Recent events in Stromgarde have cast a somber light on the city, raising concerns about the stability and safety of the once-glorious bastion. As an investigative journalist who ventured into Stromgarde to witness its state first hand, I have been confronted with a web of unsettling revelations. It is time to shed light on the lurking shadows that threaten the noble houses, the council, and the very fabric of this embattled city.
While refraining from repeating the details of the recent turmoil in Stormwind with a certain group of Northerns, it is crucial to address the pressing matters that continue to weigh on Stromgarde. One such concern emerged when Scarlet Zealots, seeking aid for the refugees they had escorted to the city gates, approached the council members. A discussion ensued, during which the council members issued a stern warning to the Scarlets who lingered outside the city walls. The Scarlets were given an ultimatum to retreat, lest they face the council's swift and decisive response.
This is where my own involvement may trigger repercussions, but I refuse to remain idle while innocent lives hang in the balance. During my stay, I offered Council member Hierner Thane my assistance in monitoring the activities of the Scarlets, and so I did. At great personal risk, I observed a concerning interaction involving James Alden, a recruit of the Arathian Guards. Alden exhibited a keen interest in the Zealots, openly approaching their bishop and offering his services as a "servant." Astonishingly, Alden wore the colors of the Arathian Guards, seemingly without fear of detection.
Had he been aware of my watchful gaze, Alden might have concocted an excuse to justify his actions. His conversations with the Zealot bishop betrayed attempts to sow distrust in his superior, Sir Robert Morse. However, the bishop firmly rejected such insinuations, declaring that it was nonsense, "Sir Robert is like a son to me and would never betray The Light. I know for a fact that Sir Robert according to many in Strom is a man by the heart and a good one." With this distressing revelation and the words of a known threat to the Crown, it is yet another example of how easily the Arathi Honor Guards step on the wrong side of honor and loyalty to the alliance. Can we trust Sir Robert? Are there others within Stromgarde's ranks who sympathize with the Scarlets' cause?
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Further raising suspicions, a message was delivered to Sir Robert from the bishop. As Sir Robert allegedly cannot read, he asked Thengel Fairhaime to read it for him. Thengel Fairhaime read it and tore it in half, dismissing any cause for concern. What was in that note? how deep does this Scarlet infiltration run?
Stromgarde stands at a crossroads, desperately yearning for a renaissance that restores safety and prosperity. However, the current state of affairs demands action. Will the Arathian Guards be allowed to consistently not only harass the local citizens, and attack loyal soldiers of the Alliance, but also harboring members who swear loyalty to Scarlets? The responsibility does not lie solely with the Arathi Guards (albeit a large portion is due to their own actions), the council members, House Taylor, and their allies must also confront these issues. One cannot help but question whether they are fully aware of the perils lurking in their own backyard. And if they are, why has decisive action not been taken thus far?
It is said that all it takes for evil to triumph, is for good people to do nothing. Stromgarde, the time for action is now. What will be your move?