November 01, 2018, 10:40:00 AM
Ankathar
Honored brothers and sisters,
We have each had time to wind down and recover from our perilous journey from Kul Tiras by celebrating unity within the Horde at the Kosh'harg festival, as well as licking our wounds in the sanctity of Durotar. That time cannot last forever, however. War continues to run rampant across the continents, and however divided the Horde may in truth seem, we too must do our part. We shall do so on our own terms, however.
With the Whiteclaw Communion's movement gaining momentum, we must do all within our power to support the cause. However strange it may seem in the face of the Communion's aversion to war, that also includes fighting the Alliance. After all, if we were to collectively give up our duty to the Horde, it would only mean others would take our place at this stage. Which means deceit and dishonour may well continue to be spread as the Horde's ideals. We must prove both the Alliance the Horde that the opposite can be true.
In the coming month, expect to be called upon to venture to war once more. However, this time we shall do so on our own terms. On our own battleground. With our own allies.
For the Blood of Redblade,
Ankathar (November) Events
[Celebration] Day of the Ancestor
Hunting season ends, and so the time comes for the nomadic clans to migrate to better harbor once more. Rather than affording a grand feast, instead ensuring enough foods are stored for the coming Winter, it is a sober occasion when the dead of the past year, but also prior years, are honored. The orcs visit shrines dedicated to the dead to pay tribute for their sacrifice. When the ceremony concludes, they warm themselves by great bonfires to share the grand tales of the honored ancestors. This year's Day of the Ancestor shall take place on the 11th day of Ankathar.
[Campaign] Ogrepowered
As our first collaborative initiative with the Whiteclaw Communion, the Red Blade Clan sets out to secure Azerite from an ogre-infested island on behalf of the Horde. Ogres may not be our only concern however, as Alliance ships have been spotted scouting out the other side of the island as well. Be prepared for anything! For any additional information, refer to the notice here.
[Allied guild] Call of the Wolf
The monthly brawling tournament of the Iron Wolf Clan continues to be held, so yet another chance for any aspiring champions among the Red Blade Clan to compete on behalf of us in order to bring honour to both your own as well as the clan's name! It shall be held on the 24th day of Ankathar.
[Server-wide] Day of the Dead
Our culture is not the only one that takes this chance to honour the dead. Hosted by Siavash from the Dunedwellers, the Day of the Dead is a neutral festival held in Sri-La Village. So, if you intend to attend, ensure to be on your best behavior! Read the festival program on the notice board here.
Announcements
Once more, the month shall be kicked off with a Clan Gathering to discuss the past month and announce the plans for the coming month. The meeting shall be held on the 4th day of Ankathar.
[OOC] Guild Mog Runs
Another guild transmog run shall be held on the 9th. We will once again have a crack at Antorus Mythic, so gather up no later than 19:50 to get yourself some fancy looking gear!
October 17, 2018, 11:10:00 AM
From the Annals: A (Crude) Orcish Drinking Song
Kosh'harg is nearly upon us again, which is a great time for tall tales and songs! One thing that has always struck me, however, is how few in-universe songs we actually have. Both from Blizzard as well as player-made, particularly orcish songs are quite scarce. Luckily, we did have the creative spirit or two join us every now and then, and Mazguul was certainly one of the most creatives ones you would find out there! During her time as Thur'ruk in the distant past, she wrote a fair few songs that may or may not have been inspired by other game songs. Granted, the following may be a little bit on the lewd side for some, but it's definitely her magnum opus among the ones she shared with us. I present to you, the Quillboar Song!
The Quillboar Song
Bestiality sure is a fun thing to do
But I have to say this as a warning to you:
With almost all animals, you can have ball
But the Quillboar can never be buggered at all!
The spines on his back are too sharp for an orc
They'll give you a pain in the worst place they ought
The result I think you'll find will appal:
The Quillboar can never be buggered at all!
You can bugger the bear, if you do it with care,
In the winter, when he is asleep in his lair,
Though I would not advise it in spring or in fall-
But the Quillboar can never be buggered at all!
Mounting a horse can often be fun
A huge kodo too; though he weighs half a ton
Even a mouse, though his hole is quite small,
But the Quillboar can never be buggered at all.
Ravishing a cow while she goes moo-moo
Will be entertaining to both her and you
Or you might try a tiger, if you have enough gall
But the Quillboar can never be buggered at all.
A fish is refreshing, although a bit wet
And a cat or a wolf can be more than a pet
Even a giraffe, though it's ever so tall
But the Quillboar can never be buggered at all.
You can order or shoo 'im, or run a knife through 'im
The one thing you cannot do is stick it to 'im.
If you try to seduce 'im, you'll end in a fix,
His prickles defend him against rampant pricks.
You'll find that the Quillboar has hundreds of prickles,
To other Quillboar those spines merely tickle,
If buggering Quillboar is what gets you raving,
Just remember that first of all you'll have to shave him,
Else the spines on his back are so grom-damned thick
You'll end up with naught but a perforate prick.
Forgetting to pluck them has led to the call
That a Quillboar can never be buggered at all!
At the end of the day, when you've had your rough way
With all of those creatures, you'll just have to say
"That damned prickly beastie has been my downfall!"
For the Quillboar can never be buggered at all!
Bestiality sure is a fun thing to do
But I have to say this as a warning to you:
With almost all animals, you can have ball
But the Quillboar can never be buggered at all!
The spines on his back are too sharp for an orc
They'll give you a pain in the worst place they ought
The result I think you'll find will appal:
The Quillboar can never be buggered at all!
You can bugger the bear, if you do it with care,
In the winter, when he is asleep in his lair,
Though I would not advise it in spring or in fall-
But the Quillboar can never be buggered at all!
Mounting a horse can often be fun
A huge kodo too; though he weighs half a ton
Even a mouse, though his hole is quite small,
But the Quillboar can never be buggered at all.
Ravishing a cow while she goes moo-moo
Will be entertaining to both her and you
Or you might try a tiger, if you have enough gall
But the Quillboar can never be buggered at all.
A fish is refreshing, although a bit wet
And a cat or a wolf can be more than a pet
Even a giraffe, though it's ever so tall
But the Quillboar can never be buggered at all.
You can order or shoo 'im, or run a knife through 'im
The one thing you cannot do is stick it to 'im.
If you try to seduce 'im, you'll end in a fix,
His prickles defend him against rampant pricks.
You'll find that the Quillboar has hundreds of prickles,
To other Quillboar those spines merely tickle,
If buggering Quillboar is what gets you raving,
Just remember that first of all you'll have to shave him,
Else the spines on his back are so grom-damned thick
You'll end up with naught but a perforate prick.
Forgetting to pluck them has led to the call
That a Quillboar can never be buggered at all!
At the end of the day, when you've had your rough way
With all of those creatures, you'll just have to say
"That damned prickly beastie has been my downfall!"
For the Quillboar can never be buggered at all!
October 01, 2018, 11:35:00 AM
Aka'Vrull
Honored brothers and sisters,
An arduous journey lays behind us as we have at long last returned to the familiar shores of Kalimdor. Through storms and battles we have navigated our way home, from the blood- and plague-soaked fields of Tirisfal to the treacherous cliffs of Kul Tiras. We have made both new enemies as well as new friends, however unlikely they may have been. But now we must see to what lies ahead.
Though we were briefly isolated from it during our time on Kul Tiras, the Horde has left behind it a trail of blood and suffering. Even on the desolate island, there is no escaping this truth. We have seen the true face of the present Horde and must see to our own if we are to carve out our own fate. If there is one thing that Kul Tiras has taught us, it is that not all is quite as black and white as some would have us believe. Humans can be true to their word. Orcs can be selfish and needlessly cruel. And the Horde is an entity that none of us can afford to neglect. We must work tirelessly to ensure its future. A worthy future.
To that end, we shall once more take up the task to host this year's Kosh'harg festival upon the plains of Nagrand. I invite you all to join me there, as there shall be not only joyful celebration, but also worthwhile reflection and introspection of who we are and what the Horde is to us. I look forward to greeting you all there.
For the Blood of Redblade,
Aka'Vrull (October) Events
[Celebration] Kosh'harg festival
Though traditionally held one month prior, the Kosh'harg was delayed due to the clan's troubles in Kul Tiras. With no other clan or organization having taken up responsibility however, there is still time for a belated Kosh'harg to help bring the people of the Horde together and unite in celebration! Considering the many questions that have arisen within the Horde's structure, it will undoubtedly be a pivotal place and time to see where we all stand. In addition to that, a closed Whiteclaw meeting shall be held to help decide the clan's fate in the months to come. The Kosh'harg shall take place on the 20th and the 21st day of Aka'Vrull.
[Allied guild] Call of the Wolf
For those who cannot stand to share the same space with the Alliance, they may wish to unwind on the same day instead. On the 27th day of Aka'Vrull, those who wish to test their mettle may instead attend the Iron Wolf Clan's Call of the Wolf event. In addition to the usual brawling tournament, there will be a feast dedicated to the victor.
[Server-wide] The Rule of Three's Autumn Ball
As winter draws near, we celebrate the last warmer days of the year and Hallow's End's festivities as one. With food, drinks and entertainment provided, the Rule of Three present their Autumn Ball. The celebration will be held on neutral grounds in Uldum, so expect to see both Horde as well as Alliance there. There may be a war going on, but we will respect the laws of our hosts upon neutral grounds. The ball shall take place upon the 27th day of Aka'Vrull. For more information see, the Rule of Three's Autumn Ball notice board.
[Server-wide] Earthen Ring Quarterly Gathering
On the 14th and 15th of Aka'Vrull, the Earthen Ring will gather in Stranglethorn Vale to discuss recent relevant events to all spiritually inclined matters. Any of the clan's shamans who have an interest in sharing knowledge or learning of the world's state is welcome to attend the event. Bear in mind that the meeting shall be held upon neutral grounds. More information may be found in the Earthen Ring's own notice here.
Announcements
A Clan Gathering is to be held on the 7th day of Aka'Vrull to reflect on the clan's events both in Lordaeron as well as in Kul Tiras. Suffice to say that many important matter shall be mentioned here, in addition to it being the first Clan Gathering in quite some time due to the clan's restless times abroad!
[OOC] Guild Mog Runs
From the 6th onward, Gridish will start hosting guild transmog runs to old content so we may all start gathering those pieces of gear we haven't had a crack at yet! If you have an interest and want to support his efforts, make sure to join in! The first target will be Antorus Mythic.
September 18, 2018, 12:30:00 AM
Though he's attempted to escape opening up his soul to the public for the past few months, he's finally given into the pressure: this month's Member Spotlight features none other than the Chief himself, Kozgugore Feraleye! Though he's been with us for nigh twelve years now, there may still be a few secrets regarding his time with the guild that he's not yet unveiled until now! We asked you to submit your questions, and here are the answers!
How is it that you've been able to keep up motivation for playing the game, let alone leading the guild so intensively, for so many years?
It wasn't always easy, I can tell you! I won't deny that even I have had my ups and downs when it comes to motivation to host events or even just play the game, and there were in fact a couple of occasions that I forced myself to take a step back and take a break - be it long or short. In the end though, there's just something about WoW - and the orcish race in particular - that keeps drawing me back in. Perhaps when you've stuck with it for such a long time - both the game as well as the race - it becomes a part of you that becomes very difficult to shake off. Especially when you're someone like me who needs to have a creative outlet for all that pent up creative energy that's swirling around in the head. I think above all else though, it's the people and the community that continue to bring me back into the fold. The first time I quit WoW a little more prominently was when I wanted to try out some other MMOs instead (Age of Conan at the time), but members staying in touch with me is what eventually brought me back. After that, the next time I would quit wouldn't be until some six or so years later when I was in a bit of a hard place and couldn't bring up the motivation to consistently play WoW for a while. Once again though, it were certain individuals that stayed in touch with me or who contacted me eventually that made me come back more permanently in the end.
I admit that it can still be a bit tempting to just drop all manner of responsibility and approach the game and the guild a little more casually as time moves on and real life priorities begin to shift, but I still very much enjoy what I do and enjoy the people that I get to play with even more! Perhaps when a 'worthy successor' presents itself at some point, I'll be able to find myself taking a step back without worrying too much about the consequences. But for now, I'm perfectly content with gently steering the ship where necessary. Granted, this past month has been a little taxing given the big campaign that I had planned (entirely my own fault, and I may have underestimated the amount of time that needs to go into it) and I may take it a little easier once it's over, but I look forward too much to what might happen in the future to suddenly vanish now!
Give us one of your most fond memories from all the years you've been in the guild! Seeing you're our longest standing member, there must be something that stood out above other things.
Arguably the hardest question in here! There are so many memories to choose from, after all. Perhaps I should write down a ridiculously comprehensive list at some point, but I'll try and narrow it down to a top three (though in no particular order and probably closely followed by some other, similarly memorable events).
- Cheating a little bit here, but a great many RP-PvP campaigns were very memorable. Perhaps that isn't necessarily because they were pivotal in any way, but they are always a unique case that require a very different approach to the usual events or campaigns. Be it our many campaigns back in Defias Brotherhood, or even ones held in a more 'controlled' environment here on Argent Dawn. Despite some of the stress it brought with it, even the recent Drums of War campaign was quite memorable simply because of the people it allowed us to interact with, both Horde and Alliance. If I were to choose one in particular though, it would without a doubt be the first Anniversary War on DB that I organized, back in 2007. We would have some of the biggest, most unique battles I've seen to date just to celebrate the anniversary of DB as a server, the ultimate high point of which being the battle at the Path of Glory in Hellfire Peninsula. We fought back and forth all night and had some great RP in between all the chaotic fun, with Seiken (Krogon/Okiba's human warrior at the time) being Koz's ultimate rival.
- The Orcs of the Red Blade reunion campaign that we held last year in order to bring the guild back together. Though I organized plenty of campaigns previously, this was kind of a turning point for me where I tried very hard to make the campaigns' stories and events as intriguing and engaging as I could make them. What's more important though, is that it brought the guild back together, stronger than ever before I dare say, after nearly an entire year long hiatus. It was very impressive and even quite heartwarming to see basically the entire, old community coming back together again and picking up where they left off, as if nothing happened. I feel it really goes to show the strength of our guild's community and how tightly knit they all are. I won't deny that it made me a little proud deep inside to be a part of such a movement, and to have helped get it back on track.
- The plot leading into the Warlords of Draenor expansion, for several personal reasons. Certainly, the campaign was very impressive in and of itself, what with the big event to kick off the expansion by fighting the Iron Horde in the Blasted Lands, assaulting the Dark Portal and the ensuing plot to bring the orcs back together after they had gotten separated on Draenor. But it was also the time when some very important developments happened for Kozgugore as well as me as a person. Koz regained his title of Chieftain and was even heralded as a 'Wolfking' by some orcs following the ongoing plot, but it was also a time when I met Sinami in the process. Of course that was an important event IC as she became Koz's mate, but it also resulted in me meeting her in real life and hooking up with her there as well. We're still very happily together and even moved in with one another after some time! Who said WoW can't be any good for your social life?
I think I can safely say that the guild has changed quite a bit since I first joined it. Back then, I feel things may have been a little less 'serious' in the sense that there wasn't a very specific direction that the guild was intended to head in to. There were no overarching plot lines or consistent tones between events or members. It was all a bit of a potpourri of lots of different, crazy orcs doing their own thing. Events were more sporadic and more focused on social RP, such as tournaments, camp fires, tribe meetings, completely random attacks on Alliance settlements 'just because', etc. RP has become a little more 'sensible' in the sense that we now require a reason to attack an Alliance settlement, or don't just decide to spontaneously start dancing naked around a camp fire because 'it's fun' (I'm not counting Razaron here, because he's a very special case). What's more, there's no one screaming 'WAAAGH!' any more nowadays. You would be surprised at how that was totally okay back in the days.
Though I would explain all that as the guild and its concept having matured over time, I believe it's RP in WoW itself that has matured a bit as well. Intricately planned events and campaigns slowly became more common as people began to explore the possibilities of the game's RP, and even WoW itself slowly evolved from a more 'open playground' feeling to a bigger focus on storytelling and ongoing plots. I can see exactly the same kind of developments in the guild. Events slowly became more meticulously planned out and our event schedule more consistent. We went from casually raiding Astranaar after a random guild meeting to having plot-heavy campaigns that have yet another overarching plot connecting those campaigns together. I'm sure that there may be some who might actually prefer the 'old ways' and going about things a little less serious and more casual. Personally though, I feel it's a positive development when you look at all the many amazing events and memorable moments that it brought with it.
Did Kozgugore as a character in any way change over the past several years that you've been playing him?
There are definitely some very big changes that Kozgugore underwent as a character. Some of that is of course due to me maturing and 'wising up' over the span of the twelve years that I played him, but it's certainly because of in-game developments as well. When I first started out with him as a concept, I actually intended for him to become a shaman because I found the class appealing and felt it would suit his concept of a veteran of the Horde who had seen Draenor in its heydays before everything went south. Because the guild I had planned to join then (Sons of Draenor, sort of the predecessor to Orcs of the Red Blade as Akesha was briefly in it as well) had so many shamans in it already though, I decided to change him to a hunter while keeping some of the shamanistic traits. It's a decision that I feel has turned out for the better to this very day, as it has quite coincidentally become a part of the very core concept of his persona.
Whereas he started out as a pretty run-off-the-mill orc character with his occasional bouts of blood rage, drunken moments, lust for glory and a healthy amount of pride, he slowly became a more grounded and sober orc over time. Part of that was of course due to him suddenly gaining a great amount of responsibility after his explosive rise through the ranks of the Red Blade and eventually becoming Chieftain, but also due to a more personal journey. The history of the Warcraft orcs is without a doubt one of the most interesting story lines I had dabbled in, so I wanted it to be reflected in Koz's history and behaviour. Thus, the two became interlocked in the sense that Kozgugore's history is tied to that of the orcs'. First there is pride, lots of wanton blood and glory, but then there is defeat, falling from grace and then a subsequent return to shamanism and an attempt to pick up the pieces of a lost history and a return to humility. I feel Koz made a similar development over the years, having had his piece of glory, falling from grace after feeling like he lost everything when Morgeth disappeared from his life, and then returning as Chieftain and attempting to pick up the pieces again. Especially with the plot line that seems to be brewing in Battle for Azeroth, where the honour of the Horde and its orcs is being put to the test, seems like a particularly interesting time to see how that will develop further. Speaking of which...
Where do you see the see guild going over the next few years? And when you look back at your tenure so far, how do you want to be remembered?
Now that's pretty hard to tell! After all, if you would have asked me this question a couple of years ago, I wouldn't have been able to guess that we would still be around in 2018. Then again, it would have been just as unlikely for me to guess that 2017 might have been the year of our permanent end, as it briefly seemed to be, for that matter! So with that in mind, it's a little strange to imagine that the guild might just as well be gone again in one or two years' time, but who knows it might always be a possibility. As we saw last time, people lose their interest in the game or their characters every now and then, or simply need a break from things. I do feel the guild has enough potential and a big enough core player base to stay around for a while longer to come. But personally speaking, I do feel that might depend a little on its leadership as well. The guild has always had a bit of a challenge when it comes to having plenty of active officers who are willing to put their back into keeping the show running. I've always enjoyed organizing things for others in that sense and would happily continue to do so, but even I have my limits, of course! Ideally speaking though, I hope the guild will see many more years to come and might even end up having an interesting story line to play through with the tone that's being set in BfA! In fact, should I be able to stick it out for that long myself, I already have a bit of a road map written out when it comes to the guild's overarching story line. Remember what I said about that creative energy that needs to keep on flowing? Well, that's what you get... along with an unhealthy dose of over-ambition!
Looking back at the times we've had so far though, I feel it's a strange road that I (or we, as the road that the guild's taken is in a way interlocked with my own) have taken. There's definitely a sort of pride when I think of the amount of time that I've been able to keep things together and kept people entertained for so long (with the help of all the other individuals that were involved along the way as well, of course). On the other hand, I sometimes do think to myself "Has it really been twelve years? What am I still doing here? I should be putting my creative energies in home decoration or gardening with how much older I am now!" Then I think of all the things I've obtained from all of it along the way though. I wouldn't have met the many friends I made (and still am making!) through the game and the guild, I wouldn't have learned certain valuable life lessons that I indirectly learned through my interaction in WoW and the people I met in it and I certainly wouldn't have met my other half for that matter either! And each of those things are things I would never want to trade in for anything else for the life of me. WoW and ORB have both been an incredibly integral part of my youth, upbringing and social network. And unlike what some people have tried to make me believe in the past, that's totally okay. So with that in mind, I can only hope that I will be remembered as someone who has tried to give back as much as he has received from the community that's played an ever so important role in his life. Even if the guild were to one day disappear, my primary hope is that the community would still stay together and cherish the many bonds that have been formed through this wonderful medium. If that were to happen, I'm sure I'll be remembered the way I want to be: one of many friends that have been made through WoW and ORB.
September 01, 2018, 03:15:00 PM
Dha'karth
Honored brothers and sisters,
We find ourselves upon distant and aliens shores. With our ship cast to the depths of the sea and the clan dogged by the Alliance navy, we have but one path: survive. And in order to survive, questionable things must sometimes be done. We must keep to the wilderness and find ourselves a way off this island. To this end, these pirates that we happened upon may prove useful yet. Even if this so-called Captain Curtsy may have once been our enemy, we may well need his aid to book ourselves passage off this rock.
As it appears, that very rock turns out to be the island of the nation of Kul Tiras. Some of you may no doubt still be familiar with them, having once set foot upon the shores of Kalimdor ere they were chased away by the efforts of the Horde. Even if it was not for that however, I doubt that any of them would see fit to give us a particularly warm welcome. The Alliance navy will no doubt seek to pick up our trail once more, even on distant shores such as these. So, we make do with what convenient allies we can find. That is, after all, how the Horde has seen fit to survive in times past. We must do so again, if just for the moment.
In spite of all that, know that even out here, the Code does not go forgotten. These pirates undoubtedly have their own set of codes to adhere to, and we may well have to tolerate their ways for the time being. When we ourselves act, however, we act on our own terms. So remember that no matter what it takes to continue our journey back to Kalimdor here in Kul Tiras, the spirits of our ancestors travel with us. Even here, adrift in a land of enemies.
For the Blood of Redblade,
Dha'karth (September) Events
[Campaign] Chapter IV: A World Divided
With the Siege of Lordaeron and the Drums of War campaign concluded, the Red Blade Clan has set sail back for Kalimdor. On their way there however, they have been beset upon by the ambitious Alliance High Captain Kasimir Procter. Stranded and without decent supplies or weapons on Kul Tiras, they must find a way to survive both the elements as well as the enemies that lurk upon these unfamiliar shores. A convenient ally has been found in Captain Climidea Curtsy who, with his band of buccaneers, has promised his support to the Red Blade Clan if they agree to help him out in his efforts against the Proudmoore Admiralty in return. An uneasy alliance is sure to follow as the clan makes its way through Kul Tiras in Chapter IV: A World Divided!
[Celebration] Peon Day
Though our fate in Kul Tiras is uncertain just yet, one thing is certain: Peon Day is fast approaching! Though often scorn and looked down upon, peons do in fact play an integral part in the war machine of the Horde, having long relied upon their labour to survive and endure. The Red Blade Clan's number one and favourite peon, Droof, has set about to organize this year's Peon Day on the 30th day of Dha'karth. A grand spectacle (and Droof's trademark catering, no doubt) is sure to follow!
Announcements
With the clan stranded on the island of Kul Tiras, it may be difficult for any potential newcomers to make contact with us. Though we're open to recruitment as always, it's worth bearing in mind that any applicants or guild friends wishing to seek us out will have to keep sharding and level 120 mobs in mind. We have the means to summon wherever we go and we will do what we can to take care of any level 120 mobs, but keep in mind that even IC, it's still a little early into the expansion to have the Horde freely traveling around on Kul Tiras just yet. As such, anyone wishing to seek us out may wish to not only keep the OOC risks in mind, but also bear in mind that they may want to come up with an IC excuse as to why they're on Kul Tiras themselves. It's not something to overthink though, so do seek us out if you've an interest as always!
[OOC] Kosh'harg Festival
Due to our ongoing campaign and Battle for Azeroth having only just released, the traditional Kosh'harg date is going to have to be moved. Since there are no other guilds taking the initiative to organize it just yet, the guild will most likely organize its own Kosh'harg next month, inviting only specific guilds and communities due to IC reasons. Keep an eye out for any upcoming announcements regarding that!