Stormwind City Tour Part Two

Hello again.  I’m back with the second part of our Stormwind City Tour.  We’ll pick up right where we left off last time.  The next district of Stormwind City we’ll visit is Cathedral Square.

To the south west of the Dwarven District is Cathedral Square.  Cathedral Square is home to, of course, the Cathedral of Light.  The Paladins and Priests go here for their training but there is also a very kind medic willing to teach First Aid to any adventurer who may want to be able to look after some of the injuries they are sure to aquire during their travels.  Cathedral Square is also where the Stormwind Orphanage is located.  The Matron there is looking for adventurers to assist with improving the plight of the orphans during Children’s Week and at Hallows End.  Of special note to some, Little Timmy is often seen walking through Cathedral Square trying to find a home for a White Kitten that he can’t keep.  It seems to me that this enterprising child seems to find an awful lot of little White Kittens and maybe he has found a viable way to earn a tidy income from soft-hearted travelers….Of course, my cousin Caius has one ~sighs~.

Leaving Cathedral Square by the south western tunnel to the Canals and turning right, you will find Stormwind Harbor.  It is from this large and busy port that an adventurer can travel to Darkshore in Kalimdor or to Valiance Keep in Northrend.  Up on the far north end of the battlements you can even get an air tour of the harbor.  I highly recommend taking Thargold Ironwing up on the offer of the free tour as it offers some of the most spectacular views possible.  In fact, I’d go so far as to say that you won’t truly appreciate the Lighthouse, or the Shipyards where the massive Icebreakers are constructed, unless you take the tour.  Back on the ground, if you decide to wander the docks, be mindful of the Defias Prisoners that are being disembarked from The Bravery and escorted to The Stockades by the Stormwind City Guard.  About every half hour they move a prisoner.  I’m assuming they are trying to keep disturbances and trouble to a minimum by moving one prisoner at a time.

Back into the city proper from Stormwind Harbor, taking the right side of the Canal and turning into the first tunnel, you will find yourself in The Park.  The Park is a beautiful green space and the Druids tend to gravitate to this area of the city.  The Night Elf population of Stormwind City resides here in The Park as it is a calm relief from all of the stone in the rest of the city.  The Night Elves are at work creating a Moonwell here in the central area of The Park and they have made a wonderful oasis where anyone looking for some peace may rest for a bit and enjoy the atmosphere.

To the south east of The Park is the other green district of Stormwind City:  the Mage Quarter.  However, The Mage Quarter is not quite as inviting to the Night Elves of Stormwind as it is where the Warlocks do their training.  The central feature of the Mage Quarter is the Wizard’s Sanctum (also called “the Mage Tower” or “the Wizard’s Tower” by various people around Stormwind City).  The Wizard’s Sanctum is where the Mage Trainers and the Portal Trainers do their studying.  I think they use a tower to be above any latent background magic at ground level…oh and to keep chaos to a minimum if their students happen to make a mistake.  Some of that “latent background magic” may be caused by what goes on in the basement of the Slaughtered Lamb.  It seems that the Warlocks like the deep cellars of the Slaughtered Lamb and use them for their demonic rituals and as a place to use as a training ground for new Warlocks.  As a result, there tend to be some strange happenings around there.  The Mage Quarter also houses several shops and trainers who cater to the “magicly inclined”.  There are Alchemists, Tailors, Herbalists and Enchanters to be found both on the inside and the Canal side of the Mage Quarter.

Speaking of the Canal side of the Mage Quarter, this is where the Stormwind Stockade can be found.  The Stormwind Stockade houses some of the more dangerous mercenaries of the Defias as well as some other rather notorious criminal masterminds.  Warden Thelwater and his guards are trying desperately to maintain order in the Stockade, but a recent revolt has left things rather in a shambles and the Warden is looking for assistance with restoring order.  It turns out that this job is a little more complicated than you might imagine.  There are people all over the place looking for the death of one inmate or another it seems.  Guard Benton in Lakeshire, Councilman Millstripe in Darkshire, Motley Garmason in Dun Modr and even one older lady right in Old Town here in Stormwind City all have business they’d love someone to attend to in the Stormwind Stockades.  But I guess this interest from all quarters should not really surprise me as the population of the Stormwind Stockade includes a Dark Iron Dwarf, a Dwarf, an Ogre, an Orc and the expected bunch of human criminals.  A rather diverse bunch.

The last major area of Stormwind City left to explore is the Canals.  I decided to leave this section of the city to last as the Canals are traversed whenever you move from one district of Stormwind City to another.  While the Canals are mostly used as thoroughfares for traversing Stormwind City, there are a number of shop owners who have made the Canals their home and fishermen can be found to teach their trade to the adventurer who may desire to while away some time lounging along the Canals pulling in small catches.  If this is something that appeals to you, just be careful you don’t fall in as there have been reports of a giant albino crocolisk roaming the depths of the Canals.  I doubt the reports myself as I have never seen such a creature nor have I managed to find anyone who can give me a first hand account of seeing the beast.

And this ends my two part Stormwind City Tour.  I hope you all have enjoyed exploring this city as much as I have.

Until next time, keep safe and have fun.

~Zyrena

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Tags: Cathedral of Light, Little Timmy, Stormwind Harbor, Stormwind Orphanage, Stormwind Stockades, Thargold Ironwing, The Bravery, The Canals, The Mage Quarter, The Park, The Slaughtered Lamb, Warden Thelwater, White Kitten, Wizard's Sanctum

Stormwind City Tour Part One

Hello all.  I thought it only logical to follow up my Elwynn Forest tour with one of Stormwind City…even though it’s been a while.  Stormwind City is the largest human city of Azeroth.  Used as a hub of travel by air, sea and land, Stormwind is a busy city for merchants, adventurers and travelers.

The main gates are very impressive with their twin look-out towers and massive iron-bound wooden gates.  The Stormwind lions are just the first examples of the wonderful stonework that pervades the whole city.  The most impressive of the fine stonemasons’ work to be found is in the Valley of Heros.  This walk from the main gates to the interior city wall is a lesson in humility and history for the new visitor to Stormwind.  Huge statues of the heros of the Alliance Expedition that went through the Dark Portal to the world beyond to seal the dimentional rift from the other side.   I would recommend to all adventurers that it is worth the time to stop and read the plaques on these statues at least once in their travels.  Farseer Umbrua, a shaman trainer, can be found relaxing in the Valley of Heros.

When you continue on through the inner city walls and into Stormwind City proper, the first district you will find yourself in is the Trade District.  The Trade District of Stormwind does a booming business.  The Alliance Auction House is in the main square and any enterprising adventurer should be able to get the most from their un-needed spoils.  Around the corner from the Auction House is the Guilded Rose, a very popular inn.  The Bank and a mailbox are both within easy walking distance of the Guilded Rose.  The Trade District has something for everyone with shops and vendors carrying just about any items imaginable.

North east out of the Trade District and across the Canals is Old Town.  Old Town is one of the oldest sections of Stormwind (if you hadn’t guessed from the name ) and is home to some of the city’s most infamous taverns, like The Pig and Whistle.  However questionable it’s reputation, The Pig and Whistle is one of the best places in town to learn cooking.  And it seems that upstairs in The Pig and Whistle, Kendor Kabonka is more than happy to sell any interested aspiring chef some rather interesting recipes.  Old Town, as well as being one of the more disreputable areas of Stormwind, is also home to the barracks.  Inside the barracks is where the Warriors train.  The Alliance Command Center, the offiers’ barracks and SI:7 are also in the barracks…along with the Rogue trainers.  Of course, one could expect no less from an organization like SI:7 than to employ Rogues and assassins.

If you head out of  Old Town through the north west tunnel and turn right, you will be facing Stormwind Keep.  Stormwind Keep is where King Varian Wrynn sits in power with his son, Anduin Wrynn at his side.  The Keep houses many interesting rooms within it’s impressive walls.  The first left as you walk up the hall from the entrance is a Garden.  Off the Garden can be found the Royal Library and the Royal Gallery.  The first right off the main hall is the Petitioner’s Chamber where the nobles awaiting an audience with the King can wait in comfort.  At the end of the hall from the main entrance is the Throne Room.  Directly through the Throne Room (please don’t forget to offer abeyance to the throne) is the War Room where the Battle Masters are available to commission adventurers for various skirmishes against the Horde.  The Royal Guard Room and the Royal Chapel are also located off the Throne Room.

Back outside and to the north of Stormwind Keep is the Dwarven District.  The Dwarven District is where the Hunter’s Guild has set up shop, along with the Miners, the Engineers and the Blacksmiths.  There is a persistant haze from the smelting that goes on in this district of the city.  I wanted to take a brief moment to mention Cut Throat Alley.  Cut Throat Alley can be accessed from a taproom on the Canal side of the Dwarven District facing Cathedral Square.  A short alley with only the one acess point, I found it a curiosity worth mentioning.

The other feature of the Dwarven District worth its own mention is the Deeprun Tram.  This Gnomish mode of transport takes the traveller from Stormwind to Iron Forge under the surface of Azeroth.  At one point, it traverses a tunnel in a lake. Sarra was particularly enamoured of this part of the trip.

I think I’ll end Part One of our Stormwind City Tour with the Deeprun Tram ride.

Be sure to check back for Part Two when I talk about the Stormwind Harbor, the Stormwind Stockade and the rest of this wonderful city. 

Until next time, be safe and have fun.

~ Zyrena

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Tags: Deeprun Tram, Dwarven District, Old Town, SI:7, Stormwind, Stormwind Keep, Trade District, Valley of Heros

Children’s Week – Part 3

 Now to continue on with the las tof the Children’s Week adventures   Sorry for makin’ you all wait.  Sarra

The next thing on Salandria’s list of things to do was to Visit the Throne of the Elements.  The Throne of Elements is out in Nagrand so we went back to the Flight Master and asked to be taken into Garadar.  Once on the ground in Garadar, we mounted Kar again and headed out to the north east across Skysong Lake.  Path of Frost sure comes in handy for things like this.  We were able to ride right across the lake and up to the Throne of the Elements without having to go all the way around the lake.  The only problem was the Spirits in the lake itself.  We had to be really careful not to disturb them because they are grumpy.  Once we got to the Throne of the Elements, Salandria dismounted and took a good long look at the elementals wandering around.  Elementalist Sharvak was surprised that I’d bring a child to the Throne of the Elements but assurred me no harm would come to Salandria unless she was silly and tried to get too close to Incineratus…of course that’s who she seemed most interested in and I had to again grab her by the ribbons to keep her safe.  After some poking around the standing stones and watching the elementals for a bit (and hopefully some learning about the nature of our world – Zy) we were ready to ride back to Garadar.

Along the way back to Garadar, Salandria confided in me that she idolizes Sig Nicious, the Blood Elf in the Elite Tauren Chieftan.  Apparently she had heard they were in Silvermoon City and interacting with their fans.  I decided it wouldn’t hurt anything to take her to see them while they were available.  And she seemed so excited at the prospect of going that I really couldn’t resist.  (You’re getting soft you know. – Zy) (Am not! I’m just being nice…and it feels good! You should try it sometime.- Sarra).  We flew from Garadar back to Shattrath and then took the portal to Undercity.  Salandria was rather confused by this until I took her to the Orb of Translocation in the Ruins of Lordaeron.  She got really excited when she realized this would take us directly to Silvermoon City.  We arrived in the Sun Spire and made our way out to the Walk of Elders and to the street in front of the balcony where the Elite Tauren Chieftan were handing out and people-watching.  Then the most amazing thing happened!  Salandria began to play air-guitar and sing “Glory of the Horde” and a light shone on her like a spotlight.  The band watched her and cheered for her when she was done.  She was very happy and commented on the energy and power she felt when she performed for them.  She decided she is going to be a rock star when she gorws up.  I kind of hope that works out for her

After this exciting event, Salandria turned to me and let me know it was Time to Visit the Caverns.  The fastest and easiest way to get back to Kalimdor from here was to use the Hearthstone in my pack.  I took Salandria by the hand and activated the stone to return us to the Inn in Orgrimmar.  I think she was scared for a moment that I was going to leave her behind.  We climbed the flight tower in Orgrimmar and got ourselves a flight to Gadgetzan.  The flight from Orgrimmar to Gadgetzan is a very long flight; almost the full length of Kalimdor.  I took this time to explain to Salandria that calling a priest “old and stinky”, even if he is, is not the most polite thing to do.  I also let her know that I could take her to see the dragons, but that I couldn’t guarantee that one would be able to talk with her since they were all kind of busy trying to keep the timelines straight.  This did not slow her down in the least and I’m starting to think that this Blood Elf child is rather self-serving and sly.  But, I figured no harm could come of at least taking her to see the Caverns of Time and get her the souvenir she seemed to want so badly.  I’ve learned that the more she makes her requests sound like they are benefitting me, the more she really wants whatever she is asking for.  I’m not sure where she learned this manipulation technique, but I hope she grows out of it…for everyone’s sake.  When we finally landed at Gadgetzan, we mounted up and headed across the desert out to the Caverns of Time.  She was so intent on our destination that I only had to remind her once that we really shouldn’t dally along the way.  The demons held in thrall by the warlocks at the Waterspring Fields seemed to particularly fascinate her.  Upon arrival at the caverns, we talked with The Steward of Time to get a ride on dragonback down into the Cavern of Time itself.  At the bottom of the cavern, we were met by Andormu. Andormu, being in the shape of a Blood Elf child himself, was a bit confusing for Salandria, but she remained behind me as I completed my business with him.  I then took Salandria to see Zaladormu.  When she was standing before him, the guards ran in and seemed about to threaten her when Zaladormu spoke to them and sent them away.  Zaladormu is a very impressive dragon, and very busy, so we made our way back to the passage to the surface.  It took me a while to calm myself after the incident with the guards so the walk did me good.  I took Salandria to the vendor at the small outpost at the inside entrance to the caverns and let her pick out a toy dragon for her souvenir.  She was very happy with the little dragon and said that one day she plans to own a real dragon.  That child has a lot of grand plans it seems.

Althought Salandria wanted the trip to last forever, it was now time to return her to the Orphanage in Shattrath (Before she got you eaten – Zy).  We made our way back across the desert to Gadgetzan and from there caught a windrider to Orgrimmar.  The return flight was very quiet as Salandria clutched her toy dragon and seemed to be thinking about all she had seen…or at least I hope that is what she was thinking about.  At Orgrimmar, we caught the Thundercaller into Undercity and then we managed to hire a bat to take us to Stonnard.  That flight caused a great amount of squealing, let me tell you.  Those things are the scariest ride around if you ask me…and Salandria seemed to agree.  She did say she wanted to do it again sometime though.  The ride into the Blasted Lands was uneventful and the Dark Portal is just as impressive from this side as it is from the other.  Once in the Outlands, it was a simple flight back into Shattrath and then a short ride back to the Orphanage.  Orphan Matron Mercy was happy to see Salandria back safe and sound.  Salandria sauntered off to play with her new dragon and Mercy took the time to thank me for the time I had spent with Salandria.  I walked away with a baby elekk somehow.  I think it was something Salandria wanted me to have to look after.  ~Shakes head~ I think that child could sell cow bells to tauren given half a chance ~sighs~.

Until next time, have fun and play safe.  And remember to play with the kids once in a while, they like that…and so will you.

- Sarra

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Tags: Andormu, Caverns of Time, Childrens Week, Elementalist Sharvak, Garadar, Now when I Gorw Up..., Salandria, Sig Nicious, Silvermoon City, Steward of Time, Time to Visit the Caverns, Visit the Throne of Elements, Zaladormu

Children’s Week – Part 2

Hey there, everyone.  Sarra back to tell you about the rest of my adventures during Children’s Week.  After I returned Grunth to the Orgrimmar Orphanage and Orphan Matron Battlewail, she told me that there was an orphanage out in the Outlands at Shattrath City and they might be able to use my help too.  So I decided to make my way to Shattrath and see if I could be helpin’ out.  I hopped the zepplin, Iron Eagle, to Grom’gol in the Eastern Kingdoms and then took a windrider to Stonnard in the Swamp of Sorrows.  From there it was a nice ride into the Blasted Lands and the Dark Portal to the Outlands.  On the other side of the Dark Portal, I talked with the flight master and got another windrider into Shattrath.  It was a long journey, but the Horde transportation system is very efficient and it seemed like no time at all before I was making my way to the Lower City in Shattrath.

A slow canter around the Lower City found me at the doorstep of the Shattrath Orphanage.  Orphan Matron Mercy was there watching the children playing on the steps and she was more than happy to let me know that they could use any help I could offer and she had a little Blood Elf girl that could use some company for a bit.  Orphan Matron Mercy gave me a little whistle to blow to call the girl to me.  When I blew the whistle, a little Blood Elf girl came running up to me and introduced herself as Salandria and made no bones about letting me know what she’d like me to do for her.  She is really a rather forward little thing and seems to think she is being all sly and sneaky about something.  ~Shrugs~ I came here to help and this is what the Orphan Matron asked me to do, so there is really no need for Salandria to try to be sly about her requests.  I guess it’s just in her nature though, being one of those blood elves and all.

The first thing Salandria wanted to do was go and visit one of her friends from Sporeggar.  Hch’uu was at the Shattrath Orphanage before one of her relatives came and got her and took her back to Sporeggar.  So off we go to Sporeggar.  Salandria and I went up to Shattrath-proper and found the Flight Master and caught a flight into Zabra’jin in Zangarmarsh.  What is it about kids and their need to lean out off anything high?  I had to grab her by the ribbons more than once to keep her on the beast…especially when we were flying over the huge mushrooms in Zangarmarsh.  She insisted we should be able to walk on their tops! When we finally landed in Zabra’jin, the flight master there got a real good laugh over the fact that Salandria was tied to the windrider harness and we had to take time to undo the knots before she could dismount.  Thank goodness the beast was good natured about the whole thing.

We rode west out of Zabra’jin over the road across the marsh to eventually make our way into Sporeggar.  Of course it wasn’t quite as simple as all that.  There were Marshfang Rippers, Sporebats, Fireglow Stingers and Fen Striders to terrorize along the way.  Salandria was curious about them all and what magic they may hold.  She was especially interested in the Fen Striders with their odd ways.  I must say though, Salandria was much more well behaved while we were on Kar than Grunth was.  She was just more convincing when it came to requesting stops to “study” things.  A reminder of our mission to go and see Hch’uu usually convinced her that we should really continue on.

Once we reached Sporeggar, she found Hch’uu easily in the center of the village.  I let the two of them visit a bit while I took a look around the village and caught up on any news with Msshi’fn.

When the girls were done with their visit, we were off again to take a Trip to the Dark Portal.  It seems that Salandria was not convinced by the stories she had heard of the demons and dangers of the Stair of Destiny and the Dark Portal.  We rode back to Zabra’jin and procured a flight directly to the Dark Portal.  Once there, Salandria seemed awed by the sight of the swirling nether of the Dark Portal itself and the majesty of the Stairs of Destiny.  I really don’t think she was expecting what she got on that trip.  She was especially surprised when a soldier of the Horde came through the Portal in front of her.  I think that after seeing the on-going battle for the Stair of Destiny, the constant sacrifice of soldiers of both the Horde and the Alliance as they try to keep the demons away from the Dark Portal, she will not be so skeptical of the stories in the future. 

I need to go and help Zy with something for a bit now.  But I’ll get the rest of this adventure to you right away. 

- Sarra

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Tags: A Trip to the Dark Portal, Hch'uu and the Mushroom People, Salandria, Shattrath, Sporeggar

Tuskarr Dailies

 When Caius wrote about the Tuskarr, he also included a brief description of the on-going assistance these fine people need to help them out in their daily lives.  It seems that each of the villages he visited had a representative who was in charge of recruiting visitors to their causes.

The first real village that Caius came to was Kaskala.  Kaskala has been over-run by the Kvaldir Clan of the sea vrykuls.  There is a constant stream of landing vrykul vessels disembarking the giant Kvaldir warriors.  The Kalu’ak are fighting as best they can, but Kaskala has been lost.  The only reason any tuskarr are there at all, as far as Caius could determine, was to gather as many bundles of supplies as possible to aid the refugees in other villages.  It is for this gathering of supply bundles that Utaik is enlisting the aid of any willing adventurers. 

Utaik is standing at the western end of the remains of Kaskala where adventurers will find him easily as they approach the village.  This gives him a chance to warn the unwary traveller of what they will find in the village and to ask if the will aid the Kalu’ak in “Preparing for the Worst” by gathering Kaskala supplies.  Here he stands every day, hoping that the kindness of wayward adventurers will help the plight of the refugees.

From Unu’pe village, just a short jaunt up the coast from Kaskala, Caius caught the Giant Sea Turtle to Moa’ki Harbor in Dragonblight.  Here, camped just outside the Inn and across from the Flight Master where he can see all of the travellers coming and going, is Trapper Mau’i.  Trapper Mau’i is concerned with the plight of the Snowfall Glade Wolvar.  The tuskarr are in competition with the wolvar for the resources in the local area and as such, they have determined that the wolvar numbers need to be thinned.  Trapper Mau’i is concerned that the hunters will be a bit too zealous and that the wolvar may be wiped out.  To try to stave off this dismal future, he is seeking the aid of adventerous travellers in his “Planning for the Future”.  He sends the willing adventurers into the hills above Moa’ki Harbor into the wolvar villages to capture 12 of the Snowfall Glade pups.  This is not exactly a pleasant task as the Den Mothers defend their pups with great ferocity.

After his successful collecting for Trapper Mau’i, Caius again went to the docks and travelled by Giant Sea Turtle to Kamagua in Howling Fjord.  Here he found another tuskarr worried about the local ecology.  Anuniaq is worried about the local Reef Lion population, but he is shy with strangers and Caius had to do a few other tasks for the locals before Anuniaq would confide in him. 

Thing is, much to Caius’ consternation, the very problem Anuniaq sees with the Reef Lions seems to be one that Caius himself brought on while performing a task for someone else.  The result of that other task is that now, the Reef Lions don’t seem to be mating.  Anuniaq is asking adventurers to take a net and catch some Tasty Reef Fish to be used to lure a Reef Bull to a Reef Cow so that they can get to know each other.  The assumption seems to be that for most males, “The Way to His Heart” is good food.  In this case, Caius says it works like a charm.  The Reef Bulls follow behind to get the fish and after gobbling enough to get across the Twin Shores ford, they seem very happy to chat up the first Reef Cow they come to.  I’m sure male advernturers all over Azeroth are wishing it were only that easy  

Until next time, keep safe and have grand adventures. 

~Zyrena

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Tags: Anuniaq, Kalu'ak, Kamagua, Kaskala, Kvaldir, Moa'ki, Planning for the Future, Preparing for the Worst, The Way to His Heart, Trapper Mau'i, Tuskarr, Utaik, wolvar

Children’s Week – Part 1

Hi everyone, it’s Sarracenia back to tell you more about my adventuring.  First let me say that I’m sorry for taking so long to get this set of stories to you all.  It took me all this time to get the Tigule and Foror’s Strawberry Ice Cream out of the chinks in my armor.  You just can’t leave that stuff in there to get all sticky and smelly.  Then you’d be running around smelling like one of them undead guys ~nods~.  (Kind of makes you wonder how undead rogues get anywhere at all, doesn’t it? – Zyrena)

I crossed paths with Zyrena’s cousin, Caius, a couple weeks ago and he had this kid tagging along with him and pulling on his tail.  I thought that was awful unusual so I asked him what was with the kid.  That’s when I found out about Children’s Week.  Caius thought it might be a good thing if I went to Orgrimmar to the orphanage there to see if there was anything I may be able to do to help out.  I thought I heard him mutter something about bein’ good for me as he rode away, but I can’t be sure of that.  So, always being up for some adsventure, I took myself off to see the Orphan Matron in Orgrimmar.

Now, if you’ve been reading my and Zy’s writings over the last while, you already know that the orphanage in Orgrimmar is in the Valley of Honor.  Orphan Matron Battlewail met me out in front of the orphanage overlooking the lake and told me about Children’s Week and let me know that there was a little orc guy that could use some company for a bit.  She gave me a whistle to use to call the little guy to me and when I blew it, he came running and introduced himself to me as Grunth.  Grunth had a bunch of places he really wanted to see…and he was none too shy about askin’ either.  But, since I had nothing else to be doing just then, I thought it might be fun to take him to some of the places he was wanting to see.  (She means she was interested in seeing those places too so she agreed. – Zy)

The first thing on Grunth’s list was to go see what was Down at the Docks in Ratchet.  I figured the fastest way to get there was to take a windrider.  I wasn’t anticipating having to try to keep Grunth from falling off to his death in the maw of an enraged crocolisk as we flew along the Southfury River.  That kid just seemed to have no sense of self preservation at all.  I’m still not sure I managed to convince him that spitting on the raptors was a good idea.  I think the WindRider Master in Ratchet having to restrain the beast when it landed may have had a bigger effect.  Apparently the windriders do not like getting their tails spat upon by their passengers.  After hauling Grunth away from the landing area, I steered him to the docks and showed him where the big ships pull in.  He thought that was pretty neat and commented on the seagulls and the pirates that were close by.

The next thing on his list was seeing the Gateway to the Frontier, Mor’shan Ramparts.  I thought it may be nice to ride to the Crossroads and then head up the Gold Road to Mor’shan Ramparts.  We could have taken a windrider to the Crossroads if I hadn’t been concerned that we’d get the same beast and it would eat Grunth before I could stop it.  The ride to the Crossroads was uneventful with Grunth sitting quietly behind me and taking in all the scenery and the wildlife…or that’s what I thought.  Just past the Crossroads I stopped at the guard tower to let Grunth down to stretch his legs and to get some water for Kar (What kind of name is that for a dreadsteed, I ask you? – Zy) (It’s short for Karpathia! – Sarra)  While we were stopped at the tower, Grunth met a boy named Erk and his dog Fang and the boys ran off some energy between fishing in the pond and bothering the guards at the tower.  That’s when I learned why Grunth had been so quiet on the ride so far.  It took me two hours to scrape all the coloured pigments off the back of my armor.  After that “rest” I got Grunth back on Kar and we set out to the north along the Gold Road to Mor’shan Ramparts.  Needless to say, Grunth was a bit more talkative on the rest of the ride.  We talked about why some striders are ornery, why raptors are so mean, what hyenas eat, why the gazells are sick and why Kar would not appreciate an adder on one of her horns no matter how cool it might look.  I think the towers at Mor’shan Ramparts were one of the prettiest sights I’ve seen in a long time.

The last item on Grunth’s list was the Lordaeron Throne Room.  So after a romp around the towers and many warnings about not running off into Ashenvale for the Ashenvale Outrunners to get him, we mounted back up (Much to Kar’s delight I’m sure. – Zy) and headed across the Barrens back towards the Southfury River and Orgrimmar.  I think that by this time, Grunth was getting tired of riding and just plain tired in general.  We had a mostly uneventful ride back to the river.  The only touchy spot in the whole trip was going through the Sludge Fen.  The Venture Co. has set up operations there and are none too pleased with anyone waltzing through uninvited.  Thankfully, Grunth was well behaved and we ghosted through there are quietly as we could with no incidents.  I think the ogres they have working for them scared him a little….heck, they scared me a little.  When we got the the Southfury, we swam across at a spot with no crocolisks and then rode back to the gates of Orgrimmar and on to the Zepplin Tower to catch the Thundercaller to Undercity and the Ruins of Lordaeron.  I think Grunth was happy to be back on his own two little feet.  He wandered the decks of the zepplin and generally stayed out of the way of the crew.  There was one crewman, Sparkfly was his name, that delighted in telling stories to Grunth for the duration of the trip.  I’m not so sure that stories about the last four times Sky-Captain Cloudkicker crashed the Thundercaller into lakes were the most appropriate stories, but Grunth seemed to like them and they kept him occupied and away from the rails.  When we pulled in at the Undercity Zepplin Tower, we disembarked and made our way into the Ruins of Lordaeron to the throne room.  I have to admit, I can understand why Grunth wanted to see that place.  It was beautiful and not a little bit spooky.  Grunth actually seemed subdued and a bit thoughtful….then he asked for icecream.

Right then…So we left the Lordaeron Throne Room and headed back to the Zepplin Tower to go back to Orgrimmar.  After herding Grunth off of the platform where the zepplin t0 Grom’gol pulls in, we managed to board the Thundercaller again.  While Grunth was exploring the decks, he found a Snack-o-matic IV that stocked Tigule and Foror’s Strawberry Ice Cream.  To get some quiet, I got some icecream for him and stood with him at the rail while he enjoyed his treat.  Next time, I’ll know not to stand downwind from someone eating icecream on the top deck of a zepplin .

While he was enjoying his treat, Grunth confided in me that he idolized Cairne Bloodhoof and would love to have a hoofprint from the Tauren Chieftan.  I thought this may be somethig that could only be a good influence on the child, so when the zepplin pulled in at Orgrimmar we made our way to the flight tower and caught a windrider to Thunder Bluff.  The first challenge when we landed was to keep Grunth from falling to a messy death from the top of the Thunder Bluff Flight Tower.  I think they really should put railings in that thing!  Cairne was on the top plateau in the doorway of his meeting tent watching the goings on.  I like to people-watch sometimes too   Cairne was flattered and had no issues at all with giving Grunth a personalized hoofprint.  He made sure to write something in the note about eating vegetables too.  Cairne is such a good influence.  Grunth was very excited about the whole thing.  But by then it was time for him to get back to the orphanage.

We went back to the Windrider Master and booked passage back to Orgrimmar and Orphan Matron Battlewail.  Before Grunth went in to get ready for bed he left me with, of all things, a pig named Mr. Wiggles to look after and remember him by.  It seems it was a good choice.  I’ve spent an awful lot of time over the last week chasing that pig out of trouble.

Until next time, Have fun and play safe… 

-Sarra

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Tags: Cairne Bloodhoof, Crossroads, Down at the Docks, Gateway to the Frontier, Gold Road, Lordaeron Throne Room, Mor'shan Ramparts, Orphan Matron Battlewail, Ratchet

The Dragonshrines of Northrend

Today we thought we’d share one more of the interesting things with you from Caius’ letters.  He took the time to visit the Dragonshrines up in the Dragonblight of Northrend.  He sent a picture of each of the shrines with a brief description of each to us.  The pictures do not do the shrines justice according to Caius and are sights better seen in person to fully appreciate.

The first of the lot he saw was the Bronze Dragonshrine.  It is located to the northwest of Wintergarde Keep and is apparently currently under attack by the Infinite Dragonflight.  He writes that while watching the dragons battle over the crater floor he saw them occasionally come to a complete and unnatural stop in mid-air, seemingly suspended in time and space for a moment.  The shrine itself resembles a sandy crater blasted into the very rock of the mountainside.  Caius said he had some business inside the crater but that he had to go back later to take this picture as he was more concerned with protecting some object and his very life at the time.  Apparently the people at Wyrmrest Temple had a number of tasks they needed assistance with at the dragonshrines across the Dragonblight.

He next wrote of the Obsidian Dragonshrine, located to the south of Fordragon Hold.  The Black Dragonflight is apparently not immune to the troubles plaguing the rest of the dragonflights.  Caius was sent deep into a cavern to find what was happening to the once proud dragons far down in the earth amidst the lava-pools.  The problem with necromancers and similar ilk is that, like an infestation of insects, once they get a foothold in your house they are most difficult to convince to leave.  It seems that the Obsidian Dragonshrine has a problem with an infestation with a more serious twist.  Caius writes that one of these “pests” has overstepped what even the Black Dragons consider to be acceptable behaviour.

The next picture in the set was of the Ruby Dragonshrine, located on the western edge of the Dragon Wastes.  Sadly, infestation seems to be a theme in the Dragonblight.  This once beautiful oasis in the frozen wastes has been overrun by undead monsters, necromancers and deathknights of the decidedly unfriendly persuasion.  Caius’ task here was to assist the fallen dragons of the Red Dragonflight to find peace and subsequent rebirth.  The monolithic tree in the center of the shrine holds some deep corruption inside that must be eradicated or cleansed before things can even start to be corrected here.  Caius was very saddened by the current state of the shrine and the trapped spirits of the fallen.  He gladly offered any assistance he could provide to the tragic souls.

The Azure Dragonshrine was a different thing.  The Blue Dragonflight seems to be working towards the ultimate destruction of Azeroth itself.  Located to the south of Wyrmrest Temple, the Azure Dragonshrine is the destination of the ley lines that Malygos has been diverting from across Azeroth.  The combined power of all these lay lines is being used to power the Blue Dragonflight.  However, Caius says this disruption of the natural flow of power is tearing apart the very fabric of reality.  At The Nexus, all this power is being redirected into the Twisting Nether.  The Wyrmrest Accord is looking for adventurers to assist in the disruption of the surge needles in the Azure Dragonshrine.  Caius is offering what assistance he can, but the more adventurers that lend their aid, the nearer they are to success.

The final picture in the stack is of the Emerald Dragonshrine.  Located to the west of New Hearthglen along the southern coast of the Dragonblight, the Emerald Dragonshrine is one of the most beautiful now.  In fact, Caius notes that it can be deceptively beautiful.  Some of the flowers are dangerous and use their beauty to lure in unwary travelers.  The birds in the shrine, called skytalons, are also territorial and hostile to strangers.  A beautiful elven lady who is called Nishera the Garden Keeper wanders the paths and tends to the garden in the shrine.  She asked Caius for his aid in bringing balance back to the gardens to try to help Ysera with her nightmares.  Ysera sleeps in the Emerald Dream in a pool at the center of the garden.  Her nightmares have caused much strife with the Green Dragonflight.  I guess this shows that even in the most beautiful gardens, the viper of discord can be coiled in wait for the unwary.

Until next time, keep safe and sleep well. 

~Zyrena and Sarracenia

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Tags: Azure Dragonshrine, Bronze Dragonshrine, Dragon Wastes, Dragonblight, Emerald Dragonshrine, Infinite Dragonflight, Malygos, Obsidian Dragonshrine, Ruby Dragonshrine, Wyrmrest Temple, Ysera

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