Last Exodus - Campaign Design and Synopsis

On this page is the main design information for Last Exodus, what would be displayed on an official website when the campaign was ready for release. The synopsis that follows was the original design for the plot of Last Exodus, though it was changed in minor ways for the final version that I began constructing.

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CAMPAIGN DESIGN

OVERVIEW

The Second War between man and orc in Azeroth rages on like an inferno. Following the betrayal of the Twilight Hammer and Stormreaver clans, the once mighty orcish Horde is constantly broken apart by the thunderous retalition by Alliance forces. As the human-lead forces push the orcs further and further South, the Horde desperately attempts to defend itself upon the ravaged lands they once conquered with ease. Orgrim Doomhammer has fortified Blackrock Spire in a last-ditch attempt to stop the approaching armies, but his forces can do little to brace their fear against the single-minded vengeance of their enemies.

Meanwhile, in Draenor, Ner'zhul calmly studies the state of Azeroth as he considers the likely aftermath and the wily Shadow Moon leader forms a plan to save the orcs from damnation. Yet war is already occurring in the Red World. Due to the demonic taint, several chieftains of the remaining clans can no longer control their bloodlust and frenzy, and have began lashing out at their neighbours for little reason. The Shining Talon clan, the last vestiges of the ancient shamanistic culture of the orcs, are barely at peace with the other aggressive clans around their territory. With the Bone Chewer clan mobilising for open war against the Shining Talon, Master Shaman Tarok plots a radical solution to save his people and very way of life.

They are to cross the perils of Draenor and escape to Azeroth.


A world ravaged by corruption.
A small and honourable clan.
Rising tensions.

Blades are sharpened.
The thunder of war echoes.
The drumbeat sounds.
A decision must be made.

The time has come.

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CHARACTERS

Tarok
Occupation: Master Shaman
Affiliation: Shining Talon clan
Age: 55

As one of the few major practitioners of his kind left in the orcish homeworld, Tarok is possibly the most powerful shaman on Draenor. Having seen a lifetime of political turmoil between the clans following the fall of shamanism, he spent much of his time alive as leader of the Shining Talon after the assassination of his predecessor, Isrork. Tarok is a fairly reclusive orc and sometimes uneasy of his decisions and mandate, though when the clan is in danger he can become a very determined and bold leader. As a result, he has managed to keep his clan and their traditions unspoiled for many years, despite the lapse of elemental respect amongst the orcish population and chaotic tempermentals of the other chieftains. The barbaric change in the other clans is something that greatly concerns and confuses Tarok and he remains convinced that his clan must stay true to harmony with nature and of respect to the spirits if they are survive. With tensions reaching boiling point, Tarok will need his belief in the Shining Talon's strength more than ever.


Frasharn
Occupation: Shaman
Affiliation: Shining Talon clan
Age: 27

Deciding to abandon a life of battle with the Thunderlord clan, Frasharn was intrigued by the mysteries of the elements and thus became a member of the Shining Talon. Since then, he has studied the ways of shamanism and spirits, of how balance and respect must be preserved and eventually gained the respect of the clan with both his power and humility. Due to the young orc's patience and optimism, Tarok gave Frasharn the privelge to lead segments of the clan when necessary, as well as acting as a spiritual advisor. Despite many of his former friends turning to the glory of bloodshed in other clans, Frasharn remains dedicated to the Shining Talon. He remains one of Tarok's most trusted clan members.


Drakal
Occupation: Raider \ Battle Lieutenant
Affiliation: Shining Talon clan
Age: 40

Once a raider in the Bleeding Hollow clan, Drakal was a celebrated warrior for some time. As he saw the corrupting effects of the chieftains and change in society by Gul'dan's shadow-like influence, however, he left Killrogg's ranks before the taint could reach him. Bothered by the other clans blatant hostility towards the once-respected shamans, he soon joined the Shining Talon, pledging his skills and life to them. Riding upon his swift wolf, Bloodfang, Drakal is a mighty warrior with many tales of honour to his credit. Due to his experience, Tarok has given him the duty of leading the Shining Talon to battle in times of war.


Barik
Occupation: Captain
Affiliation: Shining Talon clan
Age: 24

Exceptionally brave in battle, Barik has proven himself many times and is one of the captains of the Shining Talon. Though at times naive and simple-minded, Barik is utterly devoted to his people and has a great hatred of the barbaric bloodlust apparent within the other clans.


Grizzar
Occupation: Blade Master
Affiliation: Unknown
Age: 29

Once a promising student of Tarok's, Grizzar was highly potential in both spirit and mind, if impatient for control. Grizzar firmly believed in the need to preserve the shamanistic culture he grew up with by any means necessary, but one year ago he stormed out of the Shining Talon. Rumours persist that it followed a tense argument in which Grizzar mocked Tarok for allowing their enemies to decimate Draenor and threaten the clan. Tarok apparently reminded him that the clan would not have survived attacks by the frenzied clans, but it was not enough to dissuade the angry Grizzar from throwing down his wolfhelm, the prized symbol of a shaman, and leaving.


Xor'gon
Occupation: Warlock
Affiliation: Shadow Moon clan
Age: 58

Twisted and sinister are two words that come to mind if one survives an encounter with this ruthless, long-time servant of Ner'zhul. Xor'gon would probably have gained rule over Shadow Moon many years ago if not for his unpopularity due to his questionable methods and habit of brutally taking out his frustrations on his minions. He is instead currently acting as a close advisor to Ner'zhul. As a dedicated follower of the daemonic magiks, Xor'gon maintains his duty to the Shadow Moon clan and shares his masters desire to remove any direct bond to the Burning Legion. Gul'dan's sudden rise to power outraged Xor'gon, leaving him excessively bitter and enraged, with a great eagerness to direct his anger upon the enemies or peons of Shadow Moon


Zoraton
Occupation: Necromancer
Affiliation: Shadow Moon clan
Age: 35

Extremely cunning and malicious, Zoraton secretly learned the art of necromancy through Gul'dans knowledge gained from Kil'jaeden. He then used it to rise in rank in the Shadow Moon clan, and though he is thankful for the lore of such a dark art, Zoraton, like his master Ner'zhul, harbours no fondness to being bound to the will of demons. While he utterly believes in the power and manifest domination of Shadow Moon over the world of Draenor, he is prone to using more direct methods to achieve his goals instead of sheer brute force.


Hearteater
Occupation: Slayer
Affiliation: Bone Chewer clan
Age: 25

As the sadistic, devouring minions of the Bone Chewer clan go, Hearteater is an especially grim and sickening warrior. Fond of ripping out the still-beating heart of his enemies and eating it before their dying body, Hearteater is charged with leading the ravenous forces of his clan into battle. Many are aware, though, that he gained his position more for his utter ferocity than intelligence or tactical-planning.


Zirik
Occupation: Warleader
Affiliation: Axegrinder Tribe
Age: 38

Before the pact between Trolls and orcs collapsed during the Second War, a tribe representing the majority of the chieftains in Azeroth was sent to Draenor to study the orcs homeworld and strengthen relations. The calm and resourceful Axegrinders, lead by the cunning Zirik, were chosen. Like his clan, he does not takes pleasure in slaughter but simply the thrill of exploring and that of survival. Having been in Draenor for most of the Second War, homesickness has set in and Zirik is growing eager to return his tribe home.

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CAMPAIGN SYNOPSIS

Exodus is about Tarok, shaman of the Shining Talon clan, one of the few shamanistic clans - like the Frostwolves - left in Draenor. Whereas Durotan and the Frostwolf clan were exiled during the First War by Gul'dan, Isrork - then leader of the Shining Talon - elected to stay. It cost him many hardships, including his life at the hands of some of Gul'dan's assasins. Tarok took up the position afterwards and protected the clan from further danger since then, stopping any intimidating efforts of the shadowy enemy.

Over the years, Tarok noticed the growing corruption in the other clans of Draenor, though had no idea how damned his race were through the actions of Gul'dan. He had long known Ner'zul's position as a shaman was a false title - a mockery of sorts - and that the Shadowmoon leader had been partially in-league with demons. As long Tarok avoided open conflict against Ner'zul, or any other clan for that matter, he knew the Shining Talon would be relatively safe.

When tensions between the Bonechewers arose - due to their rising bloodlust - Tarok was forced to fight back. Knowing that such conflict would eventually be a threat from the other clans too, Tarok decided that an evacuation to Azeroth would be the only solution. They would have to leave through the Dark Portal.
With the Alliance armies pushing the Horde in Azeroth South, Tarok realises the Dark Portal on that side will be destroyed (It's easier to predict) and so time becomes critical. The hasty departure was thus planned by himself and his fellow leaders, and would have to be a timely one. Their exodus must be made.

The pace of the Bone Chewers approaching forces, however, threatened the entire plan. Even if they could defeat their offenses, they could not handle any unnecessary delays from major skirmishes. Tarok had been able able to acquire the Skull of Gul'dan from Mogor the Ogre. Despite knowing it was immensely powerful, he could not force himself to destroy such an evil artifact and instead planned to use it to briefly pause the movements of the Bone Chewers. By giving it to one of Tagar's captains, he, in addition to being overwhelmed by the skulls dark powers, was left feeling bribed and - above all - clueless to the situation. The Shining Talon resumed their way, despite being attacked by a furious-natured orc known Grizzar* and his frenzied forces. Tarok's clan were eventually able to escape to Azeroth.


*Once part of the Shining Talon, Grizzar grew angry with the slow pace of learning and lack of power. He instead planned to leave, to join the Bone Chewer clan. Tarok warned him that such a thirst for destruction would destroy him at least, but Grizzar cursed him and fled. Eventually somehow drinking some of the blood of Mannoroth like the orc chieftains of years before, Grizzar became extremely corrupted, if powerful. His first thought was to destroy those that initially denied him such power - primarily Tarok. He is now single-mindedly obsessed with doing so. He is left on Draenor, even after the world is destroyed.
(As TFT reveals, the world was not truly destroyed. When Tarok eventually travels to the Outlands, he will meet him once more. Or perhaps another force saved him and granted him power for their uses)


The Shining Talon arrive in Azeroth only to find the Burning Blade clan fighting off advance Alliance forces as they strive to defend the Dark Portal. The Shining Talon assist. As it looks to becomes unwinnable, the Burning Blade know they will be massacred and persuade Tarok and his clan to promptly leave. They know their past actions have cursed them, but they accept their fate as a massive Alliance force looms (And they buy some time for Tarok).
The Shining Talon then press South East into Azeroth - as the Alliance is coming the other way - and eventually settle in the forests.

Exodus ends here and will resume almost 15 years (13 in fact) later, when WarCraft 3 begins, and Thrall is leading the new Horde. We will find Tarok still leading the Shining Talon among the forests of Azeroth, lost from the rest of his race and unaware of the threats old and new in this strange world...

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