Developing Northrend served the crucial purpose of establishing a buffer zone, keeping the Alliance-Scourge war away from the mainland. The sheer number of undead posed a significant threat, a protracted conflict potentially spanning years or even decades. A northern colony was therefore essential.
Galen deployed the aerial gunships Skybreaker and Skyfire, along with two large goblin airships, to Northrend. Their arrival half a month later astonished Alliance soldiers, who hadn't anticipated such massive air vessels. News of these behemoths quickly reached noble spies, likely prompting more compliant behavior from the colonial nobles.
Mekkatorque commanded the Skyfire, while Thermaplugg operated the Skybreaker. Blackfuse and Gazlowe tested the goblin airships, earning the right to name them Fortune and Treasure. Galen wryly noted their choices.
The four airships approached Utgarde Keep from the east and west, alarming ground Vrykul villages and quickly alerting Utgarde Keep.
Queen Angerboda had recently aligned with the Lich King, seeking his power to overcome the Curse of Flesh. The Lich King, before his slumber, had dispatched an envoy to Utgarde Keep, promising eternal life to Vrykul warriors who bravely served the Scourge. The Curse of Flesh had introduced aging to the once ageless Stone Vrykul, prompting King Ymiron's slumber.
The envoy's arrival coincided with the airship incursion, a direct affront to Queen Angerboda.
"Ingvar the Plunderer," she commanded, "take your forces and meet this invasion head-on! Let the God's envoy witness Vrykul bravery!" Ingvar, known for his cruelty and strength, a veteran general, was tasked with this defense.
"Your Majesty," Ingvar replied, slightly discomfited, "scouts report the enemy approaches from the sky!"
"Then I shall go!" interjected a blue-armored Vrykul with a horned helmet. "I, Scourge Lord Skadi the Ruthless, will lead my Glauf and the Proto-Dragon army to crush these invaders and show them who rules the skies!"
Queen Angerboda nodded confidently. Skadi and his Frost Proto-Dragon, Glauf, were a feared duo in Howling Fjord. Glauf's icy breath inflicted incurable frostbite.
A series of explosions rocked Utgarde Keep.
"What insolent fools dare attack us!" Skadi roared, turning to leave.
"Ingvar, you too," the Queen ordered. "Guard Utgarde Keep while our King and many others remain asleep. I will journey north to awaken him."
"For you, Majesty!" Ingvar vowed, unaware of the finality of his words.
Outside, alchemical and arcane bombs rained down from the airships. Dragonskull Village, nestled between the bays, was engulfed in flames. Black smoke billowed as Vrykul poured from the burning ruins and the breached walls, futilely attempting to counterattack the high-flying airships with their ballistae.
Soon, Skadi's air force appeared, a dark cloud of Proto-Dragons rising from the castle terraces.
"Target sighted! North, ascending! Anti-aircraft guns, prepare to engage!"
Hundreds of aircraft swarmed out from the gunships, forming a protective screen around the two gnome and two goblin airships. All gunports opened.
Cannons and anti-aircraft machine guns unleashed a barrage, flashes of fire and white smoke erupting in the sky. Red Proto-Dragons and their riders were torn apart in the dense crossfire, exploding into bloody chunks. A rain of blood and gore fell upon Dragonskull Village, shattering the Vrykul's morale.
Within the red Proto-Dragon formation, Skadi on his blue Proto-Dragon, Glauf, relentlessly approached a gunship. Several intercepting aircraft were instantly encased in ice and plummeted from the sky.