Appearing Characters: Arthak Saurfang, Azgadaan, Bloo, Halno, Kaylaan, Lantresor, Levia Blackflight, Nyxxa, Orianelle, Sadras, Zahgaa
Outland Day 11
The rest of the warband is awakened by the sound of the undead battle cries. Arthak scrambles to his feet as an undead, half-rotted orc trudges through the thick water toward Nyxxa. There is more movement behind her as another draenei corpse emerges from the water and stalks toward Azgadaan’s tent. It strikes and claws through the fabric, and fog starts to pour into it and fill his lungs.
At the moment, the orc soldier at Nyxxa’s hooves grabs her, and strikes her with its battleaxe. She strikes down with her glaives as they alight with fire and she attempts to take its head off. However, it moans, still active. She flips around to Levia’s side.
Arthak hears Halno make a sound from behind him as he is attacked by a hidden creature that had emerged from the water. There’s a flicker of magic, and one of his mirror images shatters. However, another orc corpse lumbers through the fog towards Arthak. There are lumps of some sort of growth on its back.
In his tent, Azgadaan coughs, the fog filling his lungs, but he is able to wave it off, water seeping from his mouth. He casts crusader’s mantle from Spirit Song and there’s a flash of violet light, and he then moves closer to the group--while still in the tent. Arthak observes violet light coating his weapon, and he rages before swinging with his weapon. The weapon bites into a portion of the orc, but the second strike connects true. There is a squelching sound as the blade cuts into its arm.
The Ashtongue wight runs after Nyxxa and strikes with its blade, but the strike misses. It tries to grab Nyxxa’s throat, but she is able to deftly avoid it.
More orc corpses start to pile on Nyxxa and Levia, and the corpse on the group gets up and tries to attack Levia. She avoids the first blow, but the second clips her shoulder and she grits her teeth.
Halno says: Hey chief! Duck!
A stream of mud goes streaming past Arthak and through the line of undead as he converts a lightning bolt into bludgeoning damage. He then ducks away from the draenei corpse to get closer to the group.
Levia draws her blade and she uses turn undead. A pulse of energy ripples from her blade, and the Ashtongue wright and two of the orc corpses look like they are now preparing to flee.
As Nyxxa sees the Ashtongue wight run, she hears a strange sound, and a flash of light, and the wight starts to run back to the battlefield.
Arthak’s eyes blaze with fire and his form shifts bigger as he swings his sword down into the undead orc soldier that was now within his reach.
Another undead orc runs at Nyxxa, and one strike clips her, but she able to deflect the other two.
Halno uses slow on the undead swarming around Nyxxa, Levia, and Arthak and the undead movements seem to falter and stall. While the Ashtongue wight runs at them back across the fallen mushroom bridge, it cracks beneath its wait, and the creature plunges into the water.
Levia summons a spiritual weapon, which cuts through the undead orc in critical condition, and she then uses toll the dead on the other heavily wounded zombie. However, it is able to resist the spell.
Azgadaan casts ice barrier on himself and uses a bardic inspiration on Nyxxa.
Nyxxa disappears into the mist and reappears next to the heavily wounded zombie. Her blade carves through it, and the energy spreads through the entity, and drops it to the ground. She tries to follow through on another of the undead, but the glaive bounces of its waraxe.
However, she hears another strange noise, and Nyxxa and Arthak both see faint lights in the fog. They quickly float to the undead orcs that had just been slain, and they hover for a moment, and then slam into the bodies. The bodies start to convulse and crack as the forms grow larger and longer, as their arms distended. Two long horns start to grow from their shoulders, and the bodies stand back up. Pale blue light flares to life from their heads.
They flicker and fade into the fog.
One of the drowned draenei run for Arthak, and her claws carve into his leg. As he looks down, he starts to cough. The second drowned draenei claws into the tent and tries to dig its claws into his flesh.
The moldering zombie next to Arthak flees, but there is a flash in the fog, and it starts to return to the battle.
Arthak coughs up water, but he feels like he gets it all out of his lungs. However, he rounds on one of the newly formed fog lurkers.
Fog Lurker says [orcish]: You’ll have to try better than that.
The blade slashes harmlessly through an illusory image, as does his second one. However, he action surges, and his next strike manages to connect and carry through its last mirror image.
Arthak Saurfang says: Is that good enough?
He swings again, however, the creature grabs his blade and buries it into the ground.
Fog Lurker says [orcish]: We’ll have to see.
Its skull-like head looms in Arthak’s face, and the fog starts to get thicker and thicker. The lurker disappears into it. The group finds themselves surrounded by the strange creatures, about two dozen of them stalking around them in a circle.
However, it becomes clear that these additional creatures seem to be an illusion.
Levia tries another turn undead as she uses her spiritual weapon on the second fog lurker. Many of the undead start to flee. However, there’s another flash of light, and they start to re-emerge from the fog.
Azgadaan drops concentration of crusader’s mantle and he manages to stumble out of the thickest part of fog. He shouts a bardic inspiration to Arthak, and then turns himself into a giant ape.
Halno uses chill touch on the drowned draenei that is start to stalk back into the fight. However, he is swarmed by some of the illusory fog lurkers.
Halno says: They may be illusions, but they sure hurt like they’re real.
The moldering dead flees, but there is another flash, and it looks back to the group.
Nyxxa fades into the fog and then leaps onto the drowned draenei. The flames on the edge of her blade sear through it, and it crumples to the ground.
As one of the zombies lumbers to the periphery of the fog, Azgadaan sees a flash of light appear in the fog, but then disappears again.
Levia is able to stumble out of the thicket parts of the fog after casting protection from evil and good, and her spiritual weapon smacks into the Ashtongue wight.
There are more draenic battle cries as more Ashtongue wights charge into the battle. They run for Azgadaan, and one strikes but is blasted back with cold damage. However, he is knocked out of his giant ape form, and the wight’s eyes burn with hatred.
Nyxxa fades into the fog and explodes into action behind the wight that attacked Azgadaan. It crumples to the ground before she follows up on another wight.
Halno dashes out of the thickest fog and Azgadaan uses hypnotic pattern, entrancing the two wights and an undead orc. However, in the obscuring fog, they break away from the image.
Arthak strikes twice into the nearest soldier. A drowned draenei shatters another of Halno’s mirror images.
Nyxxa carves into the nearest wight and she manages to cut it down. The second wight flails angrily at her, but she is able to dance around the attacks.
Halno says: Just go away already!
Halno hurls a blast of arcane energy in the fact of the drowned draenei that was in his face, but she remains standing.
Levia’s spiritual weapon plunges into the back of the wight and drops it to the ground. She then hurls a firebolt at the orc corpse on Azgadaan, but the attack goes wide. Arthak is able to plunge his blade into the corpse, and spores burst into the sky. However, he is able to cover his mouth and also avoid a slashing barrage of illusory fog lurkers.
However, it appears the fog lurkers are starting to stalk back into the battlefield, and more fog appears in the area as another cloud of thick, suffocating fog appears.
Azgadaan swings down at the undead orc as he casts searing smite, but his attacks are deflected.
Arthak closes in on a shadowy figure of the fog lurker, and it cackles in draenei as his strike connects.
Nyxxa disappears into the fog and passes through Azgadaan as she carves into the drowned draenei, rending her low. However, as she looks around, she realizes that Levia had not ran with the rest of the group.
As if on cue, the second fog lurker cackles and runs for Levia, slashing into her with its claws.
Levia Blackflight says: Shit! The thing’s back!
The other fog monster slashes into Arthak, but the pair of them disappear into the thick, looming fog, dragging Levia with it.
Azgadaan turns into a carrion beetle and burrows into the ground, and Halno hurls a chromatic orb in the direction of one of the fog lurkers. It shrieks, and the fog around it fades as it loses concentration.
Nyxxa runs toward the sound of Levia’s voice, and she gets into the fog and slashes at the monster. Her first strike misses, but the second connects.
Nyxxa says: It has Levia!
Arthak charges after the sound of her voice and manages to crash through the creature’s mirror images. Lantresor deftly strikes into the second one before disappearing again.
However, one of the fog lurkers causes another thick fog to manifest, and the second closes on Levia under the cover of the fog. It strikes into her, and she drops limply to the ground.
Azgadaan emerges from the ground and spits acid on the orc soldier and fog lurker, and the orc soldier’s corpse crumples and hisses, destroyed.
Halno hurls a chromatic orb at the fog lurker, and the creature shrieks, but its still up.
Nyxxa feeds a healing potion to Levia, and then drinks one herself as well.
Nyxxa says: Run!
Nyxxa starts to try and put some distance between herself and the fog lurker, but it catches her as she flees, and Nyxxa drops to the ground.
The fog lurker that had clipped Nyxxa goes for her and buries its claws into Nyxxa, slashing over and over into her. Bright green blood splatters across its face, and then it rounds to those that are still standing. However, as it does, Arthak’s sword slams into it, and the body shatters, but a glowing orb is left in its place. He then grabs Levia and drags her out of the fog.
The will-o-wisp shocks Arthak as he passes, but after he drops Levia, he slashes at the will-o-wisp, but it dodges out of the way of the attack.
Halno tries to shoot another chromatic orb, but it find no purchase on the remaining fog lurker.
The will-o-wisp turns invisible, and it flies away and leaves.
Levia runs to Nyxxa’s body and uses revivify.
Levia Blackflight says: Nyxxa! NYXXA!
She shakes Nyxxa away, and she hurts, but she is alive. Her leg in particular is in a great deal of pain.
Azgadaan, as a beetle, sprays acid on the remaining fog lurker and skitters across the ground while Arthak barrels after him.
Lantresor once again appears out of the fog and with a flurry of his flaming sword, he strikes into the fog lurker. The fire combusts all around the creature, burning the body to nothing as the will-o-wisp that had possessed it materializes.
Azgadaan drops his beetle form and swings his maul at the newly appeared will-o-wisp. It warps with arcane energy, and the creature winks out of existence.
Azgadaan says: Is everyone okay? Nyxxa?
Levia is still holding Nyxxa.
Levia Blackflight says: Are you alright?
Nyxxa seems to be somewhat in shock.
Nyxxa says: ...My leg still hurts.
Levia Blackflight says: Careful, you hurt it.
Azgadaan suggests they get her somewhere comfortable to rest, and Nyxxa is walking with a notable limp. There are some other minor injuries among the rest, but for the most part there doesn’t seem to be any other lasting damage.
Arthak Saurfang says: Alright. Nyxxa. You alright?
Nyxxa gives him a blank stare.
Nyxxa says: ...yeah.
Arthak Saurfang says: Alright.
Sadras says: I’m glad everyone is alright now. Anyone know what those things were?
Azgadaan has no idea, but as Halno pokes around what remained of the creature, he is also unsure.
Halno says: Some sort advanced will-o-wisp? One that… got fat, I guess.
Arthak Saurfang says: Well, whatever they were, how soon do you think we’ll be out of here, Azgadaan?
Azgadaan says: Once we rest, the vehicle should be good to go.
Sadras says: It’s hard to say, but given how much ground we can cover, we should be able to get out of the marsh tomorrow. I think at least.
Halno says: Even though one of those things got away, it probably won’t be able to return for a while. Probably.
Arthak Saurfang says: Still. Sooner is better. Perhaps we should continue getting our rest, but Levia, Nyxxa, I think we can safely call your watch completed.
Levia nods and helps Nyxxa into the somewhat tattered tent.
Nyxxa says: I can still… only my leg hurts.
Arthak Saurfang says: Can, but probably shouldn’t.
Azgadaan says: You deserve rest Nyxxa, we got this.
The night seems to be silent as Nyxxa and Levia settle in inside.
Nyxxa says: That was.. I was just unconscious, right?
Levia Blackflight says: ...um. I don’t know. I don’t think so. It… I almost lost you there, Nyx. When you came in and pulled me out, the creature went on you instead… I um… we almost lost you there.
Nyxxa says: ...oh. Um. I guess… I’d want to joke about it… but I’m sorry to scare you.
Levia Blackflight says: Don’t apologize, you saved my life Nyxxa. Least I can do is you don’t get the easy way out, especially seeing we don’t know what happens if you die here.
Nyxxa says: It’s the Nether. If I die…
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah. We don’t have to worry about that right now, right?
Nyxxa says: I’m glad you’re okay though.
Levia Blackflight says: I wouldn’t be without you. I wasn’t so sure I’d get out of this… but I did because of you guys, so thanks.
Nyxxa says: It’s my job, you know.
Levia Blackflight says: Just try not to scare me like that?
Nyxxa says: I’ll be okay. It’s not the first time I died, after all. I’ll need to add to the tally.
Nyxxa offers a weak smile and ruffles Levia’s hair as they try to go to sleep.
The rest of the night is uneventful, but Arthak speaks to Azgadaan.
Arthak Saurfang says: Azgadaan.
Azgadaan says: Yes Arthak?
Arthak Saurfang says: Just a reminder. Two reminders. When was the last time you checked in on Zaela?
Azgadaan says: Maybe about a month ago? I check in when I need to. I think progress has been well.
Arthak Saurfang says: Perhaps it would be good to reach out sometime soon. This may be our best opportunity to get her back?
Azgadaan says: I still have a bit of mana left if there’s anything you want me to say?
Arthak Saurfang says: I was hoping you’d get me into contact with Kaylaan.
Azgadaan says: Uh… the dream spell is currently not in my purview. I don’t actually have mana for it.
Arthak Saurfang says: Alright. Then tomorrow.
Azgadaan says: We can try for that.
Arthak Saurfang says: If you have the lesser magic left, perhaps get in contact with Zaela. We can maybe get her out of Outland.
Azgadaan says: If her treatment is complete…
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s been a year on this side. Maybe time enough.
Azgadaan says: I can ask Orianelle, but… a lot of her lower body was broken, and that likely takes a long time.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m not asking for a guarantee. Just an estimate if we can retrieve her.
Azgadaan says: Yeah. I can ask.
Arthak Saurfang says: Appreciate it.
Azgadaan sends Orianelle aboard the Vitiator.
Azgadaan says [sending]: Hello, checking on our mutual friend and how she’s doing. Arthak wishes to know if we can retrieve her anytime soon.
Orianelle says [sending]: Hello Azgadaan! Good to hear from you. I cannot say that the patient will be completely ready. She is undergoing a fair amount of therapy to adjust to the operations that were done. We can… perhaps speak on it if you visit back on Argus, but without her permission, I can make no promises.
Azgadaan looks back to Arthak and explains that the Vitator is on Argus, and he can get them to the ship itself, but he would need another circle on Outland. Fortunately, the Vitiator is still under Shaspira’s jurisdiction.
Arthak Saurfang says: Might be something for when we are mostly done in Outland. We have time, and the more time we take, the more time she has to heal. But, towards the end of our time here, we should look into that.
Azgadaan says: Indeed. I wonder how she’s going to take the news about her mate though. I never passed that along.
Arthak Saurfang says: I would rather tell her myself. I appreciate that.
Azgadaan says: Maybe after she’s fully recovered…
Arthak Saurfang says: When she’s back. Ideally.
Outland Day 12
The next morning, the group awakens to a light wind. The twilit area beneath the mushroom is now devoid of fog, and the group gathers their things to continue their journey. They look for any sign of the sporelings as they go, and they ultimately wind up driving around for a bit after getting turned around.
They wind up in a clearing in the mushroom forest, and there are figures all around. The first instinct is to reach for weapons, however, the figures are not moving.
There are dozens of wooden stakes with orcish corpses impaled upon them through the body up through their mouths. Anything of value is gone, and carved into their flesh are draenic runes. Some are fel orcs, some are not, and there are even some pale orcs. The stench hits the group, as the corpses are not fresh, and some are being feasted upon by the various creatures in the vicinity.
Arthak Saurfang says: … now it looks like we’re on the trail of an Ashtongue hunting party.
Sadras says: I’ll make sure we don’t go in this direction. We may need to backtrack. Sorry.
Azgadaan says: No problem. Lets go.
Azgadaan backs into reverse and leaves as quickly as he can. It takes most of the day of travel, but they get on the sporeling trail again. They find a body, dried and long died, with small stalks of mushrooms growing from it.
Sadras says: I think these sporelings might be further to the east in the cliff sides, but if we want to get to Terokkar, we need to go south. It won’t take us too far.. But I don’t know if they are the same creatures.
She points through the mushrooms to the clifface of the former sea shelf
Sadras says: I think they’d be in that direction over there.
Azgadaan opts to send Floo in the direction Sadras indicated.
Azgadaan says [sending]: Floo! It’s Azgadaan, the big red eredar you met. Are you alright?
Azgadaan waits for a while, but there is no response.
Azgadaan says: No answer. Hm.
Arthak Saurfang says: Sad to say, but, the destruction of Draenor would have had casualties.
Azgadaan says: That, and I have no idea how long they live for. Hm. Maybe he is dead. Well. This thing is fairly fast. We could go a bit further, and then come back.
They start to drive toward the cliff and Azgadaan starts to note the primitive forms of architecture they use. Nyxxa notes the small sporelings keeping an eye on them, but trying to stay out of sight.
Nyxxa says: Well. We found them, if you want to see if they remember you?
Azgadaan continues to creep further in, but some of the armed ones come out to block their passage. Azgadaan recognizes exactly one of the sporelings. It has deep maroon flesh, and its face seems to be partially burned.
It was one of the other leaders of the scouts in the past. It was named Zahgaa.
Azgadaan pops the vehicle and steps out, and he hears their curious language. Azgadaan offers a thumbs up, and then casts speak with plants on himself. The strange squeaking noises their make suddenly becomes understandable.
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: What are you and why have you come to the fungal caverns? I will not repeat myself again!
Azgadaan says: There we go. The spell seems to work. Hello again! I recognize you from the last time I was here.
The creature stares at Azgadaan with unblinking eyes.
Azgadaan says: With the fenstriders.
Zahgaa looks at him hard, and there is a shimmer of recognition.
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: We remember you. From before the world trembled. Why have you come here?
Azgadaan says: To check on you folk. How are you doing? I tried to contact Floo but I don’t see them here.
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: Floo did not survive the trembling of this world, fleshling. Few of the sporeloks did. That is why we must move on, for these caverns are no longer safe for us.
Azgadaan says: Alright. How are you getting by? Do you need help?
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: We have no need, fleshling. We quit these places soon.
However, another sporeling starts to push its way through--about half the size of Zahgaa.
Young Sporeling says [plantspeech]: Zahgaa please, we must accept the help! If they are gonna give it to us, they may save the others!
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: This is no place for you, Bloo. Return to your rest. We must leave soon.
Bloo says [plantspeech]: What of the others?!
The little azure one looks up Azgadaan.
Bloo says [plantspeech]: Please fleshlings, if you can save more of the sporeloks! We cannot abandon our people!
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: This is not your decision to make, young one. You know that the others who have entered the caverns have not return. To send more is folly. We must find Sporeggar. If we do not, we will perish.
Azgadaan looks to the rest of the group, as he had been translating.
Nyxxa says: Ultimately, while one is asking for help, the majority don’t seem to want it.
Azgadaan says: Give me a moment to crack that.
He looks back to the sporelings.
Azgadaan says: Bloo here is right. We can try to save your people, and if you trust me from the last time I was here, we can try to get you all to safety. If you would listen to Bloo here.
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: Why would you wish to help us? What safety do you offer? If we do not reach Sporeggar we will die.
Azgadaan says: How far is Sporeggar?
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: Far west. At the very edge of the world.
Nyxxa says: Ultimately, they don’t seem like they’re the type of creatures that can be removed from a place like this. Not safely at least.
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: If you enter the deepest reaches of the fungal caverns, you will be enslaved like the rest! But if you want to throw your fleshling lives away, we will not stop you, but we cannot repay you. Floo and the others sacrificed their lives to give us this chance.
Azgadaan says: What is Sporeggar?
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: And ancient spawning glen, one that all sporelings are said to come from! It calls to us, and if we arrive, perhaps we can survive and thrive, as we did before the world trembled. We must protect the sporelings that persist if the sporeloks are to survive this ordeal.
Zahgaa looks to Bloo.
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: While you are Floo’s spawn and carry his compassion, we cannot lose you as well.
Arthak Saurfang says: I… to be honest I don’t particularly see the strategic value of it, but we do have the time, and they do apparently need help. I’m not particularly for, but neither against.
Nyxxa quickly casts see invisibility.
Nyxxa says: And honestly, if it’s causing a problem for the sporelings, it may cause a problem for others as well… even if we can’t help them directly.
She’s implying the Ashtongue and what they’re doing.
Nyxxa says: We can potentially use this as a sign of good faith toward certain bridges that have been burn, especially if the Ashtongue are active in this area.
Azgadaan says: Exactly!
Arthak Saurfang says: We have time, but we do have people waiting for us.
Azgadaan says: We also have speed. Much faster than walking.
Nyxxa says: if we need to break a tie on this, we have a lot to accomplish, and this would be a good deed and I want to do it… but I vote we take a peek and see what we’re in for. If it’s truly too much, it may be wise to cut losses, but if it’s something we can handle, we can go forward.
Azgadaan says: So what’s the danger of the cavern?
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: there’s something inside. A will of its own, that enslaves those who dwell too deep.
Zahgaa gestures, and a few other warriors bring forth a corpse. It’s a broken draenei that looks deceased, but its eyes are rolled into the back of its head, and along the back of its neck and spine, there are mushroom spores that have grown between its tendrils.
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: There are many entities within. The fleshlings that protect the will fend off any that get too close. We had already expanded within the caverns, and we were forced to abandon some of our newly spawned young. This is but one of the beasts that has been turned against us, but those we have sent deep within, some have also turned on us. The sporeloks’ will was superseded by the will of the caverns.
Azgadaan looks over the body, and it seems that some sort of spores had invaded the body. Azgadaan tries to ask some more questions, but the sporelings are at a loss.
Nyxxa says: At the end of the day, Azgadaan, you have a big heart, but… sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is not chase them. They’re their own people. If you care about them, that’s something you have to respect. It doesn’t mean you care less.
Azgadaan says: You’re right.
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: Mighty as you have proven yourself to be, even you and your companions may not be able to withstand the call. If Fungor demands your service as well, you may turn on your allies too.
The group opts to bail out, and Zahgaa nods.
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: You are wise, and perhaps you will survive to see another day. It is not easy to cut off a part of one’s people, but sometimes you must to survive. Bloo will understand in time. We all must learn this lesson.
Zahgaa looks to their people.
Zahgaa says [plantspeech]: We shall leave after we recuperate our energy! Gather your things, and we make for Sporegar. We shall make for salvation.
The sporelings offer some sort of small shelter, but periodically, Nyxxa hears a high pitched sound from the caverns. It’s a strange sound, and she is hardly an expert, but as she searches her memory for the sound, there are elements that seem familiar. She thinks as hard as she can.
Then it hits her.
There is a flash of a memory, and she sees a creature breaching from the water.
She believes the sound is a whale, or something whale-like.
Nyxxa says: That sounds like a whale?
Levia Blackflight says: What?
Azgadaan says: What sounds like a whale?
Nyxxa points toward the cavern.
Azgadaan says: Well, this area used to be covered in water. It wouldn’t be beyond possibility that one of those fungal whale things may have gotten in there.
Nyxxa says: A fungal whale?
Azgadaan says: You saw one of the corpses.
Nyxxa says: Oh. Yeah. Whales are plants here.
Azgadaan says: Yes.
Nyxxa says: Hm. Though. I’m proud of you for trying to reach out. Sometimes the braver thing you can do is accept no as an answer, even if it’s hard.
Azgadaan says: Well, at least the majority aren’t trapped in there.
Nyxxa says: You just need to honor their sacrifice. They seem to know this area better than we do, so it’s good to help them in little ways, even if that’s all we can do. This won’t be the last time we’re asked not to help. You have a good heart, and it took me a long time to learn this too, but sometimes in trying to help everyone, it makes you less able to help the people that would ask for it. It’s important to focus on the people that will accept your help. By the way. Once we reach Nagrand, I was thinking of trying to reach out to my coworker. Perhaps you’d like to talk to them as well.
Azgadaan says: Well. Even though I’m okay with killing demons, I don’t want to eat them. And I like my eyes.
Nyxxa says: No. No no. I know demon hunters are not the only members. They have some infiltrators, but that stays between you and me. I want you to talk to him, and I can put in a good word, but I don’t want to speak on your behalf. After I convince him I’m not a traitor. But, I think the consensus is that my situation is something the Slayer would do.
Azgadaan says: I’d be interested in learning. Hopefully he won’t try to kill you.
Nyxxa says: It just depends on if I can ask a demon hunter sooner or later to talk to you, and since one is here, one who seems less… what’s a nice way to put it… you know what I’m talking about when it comes to Loramus.
Azgadaan says: I think the students at my old school would consider him an edgelord.
Nyxxa says: That’s a term. But he seemed less inclined to be nurturing, so hopefully if I get a good read on this agent Shadowsong, I’d like to ask. The same is true for Levia, but I already talked to her.
Azgadaan says: I can attempt to scry, but I don’t know if I can hit them.
Nyxxa says: If we have a big demon vehicle going into the area, and they are a demon hunter, they should find us easily. I’m not too worried. But I should warn them about Caria…
Azgadaan says: Right! She did swear to hurt the organization you work for.
Nyxxa purses her lips and nods.
Nyxxa says: I should probably warn Loramus as well…
Azgadaan says: I can send him now, if you’d like.
Nyxxa says: I have a better idea. If you could actually send Khadgar instead, he’d be able to contact me. No rush, obviously. But if he’s still in Honor’s Hold, that may be better.
Azgadaan says: Not a problem. I can hit him whenever you’d like.
Nyxxa says: Just a quick message. There are some things I should update him on. But no rush. But thanks Azgadaan, I’m ever grateful.
Azgadaan says: I’m happy to help. And it looked like that thing got you good. I’m glad it didn’t kill you.
Nyxxa says: ...it… did.
Azgadaan says: Well, you got better!
Nyxxa says: Yeah. Fourteen now.
Azgadaan says: You didn’t reform this time. But yeah.
Nyxxa says: Honestly, I’m just gonna make a note at the beginning of my notes giving the spiel in case I lose my memories again.
Azgadaan says: Also. Yeah, fuck fog, by the way. She should probably come up with some way to deal with that.
They continue small talking, however, not long after, Arthak approaches.
Arthak Saurfang says: Azgadaan. I was hoping you could put me into contact with Kaylaan tonight.
Azgadaan says: I can try, yes.
Arthak Saurfang says: Good. I appreciate it.
That night, Azgadaan tries to do what he can to finagle a way to mess this up without telling Arthak he is, and he winds up sending Nyxxa to Kaylaan’s dreams after a brief discussion, then Arthak, and then himself.
Kalyaan is not asleep at first, but one individual gets through.
Suddenly, Nyxxa appears in Kaylaan’s dream, and an unfamiliar draenei looks around the strange dreamscape.
Kaylaan says: Who the hell are you?
Nyxxa rubs her neck.
Nyxxa says: I’m doing this for Azgadaan.
Kaylaan raises an eyebrow.
Nyxxa says: So. Look. This is all beyond me, but, um… ultimately, Arthak asked Azgadaan to get him in contact with you for some reason, and Azgadaan panicked and wanted to make sure that didn’t happen.
Kaylaan grins.
Kaylaan says: You gotta be kidding me.
Nyxxa says: No! No I’m not. But. Kid’s a sweetheart, so…
Kaylaan says: That’s one word for it. But can’t believe they let you get involved. I think I’ve heard about you.
Nyxxa says: I keep hearing that.
Kaylaan says: Sounds like a bad start.
Nyxxa says: But I think I’ve heard about you too.
Kaylaan says: Is that so? You can’t conjure some drinks in here, can you?
Nyxxa tries her best.
Nyxxa says: Sorry about the green, I can’t turn it off.
Kaylaan says: Is that so? Well, it doesn’t matter much.
Nyxxa says: Look, if what I hear about the Ashtongue is correct, you and I may have a lot in common, but I don’t know you well enough.
Kaylaan says: Well. I don’t know who you are, really, but I’m sorry you got dragged into this.
Nyxxa says: I kind of asked… but anyway, hi, I’m Nyxxa.
She holds out a hand and Kaylaan smirks.
Kaylaan says: Kaylaan, but you already knew that. So, let me get this straight. With whatever magic our eredar friend is conjuring, both he and Arthak are waiting to get ahold of me.
Nyxxa says: Yes, so he sent me to--
Kaylaan says: Stall?
Nyxxa says: Well, to maybe hold it off, or at least warn you.
Kaylaan says: I’m surprised Arthak was stupid enough to reach out to me. But, I imagine it would be good.
Kaylaan takes a drink.
Kaylaan says: It’s not the same. But, if you were to leave this dream, which of the two of them do you think would get here first? Should we take bets?
Nyxxa says: I… don’t know.
Kaylaan says: How about this. You can get back to your rest, and we see who shows up here next. If it’s Azgadaan, when I meet you in person, I buy you a drink, but if it’s Arthak, you buy me a drink. How does that sound?
Nyxxa says: Sounds good to me.
Kaylaan says: I feel like yelling at someone, but it won’t be you. So we’ll see what happens.
Nyxxa says: Well. If you need to. But…
Kaylaan says: I may take you up on that someday, but not this day. But it was a pleasure to meet you. Actually.
Nyxxa says: A pleasure as well, and good luck for what it’s worth. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m genuinely rooting for you.
Kaylaan says: I suppose I should thank you for that, you strange, strange demon.
Nyxxa says: Not the first time I heard it.
Kaylaan says: Yet not the strangest.
Nyxxa says: That is the first time I heard that!
Kaylaan says: Until next time I suppose.
Kaylaan stands and walks off, leaving Nyxxa’s dream and waiting to see who shows up next.
And it’s Arthak, and his dreamscape is the tower that Arthak and Garrosh would meet, but it’s in the Frostfire Ridges. Then he hears a voice.
Kaylaan says: When I said I didn’t want to see you ever again, I had hoped you would listen. But then again, when have you listened to anyone?
As Arthak turns, he sees Kaylaan moving up the stairs. He doesn’t look pleased.
Arthak Saurfang says: Hello Kaylaan.
Kaylaan says: You know, you’re not even the first person I spoke to this evening. How well do you know the people you travel with, Arthak? Do you think they really trust you? Because I was speaking to Nyxxa before this, and I’ve already spoken to Azgadaan once. I told him that I didn’t want to see you, that I didn’t want you to know I was here, yet he sent you here. Either because he could not fabricate a believable lie, or he didn’t want to say no, yet it didn’t stop him from trying to interfere. But no. I wanted to see my old friend. So what do you want, Arthak?
Arthak Saurfang says: Rakeesh.
Kaylaan says: What about him?
Arthak Saurfang says: He’s brought us in.
Kaylaan says: Figures. And, why does this matter to me?
Arthak Saurfang says: According to him, you’re the reason he set all this in motion.
Kaylaan says: And, what, are you concerned for me all of a sudden? You don’t like that I’m speaking with demons? That hasn’t stopped you, Arthak. And this isn’t the first time I’ve dealt with a powerful demon. Unless you had forgotten.
Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t forget. And I… know I’m not your friend. Not anymore, and never will be again. But you’re still mine.
Kaylaan says: Don’t make me laugh.
Arthak Saurfang says: Before we got in too deep into this, I wanted your take.
Kaylaan says: What take do you want? My business is my own, Arthak. I gave him an ultimatum. If he is seeking to tap you to make that a reality, so be it, I don’t give three shits. As far as I’m concerned, if he can get you to do his dirty work, then it’s done, and I’ll hear him out. That was the agreement.
Arthak Saurfang says: Does Akama know?
Kaylaan says: What do you think?
Arthak Saurfang says: Probably not.
Kaylaan says: Oh yes! Akama, I recently spoke to a powerful demon lord and attempted to get him to help us! No. No he doesn’t know. No one else does. I don’t have a death wish, unlike some people I know.
Arthak Saurfang says: Spinyl told me she rescued you.
Kaylaan says: Correct.
Arthak Saurfang says: I didn’t know she hated me.
Kaylaan says: You didn’t engender feelings of goodness from her, you know. And your refusal to step up and stop the orcs from bringing an axe to my head, didn’t help.
Arthak Saurfang says: I know.
Kaylaan says: But do you, Arthak? Do you really get it? Do you know why I hate you? Do you know why she hates you? Do you know why none of your companions trust you? Why they go behind your back? Why they manipulate you? Why they keep things from you? It’s because you only see yourself in your grand schemes. You only ever have. I was blind to it. We spent that time on the mountain with Master Samuro. I believe he was even blind to it. But you spend so much time putting every burden on your own FUCKING shoulders, that you forget that anyone else is around you. But I suppose it’s hard to tell. When a tree get so great that it crushes the forest around it? Why, it’s a forest itself, isn’t it? So why are you really here, Arthak? Are you trying to get me to betray Rakeesh? Do you want me to help you double cross him? Or better yet, are you actually concerned? You want to make amends for everything you’ve done to everyone around you that has ever mattered? What do you want, Arthak?
Arthak Saurfang says: I want to make....
Arthak sighs.
Arthak Saurfang says: I want to make a world where no one has to be me. Do the things I do. I’m not so blind to think that I can make amends. But where I can do right by you, I would like to.
Kaylaan says: I… I don’t get you.
Arthak Saurfang says: No one does.
Kaylaan says: You don’t think that’s a problem? Then tell me something, Arthak. The last time we met. When you drew your blade against me, near the forge camp. Why? What were you trying to accomplish? Were you truly seeking my head for justice, or were you seeking an easy way out?
Arthak Saurfang says: I was… most of what my people were has been hollowed out. Our culture. What we believed in. Honor. When you saved my life… you interfered with the Mok’gora… it’s one of the few parts of the old ways we still have left. I owed you my life. But you also violated the most sacred thing we had left.
Kaylaan says: Still that dance then?
Arthak Saurfang says: No. The dance ended. I lost. I lost that.
Kaylaan says: Oh, so you suddenly don’t want to kill me? For violating your sacred little ceremony, and saving your fucking life.
Arthak Saurfang says: You beat me. And spared me.
Kaylaan says: You orcs are singularly frustrating. With your bloody honor.
Arthak Saurfang says: I don’t have much anymore.
Kaylaan says: I don’t know what to make of this, Arthak. Of ANY of this. So what am I supposed to do? I can’t do anything in this place. And I can’t trust your word. So what do you want from me?
Arthak Saurfang says: I just wanted to know what you wanted from this. If you think you have a play with Rakeesh, better odds or something.
Kaylaan says: If he wanted me dead, I would be dead. He knows a lot. There is no harm in hearing him out.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’ve done it myself. Or did Spinyl not tell you about that?
Kaylaan says: I know enough, and I know you’ve been in contact. I don’t care.
Arthak Saurfang says: So you want this deal to go through.
Kaylaan says: I don’t know what he even wants, Arthak. But if he’s willing to do this, to give the Ashtongue--one of the greatest enemies of the Legion--if he’s willing to give them a hoof on this world, why shouldn’t I give him the chance? If he’s willing to sacrifice that much, to put this size of a dent, whether or not you are involved matters not to me. Why shouldn’t I?
Arthak Saurfang says: Because the person you just described sounds a lot like me. But, I can’t judge. You know what’s best for you. I just wanted to hear it from you rather than him.
Kaylaan says: In spite of everything that’s happened, Arthak, somehow, the sheer level of your audacity continues to surprise me. You come in here, and you defend your own actions, your own betrayals, with one hand, while offering an olive branch with the other. You cavort with demons, and say I know what’s best for me, while also condemning my decisions. The depths of your… I don’t even know what to say.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m not defending myself. I can’t. To you. I can explain it, but that’s not a defense. Having good reasons isn’t enough. And I’m not offering an olive branch. That’s not my place.
Kaylaan says: On that, you and I agree. You’ll do what you want, Arthak. You always have. And you always will. But I’m a man of my word. If Rakeesh goes to these lengths, if he does this, one way or another, I’m going to hear him out. If I wasn’t going to before, I will now because you seem to think it’s a poor idea, and some part of me just wants to be petty.
Arthak Saurfang says: I… don’t… I never said I think it’s a poor idea.
Kaylaan sighs, shakes his head, and puts his hand on his leg.
Kaylaan says: If you make this happen, whatever Rakeesh’s offer was to you, if you make it happen, then perhaps we’ll speak again. After I speak with Rakeesh.
Arthak Saurfang says: Okay. I’m not asking for that, and you don’t have to… I’m not bargaining or trying to get anything from you.
Kaylaan says: You just don’t want me to make the mistakes that you said you made.. By the Light, even your attempts at compassion are tainted with narcissism.
Arthak Saurfang says: I just… want to help. Where I can. As much as I can. It’s not about me.
Kaylaan says: Then make it not about you, Arthak.
Kaylaan turns to walk back down the stairs.
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s why no one understands. You’ve all already made up your damn minds.
Kaylaan stops and turns his head slightly.
Kaylaan says: When you show someone who you are. When you deny who you are. When you push people away, what are they supposed to think? You’re your biggest enemy, Arthak. Far more than the Legion ever could be. Perhaps that’s what Samuro was really trying to teach you.
Kaylaan turns back around and walks down the stairs, and leaves the dream.
Outland Day 13
The next morning comes without Azgadaan having reached Kaylaan at all. He and Nyxxa discuss briefly, as Nyxxa confirmed that she had reached him.
Arthak is chilling by the fire, smoking a cigarette. Sadras is concerned, picking up on Arthak’s mood.
Sadras says: Are you alright?
Arthak Saurfang says: Talked to Kaylaan last night.
Sadras nods and puts a hand on his shoulder.
Sadras says: I’m here if you want to talk about it, but I understand. I know that’s not easy.
Arthak Saurfang says: There’s just… not a way to win there. And ultimately I don’t particularly deserve to. So.
Sadras squeezes Artha’s shoulder.
Sadras says: It was complicated. I’m sorry.
There is awkward silence across the camp.
Arthak Saurfang says: Nyxxa. Azgadaan.
Azgadaan and Nyxxa say: Yes Arthak?
Arthak Saurfang says: Good try.
Nyxxa says: So he told you then.
Arthak Saurfang says: He wanted to make a point. Hmph. He asked me how well I know the people I travel with, and whether I think they really trust me. I’m going to talk for a moment. I’ve listened to you both a few times. So if you don’t mind, I’m going to talk.
Nyxxa says: By all means.
Azgadaan says: Go ahead.
Arthak Saurfang says: I gave that stone to Rakeesh because I knew it was what Remnii would have wanted me to do. Last time we spoke, she confirmed that. I did it because it was the smart play. Rakeesh would have gotten to her one way or another, this way, by giving him that stone, I didn’t think he would try to hurt her. Confident of it. By using my stone to contact her, he would be sending that message, and Remnii would do what Remnii does. Why I didn’t tell you is because both of you are more loyal to Remnii than me. That’s not a bad thing. Azgadaan you latched onto her quickly, as did I. But you also like to see things as black and white. Good versus evil, and that’s not where we get to walk. Nyxxa, you latched onto Remnii like someone who was trying not to drown. So no, I didn’t think either of you would take the news well. So I didn’t tell you, because ultimately I need you to do the things we’re trying to do. That’s what I meant, Nyxxa. You don’t tell me things. Both of you don’t, because the mission comes first. The plan comes first. I can deal with my allies hating me, I can deal with people, I can live with it, but I need both of you to get this job done, and if you abandoned me, we wouldn’t, and it would all be for fucking nothing. You never ask why. You rarely ask why I do the things I do. But most don’t. But I need to explain it now, so I’m going to explain it.
Arthak sighs.
Arthak Saurfang says: My closest allies are two demons and, forgive a definition of ally, a member of the Shadow Council. I’m the person that liaises with the Legion, and the Council. I’m the one who deals with Shaspira. And Gul’dan. Because someone has to. Because, like it or not, whatever our long-term intentions are, right now, we’re Legion. Our resources come from them. Everything comes from them. If someone wasn’t doing the things I do, the connections I made, the confidence I’ve inspired, we wouldn’t have gotten this far. Between that last conversation we had Nyxxa, and the conversation with Rakeesh, I’ve been thinking. You described me as a leader, in some sense, of this group, but I’m not. I’m a filter. I make it so that the rest of you can wash your hands with clean water. I make it so that you can tell the Resistance about the Red Mist. So. I don’t expect any changed minds. I’ve learned that doesn’t happen much. But I’m saying my piece. I need you all, but you also need me, and you need me to do this work unless any of you want to take a turn at it. Because as it stands now, I feel more confidence and appreciation for what I can do from the White Tyrant and whatever Rakeesh’s full title is. And that is… unpleasant to me. So, think what you want, do what you want, but I said what I needed to say, and don’t… if you want to follow up with this conversation, give me some time. Respectfully. I don’t particularly want to say any more for a while.
Nyxxa says: I… understand. But thank you, Arthak.
Azgadaan says: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. And your reasons.
Arthak nods, and then gets up and walks away to have another cigarette. Lantresor gives him a nod, both otherwise gives him his peace. Sadras, likewise, gives his arm a squeeze but lets him go.
Nyxxa watches Arthak go, and speaks in Darnassian to Azgadaan.
Nyxxa says [darnassian]: ...truly what he just did was what I wanted from him this whole time. But he asked for space.
Azgadaan says [darnassian]: Yes. He needs some space.
Sadras says: I’m not sure what you guys are saying, but thank you. I can tell that was something he needed to say.
Nyxxa says: I’m glad he said it, is what I functionally said.
Sadras says: I think that was more Arthak than we’ve seen in a while.
Nyxxa says: I think with all the secrets… we lost our way a bit.
Sadras stands.
Sadras says: I dunno about you, but I want to make it so he doesn’t have to do this anymore. I want to help him work towards the time he doesn’t need to dirty his hands for us. I don’t know when that will be, or what we have to do to make that happen.
Nyxxa says: When we talk again, I think I’ll say that. Ultimately, with everything he’s done… I know the reason why, at least I think I know, he deserves to survive this, despite what he thinks. He’s worth more than what he has to sacrifice, I wish I knew how to convey that.
Sadras says: I think he knows. He’s just more of a realist than we are.
Nyxxa says: But. I don’t think we should talk about him more behind his back. Not after that.
Halno strolls up after with the rest of the created food and water.
Halno says: Alright. That's the rest of the food and water you meatbags need to survive for some reason… where did Arthak go?
The group packs up in silence and heads off. They find their way up the sea shield that once made up the sea, and they continue across the dry bay. In the distance, they can see the wilderness changing as they break away from the mushroom marshes. There are glistening, fruit-like crystals growing from the petrified forest that they pass into, and they can see the wreckage of what was once a port that connected Shattrath City to the rest of the sea.
The group finds themselves in Terokkar Forest.
