Karnek the Retaliator

What follows is the campaign design for the Night Elf campaign featuring the demon hunter Karnek.

IN RETROSPECT...

The campaign all began when I felt really angry once and poured it into some unit responses for an incredibly angry demon hunter. Looking back, the responses hardly suit a night elf but is certainly one of my favourite instances of practically performing "method acting". The campaign was meant to be short and tight so there could be a focus on quality, though there was much more I wanted to do with it - by the time I had designed it I was already thinking up ideas for something else. The objectives and way it fits into WarCraft lore was great (Especially that the demon hunters were represented better than just by Illidan in the original NE campaign), but Karnek didn't truly develop as a character in it, his temper never gets him into trouble and he's simply a killing mission. Overall, it is pretty undeveloped but I'm confident I would have done so had I the motivation and desire at the time.

UNIT RESPONSES

The MP3 unit responses for Karnek are available for free use by anyone (Contact me if in doubt or if you want new recordings!).

Download.

CAMPAIGN DESIGN:

Index:

Brief
Heroes
Unit Responses
Design Notes
Levels

Brief

A WarCraft 3 Night Elf campaign about a Demon Slayer. As head of the order of Demon Hunters, he has lead his kind into battle dozens of times throughout the ages. He is called upon from the Emerald Dream to save Ashenvale from demonic terror.


Heroes

Karnek Wrathbringer, the Retaliator
Age: 15,029
Occupation: Night Elf Demon Slayer - Leader of the Demon Hunters
Allegiance: The Sentinels

Karnek was one of the first Night Elves to help found the order of the Demon Hunters, personally destroying a vast number in the War of the Ancients with his highly-developed skills. Sometime during the conflict, however, he became deeply concerned that his fellow members were going too far in their use of demonic powers and that it was inevitable one of their number would succumb to temptation most dark, such as the reckless Illidan. As a result, Karnek changed his style to directly combat demons by using the power of nature, though rumours once circulated that he did so through fear of becoming what he most hated. Despite his bond with nature and thousands of years of isolation within the Emerald Dream, Karnek remains a very temperamental, if utterly dedicated, warrior who is consistently infuriated whenever he sees hints of the Burning Legion’s taint.

Chalissa Nightstar
Age: 14,998
Occupation: Night Elf Ranger
Allegiance: The Sentinels

As a tender, patient defender of her homeland, Chalissa’s only greater love is that for Karnek. Though he does not feel the same way, Chalissa remains very fond of him – in fact she is even sometimes able to calm his intensity. Despite his lack of feeling for her, he nonetheless treats Chalissa as a close friend and a favoured warrior in battling the threats of their people.


Tenotharn Raveneye
Age: 15,010
Occupation: Night Elf Druid of the Talon
Allegiance: The Sentinels

Tenotharn is widely known as a solemn and reflective individual. Though not keen on fighting in battle, he does enjoy gathering intelligence and planning stratagems, both of which he excelled at during the War of the Ancients and the early years of Nordrassil’s creation. He was later glad to enter the Emerald Dream and attain peace of mind. Now, even after ten thousand years of meditation within it, many Night Elves are uncertain whether he would ever emerge again, unless perhaps the need was great enough.

Ako Moonstrider
Age: 13,804
Occupation: Night Elf Priestess of the Moon

One of the highest of the Priestess’s next to Tyrande herself, Ako is largely responsible for marshalling the Sentinel forces and keeping the peace throughout the lands of the Night Elves. Though at times arrogant and cold, she does so out of respect for the great order and fragile state of Ashenvale, such that she cares for Ashenvale’s revered purity and nature above all else.


Unit Responses

Karnek

Description: A very angry Night Elf.

Pissed:
That fool Illidan has desecrated the reputation of the Demon Hunters!
I hate this world ... or is it possible for this world to hate me?
Don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I'm... angry.
Oh, I already am. RAAAAR!
So angry... but not so hungry.
I am a ticking time bomb of fury! *Mr Furious quote*

What:
WHAT?
State your business, quickly!
What is it this time?
Unleash my anger.

Yes:
I suppose so.
Anna dunni nada
FINE.
I'm going.

Yes Attack:
YOU WILL DIE!
Chew on this!
Time to do some killing.

Chalissa Nightstar

Description: Cheerful and fun-loving.

Pissed:

What:
Yes?
What is your wish?
I’m ready when you are!
What is the order?

Yes:
Very well.
Gladly!
I’ll do my best.
Immediately.

Yes Attack:
Press the attack!
For the Sentinels!
Naydo-denn-eye!!
Letting loose.


Tenotharn Raveneye

Description: Scholarly and intelligent yet slightly reclusive.

Pissed:
What is the meaning of this incessant clicking?
Quoth the raven - nevermore.
My latest strategy is quite brilliant.
*A really long and exaggerated strategy involving loads of jargon and made-up technical terms.*
Simple, isn’t it?

What:
What is it?
I can hear you.
Hmm?
*As if interrupted* Doh, bu- what?!

Yes:
Yes, yes.
I’ll be there.
Is that all?
I don’t see why not…

Yes Attack:
For harmony!
Death to the enemy!

Design Notes

Originally, the character of Karnek came from a time when I funnelled my anger (I think it was just angst at being unhappy myself) into some unit responses for a peeved off Demon Hunter. A character that was very bitter and irate, yet skilled in battle. After that, I wanted to mould him into a cool, yet still very angry Demon Hunter character. Even though Night Elves are immortal and have lived without aging, he would be a character who has never really learned to control his temper and would gradually learn to maintain that cool he presents in non-battle. Additionally, I thought Illidan was a radical and wasn’t representative of the DH’s description in the WC3 manual – shadowy, feared yet respected warriors of the Night Elves, so I wanted to show that. The specific goals for the campaign itself are to create a NE campaign that:

A) Features more of the third war with the Night Elves and the defence of Mount Hyjal. This was hardly touched in WC3, due to time constraints with Blizzard.

B) Propels the DH character off into the rest of the WC world so he can meet and interact with my other characters.


Future goals: Karnek travels the world, meets Tarok and Nietziroth, finally retrieves the relic and returns home … to discover that a new evil has assaulted Ashenvale and killed Chalissa. He vows revenge and goes berserk.

Chalissa: I … I kept my promise, Karnek.


Levels

1) The Answered Call’
2) ‘Vengeance’
3) ‘Holding Out’
4) Interlude: ‘Responsibilities’
5) ‘The Cleansing Hour’
6) Ending: ‘Hollow Aftermath’

1) ‘The Answered Call’
During the second war against the Burning Legion, the Sentinel warrior Chalissa’s defence of the North East of Kalimdor is not going well. She has Karnek awakened to help. He leads a devastating counter-attack on the arrogant demons and kills one of their heroes outright (An advantage of his rage – relentless pursuit), but their leading Warlock escapes.

Karnek: I’m only gone ten thousand years and you let a horde of demons get the upper hand.
Chalissa: Ah, if only you put enough effort into your words as your fighting then perhaps they would have been too scared to return!
Karnek: That sounds like a challenge. I’ll give it a try now to these damned swines!
Chalissa: Oh, please, Karnek. Don’t be reckless, but don’t be too at ease either. The Burning Legion have truly returned and a huge number of undead minions are at their disposal. This was but one battle - they are encroaching further up towards us right now!
Karnek: Then it is a wasted effort on their part. For I, Karnek, vow to retaliate as true to my title until the feeble bastards are annihilated!


2) ‘Vengeance’
Karnek presses North Eastward in an attempt to hunt down the bewildered Legion leader in the area. Frustrated, he comes by Tenotharn’s Barrow Down and awakens him and his druids of the talon. Tenotharn helps him locate his prey (Commando gameplay – navigate the ravens and avoid the Legion forces) and Karnek indeed leads a strike force against them (Commando gameplay – destroy an enemy base with a set number of units, or get reinforcements as they die). As he does so, a large wave of enemy undead reinforcements pour in and his forces pull back, courtesy of a nearby Night Elven fleet.

Karnek: I shall not be amused if it is just I who is to be rudely awakened this day.
Awaken, Tenotharn.
…
Tenotharn, awaken!
Tenotharn!!

Tenotharn: *Yawns* What what what? Who breaks my slumber? *Yawns*
Karnek: It is I - Karnek. We must act quickly for the Legion has invaded!
Chalissa: *Yawn* Invaded? We dealt with them before … they were defeated. *Yawn*”
Karnek: Wake up you grey fool! The Legion have *returned* to destroy Ashenvale and the world once more!


3) ‘Holding Out’
A defence mission. The heroes have to hold back two fronts of Burning Legion and undead advances, with several reinforcements courtesy of the Horde and Alliance. After the thirty minutes, a large wave attack Chalissa’s flank.

Karnek: Damn these corpses. They’re stronger than they appear.
Tenotharn: I thought you would be seasoned enough to know that appearances can be deceiving, Karnek.
Karnek: Only sometimes, and I am rarely surprised. At least these abomination brutes have plenty of flesh to hack.
Karnek: Tell me, how does the rest of Kalimdor fare?
Tenotharn: Malfurion sends word that they are managing to beat back the Legion on the path to Mount Hyjal. He has something planned for their main assault.
Tenotharn: … Also … it appears that Illidan has been released by Priestess Tyrande.
Karnek: What?! Where is he?
Tenotharn: In Felwood, defending an important area.
Karnek: Hmpgh. Defending himself more like. It is unfortunate that I do not have time to see to that damn wretch.
Tenotharn: Yes, I’m sure you would.
Karnek: Do not belittle me! He ruined the reputation of my order, Tenotharn. We are mostly mistrusted because of his … exploits.

Chalissa runs on.

Chalissa: The enemy are approaching. I scouted ahead and saw them myself!
Tenotharn: Karnek, we must hold this area. We can not allow Malfurion’s plan to be put to the spoils.
Tenotharn: The many groves in this area are significant to Nordrassil herself.
Karnek: Then his plan shall remain as pure as the rays of Elune.
Chalissa: Aww, isn’t he poetic when he’s determined?
Tenotharn: *Laughs* Yes, he certainly is.
Karnek: When you two are finished amusing yourselves like children, we have a battle to attend!

Make an optional quest (Destroy some Satyr’s or an area that creates reinforcements, or hold several groves to get reinforcements \ healing) to prevent this from being another purely defensive level and give the player more to do than sitting back.

After thirty minutes:

*Scene of a vast amount of undead gathering.

Karnek shouts down the valley.
Karnek: Chalissa, get your forces out of there. They’re preparing for a final attack with everything they have!
Chalissa: But we must hold them out of the holy Grove!
Karnek: No, not at the expense of your lives! Quickly - fall back!

They do so, including even the Ancient Protectors (They move quicker than normal). Later, a large amount of undead press through Chalissa’s valley and hardly stopped by Archers shooting from either side at all.

4) Interlude: ‘Responsibilities’
Karnek is reprimanded for his decision, as the undead have taken a major holy grove. He vows to take it back, alone.

Tenotharn: Ako herself is coming here.

Karnek: Pah, what celebrated warrior spends more time complaining and managing than actually fighting?

Tenotharn: She is furious at the Grove’s defilement. Ah … here she is now.

Ako: Karnek! How could you let this happen?!

Karnek: I-

Ako: In all my years – I’ve never heard of such a thoughtless act of ignorance!

Karnek: My thoughts were with Chalissa and her warriors lives. They were defending the gate but were completely outnumbered!

Ako: You’re right, they were - and look at what happened!

Karnek: It wasn’t possible to reinforce them! Would you rather they lie dead? The grove would still have been taken!

Ako: The grove has been completely corrupted … This jeopardizes much of our efforts, Karnek!

Karnek: Land is sometimes lost, that’s part of war. You should know that, as well as the fact that we shall beat them back – just as we did long ago, no matter how long it takes.

Ako: Don’t you understand? The grove is crucial to Nordrassil’s energies! We need it back as soon as possible - before the Legion make their ultimate assault on Mount Hyjal!

Karnek: … How long is that?

Ako: We estimate one hours time! Our forces are stretched thin as it is, but now, thanks to you, I will have to assemble a large force to take the grove back!

Karnek: (Solemnly) No, do not bother. I shall take it back myself.

Ako: (Shocked) What?! On your *own*?

Karnek: Yes, I shall.

Ako: You shall do no such thing-

Karnek: Yes, I shall! If I am responsible, then I shall redeem myself, with or without your authority.

Karnek: Ako, listen to me! … I know that some see me as a … clouded … angry being … but I know this with clarity - we are fighting a war and we are *all* in this together, to save our very homeland.

Karnek: To do that we need Malfurion’s plan to go ahead. So keep our forces where they are needed - defending Hyjal!

Karnek: The grove shall be cleansed before the end comes. I rest my honour on it.

*He moves to leave.*

Ako: Karnek!

*He stops. Big pause.*

Ako: … You have an hour. Not a second more!

Ako: And, Karnek … be cautious. The corruption runs deep. There is no telling of what has been twisted. But if you do achieve this, then I for one shall speak of your bravery.

Karnek: *Laughs* It may be worth it just for that.

Karnek: Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a land to purge.

*He leaves.

On the way down the slope...*

Chalissa: I heard everything, Karnek. I reckon you need some help.

Karnek: No, I don’t. This is my honour at stake.

Chalissa: No, it’s mine too! I went by your order and fell back - this is partially my fault so now I’m coming with you!

Karnek: Chalissa, I can’t allow you-

Chalissa: To not go in the same way as you rebuked Ako? Save your energy, Karnek – you’ll need it. I’m going, whether you want me or not.

Karnek: (Amused) I don’t have a choice then?

Chalissa: (Amused too) No, you don’t.

Karnek: Then hurry alongside me. Time is not on our side, and I’m eager to shed some demon blood!

*They hurry off.*



5) ‘The Cleansing Hour’

Commando mission. A huge area of woodland has indeed been excessively corrupted. Karnek and Chalissa must destroy the various corrupted Trees of Life and then hold the central area so that the grove’s heart can be healed. Enemies are mostly creeps, undead and some Burning Legion. Several groups of reinforcements can be found (Mostly survivors who are wounded and need healing), such as Huntresses and Bastilla’s.

Chalissa: By Cenarius’s might … it stretches all over the grove … and those treants look resolute in their defiance of purity. I can scarcely believe it.

Karnek: This will not be easy … but we choose to cleanse it.

Chalissa: And that’s coming from you!

Karnek: If it’s going to end this way, then it is justified in Elune’s name.

Chalissa: Let’s focus on the more positive idea of fighting and living, ok?

Karnek: Of course.

Chalissa: From what I can tell, we will have to destroy all of the spoiled Trees of Eternity and then purify the Grove’s heart so it can begin undoing the corruption. I’m sure some of the Sentinels here will have survived and will help us if we get to them in time.

Karnek: Then it’s time to make a move. Let’s begin. *Night Elven quote.*!


At the end:

Chalissa: We … we’ve done it. I can sense the heart revitalising!

Karnek: That was too close. Wait, Chalissa – behind you!

*An undead hero (Lich?) appears (he teleports (Blink) or is brought in an airship) and takes the main artefact at the grove’s heart then leaves just as quickly. Karnek almost catches him.*

Karnek: Blast! He’s gotten away!

Chalissa: The heart … it’s dissipating! What do we do?

Karnek: I … I don’t … know.

*A raven enters and transforms. It’s Tenotharn.*

Tenotharn: You could at least be praying to Elune!

Karnek: Tenotharn!

Tenotharn: That cursed undead broke through the area my forces and I were guarding. I suspected they would head for the heart.

Karnek: They took the *artefact* - it’s going to perish!

Tenotharn: I know, I know. That’s why I brought this. *Some mystical artefact. A vial of the well of eternity?*

Karnek: That’s a *item*!

Tenotharn: Indeed. Now I must apply it quickly to save the heart.

He begins casting a spell.

Chalissa: It’s … it’s working!

Tenotharn: *Cries in agony* I … I …. must … hold on!

Chalissa: He’s using up all of his energy, Karnek!

*A huge build up and then a fadeout to white. The heart area has been saved and is glowing healthily in life.*

Chalissa: Tenotharn - you did it. The heart of the grove has been saved!

Karnek: Tenotharn, I can’t -

*They look around. Tenotharn is on the floor, unconscious.*

Karnek: Tenotharn!

*Chalissa and Karnek rush over. Chalissa checks his body.*

Chalissa: He’s alive … … barely.

Karnek: Your sacrifice was not in vain, Tenotharn. May Elune spare your heart just as you spared the grove’s own.

*End of level.*

6) Ending: ‘The Aftermath’

A ‘court’ is assembled to deal with the situation. Though the grove was saved (Thus the World Tree ambush went unhindered and Archimonde was destroyed) and Tenotharn was barely kept alive, the artefact is missing and the land around the grove will not be fully cleansed until it is returned. For this, Karnek leaves Ashenvale to find it.

Ako: Karnek, you have been summoned to this court due to the incident at the Grove of (??).

Karnek: Our land reels from the touch of the Burning Legion and you call a court to study my actions?! Our dead are still lying in their own dried blood!

Bandor (A Druid of the Claw): Justice and order are paramount, Karnek - even now.

Karnek: *Sigh.* Then I offer my apologies. Please proceed.

Ako: Thank you. One week ago, the grove you redeemed lent its energies to Nordrassil and consequently Archimonde’s assault on Mount Hyjal was defeated.

Bandor: The grove was purged and your honour is upheld. You are thus to be majorly commended.

Ako: However …

Ako: The (artefact) was taken by the enemy. Many circumstances lead to this thievery, but, in addition to your redemption of the grove, however, we shall not be placing the blame upon you.

Karnek (To self): That’s a relief.

Bandor: The grove is in fact recuperating, but the absence of the (artefact) is clearly felt and actually prevents the wounds from healing entirely.

Bandor: We believe it was a Lich who stole it in an attempt to neutralise the grove’s power, or perhaps for an ulterior motive. With the Legion defeated, the undead forces have retreated from whence they came. They must be pursued.

Ako: Only by Shando Furion’s powers has its last location been uncovered. Be thankful for that, Demon Slayer.

Ako: The (artefact) was last sensed near the Maelstrom itself, on the Eastern side. We believe the Lich has taken it to the distant land of Lordaeron.

Ako: We hereby ask you, Karnek Wrathbringer, to take the charge in retrieving the artefact. Do you accept?

Karnek: I do. It was partially my fault for relaxing my guar-

Ako: Your acceptance is enough. Return the artefact to the grove and that shall be the end of the matter concerning yourself.

Bandor: There is also the matter of the other undead in Lordaeron. We believe that we owe it to the Alliance forces to investigate the area.

Ako: What? We discussed this before, druid. We do not have the forces to investigate the humans homeland to a great extent. Jaina Proudmoore’s forces that helped defend the World Tree have begun departing to Southern Kalimdor, not their homeland.

Bandor: Nonetheless, I feel we must verify the undead’s status in Lordaeron – and it does coincide with Karnek’s mission. We can not leave the risk that they may return to finish the Legion’s work without assessing their standing.

Ako: Hmm. Agreed. Karnek, do you accept this second charge?

Karnek: If it can help our people, then absolutely, I do.

Ako: Then it is written. Go forth and perform in honour.

Karnek: I would make one request to the court.

Bandor: Yes?

Karnek: I ask that no one be allowed to accompany me on my charge.

Bandor: This is … highly unusual. May I ask why?

Karnek: I … I do not wish to endanger any one, neither my friends nor fellow soldiers of the Sentinels nor the Druids of Ashenvale. I … concur with some peoples opinion that I am reckless and forgetful during times of … conflict.

Bandor: But I have seen you fighting very well recently!

Karnek: That is part of my good side … when I am able to – it is not all of the time. For this task, I wish to be single-minded and alone.

Bandor: If you wish it, then very well.

Ako: It is thus written that none are allowed to accompany Karnek. I find this hearing adjourned until your return. May you find what you seek on your path, Demon Slayer, and seek it safely.

*Later, at the dockside area, a distance from his ship.*

Night Elf Sailor: The ship is prepared and waiting for you at the end of the pier, Demon Slayer. We have stored enough provisions for twice the journey of the maelstrom. Do you need help getting oriented?

Karnek: Thank you, but no. I sailed several times when I was young. I’ll be able steer clear of the maelstrom at least.

Karnek: I guess my time alone in a strange world begins shortly.

Tenotharn: But not just yet.

Karnek: Tenotharn! I … I still haven’t thanked you for what you did.

Tenotharn: You are most welcome. My energy is recuperating well, as is the groves, but it will be better when you complete your task, yes?

Karnek: Indeed, the sooner the better.

Tenotharn: Here, I wish you to have this. *Some sort of rare item*

Karnek: It’s *Item* …. I … thank you a thousand times, my friend.

Tenotharn: May Elune shine on you even in distant lands, Karnek.

Karnek: Thank you once more, Tenotharn. Tell me, are you going to remain awake and help our people for once or return to your blissful slumber?

*They laugh.*

Tenotharn: Very funny. Yes, I shall be … staying active, that is.

*Chalissa runs on.*

Chalissa: Karnek!! How could you-

Karnek: I know what you are going to say, Chalissa, but I did not want you to come.

Chalissa: But you can’t go on your own-

Karnek: It’s not that. Please listen - I don’t want to endanger anyone else. I want you to remain here.

Chalissa: But I-

Karnek: Chalissa, listen! Will you make a promise? Will you keep our homeland safe while I’m gone?

Chalissa: Bu- … I … … yes … yes, I will, Karnek. … I promise.

Karnek: I know I have denied you my heart before, Chalissa … I wish I could give it to you … but I just don’t feel the same way deep down … otherwise I would in a second, trust me.

Karnek: But our friendship remains as vibrant as ever - as grand and majestic as Mount Hyjal itself. I shall remember you fondly upon my journey, whether I live or die.

Chalissa: *Tearfully.* Then go, Karnek. Go. *Night elven quote.*!

Karnek: Thank you for understanding, Chalissa.

Karnek: Since I am assured that our beloved home is in safe hands, I shall go.

Karnek: I’ve got an appointment with a walking corpse somewhere in a dark place. *Night elven quote*!

* A determined, heavy music rocks on as Karnek walks down the pier (Compare to Neo at the end of The Matrix) and we view by the side and other angles. The credits roll. He gets onto his ship and it sails off into the sunset.*

(Music could be:
ACDC - Highway to Hell
Godsmack - I Stand Alone
Metallica - Wherever I May Roam, Nothing Else Matters (More solemn) or St. Anger Papa Roach - Black Clouds
Hellsing – Shine)

*We go back to the duo back where he left them moments before.*

Chalissa: Will he be ok, Tenotharn?

Tenotharn: I’m sure you know he will, Chalissa. Have faith. You know he will.


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