The Spine

: 
: "Give yourself to the service of the Lady, let Respect for Her greatness guide your blade. 
: Praise with Tenacious daring the Shadow, let the Darkness grant you courage. 
: Stay as one, fight as one and fall as one: let the power of 'The Spine', as one, conquer our enemies. 
: Call the Cursed-Filth forth; let us skin their warm hides from brittle bone in the name of Our Lady! 
: Glory to Lordaeron, Glory to the Spine and Glory to the Banshee Queen!" 
: - High Delegate Viatrix Verranos, at the launch of the Secondary Gilnean Assault: 'Wolfbane' -
The Spine is a prominent Forsaken Roleplaying Guild on the Sha'tar EU. As a Guild we have been active since July 2010, but as a group of friends we have been Roleplaying together since August 2009.
As the name implies, the Spine styles itself as the rigid backbone of the Forsaken war effort, compromising three 'branches' which each focus on a different aspect of the Forsaken military machine: The Royal Apothecary Society, The Deathguard and The Deathstalkers. Each 'department' is led by a single Instructor and carries out small-scale events alongside the larger Guild events.
==OOC Information==
'The Spine' is a large(-ish), Forsaken, Roleplaying Guild on the Sha'tar. The Guild was established in July 2010 and has since moved from strength to strength, with RP campaigns taking us all over Azeroth and Outland in the quest to continue awesome-RP. The group of Roleplayers at the heart of the Guild have been together since August/September 2009, when 'The Apothecarium' was first formed on the Sha'tar, a Roleplaying Guild which focused specifically on the Royal Apothecary Society as a framework for RP. In a bid to expand our membership by focussing on all aspects of Forsaken RP and in order to draw in a greater variety of characters, it was decided that The Spine would become the spiritual successor of The Apothecarium. The new Guild was launched in the summer by some of the Apothecarium's oldest members.
RP is enjoyed almost every single evening on various scales. Guild wide events are held at least twice a week, allowing everyone to get involved in an ongoing storyline which draws in all our characters. These events alternate between grand RP-PvP clashes, reflective Shadow-sermons in Brill and typical hack-and-slash assaults on enemy locations. Departmental events, which focus on training smaller groups of characters for future work, are also popular and smaller, more 'casual' RP is almost constantly ongoing in Brill, the Undercity or Tirisfal. As well as participating in RP within the Guild, the Spine also has a decent reputation for getting stuck into (and hosting) many realm-wide events. The, now annual, 'Hallowed Ball' is, perhaps, our best known event open to all and we have also been active participants in the Rolling Hills Coalition as well as several other projects.
Other than RP, we do -occasionally- and very casually throw ourselves into the odd Heroic or Battleground. Emphasis should be placed on the 'casual', as the bulk of our time is spent developing various storylines and flexing our collectively creative muscles. The Guild, as a whole, is a laid-back group of fun-loving folk who create a lively, entertaining and friendly OOC community. As well as a cheerful and chirpy Guild-chat, our forums are generally well visited and feature many discussions of everything from 'Character Motivations' to music, film and TV-shows. Overall, we're supportive, welcoming and we don't like to take ourselves too seriously: OOC fun and enjoyment is always placed above IC demands.
==Introduction & Overview==
The Spine serves as an elite and somewhat reclusive branch of the rampant Forsaken military machine, the size of which has exploded since the return of the Aspect of Death. It was formed once the War in the North drew to a bloody conclusion on the bitter slopes of Icecrown Citadel, a battle in which many of the Spine's greatest members were involved. With the fall of the Lich King, the Banshee Queen immediately turned Her mighty gaze to the final goal of the Forsaken: the conquest of all of Lordaeron, the land that rightfully belonged to Her people.
To accomplish this gargantuan objective, a new force of terror would have to be forged from those Forsaken who had bravely fought in the North. But the Lady also saw that disunity could cripple Her irresistible power: the unspeakable treachery at the Wrathgate had shattered the unity of the Forsaken faction. Deathstalkers were incensed that the Apothecaries had harboured such wickedness in their midst and the Deathguard were convinced that the Stalkers themselves had failed to act against Varimathras, for fear of a terrible retribution. Such division, while hardly as pronounced as the pathetically impassioned disputes which the living fell ill to, was nonetheless an all too human weakness...
Aleric Hawkins was asked to construct a Forsaken taskforce capable of striking in the name of the Lady beyond Lordaeron and with devastating force. Delegate Viatrix Verranos, known as the 'Veil of the Lady' for her previous administrative role in the Undercity Royal Quarter, had been serving for 5 months with unbreakable efficiency in Northrend. Verranos had overseen mountains of paperwork and coordinated (from the safety of her guarded study) the supply shipments to Venomspite, the staging point for the Battle of Wintergarde and the assault on Naxxramas. Returning to the Undercity with the closing of the northern conflict, Verranos readily accepted the prescriptive guidance which Hawkins offered; 'The Spine' was formed and their crusade against the blight of the living commenced at once.
Those who formed the original contingent came from a variety of backgrounds. Some were hardened veterans, disillusioned with the disjointed nature of the Forsaken war machine. Some were volunteered by their own departments: aggressive, awkward and undiplomatic rebels, eagerly passed on by their superiors to the mysterious new force. Some are simply adventurers; desperate for an opportunity to travel beyond the Forsaken frontier in Arathi, but still committed to their Queen. But one thing unites the majority of those within the Spine: they remain utterly dedicated to the Will of the Dark Lady.
Although based most heavily in Brill (away from the useless intrigue and the insufferable glare of the Kor'Kron in the Undercity), the Spine is often dispatched - as one of the most mobile units of the Forsaken forces - to distant lands, countering subtle but malicious foreign threats. The 'enemy' of the Spine is an ever-changing entity, but all those who would oppose the Forsaken claim to the land of Lordaeron are counted as their bitterest foes.
Almost all members of the Spine are, for obvious reasons, Forsaken. Their origins are, once again, notoriously disparate, many lived as citizens of the Capital City, others once hailed from Dalaran or any other of the Human Nations. Alongside this dedicated core of 'true-Forsaken' one or two Elven-loyalists (those with strong Forsaken sympathies, or who still revere Sylvanas) also serve the Lady and a small contingent of Bilgewater Goblins occasionally function as rented slaves, labourers or technical engineers.
==Outlook & Spirituality==
: "Embrace that Great Darkness which waits for freedom amongst all things, yet never forget the bastard prophecies of the 'Light'! Let the Lady guide you and the Shadow give you strength!" 
: - Shadow Chaplain Geriand Dusksworn: a concluding thought to a Shadow-sermon -
As has been mentioned, the Spine is unapologetically pro-Sylvanas. The few craftsmen within the force ensured that they contributed to the construction of Her new fortifications which now entrench the Forsaken all over Lordaeron: every member is, in some way, at the very least sympathetic to the undeniably vitriolic mindset of Sylvanas. While some private concerns may linger (especially amongst those who fought the 'monstrous' Scourge in the north and now fear that they work alongside 'Scourge-agents'), the public outlook of the Spine is one of intense loyalty, devotion and dedication to the Forsaken cause.
Relations with the other Horde races are, for obvious reasons, strained and tense. While the Spine is willing to cooperate with the Kalimdorian 'savages' when necessary, they avoid regular interaction and are usually themselves avoided. The Goblins are recognised as talented engineers, and used for this expertise when required, but they are disposable conveniences; 'social' interaction is an alien concept. Blood Elves are more readily welcomed by members; the Spine has frequently collaborated with the Sin'dorei military, while intelligence, research and resources are often pooled in joint operations. Some members may begrudge such closeness with 'living specimens', but muttered insults do not prevent a fairly stable working relationship.
The land of Lordaeron is viewed, almost unanimously, as the rightful property of the Forsaken people. Many members of the Spine are themselves from contested battlefronts: Andorhal, Arathi or Gilneas. The new 'crusade' which the Forsaken now wage across the continent has been welcomed by the Spine as a just conflict and valid reclamation, rather than a conquest, of their homeland. Some may silently question the necessity of a Forsaken 'Research Station' in the Hinterlands and even the sudden push against Stromgarde, but few raise such concerns in the open: the dictation of the Queen that the ongoing assault is justified is enough to reassure most who doubt such action, the rest - for now - keep silent.
But none can deny that while the Cataclysm has brought forth bountiful opportunity for the Forsaken, it has also shaken the foundation of their society. Traitorous scum now whisper unholy curses... branding Sylvanas as the 'Lich Queen', others have abandoned their brethren entirely in the vain and foolish hope that the savage Horde might embrace them. The Spine views such action as not only cowardly betrayal, but blasphemous treason.
Alongside this cut-throat commitment to slashing a murderous swathe across the Eastern Kingdoms is a more delicate interest in the Cult of the Forgotten Shadow. The spiritual leader of the Spine, the Shadow Chaplain, often hosts sermons beneath the Statue of Sylvanas, in Brill, and most of the Spine are at least familiar with the central tenets of the Shadow Faith: Power, Respect and Tenacity. Even some 'Shadow Ascendants' work alongside the force in their most dangerous campaigns.
This blend of high-minded spirituality (an idealised veneration of the Lady and the Shadow) with pragmatic adaptability (a realistic commitment to Forsaken expansion and cooperation with 'allies', where necessary) forms the foundation of the Spine's fierce doctrine.
==Structure & Leadership==
The Spine is compromised of three branches, each representing one arm of the tripartite Forsaken military. The Deathguard, the Deathstalkers and the Royal Apothecaries of the Spine: these are the 'departments' which form the framework of the forces approach. Each department is led by a single 'Instructor', and this triumvirate acts as the commanders-in-chief of all joint operations.
Those who seek to join 'The Spine' are firstly subjected to a forensic interview by one of the Instructors, or the High Delegate herself. Loyalty, experience and knowledge are all analysed before the potential recruit is allowed to progress to the next stage. Once the interviewer is satisfied that the applicant may be an asset to the organisation, they may set a suitable task to be undertaken at once by the potential member. If the task is completed to the satisfaction of the Instructor, then the applicant may be recruited as an 'Affiliate of the Spine'.
Dedicated service for several weeks is required before such an 'Affiliate' may be considered for a promotion. It is only then that they must select which department they intend to join.
: "Hear them scream! Hear them wail and thrash and moan! Roar the name of our kingdom at the top of your lungs! Today, we fall upon our enemy like the black wave! For Lordaeron!" - High Executor Cidé before sending his Deathguard into battle -
The Deathguard of the Spine are the iron-fist of the Will of the Forsaken. They stand in battle as a glimmering shield wall, strong steel armour strapped to bare brittle bone. A single rank is the most common strategy, although ranged forces may be placed behind the defensive Shield-Wall. As the enemy crash against the barrier, the Deathguard shunt them back with their shields, jab with flashing blades into the dazed enemy and then lower the Shield-Wall once again. When not in battle, the Deathguard commit themselves to endless drilling, weapons training and combat training, occasionally duelling against one another in an attempt to perfect their skills. Even if they are not occupied by such rigorous work, they endlessly assist in the patrolling of Tirisfal, Silverpine or Hillsbrad and set up watches on border fortifications. The lowest of those serving as Deathguard in the Spine are known as 'Defilers', those promoted even higher are revered 'Executors', and the department is led by the 'High Executor', who ensures that discipline is maintained with an unflinching resolve.
: "Take their tongues, gouge their eyes, break their fingers, and send them back." - Shadow Marshall Donovan J. LaFleur, speaking before an attack on a camp of enemy scouts -
The Deathstalkers of the Spine are the silent blades of the Shadow. In battle they scout the terrain, before moving out from their positioning on the flanks of the Spine force, once behind the enemy they descend upon them with terrible skill, slashing down those too occupied by the steel wall of the Deathguard to notice death descending on them from the rear. When not fighting, they constantly serve the Lady as spies in enemy land, spreading destruction, unseen, or stealing information, unheard. Often they are responsible for the elimination of traitors to the Forsaken cause and they do so with utter faith in the direction of their superiors. The lowest of those serving as Deathstalkers are known as 'Shades', those promoted even higher are revered as 'Stalkers', and the department is led by the 'Shadow Marshall', who is totally committed to the Will of the Lady and the realisation of her goals.
: "We stand now, on the brink of entropy and madness, and you object to our lack of morality? Brethren, we are Death! Death has no honour, no code of conduct, no morale! Death is miserably pallid, unforgiving and above all - Forsaken!" 
: - Royal Apothecary Nathan Black, confronting a squadron of Kor'kron inspecting his work -
The Apothecaries of the Spine are the sinister architects of the Lady's greatest plans. When engaged they may often withdraw, for they are of greater worth alive and working, than crippled by battle injuries. Nonetheless, many fight well on the field, they often function as Battle-Magi, placing themselves behind the towering Shield-Wall of the Deathguard, or as medics, offering aid to those who fall. Their devastating plague is enough to brutally extinguish any shred of resistance in an enemy force and it is for this which they are best known and most feared. When not deployed in battle, they occupy themselves with constant work in the towering laboratories of the new Forsaken settlements. They may lead their own research expeditions into foreign lands, in the hope of collecting rare specimens with which to conduct a devastating breakthrough, never do they rest: their work is sleepless and eternal. Those working on minor projects are known as 'Chemists', while those who oversee larger expeditions are titled 'Apothecaries'. They are led by the Royal Professor who watches over their work with a cautious eye: Putress has not yet been forgotten and progress must be assured.
Alongside these three departments is the spiritual leader of the force, who ensures that all remain resolute in their dedication to the Shadow, the Forsaken and the Lady. The Shadow Chaplain is unshakeable in his faith and inspiring in his rhetoric: constantly raising morale and dragging projects forward with sheer will-power. Assisted by a handful of dedicated Clerics, it is he who ensures that new members of the force are put to good use and it is he who ensures that no traitors rest amongst the Spine.
Members of the Spine maintain contact when on duty with the aid of "Shards" (sometimes reffered to as "Mirror Shards" or "Looking Shards"). These are jagged fragments of polished glass, taken from the shattered remains of the dazzling mirror which once hung in the Imperial Throne Room of Lordaeron. Each Shard, once enchanted with powerful Arcane Magic and imbued with a blessing from the Shadow, can be used to speak with others who carry a Shard. In some cases, a user may even catch a glimpse of another in the depths of the dark glass.
==Recruitment==
The Spine does not constantly search for new recruits, and we often close/open recruitment as and when we feel like we're ready to welcome new people on board. Our current recruitment thread can be found on the realm forums (eu.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/1267109185) and our recruitment status can be found within this thread. If we are recruiting and you're interested in joining, please do not hesitate to apply at thespine.forummotion.com.
Category:Guild
Category:RP Guild
Category:Horde Guild
Category:Forsaken