[Horde] Chapter Three: Session Twenty-Three

Appearing Characters: Arthak Saurfang, Azgadaan, Halno, Lantresor, Levia Blackflight, Mahka, Mankrik, Nyxxa, Sagaz, Shaspira, Vaerux

December 22nd

Azgadaan and Shaspira return to the Magister’s Terrace.

Shaspira says: Well that was certainly interesting.
Azgadaan says: Indeed.
Shaspira says: Do you have anything to say about what we witnessed, Azgadaan? Any observations?
Azgadaan says: Nothing much. It was a well-played move.
Shaspira says: Quite so. I do find it curious… for the stories and legacies I’ve heard of this Blackhand, his power does not seem quite so absolute as I was led to believe.
Azgadaan says: I haven’t heard much of him. He has respect of the clans, but I never took the man as someone admirable.
Shaspira says: And that’s of interest. I would not be surprised if a shift of power occurred ‘ere long. Orcs loathe weakness. I’ll be curious to see how the Horde changes. I will be… eagerly watching. After all, we have more than a small degree of investment.
Azgadaan says: Indeed. I look forward to watching as well.
Shaspira says: Tell me, Azgadaan, you’ve not heard from your lord father, have you?
Azgadaan says: I haven’t spoken to him in quite a few months. I’m not sure what he’s up to.
Shaspira says: Good. He’s not a subtle man, but I wanted to ensure he hadn’t reached out to you behind my back. After all, you made it quite clear you didn’t want to contact him. That would not be acceptable. Not at this stage, at the very least. I do hope that you know that if anything abnormal happens, you can always tell me.
Azgadaan says: If something of that occurs, I’ll let you know. Besides, having your company is nice.

Shaspira smiles.

Shaspira says: And having such an intrepid young man as yourself as an aid, or a protégé of sorts, is mutually beneficial, I would think.

It’s fairly clear that straight-lying is not one of Shaspira’s specialties, though she keeps her cards close to her chest. She is listening very closely, and she is curious, but not from a place of mistrust so much as genuine interest and concern. She’s taken an interest in Azgadaan, and she’s trying to divine if someone else had as well.

Eventually, they return back to Shaspira’s offices, and she thanks Azgadaan for his escort. She states she may need his services again in the future.

Shaspira says: Plans are moving forward, and as the alliance between ourselves and the Horde strengthens, I imagine I’ll need you to help ensure our partnership goes without issue. Compliance is ever a concern, after all. Change can be difficult at times. While the Horde is impressed thus far, things will change, and they will change quickly. Even these short lived orcs may struggle, but I believe if we work together a smooth transition can be had.

Shaspira fishes in the long draping sleeve of her dress and withdraws 15 rezi, which she offers to Azgadaan.

Azgadaan says: You needn’t pay me for such a trivial task.
Shaspira says: Mark my words, Azgadaan, those that serve me are compensated duly for their efforts.

Azgadaan smiles and takes the coin, and they part ways. Shaspira asks Azgadaan to tell Aracyra that she wishes her the best of luck if he speaks with her.

Azgadaan heads back, and he arrives around the same time Nyxxa and Levia arrive on the island. The last of the beasts from the excitement of the night are being corralled.

Nyxxa says: So. What happened here?

Arthak sees Nyxxa and heads over.

Arthak Saurfang says: It appears the Ati-kaso have escaped.

Nyxxa looks at Azgadaan.

Azgadaan says: Oh… my.
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s less than ideal. As well, my captives as well as yours appear to have escaped with them by taking one of my ships. Thankfully, none of my clan were seriously injured.
Nyxxa says: They took your ship?
Azgadaan says: Which one?
Arthak Saurfang says: One of the trade vessels. And with the disruption caused by our beasts being released, we’ll attempt to make chase, but I’m not confident in our success.

Nyxxa’s look of surprise is actually genuine because she didn’t expect Samaara to take one of Arthak’s ships.

Arthak Saurfang says: In better news, it appears the Resistance also took this time to make their escape. But their escape ran into difficulty.
Nyxxa says: How do you figure?
Arthak Saurfang says: Following counsel I gave, elder Gul’dan had several caches of Red Mist hidden on ships expected to be taken by the Resistance. It appears that, despite their precautions, several of these canisters were successfully deployed.

Nyxxa looks at Arthak carefully, and she is able to determine that Arthak definitely gave the counsel, but he didn’t actually want this to happen.

Nyxxa says: Well it’s good everything went according to plan.
Arthak Saurfang says: As close as we can. Unfortunately, the Resistance was able to neutralize most of the Mist, but at least we got something.
Nyxxa says: How unfortunate.

Levia is scowling and doesn’t say anything.

Nyxxa says: Do you need any help cleaning up here?
Arthak Saurfang says: No, I believe Gramgun and Thura have things in hand. Actually, if you have a moment, Nyxxa, I wanted to talk about a few things.
Nyxxa says: Alright. Levia, I suppose I’ll meet you at the room.
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah, I’ll go check on some others.
Nyxxa says [Common]: We’ll talk about this later.

Levia nods and heads off, and Nyxxa also glances at Azgadaan. Azgadaan goes with Levia, leaving Nyxxa with Arthak.

Nyxxa says: What did you need?
Arthak Saurfang says: Mind making sure we’re alone?
Nyxxa says: We should go for a walk then.

They head off and Nyxxa uses see invisibility.

Arthak Saurfang says: I’m, ah… I’m somewhat surprised you’re still here.
Nyxxa says: How do you figure?
Arthak Saurfang says: My assumption was that when certain events transpired you would be leaving With, um, our escapees.
Nyxxa says: For what it’s worth, Arthak, my only intention was to make sure that people who weren’t any threat weren’t perceived as a threat.
Arthak Saurfang says: I understand that. If I’m being frank, Nyxxa, I understand your loyalty isn’t to me. It’s to someone else. I assume, along with the Ati-kaso and your connections, you would’ve gone to get reunited.
Nyxxa says: Perhaps eventually but not yet. I wouldn’t be afforded the same kindness they might have. I’m still a demon.
Arthak Saurfang says: Perhaps, but she’s persuasive. And you have allies who can vouch for you. I’m not… I’m glad you’re still here, I’m just surprised.
Nyxxa says: When I said I just want to help people who didn’t want this war, I don’t mean just the elves and just the draenei. I know there are orcs too that feel the same way. I would not see them suffer for the choices made by others. That has been my intention. If I can build some goodwill here, I hope to use that to help your people in kind. That’s what I’m attempting to do.

Arthak quirks an eyebrow.

Arthak Saurfang says: ...huh. Very well. Are you alright?
Nyxxa says: I don’t intend to leave until you drive me out or I do something so stupid I have no choice but to. I’m here for you as long as you want me here. And I understood what you said back there.
Arthak Saurfang says: I assumed you did, but are you alright?

Nyxxa runs a hand through her hair.

Nyxxa says: I’m getting through knowing that it could have been much worse. Though the people that suffered tonight, though it’ll be hard to see it, and it took me a long time to learn it, it’s still better than being dead. It’s going to be hard though. With them out of the city, perhaps she’ll be hounded less. And perhaps a small part of me wonders if Sinestra got hit as well.
Arthak Saurfang says: Doubtful, but it’s nice to think about.
Nyxxa says: Are you okay?
Arthak Saurfang says: Tonight was the culmination of many things. Most of them I can’t tell you about.
Nyxxa says: I understand.
Arthak Saurfang says: I can say that I’ve made connections tonight.
Nyxxa says: Did you get the money from Blackhand?
Arthak Saurfang says: Hmph. Yes.
Nyxxa says: Was he happy about it?
Arthak Saurfang says: No.
Nyxxa says: Well, at this point, the fact that you breathed the wrong way would make him unhappy.
Arthak Saurfang says: The fact that I breathe.
Nyxxa says: Well there are some people that are just like that.
Arthak Saurfang says: He’s a project for later.
Nyxxa says: So, we’re stuck here for the next….
Arthak Saurfang says: At least until the fortress is ready. I intend to keep Gramgun’kur, but I’m willing to hand off the defense of Quel’danas to the Shadowsword once I’m confident the island will be defended.
Nyxxa says: Well, if you have the time, Selin is still interested in lessons.
Arthak Saurfang says: As am I.
Nyxxa says: Perhaps we can convince them to come to you.
Arthak Saurfang says: That would be preferable. It will be busy here. And I won’t lie, it will be nice to stay busy with things that feel like they matter. Things close to home.

Nyxxa nods.

Arthak Saurfang says: Well, I won’t keep you, I just wanted to check in.
Nyxxa says: Thank you Arthak.

Nyxxa smiles

Nyxxa says: Lets hope they get back to her safely.
Arthak Saurfang says: I have faith they will.

Arthak snorts and starts to head away. Nyxxa takes a moment to herself to process everything, but then Arthak stops and looks back.

Arthak Saurfang says: By the way, I may need you tomorrow. Halno. We’re at a juncture where he’s served his initial purpose and I now need to ascertain his motives and long term viability.
Nyxxa says: Should I not ask about what that’s about?
Arthak Saurfang says: No. It’s straight-forward. If I don’t like what he says, I need your help to kill him and make it stick.
Nyxxa says: Ah. Yes. I have words as well given his treatment of Levia.
Arthak Saurfang says: What did he do?
Nyxxa says: He’s essentially hazed her. Using a mind reading spell.

Arthak’s eyes narrow.

Arthak Saurfang says: I see. He’s playing games.
Nyxxa says: Not entirely sure he meant to, but it’s not a good way to make friends.
Arthak Saurfang says: Interesting. But we need to figure out his motives. If they align, good, if not… well. We can put the body to rest.
Nyxxa says: Hopefully it’s just a massive misunderstanding. But yes, I can accompany you.
Arthak Saurfang says: If you’re comfortable with it, you have the advantage of being able to go unseen.
Nyxxa says: Depends on when and where you’re asking him. I can’t be invisible in his laboratory.
Arthak Saurfang says: Certainly, but if you can get inside, you’re fast. If I make my move, you’ll hear it.

Nyxxa agrees to stay in listening distance, and they bid each other farewell.

Nyxxa then heads back to meet up with Levia and Azgadaan. Azgadaan had been making dinner while Levia worked on helping the people that were hurt.

Nyxxa gets back before Levia gets back, and she finds Azgadaan cooking.

Azgadaan says: Hi. Have you seen Levia? She said she was going to check on the injured.
Nyxxa says: Ah. I might check on her. After the craziness of tonight, it’s better to be cautious. Would you mind waiting?
Azgadaan says: Sure. I still have a bit on this.

Nyxxa heads out and she finds Levia standing on the water maybe 20-30 feet out from the shore.

Nyxxa says: Levia?

Levia turns.

Levia Blackflight says: Oh. Sorry.

She walks back to shore, her boots not sinking at all.

Nyxxa says: If you needed a moment, no need to stop, but I was worried.
Levia Blackflight says: I didn’t realize how much time passed.
Nyxxa says: A lot of heavy stuff just happened.
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah.

As Nyxxa approaches she sees a small sensor following her.

Nyxxa says: We should walk together. It might be dangerous to walk alone tonight.

She gestures to her eyes, indicating she sees something, and Levia scowls.

Levia Blackflight says: Where is it?
Nyxxa says: Behind you.

Levia grits her teeth and spins around. She holds her hand out, and there’s a ripple of white energy. The sensor splits and shatters like glass.

Levia Blackflight says: I don’t know who I wish that was.
Nyxxa says: Well they know that would be fruitless now.
Levia Blackflight says: And they know I’m sick of their shit.
Nyxxa says: Understandable. How are you feeling?
Levia Blackflight says: I’m fine. I’m just… so sick of all of this. I don’t know who that was. I don’t know if it was my mother. I don’t know if it was Halno or Runesight or his lackies. Or someone else. But I’m sick of being controlled. Being watched.
Nyxxa says: When we find who it is, we’ll punch them in the face.

Levia smirks.

Nyxxa says: With two black eyes they won’t be able to see anymore.
Levia Blackflight says: If they have any left. Anyways, sorry, we should head back. I guess Azgadaan wants to try cooking again.
Nyxxa says: I just worry because that fireplace isn’t meant for cooking.

Levia seems to be in a slightly better mood now that she vented her frustration on the scrying sensor, and Nyxxa ups her see invisibility again when they arrive.

Nyxxa says: So, how is everyone feeling?
Azgadaan says: I’m doing fine. I’m more wondering about you two and how you’re handling things?
Nyxxa says: Still, the Ati-kaso were important to you. Also, if anyone is watching through magic means, I’ll be able to tell. But. It could have gone worse.

Azgadaan pulls his meal off the fire. It’s a hearty beef stew.

Nyxxa says: Well. Levia, I’ve already told Azgadaan at this point, but if you want to be brought into the secret now that it’s kind of done.
Levia Blackflight says: So you were helping the Resistance?
Nyxxa says: I was helping them get their noncoms out of the city, and inadvertently put them in Gul’dan’s hands.
Levia Blackflight says: They would have been anyway.
Nyxxa says: Yes, that’s what I’m telling myself.
Levia Blackflight says: Either less would have made it, or the same thing would have happened. I don’t know what the Red Mist does, but if its what made the krokul… it hit them, right?
Nyxxa says: Right, you never saw what a draenei used to look like.
Azgadaan says: They literally look like me, but more blue.
Levia Blackflight says: I guess that is quite the change.
Nyxxa says: And their connection with the Light. Something deep and innate. It’s severed.
Levia Blackflight says: So that probably cut them off from the Sunwell. Or something. Well, the Ati-kaso were doing just fine. We can only hope they’ll be able to pull through too.
Azgadaan says: I can attempt to see if they’re doing alright?
Nyxxa says: It might be good not to contact them for a while. Especially if certain orcs know they left, they may be extra scrutinizing.
Azgadaan says: Perhaps. I do hope they’re alright. Like I said before, are you two alright? If there’s anything you need…
Nyxxa says: At this point, I’m more worried about… aside from certain people catching me, I’m worried about Sinestra. There’s something else. She wants me to make Arthak suffer.
Azgadaan says: Hm.
Nyxxa says: And took some of my blood.
Azgadaan says: That’s not good. Not good at all.
Nyxxa says: Meaning, even if I don’t go through with it, she’ll want me to suffer as well.

Azgadaan considers if there’s a way to counter spells using demon blood. Beyond scrying, that blood can also be used in certain spells to make it harder for Nyxxa to resist.

Azgadaan says: Well. I plan on making an item that may benefit you… do you remember the dimensional shackles?

Nyxxa nods.

Azgadaan says: I was planning on turning those into an item that would not allow anyone to summon me. And potentially, as an addition, not allow scrying.
Nyxxa says: Well, being summoned concerns me. Ultimately, I can see when someone is scrying on me as long as I’m proactive. When the barrier goes down it’ll be more taxing. Speaking of which. Doesn’t that eredar bank have your blood?
Azgadaan says: Just a bit. It’s also one reason I’m making that device.

Levia blinks.

Nyxxa says: Yeah, demons have banks. But. I have made some friends that are helping me too. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. It’s just to make you aware, and if I start acting out of sorts or doing things contrary to what I would normally do, feel free to kill me. Or neutralize me.
Azgadaan says: I’ll turn you into a snail, if you wish.

Levia laughs.

Azgadaan says: Oh! Right! You wanted to see how you would act if you were polymorphed into a mini-saber. Do you want to try that?
Nyxxa says: Yes!
Levia Blackflight says: A what?
Nyxxa says: A mini saber. A saber, but small.

Azgadaan polymorphs Nyxxa into a cat. Levia just looks.

Levia Blackflight says: That’s a.... That’s a cat. I’m not sure what a mini-saber is, but that’s just a cat.
Azgadaan says: When Nyxxa and I discussed it, she said a saber looked like that, but large with pointy teeth.
Levia Blackflight says: Like a… tiger? Okay. Sure. Mini saber. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.

She bends down to pet Nyxxa, and Nyxxa leans into it then hops onto Levia’s shoulder.

Azgadaan says: By the way, Levia. I had a friend that had powers like yours. She said she could help with death, as it were, and she needed diamonds or diamond dust. Can you do that?
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah.
Azgadaan says: Do you have diamonds?
Levia Blackflight says: I have a few. I didn’t want to publicize it. This is the same sort of stuff the Shadowsword always… you know. Not many people can replicate this. Not since we became like this. But yeah. I don’t know how it works, but I know I can do it.
Azgadaan says: I’d like to help you with that, if I can. I’d like to see you grow stronger.
Levia Blackflight says: I appreciate that. I didn’t think that old ring I jacked from my mom before I left would come in handy, but it’s probably enough to power the spell.

Azgadaan examines some of the jewelry he took from Kilnar, and he measures Levia’s finger, then mentions he’ll see what he can do.

Meanwhile, Vaerux is mentally yelling at Nyxxa, but she’s just a cat and keeps meowing back at him.

Azgadaan says: By the way, Levia, do you have a favorite drink?
Levia Blackflight says: Uh. Not really.
Azgadaan says: Well, think of a good one, and say it into this.

He holds out the jug.

Levia Blackflight says: Um. Booze?

She pours out some beer. Cat-Nyxxa also laps at it for a bit before she transforms back.

December 23rd

The next day, Azgadaan delivers a refitted diamond ring to Levia.

Nyxxa and Arthak also go to talk to Halno. As they approach his lab, they observe around six skeletons.

Arthak Saurfang says: Halno.
Halno says: Ah. Arthak. Good to see you.
Arthak Saurfang says: I believe it’s time we should have that talk.
Halno says: Ah! Which one?
Arthak Saurfang says: Ah… can you cast your spell first? This should be in private.
Halno says: Ah. Of course. Of course.

Halno casts private sanctum. After about 10 minutes, he finishes the spell.

Halno says: Very well, we should be quite safe.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’ll take it. So. I’ll get to the point. I received the invitation last night.
Halno says: And seeing you’re still alive, I assume you said yes.
Arthak Saurfang says: Yes.
Halno says: Alright. What’s your next step?
Arthak Saurfang says: For now, waiting and seeing. I have my first assignment, but it’s conditional on certain outside factors.
Halno says: And those conditions would be?
Arthak Saurfang says: Whether or not Hellscream’s son returns from his mission.
Halno says: Ah. I assume he wants Hellscream dead then.
Arthak Saurfang says: Correct.
Halno says: Hm.
Arthak Saurfang says: So, in regards to your role in this. I believe it’s time we laid out how this is going to go from here on.
Halno says: Ah!
Arthak Saurfang says: This is that conversation.
Halno says: Understood.

Halno reaches into a pocket, checks something off a list, and closes the book again.

Arthak Saurfang says: So. Halno. Thus far you’ve proven yourself an asset both in the field and outside of it. But moving forward…
Halno says: Will I continue to be an asset?
Arthak Saurfang says: And to whom. You assisted with our efforts regarding the Mist.
Halno says: I suppose on some level that is true.
Arthak Saurfang says: You were informed of what we were doing and you didn’t inform anyone.
Halno says: Yes. Yes.
Arthak Saurfang says: So. That leads me to ask you a simple question. What do you want, Halno?
Halno says: Currently? I want to know how that’s a simple question.
Arthak Saurfang says: Long term.
Halno says: Long term goals? Hm. Currently. Make sure I don’t lose my mind and fracture into a thousand pieces. Fix many many broken things.

He gestures to his surroundings, but not implying just his lab.

Halno says: Hopefully earn back some degree of independence for the Horde.
Arthak Saurfang says: Good. Entering the inner circle was an important step to my own plans. Plans which coincide with yours. A more independent Horde. A less broken one.
Halno says: We are certainly broken at the moment. The amount of infighting as we invade is… well, it would hilarious if it wasn’t sad.
Arthak Saurfang says: Quite.
Halno says: So, do these answers satisfy?
Arthak Saurfang says: I appreciate caution, but, under the circumstances if we are to proceed, it would be best if we are both candid. Do you think our circumstances are safe enough for that?
Halno says: Hm. Pardon me, I’ll have to use a spell you won’t like.
Arthak Saurfang says: What spell?
Halno says: Detect thoughts. It lets me detect all minds within 30 feet. I will drop it afterwards. I suppose if we’re being candid there shouldn’t be a point, but.
Arthak Saurfang says: Forewarning, I have Nyxxa nearby.

Halno fake gasps.

Halno says: I’m wounded.

He cannot detect anything beyond those that should be there.

Halno says: I don’t sense anything, but that’s as cautious as I can be.
Arthak Saurfang says: It’ll have to do.
Halno says: Forwarning, if I can do that, someone else can.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’d like to remedy that in the future.
Halno says: Yes, I offered to make Levia as much.
Arthak Saurfang says: Recompense for your last conversation?
Halno says: Recompense, less so. I require her assistance in matters regarding…

He points at another scepter on a table.

Arthak Saurfang says: Hm. Interesting.
Halno says: And she seemed offended to have her mind read.
Arthak Saurfang says: I can appreciate her sentiments. So. Long term. I intend to sever the Horde from the Legion.
Halno says: That is quite the goal, and I’m not… opposed. I am surprised to hear it coming from you.
Arthak Saurfang says: I work hard to maintain appearances. If I didn’t, I’d be dead right now.
Halno says: Right. Fair enough. Do you have plans on how to go about that?
Arthak Saurfang says: Currently, yes. Infiltrating the Council is a part of that. Keeping Garrosh alive is problematically another part.
Halno says: Oooo. You’re right, that is a problem.
Arthak Saurfang says: I have time at least.
Halno says: Hopefully.
Arthak Saurfang says: Gul’dan I believe appreciates I’m not an assassin. I need to find an excuse. That takes time. But, more importantly, current plan is oust Blackhand, oust the Council, and using connections I have elsewhere establish an alliance with Azeroth against the Legion. In the broad scope.
Halno says: Contacts in Azeroth?
Arthak Saurfang says: The beginnings of them, yes.
Halno says: My, you have been busy. And how many people are aware of this goal of yours?
Arthak Saurfang says: Not many.
Halno says: No offense, Arthak. But I’d like--
Arthak Saurfang says: Names.
Halno says: No. Numbers.
Arthak Saurfang says: Two. Others know bits and pieces, but only two know the full extent. Now three.
Halno says: Four total then.
Arthak Saurfang says: Correct.
Halno says: Well, now I definitely need to come up with something to shield minds.
Arthak Saurfang says: Thankfully one is my contact on the other side.
Halno says: Ah. The draenei.

Arthak gives a quirk of the head in affirmation.

Halno says: Total shot in the dark. Alright, I’ll have to… get working on that sooner rather than later. I don’t like that information being so easily accessible as far as magic is concerned.
Arthak Saurfang says: It has been a persistent concern. But. Overall, we’re making strides. I’ve been moving pieces. Consolidating pieces of the Horde behind myself or people I can predict.
Halno says: Well then, in that case you should be aware you intend to take on the Council.

Arthak nods.

Halno says: Any further planning on that front will have to wait until we’ve secured our minds. But I have some ideas. But after 84 years of failure, I’m not keen on wasting my second chance.
Arthak Saurfang says: I can understand that. I’ve seen… my ancestry speaks to the price of a lack of caution and a lack of patience.
Halno says: Yes. Is Nyxxa aware, or is that why she’s standing outside?
Arthak Saurfang says: She’s standing outside in case I had to kill you.

Halno raises a finger.

Halno says: Arthak, you and me need to have a serious conversation about magic.
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s not my expertise.
Halno says: You walked into a mage’s lair and told me to shield against detection. To translate that, she wouldn’t hear calls for help. Also, if you plan to kill a wizard, don’t do it in their lair. I would hope you would have learned as much from Kilnar, but that went too well.
Arthak Saurfang says: If you had more time to prep I would have been more concerned, but your point stands. Magical expertise is a gap in my knowledge and our capabilities. So. We are together on this.
Halno says: We are in agreement at least. I’ll have to hold any further than that until a later date. Again, I’m not wasting this second chance. But for the moment, yes, we are in agreement. And if your concern is if I’ll rat you out, that will be hard to do without--
Arthak Saurfang says: Destroying yourself.
Halno says: Correct.
Arthak Saurfang says: Good. Good enough. That is all I wished to establish this time. Is there anything else you wish to ask of me?
Halno says: Well, if you want these rings at any fast pace.

He rubs his fingers in the money motion.

Arthak Saurfang says: Of course. With the increased traffic through Gramgun’kur we can make sure you get the funds as soon as possible.
Halno says: And. Um. Be careful with Gul’dan. You’re aware he’s dangerous, but he’s… unstable. So long as you are useful he will see fit to use, and when that time expires, you will likely go the route of Blackhand.
Arthak Saurfang says: I have no doubt. Thus I intend to stay useful, and learn while I can.

Arthak gives a nod and they bid farewells and part ways. However, as Arthak rejoins Nyxxa, she goes down the stairs and gives Halno the “I’m watching you” hand gesture.

December 23rd - January 1st

During this time, Arthak was primarily focusing on his clan and the very early stages of the planning for the fortifications of Quel’danas. As word spreads of Arthak’s activities, he gets another surge of orcs looking to join his clan. The majority were soldiers, but there were also some non-combatants that had a degree of skills. One of them, and orc named Thrarl Ironhide, was pretty well-known as a tanner who is legendary in his ability to preserve hides few others can.

Generally speaking, morale is high.




Meanwhile, Halno is working on the scepter, specifically trying to reverse engineer it. He gets a functional understanding of how one is created. He would need a gemstone worth at least 500gp, and would need some sort of catalyst. A catalyst used previously was the souls of at least a dozen moderately powerful necrolytes. It is also a legendary magical item, thus takes a good deal of time to create. It would take between 50,000-100,000gp to make.

He also notes that some of the improvements that could be made is that the binding process could be reversed--so the soul can be removed from the gemstone--but such a process is very dangerous and difficult for those that already exist. Theoretically, one could make either a more sturdy version that allows for an indefinite range for the bond. Alternatively, the bond can be made less permanent and different souls can be stored in it.

However, neither of those things would be easy to accomplish, and the cost would be much greater--especially for the first option.

By the end of that research, the Shadowsword agent he had set on selling the scroll he had made returns with 1250gp.

Halno spent the rest of the time working with Sagaz to teach him common.




Nyxxa, Azgadaan, and Levia head back to the mainland accompanied by Lantresor and Mankrik, as well as Mankrik’s wife Mahka.

Upon hearing about the water weirds that await them, Mahka muses that the elementals of Azeroth are chaotic and have been hard to communicate with. However, she has a few tricks up her sleeve.

As they approach Kilnar’s manor, they see the members of the Broken Blade that had assembled, as well as representatives of the Shadowsword. A small number of people have died attempting to secure the place, and they opted to keep a safe perimeter instead.

As they entered in, Azgadaan polymorphs into a carrion beetle to burrow through the secret wall in the music chamber.

Nyxxa does catch Levia walking around and peeking at the music in the room. Nyxxa asks, and Levia admits she used to play music. It was one of the few “good” things she learned from her mother. Namely, she had learned violin and cello.

Nyxxa says: I don’t think anyone would mind if you took one.
Levia Blackflight says: Maybe. I’ll think about it. Who knows.

Meanwhile, as Azgadaan enters the hidden chamber, he sees a smaller area than expected. There are pristine racks, and it seems two of the instruments on them were damaged by stray shots of acid from Azgadaan. But there are a total of four instruments. The two undamaged ones are a beautiful cittern that seems to be made of stone, but it’s perfectly tuned, and a viola. The damaged instruments are a lyre with dove accents, and a strange instrument that originates with Nyxxa’s people. It’s made of dark wood, and it’s a type of string instrument.

All the hidden instruments are magical.

Azgadaan goes for the second chamber, but this time he drops out of the carrion beetle form after a ways and breaks through the rest of the way with his hammer. The instruments beyond include a pan flute with reeds that appear to be from some sort of aquatic plant life. There is a brass horn as well as a silver horn. There is also another set of pipes that are jet black and are similar to the pan flute. As they are moved, there seems to be an after image in the air.

Azgadaan suggests shoving all the instruments in his bag of holding, but Levia suggests that they shouldn’t pile them all haphazardly in a bag if he wants to preserve them. Levia insists on holding onto the viola to ensure it's okay.

They then go to take care of the abyssal generator. Azgadaan takes a moment to identify the aquatic-looking pan flute, and it’s revealed to be a Bewildering Pan flute.

The instrument that Nyxxa recognized is a Darnassian Mandolin, and is an Instrument of the Bards.

The lyre is a Lyre of Scribing.

The brass horn is a Horn of Silent Alarm.

The cittern is an Arathi Cittern which is an Instrument of the Bards.

The viola is a Viola of Harmony.

The curved beast horn with silver is a Horn of Valhalla.

The black pipes are Pipes of Haunting.

They continue down to the aquarium and Azgadaan changes into a giant shark to take them through in the direction the naga had indicated to get to the abyssal generator. Nyxxa also notes a smaller passageway that they pass.

They opt to head to the smaller passage, and Azgadaan drops out of shark form so the group can fit. The passage opens a bit, and the water seems to have a bit of a current, which picks up more and more. Lantresor and Mahka are swept up in the current, and the current spits them out onto a ramp.

The group gets to their feet, and they can hear running water from everywhere in the room around them. There is a causeway of marble before them, and there are waterfalls in every direction, and there are clear, crystalline crystals hanging suspended with chains holding them in place. At the very center of the causeway, there is a much larger crystal. Before it is a small pillar that is not unlike the prismatic generator, but this one is gold and has three rows around it.

Nyxxa uses detect magic and the room is awash in conjuration magic.

They start to approach, and there seems to be two suits of armor that are long discarded. They are slumped against the narrow railing along the marble causeway. It seems abjuration and necromancy is wafting from the armor.

Azgadaan approaches the main panel of the biggest crystal, creeping by the armor. He begins to cast identify on the panel. And then the water begins to ripple. It erupts upwards around Azgadaan’s hooves. He is able to bounce out of the way, but the water manifests into a humanoid, female-shaped creature. She speaks in a language Azgadaan doesn’t understand, but Mahka mouths some of the words and calls for everyone to get down.

And then all the generators begin to pulse and glow, and water seeps into the armor, seemingly animating it.

Nyxxa swings at one of the animating armor, but her glaives bounce of its shield. Her third strike connects. However, the water issuing from the feminine abyssal gaoler sends Nyxxa flying backwards.

The two revenants of the depths fully manifest, and Mankrik is able to resist the gushing water as he runs forward to the closest revenant. The axe swings connect, and his blows don’t seem to be striking as true as he would hope.

Azgadaan is also able to resist the gushing water, and he blows the new horn of valhalla he had found. Six berserkers appear, each of them about 9 feet tall. Two of them are immediately pushed back by the gushing water. Several of the berserkers go all in on the gaoler, though the attacks don’t seem as effective as they could be.

Levia summons a spiritual weapon next to the abyssal gaoler, but it unfortunately misses. She then tries to use toll the dead, but the gaoler succeeds.

Lantresor disappears and then appears next to Azgadaan. He strikes the gaoler with his flaming sword.

Mahka’s eyes crackle with lightning, and she casts purge on one of the revenants. The armor drops to the ground, completely bereft of magic as it is banished to the Abyssal Maw.

Suddenly, the gaoler disappears in the water.

The berserkers all jump on the remaining revenant. Mahka tries to purge the second revenant, and she succeeds in doing so.

Nyxxa runs to back up Lantresor as they ready attacks for when the gaoler reappears. Azgadaan goes back to the panel and readies an attack, and the gaoler reappears beneath them. Lantresor is able to dodge out of the way, but Azgadaan and Nyxxa are enveloped and thrown into the air. The water begins to close around them.

Azgadaan and Nyxxa strike at it from inside, and Nyxxa manages to stun the gaoler.

The berserkers then wail on the gaoler, but two of them are pushed off the edge and splash into the water 20 feet down.

The rest of the fight goes quickly, even though Azgadaan and Nyxxa remain trapped. Levia lands the last hit with a firebolt, and the gaoler collapses.

Some of the chains around the large generator start to rust, and one of them breaks off.

Azgadaan uses harvesting hands on the remains of the gaoler, but as he starts to cast it, he notes that the things that constitute the creature are not going to stay around long enough for the casting time. He casts identify vitals instead, and he works on manually harvesting the creature. He manages to collect living water and a mote of water.

He then goes back to the panel, and the berserkers start to get into an argument as they crowd around the edge. They seem to be trying to get their comrades out of the water.

Nyxxa tosses them a rope, and they release a war cry as they start to fish their comrades out. One of them claps Nyxxa on the back and shoves a spectral water skin in her hands.

Meanwhile, as Azgadaan is looking at the control panel, he determines that the generator needs to be turned off or the water weirds will keep appearing. Likewise, he determines that the gaoler will likely return as well.

As Azgadaan starts to fumble with the controls, it seems they are much more complex than the prismatic generator. He asks Mahka for insight, and she casts guidance on him. This time around he manages to lock the system down.

He then expresses thanks to Mahka for what she did during the fight.