My dearest Tarrel –

Excuse the haste with which this correspondence was written but time is not a luxury we have.

The dig crew was making significant progress unearthing important Titan artifacts. But we began to discover other ancient objects.  Specifically large bones.

Not long after the bones were dug up we fell victim to attack by raptors.  The batallion of men from Longbraid’s regiment fought valiantly.  But ultimately, they were overwhelmed.  Nearly everyone perished. Only 3 of us survived.  A laborer by the name of Ormer Ironbraid proved to be most heroic as he ensured the safety of myself and Prospector Whelgar.

We now take refuge in a sheltered cavern, seemingly out of harm’s way.  But we are indeed trapped until a force can be sent to reckon with the raptors.  Whelgar is trying to continue work but I suspect he is still quite frightened.  That is our situation, Tarrel.  Please urge Longbraid to muster a rescue force at once.

My love for you remains strong, even through this dire time.

Note: This letter is given to you by Merrin at a cave on the east side of the Whelgar’s Excavation camp.  She asks you to deliver it to her husband Tarrel Rockweaver (dwarf) who stands by the bridge connecting the Menethil Harbor isle with Wetlands.

The band of wretches responsible for driving the good people of Westfall from the land call themselves The Defias Brotherhood.  I need you to infiltrate this clan of thugs.  We need to know who heads up the cartel and where they are hiding out.  In Lakeshire, in the inn, there is a rogue by the name Wiley who owes me a favor.

Travel to Lakeshire in the Redridge Mountains, east of Elwynn, and find out what you can.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Gryan Stoutmantle wants you to talk to Wiley in Lakeshire.

(Arriving to the Lakeshire Inn on the Redridge Mountains)

Wiley the Black: So, Stoutmantle sent you?  Well, I owe him.

What I am about to tell you could cost me my life.  The Defias gang is up to something big.  Last I heard they were working in conjunction with various gnolls, kobolds and even goblins.

Take this note to Stoutmantle.  It explains as much as I know on the subject.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Take Wiley’s Note to Gryan Stoutmantle in Westfall.

CONTINUE TO READ THE LETTER >>>

Note: Follow the links to read the entire Defias Brotherhood Questline.

“A letter found on Edwin VanCleef’s person”

Searching Edwin VanCleef’s person, you discover, among other things, an unsent letter.  It is addressed to Baros Alexston, the City Architect of Stormwind, City Hall, Cathedral Square.

It appears to be recently written and sealed.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Baros Alexston: Yes? Is there something I can help you with?

Edwin VanCleef, you say?  I would as much expect a letter from my dead grandmother … So you’ve killed him then?  Pardon me in saying, but I’m somewhat surprised.  He was a peerless fighter in his younger years.  Let’s see what he finds the need to write to me about after so many years.

(Baros peruses the letter)

BAZIL THREDD

Baros Alexston: VanCleef and I were members of the Stonemasons Guild.  Our main project was to rebuild Stormwind after the War.

When we had finished our duties, we were cheated.  The nobles refused to pay us for our work.  Some of the more senior of the Stonemasons were offered governmental jobs, but VanCleef refused it out of loyalty to all the Stonemasons.  He led a riot and left the city, swearing revenge.

His lieutenant, Bazil Thredd, might know more about VanCleef’s plans.  He’s being held prisoner in the Stockade.

QUEST OBJECTIVE

BAZIL THREDD

Warden Thelwater: What in the Light do you want?  Can’t you see we have a crisis here?

THE STOCKADE RIOTS

Warden Thelwater: Let’s get one thing straight.  I don’t trust you.  But, with the situation as it is, you probably won’t make a difference.

So here’s how it’s going to be: go down there and have your talk with Thredd.  If you’re really on our side, then kill him and bring me his head when the job’s done.  And if it turns out you’re on his side, and don’t come out … when we find you, you’ll die along with the rest of the maggots.

QUEST OBJECTIVE

Bazil Thredd: Outsiders!  Kill’em all!

Warden Thelwater: Either you bring me Thredd’s head, or I’ll take yours, understand?

Without Thredd to lead them, hopefully the riots will be more controllable.  We shall see.

I must say, after a half hour, I hardly expected you to come out, but it seems I misjudged you.

THE CURIOUS VISITOR

Warden Thelwater: During the first years of Thredd’s imprisonment, he never had any visitors.  I figured that he was no longer of use to the Brotherhood, so they abandoned him.

Anyway, a few months ago, that all changed; he started to get regular visits … once, maybe twice a week.  It was a strange man—the quiet type.  I had my suspicions, but all his papers checked out.

His documents claimed his name was Maelik; here’s his description.  I don’t think he’ll be coming to visit Thredd anymore.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Baros Alexston: Yes? What have you found?

SHADOW OF THE PAST

Baros Alexston: I really haven’t a clue.  There is someone else who might be able to help you, and it so happens that he owes me a favor for—well, let’s not get into that.  Master Mathias Shaw of SI:7 can be found in the barracks in Old Town.  Shaw has his thumb on most of the shady, or underhanded dealings of the city.

If anyone knows, it’d be him.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Mathias Shaw: Greetings.  Of what service can I be to you?

What?  What’s this?  Yes. I think I do know who this man is, but his name is not Maelik.  Assassins wear many names and many masks, discarding them as they lose their usefulness.  Another alias known to be used by this man is Marzon; though even that is surely not his true name.

Regardless, he is an assassin and I know a good deal about him.

LOOK TO AN OLD FRIEND

Master Mathias Shaw: That Marzon would be contacting a member of the Defias and have ties to Lescovar …

Having killed VanCleef and Thredd, it would be hard to see Lescovar brought to proper justice, as your evidence is nothing without their testimonies.  That is not even considering the fact that Lescovar is a noble and well connected.  It effectively makes him above the law.

You’ll need other help.  I loathe to do so, but there is someone I know that will aid us.  You’ll find Trias in the Trade District of the city.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Elling Trias (Master of Cheese): You’re kidding?  Shaw wants my help again?  Of all the nerve …

The Defias Brotherhood, you say?  Well, you’re certainly the bearer of wonderful news, aren’t you?  Next you’re going to tell me that Deathwing is still alive and attacking the city.

INFILTRATING THE CASTLE

Elling Trias (Master of Cheese): Hmm, an intersting tale, and not one to be taken lightly.  Yeah, I can help you, but what you need to do is divvy out a form of justice that’s not … legal, if you’re to see this through to the end.

Lescovar and Marzon need to be dealt with, and swiftly.  Do you think you’re capable of such a thing?

You decide.  If so, then make haste to the castle and find an old friend of mine, a gnome named Tyrion.  He’s been watching Lescovar now for a couple weeks.  He should be able to help you end this.

QUEST OBJECTIVE

Tyrion: You’ll have to be patient with me. I’ve got my spybot inside working on a very delicate matter.  I’ll be with ya in a second.

Oh, and do me a favor, try not to let Lescovar see you … we’re about to ambush him.

What the …?!  Don’t sneak up on me like that!  And keep your voice down!  What in the name of the Shadow are you doing sneakin’ up on me for?  Can’t you see I’m busy, you daft fool?

ITEMS OF SOME CONSEQUENCE

Tyrion: Trias wants the timetable pushed up some, huh?  Okay, we can do that, but I’m not ready.  And know this, I’m doing the hard part, but you’re the one that’s going to get his hands dirty, understand?  Good.

Okay.  I’ll need you to get me a few things before I can put my plan into effect.  I got the perfect disguise that’ll get Spybot past those guards.

Bring me some silk and a couple apples.  The silk’s up to you, but Clara’s little farm right outside the city has the perfect sized apples.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Bring 3 Silk Cloth and 2 of Clara’s Fresh Apples to Tyrion in Stormwind.

Tyrion: I’ve been watching Lescovar for a couple of weeks now.  Trias has never trusted him, but we didn’t suspect he was involved in anything to do with the Defias Brotherhood.  We were following leads that tied him to the Twilight’s Hammer.  Either way, he’s become more dangerous than this city can deal with, and that’s where we come in.

Get me those items and we can put my plan into effect.

These will do nicely.  Great job.

I have the rest of the gear I’ll need in my pack … thank the Light I just got a tailor friend of mine to make me a silk bag.  I was running out of room carrying all my gear around.

THE ATTACK

Tyrion: After I put on Spybot’s disguise, he’ll head in to talk to Lescovar.  The guards should let him pass no problem.

While you were getting materials for me, I took care of informing Marzon that it was time for him and Lescovar to meet again.  I even dropped some false information.

Lescovar will dismiss his guards and wait for Mazon out here in the garden.  After you catch wind of talk about the Defias, make your move.  You need to kill them both before the guards return!  When you’re done, speak to Trias.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Tyrion’s Spybot: By your command!

(The small shredder spybot shapeshifts into a female human named Priestess Tyriona)

Tyrion: Wait here. Spybot will make Lescovar come out as soon as possible.  Be ready!  Attack only after you’ve overheard their conversation.

Princess Tyriona tells both Stormwind Guards: Good day to you both.  I would speak to Lord Lescovar.

Stormwind Royal Guard says: Of course. He awaits you in the library.

Priestess Tyriona says: Thank you.  The Light be with you both.

(Priestess Tyriona – aka Spybot – walks into the Stormwind Library at the Castle to talk to Lescovar)

Priestess Tyriona: Milord, your guest has arrived.  He awaits your presence.

Lord Gregor Lescovar: Ah, thank you kindly.  I will leave you to the library while I tend to this small matter.

Priestess Tyriona: I shall use the time wisely, milord.  Thank you.

Lord Gregor Lescovar: It’s time for my meditation, leave me.

Stormwind Royal Guard: Yes, sir!

(Lord Gregor Lescovar waits for the guards to be out of sight)

Lord Gregor Lescovar: There you are.  What news from Westfall?

Marzon the Silent Blade: VanCleef sends word that the plans are underway.  But he’s heard rumors about someone snooping about.

Lord Gregor Lescovar: Hmm, it could be that meddler Shaw.  I will see what I can discover.  Be off with you.  I’ll contact you again soon.

Marzon the Silent Blade: Very well.  I will return then.

Tyrion: That’s it!  That’s what you were waiting for!  KILL THEM!

Marzon the Silent Blade: The Defias shall succeed! No meek adventurer will stop us!

Lord Gregor Lescovar: What?!  How dare you!

(After killing both Lescovar and Marzon, you return to the Cheese store in the Trade District of Stormwind to report to Elling Trias)

Elling Trias: So it is done?  Good.  Thank you greatly for your discretion.  You’ve proven worthy on more than one account.  I’ll be sure to keep my eyes on you and your progress within the Alliance.

THE HEAD OF THE BEAST

Elling Trias: Find Shaw in Old Town.  Let him know that the Lescovar threat has been dealt with and about your involvement in the Lord’s plots against the city.  I’m sure he’ll be proud to have another hero among Stormwind’s citizens.

He’ll more than likely send you off to meet with the Prince or some other noble. Don’t let it get to your head.  The nobles can think they rule the city all they want, but some things remain out of their hands.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Master Mathias Shaw: He is dead, then?  Your justice was swift.  I pray to the Light that I never become your quarry!

(He laughs and claps you on the shoulder)

BROTHERHOOD’S END

Master Mathias Shaw: Ah, I almost forgot. Alexston came while you were away, he wished to speak with you.  No doubt he wishes to report the goings-on of the Defias Brotherhood to the nobles.

A bit of advice: If anyone should ask, I would provide all details but that it was your hand that slew Lescovar.  Trust me.  I am … acquainted … with the ways of such things.

And as far as Trias goes, well, speak to no one of him … ever … if you can help it.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Baros Alexston: It’s good to see you.  I have heard that Lord Gregor Lescovar was found dead not long ago.

AN AUDIENCE WITH THE KING

Baros Alexston: I have prepared a report for the King.  I believe you should be the one to deliver it to him, along with an account of your findings.  Do not worry, there is no doubt that he will commend you for doing your duty to the people of Stormwind.

Your audience is scheduled soon, so you’d best hurry, it’s a bit of a ways to Stormwind Keep.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Report of the Defias Brotherhood

From the hand of Baros Alexston.
Office of the City Architect.
Stormwind.

Your Majesty,

There are many reasons as to why I felt that a report should be compiled and presented on the recent affairs of the “Defias Brotherhood” and their activities throughout the kingdom.

For perspective, I shall begin with a bit of history.  As you may or may not know, my service to the city of Stormwind began as a member of the Stonemasons’ Guild.  Through years of work, we completed the rebuilding of Stormwind, at which time the Stonemason’s Guild bills and fees and salaries left unpaid and unspoken for.

At that time, Edwin VanCleef had been elected Guildmaster of the Stonemasons, and spoke out, demanding restitution for our works.  In response, the Stormwind House of Nobles ordered the Stonemasons’ Guild disbanded, which, understandably, angered VanCleef leading a riot.  VanCleef led the Stonemasons out of the city.

Before I continue, there are some other events that took place during this time that I should bring to your attention.

First, it was at this time that I was offered the position of city architect if I did not join with VanCleef.  Because of certain idealogical differences, I chose to remain in Stormwind.

During the riots, VanCleef’s lieutenant and most trusted assistant, Bazil Thredd, was captured and held in prison, awaiting trial and questioning.  Thredd was almost forgotten about in the Stockade.

Returning to VanCleef, after he led the remnants of the Stonemasons out of Stormwind, he took advantage of the relatively unprotected state of Westfall, and used his considerable manpower to run many of the farmers off, and take over the handful of gold mines.

Taking advantage of the resources at his disposal, VanCleef hatched a plan of retribution against the government of Stormwind.

Lady Katrana Prestor: Yes?  I was informed by Baros Alexston that you would be coming.  I must say, I am most interested in what you have to say.

You are to be commended for the service you have done for Stormwind.  If VanCleef had been successful in his machinations, he would no doubt have done considerable harm to the kingdom—something we must obviously avoid.

This letter drops from the Defias Messenger that roams along the road between Moonbrook and the gold mine at Westfall during the Defias Brotherhood questline which starts with Master Stoutmantle in Sentinel Hill.

Defias Messenger: “The Brotherhood will not tolerate your actions.

Here’s a singing telegram for (you):  Roses are red, violets are blue, I will kill any (race) I see, including you!”

Blacknails …

The sea await us.  We need your supplies from the north.  Strip everything: every railroad pike, every waterbucket.  We need metal.  A shipment is due from BB but long overdue.  Come through for me,  Blacknails.  Send your supplies directly to the “Barn” this time.  No time to squander.

Gryan Stoutmantle: Were you able to gather any information?  Did you locate the messenger?

This is indeed firm proof that VanCleef is in charge.  Now all we need to know is where the Defias gang is hiding out.

We’ve had a stroke of luck while you were gone.  We captured a thief trying to steal Saldean’s wagon.  He has promised to lead us to the hideout in exchange for his life.  I want you to defend the traitor so he can reveal the hideout.  Return to me once you have uncovered the location.

The Defias Traitor: So Stoutmantle sends a scrawny (race) like you to protect me?  Guess you’ll have to do.  Better bring some friends too.

You know the deal, right?  You watch my back and I’ll take you to the Defias hideout.  But you better be close by my side.  The Defias gang wants my head now.  If they see me with you, they’ll try to kill me.

Let me know when you and any friends you can round up are ready to go.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

The Defias Traitor: Defias Looter coming in fast!  Prepare to fight!

(The hide out location is the doorway into Deadmines in Moonbrook)

The Defias Traitor: You can go tell Stoutmantle this is where the Defias Gang is holed up, (name).

Gryan Stoutmantle: Most excellent, (name).  VanCleef is as good as ours now that we know where he is hiding.

There is but one task left for you to complete.  Edwin VanCleef must be assassinated. While it saddens me to condemn any man to a death sentence, it is for the greater good of the people of Westfall that VanCleef is laid to rest once and for all.  Bring me the villain’s head once the deed is done.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

(After killing Edwin VanCleef aboard the Juggernaught deep inside the Deadmines dungeon, you return to Sentinel Hill, Westfall)

Gryan Stoutmantle: How goes the hunt for Edwin VanCleef?

(name), your bravery is remarkable.  The People’s Militia thanks you for your service to the people of Westfall.  With VanCleef dead, this marks the beginning of the end for the Defias Brotherhood.  Hopefully some day soon peace will once again grace the plains of this fair land.

I salute you, Sir!

Gryan Stoutmantle yells: Three cheers to (name)!  This land shall be ours once again!

Note: When you killed VanCleef, you looted an item named: An Unsent Letter triggering a short alternate questline that reveals more details of the Defias Brotherhood. Read more following the link below.

CONTINUE TO READ THE UNSENT LETTER >>>

Stoutmantle …

Some nerve sending a total stranger to discuss the Defias gang.  Once you saved my life and now you put it in great peril.

But I owe you.  The Defias Brotherhood is larger than you think.  Every mine from Westfall to Elwynn Forest is under their control.  Kobolds and Gnolls have been enlisted to do their dirty work.  They have goblins crafting metal monsters to place in the Westfall fields to prey on the superstitions of the local residents.

They have a vast underground network built.  Bigger than you know Stoutmantle.  From Booty Bay right to Stormwind Keep.  You may be a brave Paladin but you are a fool if you think you can shut them down.  They are working on a weapon of mass destruction.  After all, if there’s one thing Stonemasons know, it’s how to build big.  You didn’t think this was about pumpkin farms and vineyards, now did you?  I repaid your favor.  Now leave me be!

(Back at Sentinel Hill, Westfall)

Gryan Stoutmantle: Good to see you back.  What did Wiley have to say for himself?

Bah!  I should have let that scoundrel rot when I had the chance.  But this information is crucial.  Good work.

I wonder what Wiley meant when he mentioned the Stonemasons.  Perhaps that was a slip of tongue.  Could the Defias gang be related to the Stonemasons?  Only one man would know for sure: Mathias Shaw, head of the SI:7.  Show him Wiley’s Note and see if he has anything to add to this growing mystery. If you have trouble finding Shaw, check the Barracks in Old Town.

QUEST OBJECTIVE

Take Wiley’s Note to Mathias Shaw in Stormwind.

(At the Old Town, Shaw welcomes you.)

Master Mathias Shaw: Welcome to SI:7 headquarters.

What business do you have with me?  I am a very busy man …

This matter might be more complex than Stoutmantle realizes.

The Stonemasons’ Guild was run by a man named Edwin VanCleef.  VanCleef was responsible for rebuilding Stormwind after the orcs razed it in the First War.  Apparently, VanCleef and his men were unhappy with their treatment by the King after the reconstruction was complete.  That just might explain a thing or two.

I have written a more detailed account for your Master in Westfall.  Take this to him at once.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Take Shaw’s report to Gryan Stoutmantle in Westfall.

CONTINUE TO READ SHAW’S REPORT >>>

Lord Stoutmantle …

Led by Edwin VanCleef, the Stonemason’s Guild was composed of the most skilled builders among men.  The Stonemasons helped to rebuild the broken city of Stormwind that was razed by the orcs during the First War..  VanCleef and his tradesmen were peerless builders and their work and artistry was evident in the edifices of the Cathedral of Light and Stormwind Keep itself.

However, the nobles of Stormwind ran up a huge debt by expanding the kingdom’s military presence through Elwynn Forest and into Stranglethorn.  The massive debt crippled the kingdom’s economy and stripped VanCleef and his Stonemasons of their promised rewards.  After spending years toiling to rebuild the glorious city, the Stonemasons were left broke, forgotten by the city’s corrupt officials.

Having personally known Edwin VanCleef my entire life, I can tell you that facing him as a foe is quite a daunting task.  You see, he was my childhood friend, and I personally trained him in the ways of the shadows thinking that one day he might consider a career alongside me.  If VanCleef is heading up the Defias Brotherhood, may the Light have mercy on our souls.

Gryan Stoutmantle: Did Master Shaw shed any light on things?

Edwin VanCleef … I know the name well.  To think that a man so industrious and talented could turn into such a scoundrel unnerves me.  I’ll need further proof before I believe this.

We need to discover the location of the Defias hideout.  My scout reports that a Defias Messenger has been seen on the roads between Moonbrook, the Gold Coast Quarry and the Jangolode Mine.  I want you to capture him.  If he resists, kill him and bring me whatever he is carrying.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Track down the Defias Messenger in Westfall and bring his message to Stoutmantle.

CONTINUE TO READ THE MYSTERIOUS LETTER >>>

Note: Follow the links to read the entire Defias Brotherhood Questline.

THE FIRST TROLL LEGEND

A moon over the Vale shines casting its glow upon the jungle, where proud warriors heed the call to defend our nation, and sacred grounds.  A moon over the Vale shines far above the cries of battle, where blood is spilled.  Of foe and comrade alike.

And when our brethren pass into realms beyond the known, the soul-spirit hardens deep beneath the Vale.

And when our brethren pass into the Mountain’s temple, we shall protect their eternal spirit, encased within the holy blue crystal.

THE SECOND TROLL LEGEND:
Gri’lek the Wanderer

Tale of Gri’lek the Wanderer

(… The beginnings of the tablet were worn and erased.  But the end was legible …)

Gri’lek stamped through the jungle.  And his eyes burned and his chest rumbled, for there was great anger in him.

In fury he roared to the sky, and he raised his arm.  He raised his left arm.  Grown strong and sure from hunting without its twin.

For Gri’lek’s right arm was gone, and it would not return.

And so he wandered, and he searched.  And his arm remained lost to him.  And so he cursed and roared as he walked.

But Gri’lek has long ago turned his ear away from the spirits, and they were angered and would not listen to his curses.

THE THIRD TROLL LEGEND

Rising from the ocean, a tower of water, Neptulon sent the great Krakken to doomed I’lalai.  So huge were their forms that jungles of kelp swayed through their limbs, and leviathans swam through bodies.

The largest Krakken then raised his arms high and crashed them into the sea, sending waves about him.  And they raged toward I’lalai.

The Krakken roared, and their voices thundered like an ocean storm.

“We come.”

Min’loth, standing firm, called forth his magic.  The waves sent to I’lalia parted and washed to both sides, and they flooded the jungle beyond.  Min’loth then bade his minions chant spells of binding.  And a din rang out as dozens of troll voices rose.

And one voice rose above the rest.

Min’loth bellowed and his magic gathered the power of his minion’s spells.  And he cast it at the approaching Krakken.

The seas parted and Min’loth’s spell sped toward the servants of Neptulon.  Lightning tore the sky and the spell struck them, and a thousand bolts fell, boiling water, and burning craters in the earth.

Min’loth cried in triumph knowing his spell would fell the great beasts.

But the Krakken are old.  Very old.  They remembered when the land was first born from the sea.

They remembered when the Old Ones ruled and when the travelers came and cast them down.  They remembered when magic was new.

They are old and they hold many secrets.  And though Min’loth’s spell was strong, it, like the troll, was mortal.

And so it failed.

It failed to bind the Krakken, but it enraged them.  Not in aeons had a mortal caused them pain, and the troll’s spell was painful.

And so they shed the bindings of Min’loth’s spell.  But then roared and stuck with fury.

A rumble was heard as great waves rose from the deep and raced toward the land.  When they reached I’lalai they cast a shadow on the city.

But before they destroyed it the Krakken halted. Poised.

The troll witchdoctors trembled and cried out to their master.  Min’loth gazed at the mountains of the sea, doomed and defiant.  He turned to his adepts and whispered, and the trolls etched his last words into stone.  Min’loth then faced the looming Krakken.

He grimaced and hurled his staff, his last bold act.

The Krakken then bent their fury upon Min’loth.  And an ocean fell upon I’lalai.

And it was no more.

And then the waters fell upon the jungle, washing clean all they met.  Trolls and beasts cried out as the waters smashed and drowned them.

Many Gurubashi wondered why the ocean swallowed them, but then they died and knew nothing.

And finally, when the waters reached the mountains, they stopped.  Appeased, they retreated back, beyond the shores, and they left a wake of death.

They retreated, but they surged around I’lalai and remained drowning it forever.

And the Chief Var’gazul, safe behind the mountains in Zul’Gurub, went out to the jungle and found it washed clean of his people.

And he despaired, for his dreams of conquest were thwarted.

THE FOURTH TROLL LEGEND: THE EMPEROR’S TOMB

By moon and fire.
By flesh and bone.
Scribed in blood.
Carved in stone.

Upon completion of the quest …

Brother Nimetz: Do you have the troll legends?  I must know their secrets.

THE BLOODSAIL ORDERS

When you find the Bloodsail Orders this is what it says:

Pay attention to these here words closely, me hearties. For we only got one shot at Booty Bay.

I’ve sent Ol’Dunken scouting to the north and told him to wait for the signal.

The Damsel’s Luck will drop anchor off the southern cape for purposes of supply. Captain Stillwater, the little shorty, is to have his crew prepare to haul up all the plundered loot. I’m sure Brutus, that blockhead, will be on top of things.

I want Captain Keelhaul to bring the Riptide up to shore from the southeast. We’ll send his crew in on foot when the signal is given.

That big lug, Salthoof, can take the men in swinging. I want the black spot placed on Revilgaz and Seahorn. Send’em right to the bottom of the sea for all I care.

You blokes are responsible for salvaging anything that might be of use for our little project with Van Cleef in the Deadmines.

I’ll give the order for Ironpatch to fire the guns. The artillery barrage will keep any Blackwater ships from leaving or entering the port.

After The Crimson Veil has uploaded her guns, I’ll bring her alongside. The Riptide for support and provide reserves as needed.

Once Salthoof and his boys have fired the town and all hands are on deck we set sail and give the Bay one more shelling from the Savage Coast for good measure.

The BLOODSAIL BUCCANEERS

Fleet Master Seahorn: Crazz speaks highly of your dedication to the Blackwater Raiders.  I am going to trust you with a mission of extreme importance to the fleet.

Infiltrate the so-called southern command post the Bloodsail Buccaneers have established on the Wild Shore.  Raid the encampment.  Bring me their charts along with their written orders.  We shall see exactly what those scum are up to.

Objectives

> What do you know of it?

Highlord Demitrian: I know much, listen and be educated.

>I am listening, Demitrian.

Highlord Demitrian: In the time before time, what the usurpers would later call the First Age of Creation, my master and his siblings ruled over this world. It was they, the Old gods, who created all.

And it was they who would ultimately be cast down by those that would call themselves Shapers.

> Continue, please.

Highlord Demitrian: Their manifest forms weak from eons of battle, imprisoned beneath the world – the world tha they themselves created – the corruption of the Titan Shapers would permeate through the surface and befoul the Old gods.

It was then and there that the brothers did turn. For five millenia a battle was fought at the core fo this world.

> Battle?

Highlord Demitrian: It was during the Elemental Sundering that the Firelord, Ragnaros, would seek to consume my Lord, Thunderaan, Prince of Air.

(Demetrian bows his head, his face contorted in rage.)

Speak his name and I shall decorate this ravaged camp with your entrails. Be silent and listen.

> Nods.

Highlord Demitrian: It was the Lieutenants of Ragnaros, Geddon and Garr, who would perpetrate the betrayal against my Lord. Thunderaan was caught unaware.

> Caught unaware? How?

Highlord Demitrian: The Firelord’s advances were wholly unknown to Thunderaan. Before my Lord could react, Sulfuras, legendary hammer of Ragnaros, would strike an unmerciful blow. Thunderaan fell, utterly defeated.

The Firelord feasted upon the essence of my Lord, but was unable to consume him entirely.

> So what did Ragnaros do next?

For Elementium Ore, go to Blackwing Lair in Blackrock Mountain—entry to Blackwing Lair is gained by starting a quest from an item that drops from an Blackrock Orc Lieutenant. Said orc is outside the zone in of Lower Blackrock Deeps, on the opposite side of the zone in. The quest sends you to kill the last boss of Upper Blackrock. Click the item that is behind the last boss to become attuned to Blackwing Lair. Then where you originally killed the Lieutenant orc outside the dungeon, is a copy of that glowing orb. You can enter Blackwing Lair by clicking that orb.

For those who already have access to Blackwing Lair, the Eternium Ore drops from the goblins that are found at Vaelastrasz’s room. Sheep or crowd control them and kill them. Loot the Eternitum Ore. Ask a priest to mind control a goblin named Krixix. Once mind controlled, players can learn Smelt Eternium from Krixix.

Even in dreams I did not dare foresee this day.

Behold, mortal.

BEHOLD HE WHO IS OLDER THAN EXISTENCE!

BEHOLD HE WHO HAS FACED TITAN AND GOD ALIKE!

RISE MY MASTER! BREAK FROM YOUR BONDS!

The first Warcraft novel was titled Warcraft: The Last Guardian—written by D&D/fantasy famed author Jeff Grubb. The novel was based on the events of the first Blizzard RTS game Warcraft: Orcs and Humans (1994). The novel was released on December 2002. To date there are over twelve novels and more are coming on 2008. On August 28, 2007 – barely a 8 weeks from now – Blizzard and Simon & Schuster Pocket Star Books will release World of Warcraft: Tides of Darkness by Aaron Rosenberg. And World of Warcraft: Beyond the Dark Portal on April 2008.

For now this article will focus on Medivh. To fans Medivh is dead since the First War. However, the first Warcraft novel already revealed Medivh would be alive again in the future. And he indeed is. Let’s recap what happened in Warcraft: The Last Guardian. Be warned there will be some spoilers.

Khadgar saw a vision of the past where Medivh fought his mother Aegwynn, defeating her. Sargeras within Medivh attempted to kill her, but Medivh seems to have regained some control over his own body and instead exiled Aegwynn to a place where she wouldn’t cause further trouble to his plans of conquering the Eastern Kingdoms.

After this vision, Khadgar grew concerned. Sargeras had revealed himself to Aegwynn in this vision. She did not kill him 800 years ago as she thought. It had been masterminded by Sargeras all along. Now Sargeras resides within Medivh’s body.

Khadgar and Garona found a secret doorway leading to the basement of the Tower of Karazhan. As they progressed down the stairway, Khadgar noticed it was a perfect match of the tower above .. a mirror tower beneath the original. As they reached the mirror copy of Medivh’s room at the very bottom of the mirror tower, Sargeras manifested himself through Medivh’s body and battled Khadgar and Garona.

Lothar arrived few minutes after Khadgar and Garona had engaged Medivh in combat.

Medivh was beheaded by Sir Lothar at the underground mirror-tower of Karazhan.

Khadgar buried the corpses of Moroes (the butler), the cook and Medivh. However, a faint image of Medivh was watching over Khadgar. Khadgar had sensed it since the first day he arrived to Karazhan after the Kirin Tor sent him to become an apprentice to Medivh.

That presence was all along Medivh … but this Medivh came from the future. Medivh talked to Khadgar:

This storyline of Medivh’s return after death has been foreseen ever since Warcraft: The Last Guardian (2002). Blizzard Entertainment released Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos on July 3, 2002. In Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, Medivh made its return as the Prophet. No one knew he was Medivh until he revealed himself to Thrall and Jaina at Stonetalon Mountains. To Cairne Bloodhoof (Tauren) he was known as the Oracle.

Fans thought this Medivh was a ghost from beyond who returned to amend his past sins. And still consider Medivh dead. However, to lore fans who do read the Warcraft Novels, we know Medivh is not dead.

World of Warcraft: Cycle of Hatred serves as a prelude to the MMORPG storyline. The novel was written by Keith R.A. DeCandido—author of Star Trek, Serenity, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Resident Evil fame. This novel tells the story of Thrall and Jaina’s fragile peace pact a year before the events of World of Warcraft (MMORPG). Aegwynn is still alive and joins Jaina Proudmoore to destroy an old evil she defeated 800 years ago. A demon named Zmodlor. Aegwynn confesses to Jaina, she resurrected her son Medivh. Medivh sought Thrall, Jaina and Malfurion to convince them to unite forces against the invasion. Making a stand together could prevent the Burning Legion from consuming all life in Azeroth.

Medivh is alive.

Now without the taint of Sargeras.

REFERENCES

• You can read the story of Aegwynn’s defeat by Medivh/Sargeras in Warcraft: The Last Guardian, and again in more detail at World of Warcraft: Cycle of Hatred (page 66-76).

• Medivh’s resurrection by Aegwynn in World of Warcraft: Cycle of Hatred (page 66-76)

• Aegwynn’s Tale: Fall of Azeroth from Warcraft: Orc and Humans Game Manual

• Medivh’s birth explained in Warcraft: Orc and Humans Game Manual

• Medivh’s death explained in Warcraft: The Last Guardian novel and in Warcraft: Orcs and Humans ( Read the Human Campaign mission 8).

• Warcraft: The Last Guardian Excerpt (Chapter 5: Sands in an Hourglass)

• Our interview with Keith R.A. DeCandido

An ogre in Alterac, Grel’Borg the Miser, was the last known owner of this gem, whispered to empower its owner with the ability to commune with other worlds. Sources tell us Grel’borg wanders the Ruins of Alterac in the Alterac Mountains searching the rubble and debris for more relics.

The Hand of Dagun

Dagun is a creature of the deep waters, worshipped by Murlocs in Dustwallow Marsh. They entice him to the surface with a special sea kelp, enchanted by their shamans. Hunt the Murlocs, gather their enchanted kelp, then place it on the Murloc’s altar. Dagun will come and you will be waiting.

I want that hand.

The Legacy Heart

Old texts say that he who posseses the Legacy Heart fears not the grave. Perhaps this is true, for the owner of the heart, the troll Mogh, is known as Mogh the Undying. A witchdoctor of the Skullsplitter Tribe. Mogh dwells in Strangelthorn in the Ruins of Zul’Mamwe.

Bring me these items, the Star, the Hand and the Heart, and I will give you a copy of the Yagyin Digest.

Indeed, there is a humanity within him that, I confess I sometimes see lacking in the humans around me.

But why do I mention this?  I do so to give credence to what I am about to write.  For these words came from Regan’s lips and it is my hope that my colleagues will.  Upon reading this journal, know why I believe what he said.

Remnants of the Old gods still linger in the deep hollows of the world.  New forces seek to harness that ancient power, and those who succeed will have a terrible weapon against their enemies.

That is what Kegan uttered as he handed his bloodstone pendant to me.  And there was fear, and maybe reverence, in his eyes as he did so.  And as his hands met with mine they lingered, as if reluctant to give up the pendant.  Revulsion swept through me.  Yet to this day I know not if I reviled against his dead flesh pressed to mine, or if the pendant itself made my skin crawl.

For I felt a power within it.  A deep hidden hungry power.  And one yearning for release.

Although my colleagues in Dalaran were cautious to study the bloodstones that Kegan and his followers brought with them, instead quarantining the four refugees and leaving the bloodstones on their persons, the sincerity of Kegan obliged me to study his bloodstone pendant.

My hopes were to verify for my colleagues tha this type of stone did possess magical properties.  And if we wizards of Dalaran did not wish to exploit the power of bloodstones, we should at the least learn their properties, since our foes may one day use them against us.

And so my studies began.

I started my tests with the assumption that bloodstone was a type of rock like quartz or obsidian.  So I began a series of procedures to determine what minerals were contained within bloodstone.  What forces were applied to produce its color and hardness, and other properties common to rocks, and ore.  But the bloodstone pendant, to my frustration, did not react to my procedures as would normal ore.

In fact, it often acted in precisely the opposite fashion as expected.  It was almost as if the pendant was deliberately fouling my experiments.

Like it was thinking, and alive.

Angered but not discouraged, I switched from assuming the pendant was an inert piece of rock, to assuming it was a living thing.

But again, I failed.

None of my new tests brought to light any revelations of the origin of bloodstone.  At the time the only riddle I solved was that bloodstone was neither living, nor dead!

But it was then, at the brink of failure, that a breakthrough was made.  My latest test involved a glass beaker, whose brim was chipped.  Leaving a small, jagged space along its edge.  When the test was over again revealing nothing, I went to clean my worktable and cut myself on the beaker.

The cut was not deep but nevertheless bled fiercely.  Before I could wrap my injured finger in a bandage, a good deal of my blood had spilled on my worktable.

And as I was cleaning up this new mess, I noticed the strangest thing.

The blood that had spilled near the bloodstone pendant was slowly moving toward the piece of jewelry.  As if gravity had somehow bent itself toward the bloodstone, the blood that touched the pendant seemed to disappear, and the red color of the stone deepened as it drank more of my blood.

After seeing this, my head grew light.  Perhaps from my recent injury (though I did not believe I had lost that much blood) or perhaps because I had finally, after so much frustration uncovered one of the bloodstone’s properties.  I reached behind me for my work stool and sat down, pondering.  Thoughts and questions raced through my head dizzying and threatening to topple me.

Does bloodstone drink blood?  Does it crave blood?  Does it attract blood?

Or, is bloodstone made of blood?  And if so, then whose blood?  Mine?  The blood of any human?  Any animal?

Or maybe bloodstone is the blood of some unknown thing, the very thing that Kegan had both feared and revered when he handed me his pendant.

That is the question that must be answered.  It is the key.

Fire rekindled within me.  I then dove back into my experiments.  This time I made no assumptions.  Methodically performing every test at my disposal. This increased my required efforts tremendously. But I would be more likely to make discoveries.

And, although my lab here is small and I have no subordinates to spare to aid, I did find one more intriguing quality of bloodstone.

In addition to blood, there are elemental forces fused within the stone.  Fire, water, thunder, and rock are mixed with the blood (But again, the blood of what?).  And although this mixture is outwardly inert, all these forces seem to rage inwardly against each other.  So many more questions were then raised about this amazing and foreboding material.

But to answer those questions, more studies and experiments must be performed on the pendant, and I fear tha the Lordamere Internment Camp cannot marshal the manpower nor the equipment for the task.  So I sent the bloodstone pendant with a courier to Dalaran with specific instructions on how to test it, so they may avoid my earlier frustrations.

As I waited for the results of these tests, I spent my time speaking to Kegan.  Although I constantly pressed him for what he knew about bloodstones, he never told me more than what he said the day he gave me his pendant.  And he did not often speak of his time within the fold of what he called “The Forsaken”, which is the name he calls his clan of undead.

But Kegan was very eager to speak on other subjects, particularly his time growing up in Lordaeron before its fall.

He still holds much love for that lost kingdom.  Even though it is now ruined and dead.

My growing fondness for Kegan gave me patience as I waited for my test results.

But after weeks of no news my patience faltered, and upon further inquires to Dalaran, I learned that the bloodstone never reached my colleagues.  My courier was somehow lost on the way, and the bloodstone pendant was lost with him!

This is grave news for although Kegan and his followers still have bloodstone specimens with which we may experiment.  I fear the pendant may fall into unsavory hands.

I have sent another messenger to Dalaran, and hear that even now they are scouring for the pendant, in the ruins outside our protective sphere.

ULDAMAN. DAY 3

I cannot believe how foolish I was.  To be blind-sided by the foul Shadowforge dwarves was a novice’s feat.  My wounds heal slowly. Surely I am poisoned.  I feel my energy sap away.  I must scout ahead nonetheless…

… Make matters worse.  The necklace the gnome made for me has been shattered!  Three of the largest gems set into it have been lost.  I must find them.  Without them the necklace is powerless.

ULDAMAN. DAY 4

First clue revealed itself deep within Uldaman.  As one of the most savage troggs I have ever seen was brandishing about a large sapphire—one I wager that would fit perfectly into the necklace.  I overheard one of the Shadowforge dwarves mention the beasts name: Grimlok.  The cadre of guardians this brute Grimlok has, however …

ULDAMAN. DAY 5

… the trogg, then taking the topaz from his slain “brethren”, marched into the side cave near the front of the hall.

…Quick to place the topaz in a large conspicuous urn toward the back of the chamber…

… Of all things, dwarves!  Three of them, to boot.  They’are barricaded against the troggs currently.  Calling to them would have been a call for suicide.  Lest I be overran by the foul troggs in my weakened state.  Once I know the third gem, however, I shall.

ULDAMAN. DAY 6

… so very hungry.  I am out of supplies.  And would consider moldy bread to be at least at this point.  I witnessed a trogg’s head turn into a juicy steak right in front of my very eyes …

ULDAMAN. DAY 7

My compliments to whomever issued the order to establish our base of Kargath in the Badlands.  It is an ideal locale to train our troops.  Its harsh weather, vicious wildlife, warlike natives and complete lack of outside support make this place a crucible from which only the finest warriors and scouts will emerge.

Good planning.  Well done.

I will describe the surrounding lands as the scouts of Kargath have surveyed.

Red, rocky hills and dry flats that offer little support for life.  A blazing sun and severe winds.  No lakes or streams.  Not even scattered pools.  To find water denizens must dig deep, muddy wells.  Or suck scant moisture from the rare cactus or spiny weed.

In short, hot, hard living.

The Badlands are filled with enemies.  Ogres roam the blistering sands ambushing the unwary.  Dark Iron Dwarves inhabit a barracks east of Kargath and battle their lighter-skinned cousins in Loch Modan to the north.  Brutal, primitive beasts called Troggs haunt any scrap of shade they find and defend it savagely.

And in Eastern Badlands in the Lethlor Ravine there are dragons.  We don’t know how many and we don’t know how big, since scouts who get too close never return.

It need not be said that we —those garrisoned at Kargath—are quite happy with our assignment.  We stay tough here, because if we get soft then we die.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Neeka Bloodscar
Head Scout, Kargath

Bring Neeka’s Report to Helgrum the Swift in Stonard.

DESCRIPTION

I wrote a fresh report to Helgrum in Stonard.  Bring it to him.

And if you consider yourself an outrunner, then don’t lose your way.  Or fall to an enemy.

For this expedition I have assembled Ajeck Rovack, and Sir S. J. Erlgadin, along with my trusted servant Barnil Stonepot.  I fought alongside Ajeck’s father’s side in many battles in defense of the Alliance.  Seeing her grown is quite special.  Her father schooled her well in the ways of weaponry.  Her skills with a bow make me wonder if there is elven blood running through those veins.

Sir S. J. Erlgadin comes from human aristocracy.  His father, Count Erlgadin, was renowned for his generosity.  It was the Count who lobbied for improved working conditions for the Stonemasons Guild during the restoration of Stormwind after the Second Great War.

In the years that followed after Stormwind betrayed the Stonemasons Guild, Sir Erlgadin grew bitter about the role of the nobles within the Kingdom.  He no longer wished to uphold the position that his father’s bloodline had earned for him in the House of the Nobles.  But I digress.  The purpose of his story is not to act as a political treatise or a biography.  This is the account of my experiences hunting big game in the Green Hills of Stranglethorn.

We rose with the sun.  Barnil began to prepare the morning meal.  I noticed Ajeck’s attention was somewhat distracted.  The day’s trek would be long and our hunt would bring us close to danger.  A lack of focus could easily lead to an errant mishap.  Yet Ajeck seemed unable to divert her gaze from Barnil who stood by the edge of the river rinsing out his mess kit.

Just as I was about to question Ajeck’s lack of interest in the day’s hunting strategy, she reached for her quiver, drew an arrow and unleashed a shot right towards poor Barnil.  But it was not Barnil that Ajeck was shooting at.  For when Barnil stepped aside, mouth agape, a large river crocilisk floated to the surface with Ajeck’s arrow perfectly placed between his two large eyes.

We set out toward the west through the thick overgrowth of the tangled jungle.  Moving with slow deliberate steps we paced through thick foliage in search of prey.  The morning passed in frustrated silence.  Nothing was stirring in the Vale, not even a breeze.  By the afternoon, the expedition had grown restless. Barnil no longer strode with the cautious steps of a predator tracking prey.  Rather, he clumsily clomped along the path often stepping noisily on dried leaves or fallen branches.

During one such misstep, Erlgadin laid a heavy hand on Barnil’s shoulder.  Ajeck and I gave a casual glance.  Assuming the man was simply giving Barnil a much-needed scolding for his carelessness.  Erlgadin, however, gestured slowly with his head toward a nearby fallen tree.  Gazing back at us were two piercing black eyes just above a mouthful of razor sharp fangs.

The beast was a male strangelthorn tiger.  Before I could cock my rifle, Erlgadin raised his crossboaw and fired upon the beast.  The bolt missed its mark and caught the beast heavily in the left flank.  The tiger made a futile attempt to flee but its wound was too grave.  The beast stumbled for a few tragic seconds until Barnil finished the kill with a thrown axe.

The kill brought about a festive mood amongst the expedition.  Barnil poured mead for all to enjoy.  But our festivities were short-lived.  As we were preparing the corpse for transport back to base camp we were all caught off guard by a horrendous growl.  In all my years I have never heard anything so blood curdling.

On a rocky precipice above, silhouetted by the setting sun, I could make out the largest cat of prey I have ever laid eyes upojn.  I was able to loose one clumsy volley with my rifle.  But the cat held his ground.  He growled once again.  This time louder than the first, and vanished.

We gathered our belongings and headed solemnly back to camp.

I had promised the expedition that we would spend the next day hunting panthers, as their furs are in high demand throughout Azeroth.  It only makes sense that such demand should exist with all of the able-bodied hunters, trappers and fur-traders off giving their lives so valiantly in the name of the Alliance.

Ajeck, and Sir Erlgadin were anxious to learn how to hunt effectively with a Dwarven Rifle.  I had the two humans leave their primitive range weapons at base camp.  Barnil and I outfitted them with some of Ironforge’s finest firearms.

On this day we ventured to the south following some fresh panther tracks.  Soon we reached a ravine spanned by a tremendous rope bridge.  I could not help but to think of Brann’s descriptive writings of this region when I saw the engineering marvel.  So often it was assumed that th enative trolls were a primitive and uneducated race.  Yet as I gazed upon the master craftmanship of the bridge I was able to recognize the skill with which the Troll builders overcame the seemingly impossible feat.

Before long, Ajeck tracked the panther to the southwest.  We walked quietly, guns at the ready, in anticipation of our prey.  A snapping of twigs from a nearby copse of trees drew our attention immediately.  Something was in there.  One stern glance at Barnil was enough to convey my thoughts.  Barnil slowly lowered his rifle.  This kill iwas not for us.  It was for our Human companions.  Countless panthers had lost their lives in front of our smoking barrels.  This kill would be for the Humans.

Both Ajeck and Sir Erlgadin stood poised, guns leveled at the bristling overgrowth at the base of the swaying trees.  The midday sun beat heavily upon us.  A slow trickle of perspiration trailed down from Elrgadin’s temple as he pulled the pin back.  Upon the sound of the click, the thick flora parted and a large black panther—a beautiful specimen—darted out onto the plain.

The humans trained their sights on the panther as it ran along the edge of the tree line.  The barrels of their guns moved in perfect parallel tandem.  Barnil gave me an urging glance, but I shook my head no.  This hunt was for the Humans.  Not Barnil or me.  Erlgadin fired a booming shot, missing the panther altogether.  Apparently he was unprepared for the violent kickback of the rifle blast.

His gun tossed back violently in his arms.  The barrel swooped sideways and came up beneath Ajeck’s rifle.  Ajeck had chosen that exact moment to pull her trigger.  The rifle, th eaim now knocked clumsily toward the tree line, went off with a distinct boom.  A flock of birds screamed out of the canopy, scattering in every direction.  A plume of smoke rose from the tree.  We watched in awe as a tremendous branch fell squarely on the fleeing panther, breaking its back.

As the weeks passed our stockpile of panther, and tiger skins grew immense.  I decided it was time for the expedition to shift our focus to a new challenge.  Raptors.

The Humans, while appreciative of the training Barnil and I offered, decided to refrain from hunting with firearms.  Ajeck was much more comfortable with a finely strung bow and Sir Erlgadin never left camp without his sturdy crossbow.

We set out at first light, heading south past the Tkashi Ruins.  Barnil voiced concern that we might encounter members of the Bloodscalp Tribe.  I reminded Barnil that the Bloodscalps were more concerned with destroying their tribal enemy, the Skullsplitters.  Needless to say, Barnil was not comforted in the least.  I, however, had a loaded rifle, a satchel full of gunpowder and three deadly hunters with me to ease any concerns of an unfriendly ambush.

I’ve stood before a towering Infernal on the battlefield, the army of the Burning Legion advancing from all directions.  An unruly band of Trolls seems as harmless as a jackrabbit in the hills of Dun Morogh.

We passed the Tkashi Ruins without event, much to Barnil’s relief.  The party proceeded to head westward toward the Great Sea, skirting the Ruins of Zul’Kunda just to the south.  As we ascended the high sea bluffs we spotted our first raptor.

The beast never so much as detected our presence.  In fact, the only greeting he received from the expedition was a bullet between the eyes.  Sir Erlgadin let out a hearty “hurrah” as Ajeck nodded toward me with keen approval.  I sifted through my pack in search of my pipe hoping to ejoy a celebratory smoke.  Barnil began to scurry up the hillside to retrieve the Raptor’s corpse.  I stared at the fallen beast with the satisfaction that accompanies every big kill.

But I could not bask in the glory of th ekill for long.  For when I turned my eyes toward the horizon, several silhouettes appeared cresting the hill, just above poor Barnil.

“Flee, Barnil!”  I shouted.  Ajeck, Sir Erlgadin and myself loosed a volley of bullets, arrows and bolts over Barnil and toward the pursuing raptors.  One of us landed a kill amidst the confusion.

Our hastily aimed shots were enough to buy Barnil’s escape.  Barnil clamored back down the hill and rejoined the party.  We scurried off into the jungle, a pack of ferocious Lashtail Raptors stalking our every move.

The Hunters were now the hunted.

I led the party toward the sea, hoping the shoreline would provide refuge from the raptors.  In our haste we had drifted too far north to a precariously high elevation.  The mistake was made.  The fault was mine.  We stopped just short of a sheer cliff.  The raptors just a few paces behind.

I stepped slowly forward, gun raised.  I had led these brave hunters to their death.  I would die defending them.  Lashtail Raptors are particularly fierce.  Known for their unrelenting blood-thirst.  They far outnumbered us.  But I would be damned if I let them kill me and my comrades without shedding some of their own blood first.

Ajeck and Sir Erlgadin readied their weapons, flanking me on either side, our backs to the sea.  Barnil let out a defeated sigh and drew his axe.  The lashtails were almost upon us.  Their steady stride had slowed.  They were stalking their prey now for they knew they had us trapped.

And then something miraculous happened.  From off to our side we heard the distinct and terrifying roar of the great white tiger.  Despite their numbers, the raptors turned and scattered in all directions.  We saw but a brief white flash as the tiger darted past us and pounced on one of the raptors.  No command needed to be given.  All four members of our party knew it was time to run.

The Howling Vale

Sentinel Melyria Frostshadow: “Though we have put many resources and much effort into driving the remaining demons from the Felwood to the north, our successes have been few. We have been able to keep much of the demonic presence from Ashenvale.

To the north, near the Felwood border, the ruined shrine of Mel’Thandris has been overtaken by mysterious wolf-men. Their chilling calls have led the area to be known as the Howling Vale. The Tome of Mel’Thandris kept at the shrine may shed some light on why these wolf-men have come.”

Velinde Starsong

Sentinel Melyria Frostshadow: “Velinde Starsong was my predecessor here in Ashenvale Forest. At first it seemed she had the situation in Felwood under control, but little by little her efforts faltered. One day, she simply disappeared.

I was sent here to continue her work. I’m afraid I know nothing of the priestess, however. Perhaps Thyn’tel Bladeweaver, one of the commanders of the Sentinels, knows further details of her disappearance that I was not a party to.

Surely she will understand the import of such information.”

Velinde’s Effects

Thyn’tel Bladeweaver: “The Tome of Mel’Thandris showed you this? I suppose there would be little harm in allowing you to examine her belongings. This key will allow you to open the chest where we stored her things in the Sentinels’ bunkhouse. She kept a journal of her duties, if there is anything to be learned, it will be from that.

I should tell you, the Sentinels believe that she had her own reasons for leaving, and expect that she could return at any time. The priestess has done much in the past to earn our trust.”

Objective: Search through Velinde’s chest for her journal, then return it along with the key to Thyn’tel Bladeweaver in Darnassus.

From the journal of Moonguard Sentinel Velinde Starsong

Elune has granted my wishes. The lives of my fallen comrades will not be in vain, and I shall avenge their deaths using the Scythe of Elune. It is an ancient thing, a branch, twisted and gnarled of wood that could be older than even the Kaldorei.

For many hours I examined the tool that the goddess granted to me. It is no ordinary weapon, that is for certain, nor is it a simple magical implement. With it… it is as though the barriers of time and space are weakened.

Holding the Scythe in my hands, I received a vision of chaos. Wolf-men… the worgen… battled an incredible enemy. The worgen fought savagely, as fit their primitive race, but their enemy was unflinching: the Lords of the Emerald Flame.

And that was when I realized the true power of the Scythe. By focusing on it, I became able to communicate with the worgen. It was not speech I used to contact them, however. It was something different… I could not describe it.

What mattered was that the worgen heard and understood me. By further channeling the energy of the Scythe, the barriers weakened more, and I was able to draw the worgen into our world. A score and a half I was able to summon in my first attempt. They followed me into battle, and with their brutish strength at my command, we tore into the demons of Felwood.

Elune has granted my wishes. The forest will be cleansed.

May Elune’s blessings be upon me until my work is done.

All goes well. I have summoned larger numbers of the worgen to fight at my side. THough they are of simple mind, they have shown impressive ability to coordinate their attacks and function as a group.

I have identified leaders in their packs. To them I have given command of small groups of warriors. We strike from many places in the forest at once, and my campaign against the demons is a fruitful one.

May Elune’s blessings be upon me until my work is done.

A pack is lost. I sent the worgen to range through the forest and identify areas of demonic infestation, but they did not return. I begin to worry about the leaders that I have entrusted control to. They are of simple mind, and this small bit of authority I have given them, they stretch to the utmost. Am I losing control. Perhaps I shall cease summoning additional worgen for the time being.

May Elune’s blessings be upon me until my work is done.

Though I have not summoned additional worgen, their numbers continue to increase. It is as though the Scythe no longer requires my intervention for the summoning process. This is troubling. I have gathered as many as the packs as I could find, and ordered them to remain at the Shrine of Mel’Thandris.

Meanwhile, I have searched the libraries in Darnassus and consulted with the Circle of Ancients in Darkshore. Not one scrap of information about these worgen did I find. I have heard reports, whispers, of a wizard of the Kirin Tor named Arugal. From what I have heard, it is possible that he also summoned worgen. I would consult with this wizard—distasteful as it may be—and see what he knows.

The worgen are dangerous, and I wish to stem the tide. On the morrow, I will travel to the port in the Barrens and book passage to the New World.

The Barrens Port

Thyn’tel Bladeweaver: “Ratchet is the only port in the Barrens. Most likely Velinde found a trading vessel in Ratchet to take her to Blackwater Cove in Azeroth. We’ve had limited dealings with the goblins that run the port, but the master of the dock should have information about the comings and goings of ship passengers.

Follow the road southeast through Ashenvale and you will find yourself in the Barrens. Watch your step, , warriors of the Horde patrol the land. You will be safe at the port, though.”

Passage to Booty Bay

Wharfmaster Dizzywig (goblin): “Ah yes, finally found it. Should have told me she passed through here that long ago. Let’s see.

Velinde. Booked passage to Booty Bay on the Black Osprey. I don’t have anything here saying otherwise, so I’d assume it arrived in port safely.

Not much more help I can be to you, but she asked about overland travel over on that side of the world, and I mentioned Ruzzgot, a caravan driver based out of Booty Bay. Might be that this Velinde traveled with him.

Move along, now. I haven’t all day for you.”

The Caravan Road

Caravaneer Ruzzgot: “Turns out I was wrong about you, and that isn’t something that happens everyday.

It just so happens that I remember this Velinde you’re looking for. Isn’t every day that a night elf priestess that wants to travel with a dirty old—but great for your shipping needs!—caravan like my own.

We split up on the way north, she was headed for Darkshire. The clerk there keeps all sorts of records. Might know something useful.

Be careful in the jungle, it is a deadly place even at the best of times.”

The Carevin Family

Clerk Daltry: “No, I don’t have any records of a Velinde Starsong staying in Darkshire… though, if you don’t mind me saying, I can hardly imagine a night elf priestess taking a room in the inn, if you get my meaning?

These wolf-men you mentioned though, that’s something I’ve heard about. Just the other day, Calor came into town with a string of their heads. He works with the Carevin family. Hunters of demons, undead, and other monstrosities. Speak with Jonathan, he’s the head of the household.”

The Scythe of Elune

Jonathan Carevin: “Your story rings true… I do not entirely understand your motives, but if your business here in Duskwood involves ridding the forest of worgen in any number, then I can forgo understanding for results.

There is a mine to the south that has been overrun with worgen… They appeared out of nowhere, but from what we know, that is where they first were found.

Go about your business, but I would ask that if you find anything of import, you share it with me. We will accept any aid in our war against evil.”

Objective: Look for signs of the Scythe of Elune then return to Jonathan Carevin in Darkshire.

HINT: Go to Roland’s Doom Mine in Duskwood. The cave is between the Rotting Orchard and the Tranquil Gardens cemetary in southern Duskwood. Deep inside the cave is a mound of dirt on the ground. Interact with it.  The Spirit of Velinde will talk to you:

Answered Questions

Jonathan Carevin: “We shall rein in the worgen problem, have no worry of that. This evil that your friend introduced to our woods will be contained, and I bear her no ill will for her actions. Strange events are afoot in these times, , and the darkness knows no respite.

I will keep you no longer. I suspect that there are others that should hear of what you have found in the mines of Duskwood.”

When killing Warden Belamoore in the Dalaran Internment Camp she drops a journal book:

Kegan Darkmar, leader of the small group of undead who came to us in search of asylum from their brethren, defies our common attitudes toward his kind.  His skin may be rotting and blood may have long stopped flowing through his veins, but he acts very nobly and seems to care more for his compatriots’ safety than his own.

Indeed, there is a humanity within him that, I confess I sometimes see lacking in the humans around me.

But why do I mention this?  I do so to give credence to what I am about to write.  For these words came from Regan’s lips and it is my hope that my colleagues will.  Upon reading this journal, know why I believe what he said.

Remnants of the Old gods still linger in the deep hollows of the world.  New forces seek to harness that ancient power, and those who succeed will have a terrible weapon against their enemies.

That is what Kegan uttered as he handed his bloodstone pendant to me.  And there was fear, and maybe reverence, in his eyes as he did so.  And as his hands met with mine they lingered, as if reluctant to give up the pendant.  Revulsion swept through me.  Yet to this day I know not if I reviled against his dead flesh pressed to mine, or if the pendant itself made my skin crawl.

For I felt a power within it.  A deep hidden hungry power.  And one yearning for release.

Although my colleagues in Dalaran were cautious to study the bloodstones that Kegan and his followers brought with them, instead quarantining the four refugees and leaving the bloodstones on their persons, the sincerity of Kegan obliged me to study his bloodstone pendant.

My hopes were to verify for my colleagues tha this type of stone did possess magical properties.  And if we wizards of Dalaran did not wish to exploit the power of bloodstones, we should at the least learn their properties, since our foes may one day use them against us.

And so my studies began.

I started my tests with the assumption that bloodstone was a type of rock like quartz or obsidian.  So I began a series of procedures to determine what minerals were contained within bloodstone.  What forces were applied to produce its color and hardness, and other properties common to rocks, and ore.  But the bloodstone pendant, to my frustration, did not react to my procedures as would normal ore.

In fact, it often acted in precisely the opposite fashion as expected.  It was almost as if the pendant was deliberately fouling my experiments.

Like it was thinking, and alive.

Angered but not discouraged, I switched from assuming the pendant was an inert piece of rock, to assuming it was a living thing.

But again, I failed.

None of my new tests brought to light any revelations of the origin of bloodstone.  At the time the only riddle I solved was that bloodstone was neither living, nor dead!

But it was then, at the brink of failure, that a breakthrough was made.  My latest test involved a glass beaker, whose brim was chipped.  Leaving a small, jagged space along its edge.  When the test was over again revealing nothing, I went to clean my worktable and cut myself on the beaker.

The cut was not deep but nevertheless bled fiercely.  Before I could wrap my injured finger in a bandage, a good deal of my blood had spilled on my worktable.

And as I was cleaning up this new mess, I noticed the strangest thing.

The blood that had spilled near the bloodstone pendant was slowly moving toward the piece of jewelry.  As if gravity had somehow bent itself toward the bloodstone, the blood that touched the pendant seemed to disappear, and the red color of the stone deepened as it drank more of my blood.

After seeing this, my head grew light.  Perhaps from my recent injury (though I did not believe I had lost that much blood) or perhaps because I had finally, after so much frustration uncovered one of the bloodstone’s properties.  I reached behind me for my work stool and sat down, pondering.  Thoughts and questions raced through my head dizzying and threatening to topple me.

Does bloodstone drink blood?  Does it crave blood?  Does it attract blood?

Or, is bloodstone made of blood?  And if so, then whose blood?  Mine?  The blood of any human?  Any animal?

Or maybe bloodstone is the blood of some unknown thing, the very thing that Kegan had both feared and revered when he handed me his pendant.

That is the question that must be answered.  It is the key.

Fire rekindled within me.  I then dove back into my experiments.  This time I made no assumptions.  Methodically performing every test at my disposal. This increased my required efforts tremendously. But I would be more likely to make discoveries.

And, although my lab here is small and I have no subordinates to spare to aid, I did find one more intriguing quality of bloodstone.

In addition to blood, there are elemental forces fused within the stone.  Fire, water, thunder, and rock are mixed with the blood (But again, the blood of what?).  And although this mixture is outwardly inert, all these forces seem to rage inwardly against each other.  So many more questions were then raised about this amazing and foreboding material.

But to answer those questions, more studies and experiments must be performed on the pendant, and I fear tha the Lordamere Internment Camp cannot marshal the manpower nor the equipment for the task.  So I sent the bloodstone pendant with a courier to Dalaran with specific instructions on how to test it, so they may avoid my earlier frustrations.

As I waited for the results of these tests, I spent my time speaking to Kegan.  Although I constantly pressed him for what he knew about bloodstones, he never told me more than what he said the day he gave me his pendant.  And he did not often speak of his time within the fold of what he called “The Forsaken”, which is the name he calls his clan of undead.

But Kegan was very eager to speak on other subjects, particularly his time growing up in Lordaeron before its fall.

He still holds much love for that lost kingdom.  Even though it is now ruined and dead.

My growing fondness for Kegan gave me patience as I waited for my test results.

But after weeks of no news my patience faltered, and upon further inquires to Dalaran, I learned that the bloodstone never reached my colleagues.  My courier was somehow lost on the way, and the bloodstone pendant was lost with him!

This is grave news for although Kegan and his followers still have bloodstone specimens with which we may experiment.  I fear the pendant may fall into unsavory hands.

I have sent another messenger to Dalaran, and hear that even now they are scouring for the pendant, in the ruins outside our protective sphere.

Quest Related: Prison Break In

Bloodstone Wedge
Bloodstone Marble
Bloodstone Shard
Bloodstone Oval

The Trolls draw power for their Voodoo Magics by performing rituals and invoking the Primal gods or Forest spirits: the Loa gods.  According to Warcraft RPG: Magic and Mayhem, the Loa spirits are more powerful than the Elementals, but not as powerful as gods.

The Shadow Hunters’ faith and communion with the Loa gods grants them shadow and healing magic and other abilities. Shadow Hunters learn magic that hinders enemies and aid allies, gaining a unique mix of spells that delve into the more occult aspects of the Loa

Among the known Loa gods are:

Shadra – Spider Loa

Shirvallah – Tiger Loa

Bethekk – Panther Loa

Hir’eek – Bat Loa

Mueh’zala
The Tablet of Theka says Mueh’zala is the God of Death.

Loa Zanza
He appears in Zul’Gurub Instance as an ethereal form within one of the many temples. The Arcanums created from the various tomes originated from Troll magic were stolen from Zanza by the High Elves, and used against his people.  The Trolls of Yojamba Isle, the Zandalar Tribe, respect and venerate Loa Zanza.  However, with the rebirth of Hakkar the Soulflayer, these Zandalar Trolls prayed to Zanza to grant powers to heroes of other races to defeat Hakkar in Zul’Gurub.

The Loa Legba
He is a master of swift motion. Through him, the shadow hunter learns to move with great speed granting the ability of Batltle Stride.

Loa Lukou
The Loa of healing and respite, she grants the ability to heal allies with a Healing Wave. With a word, the Shadow Hunter invokes healing with a wave of soothing light.

Loa Ogoun
The Loa of war who grants the Shadow hunter the Hex ability to place dire curses upon his enemies. This Loa ability allows Shadow Hunters to turn an enemy into a frog.

Loa Dambala
The Loa of serpents and treachery, Loa Dambala teaches the shadow hunter to move swiftly and quietly by changing his shape into a serpent or snake. Shadow hunters can change form to serpent or back to normal for an hour or when he wishes to turn back.

Loa Samedi
The Loa of cemeteries and the restful sleep of the dead. The undead are an abomination in his eyes. The shadow hunter can cast Smite againts a undead creature.

Loa Shango
The Loa that controls the realm of storms. Shango guards the secrets of lightning and mayhem. The Shadow Hunter may channel the fury of Shango, unleashing a lighting bolt named Stormspear, that does electricity damage.

A troll in Zul’Gurub calls the name of another who might be another Loa god: Hethiss.  Supposedly a loa of serpents.  However, Ula-Tek is also referred as a serpent goddess.

The Shrine of Ula-Tek is located in Zul’Aman.  Zul’Aman will be an instanced region in World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade.  Zul’Aman is located northeast of Light’s Hope (Eastern Plaguelands) and Southeast of Quel’Thalas.

Troll Tablets

Altar of Zanza
We call upon you, Zanza of Zuldazar.

There are two general theories made by fans concerning the Qiraji and the Nerubians.  The first Theory was well explained by Ghostwalka @ Argent Dawn:

Long ago, during the time of the first Troll Empire, there was a race of Sentient Insects known as the Aqir.

They were spawned as many other races were spawned, and among them they included all facets of insect life; Wasps, Scarabs, Beetles, Bees, Spiders, Scorpions, Ants, and others.

They wished to destroy all non-insect life on this planet and attacked the Amani Empire time and time again. However, thanks to the power of the Troll Race in the form of their innate regenerative abilities and knowledge of Voodoo and Loa Spiritualism, they were beaten.

The Aqir Empire split in two. One went to the farthest south reaches of Kalimdor, the other to the North and across the sea to what would eventually become Northrend.

The ones who fled north are the Nerubians, and we know their sad story all too well. Their race is almost gone now, save for the living colonies yet to be hunted down and enslaved by the Lich King.

The ones who fled south were known as the Silithid. The Silithid, with their ant and wasp-like nature of hiving and burrowing into the depths of the earth… found something.

That was the remains of the Old God, C’thun.

C’thun; a husk of what he once was. He was and is a Forgotten One… a remaining part of an Old God that the Titans failed to destroy in the long ago.

C’thun took the Silithid for his own, dominating them with a mind older then any on this planet. C’thun used his powers to transform them into Avatars of what he once was, while keeping their insectile nature in tact.

The ones who became C’thun’s Avatars are now known as the Qiraj, and serve him.

And now C’thun seeks to regain his full power and body, and a might capable of reshaping the world as he did of old, and for that the Qiraj have prepared long for. Now we, the Horde and the Alliance, fight to stop them before it is too

late…

…And the Old God is unleashed on our world…

The Second Theory:

Something we have to take in consideration is that the Qiraji and the Nerubians – both – build Obsidian Statues and Sphynx(Destroyers) constructs. So … we have to assume that the Qiraji and Nerubians were both created by C’thun.

Both the Qiraji and the Nerubians come from the Aqiri—which is supposedly what few chosen Silithid became into when C’Thun used them as a template.

This is not entirely assumption. The book of The Two Empires says:

Eventually, due to the troll’s persistence, the Aqiri Kingdom split in half as its citizens fled to separate colonies in the far northern and southern regions of the continent.

Two Aqiri city-states emerged—Azjol-Nerub in the northern wastes, and Ahn’Qiraj in the southern desert. Though the trolls suspected that there were other Aqiri colonies beneath Kalimdor, their existence was never verified.

So … to recap. The Silithid is a race that was born like any other species with the Well of Eternity.

C’Thun the Old god jumpstarted the genetic code of some Silithid insects transmuting them as a template for his creation—the Aqiri.  The Aqiri then used the Silithid as a slave race.  The origin of the Aqiri (Qiraji and Nerubians) may be found through in-game quests of World of Warcraft.  Here is a collection of lore details.

Somewhat, the Aqiri suffer transmutations that split the Aqiri into two sub-races: Nerubians and Qiraji. As centuries and thousands of years went by, the transmutations became more evident.

This seems to be the most acceptable assumption—because we are aware of both sub-races having knowledge of how to create Obsidian statues, both sub-races or at least Nerubians are known to have undergone transmutations. These tidbits of info are important.

Not everyone has the Warcraft RPG: Manual of Monsters—so that will be confusing to some fans. Therefore, I will quote it for their benefit:

Quote from Manual of Monsters:

Azjol-Nerub contained huge libraries of literature, philosophy, and arcane lore. Occasionally, the kingdom would kidnap humans and elves for experimentation.

There above, we have that tidbit about experimentation with humans and elves.

Crypt Fiends of the Scourge are raised mummified Nerubians. And the Manual of Monsters throws in additional tidbits of when they were once Nerubians far before the Lich King arrived to Azeroth.

QUOTE from Manual of Monsters:

The original crypt fiends, the first to navigate successfully the difficult and dangeroous transmutations, were ancient lords of the spider kingdom of Azjol-Nerub.

It is interesting to hear the word transmutation in both the Crypt fiends and the Nerubians’ past—thousands of years before the Undead Scourge arrived.

In the Qiraji we also see the differences between themselves—the flying guards that look like humanoid wisps, Buru the Gorger, Kurinaxx, Rajaxx and his warriors, even the twin Emperors.

There is a hint that they have undergone their own transmutations, and experimentation by absorbing genetic code from the elves or other species.

By the way, Buru the Gorger looks pretty much like the Ancient Lords of the Nerubian empire—Sorta like Anub’arak.

So having all these similarities between the Nerubian and the Qiraji—I would say both races split genetically from a common template—the Aqir—which was originally C’Thun’s creation by using the Silithid as vessel/template of what would become his servants.

This is hard to understand using the word template. For example, the Night Elves could be compared to the Silithid.

They made the Highborne a template to create a new race made at the image of the Old gods—- the Naga. By the way, Knaak confirmed it yesterday. The Old gods created the Naga. It was hinted in the book, but not completely clear since we didn’t hear Azshara accepting the proposal. Now it is confirmed.
——-

Hope there is not much debate and that I came as close to what could be the intended lore by Blizzard.

So … here I will enter even more darker waters of the lore that has not been at all been explained by Blizzard. Most of what you will read below is assumption and speculation.

We know both the Qiraji and Nerubians have similarities as creation of C’thun. However, there are a major differences.

1. The Qiraji in Silithus are close to the reach of C’Thun following orders.

2. The Nerubians are independent from C’Thun, have a strong will—with immunity to mental commands (The Lich King Ner’Zhul wasn’t able to control them during the War of the Spider)—they have huge libraries of music, literature, philosophy, arcane lore. The Qiraji lack all that.

3. Anub’Arak—in Warcraft III: Frozen Throne—is one of the Ancient Lords of the Aqiri—that led the Nerubians in Northrend. He says the Faceless Ones to his knowledge was only a legend. However, he trembles in fear and recognizes the Forgotten One.

This is shrouded in mystery. There was no further details in the Frozen Throne expansion about the Faceless Ones, their past or their connection with the Nerubians.

However, we do know the Faceless Ones are servants of the Old gods. I think I heard somewhere they are children of the Old gods.

Then we have the tidbit of info that the Forgotten One looks exactly like the eye of C’Thun in Silithus’ 40-man raid zone at Ahn’Qiraj.

What I can assume from these tidbits is that something happened thousands of years ago. There are two options:

A. Speculation: Malygos, the Sundering or something caused the Faceless Ones and/or the Forgotten One to be sunk alive in imprisonment beneath the icy depths of Azjol-Nerub—thus they were no longer able to control the Aqiri-Nerubians—and therefore the Nerubians became independent from C’Thun’s influence for thousands of years—growing Libraries of music, philosophy, arcane lore.

B. Second option is that the Ancient Lords of the Aqiri Nerubians raised in civil war against the Forgotten One and the Faceless Ones, imprisoning them beneath their Kingdom of Azjol-Nerub.

Both options above sound acceptable. However, I can’t forget the fact that Anub’Arak thought of the Faceless Ones as legends. If he is one of the Ancient lords, how comes he doesn’t remember them? Anub’arak might be born after the Faceless Ones were imprisoned? That could be a reason why he doesn’t remember them.

Throughout the Undead Campaign there are many earthquakes.  These are sequel earthquakes triggered previously by Illidan.

Illidan used the Eye of Sargeras artifact at Dalaran to cause earthquakes in Northrend with the goal to crush the Icecrown and to destroy the Lich King. (Reference)

However, the earthquakes accidentally cracked the icy prison of the Faceless Ones and the Forgotten One.  The Quotes below are from the Campaign Mission:

Baelgun(dwarf, friend of Muradin Bronzebeard): I won’t let ye through this door, traitor. The recent quakes have awakened dark things under the ice … ancient, horrid things. We’ve vowed to keep them locked where they are.

The ice cracks, and horrific noises erupt from the depths of the Old Kingdom. Though the horrors within this place are fierce you must fight your way through to the exit. Let nothing stand in your way.

Anub’arak: They are the horrors the dwarves spoke of. I thought they were only legends.

King Arthas: What?

Anub’arak: They are the Faceless Ones …

Anub’arak: It cannot be … A Forgotten One. Look to your defenses, death knight! Fight as you’ve never fought before!

MAIN QUEST
The Forgotten One
– Kill the Forgotten One
– Arthas and Anub’arak must survive

Bursting forth from the ice, an unfathomable horror of a long forgotten time has emerged to block your passage. Destroy it and break free of the Old Kingdom.

As you see there is not much lore or details surrounding them.  What we know is that Illidan accidentally set them loose with the Earthquakes, and they came from beneath the subterranean kingdom of Azjol-Nerub.

This compilation of lore tidbits and speculation was meant to be informative, but also to raise awareness and to create fair debate and discussion. There is no official lore on the Faceless Ones and their connection with the Nerubians.

During the Q&A with Luke Johnson—author and developer of the new line of World of Warcraft RPG Books—he revealed that Wow RPG: Lands of Mystery and Wow RPG: Monster Guide will talk about the Nerubians and other monsters related to them. He didn’t want to specify.

Aaron Rosenberg, popular Star Trek, Warhammer and D&D book writer, who is done work for the Warcraft RPG Books too, recently told us in the public Q&A that he was assigned to do the Nerubian and Northrend creatures’ lore in the upcoming World of Warcraft: Lands of Mystery—from the point of view of Brann Bronzebeard.  So expect a bunch of new lore.

So I recommend reading them when they are released, as they are current with World of Warcraft, and might offer further details.  You can pre-order both books at our Store:
https://www.blizzplanet.com/content/97/

Grand Admiral of the Scarlet Fleet

Citizen of Kul’Tiras

Lord Paladin of the Scarlet Crusade

Citizen of Azeroth – Knight of the Silver Hand

Warrior of the Scarlet Crusade

Citizen of Alterac

Warrior of the Scarlet Crusade

Lord of the Red Caverns

Ranger Captain of the Scarlet Crusade

Citizen of Quel’Thalas

The First Captain General of the Scarlet Crusade

Citizen of Stromgarde

The second Chief Assassin of the Scarlet Crusade

Citizen of Dalaran

High Abbot of the Scarlet Monastery

Citizen of Stratholme

Defender of the Scarlet Crusade

High Wizard of the Scarlet Crusade

Citizen of Quel’Thalas

The First Chief Assassin of the Scarlet Crusade

Citizen of Dalaran