User:Slamshady/Bolvar's Dragons

The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment, also known as Bolvar's Dragons, or simply "the Dragons" is the Alliance army's secretive tier-one Special Missions Unit. It was founded in the year 25 ADP by then Regent Lord Bolvar Fordragon of Stormwind to combat the growing number of major problems in Azeroth.

The Dragons primary tasks are counter-terrorism, direct action, and national-intervention operations, although it is an extremely versatile group capable of conducting many types of covert missions, including, but not limited to, hostage rescues and raids.

7's elite special operations group often works with - and recruits - members from the Dragons.

History
The Dragons were formed after numerous, well-publicized incidents across Azeroth starting in the year 25. These incidents led the Alliance army, under Bolvar Fordragon, to develop a full-time unit dedicated to countering any major threats to the safety of Azeroth. Key military and racial leaders had already been briefed on a model for this type of unit during the Third War. Fordragon, a renowned General and soldier, presented a detailed report explaining the need for a highly trained group of soldiers that focused solely on issues of global and factional safety. He envisioned highly adaptable and completely autonomous small teams with a broad array of special skills for direct action and counter-terrorist missions. He briefed military and racial leaders, who were overtly resistant to create a new unit outside of the already existing Special Forces, or to change existing methods. Finally, in late year 25, as the number of threats in Azeroth grew, the leaders decided that such a group should be formed, giving Fordragon the go ahead to do so.

Organization and Structure
The unit is under the organization of the entire Alliance army, but is mainly controlled by the Stormwind army. Commands are almost entirely given directly by King Varian Wrynn, under the counsel of the rest of the racial leaders. Virtually all information about the unit is highly classified and details about specific missions or operations are generally not publicly available. The unit's strength ranges based on the number of soldiers who are suitably trained and able to participate. It typically does not consist of more than a hundred or so members, which are broken up into operational groups. Recent numbers are well below 100, with the amount of lives lost in recent wars. Each operational group is commanded by 1-3 officers in the field, and act as a free-standing, self-run guild as mercenaries under the command of world leaders. Known operational groups are detailed below:

Detachment Designations
"Sunder" group: One of the major groups since day one, this is the most widely decorated and longest acting groups.

"Prestige" group: Also one of the first groups to be formed, this group has also accomplished many operations. This group has been recently been designated to logistics and support.

"Convergence" group (defunct): Plagued with problems since its formation after the Shattering, this group still managed to succeed in a number of situations before falling apart due to member losses and betrayal.

"Ambiguous" group (defunct): Formed after the re-opening of the Dark Portal, this group was one of the first to push into Outland before the group folded due to loss of members.

"Bellicose" group (defunct): One of the first groups formed, it folded before long as its members were reassigned.

Recruitment
Some recruits come from the Alliance army, but most have come from outside fighting forces, or simply from a different trade. Many times, a soldier in the Dragons will recommend an accomplice, who will then undergo a physical and psychological testing regimen. The requirements for the unit only specify that applicants must be "of age" for his or her respective race, a pledged member of the Alliance, and have a recommendation from at least one current member to attend a briefing to be considered for admission. The applicant must then pass a special training course over the course of two months. Note that the aptitude test is extremely difficult, and although many take the test, most do not make it past the first stage.

Known Operations
While the Dragons have been present to some degree at nearly every major battle or military engagement in Azeroth and Outland, the following engagements required pivotal operations that were specifically designed and executed by the unit and its commanders.

Year 25
🇨🇴 Deadmines Stormwind Stockade Gnomeregan Dire Maul Scholomance 🇨🇴 Stratholme (assisting the Argent Dawn) Uldaman Zul'Farrak Zul'Gurub Blackrock Depths 🇨🇴 Blackrock Spire Blackwing Lair Molten Core (assisting the Thorium Brotherhood) Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj Temple of Ahn'Qiraj

Year 26
🇨🇴 Hellfire Ramparts Blood Furnace Shattered Halls Magtheridon's Lair Escape from Durnholde Keep (assisting the Keepers of Time) 🇨🇴 Opening the Dark Portal (assisting the Keepers of Time) Karazhan (assisting the Violet Eye) Mechanar (assisting the Sha'tar) Botanica (assisting the Sha'tar) Arcatraz (assisting the Sha'tar) 🇨🇴 The Eye (assisting the Sha'tar) Battle for Mount Hyjal (assisting the Keepers of Time) Black Temple (assisting the Ashtongue Deathsworn) Zul'Aman Magister's Terrace (assisting the Shattered Sun Offensive)

Year 27
🇨🇴 Culling of Stratholme (assisting the Keepers of Time) Utgarde Keep Utgarde Pinnacle Violet Hold (assisting the Kirin Tor) The Nexus (assisting the Wyrmrest Accord) 🇨🇴 The Oculus (assisting the Wyrmrest Accord) The Eye of Eternity (assisting the Wyrmrest Accord) Naxxramas Halls of Lightning (assisting the Explorer's League) Halls of Stone (assisting the Explorer's League) 🇨🇴 Ulduar (assisting the Explorer's League and Kirin Tor) Halls of Reflection (assisting Jaina Proudmoore) Icecrown Citadel (assisting the Ashen Verdict)


 * Note that many members of the Dragons either entered the Trial of the Crusader as combatants or were recruited into the Dragons as a result of their triumphs there.

Year 28
🇨🇴 Lost City of the Tol'vir Halls of Origination Grim Batol Throne of the Tides Stonecore Baradin Hold 🇨🇴 Blackrock Caverns Blackwing Descent Throne of the Four Winds Zul'Gurub (assisting Vol'jin) Firelands (preliminary assaults, assisting the Avengers of Hyjal) End Time (assisting Nozdormu) 🇨🇴 Well of Eternity (assisting Nozdormu) Hour of Twilight (assisting Thrall and the Aspects) Siege of Wyrmrest Temple (assisting Thrall and the Aspects) Fall of Deathwing (assisting Thrall and the Aspects)

Year 29
🇨🇴 Theramore's Fall Temple of the Jade Serpent Shado-Pan Monastery Gate of the Setting Sun 🇨🇴 Heart of Fear Terrace of the Endless Spring Throne of Thunder 🇨🇴

Commanding Officers
Regent Lord Bolvar Fordragon - 25 to 27 ADP. King Varian Wrynn - 27 to present.

Advising Officers
🇨🇴 King Magni Bronzebeard - 25 to 28 ADP. High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque - 25 to present. High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind - 25 to present. 🇨🇴 Prophet Velen - 26 to present. Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage - 28 to present. King Genn Greymane - 28 to present. 🇨🇴 High Thane Muradin Bronzebeard - 28 to present. High Thane Falstad Wildhammer - 28 to present. Queen-Regent Moira Thaurissan - 28 to present. 🇨🇴 Wrathion - 28 to present. Aysa Cloudsinger - 29 to present.

Known Members

 * Note that the titles shown are only titles that are "officially" recognized across Azeroth's governing and military entities. If a person holds multiple titles, the most prestigious is shown.

Active
Knight-Captain Sam Benson - Highly decorated original member. Lord Gustave Clete - Member since the Shattering. Damelon - Highly decorated member since the re-opening of the Dark Portal. Franz Fedarin - Member since the discovery of Pandaria. Sean Hawthorne - Member since the Siege of Orgrimmar. Michael Jollner - Highly decorated original member. Karl Knobtwist - Member since the Siege of Orgrimmar. Marshal Ronan Leahcin - Highly decorated original member. Knight-Champion Tisha Lightburst - Highly decorated original member. Tishelle Lightburst - Member since the discovery of Pandaria. Keljahl Nightrunner - Member since the assault on the Firelands. Oliver Olerolin - Highly decorated member since the excursion into Northrend. Tara Pawdon - Member since the Siege of Orgrimmar. Phaetha "Faith" - Member since the Siege of Orgrimmar. Tricia Phren - Member since the Siege of Orgrimmar. Rodd Radics - Member since the discovery of Pandaria. Rebecca Radics - Member since the Siege of Orgrimmar. Denise "Rela" Relaeda - Member since the assault on Blackwing Descent. Eric "Ele" Relen - Member since the Siege of Orgrimmar. Sergeant Graham "Sel" Selenar - Highly decorated original member. Shazzara "Shazza" - Member since the Siege of Orgrimmar. Corporal Hadar Stonefist - Highly decorated original member. Vince "Volt" Voltec - Decorated member since the Shattering.

Retired
Lauren Adams - Member since the assault on Icecrown Citadel. Retired after the assault on Blackwing Descent. Aoxi - Member since the discovery of Pandaria. Retired after the Siege of Orgrimmar. Robert Bollinger - Member since the excursion into Northrend. Retired after the fall of the Lich King. Joseph Cann - Decorated member since the assault on Icecrown Citadel. Retired after the fall of the Lich King. Peter Claasos - Highly decorated member since the re-opening of the Dark Portal. Retired after the assault on the Firelands. Field Marshal Jonathan Doff - Original member. Retired just before the excursion into Northrend. Sergeant Archie Duskhallow - Highly decorated original member. Retired shortly after the Shattering. Alice Drazana - Member since the assault on Ulduar. Retired shortly after the Shattering. Neisa Elysious - Decorated member since the assault on Ulduar. Retired after the assault on the Blackwing Descent. Corporal Nerala Fedorath - Highly decorated original member. Retired shortly after the Shattering. David "Fin" Finnien - Original member. Retired during the war on the Lich King and died less than a year later of old age. Nathaniel Geist - Decorated original member. Retired after preliminary assaults on the Black Temple. Nelvin Hatake - Decorated original member. Retired after the assault on the Blackwing Descent. Cate Ivorey - Decorated member since the excursion into Northrend. Retired shortly after the Shattering. Joe Jyle - Original member. Retired after the Fall of Deathwing. Anna Marie Lister - Member since the assault on Icecrown Citadel. Retired after the assault on the Blackwing Descent. Knight-Captain Tyros Mashuren - Decorated member since the re-opening of the Dark Portal. Retired after the assault on the Blackwing Descent. Orin Orala - Decorated member since the assault on Ulduar. Retired after the Fall of Deathwing. Timothy Phaj - Original member. Retired after the assault on Blackwing Descent. Lord Richard Rodomir - Decorated original member. Retired after the fall of the Lich King. Murdered by Defias bandits after the Shattering. Tiaam Samorune - Highly decorated original member. Retired after the fall of the Lich King. Derana Shadowpaw - Member since the assault on Ulduar. Retired after the Fall of Deathwing. Jarad Shadowwolf - Decorated original member. Retired shortly after the Shattering. Seda Solono - Member since the discovery of Pandaria. Retired after the Siege of Orgrimmar. Marshal Reginald Thorack - Original member. Retired shortly after the discovery of Pandaria. Theldan Traywick - Member since the assault on Ulduar. Retired shortly after the Shattering. Andrew Valarian - Member since the Siege of Wyrmrest Temple. Retired after the Fall of Deathwing. Brian Virtuant - Member since the assault on the Firelands. Retired after the Fall of Deathwing. Michelle Virtuant - Member since the assault on Blackwing Descent. Retired after the Fall of Deathwing. Harold Yamichi - Member since the excursion into Northrend. Retired shortly after the discovery of Pandaria. Arthur Yance - Original member. M.I.A. since the assault on the Black Temple. Re-surfaced in Pandaria after almost three years. Lieutenant Commander Tony Zorro - Highly decorated original member. Died of liver failure after the fall of the Lich King.

K.I.A./M.I.A./A.W.O.L.
Commander Athena Armstrong - Decorated original member. K.I.A. in Warsong Gulch by Horde forces. Amanda Beeal - Member since the assault on Icecrown Citadel. A.W.O.L. since the assault on Icecrown Citadel. Jason Blackridge - Member since the assault on Icecrown Citadel. K.I.A. in the assault on Icecrown Citadel by Deathbringer Saurfang. Riveryn Brookshadow - Member since the assault on Tempest Keep. K.I.A. in Icecrown Citadel by Sister Svalna. Dezaandra "Dizzy" - Decorated member since the assault on the Icecrown Citadel. M.I.A. since the Siege of Wyrmrest Temple. Emily Drusilla - Decorated original member. K.I.A. during the assault on Icecrown Citadel by Deathbringer Saurfang. Elizabeth Gandriel - Member since the Siege of Wyrmrest Temple. K.I.A. in the Fall of Deathwing. Lord Arthur Ginsan IV - Decorated member since the assault on Icecrown Citadel. A.W.O.L. since the fall of the Lich King. Gabby Gredgmertel - Member since the assault on Tempest Keep. K.I.A. by General Vezax in Ulduar. Charlie Hyx - Decorated member since the excursion into Northrend. M.I.A. since the Shattering. Joesaa "Josette" - Member since the re-opening of the Dark Portal. M.I.A. since the assault of Ulduar. Shaina Kakana - Member since the discovery of Pandaria. Went M.I.A. during the Siege of Orgrimmar. Grand Marshal Rhonda Lightstar - Highly decorated original member. K.I.A. during the assault on Icecrown Citadel by High Overlord Varok Saurfang during an Alliance-Horde airship battle. Sergeant Lyle Llyre - Member since the assault on Tempest Keep. K.I.A. in Icecrown Citadel by the Lich King's forces. Ayana Mooncloud - Member since the excursion into Northrend. K.I.A. in the Firelands. Riath Nightrain - Decorated original member. K.I.A. during the assault on the Eye of Eternity by Malygos. Cedric "Ced" Nugent - Original member. K.I.A. in the Lich King's assault on Stormwind City, then resurrected as a Death Knight. Re-joined in Northrend. K.I.A. by Nefarian in Blackwing Descent. Ovchi - Decorated member since the re-opening of the Dark Portal. K.I.A. in Zul'Aman by Zul'jin. Nath Robertson - Highly decorated original member. M.I.A. since the assault on Icecrown Citadel. Iggy Rodspark - Decorated member since the assault on the Black Temple. M.I.A. since the Siege of Wyrmrest Temple. Linde Smith - Decorated member since the Shattering. M.I.A. since the Siege of Wyrmrest Temple. Benedict Shyenkur - Original member. K.I.A. in Naxxramas by Instructor Razuvious and promptly resurrected as a Death Knight by Kel'Thuzad and was able to re-join after being able to maintain his will. K.I.A. during the Siege of Wyrmrest Temple by Warlord Zon'ozz. Stinson Sias - Original member. K.I.A. by Magmaw in Blackwing Descent. Patrick Ustoz - Member since the re-opening of the Dark Portal. K.I.A. in Karazhan by Prince Malchezaar. Kynne Willowbreeze - Decorated member since the excursion into Northrend. A.W.O.L. since returning from Northrend. Ai Yuki - Member since the discovery of Pandaria. M.I.A. since the assault on the Throne of Thunder. Zane Zinmatik - Member since the excursion into Northrend. K.I.A. by Mia the Rose in the Twilight Highlands.