Stratholme, the Place Where It All Began

After the banquet at Hearthglen, Velen and the Naaru Adal did not immediately return to Outland. Another important purpose of their journey was to deal with the remaining forces of the Scarlet Crusade. With the support of Alliance troops provided by King Varian, the group headed for the Eastern Plaguelands, to the city that bore countless tragedies and legends—Stratholme.

Stratholme, Scarlet District.

Unlike Hearthglen, where the atmosphere had been utterly consumed by fanaticism, the remnants of the Scarlet Crusade in Stratholme were more like trapped beasts driven into despair, yet still clinging to their final conviction.

Under the command of Marlam, they relied on the ruined fortifications of the Scarlet Crusade bastion to wage brutal street battles against the endless Undead within the city, day after day. The fighting seemed never-ending, and hope was as faint as a star.

When the Alliance banners and the pure Holy Light radiated by Velen and Adal appeared beyond the city outskirts, the Scarlet sentries immediately became alert. Horns sounded, and the surviving crusaders swiftly took up their battle positions. Their eyes held exhaustion, vigilance, and a barely concealed distrust of all outsiders.

Commander Marlam personally came to the front line. She was a battle-hardened warrior, her armor covered in sword marks and dried blood. Her gaze was sharp and weary, but still resolute.

She raised a hand to stop the soldiers beside her from attacking, then stepped forward alone. Her eyes passed over the Alliance soldiers before finally settling on Velen and Adal, who emanated gentle yet powerful Holy Light.

"State your purpose, strangers," Marlam said, her voice hoarse but firm. "Stratholme does not welcome visitors, especially visitors who bring an army."

Velen stepped forward, his bearing calm yet imposing. "I am Prophet Velen, and this is the Naaru Adal. We have come