Appearing Characters: Aean Swiftriver, Amara Nightwalker, Broll Bearmantle, Elissa Cross, Ember Flintlocke, Hannah Bladeleaf, Jorn Skyseer, Li Li Stormstout, Remnii, Reno Jackson, Riff, Samaara, Seria, Syeori Sunwalker, Syvia Windrunner, Thora Feathermoon, Tol'vas Moonshadow, Uther Menethil, Velameestra Windrunner, Velen, Wulf, Yaeliura Nightwalker
June 6th
It is evening at Camp Taurajo as the group fully settles into their place to camp for the evening. Remnii tracks down Jorn, and finds him helping with tanning some leather. He is showing some younger tauren some of his techniques. Remnii waits for the lesson to conclude, opting to watch with an earnest fondness.
Jorn turns to Remnii and switches back to common.
Jorn Skyseer says: Remnii. Was there something else that you needed?
Remnii smiles.
Remnii says [tongues]: If you wish to speak in your mother tongue, I still have my spell applied.
Jorn Skyseer says: Ah, I see. The gifts of magic elude me. But if that is possible…
He switches to Taur-ahe.
Remnii says [tongues]: I just had a few questions if you wouldn’t mind humoring me.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: Of course.
He instructs the young tauren to continue working and he will check on his work later. As Remnii follows Jorn, she gives a guidance spell to the young brave, and Jorn smirks--noting the spellwork--as he leads her away to a comfortable tent with mats and cushions.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: Please.
He gestures for Remnii to sit, and Remnii almost melts onto a pillow with a sigh.
Remnii says [tongues]: Thank you for speaking with me. I promise I will not keep you long. But I had a few questions about the tauren people.
Remnii explains her people were new to the world and some details about them.
Remnii says [tongues]: We share some things in common, and, in particular, the elements. Shamanism. My people have been touched by the elements in recent years, and there is a… I have heard of an Earthen Ring. As I am serving as the ambassador of my people, I was curious if you knew of anyone I could speak to as we travel into your lands?
Jorn brews some tea for the two of them as she speaks.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: I see. The Earthen Ring is an integral part of our people. They act as guides, servants to both the elements and the chiefs and crones of the high council. Though it may differ from tribe to tribe, the tauren are often lead by a chieftain and a crone, both of which share near equal power in the choices that must be made. Often times one or both of these individuals can hear the spirits of our ancestors, and the elements. The Earthen Ring is the organization that links all these individuals between each other so that they may work with the council and all other peoples, to ensure harmony between the elements and us. As far as individuals… well.
Jorn thinks for a moment, scratching the fur of his chin.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: If you are heading to Dalsh-Beran if you make good time, you may arrive before the matriarch and crone of the Grimtotem leave. She was here just a few days ago. Magatha Grimtotem, a powerful and stern woman, and the leader of the Grimtotem tribe--one of the largest tribes from amongst the councils. There are over a hundred tribes of various sizes. Some are just the size of a family, while others consist of many families. If you can find her, she may be able to guide you, but I will warn that the Grimtotem are known to be… less kind to outsiders. She may not receive you well, even if she is one of the most influential members of both the Earthen Ring and the council.
Remnii says [tongues]: That will not stop me from trying, anyway. With our hooves on the ground, speaking with the elements is new within the last century or so. There is much to connect with and learn, not only about the people of this world, but also the customs that guide you. So thank you.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: Of course. There is one other I can recommend. My great uncle, a man by the name of Vorn Skyseer. He is a spiritwalker. A gifted tauren. Some of our people on rarest of occasions are born with fur and hair as clear as a cloud. It is said that many of these individuals are omens and their births herald great prosperity or calamity. My great uncle was one of the former, fortunately. As a spiritwalker, it is said he can pierce the veil between where our ancestors reside. His powers and others like them have been included in a special sect of the Earthen Ring. Regrettably I don’t know where he is right now. He wanders the plains of Mulgore, so I cannot aid you in finding him, but seeking the other camps in the plains may be a good place to start. But the nature of our people makes it difficult to pinpoint where any of us may be.
Remnii sighs and nods.
Remnii says [tongues]: I understand that, at least. My people are scattered far and wide.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: Once our people were as well. Long ago we lost our home, and only in recent generations we have reclaimed it. Perhaps, in time, you too will be blessed in such a way.
Remnii offers a soft smile.
Remnii says [tongues]: I can only hope. There is much to be done.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: If you are an ambassador, then it would be good for you to meet with the council. They are lead by the chieftain of the Bloodhoof tribe. A powerful and ancient brave named Cairne Bloodhoof. He is not a member of the Earthen Ring, but he can provide guidance.
Remnii says [tongues]: Thank you. This has been quite enlightening, though I’m certain we could talk for hours.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: I won’t say I’m not curious about your people.
Remnii says [tongues]: If you have any time tonight or otherwise, I would love to.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: The young one’s task will take an hour or so to complete. In the meanwhile, it would be a shame for this tea to go to waste.
They spend some time talking about what had happened to the draenei and the nature of their situation with the kaldorei.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: The Violet Star… we too saw it on the plains. We took it as an omen. Perhaps that was an omen of your arrival.
Remnii says [tongues]: Everyone I’ve spoken to across the world has seen it.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: I’m not surprised. It lit the sky like a beacon sent from An'she.
Remnii says [tongues]: It’s enlightening and funny and saddening and everything in between to see how people have taken it. But, I hope in the end it can herald good things.
Jorn nods.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: I can only pray that your ancestors will guide you in this trying time. While our people have been blessed to remain on positive terms with the enigmatic kaldorei that inhabit the forests, we know they are fearsome, immortal warriors. To make an enemy of them would be… a frightening prospect.
Remnii says [tongues]: It is done. Thus, I am trying to gather everything I can on the nature of the kaldorei. I have heard great and terrible things, but they are a people, much like the rest of us. In that, I must put my faith.
Jorn Skyseer says [taur-ahe]: Rare is it that they come to these grounds. Rare even more so that two of them bless us with their presence. There are only a few amongst our people who are given the opportunity to interface with them. But. They are… a proud people, but they are not beyond reason. I can only hope that they will see your case, and a peace can be found.
Remnii says [tongues]: Peace is in my prayers. But thank you, for this time.
They continue to talk for a bit and Jorn finishes his tea and invites Remnii to finish hers as he goes off to check on the work of the young leatherworker. Remnii sits for a bit to digest what she had been told, and then rejoins the party.
The party had been provided with some tents to sleep in for the night, as well as some mats and cushions. The tauren help them pitch.
After the sun sets, Vel passes by Uther and whispers quietly.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’ll be back in the morning. I’m going to go get some rest.
Uther Menethil says: Please do, Vel.
She disappears into the darkness to seek out passage to Northrend through the tauren sky burial grounds.
That night, Remnii checks in with Velen, and also informs him about the Earthen Ring and Nobundo.
Velen says: That is a great boon for us. If there are people here that could share their knowledge… Nobundo is gifted, but if there are people that could share their teachings… when we free him, it would be beneficial for them to meet.
Remnii says: I’m already trying to arrange something. For the future.
They speak a bit further, and Remnii also mentioned the situation that happened at the Wavestrider, and the diamond blade that Aramar wields. Velen touches the diamond blade.
Velen says: This is…
His eyes widen.
Velen says: Where did he find this, Remnii?
Remnii explains the entire story as far as she knew it, including the compass and the family history.
Velen sats: I have heard things. There are members of his crew here. A small number. Unlike Daelin, Greydon wasn’t there. None of them new aught of any of this. This is… most curious. I cannot say without looking at it closely in person, but I believe this is a piece of a naaru, and not just any naaru. You know of the prime naaru. The progenitors from which all the naaru hail. The ata'mal crystals are all that remains of one, and this… this seems to be a fraction of the power of one of them, though which I cannot say.
Remnii says: My intention is to bring him to you. He is with us now.
Velen says: Did you find anything else? In reference to this Greydon. Other than the compass and the sword.
Remnii says: Aramar’s father, Greydon, traveled on a ship called the Wavestrider. And we visited the beached ship. The figurehead on the front…
Remnii conjures an image of the figurehead, and Velen’s eyes widen in recognition, and his jaw drops.
Velen says: Xe'ra… the Lightmother.
Velen absently steps closer and places a hand on the edge of the carving. He looks back at Remnii.
Velen says: Though it is not… this must be Xe’ra, the mother of light. The holiest amongst the prime naaru. If this man was contacted by her… then we must find him. He may be a key to seeking out more of the disparate army of light, for Xe’ra… she battles on the front lines with many of the bravest souls of the universe. If these humans… if they have been chosen by her, we must protect them at all costs.
Remnii says: He… has manifested Light magic. Aramar has. Once he began to wield the blade. It has not escaped my notice.
Velen says: Perhaps it is a connection forged between the prime naaru and this blade. The prime naaru are difficult even for me to divine. But this can be no coincidence. I look forward to speaking with him in person. Perhaps we can learn more of this great destiny on his shoulders, and his father’s.
Remnii says: He too is training with the paladin Uther I have told you about.
Velen says: That is good! If this Uther fights as the vindicators do, he will be a fine teacher.
Remnii says: I think he enjoys Uther’s lessons more than mine.
She laughs, and Velen smiles.
Remnii says: Some of his fight, and Uther’s, reminds me of Yrel. But, I digress for now.
Meanwhile, Vel slips away to the graveyard she had noted on the outskirts of the camp. The area is completely silent, the bodies of the deceased tauren raised high on piers over the earth, however as she steps into the area she can sense the faint aura of death that would enable the grave stride spell to take hold.
But as she starts to cast the spell, she hears loud squealing in the distance. She stops to look, and the squealing is abruptly cut short with a flash of light in the distance.
Vel narrows her eyes, ceasing the casting as she turns, and then heads back to the camp to investigate.
Remnii too had heard the pig squealing in her dream, and also Samaara’s voice.
Samaara says: Remnii. Wake up. Something is amiss in the camp.
Remnii says: Well. Vakas, I need to go. Something is happening.
Velen says: Be safe, my child.
Remnii says: I will try to return as long as I have the resources, but I love you vakas.
They embrace, and Remnii awakes. Tol’vas and Seria also awake to take a look, and Riff is waking up groggily.
Riff says: What’s wrong, mada?
Seria says: Just going to check on something.
Riff says: Should I come too?
Seria says: No. I’ll be right back.
Riff says: Okay.
He moves to go back to sleep.
Vel is the first one on the scene, and she sees the cage where the quillboar prisoner was. It was completely blasted to pieces, and smoke is rising from the charred husk of the quillboar corpse. She detects her companions approaching shortly after, and she doesn’t see movement otherwise. However, the area looks like it had been bombed by fire. There are scorch marks all over, and some of the grass is also charred to a crisp.
There doesn’t seem to be shrapnel anywhere.
Meanwhile, Uther is sleeping, but someone nudges his shoulder, and he comes to out of a deep slumber. He sees Riff shaking him awake.
Riff says: Uther! Wake up!
Uther Menethil says: What’s the problem?
Riff says: I think somethin’ is happening. Mada went to look… and I wanted to see what’s going on too, so I thought I would wake you up so we could go together, ya?
Uther Menethil says: Makes sense to me.
Uther grabs his hammer and goes after the group with Riff.
The group can hear movement as tauren are stirring, but there were no warnings from sentries. Vel approaches the cage and looks beyond the camp, and she sees nothing, but then notices footprints. And hoofprints.
The footprints seem to be leaving the camp, while the hoofprints seem to be heading towards the camp. She looks up to Tol’vas and Seria, as well as Samaara who had arrived with Remnii.
Velameestra Windrunner says: There are tracks over here.
Tol’vas comes over to take a look, and there are one set of tauren hoofprints heading into camp. The two sets of humanoid footprints are leaving the camp. Remnii backtracks to check on the rest of their party, and she passes Uther and Riff.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Should we go alert Jorn?
She notes that tauren are starting fully rouse, and then goes to investigate the quillboar body. She is able to tell that the quillboar was obliterated by fire magic.
Remnii checks in on Reno, Wulf, Broll, and Ember while Samaara, Seria, and Tol’vas start to follow the trail. Reno is conked out, drooling in his mustache. Broll, Remnii catches outside his tent.
Broll Bearmantle says: Is something wrong? I heard commotion.
Remnii fills him in as she goes.
Wulf’s tent is empty.
Remnii says: Wulf is gone.
Broll Bearmantle says: We should split up and check the others.
Remnii checks on Ember’s tent, and it is also empty.
Remnii immediately sends Vel.
Remnii says [sending]: Ember and Wulf are missing. Be careful.
There is another explosion in the distance.
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...Shit. Uther. Lets go!
Riff says: Uther, you go! I’ll go get Remnii!
Remnii gets the rest of the group up and Riff arrives to pick up Remnii. Remnii tells Syeori to tell Broll what’s going, and Li Li starts to sprint off after the group.
The rest of the group start to run toward the explosion. They can see figures running around in the darkness. It’s the unmistakable sight of night elves sentinels astride sabercats.
Tol’vas starts to swear.
From the looks of it, Ember and Wulf had taken some damage, but the night elves were unharmed. The sabers seem to be running around the battlefield, circling around the two isolated individuals as their riders pepper them with arrows. Ember hurls a fireball at two of the riders and their sabers.
Ember Flintlocke says: Come on! Lets get out of here!
Wulf growls and runs after Ember and attacks the nightsaber that had just launched itself into their path. He buries his axe into the side of the night saber, and as the cat falls unconscious, its rider is sent spilling off the side. He then rounds on the violet-haired rider, the flames of his axe licking her flesh as she tries to roll out of the way.
The green-haired sentinel calls out and pulls out a waterskin and throws some sparkling dust into the air. She claps her hands on the waterskin, and the dust begins to rain down on Wulfe and Ember in a storm of sleet, snow, and hail.
One of the other sentinels looks back and sees the arrival of Tol’vas, Seria, and Samaara. She shouts to the others.
Night Elf Sentinel says [darnassian]: We have more coming! And they have one of the eredar with them!
The nightsaber then leaps atop a rock. Samaara ducks behind a rock to try and hide. The ranger near Wulf gets to her feat and tries to attack Ember, moonlight coalescing around her weapon. The last frostsaber goes back towards the group, its rider clearly a priestess of the moon.
As Vel and Uther are running, Vel draws her sword and starts a bladesong. She then reaches out and grabs Uther’s arm and uses dimension door to get them into the midst of the situation.
The huntress closest to them looks to the priestess.
Night Elf Huntress says [darnassian]: Sister, the highborne!
Remnii implores Riff to drop her out of sight as she casts tongues on herself.
The moon priestess holds her hand out and starts to cast silence, but Vel counters it. The priestess bares her fangs for a moment as she grabs her bow.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says [darnassian]: Very well then.
She switches to the travelers tongue.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: Surrender now, and turn over the eredar immediately, highborne.
She switches back to Darnassian as she looks back to her allies.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says [darnassian]: Yaeliura, handle the others. I will deal with them.
The huntress on top of the nightsaber that was perched atop the rock looks up.
Yaeliura Nightwalker says [darnassian]: Sister?
Night Elf Moon Priestess says [darnassian]: Now!
The huntress nods and then turns back towards the raging sleet storm where the violet-haired sentinel is able to duck out of the storm. She has some wounds, but she seems to be largely okay. She pulls out a shortbow and readies an attack.
Seria looks to Vel for an order, who looks to Uther as there is a degree of confusion as to what should be done, and Seria opts to cast thorns on herself and then turns into a war raptor as she starts to prowl around. The huntress looks down to Tol’vas.
Night Elf Huntress says [darnassian]: Stand down. We will speak after this.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Very well, I will.
Uther Menethil says: Friends of yours?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I’m… not familiar. I’m also not one to fight a priestess.
Uther channels light into his weapon, and stands next to Vel.
However, Tol’vas stands down immediately, and he realizes there is something familiar about the priestess and the huntress, but he can’t tell for sure.
Li Li continues to run, and Riff soars downward.
Remnii says: If you could set me down next to Uther, please.
Riff nods, and lands with Remnii. The priestess casts a spell, but it’s unclear what it did beyond a flash of light from her eyes.
Another of the sentinels shoots at Wulf before disappearing into the darkness of the night. The ranger takes two shots at Ember. Samaara stays hidden behind the rock, and Vel, unsure of what her group is choosing to do, stays at the ready but doesn’t attack.
Wulf comes barreling out of the sleet storm with his weapon out and ready.
Ember Flintlocke says: Wait! What are you doing?
He runs to engage with one of the sabers, and Ember curses and also comes out of the sleet storm. She starts to cast fireball.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Stop!
Ember looks back her.
Ember Flintlocke says: They’re going to kill us if we don’t kill them first!
She finishes her incantation, and the blast goes off. The priestess looks back and grits her teeth.
Seria clicks and makes raptor noises, watching the priestess warily. The sabers continue to leap on Wulf.
Remnii says [tongues]: Please! I would rather parlay than have blood shed! Especially on tauren lands! They have done nothing wrong! I am a healer, I wish to help.
The priestess looks down on Remnii.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: Your words are hollow in reflection to your companion’s actions.
Remnii says [tongues]: While we travel together, we are also independent of them. If you allow me to get closer, I will heal your big cats!
The priestess looks to Remnii cautiously, but she lowers her bow slightly.
Remnii says [tongues]: Would you like to go with me?
The priestess says nothing back.
Remnii says [tongues]: I will heal everyone. They are foolish, but no one deserves to die.
Remnii raises her hand and casts mass cure wounds.
Remnii says [tongues]: Stand down! Ember! Wulf! Please!
Wulf hefts his axe and glances back at Ember, and Ember says something to him, but he turns back.
The sentinels continue to attack Wulf, but the priestess looks back to Ember and then appears behind Remnii and a streak of moonlight blasts at Wulf and hits him in the back.
He looks confused, and then rounds on Ember, angry.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: I thought so.
Ember starts to laugh.
Ember Flintlocke says: Guess the jig is up, but you’re still coming with me!
She casts fire storm, and the entire area is rained by fire and debris. In the light of the explosion, Ember’s form starts to melt, and grow into a black drake. Riff falls to the ground, unconscious, the sleet storm vanishes.
The sentinel captain attacks Ember with her moonglaive. The green-haired sentinel then summons a wall of wind behind the dragon to cut it off.
Wulf turns on Ember.
Wulf says: I don’t know what you thought you were doing to me, but I will never give you the chance to do that again!
He slashes into the dragon and starts to wrestle with it. Tol’vas summons a unicorn totem and then casts rejuvenation on Wulf.
Samaara uses her readied action to attack Ember, and then follows up with a volley of shots. Remnii casts mass flash of light.
Ember reverses the grapple and then flies up into the air.
Vel reaches out and grabs Uther, and then dimension doors them both on top of Ember. Uther is able to hang on, but Vel slips off and lands on the ground. She gets up and looks skyward, noting at least Uther held on.
Li Li is looking up at Ember as she runs, hurt and confusion on her face. Riff, now revived, follows in his blood serpent form.
Uther raises his hammer, holy Light channeling into it. He makes eye contact with Wulf, and he nods and brings his axe up. Uther brings down his hammer as he digs his calves into the dragon’s neck, and for half a second it is almost daylight.
He connects at the base of the dragon’s skull. There is fear in the dragon’s eyes for a moment, and there is a plume of light and smoke as Wulf swings his axe up.
They plummet to the ground in a burst of dust.
Uther looks over at Vel, and then over to Wulf.
Uther Menethil says: Well. That was something, wasn’t it?
The sentinels are now surrounding the trio, their bows drawn, and Remnii is then knocked off her hooves by a frostsaber. Another sentinel walks Samaara out from behind the rock.
The priestess steps forward and looks to the group.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: So there was a dragon amongst your midst as well.
Uther chuckles.
Uther Menethil says: So it would seem!
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: I surmised you were unaware of this fact.
Uther Menethil says: I don’t have the best relationship with dragons.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: Few do amongst the black flight. I am unsurprised.
The priestess looks to the sentinels, and she waves them off, and they lower their weapons cautiously. She then turns to her frostsaber, who is still pinning Remnii.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: You are free to go, but the eredar will come with us.
Uther Menethil says: The what?
The priestess looks back to them.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: The eredar traveling in your midst.
Uther Menethil says: I’m afraid you’re mistaken, I travel with no eredar.
The priestess chuckles with a humorless smile.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: We have heard this candor before. ‘Tis not my decision to make, ‘tis the high priestess’s.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Is… she here?
The priestess shakes her head.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: Of course not. She has more important business than to patrol the Barrens.
As she looks to Tol’vas, she double-takes.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: Is that the Scythe of Elune?
Uther Menethil says: Yes.
The priestess stops going to Remnii and heads to Tol’vas.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: That should not be in your hands. I know you.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You’ll… forgive me. You seem familiar but I can’t place your name.
The priestess’s eyes widen slightly.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: You’re one of the druids of the scythe. You’ve not aged a day, as you shouldn’t.
The huntress grits her teeth.
Night Elf Huntress says: What are you doing freed of your prison?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I was pulled from the Dream.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: Pulled from the Dream by who?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: By Ralaar Fangfire.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: Is that so. Then my apologies, but you must come with us as well. The Cenarion Circle will want to speak with you, and the priestesses will want to know the fate of the nahlen’do. If she does not bear the scythe, there is a history.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I stole the scythe from Fangfire, but I don’t know what happened before that.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: I see.
The priestess looks over the group and then goes back to Remnii and tells the frostsaber to get off her. Remnii sits up carefully.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: On your hooves. Struggle and this will be more difficult.
Remnii says [tongues]: I meant what I said. May we please speak for a moment? I will be candid. Whatever you need, I have nothing to hide.
The priestess considers.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: You may speak.
Remnii says [tongues]: My name is Remnii. I am separate from the other draenei at the moment. Currently, we are on our way to find Jarod Shadowsong. And… I have spoken to him directly through the dream spell. This is likely not something you get ti pick or say, you are doing your job and doing it well, but there has been a grave misunderstanding. You are the only people who have fought back the Legion, the only true loss the Legion has seen. To keep you and their former people apart is likely a prerogative. We may look similar because we come from the same place, and I doubt my words will change minds, but I have to reach Shadowsong. He is in Mulgore. He has tasked us with finding him if we have any hope to fix this.
The priestess listens closely.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: We’ve heard this rhetoric before. But… your actions have proven you wish you no harm. While I cannot say if you speak for the rest of your people… we are not at liberty to transport prisoners at present. After all, ‘twas not the reason we were dispatched in the first place. Under any other circumstances, I would have said you were chasing ghosts seeking Jarod Shadowsong, but we know he lives… and if you seek him, he will make a judgement call based on his own information.
Remnii nods carefully.
The priestess looks about and then to her companions. At that moment, Li Li comes back around with the night saber that was dropped. It is limping behind her, and Li Li is petting it. The sentinel holding Samaara falters upon seeing her nightsaber. She looks to the priestess, who nods, and the sentinel runs over to her wounded companion. She thanks Li Li and pushes her forehead against the wounded beast.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: I would warn you away from Ashenvale. What you’ve done here has not earned you asylum in our forests, but these are not our lands. If what you speak is true, you’ve earned the benefit of the doubt this day, so I’ll grant it to you.
Remnii gives a bittersweet smile.
Remnii says [tongues]: I hope that one day the machinations that keep us apart… I hope that one day the wheels of war will cease and that our people can find peace. That will ever be my goal. From my heart, I’m sorry for what happened that day with the Exodar. Next time I see you, I hope we may continue to support each other… even if we do not understand each other.
Remnii bows, and the priestess frowns with a furrowed brow.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: You are strange, Remnii, but perchance not in a bad way. We will leave you. But steal clear of the forests or you will have greater problems than dragons.
The priestess looks back to Tol’vas.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: This.
She looks him up and down.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: Will need to be reported, but you seem in control of your facilities. While the Scythe of Elune is well above my responsibility, Belysra will hear of this.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Could you inform her that her niece travels with us?
The priestess furrows her brow.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: If an opportunity arises, perhaps I will. Though… a strange circumstance in itself. I had not known that her sister had any children. But then again, she’s a private woman.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Her child isn’t fully kaldorei.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: I see.
The priestess turns away from Tol’vas.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: Be prepared. You will be expected to relinquish the scythe. I know not why you travel with highborne and eredar, but your path is your own. Nonetheless, we have overstayed our welcome. There is work to be done.
She gestures to her people.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says [darnassian]: Come. We ride so that we may plot our next course.
Remnii says [tongues]: Before you go, I have mana left, do you need healing?
Uther Menethil says: I can assist as well.
The priestess looks to her fellows, and they shake their heads.
Night Elf Moon Priestess says: You’ve done enough. Thank you, for what it’s worth. Your intentions… I pray to Elune that your intentions are as pure as they seem, and the rest of your kind share them, as you say.
The huntress whispers to her as they leave.
Night Elf Huntress says: Amara, are you so sure it’s wise to let a worgen roam free?
The priestess glares at her, and nothing else is said as they ride off.
Not long after, they see torches and some of their other companions heading towards the group. Vel looks down to the black drake and starts to examine it, but she looks pointedly up at Wulf.
Velameestra Windrunner says: You and I should speak.
Wulf looks at her and nods.
Wulf says: Alright.
Elissa runs up to them.
Elissa Cross says: Is everyone alright? What happened?
Remnii says: Ember was a dragon and you missed some kaldorei scouts.
Broll Bearmantle says: I saw them riding off.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: We aren’t worth their time yet.
Broll Bearmantle says: We should be thankful.
Uther Menethil says: Agreed! This could have gone significantly worse.
Remnii nods and looks around for Samaara.
Samaara says: Are you alright?
Remnii says: I’m fine.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Elissa we might meet your aunt sooner than expected.
Elissa Cross says: What?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: They’re reporting back to her.
Elissa Cross says: Oh. Um. Okay. Did you know any of the kaldorei that were here?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Not personally. They seemed familiar…
He thinks about it a bit more, and he believes he remembers they beat him once. They may have been part of the squad that had incapacitated his pack before.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Oh. They may have been part of the group that incapacitated me.
Elissa notices that Uther is not in his armor and is instead in his sleepwear, and she blushes and averts her eyes. Uther looks over to Vel.
Uther Menethil says: I’m.. certain I don’t need to say this, but it’s important enough for me to say it anyway. When we get home, my family can never know I fought a dragon without my armor.
Vel looks up from the dragon’s corpse, and makes eye contact.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We’ll see how I feel when we get there.
Uther Menethil says: Fair enough. But if they do ask why I fought a dragon in no armor, I will have to tell them I was teleported above the dragon, and they are going to ask me who did it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And I am known for my calculated decisions.
Vel smirks and Uther looks over to Remnii.
Uther Menethil says: Remnii, are you alright?
Remnii says: I… I have been better, but I’ve also been far worse than this. I would ask the same of you, but I will say thank you. Until they know the draenei for their truth, I wager they will not be able to separate the monsters of the War of the Ancients and us… but your words meant something, nonetheless.
Uther Menethil says: I don’t let people take my friends from me.
Remnii’s smile falters for a moment.
Remnii says: I know. It’s what makes you a good friend. That said… I would like to go back to bed.
Uther Menethil says: Oh right! We were sleeping!
Li Li approaches Vel and the dragon’s body and she places a hand on the corpse.
Li Li Stormstout says [mogu]: I don’t know what caused you to attack us, but I hope you’re at peace now, and thank you for saving me when you did. I’m sorry it came to this. May the spirits guide you.
There is a small trickle of mist that wafts out from Li Li’s hand, and there is a tear in her eye. Li Li seems genuinely hurt and confused, and she turns and starts to head back as well. Jorn and some of the braves get the story.
Jorn Skyseer says: We’ll do a sweep of the area. You’ve all done plenty. You may return to the tents… I’m terribly sorry we were not here to help.
Remnii says: It’s likely best that you were not. They did not seem concerned with you. Fearsome warriors as they are… it’s best that you were not involved. It’s likely best that you stay neutral in all this.
Jorn Skyseer says: I never would have expected a dragon to be sighted this far north. They haunt areas of the southern Barrens and the Dustwallow Marsh to the southeast, but never this far inland. It is good you stopped the beast before it ravaged the camp. You have our gratitude… hopefully whatever goal it had up here, it was acting alone.
The braves do a scout of the area and triple their guard for the evening.
After Li Li’s small ritual and clear hurt at Ember’s betrayal, Vel opts to not harvest as much from the corpse, but she does retrieve several vials of blood.
Riff sits and watches Vel as she works.
Riff says: Why did she attack us? Wasn’t she our friend?
Vel glances over at him.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Sometimes people put up a false face. If they want something else, as she clearly did.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Black dragons aren’t friends.
Riff says: ...I didn’t know. I saw dat she was different, but… I just thought that was… I didn’t know she was lying.
Vel stops her work.
Velameestra Windrunner says: What do you mean you saw she was different?
Riff says: I had never seen someone like her before. Well… I guess there was that one guy. The man. In the city in the desert. With the others. He was very nice.
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...Tellius?
Riff says: Yeah! She had horns like he did. But he was so helpful. I know ya said you was afraid of black dragons…
Velameestra Windrunner says: Riff, when did you see his horns?
Riff says: What do ya mean? He always had them. You didn’t see them? She had them too.
Vel shakes her head.
Riff says: Oh…
Velameestra Windrunner says: Riff, can you see through their disguises?
Riff nods.
Riff says: I was a little confused when everyone seemed to be shocked when Broll was… couldn’t you tell he wasn’t just a bear?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Not beyond the fact he had antlers.
Riff says: Oh…
Velameestra Windrunner says: So when Seria and Tol’vas are in their animal shapes, you can still see them?
Riff says: Sorta. It’s hard to say. Ya just know its them.
Vel lowers her tools, the ambient magic she was using to aid the transfusion process also fading away as she looks at Riff more earnestly.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If you ever see anyone else that looks strange, tell someone. Alright?
Riff nods.
Riff says: Okay.
Vel looks around for Wulf and sees him not far away sharpening his axe.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Does Wulf look strange?
Riff looks over to him.
Riff says: I mean, he’s kind of hairy.
Velameestra Windrunner says: No horns?
Riff shakes their head.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright. Anything else, tell someone. Your mother, me, or someone.
Riff says: Okay.
Vel gives an exhausted sigh as she finishes up the transfusion process. As the group starts to head back to the camp, she catches Wulf at the back of the line.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So your time in the marshes. You don’t remember anything before it, do you?
Wulf shakes his head.
Wulf says: No. I remember waking up in a cave. I remember fighting out of a cave. I remember running. That’s it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright. Well. There are a few options we have, if you’re receptive and interested in retrieving any memories that may have been there. There are magics that can wipe memories. Whether or not you’re under the effect of such spells is something we can look into, if you’re willing. And potentially we can divine some other things. Clearly, you’re a person of interest to the black flight.
Wulf sighs.
Wulf says: Don’t remind me.
Velameestra Windrunner says: And determining why that is may be invaluable, if you’re willing to cooperate.
Wulf considers for a moment.
Wulf says: I don’t trust your magics, Vel. What exactly are we talking about here?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Order of operations… first would be what is called an identify spell. It’s a noninvasive brand of divination magic that would allow me to see if there are currently any magics actively affecting you, including any that may be altering your mind. Depending on what we find, there is then dispel magic which can aid in removing any spells in place, or remove curse which would require the aid of Remnii or one of the others as I don’t presently have access to it, but it would be a useful angle to cover. And while more invasive, I could also potentially divine who you were before your nickname was given. Though I would require some of your blood for that. It’s the same spell that we offered the centaurs.
Wulf chuffs.
Wulf says: We’ll see about that. But no tricks with this… no magic double talk.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I can explain every step of the way if it would make you feel better. I’m not one for deception. I’m quite bad at it.
Wulf says: ...Yeah. Alright. We can start with this identify and go from there. If there is some way I can find out why these monsters are chasing me, that’s a good first place to look. But don’t get your hopes up about taking my blood, you hear?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I never get my hopes up. It’s not in my character.
Wulf can’t help but smirk at the grim humor.
When they arrive back at camp, Vel runs an identify spell over Wulf, the tattoo under her eye illuminating as the magic searches for any active spells. As the magic concludes, she determines he is under the effect of a powerful magic aura spell.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Hm. Any other magics on your person are being masked. It’s called a magic aura spell. It’s specific purpose is to hide other magics, or otherwise mask what it has been placed on.
Wulf says: ...What the hell. So what does that mean?
Velameestra Windrunner says: It means that before we can divine anything else, it needs to be removed. Spells such as dispel magic can do so. I don’t currently have it prepared… but others may if you want to try it now. The aura spell is quite powerful.
Wulf shakes his head.
Wulf says: Everyone has seen enough for today. The last thing I want to do is ask for favors in the middle of the night. But we’ll see about this tomorrow.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Fine by me.
Vel moves to leave, but Wulf stops her.
Wulf says: Hey. Why are you doing this?
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...A friend of mine had the perceptions of his identity altered quite severely. It’s not a pleasant experience for anyone involved, and ultimately it’s something I’m equipped to help with.
Wulf says: Is that so?
Velameestra Windrunner says: By the black flight as well, as it would happen.
Wulf says: They seem like a bunch of bastards.
Velameestra Windrunner says:: That’s putting it lightly.
Wulf says: You don’t seem like the selfless sort, Vel. But thanks anyways.
Vel chuffs softly.
Velameestra Windrunner says: So many say.
Vel folds her arms behind her back and starts to head out of camp again.
Meanwhile, Tol’vas approach Broll.
Broll Bearmantle says: My friend. How may I help you?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Do you know anything about that priestess?
Broll Bearmantle says: I didn’t see her up close… but I don’t know many priestesses first hand, and that one does not ring a bell.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: It was a shot in the light. How long do you think until they start hunting for us?
Broll Bearmantle says: Hard to say. If they are heading to the hive, they likely will just make their reports at once. I don’t know how the sisterhood operates… but within the next few weeks, individuals will be informed, and at that point, you should make precautions. For what it’s worth, if they are frightened you could not control the form of the pack and the curse with it, my words will mean little, but I will do what I can.
Tol’vas smiles.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I think it will mean more than you think.
Broll Bearmantle says: Perhaps. Even if it’s little, it will still mean something. And that I am more than willing to offer. I owe you at least that much, at least.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: You don’t owe me anything.
Broll nods, but it’s clearly not in agreement, and he puts a big hand on Tol’vas’s shoulder.
Broll Bearmantle says: But for now, we should get rest. It’s difficult enough to travel during the day, we should ensure that it’s not more punishing.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I don’t know how they do it.
Broll shrugs.
The group beds down for the night, and Remnii dreams Velen again to give him an update on what happened.
Vel returns to the burial grounds and grave strides back to the Wintercroft. She arrives, and she attracts some attention, but it’s only brief as they realize she likely is supposed to be there. She approaches the quartermaster to check herself in.
There is a brief line, as there are two other people before Vel who are also getting checked in. However, Vel also recognizes the person who is taking the information down. Their gaunt form is covered from head to toe in cloth and naval dress. It’s Vel’s cousin, Syvia, who she had identified during a prior visit when she spent some time investigating the status of her other family members in Northrend.
A faint smile touches Vel’s lips, and she steps forward after the person ahead of her leaves.
Syvia: H-hello! Don’t worry, this will be nice and quick. Could I have your name please?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Velameestra Windrunner.
Syvia Windrunner says: Velameestra Windrunner. V-e-l-a-
She stops abruptly and looks up to Vel’s face. Sylvia’s eyes--or rather her eye sockets--are not completely covered, and there is a faint blue glow manifesting within the shadows of her mostly-hidden skull.
Syvia Windrunner says: Did… d-did you say Windrunner?
Vel nods.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s good to see you, Syvia.
Syvia Windrunner says: O-oh gosh!
Syvia straightens up abruptly. Her voice has a strange echoing quality to it, and for some reason it almost reminds Vel of a candle light flickering in the wind.
Syvia Windrunner says: I had no idea that you were here! Or that you were… o-oh my. Hello! It’s wonderful to meet you. O-oh gosh.
She looks beyond Vel at the line that had continued to slowly form.
Syvia Windrunner says: S-sorry, I should make sure I spell your name right.
She goes to grab the inkwell, but she bumps it and the inkwell spills all over the side of the table.
Syvia Windrunner says: Oh no…
Vel waves her hand to hastily clean up the inky mess with prestidigitation.
Syvia Windrunner says: T-t-thank you, Velameestra! Just a moment, I need to go get more inks… sorry!
She bows to Vel and the people behind her, takes a few steps, bows again, and takes a few more and bows a third time before she runs off. She returns a few moments later with a new inkwell. There is some quiet murmuring behind Vel.
Syvia Windrunner says: There we go!
She finishes writing Vel’s name.
Syvia Windrunner says: I’m really sorry! I didn’t mean to embarrass you like that…
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s fine. No embarrassment had.
The arcanist is aware of the line behind her, and she nods at Syvia.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I won’t hold you up any longer, but it will be good to talk sometime. In the future.
Syvia Windrunner says: I’d like that! Maybe I can get my sisters. They’d love to meet you! Well, the one that hasn’t met you already anyway, um…
Velameestra Windrunner says: Perhaps I’ll cross paths with her unexpectedly as well.
Syvia Windrunner says: She’s not here right now, but maybe!
Vel gives her another nod and moves to get out of the way of the rest of the line. Kel’Thuzad makes his presence known, as he had been intrigued by Syvia’s state, though given Vel’s exhaustion and the rapidly approaching potential of sleep he opts to not bother her with his musings for the time being.
Syvia directs Vel towards a part of the ship she can rest in, and Vel passes some other vampyrs at rest in some of the other cubbies--completely still and unbothered by her presence--and she climbs into one of the open resting places.
Despite how uncomfortable it appeared, it was the first feeling of resting comfort she had gotten in days. She quickly tends to some of the minor wounds she had sustained with the necromantic magics of death coil, and then also casts the dream spell to see if, perhaps, she could reach Alleria in the wilderness to check in.
And then she quickly falls asleep, allowing herself to succumb to genuine rest.
June 7th
Vel returns to the group the next morning. Everyone is out, up, and sharing food. The tauren have a vested interest in sharing their foods with them to see if these strangers enjoy similar things.
Because of how hospitable the tauren are, Vel does relent to trying the food. It’s very heavy, and the taste is quite muted, and she knows she won’t be able to digest it, but it is something she will deal with later.
Samaara asks the group what the plan is, and they agree that they should continue heading into Mulgore as soon as they can.
Broll Bearmantle says: Once we reach into Mulgore, we will be safe for the time being. I don’t think they would risk trying to collect someone from there.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: The Cenarion Circle might…
Broll considers, and he looks to the Scythe of Elune.
Broll Bearmantle says: That is a fair point. You, at the very least, may need to contend with others. But at the bare minimum, Remnii I believe you would be safe.
Remnii says: Well, it would be best if we were not separated entirely. So, if we are on a time crunch for one, we should all keep moving. Thus, I make the motion to keep moving west.
Syeori and Reno approach after a moment.
Reno Jackson says: Yeah, we can get headed on soon, but we’re a head short. What happened to that dark iron dwarf.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: She turned into a dragon so we killed her.
Remnii says: You slept heavily when I came to check on you.
Velameestra Windrunner says: For further context… she betrayed us. We didn’t just kill her for being a dragon. A black dragon, specifically.
Reno Jackson says: Welp. I don’t know nothin’ about dragons, but I’m glad you’re alright. Why were you traveling with her in the first place?
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: ...did you not know her?
Reno shrugs.
Reno Jackson says: I thought she was with you.
Tol’vas sighs and Remnii looks over to Li Li.
Remnii says: How did you know her, then?
Li Li Stormstout says: I ran into her. I was on the road traveling with Reno for a time, but then we got separated. I ran into her after he was captured. She was traveling alone. She said she was looking for something. I assumed she was a member of the Explorer’s League, but that wasn’t the case… but I just assumed she was another traveler.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Did she mention what she was looking for?
Li Li shakes her head.
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...alright, going forward I think we should probably ask a few more questions before we invite anyone else to travel with us. Just as a further precaution.
Reno Jackson says: Everyone needs a letter of recommendation!
Velameestra Windrunner says: That… may be hard on a continent that I’m not sure… has those amongst the majority of their populace.
Reno Jackson says: Oh! I was just tellin’ a joke, sorry about that, ma’am.
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...Right.
For the first time, Wulf speaks up of his own volition without being spoken to first.
Wulf says: She was looking for me.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Why?
Wulf says: Beats me. She used her magic to convince me to go with her. I didn’t realize it at the time, but after that priestess lady did something… I was able to think clearly. I remember what happened. She came to my tent and asked me to come with her. So I did, for some reason. I thought it was a good idea at the time.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Why did she kill that quillboar?
Velameestra Windrunner says: It was sounding an alarm. It would make sense to silence it.
Wulf says: Yeah, it was loud. Probably to shut it up. She convinced the guard that was there to leave. Probably with one of her… eldritch spells, or whatever.
Samaara says: It is unlikely that her body is completely decomposed. We could try to force the questions out of her.
She looks to Remnii and some of the others that she had seen using speak with dead in the past.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We… could try. The problem with that particular spell is that if she perceived us as enemies in life, the remnant that speaks is not beholden to be truthful. But, it would not hurt to try before we move on.
Remnii says: I do not have it prepared today…
Seria says: I can try.
A group opts to return to the corpse so Seria can try to pry the answers from it. She steps forward, and takes a deep breath. As she uses the spell, the skeletal tattoos on her body start to glow a wispy blue. Across Seria’s face, over her tattoos, a glowing skull glyph appears over her face. The magic courses like mist, and then jolts through the body of the drake. For a moment, its skeleton becomes visible, and it starts to move.
Then the head directs itself up to Seria.
Emberstrife says: What do you want from me?
Seria says: Why were you looking for Wulf?
There is an internal struggle, but the glow intensifies as Seria uses the gift from Bwonsamdi to force the answer from it. Vel looks intrigued, taking in everything with a degree of macabre curiosity, while others that had accompanied them (like Elissa) look a bit unnerved.
Emberstrife says: He cannot be allowed to leave! He must be kept secret! He must be protected!
Seria says: Why is that?
The corpse grunts.
Emberstrife says: My mother ordered it so! None may leave her lair!
Seria says: Who is your mother?
Ember continues to struggle, and her eyes flash as she is forced to answer.
Emberstrife says: You wish that you would know. Her wings will darken your skies yet! But Onyxia will destroy you and burn your kingdoms yet! You’ll see!
Seria says: How important is Onyxia?
Emberstrife says: Daughter of the aspect of death himself! You cannot hope to save yourself from her! She will destroy all of you for what you’ve done to me, what you’ve done to her!
Seria says: Who does Onyxia primarily disguise herself as?
Ember struggles, but she is forced.
Emberstrife says: I don’t know. Outside of my reach… Human. Black hair.
The magic pulses, and the body falls limp. The skeletal tattoos on Seria’s body vanish, and Seria can hear Bwonsamdi’s laughter at the edge of her perceptions.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Well. That was enlightening. On a couple different fronts. Unfortunately, that description doesn’t exactly narrow down much. But it’s something.
Wulf looks to Vel with a knowing, resigned expression.
Wulf says: You’re… going to need to do some things to me, aren’t you?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Unfortunately. As long as you’re willing to consent to them.
Wulf says: This… magic dispelling. Lets start with that.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Alright.
Vel looks to Seria instinctively, as the druid normally has dispel magic prepared.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Wulf has a magic aura spell on him. It’s quite powerful, but if we are able to dispel it, we may be able to find out more.
Wulf flexes his hands, clearly uncomfortable.
Wulf says: Do I… need to do anything? Do I hold my arms out?
Velameestra Windrunner says: No. You just need to stand there.
Vel looks to Seria again.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It’s likely safe to assume it’s a tier nine spell, so operate based on that.
Remnii casts guidance on Seria, and Seria conjures the magical essence of the spell and blasts it at Wulf, who braces himself. The spell hits. After a moment, he opens up an eye.
Wul says: Did… it work?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Well, we’ll find out.
Vel casts identify on Wulf. The magic aura is now gone, and she is able to see that he is indeed affected by a modify memory spell--as she suspected. However, it’s modified and incredibly potent. Not only was it a tier nine spell, but it also seemed to have an external anchor. Part of the spell could likely be removed, but not all of it unless the anchor was found.
Velameestra Windrunner says: As I suspected. Your mind was altered by magic. But it’s a potent spell. It has an external anchor, which means that part of the catalyst of the spell is actually located elsewhere--it would need to be located if we wish to remove the magic completely. But for the time being, parts of it could potentially be removed.
Wulf says: Are you saying I’m under some sort of curse?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Of… sorts. I suppose it could be described in that sense.
Wulf sighs heavily.
Velameestra Windrunner says: It is the modify memory spell. Just specifically in an altered form.
She looks to the group to see if anyone happens to have remove curse prepared, and Tol’vas proffers that he does.
Wulf says: Alright. Do it.
Tol’vas holds out his scythe and uses remove curse, visualizing the magic as strings to be cut as he brings forth his scythe. He slices through the strings of magic, and it cuts through parts of them. Wulf winces for a moment, and then his eyes widen. He staggers backwards and grabs the sides of his head, grunting in pain.
Wul says: Fuck.
He drops down to one knee.
Wulf says: Ugh. My fucking head. Well it did something. This woman… black hair. I think I’ve seen her. She was the one that did this to me. I don’t recognize her. But I think she was the one that put this curse on me. Whatever that beast was talking about. I don’t remember anything from before… everything is foggy. Screams and pain. I was being torn to pieces. But I still don’t remember anything from before I escaped. But she was there. This Onyxia. Wherever I escaped from in that swamp. That was the lair she was talking about. Bitch, I could tell they were hiding it, but I could probably find it again.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If… you can visualize her in your mind’s eye what this woman looks like, you could show us. Perhaps one of us will recognize her.
Wulf says: You’re full of all sorts of fucking tricks, aren’t you?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Comes with being a mage.
Wulf looks at Vel and holds his arm out.
Wulf says: Do it.
Vel looks at his arm.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Oh. It’s not something like that. I can send you to my mind via a dream, and you can show me that way.
Wulf says: You said before you could learn more.
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...With your blood, yes, I potentially can.
Wulf says: Then do it before I change my fucking mind.
Vel nods, and then uses the transfusion spell to draw blood from his arm. Wulf grunts as she does, and Riff is watching eagerly and with curiosity as she works.
Wulf says: Dammit.
Wulf rubs his arm, looking at it with an expression that clearly says “that was a fucking stupid idea but I did it now here we are.”
Given the group was not looking to rush, Vel also takes the time to ritual cast analyze blood on one of the vials, opting to try and divine Wulf’s given name (if he had any other than Wulf), his age, and his creature type. The blood is consumed in magical, magenta light, offering the arcanist the answers she sought.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Well… preliminary examinations are complete. Congratulations, it seems you’re forty-five.
Wulf furrows his brow.
Wulf says: ...That’s older than I would have guessed.
He rubs his arm more.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Your given name is Wulf. As expected. I can run a test for the true name tomorrow when I can fully prepare the spell. And you’re human… but you’re a shapechanger.
Wulf says: What the fuck does that mean?
Velameestra Windrunner says: It means you can change your form. It also means certain spells can knock you out of said form, if this one may be an accidental ruse or otherwise…
Tol’vas cracks his fingers, as he has the spell moonbeam prepared, but Vel glances at Riff, who had stated that Wulf just looks like a “very hairy man” the prior night.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Though I don’t think it is…
Wulf scowls over at Tol’vas.
Wulf says: Don’t even come near me, pretty boy.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I don’t have to come anywhere close.
Vel shakes her head as she reemerges from her thoughts.
Velameestra Windrunner says: But that’s all I’ve gotten so far. I can find out more once I prepare the spell in full after I rest again.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I mean, I can just…
Tol’vas snaps his fingers.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: If there’s any doubt this is his true form.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That’s… ultimately up to Wulf.
Tol’vas shrugs.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: I mean, if he’s afraid.
Riff says: He does look like he’s supposed to… he looks like a hairy man, right?
Wulf looks down at Riff with a scowl. However, Tol’vas freezes.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: ...Oh no.
Vel looks expectantly over at Tol’vas, her chin resting on one of her hands and an eyebrow raised.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: ...I bit him.
Vel stares at him blankly, and then the realization hits, her her mouth slowly disappears behind her hand as she resists the urge to bite down on her lip.
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...you might have turned him into a worgen.
Tol’vas nods.
Wulf says: You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.
Vel sighs heavily.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That’s now something to deal with, I suppose. Alright. Well. We have… about three weeks until the next full moon? Um…
Wulf goes over to Tol’vas and grabs him by his shoulders and squeezes hard.
Wulf says: You’re going to help me fix this.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: There’s no fixing it.
Tol’vas pushes Wulf away from him.
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: Do you think if I could fix it, I’d still be one?
Velameestra Windrunner says: I have some research from prior studies in the Eastern Kingdoms. There was reference to a potion that may potentially help. I can look into it, if we can find the regents here.
Wulf locks eyes with Tol’vas and huffs.
Wulf says: We should get going.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I’ll get that ingredient list together and we can be on the lookout for things we might need…
Tol'vas Moonshadow says: What do you need?
Vel offers the ingredient list, but the flower called “wolfsbane” isn’t one that Tol’vas is familiar with, and it likely would not grow anywhere nearby given the climate of Gilneas and the other areas it was found in. However, Seria is familiar with it, and she is able to show an illusion of the herb.
Velameestra Windrunner says: As we move into Mulgore, I can get some of the more common ingredients so we have them on hand, at least.
Wulf is still fuming at Tol’vas as the group prepares to return to Camp Taurajo to regroup and leave.
