[b]High Wizard Arellas Fireleaf[/b] - High Wizard of the Scarlet Crusade, Archmage of the Kirin Tor, Ambassador to Dalaran, Veteran of the Second and Third Wars.

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[Hider=Grand Crusader Alexandros Mograine, the Ashbringer]

[b]Name:[/b] Alexandros Mograine, the Ashbringer

[b]Faction:[/b] The Scarlet Crusade

[b]Rank/Role:[/b] Grand Crusader of the Scarlet Crusade - A. Mograine is the head of the whole of the Scarlet Crusade.

[b]Appearance:[/b]
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[b]Personality:[/b] Needless to say, Mograine is a man driven by his duty to the Light and his duty to his people. If one were to ask him, Mograine would say that he is a paladin of the Silver Hand, a priest-warrior dedicated to the preservation of all of Azeroth and to the good of all peoples on its surface. Though not known for being the most patient person, he is remarkably understanding of the many cultures which have come to clash in the Eastern Kingdoms. In the wake of the Scourge, he has come to recognize the inherent value of even orcs and trolls, whom he had once called his most hated enemy. 

He is a veteran of both the Second and Third Wars and as such he is a battle-hardened military man who knows how to place the objective of a mission before his own personal glory. As well, he is a proud subject of Lordaeron - he would be the first to call Liam Greymane his king and Calia his queen (and Weldon Barov his lord); furthermore, he would be the first to lay down his life for his fellow man (or non-man!). He is a man wholly dedicated to the cause of the Scarlet Crusade and has even given his only two sons to the Order of the Silver Hand.

If the Grand Crusader has any fault, it is his overwhelming hatred of the Scourge and particularly the Lich King and the paranoia spawned by the insidious nature of the Cult of the Damned. Ever since the failure of the First Silverpine Offensive, Mograine has spent nearly every waking moment either in prayer, with foreign dignitaries, organizing troops in the war-room, or planning the Scarlet Crusade's growth and security with his First Advisor, High Inquisitor Fairbanks. Alexandros, like many of his comrades, has known only war for the greater part of his life, and it has come to shape how he understands the world around him. 

[b]Biography:[/b] Since the destruction of Lordaeron and Dawnstar Spire, Mograine had become the leader of the first organized Lordaeronian resistance and for the past four and a half years, he has led an unending war against the Scourge. 

After the failure of the Scourge at the walls of Quel'Thalas and the sudden disappearance of the commanders Balnazzar and Mal'Ganis, the Knights of the Silver Hand were able to reorganize in the far south of Lordaeron and several secure locations throughout the Old Kingdom, under the leadership of then-Highlord Alexandros Mograine. Under Alexandros' command, the Knights of the Silver Hand were able to regroup with the remnants of the Lordaeronian army and nobility and form a united front against the Scourge in the Silverpine Forest. In a combined effort, they were able to organize rescue efforts in what remained of the Eastweald, Westweald, and Tirisfal Glades. Mograine learned early on that, until Arthas could be countered or killed, retaking land from the Scourge was a waste - what was [b]most[/b] important was saving [b]lives[/b].

During that first year of the Scourge, Alexandros struggled, though he had been given the Ashbringer by King Magni Bronzebeard. Men, food, water, weapons...everything was in short supply. Disaster was averted nearly every week. It was only when Calia Menethil had been brought to the western tower of Hillsbrad, riding upon General Abbendis' horse, that the Highlord Mograine had a moment to breathe. With her counsel and assistance, Alexandros was able to get the help he required

Through Calia's marriage to Liam Greymane, Gilnean troops came to the aid of Alexandros and his resistance, then formalized as the Scarlet Crusade. Thanks to this turn of events, the Silver Hand and the remnants of the Lordaeronian peoples were able to put up a solid defense of the Foothills, and even begin to push back. It was around that time, about a year into the conflict, that Alexandros came to learn that Arthas had left the Eastern Kingdoms. He and many others felt it was time to act.

What was meant to have been the secret weapon needed to destroy the Scourge turned disastrous. Many faithful men and women of the Crusade were turned to horrible wolf-creatures, doomed to attack those they held dear when their minds were overtaken by the Curse.

With the failure of the offensive, Mograine decided to focus on building an overwhelming force to knock out the Scourge once and for all. For the past three and a half years, he has been amassing that force. Now, he has called upon his allies, both current, prospective, and old, to come the aid of the Crusade in its war against the Scourge.

[b]Powers and other Abilities:[/b]

[i]Grand Master of the Silver Hand[/i]: Alexandros Mograine excels in the use of the Light both in and out of combat. Whether it be consecrating the land around him to burn the flesh of ne'er-do-wells or healing his companions, Mograine stands as a Champion of the Light.

[i]Old Guard[/i]: Alexandros is an expert swordsman who has now seen over a decade of active combat. Even without the use of the Light, he is still a force of reckoning.

[i]The Ashbringer[/i]: The pies de resistance, for which Alexandros has earned the moniker he now carries. The Ashbringer is a powerful sword named for its ability to slaughter the undead and leave nothing but ash in its wake. The legendary sword was crafted by King Magni Bronzebeard on the Great Anvil of Ironforge, and was infused with the Holy Light. It's core was made from a corrupted orb taken from an orcish warlock in the Second War at the battle of Blackrock Mountain.

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