"Master, the floating necropolis the Lich King bestowed upon me is named 'Shadowfane Bastion,'" Straker replied respectfully. "This fortress was originally a ziggurat of the Nerubians from the spider kingdom of Azjol-Nerub."
"It is a sister structure to Acherus (Ebon Hold), similar in scale but fully equipped—making it particularly suitable for the training and modification of Death Knights."
"Is that so? Tell me, how large is this Shadowfane Bastion? What facilities does it house?" Rhodes asked with genuine interest.
In the future of Azeroth, the most massive floating cities would undoubtedly be the flying Dalaran and the Scourge's infamous Naxxramas. While Acherus was somewhat smaller in scale, it was still highly functional; it served as the Death Knight Class Hall and spanned three levels. It was precisely this type of flying fortress that the Lich King used upon his initial awakening.
The undead had a natural logistical advantage over other races. Such hyper-large flying units couldn't be built even in the modern world; they were essentially magical super-carriers.
Rhodes estimated the size of a fortress like Shadowfane or Ebon Hold to be comparable to a standard aircraft carrier. Massive fortresses like Naxxramas or Dalaran were on a different level entirely—Dalaran alone housed nearly 100,000 residents. Naxxramas, divided into four distinct wings, could station an entire army. They didn't just rival 100,000-ton carriers; they far surpassed them.
"Great Master, this floating city consists of three levels," Straker began his tour. "The middle level contains my personal quarters and the barracks for high-ranking officers, capable of housing several hundred Death Knights. It also contains several storage vaults for military supplies and personal effects."
"The bottom level is a massive training ground. The central area is used for the daily drills of Death Knight initiates, while three separate wings are partitioned for specialized training in Blood, Frost, and Unholy talents.
Currently, the Blood wing is operational, while the Frost and Unholy wings await suitable mentors. This level also houses a vast armory and several undead smiths. I have installed four Rune Forges—Scourge-exclusive devices that allow Death Knights to etch runes onto their runeblades."
"The top level is the combat deck and is the most spacious area. It can hold a garrison of over ten thousand soldiers. It is equipped for special flying mounts like Gargoyles and Black Gryphons. Beyond producing Death Knights, it can also facilitate the creation of other undead, such as standard Zombies, Skeletons, Ghouls, and Abominations."
Because undead require no food, water, or sleep, the vessel could be packed to maximum capacity. If pushed to its limit, it could hold over 30,000 soldiers, though it would be a tight fit.
"Excellent. I think we can modify your fortress," Rhodes said, rubbing his chin. "For instance, my special Space Magic Ships. If you install some of those on board, you could gain significantly more interior space."
Truth be told, Rhodes was a bit envious of the Scourge's aerial tech. His subordinate had a flying fortress before he did! By integrating the magic ships, he could expand the internal dimensions exponentially. Undead were far more adaptable than humans; they could be stored in extreme environments without issue.
Rhodes also had another thought: he intended to reclaim Lordaeron City and Stratholme in the future, but where would the Forsaken's capital be? This was the perfect answer. A massive, safe, flying city.
"Your ideas are truly visionary, Master," Straker remarked. "My Shadowfane Bastion could easily hold ten magic ships. We could divide the space into ten major sectors, each with seven sub-sectors. If constructed well, it could house over 400,000 people."
The magic ships were the ultimate "black technology," but to allow the undead to use them without drawing suspicion back to Rhodes, the hulls would need a "Scourge-style" makeover—making them look like dark, necromantic technology.
"We're thinking along the same lines," Rhodes said. "In the future, I plan to hand the leadership of the Necropolis city to you. You will be the Commander-in-Chief of my undead forces."
Undead troops couldn't be paraded in the light; it would damage Rhodes's reputation among humans. Having Straker command them as a separate faction was the best way forward.
"I understand, Master. To serve you is my destiny," Straker said, kneeling once more.
"Straker, can you maintain total control over this fortress if you break away from the Scourge? I mean, will it fall out of the sky if you run out of fuel?" Rhodes asked.
"There is no concern, Great Master. Shadowfane Bastion is driven by a magical core. It utilizes ancient Nerubian technology modified by the Lich King to draw energy directly from Azeroth's ambient mana. Fuel is not an issue."
Rhodes nodded. Magic-based technology was truly convenient.
"As for security," Straker continued, "the Lich King can command undead, but he cannot directly control magical structures. I am the supreme commander of this fortress. As for the undead inside, I will ensure they follow only my orders. Many were humans from Lordaeron; they harbor nothing but hatred for the Lich King. Once we break away, I will purge any loyalists. The fortress will be secure."
"That puts my mind at ease. However, I'm very interested in this flying fortress technology. Can you find a way to reverse-engineer it so I can have one? But, uh... not the 'undead' version," Rhodes said. He definitely wanted a super-fortress of his own.
"Great Master, the modification of floating cities is not the work of Death Knights, but of Necromancers and Liches. In the Eastern Kingdoms, the greatest fortress is Naxxramas, commanded by the Archmage Kel'Thuzad.
If you want the detailed blueprints and methods, he is the one who holds them. Alternatively, we could excavate one of the buried Nerubian ziggurats in Northrend; some are even larger than Naxxramas. Or, we could build one from scratch, but that would take years and tens of thousands of laborers to etch the specific Shadow-Magic runes."
"Building one ourselves isn't feasible right now; we lack the time and resources," Rhodes said, shaking his head. "Modifying an existing Nerubian structure is better."
"Then we must find a way to get what we need from Kel'Thuzad," Straker suggested.
"And how do you plan to do that?" Rhodes asked, intrigued.
"Great Master, I intend to subvert Kel'Thuzad—and convince him to betray the Lich King."
Rhodes's jaw nearly hit the floor. "Come again? Do you hear yourself? Subvert Kel'Thuzad? Is that even possible?"
Kel'Thuzad was the Lich King's most loyal fanatic. Even in the Shadowlands expansion, he was a loyal henchman to the Jailer. He was a villain through and through.
"It is quite feasible, Master," Straker insisted. "I have dealt with Kel'Thuzad. He is a man who chases magical power above all else. He betrayed Dalaran because the Lich King showed him a power they couldn't offer. If you show him a magic even more advanced and miraculous, he will betray the Lich King just as easily as he betrayed the Kirin Tor."
Straker actually had a bit of a rapport with the Lich. To Straker, Kel'Thuzad was simply a "pure" necromancer of the highest order.