Warcraft III - The Frozen Throne Apathetic Aardvark Game Script Free domain, as long as this is left entirely as is with my name attached. Blizzard Entertainment is the creator of the story inside, with minor narrative notes from myself. Presently, this script goes up through the fourth level of the Scourge Campaign. Introduction Movie Illidan was banished by his brother, Furion Stormrage, who is known as Malfurion Stormrage in this game. He's out on a coast somewhere, in a large storm. Illidan: Betrayer. In truth, it was I who was betrayed. Still I am hunted, still I am hated. Now my blind eyes see what others cannot. That sometimes the hand of fate must be forced. Underneath the water, several creatures swim up to the surface and slither near him. They carry large tridents and are scaled. They stop before Illidan. Illidan: Now go forth, unleash the tides of doom upon all those who would oppose us. Begin Sentinel Campaign Chapter One: Rise of the Naga Though the demonlord, Archimonde, and the Burning Legion were finally defeated at the Battle of Mount Hyjal, much of Ashenvale Forest remains tainted by foul, demonic energies. The combined efforts of the Druids and the Sentinels have brought a tenuous peace to the northlands, but dark creatures still lurk within the shadowed woods. In this perilous time, Maiev Shadowsong, the warden who once guarded Illidan's barrow prison, has come forth to hunt her dangerous prey and chain him once again beneath the cold earth. She arrives to the eastern edge of the Ashenvale. Much of the land is still corrupted or burning. Maiev: These tracks are fresh, but they split off into opposite directions. Illidan must be getting help from someone. Watcher: Your orders, mistress? Maiev: You Watchers split up into two parties. Scour the woods. Find what you can. We'll meet you further up the coast. Remember sisters, if you find Illidan, do not attempt to take him without the rest of us. He is far too dangerous to tackle alone. Watcher: Yes, mistress. Half of the Watchers run off one way. Maiev: The rest of you, follow me. Maiev's forces quickly see small villages reeking of destruction. Archer: The bodies have been mutilated, do you suppose demons did this? Maiev: Illidan's stench hangs heavily over this place, but those tracks were not made by any demons I know of. Be wary, my sisters, there's no telling what horrors Illidan has called to his side. Before long, Maiev runs into some sea creatures sinking boats near another village. Archer: There, mistress! Those must be the creatures we're after. Naga: Wretched night elves, you are no match for the naga! Maiev: Naga? Many craven races have tempted our wrath over the centuries. None have survived! Naga: Wretched woman. We will retake the surface world and put an end to your vile race once and for all. The Naga are beaten down by Maiev's forces, but not before the boats are sunk and the village left in runes. Maiev: These poor folk were slain just like the others, Illidan has much to answer for. He'll wish he were still chained in his cell when I get through with him. Naisha: But these wrecks... Why would they destroy ships? Maiev: I don't know. Wait, he may have taken to the sea. Hurry, sisters! The port of Nendis lies to the north. Perhaps there we can find a ship and set sail after Illidan. Before long, Maiev reaches the port, but Illidan and the Naga are already there. Illidan quickly boards a boat and sails off. Naga: Quickly, you fools! The ships must be burned. The master doesn't wish to be followed. Maiev: I cannot allow Illidan to escape again! We must slay those naga before they burn the ships. Naga: You are too late, little warden. The master has already set sail for distant shores. However, he wished to thank you for the hospitality you provided during his imprisonment. He asked us to repay you... in kind. Maiev: You're certainly welcome to try, monster! Maiev's forces slay the naga before the boats are sunk. The port, however, is not as lucky. It's burning to the ground. Naisha: Mistress, do you believe we can defeat Illidan even if we find him? [Note: this is the spoken line, the typed line of the story is done incorrectly, stating "...do you believe we can we defeat Illidan..." Maiev: Illidan has grown powerful: of that, there is no doubt. He consumed the energies of the Skull of Gul'dan. Now he is neither night elf nor demon, but something more. Archer: Mistress, why would the naga harbor so much hatred for us? Maiev: We must trust time to reveal all things. Now hurry. Illidan has a considerable lead on us. We must capture him before he causes any more harm. Maiev's forces hop into a pair of boats and set sail. Chapter Two: The Broken Isles The next day, Maiev's boats run into a mysterious chain of islands. The island's house many ruins. Naisha: Mistress, we followed Illidan's course due east as you asked, but these strange islands do not appear on any of our maps. Maiev: I suspected as much. These islands must have been formed only recently. Naisha: What makes you say that? Maiev: The ruins all around us, Naisha... I recognize them. This was once the great city of Suramar, built before our civilization was blasted beneath the sea ten thousand years ago. Naisha: But how could... Are you suggesting that these islands were somehow raised from the seafloor. Maiev: Perhaps, though there are few powers left in the world capable of raising islands from the deeps. Regardless, it's a mystery we'll have to solve later. We'd best head inland and set up a base camp. Once we're situated, we'll pick up Illidan's trail. Here, sisters. Let's establish a base so we can continue our hunt for Illidan. During the mission, a strange orc named Drak'thul sends Maiev on a task to destroy some pits which constantly force dead orcs to fight each other. He doesn't say why, or how it got there, but a player may wish to do this. As this is one of a few bonus missions which has real relevance to the story, I'll go into it. Once Maiev returns to Drak'thul, after ending the fighting, he tells the story. Drak'thul: Thank you, stranger. Now, hear my tale. Nearly twenty years ago, the great warlock Gul'dan raised these islands from the deeps. He sought to unearth an ancient vault that held the remains of the Dark Titan. Maiev: Sargeras! You speak of the Legion's creator! Drak'thul: The same. After Sargeras' defeat, ages ago, his remains were locked away in an undersea tomb. Gul'dan believed that opening the tomb would grant him the Dark Titan's power. For his pride, he and the rest of our clan were torn to shreds by crazed demons. I have wandered these isles ever since, haunted by the ghosts of my slaughtered comrades. Maiev: Your tale is as intriguing as it is dire, Drak'thul. It's a shame your ghosts lie silent. You deserve far worse than their company for what you set loose in this place. Illidan, meanwhile, finds the Tomb of Sargeras. Illidan: At last! The Tomb of Sargeras is found! You, my trusted servants, must remain here and guard the entrance. If that wretched warden managed to reach this island, she'll certainly try to follow us. Maiev, Naisha, and the rest of her hunters are just behind. Naisha: Illidan! I knew we'd find him! We'll have to fight our way through the naga's defenses in order to follow him! Maiev: We locked Illidan beneath the earth long ago. I intend to do so again. Illidan turns into his demon form and busts a hole into the tomb. Maiev and her forces deal with the naga guards as quickly as they can. Maiev: Now quickly, my sisters! Illidan must be stopped at all costs! Chapter Three; The Tomb of Sargeras Moments later, Maiev's forces enter the tomb. Naisha: I have a bad feeling about this, mistress. It's too quiet. It feels as if we're walking into a trap. Maiev: Still, we must press on, Naisha. If Illidan finds whatever it is he's seeking, he could... wait! Look there! Strange... these are orcish runes! They were written by Gul'dan when he first opened this tomb twenty years ago. Naisha: What do they say? Maiev: Apparently, he logged his journey through the Tomb's depths. These runes must depict that history. There is a flashback. Gul'dan is in the Tomb with seven shaman's. Gul'dan: Quickly, you fools, fan out and search every primary passageway! We must reach the chamber of the eye before the tomb's guardians awaken! Something roars in the distance, the shaman's start to run. Gul'dan kills one of them. Gul'dan: Spineless cowards! I said move! The shaman's split up in different directions, Gul'dan goes straight ahead. Gul'dan: Now, Sargares. I will claim whatever's left of your power, and bring this wretched world to its knees! End flashback. Maiev: There's no telling what Gul'dan and his lackeys awoke in this foul place. We must be cautious. Maiev journeys ahead and runs into another set of glyphs. Maiev: There, more of Gul'dan's glyphs! Interesting. They continue the warlock's tale. Flashback. Gul'dan: Blasted, feeble-minded weaklings! They're all likely dead by now! Still, I must press on. My power alone should be enough to-- There is loud laughter. Gul'dan: That laughter... Is that you, Sargeras? You seek to mock me? We'll see who laughs last, demon, when I claim your burning eye for my own! End flashback. Naisha: Again, he references this mysterious 'eye'. What could it be? Maiev: An artifact, no doubt. It must have contained tremendous demonic power to lure Gul'dan here as it did. Maiev continues along the trail. She notices of Azshara, a queen of ages past who allied with Sargeras. Maiev: Strange, it's a statue of Azshara, the great queen of old; she led our people to ruin by consorting with Sargeras and his Burning Legion. Only... I don't recall her ever having a tail. Questions solve themselves quickly, in this tomb, however. Not more than a few turns away a Naga leader stands. Lady Vashj: You've come far enough, little warden. Your vaunted night elf justice has no jurisdiction here. Maiev: What would you know of us or our justice, naga witch? Lady Vashj: Why, my dear, we naga were once night elves! We were Azshara's chosen, the highborne, banished beneath the cruel seas when the Well of Eternity imploded around us! Cursed, transformed... we have waited ten thousand years to retake our rightful place in the world. And now, with Lord Illidan's help, we shall. Maiev: Not while I draw breath! Lady Vashj: Your courage is commendable, but it shall avail you nothing. Vashj runs off, leaving several naga for Maiev to deal with . She defeats them and before long runs into another set of glyphs in front of a huge gate. Naisha: Look, mistress, more of Gul'dan's glyphs. Maiev: Yes, Gul'dan's script seems to grow more desperate. It reads that he was... Flashback Gul'dan: Ambushed... by the guardians... I am... dying. If my servants... had not abandoned me, I could have claimed the Eye and-- Damn you, Sargeras! I won't be beaten like this! I am Gul'dan! I am darkness incarnate! It cannot end... like this. End flashback Maiev: This is as far as he got. The runes simply trail off. I cannot imagine what horrors Gul'dan faced in his final moments. Maiev knocks down the massive gate. Illidan, Vashj and several naga are on the otherside. There is a glowing green object floating in front of Illidan. Illidan: Hahaha. So, Warden Shadowsong, you've made it at last. I knew you would. Maiev: You have much to pay for, Illidan. I'm taking you back to your cell. Illidan: Naivete does not suit you. When I consumed the power of Gul'dan's skull, I inherited his memories, especially those of this place... and the dark prize he coveted. Maiev: Yes, the power of Sargeras. You would claim it as your own! Illidan: That power is beyond my reach, little warden. But this... the Eye of Sargeras, contains all the power I'll need to rid this wretched world of my enemies once and for all. Ironic, that you should be its first victim. Maiev: You're insane! Illidan: Isolation can do that to the mind. Now, after all the long centuries you kept me chained in darkness, it is only fitting that I bury you in turn. The Eye of Sargeras causes the tomb to begin to collapse under the water. The night elves are trapped inside of this great hall. Maiev: Damn! I must reach Shan'do Stormrage and warn him of his brother's treachery. My power will allow me to escape, but I fear there is no way out for the rest of you. Naisha: Go, mistress! The goddess will light our path to the hereafter. Maiev: I will not forget you, my sisters. You will be avenged. I swear it! Maiev uses her blink skill to bypass the blocked door. Maiev: Now, I've got to find a way out before this cursed tomb is drowned by the seas! Maiev blinks her way back to the entrance, dodging several crowds of monsters which have just recently appeared. Chapter Four: Wrath of the Betrayer A few hours later, Maiev makes it back to her base, bruised and battered from the combat. Huntress: What happened, mistress? Where are Naisha and the others? Maiev: They are lost, Illidan claimed the Eye of Sargeras and used its power to bury our sisters alive! Now he intends to finish the rest of us off! We have no choice but to sail back to Kalimdor and warn Shan'do Stormrage of what his brother intends. Huntress: It's too late, mistress! Illidan's forces have arrived! Maiev: We cannot escape, but perhaps we can send for reinforcements. Summon the runner! She must reach the shoreline and sail back to Kalimdor. With any luck, Shan'do Stormrage will reach us before we're overrun! Be swift, sister! The runner exits the base and is immediately put into a net by some naga. As a narrative note, I would like to point out the runner is about the slowest unit in the entire night elf army, if not the game. Huntress: The Runner is in trouble! Protect her! Maiev: Tor ilisar'thera'nal! Maiev, a few archers, and druids of the claw go to aid the runner and kill off the naga. They are however separated from their base. The runner eventually reaches a boat, along with the rest of Maiev's small force. Maiev clears the way of naga, knocks down some gates, and several other small tasks to allow the boat free passage to sea. Maiev: Elune grant that she reaches Shan'do Stormrage in time. If not, Illidan may never be stopped. Interlude: Unfinished Business Malfurion and Tyrande are in the moonglade discussing the aftermath of the Burning Legion. Much of the ground around them is still corrupted. Malfurion: Nordrassil's [The World Tree] roots seem to be healing well. I wish I could say the same for Felwood. I fear the Legion's corruption may scar the glade permanently. Tyrande: Your druids will think of something. Perhaps Ysera or Alexstrasza could lend their-- A druid of the claw escorts the runner from Maiev's camp to Malfurion and Tyrande. Druid of the Claw: Your pardon, Shan'do Stormrage, Priestess Tyrande, but she insisted that she be allowed to see you. Tyrande: Who are you, girl? What is so urgent? Runner: I am a servant of the Warden, Maiev Shadowsong, she who pledged to hunt down the betrayer, Illidan. Malfurion: Illidan? Explain yourself! Runner: Your pardon, Shan'do, but your brother has raised a dark army from the sea and stolen a powerful demonic artifact! Even now, my mistress battles him on the broken isles! She requires immediate reinforcements! Tyrande: I will go. I will lead the Sentinels myself. Malfurion: No, my love. The druids and I can handle-- Tyrande: I am the one who set him free. The responsibility is mine. Malfurion: Then we shall both go. If this girl's tale is true, Maiev will need all the help she can get. Chapter Five: Balancing the Scales The next day, Malfurion and Tyrande arrive near Maiev's settlement with a small force. Maiev is still holding out against constant naga attacks. Tyrande's owl scouts search the area. One of them spots her base. Maiev: Hold your ground, my warriors! Goddess willing, Shan'do Stormrage will come. Back at the shore, the bulk of Malfurion's forces have made it off the boats. Malfurion: We've landed safely, but a few of our ships may have run ground on the outlying islands. I hate to leave any of our forces behind, but we simply have no time to wait. Tyrande: My owls have already scouted ahead of us and found Maiev's location. She and her forces are under attack, but we'll need to pass through the jungle to reach her. Malfurion: Perhaps force of nature will speed our way. Malfurion removes several trees blocking the way with force of nature, bring several treants to life. Tyrande: We'd best make haste. I doubt Maiev's forces can hold out much longer. Malfurion and Tyrande fight their way through some clumps of enemies and a basic naga base before reaching Maiev. Her goldmines have collapsed and most of her army has fallen. Maiev: Elune be praised! I knew you would come, Shan'do Stormrage! Malfurion: I'm glad we reached you in time, Maiev. Maiev: Priestess Tyrande, I'm surprised you came in person. Are you here to absolve your guilty conscience? Tyrande: I did what I had to do, Maiev. You are in no position to judge me. Maiev: What you did was murder my Watchers and set the Betrayer free! It is you who should be locked in a cage. Malfurion: Stop this, both of you! We're not out of danger yet. Maiev, what's the situation here? Maiev: There are no resources left in this area, Shan'do. We'll need to find a gold mine if we're to marshal more troops for an assault on Illidan's compound. Malfurion: Very well. Let's get moving, then. Eventually, they mount enough forces to attack Illidan's base. Illidan: Tyrande! What are you doing here? This battle does not concern you. Tyrande: I was wrong to set you free, Illidan. I can see that now. You've become a monster. Raw power is no substitute for true strength, Illidan. That is why I chose your brother over you. Before long, Illidan's naga fall, but there is no sign of him. Maiev: Victory is ours! It has been an honor to fight at your side, Shan'do. Malfurion: This battle is far from over, Maiev. Illidan has yet to be accounted for, and I've seen no sign of Tyrande, either. Tyrande is somewhere else in the forest, chasing down Illidan and a few naga herself. Tyrande: Show yourself, Illidan! It's over! Illidan: Not yet, my little priestess. A pity you couldn't see things my way. Now you, and the whole world, will understand just what I'm capable of! Ash Karath! Some naga throw a net over Tyrande trapping her. Maiev and Malfurion arrive moments later. Illidan: Brother! What are you doing here? Malfurion: I've come to stop you, Illidan. Instead of banishing you, I should have returned you to your cage when I had the chance! I was weak then, but no longer. Illidan: I have sworn allegiance to a new master, brother. I have a great task to perform in his service. I'm sorry, but I cannot allow you to stand in my way. Tyrande breaks free of the net and casts starfall. Illidan gets out just in time, but his naga forces are slaughtered by it. Malfurion, Tyrande, and Maiev make it to shore just in time to watch Illidan sail off in a boat. Malfurion: Don't worry, my love. We'll find Illidan wherever he runs. We'll find him. Chapter Six: Shards of the Alliance Three days later, in Western Lordaeron, Malfurion and company make landfall in the Silverpine Forest, formerly of the Elven kingdom. The woods are in bad shape, the ground still corrupted. Maiev: Our forces will be ready to move out soon, although we still know next to nothing about this strange land Illidan has run to. Malfurion: This land is called Lordaeron, Maiev. It is the homeland of the Alliance that aided us at the Battle of Mount Hyjal. I was told that its kingdoms, both human and elven, were consumed by the undead Scourge. These forests have suffered grievously. I must leave you both for a time. I will enter the woods and attempt to commune with the land itself. Maiev: While you're gone, we'll set out and try to pick up Illidan's trail. Malfurion: I expect you both to stay focused on your task. You can settle your personal dispute after we've found my brother. Maiev: Of course, Shan'do. We'd best get moving. Shan'do wanders off, Tyrande and Maiev continue until they reach the outskirts of an encampment. Tyrande: This was an Alliance encampment. The attack must have come recently. Blood Elven Swordsman: Strangers, milord! They don't appear to be undead, but... Kael'thas: Ishnu-alah, night elves. I am Prince Kael'thas. I must admit, I'm surprised to see your kind there. But, whatever your business, I fear you will find only death and shadow in this cursed land. Maiev: Ishnu-dal-dieb, Kael'thas. I am Maiev Shadowsong, and this is Tyrande Whisperwind. We are hunting a powerful demon that arrived here recently. Kael'thas: Curious, I don't know about any demon, but something's riled the undead based at Dalaran. They've been hounding us day and night. We were about to abandon this post and seek refuge on the other side of the River Arevass. Tyrande: Hmmmm. Then we shall lend you our aid, young Kael. Maiev: Wait, we have no time for this. Tyrande: Perhaps once your people are safe, you will help us hunt the demon we seek? Kael'thas: It would be an honor, milady. As they escort Kael's troops towards the river, Multiple attacks come from basic undead units, which are no match for them. Maiev quickly questions Tyrande's order to help these people. Maiev: We are wasting our time here, Tyrande. We should be looking for Illidan. Tyrande: These people need our help, Maiev! Their brethren aided us against the Legion. We will honor that debt now. Kael'thas: Sadly, I have only a few warriors left. The Scourge has pressed us hard these last few months. Maiev: Kael, where are your high elven brethren? Do they not fight the undead as you do? Kael'thas: The Scourge devoured our ancient homeland of Quel'Thalas. The once proud bloodline of my people is nearly spent. The few of us that remain now call ourselves blood elves, in homage to our murdered people. Tyrande: I grieve for your people, Kael. But you must not allow rage and despair to poison your heart. You may lead your people to a brighter future. Before long, there is a fork in the road. Fortunately, Kael knows which path leads to what. Kael'thas: We stand at a crossroads, my friends. There is a shorter path to our destination, but it will take us perilously close to an undead bastion. The other route is safer, but it will take us longer to cross the river. Maiev: Both routes will be dangerous, nonetheless. Let us choose quickly and be on our way. Either way, Kael's wagons will eventually make it to a bridge near the river, inside of a small village. Kael'thas: Ah, Pyrewood Village. The River Arevass lies just beyond. Maiev: Something doesn't feel right. Tyrande: Yes. Perhaps we should keep the caravan moving? Several undead come out from the village and attack. Kael'thas: Damn! They were waiting for us! Protect the caravan at all costs! Tyrande: Their numbers are limitless! They just keep coming. Maiev: We've driven them back, but the second wave is advancing! Kael'thas: We've run out of time! The caravan will not survive another assault! Tyrande: Kael, get your caravan moving across the river! I will stay behind and hold the bridge! Maiev: That's very noble of you, Priestess, but you're no match for a force that vast! Tyrande: The goddess is my shield, warden. Elune will grant me the strength. Kael's caravans and Maiev get across the river, Tyrande stands on the middle of the bridge and casts starfall, slaughtering several undead near her. Kael'thas: It's working! She's holding them back! Tyrande: Merciful goddess! The starfall is too powerful, it slowly destroys the bridge Tyrande is on. Before long, it collapses and she flies down the river. Kael'thas: We must hurry to save her! That current will take her straight into the heart of the undead lands! Maiev: No, Kael. Tyrande is a soldier; she knew the risks she took. We have a greater mission to accomplish now, and our time grows short. Your people are now safe. You will uphold your end of the bargain and help me hunt the demon I seek. Interlude: Malfurion's Vision In the Silverpine Forest, Malfurion communes with the spirits of the wild. Malfurion: This forest has suffered as much as Ashenvale. The vile blight of the Scourge has deadened countless acres of trees. If only the druids could-- The entire world shakes. Malfurion: Aaarrrgggh! The earth... is being... torn apart. The pain is... excruciating! Ancient spirits of the forest, I implore you, show me what is hidden from my sight! Show me what troubles this earth. A few wisps pop out and surround Malfurion. They show him a barren iceland. Malfurion: I see the frozen land of Northrend, the very roof of the world. The land itself is being split asunder! How can this be? What could cause such devastation? The spirits spin again, they show Malfurion the city of Dalaran. Illidan is there with the Eye of Sargeras. Illidan: It's working! Nothing can withstand the power of the eye! Soon now, my master's enemies will be undone, and I can claim my just reward. The spirits stop showing Malfurion images. Malfurion: Thank you, great spirits. I know what must be done. I promise you, this treachery will not go unpunished! Chapter Seven: The Ruins of Dalaran That evening, Maiev and Kael have set up bases just outside of Dalaran, Malfurion rushes to this base. Malfurion: Maiev! We've got to move quickly. Illidan is weaving a spell that is splitting apart the roof of the world! We must... wait... where is Tyrande? Maiev: I am sorry, Shan'do, but the priestess has fallen. We aided a band of Alliance warriors against the undead. The priestess fought valiantly, but I saw her torn apart with my own eyes. Malfurion: Torn apart? Tyrande, my heart... I should have been there. Maiev: You can still avenger her, Shan'do. Let us attack Illidan together! He is the reason we even came to this forsaken place. He is the reason for your loss. Shan'do, this is Prince Kael'thas, the ally I spoke of. Kael'thas: Greetings, great druid. My scouts have confirmed that this Illidan and his vile snakes are based at the ruined city of Dalaran. They are using a gem-like artifact to perform some strange ritual. Maiev: They must be using the Eye of Sargeras! But why would they strike at the roof of the world? Malfurion: It doesn't matter. They won't live long enough to finish their spell. Illidan must be stopped once and for all! Malfurion and Maiev bring their forces to the Eye of Sargeras and defeat the naga summoners and others there. The spell is broken. Illidan is trapped in the summoning area, Maiev and Malfurion stand above. Illidan: No! The spell is not done! It is not done! Malfurion: It is over, brother. Your vile schemes end here. Maiev: Illidan Stormrage, for recklessly endangering countless lives and threatening the very balance of the world, I hereby sentence you to death! Malfurion: Too much blood has been spilled on your account, Illidan. Even now I can feel the lands of Northrend reeling from the spell you cast. Imprisonment will not be enough this time. Maiev: I will execute you myself. Maiev blinks into the area with Illidan. Malfurion traps him in entangling roots. Illidan: Fools! Can you not see? The spell we channeled was meant to strike at the undead, our common enemy! My mission was to destroy the Lich King's stronghold of Icecrown! Malfurion: At no heed to the cost? Because of you, Tyrande is dead! Illidan: What? Kael'thas: Your pardon, Lord Stormrage, but the priestess may still be alive! She was swept downriver, but it's premature to simply assume that-- Maiev: Silence, Kael! Malfurion: You told me she was torn apart! You lied to me! Maiev: The Betrayer's capture was our primary concern, Shan'do. I needed your help. I knew you would go to her and we would lose our chance! I... Malfurion: Just who is the betrayer now, woman? I must go to her immediately. Illidan: Believe me, brother, despite all our differences, you know that I would never lead Tyrande to harm. Let me help you. My naga can scour the river for us! Let me do this, at least. Malfurion: Very well. Maiev: What? After all he's done, you would trust this traitor to... Malfurion removes the entangling roots from Illidan and places them around Maiev. Malfurion: Silence! I will deal with you later. Let's go, brother. Chapter Eight: The Brothers Stormrage An hour later, on the banks of the Arevass River, Malfurion and Illidan feverishly search for Tyrande. Illidan: Prince Kael'thas said he last saw Tyrande being swept down this river. If she is alive, my naga will find her. Malfurion: They had best return with good news, brother. The very sight of them makes my stomach turn. Where did you ever find such loathsome creatures? Illidan: Believe me, brother, you do not want to know. Naga Myrmidon: Lord Illidan, we have found your missing priestess. She and her warriors fight on against the undead, but I doubt they can hold out much longer. The scene shifts to Tyrande. She has a minimal amount of troops and a couple ancient protectors helping her hold a small area of the river. Tyrande: Come forth, you mindless wretches, and taste the wrath of the Sentinels! Elune's light shall never falter! Naga Myrmidon: You'd best hurry if you're to save her! Just then, a fleet of undead air units flies over the river. They fly past Malfurion and Illidan. Illidan: An undead strike force! But they're completely ignoring us! What could... Malfurion: Tyrande! Illidan: Their flying horrors fill the sky! It would be folly to send your flyers against them! Malfurion: We cannot depend on them now! Illidan, you must hold the undead here and prevent them from assaulting Tyrande's encampment. I will journey downriver and... Illidan: No, brother. The naga and I can reach her faster! I will go. Malfurion: What you say is true, but I risk much by trusting you, Illidan. Illidan: I swear on my life that I will bring her back, my brother. Malfurion: I... believe you. Ande'thoras-ethil, brother. Illidan's naga fight their way through the undead to reach Tyrande, while Malfurion lends support from the other side of the river. Tyrande holds out for a considerable amount of time, until Illidan finally reaches her. Tyrande: Illidan! What trickery is this? Have you come to finish me off personally? Illidan: No, Tyrande. You must believe me. I've come to save you! Tyrande: Save me? Illidan makes a portal. Back at Malfurion's base, he paces restlessly. Malfurion: Where could they be? He should have brought her back by now! Illidan: Hurry! This is our last chance! Tyrande and Illidan go through the portal. Another portal opens just in front of Malfurion. Tyrande: You... risked your life for me. I don't understand. Illidan: Whatever I may be, whatever I may become in this world; know that I will always look out for you, Tyrande. Malfurion: Tyrande! Tyrande: I knew you would not forsake me! Malfurion: I thought I'd lost you forever, my love. If not for Illidan's aid, I may well have. Illidan: We have had much strife between us, my brother. I have known only ages of hate for you. But, for my part, I wish it to end. From this day forward, let there be peace between us. Finale: A Parting of Ways Moments later, in Malfurion's base, Illidan prepares to depart. Malfurion: You have brought much suffering to the world, Illidan. For that, you can never be forgiven. However, you saved the life of my love. For that I will let you go. But, should you ever threaten my people again... Illidan: I understand, brother. Lordship over this world was never my aim... only power... only the magic. I've lingered here too long. I must go. By aiding you, I have betrayed my new master. If I am not careful, his wrath will be my end. Illidan opens a portal. Illidan: Farewell, brother... Tyrande. I doubt our paths will cross again. En'shu falah-nah. Illidan goes through the portal, Maiev and her Watchers run into the area. Maiev: Fools! Have you no sense of justice? Tyrande: Maiev, Illidan has atoned for his crimes! He is no longer a threat to... Maiev runs by Tyrande and runs into the portal. Her forces follow her. Malfurion: It's no use, Tyrande. She has become vengeance itself, bound forever to the hunt. I only pray that in her zeal, she doesn't cause even more havoc than Illidan. The portal finally closes, leaving Malfurion and Tyrande. Tyrande: Now, let's go home, beloved. We've earned our rest. End Sentinel Campaign. This campaign unlocks the bonus campaign, which is mainly to explore several of the "tavern" heroes and a new orc hero. It is the only thing resembling an orc campaign in the game. It is unfortunately barren of any real story, tedious, and annoyingly long filled with great boredom. Because of this, I will not be covering that campaign in this script. Begin Alliance Campaign. Chapter One: Misconceptions Grand Marshal Garithos' leads the humans who survived Dalaran. They have rebuilt the area into one of the last bastions of the alliance. They are waiting for Kael'thas to arrive, but he is late. Garithos: You are late, Prince Kael'thas. I thought you elves prided yourselves on punctuality. Kael'thas: It could not be helped, Lord Garithos. We ran into a group of night elves from across the sea and-- Garithos: I am not interested in your fanciful excuses! You elves are here to serve the Alliance: thus, you will obey my commands to the letter! Is that clear? Kael'thas: Yes, Lord Garithos. Garithos: Now, the undead have begun a new offensive to retake Dalaran. Their primary strike force marched south through Silverpine, but we managed to halt its advance at the base of the mountains. Kael'thas: My men are ready to fight, milord! When shall we leave for the front? Garithos: We will be leaving immediately. But, your people will be staying here. Our scouts report that a second strike force may be heading this way from the east. I need you to repair the outlying observatories so that we can monitor that region. Kael'thas: But, milord, we are warriors, not-- Garithos: You have your orders, Prince Kael'thas. I trust your elven ears heard them clearly enough. Move out! Garithos and his knights rush off to the front lines. Kael'thas: Insolent son of a... Let's get this over with! Kael'thas and his forces repair the first observatory and head to the shore so they can sail over to the second and third ones. A small undead force attacks them there, but they are dealt with easily enough. The shipyard, however, has burnt to the ground. Kael'thas: Damn. We'll have to find a way across the lake to reach the outlying goldmine. Lady Vashj and her naga swim in. Behind the last few are some boats. Kael'thas: Naga! You fought for the demon Illidan! Lady Vashj: We are on our own now, good prince. I am called Lady Vashj. My brethren and I come in peace, to offer you our aid. Kael'thas: You have nothing I need, witch. Lady Vashj: Is that so? I thought you might require boats to reach the observatories you seek. Kael'thas: And you would give these freely? Why should I trust you, my lady? Lady Vashj: Our two races share a common ancestry, Kael. Now, against the undead, we share a common peril. These boats are merely a gesture of goodwill. Kael'thas: Then I accept your offer. Thank you. With these boats, Kael is able to sail over and repair the final two observatories. Just as he completes the last one, Lord Garithos rides over to him. Kael'thas: Hail, Lord Garithos. The observatories have been repaired as you requested. We were just about to-- Garithos: I received ill news from the front line. Is it true you've consorted with the vile naga? Kael'thas: Well, yes, milord. They helped us cross the lake. I assure you they pose no threat to us or to-- Garithos: They are inhuman and must be crushed like any other enemy! Be careful where you place your loyalties, blood elf. I will not tolerate treason in my ranks. Now I must return to the front. You will remain here and wait for further orders. Chapter Two: A Dark Covenant The next day, at Kael's small encampment, his elves ready themselves to move out. One of Garithos' emissary's arrives with orders. Emissary: Greetings, Prince Kael. I bring word from Grand Marshal Garithos. Kael'thas: What news from the front? Emissary: Apparently the observatories you repaired detected a large undead force massing nearby. Lord Garithos has commanded that you crush the undead before they can march on Dalaran. Kael'thas: That doesn't sound too difficult. Emissary: Unfortunately, your forces may be a little thinned. You see, Lord Garithos has also ordered that all foot soldiers, cavalry and support teams report to the front lines immediately. You men, move out! Kael'thas: This is preposterous! Am I to assault the undead with nothing but sticks and harsh language? Emissary: The grand marshal has great confidence in your... abilities. Be creative. The emissary leaves with the bulk of Kael's army. Kael'thas: Garithos... I'm starting to hate that man. With no men to guard Kael's outlying camps, they all fall quickly, and Kael is left in the middle of the lake with a small force to defend it. Spell Breaker: Prince Kael, they've take over our outlying bases. We're completely surrounded! Kael'thas: Those bases are lost. We'll just have to improvise. Vashj's naga again arrive. Lady Vashj: Ishnu-dal-dieb, Prince Kael. We've come to join your fight against the vile dead. Kael'thas: Greetings, Lady Vashj. I would welcome your aid gladly, but the commander I serve does not approve of your kind. Lady Vashj: I do not see him here, sharing your peril. Let me bolster your forces with my own. If not, you and your brethren will surely fall. Kael'thas: What you say is true. But... I... I accept your offer, Vashj. Lady Vashj: Good. Let's get to it, then. With Vashj's aid, Kael and his troops are able to drive the undead out of the area. Kael'thas: You have my thanks, Lady. This victory would not have been possible without your aid, though I fear I may have doomed myself by accepting it. Lady Vashj: The human you serve trusts no race but his own. His sense of honor runs no deeper than his tolerance. Kael'thas: It is loyalty and duty that bind me to him and to this... failing Alliance. But now those tenets seem as distant as our ruined homeland. All I know is that my brethren and I hunger for something more. Lady Vashj: Then perhaps, young Kael, it is time to find a new path... to power and glory. Kael'thas: I can't explain it exactly, but ever since our homeland was destroyed, my brethren and I have felt empty... almost drained of our spirit. There is a hunger now that has... hardened our hearts. Lady Vashj: I know this hunger, Kael. Like us, your people are addicted to magic! It flowed through your veins for ever ten thousand years. And now, with the corruption of your land and the Sunwell that empowered you... Kael'thas: We have been cut off from our power, from our birthright! Without a new source of magic, my people will surely die. Lady Vashj: There are other fronts of power in this world, Kael. Demons, for instance. Kael'thas: You speak of madness, my lady. We will never be that desperate. Lady Vashj: Your aversion is understandable. But still-- Spell Breaker: Prince Kael! Grand Marshal Garithos has arrived. He's brought a full battalion with him. Kael'thas: Damn. Vashj, you'd best leave. I cannot guarantee your people's safety. The naga head back towards the water as Garithos moves in. His troops spot the retreating naga. Knight: Naga warriors! Garithos: Forget about them! So, Kael, you've shown your true colors at last. I knew you were in league with those serpents. Now I have all the proof I need to execute every traitorous one of you! Kael'thas: Please, milord, spare my men! It was my decision to-- Garithos: Save your breath. I never trusted you vainglorious elves. It was a mistake to accept you into the Alliance in the first place. Now, at long last, you'll be dealt with appropriately. Take them away! Garithos and his men take Kael away, back towards Dalaran. Vashj watches from some tall weeds. Chapter Three: The Dungeons of Dalaran Kael and his men are being held in the magical prisons underneath of Dalaran. They've been held for two days, awaiting their execution. Kael'thas: How could I have let this happen to my brethren? Locked in these cells, our thirst for magic will devour us. Guard Marcus: It'll all be over soon, traitor. Lord Garithos plans to execute the lot of you at dawn. Guard Trogdar: Sunrise can't get here fast enough. These elves give me the creeps. Guard Marcus: Don't worry. This prison was built by the Kirin Tor to keep their pets from getting loose. The elves' magic is useless inside those enchanted cells. Lady Vashj slithers up from some green water in the prison. She kills both guards with forked lightning and breaks the door to Kael's cell. Lady Vashj: Greetings, Kael. I assume we're not too late. Kael'thas: On the contrary, Vashj. Your timing is impeccable. Once again, I am in your debt. But even if we free my brethren, there is nowhere to run. Garithos' forces outnumber us ten to one. Lady Vashj: You stand at a dangerous crossroads. You can either stay here and be slaughtered by human hands... or choose a darker path... to freedom. Kael'thas: What is this darker path? Lady Vashj: In the city above us stands a portal, a gateway that leads to other worlds. Kael'thas: Yes, I know it. The lich, Kel'Thuzad, opened it to bring Archimonde here. Lady Vashj: Yes. My master, Illidan, awaits us on the other side of that portal! Lead your people to him, and he will forge you a new destiny. He will sate your people's burning hunger. Kael'thas: Side with a rogue demon... or lead my people to their certain deaths. There is no choice here, Vashj. We'll have to free my lieutenants first. They'll be able to rally the others while we assault the exit. Lady Vashj: As you will. Vashj and Kael traverse the dungeon. Many of the Kirin Tor's pets roam freely, along with several of Garithos' men. Guard Seth: The blasted elves are free! We can't take 'em alone! Guard Troy: We don't have to. We can loose these creatures on 'em! Many of these creatures are extremely powerful, but Kael's troops rally to push on through them. Eventually, Kael is but two gates away from the end of the prison. One of them opens and the Jailor comes forth. Jailor Kassan: You've gone as far as you're going to go, Prince Kael. Make it easy on yourself. Kael'thas: You served the Kirin Tor well, Kassan, but the old order has passed away. My people and I are leaving this damned prison one way or another. Jailor Kassan: It's a shame to see a good wizard gone bad. Do what you have to do, lad. During this level, there was a chance to open a secret level. The dialogue at the end of this level changes slightly if you did. The following dialogue assumes you did. Also, the next level is the secret level I just mentioned. Kael defeats the Jailor and the rest of his forces. The path to freedom is open. Kael'thas: My brethren are assembled, Vashj. Now all we need to do is reach this portal of yours and-- Lady Vashj: Hold, good prince. We will need to keep the portal open long enough to usher everyone through. But Garithos' forces will likely attack it before we can make our escape. Kael'thas: Then I will hold him at bay. I'll buy you all the time you'll need. Secret Level: The Crossing Moments later, Kael and his forces bust out of the prison and run through the streets of Dalaran. The portal is closer to them than Garithos' forces are. Still there will be an inevitable conflict. Kael'thas: Quickly, my brethren, take your positions. Garithos' forces will be here any moment. Lady Vashj: We have reached the portal, Kael. Now we'll attempt to open it! Engineer: Prince Kael, the other engineers and I helped to build Dalaran's original defenses. We could salvage materials from these ruins and construct whatever defensive towers you need. Kael'thas: Glad to hear it. You'd best get moving. Meanwhile, north just a bit, Garithos discovers what Kael is up to. Garithos: Blasted elves. I knew they'd try something like this. Forget about those damned towers, I want that portal destroyed! Those traitors aren't going anywhere. Use these explosives on the portal! Whoever destroys the portal will be a hero! Vashj opens the portal to full intensity. We've done it. The portal is open. Let the exodus begin! Kael'thas: Well done, Vashj. If we build more strategic towers, we should be able to hold off Garithos' forces long enough for our people to get through. Lady Vashj: You'd better be right. If the portal falls, none of us will survive! Garithos sends waves of troops to get towards the portal. Kael and his towers hold them all of. Before long, all of his troops have made it through the portal. Lady Vashj: Kael, everyone is through! Fall back and we'll close the portal behind us! Kael'thas: All right, men! Pull back! Back to the portal! Lady Vashj: Now, young prince, we take one final step... towards destiny. Vashj and Kael go through the portal and close it behind themselves. Completing this bonus unlocks the Pandaran Brewmaster hero for the upcoming mission. It has no interaction with the story, but... Interlude: The Dusts of Outland Vashj and Kael arrive on the other side of the portal. The world is barren of most everything, just a chunk of rock. Kael'thas: What is this desolate place, Vashj? Lady Vashj: This shattered world is called Outland, young prince. It is all that remains of Draenor, the former homeland of the orcish Horde. Kael has a flashback to the second war between orcs and humans. Kael'thas: Amazing, I remember when Khadgar led the Alliance Expedition here, years ago. He almost succeeded in wiping the orcs out for good. In an attempt to escape, Ner'zhul opened a number of massive dimensional gateways, but all they succeeded in doing was tearing their planet apart. Vashj: Yes. And now, amongst the ruins of this dead world, we have come to find the master. Kael'thas: Illidan... why here? What could possibly interest him in this barren wasteland? Vashj: That I do not know. Regardless, we should seek him out quickly. Kael'thas: Agreed. Actually, I am anxious to meet him again. If he can cure my people of their hunger for magic, I will gladly pledge myself to his service. Chapter Four: The Search for Illidan After three days of searching, Kael and Vashj come to the realization that they are lost. They set up a basic camp and journey alone onto some higher ground, so they can better scout the area. Kael'thas: This place is unnerving. We've marched for three days and seen no signs of life. Still, I can't shake the feeling that we're not alone out here. Lady Vashj: We aren't. I caught the scent just as the wind shifted... They walk just a bit further and see a night elf base. Lady Vashj: Night elves! What could they be doing here? Kael'thas: The warden, Maiev, swore to capture Illidan at any cost. She must have brought her warriors here to hunt him! They turn and face another direction, a strange wheeled cage is moving slowly, with Maiev and a few watchers standing near it. Kael'thas: There! Illidan lies chained in that cage! The night elves must be taking him to their stronghold. Lady Vashj: Then we must rescue him before they reach safety! For the next considerable amount of time, Vashj and Kael will struggle to make the wagon go towards their camp, while the relentless Maiev will attempt to make it go towards hers. Anyway, eventually, Kael will reach the cage and realize that Illidan is not conscious, nor will the lock be easy to pick. He decides they'll need to take care of such things in the safety of their base. The player can not control the army in this level, only the heroes, making it very fun to play. Eventually, Vashj and Kael will get Illidan back to their base, and she'll shatter his cage with a forked lightning spell. Illidan: Lady Vashj, your rescue was most timely. The thought of spending another ten thousand years in Maiev's prison was not a pleasant one. Lady Vashj: We could not forsake you, Lord Illidan. But you owe your freedom to them. Illidan: Who are they, Vashj? The young elf looks familiar, but... Lady Vashj: They call themselves the blood elves, my lord. They are the last mortal descendents of the Highborne who served you long ago. This is Prince Kael'thas. He and his brethren have come to bask in your wisdom, and pledge themselves to your will. Interlude: Illidan's Task Hours later, at Illidan's main base. Illidan: You were right to come to me, Kael. I share the pain of your addiction, your hunger for magic. Kael'thas: Can you help us, Lord Illidan? Can you cure us? Illidan: There is no cure, young on. But there are ways to feed the hunger. Follow me and I will grant your people more magic than they can imagine. Kael'thas: So be it, Lord Illidan, my fellow blood elves and I humbly pledge ourselves to your service. Illidan: Then arise, young Kael. you shall be my right hand and the harbinger of my wrath. Kael'thas: What of your plans, master? Illidan: Many months after the Legion's defeat at the Battle of Mount Hyjal, I was visited by one of the last great demonlords, Kil'jaeden. Illidan has a flashback. He's wandering around in a forest when Kil'jaeden appears. Kil'jaeden is easily as tall as the tallest trees of the forest, towering over Illidan. Kil'jaeden: Illidan, in the past you have been both friend and foe to the Burning Legion. But, by consuming the Skull of Gul'dan, you sealed our defeat in this world. I come to offer you a second chance to serve us. Illidan: What would you have me do, great one? Kil'jaeden: My creation, the Lich King, has betrayed me. He dared to break the pact that binds him to my will, but his spirit still lies trapped inside the Frozen Throne of Icecrown. Destroy it for me, and I will grant you your heart's desire. Illidan: It shall be done, great one. It shall be done. The scene shifts back to the present. Illidan: At Dalaran, I attempted to use the Eye of Sargeras to melt away the polar icecaps surrounding the Icecrown Glacier. If the spell had succeeded, the Lich King would have been vanquished forever. Lady Vashj: But the cursed night elves intervened. Illidan: And the spell went awry. Given my failure, I fled to this desolate place to evade Kil'jaeden's wrath. Now, if I am to remain here in exile, we will need to ensure that Kil'jaeden's agents have been cleansed from the land. Chapter Five: Gates of the Abyss Two days later, in the barren plains of Outland, Illidan and Kael prepare to attack demon gates. Illidan: Long ago, after Draenor's explosion, a brutal Pit Lord named Magtheridon rallied the surviving orcs and took control of Outland. Since then, his forces have grown strong. Kael'thas: How, master? If most of the orcs were killed when this world exploded, how has he bolstered his ranks? Illidan: By using the very portals that tore the planet apart. Many of Ner'zhul's dimensional gates still stand, young prince. Magtheridon lures scores of hapless demons through them daily. Kael'thas: Then we must seal them permanently. Illidan: Yes. We will seek out each of the gates and I will close them myself. Once they have been sealed, we will move against Magtheridon's Black Citadel, and claim outland as our own. There are four gates in all, each one taking Illidan three minutes to close. While he does so, scores of demons pour through them. Kael, Vashj and their respective forces fight to keep Illidan alive while he seals them. Once the final one has been closed, Illidan prepares for phase two. Kael'thas: We've done it, master! The dimensional gates are all sealed. There's no way for Magtheridon to call reinforcements now. Illidan: True, but his standing forces are still considerable. Assaulting his Black Citadel will not be easy, Kael. Kael'thas: I wouldn't have it any other way. Chapter Six: Lord of Outland Later that day, Illidan and his forces ready up for their final target, the Black Citadel. Magtheridon sits in a massive chamber with several other demons and orcs alike. Fel Orc Warlock: Our enemies draw near, Lord Magtheridon. Magtheridon: These upstarts are tiresome gnats, nothing more. The might of Magtheridon cannot be denied. I am the Lord of Outland! Those who dispute my rule will soon regret their folly! Outside of the Citadel, Kael and Illidan arrive at the front gates. They are well guarded by heavy siege weaponry which is killing Kael's army off rather quickly. Illidan: Magtheridon has grown strong over the years, but he has had few real foes to contend with. He has become decadent and complacent. The boisterous cur cannot match our cunning or our willing. Kael'thas: This will be a glorious battle, master. Though Magtheridon's forces vastly outnumber ours, your warriors are prepared to fight to the end. Illidan: I am pleased by your people's zeal, young Kael. Their spirits and powers have been honed in this harsh wilderness. Their courage alone may be enough to... Lady Vashj: Lord Illidan, new arrivals come to greet you. A pack of Draenei arrive. They are a species indigenous to this planet. They fought unsuccessfully against the orcs and the demons. They are able to remained invisible at all times when they are not attacking, giving Illidan a huge strategical edge for assaulting the Citadel. Akama: We Draenei have fought the orcs and their demon masters for generations. Now, at last, we will end their curse forever. We are yours to command, Lord Illidan. Akama runs in and destroys the generator powering the siege weapons which had been shredding Kael's forces. Illidan: As I promised, your people shall have their vengeance, Akama. By night's end, we will all be drunk with it. Vashj, Kael; give the final order to strike. The hour of wrath has come! With the combined might of the Humans, Naga, and Draenei, Illidan is able to reach the throne room of Magtheridon. With all of his army already defeated, Magtheridon is in a bad position. Illidan and crew beat him down rather quickly. Magtheridon. I do not know you, stranger, but your power is vast. Are you an agent of the Legion? have you been sent here to test me? Illidan: [Violent Laughter] I have come to replace you. You're a relic, Magtheridon, a ghost of a past age. The future is mine. From this moment on, Outland and all of its denizens will bow to me. Hear me now, you trembling mortals! I am your lord and master! Illidan reigns supreme. Finale: Kil'jaeden's Command Moments later, a harsh storm blows in from a reddish cloud. It comes straight at the Black Citadel, where Illidan stands triumphantly. Kael'thas: What is this, Vashj? Where did this storm come from? Lady Vashj: Keep your head down, fool! Something terrible is drawing near! The cloud turns into Kil'jaeden. Even with his feet several stories below Illidan's, he still towers over the demon hunter. The planet shakes while he speaks. Kil'jaeden: Foolish little mongrel. You failed to destroy the Frozen Throne as I commanded. And still you thought to hide from me in this forsaken backwater! I thought you to be more cunning, Illidan. Illidan: Kil'jaeden! I was merely set back. I was attempting to bolster my forces. The Lich King will be destroyed, I promise you! Kil'jaeden: Indeed? Still, these servitors you've gathered show some promise. I will give you one last chance, Illidan. Destroy the Frozen Throne, or face my eternal wrath! In a blinding flash of light, Kil'jaeden leaves Outland. Illidan: Perhaps hiding here was not the most prudent decision. Still, the quest lies before us. Will you follow me into the cold heart of death itself? Lady Vashj: The naga are yours to command, Lord Illidan. Where you go, we follow. Kael'thas: The blood elves are yours, as well, master. We will drive the Scourge before us and shatter the Frozen Throne as you command. End Alliance Campaign. Begin Scourge Campaign. Chapter One: King Arthas At the capital city of Lordaeron, the Dreadlord who were under Archimonde's command discuss their plans for the Scourge. Detheroc: It's been months since we last heard from Lord Archimonde. I grow tired of watching over these rotting undead! What are we still doing here? Balnazzar: We were charged with overseeing this land, Detheroc. It is our duty to remain here and ensure that the Scourge is ready for action. Varimathras: True. Though, we should have received some kind of orders by now. Kel'Thuzad and Sylvanas Windrunner, now Dark Archer, watch from a hill nearby. Sylvanas: The Legion was defeated months ago. How could they not know? Kel'Thuzad: Impossible to say. But the longer they remain in command, the more they run the Scourge into the ground. A gate nearby starts to collapse. Sylvanas: What? Who could possibly... Arthas breaks in and approaches the trio of dreadlords. Arthas: Greetings, dreadlords. I should thank you for looking after my kingdom during my absence. However, I won't be requiring your services any longer. Varimathras: Prince Arthas! Balnazzar: This land is ours. The Scourge belongs to the Legion! Arthas: Not anymore, demon. Your masters have been defeated. The Legion is undone. Your deaths will complete the circle. Detheroc: This isn't over, human. The dreadlords leave, Arthas' friends come down from the hill to greet him. Kel'Thuzad: We knew you would return to us, Prince Arthas. Arthas: I have returned, lich, but you will now address me as King. This is, after all, my land. Now we must secure the kingdom by scouring the last remnants of humanity from it! Kel'Thuzad: But, my king, the humans have begun to abandon their villages. They're feeling to the canyon passes! If they escape into the mountains, it will be impossible to hunt them all down. Arthas: Then we must slaughter them before they escape! Their deaths will be a fitting tribute to Ner'zhul! Before long, Arthas runs into some of Uther's Paladins. They're a bit ticked off about things, but that doesn't stop Arthas from slaughtering them all. Eventually, he reaches a set of woods where one of the furthest villages is, suddenly, an awful pain comes over him. Arthas: Aarrghh... The pain is unbearable. What is happening to me? Arthas is sent a vision of the Lich King, trapped inside his prison at Ice Crown. The Lich King: Danger draws near! Power is fading. Time is running out! Kel'Thuzad: King Arthas, do you need assistance? Arthas: No. The pain has passed, but my powers are diminished. Something is terribly wrong here. Kel'Thuzad: Shall we recall our forces? Arthas: No, I will finish the hunt. We'll solve this mystery once our business is done. Arthas finishing quelling all of the human villages and villagers. Arthas: At last, the Alliance is finished! Once we round up the last stragglers, we should be-- The pain comes over him again. Arthas: Aarrghh... Not again! The Lich King: It is I, the Lich King. Danger draws near the Frozen Throne! You must return to Northrend immediately! Obey! Kel'Thuzad: My king, you are not well. Arthas: Take me back to the capital. I have a long journey ahead of me. Interlude: A Kingdom Divided Sylvanas has snuck off in the middle of the night to meet with the three dreadlords who had been controlling the Scourge in these parts. Balnazzar: Lady Sylvanas. We are pleased that you came. Sylvanas: How could I not? For some reason I no longer hear the Lich King's voice in my head. My will is mine once again. You dreadlords seem to know why. Varimathras: We've discovered that the Lich King is losing his power! As it wanes, so too does his ability to command undead such as you. Sylvanas: And what of King Arthas? What about his powers? Balnazzar: Though his runeblade, Frostmourne, carries powerful enchantments, Arthas' own powers will fade in time, it is inevitable. Sylvanas: You seek to overthrow him, and you want my help to do it. Detheroc: The Legion may be defeated, but we are the Nathrezim! We'll not let some upstart human get the best of us! Arthas must fall! Balnazzar: The lich, Kel’Thuzad, is far too loyal to betray his master. But you on the other hand... Sylvanas: Hate him. I have my own reasons for seeking vengeance. Arthas murdered my people and turn me into this... monstrosity. I may take part in your blood coup, but I will do so in my own way. Sylvanas runs off. Balnazzar: I, for one, do not trust her. Her heart is still elven. She will never side with us. Varimathras: Don't be too hasty. She has great spirit, but her hatred for Arthas will ultimately serve our cause. Detheroc: Agreed. Well, if that's settled, let the festivities commence. Chapter Two: The flight from Lordaeron On the palace grounds, Arthas and Kel'Thuzad make their way to the harbor, so that Arthas can obey the Lich King's command and go to Northrend. Kel'Thuzad: So the seizures have been getting worse? Arthas: Yes. With my powers drained, I can barely command my own warriors. The Lich King warned me that if I didn't reach Northrend soon, all could be lost. Kel'Thuzad: Fear not, my king. Everything has been prepared for your departure, The ships are waiting at the coast and-- Arthas walks through a gate. It slams behind him. In front of him are the three dreadlords and several undead. Arthas is trapped. Detheroc: There's been a change of plans, King Arthas. You're not going anywhere. Kel'Thuzad: Assassins! It's a trap! Several ghouls rush Arthas, though he shows no hesitation in combating them all. While weakened, he's still more than a match for them. Balnazzar: You should never have returned, human. Weakened as you are, we have assumed control over the majority of your warriors. It seems your reign was short lived. Kel'Thuzad: There are too many of them, my king! Flee, escape from the city. I'll find my own way out and meet you in the wilderness. Arthas: All right, lich. Good luck. Arthas fights his way through the town, even in his weakened state. Some of the undead in the area are still loyal to him, but for the most part, they are against him. Eventually, he exits the city and is blocked by a mere four abominations. Unfortunately, he has only two necromancers to combat them with. Arthas: We have no time for this! We must find our way out quickly! Two banshees come in. They each possess one abomination, causing the four abominations to beat each other to death. Arthas: You have my thanks, ladies. But where is your mistress? Where is Sylvanas? Banshee: She sent us to find you, great king. We've come to escort you across the river. Once we cross it, we'll take refuge in the wilderness. Interlude: Sylvanas' Farewell A few minutes later, as Arthas and the banshees go through the woods, they find a place to rest. Banshee: This is the place, sisters. We'll rest here, great king. Arthas: Why here? We've got to find Kel'Thuzad before we-- Aarrghh! Arthas is hit by another degenerating attack, the Lich King again speaks to him. The Lich King: You have been deceived! Come to my side at once! Obey! By the time Arthas realizes what's going on, the Banshees have killed all of his troops. Arthas: What is happening here? He gets hit by an arrow. Arthas: Sylvanas! Sylvanas: You walked right into this one, Arthas. It's time to even the scales. Arthas: Traitor! What have you done to me? Sylvanas: It's a special poisoned arrow I made just for you. The paralysis you're experiencing now is but a fraction of the agony you've caused me. Arthas: Finish me, then. Sylvanas: A quick death... like the one you gave me? No. You're going to suffer as I did. Thanks to my arrow, you can't even run. Give my regards to hell, you son of a bitch. Just then, Kel'Thuzad and a few skeletal mages appear. Kel'Thuzad: Back, you mindless ones! You shall not fall today, my king. Kel'Thuzad's forces defeat the banshees. Sylvanas heads in retreat. Sylvanas: This isn't over, Arthas! I'll never stop hunting you! Arthas and Kel'Thuzad finish the trip to the harbor. Kel'Thuzad: The effects of her arrow will wear off in time. All the preparations for your journey to Northrend have been made. Arthas: You have been a loyal friend, Kel'Thuzad. I don't know what the future holds, or if I'll even return, but I want you to watch over this land. See to it that my legacy endures. Kel'Thuzad: I shall, King Arthas, I shall. Chapter Three: The Dark Lady Two days later, Sylvanas puts her new freedom to better use. Banshee: You seem troubled, mistress. Sylvanas: Aren't you, sister? Only days ago we were the Lich King's slaves. We existed only to slaughter in his name. And now we are... free. Banshee: I don't understand, mistress. I thought you'd be overjoyed. Sylvanas: What joy is there in this curse? We are still undead, sister; still monstrosities. What are we if not slaves to this torment? A portal opens in Sylvanas' base, and Varimathras appears. Varimathras: Greetings, Lady Sylvanas. My brothers and I appreciate the role you played in overthrowing Arthas. I've come to offer you a formal invitation to join our new order. Sylvanas: Varimathras. My only interest was in seeing Arthas dead. I have no time for your petty politics or power mongering. Varimathras: Careful, milady. It would be unwise to incur our wrath. We are the future of these... Plaguelands. You can either join us and rule or be cast aside. Sylvanas: I lived as a slave long enough, dreadlord. I won't relinquish my freedom by shackling myself to you fools! Varimathras: So be it. Our reply will come soon. Varimathras enters the portal he came from and disappears. Sylvanas knows this means she has mere moments to prepare for his attack, and she does. Before long she's beating down the walls of the dreadlords base. Eventually, he is pinned between her and her banshees. Sylvanas: Any final words, demon? Varimathras: Sylvanas, spare my life. I beg you! I can be of service... I swear it! Sylvanas: Just like a demon. You'd sell your brethren out just to save your own skin. I'm listening. Varimathras: I know what my brothers' plans are. I know where their forces are based. Just let me serve you, and I'll help you defeat them! Sylvanas: All right, Varimathras. I'll let you prove your loyalty to me. But be warned, I'm keeping you on a short leash. Chapter Four: The Return to Northrend After three weeks of sailing, Arthas' fleet arrives on the ice shores of Northrend. Arthas: Northrend. If feels like a lifetime since I was last here. Something out there is threatening the Lich King. We must reach Icecrown quickly. Necromancer: My king, we'll need to establish a base here first, but this island is nearly devoid of resources. Some elven dragon hawks fly over. Arthas: What the... They look like high elves! What are they doing here? Blood Elf: Prince Arthas, we are the blood elves! We have sworn to avenge the ghosts of Quel'Thalas. This dead land... will be cleansed! Arthas: Northrend belongs to the Scourge, elf! You made a terrible mistake by coming here. Slay them! Nearby, several crypt fiends pop out of the ground. They are led by a much larger spider, Anub'arak. Anub'arak: Onward for the Scourge! Slay them in Ner'zhul's name! Arthas: Who the...? Anub'arak's fiends quickly web the spiders to the earth and the undead pummel them. Arthas: Thanks for the assistance, mighty one. Anub'arak: The Lich King sent me to aid you, death knight. I am Anub'arak, ancient king of the Azjol-Nerub. Arthas: I welcome your aid, Anub'arak, but we have little time for pleasantries. We must reach Icecrown immediately! Arthas takes down a nearby blood elf base, allowing his undead forces access to resources. Arthas and Anub'arak take this down time to chat. Arthas: These elves are pathetic. It's no wonder we destroyed their homeland so easily. Prince Kael teleports in. Kael'thas: Pity I wasn't there to stop you. It's been a long time, Arthas. Arthas: Prince Kael'thas. I haven't seen you since... You lead these elves? Kael'thas: This group, at least. What you faced here was merely a scouting force. Defeating Lord Illidan's army will be far more difficult. Arthas: Illidan? He's behind this invasion? Kael'thas: He is. Our forces are vast, Arthas. Even now, they march upon the Icecrown Glacier. You'll never make it in time to save your precious Lich King. Consider this payment for Quel'Thalas... and other insults. Kael teleports out. Now, if you have read between the lines in Reign of Chaos and this scene, you will take note that Kael and Jaina were apparently once a thing, but Arthas' boyish charm won her over. Suddenly, another agonizing pain comes over Arthas. The Lich King: Make haste! My enemies draw near! Our time is almost spent! Anub'arak: Are you well, death knight? Arthas: My powers are weakening, but I'll be all right. He's right. We'll never reach the glacier in time! Anub'arak: There is another route we might take, death knight. The ancient, shattered kingdom of Azjol-Nerub lies deep below us. Though it has fallen on dark times, it could provide us a direct shortcut to the glacier. Arthas: We have little choice. Lead on, Anub'arak. Arthas and Anub'arak plow through several of Illidan's forces on their way to the tunnel entrances. Once there, they defeat several drake-like enemies guarding it. Arthas: You're certain we can reach the glacier through these tunnels? Anub'arak: Nothing is certain, death knight. The ruins will be perilous, but it's worth the risk. Arthas: All right. Let's go.