User:Skulkerart/The Bombing of Artifice

This event would herald the coming of the Tower of Artifice, a new instance, similar to the Scourge Invasion or Gates of Ahn'Qiraj. The insidious Machinemaster Xonta would lead the enemy attack against the forces of the Alliance and Horde. Xonta's agents would appear in many places, and his officers would also be challenged in combat. Xonta's floating tower could be found on the Dragonblight-Crystalsong Forest border.

Questing
The Horde and Alliance are entering a temporary truce to battle this new threat, similar to Ahn'Qiraj. Quests to gather supplies, as well as kill enemies would be available to strengthen reputation and prepare for the war. Ultimately players will bomb the tower, their combined efforts enough to eventually shut down the tower's levitation mechanism. Swamp Rat Riggin also offers quests to adventurers looking to battle for glory.
 * Down with the Tower! (Horde)/Disable the Engine (Alliance)- The decisive quest where the tower engine is disabled,forcing Xonta to make a landing in Crystalsong.

Swamp Rat Rigging
Swamp Rat Rigging, a new faction, would also be ready to reward players for battling against Xonta during the invasion and in the instance afterwards, as well as offering quest-lines in other areas. A large engineering company, similar the Steamwheedle Cartel or Venture Co., though not led by Goblins, Swamp Rat Rigging has been under attack by Xonta's machinesmiths, in an attempt to steal back a part that has been taken from them. If this part should ever be returned, Xonta would be able to create a powerful weapon strong enough to decimate Stormwind or Orgrimmar in one blast.

The Officers
Xonta has sent a handful of his most trusted lieutenants out to oversee his workers and soldiers...

Outdoors

 * Ambassador Syme (83 Elite Skeletal Mage)- A skilled negotiator and interrogator, Syme has been sent to coerce Stormwind and Orgrimmar into cooperation. Every hour, he leads a small army of powerful enemies into each city. If he succeeds in defeating Thrall/Varian, the city is captured, and will be temporarily controlled by Xonta's forces.
 * Surveyor Distrahn (81 Elite Human)- Distrahn is under orders from Xonta to examine ores in Dragonblight. He can be found in a small camp of miners and taskmasters, nearby Venomspite.
 * Overseer Kyz (32 Elite Goblin)- Kyz is stationed in Ashenvale to lead Xonta's deforestation team there. He will be found near Maestra's Post.
 * Siegemaster Archros (54 Elite Blood Elf)- Archros has claimed Crystalvein Mine and is building a mechanical army to march on Booty Bay.
 * Guldo the Taskmaster (18 Elite Ogre)- Guldo is overseeing a small encampment of miners in Elwynn Forest.

Instanced

 * Envoy Scarlun (19 Elite Human)- Scarlun has been sent to the Deadmines to conspire with VanCleef.
 * Lenrex Sigran (41 Elite Goblin)- Lenrex has been spotted within Razorfen Downs, trying to gain the Amnennar the Coldbringer's trust.
 * Grimnoose (82 Elite Geist)- Grimnoose has been seen dancing around Ahn'kahet, roaring about Xonta, seemingly immune to Herald Volazj's whispers and visions.
 * Anju the Soothesayer (71 Elite Human)- Anju has been sent to investigate Karazhan. She is learning a great deal from the library.