Worgen Tales (Image Heavy)

[Azunara]

((Whoo! I love this journal. Poor Lakita, I can imagine the redemption freaking her out. I really want to do the Kalimdor stuff now after reading this...))

[TygerDarkstorm]

Oy, late post from me, but that was an excellent read. I am actually determined to complete some of these zones on my night elf characters after reading your journal rather than just jump ahead.

[Varethyn]

((Late-ish continuation, but I wanted to level Laki's professions a bit first ))

Dear diary

Back in the inn, Serenade and myself satisfyingly watered, I gave the rod to Raene. Approval had flashed in her eyes and she told me of Teronis' intentions. The rod will supposedly turn its wielder into a furbolg! Teronis was going to use it to find a way of quelling the local furbolgs' desire for battle, but corrupted as they are now it would be fruitless. Raene believes she knows of an uncorrupted furbolg that I can talk to... wait, me?!

First, a long time ago now, I was human. Then I became a werewolf. In Darkshore and at Raynewood I became a cat. Now I'm a bear. What next? I feel so... bulky. I wondered if Serenade minded at all. He doesn't approve much either but when he looked me in the eye, I knew he would stay with me regardless. Loyalty.



Krolg, the uncorrupted furbolg, spends his days next to the waterfall flowing into Mystral Lake. I used the rod's power to transform and talk to him, but it wasn't completely necessary. He knew I wasn't a furbolg. He trusted me warily, telling me to kill the traitorous chieftain of the nearby Greenpaw tribe. What he said still rings in my ears. Krolg believes it was both the orc and night elves responsible for the corruption. Could that really be true?



Krolg was pleased with my display. He was convinced that Teronis was going to use the rod to sew discord among the furbolg tribes, to which I cannot believe. We're trying to help you, dammit. Regardless all I can do is continue to show my support; next up is to infiltrate the camp of the furbolg “king”, Ran Bloodtooth, kill him and return his skull. Gruesome.



As it turned out the Horde had enslaved the Greenpaw furbolgs as their chieftain sold them out. By adorning the transformation rod with Ran's skull I can influence Krolg's captive friends to rebel against their greenskin captors and start an uprising. After being cooped up in a cage for a long time I too would accept freedom from a stranger over continued slavery.



Overall a success I would imagine. The furbolgs held their own against the orcs and many were slaughtered. Good on them. Krolg had told me to return to Raene and report, but know that the Greenpaws are now our allies. Raene was suspicious of the skull at first but quickly understood. It feels weird having people indebted to me.

Peace was short-lived of course as I heard rumours of a family known as the Edunes not being heard from for a while. We know what happened the last time something like this occurred. I volunteered to go search. I have a reputation to uphold now.

Well the family themselves were mostly fine, save for a trio who'd gone camping near demons. They're my next priority. The Edunes hadn't left their house because of the tenticles to the north and demons to the south. Understandable, then, why they didn't dare move. Now, to find that group of campers.

Even before we'd reached the camp I knew something was wrong. Serenade had his hackles up and we approached cautiously. Good thing too; the friends had been magically bound by demon magic. Bolyun, the leader, warned me that a powerful shivarra had done this specifically to lure me here. What have I done to attract attention from demons? I didn't have time to think before she herself attacked me.



Once I killed her Bolyun explained that the only way to break the bonds is to eat her heart. … I'm going to be sick. Eat a demon's heart? Ugh. They did it though and know want revenge and asked that I venture to Felfire Hill and slay all the demons I can manage. Bolyun also wants me to seek out and warn an Ancient known as Big Baobob of the encroaching fiends.



Well, Boabob was also in a bind as wave after wave of blasted demons came at him. He was able to heal himself well, but it was a stalemate. Who was I to let this continue? Demons are just as bad as the forsaken in my book so I took the opportunity to pot-shot a few targets myself. Serenade also leapt in to tear a few legs off.



It took some doing but eventually they stopped coming. Baobob was extremely grateful, both for the help and the news I brought him. Nothing else seems to be amiss here so time to kick back and rest our weary pads in Astranaar for a bit.

Or not. While I was changing Serenade's bandage, I learned that while I was out playing tag with the demons the Horde had attacked the valuable refuge of Silverwind and turned the water elementals of the nearby Mystrel Lake against us. Cowardly bastards. I've been instructed to report to Velene Starstrike at Stardust Spire at Talondeep Pass, to the south, and do what I am able to reclaim Silverwind.

First up was the part I expected; get down to the lake and sort out this mess by killing the “leader” of the elementals, Tideress, and some of his corrupted followers. The unexpected part is that I'm also being sent to a place known as the Skunkworks built next to Silverwind. A pair of gnomes have been kidnapped and the goblins threaten our position with their explosives. Now I've got to kill the head honcho Sploder and steal some technology for Xakxak Gyromate, the resident gnome engineer, to inspect. Apparently he doesn't believe goblins can be technicians.



So, if you fight fire with fire, what do you fight water with? Tooth, claw and a quiver of arrows of course. You know, when people portray someone as angry they tend to make them big and red. Tideress wasn't much of an exception. Reminds me of cranberry juice. Stood there in the middle of the island, surrounded by his bubble and looking all important... Didn't put up much of a fight though.



Ho-ly fel. If I can see it from here then that is one heck of a bomb. I don't know what house they intend to bring down but its obviously gonna be big. Big guy Sploder's up there too, I'll check out the explosive while I'm up there. Between here and there though are a bunch of goblin “technicians” who carry the devices Xakxak wants to look at. Time to get messy. At least the rampaging furbolgs have made their way down here and are distracting the orc guards somewhat. That helps.



Stupid goblins and their stupid explosives, Serenade's pelt is covered in spent gunpowder because the green midgets kept throwing things at us. Yeesh. And when Gyromate called the goblin technology filthy I didn't realise it was literal. My paws are covered in grime. And so is poor Seren's nose when he'd tried to point the stuff out to me. He didn't like it much but I managed to get the worst off with my cloak. It may now be dirty but at least my wolf friend can smell something other than engine oil. Up we go to see Sploder.

For the leader of the whole shabang he wasn't paying much attention. Sploder was too busy yelling in random directions to notice that Seren and I had butchered most of his crew and snuck up on him from behind. Oh yeah he was easy to tell apart from the other goblins: I don't know why anyone other than a gnome would have a hot pink mohawk. Oh, and he wore fancy armour. Always a sign.



Sadly there was no way to get into the bomb to sabotage it. The casing was far too dense: the gobs certainly did well with this number. It was too heavy to move too. Shame, would've been hilarious to watch it explode in the middle of their camp. Well, as long as I had the chance to get away first.

After jumping down from the structure the bomb was sat on top of I caught sight of a wagon being pulled by one of the Horde's lumbering, bulky, scaly beast... things. Kodo? I don't know. As it turned a corner I glimpsed two small things in the back of the wagon. The gnomeish crew that was kidnapped. Minx and Goob were the only survivors: the rest were dead. I had half a mind to let the Horde keep the living gnomes. Its their own fault they got captured, being so small they should've been able to escape right? However I still owe the Horde a little thing called payback for what they've done, both to Gilneas and Kalimdor.



That settled at last I'd better get a warning out about the bomb. Maybe the sentinals will have a better idea of how to overcome it. Maybe. Fel it is huge. Nope, they're just as concerned as I am. While we were deviating a plan one of the sentinals called out something... I spun around just in time to watch the giant bomb hauled off by a large hot-air balloon. It was headed into Stonetalon Mountains!



Fel... How is anyone meant to do anything about that thing? Well there's no point chasing it right now. Besides, I'm tired and wet again. My agenda for now is take a hippogryph back to Darnassus, clean up and rest. We'll figure out what to do with that bomb. Somehow.

[Azunara]

((Okay, this disproves what I've noticed. Lakita has issues with the Horde as well.

So, Ru'gula, Brakara hated the Alliance, Lakita hates the Horde...Sol's the one and jsut doesn't care about factions. She just has issues with Black Dragons and Blackrock Orcs. xD

And gnolls. And murlocs. And kobolds. >>

Random note aside, yay! More! I think I have an idea what will happen to the bomb, if I remember from the other journals.))

[Varethyn]

She has good reason to hate the Horde right now though: after all the forsaken attacked, and forced her to flee from, Gilneas, orcs assisted in taking Gilneas, tauren and trolls were working with the orcs to attack Darkshore and goblins make stuff for them all. Lakita makes the connections and acts accordingly As far as she's concerned they all need a good butt-kicking. She's still oblivious to the existence of blood elves yet; how she reacts to them will be determined by how I first find them.

Agreed with the gnolls, murlocs and kobolds though. Especially murlocs.

As for the bomb... we'll just have to wait and see

[Azunara]

Which I think is sort of a neat difference between the starting zones. Sol, leveling up in the human zones, was only exposed to Blackrock Orcs. Lakita, leveling in Gilneas and NE, was exposed to more of the Horde and hates them for what she's seen.

These journals really do point out the subtleties in the zones, if you ask me.))

[Varethyn]

((More!))

Dear diary

Reluctant as I am given the circumstances I was packed off to Stormwind to assist with problems in the Cape of Stranglethorn Vale. Truly I wish there were some way I could've convinced everyone to let me chase the Horde and their bomb, but orders are orders I guess. I had no really fast way to travel to the cape, after taking a gryphon to Westfall that is. Of course I made sure to visit Tune. The little red fox was happy as always to see me, and made fast friends with Serenade. They even sang together for a while before I had to leave. No sign of Requiem however. I wonder how he's doing.

Heading eastward across a bridge I wound up in Duskwood. I can see why they call it that: perpetual twilight. Pretty in a way, but the various things rustling in the bushes around me gave me chills. Even if it was just a rat. This place is eery. No need to stop here though, apparently a young human woman passed through here recently and into the northern part of Stranglethorn. Kind of a shame I'm headed south, it would've been nice to meet a fellow adventurer. I'm sure I caught sight of a black fox darting around in the trees... maybe my eyes are just playing tricks. Passing through northern Stranglethorn was fairly uneventful too. I guess the woman left a good impression on this area too.

Taking a short break at the Rebel Camp at the entrance to Stranglethorn. Its taking a while to run to my destination. What I wouldn't give for a hippogryph of my own right about now. People here whisper rumours of a strange black owl flying around the troll ruins. Owls. In a jungle? I doubt it.

Finally, my destination. A dwarven digsite just beyond the fissure that seperates northern Stranglethorn with the Cape. I was welcomed quite warmly only to be set out on my first mission: collect some basilisk humour. Humour? What am I meant to do... make it laugh? I certainly hope not. I don't do funny. On Purpose.

Basilisks. Interesting creatures. The giant reptiles are actually quite appealing... if only because I was forced to stare at them after being petrified a few times. I fantasised taming one and using it to turn the whole Horde to stone. Ah, if only. But daydreams are daydreams and I have a job to do.



You've got to feel sorry for the poor slobs that got permanently petrified out here, haven't you?



The basilisks slinking about outside the cave, and most of the ones inside, didn't supply the right kind of humour. At least I think that's the humour. Disgusting whatever it is. But deeper inside the cave were giant basilisks that looked like they came from another world! And boy did those ones enjoy petrifying us over and over and over... I'm sure there's a side effect to that. Thankfully these things had much the stuff I was asked to collect. I think Seren took a big hit while we were making our way out again, he's limping and holding up his bad leg. I checked it but it doesn't look any different. In fact I'd say it's much improved since I first found him. I'll have to keep an eye on that.



Well, well, what do you know? The humour -that IS the humour, right?- is far too thick for the gnome here, Dask, to do anything with. We need pure water to dilute it a bit. Emphasis on pure; none of the salty stuff we're currently surrounded by. And guess what? Naga. Naga are here too and they, of freaking course, guard the only source of pure water in Stranglethorn. Wooptie-doo.

A young dwarf girl by the name of Linzi stopped me before I sulked off. She's the daughter of a tradesman and needs my help stocking up on supplies and jumping on opportunites should they arise. In this case she requires the pelts from the jungle cats, both tiger and panther, and reeds that the naga collect. She also thinks we can do something with the statues they keep leaving all over the place. Well why not? If they're just going to leave them lying around...

What Linzi said was true, the naga just left these little statuettes laying hither and thither in this place. What on Azeroth would that accomplish, save the odd thieving worgen? I pilfered a fair few of them. Not many though because they were oddly heavy.



The naga themselves were easy to dispatch too... though there was this strange one that really liked Serenade. He kept petting my wolf and, I assume, cooing to him as if they were the bonded ones. The naga turned hostile when he learned Seren is with me of course. Poor sap.



Such a lovely place. Shame its got naga crawling all over it. I could not resist having a sip from the fountain myself after bottling some for Dask. Seren's getting worse. The leg doesn't hurt him but he refuses to stand on it. Could some of the basilisks' paralytic venom have gotten into a wound? I need to find out, fast. What kind of hunter lets her pets get paralysed?



Last task before I get Seren some attention: the jungle cats. The panthers, while stealthing perfectly in their surroundings, were plentiful and I eventually had enough panther hide to suit Linzi's demand. Tigers weren't quite so common even though they stuck out like a saw thumb compared to their black cousins. Eventually found them all though; Seren may be afflicted by basilisk venom but his nose sure still works. I wonder why he keeps finding thigs before I do... I guess my wolf senses aren't as sharp as a real wolf's.



((Continued next post. Edited to resize pics.))

[Varethyn]

((Continued.))

Back at camp I gave the items to their respective owners. Guess what? The diluted humour was a dud. Great. Now I need to kill zombies for a... zombies? Stranglethorn had long been a troll haven but due to various events they no longer populate the jungle quite so much. There is one specific troll that is widely known to still be here, an outcast who dabbles in necromantic and mind-altering serems. Dask reckons some of that stuff will work for his experiment; I just need to kill a bunch of “Zanzil's” test subjects to get the mixture.

Linzi was overjoyed with the supplies I brought her. Maybe a bit too much. She was able to calm down enough to tell me that a troll was hiding behind some crates in camp. Brilliant, a spy. I bet the Horde have been tailing me for what I did to their plans. What confused me was that Linzi gave me a kerchief filled with some of the akris she asked me to collect. A peace offering? Poor, deluded dwarf. But if it makes her happy, I'll go talk to tusk-face.

That was a surpise. The troll, Maywiki, had been expecting me, but not as a Horde spy. Her tribe isn't a part of the Horde at all, and they need my help. Me? I must really be racking up a hell of a reputation. Maywiki gave me some incense, instructing me to breathe it in at a bat totem and use its power to pry into Zanzil's secrets. Sounds... interesting. Also interesting was how she handled the akris I'd given her. Seems she knows a little about curatives and was able to mash the reeds into a concoction to relieve Serenade's paralysis. It wouldn't work indefinitely but at least he can move properly for now. The sooner I find a professional the better.

Zombies, zombies everywhere! And not necessarily the dead kind. Most were mindless ghouls, clearly too far gone for their own good, but among them were trolls and naga of all things. Zanzil certainly isn't picky about his subjects. I slew a bunch of them, keeping a keen eye on Serenade.



Within one of the zombie-infested ruins we found the totem Maywiki mentioned. What... fascinating... artistry. Placing the incense at the base of the totem and breathing it in transformed me again! This time into a humanoid bat – a gargoyle. The bat “Loa” as Maywiki said, guided me to more ruins down on the beach. Perched on a wall I watched as a troll witchdoctor, presumably Zanzil, spoke with the ghost of another troll he referred to as Jin'do, or “The Hexxer”. They plan to resurrect the bodies of the Gurubashi priests and reclaim dominance over the land. I heard how the Gurubashi tribe were malevolent in their ways. This, then, is dire news.



Maywiki was also concerned about the ordeal and immediately told me to go back to where the bat had taken me and kill Zanzil before any of this can be set in motion. Before I left I handed Dask his mixture. The gnome promptly mixed it with the other things I gave him... and it all exploded.



First off he was disappointed and asked me to tell Bronwyn, the dwarf who'd asked him to look at the object he had been trying to figure out the origin of that he'd failed. The gnome was also excited about the explosion. Only a gnome or goblin would enjoy being blown up. Now he wants to know what caused the explosion. You know what that means.

Bronwyn was disappointed too. Whatever this thing is its old but not Titan. The dwarf thinks someone down in Booty Bay will be better at deciphering it. Duty calls come first; time for a quick stroll along the beach.

I was forced to carve a path through the zombies and Zanzil's followers before making it to the campsite where I'd witnessed the exchange. Sadly Zanzil had already left, but his portal to wherever he'd gone was still open. Thankfully I'd picked up Dask's ingredients before I jumped on through.



The portal lead into Zul'Gurub, the old Gurubashi empire. Up the path directly in front of me was Hir'eek, the bat's, shrine... and Zanzil attempting to resurrect Jeklik, the former Bat Priestess. I managed to foil that attempt however; while Serenade, disabled though the poor wolf is, distracted the witchdoctor I made sure the priestess would never be resurrected again.



With this first failure Zanzil fled through another portal. This one led to the snake god's shrine where Venoxis lay, also prepared to come back to life. I tried the same tactic we'd used with Jeklik, but as soon as I was close to destroying the body of the priest, snake spirits swarmed and healed him. This continued for some time until suddenly I was hauled back, strangulated by shadow magic. Jin'do had arrived and planned to kill me. Just at the right moment Bronwyn flew overhead in an aircraft, rope ladder extended for me to climb up. Talk about cutting it close.


((Actually I died because I was too slow on screenshots ><;))

While I had effectively failed my initial tast of slaying Zanzil Maywiki was coloured impressed that I'd destroyed one High Priest, almost two. She hails me as a hero. I can't say I feel like one. Zanzil and Jin'do still lurk in Zul'Gurub. The threat is still out there. Maywiki laid a hand on my shoulder and smiled. Today's battle is ours, for now we needn't worry about the future.

The Zandalari troll's words still echoing in my mind I returned to Dask and gave him his stuff. I admit, I'm still a little dazed from this last adventure. I almost died! Most of Dask's words were lost on me but he seemed happy enough. Only one thing available to do now and that's to visit Booty Bay, the goblin port-town. Goblins... I hope Bronwyn's right and these green midgets aren't with the Horde.

That's a good sign, the goblins barely gave me a second glance as I waltzed on in. Booty Bay looks like it was hit by a tidal wave recently: seaweed everywhere, a few places being rebuilt and the statue off the coast is somewhat damaged. Airwyn, the gnome Bronwyn told me to look for, couldn't do anything immediately. She told me to take a look around Booty Bay for the time being and check back later. I also think I'll check into the inn for a rest. See you later diary.

((Edited to resize pics.))

[Varethyn]

For the laughs:


EDIT: Resize.

[Azunara]

((...

*High-fives for great justice.*

Sol, Darkrai, AND Shadwyn, all in one post! You, my friend, win an internet. Its name is Joseph. I love this bit, and the comic is great too.))

[Varethyn]

Couldn't resist Thought you'd like it *Hugs Joseph*
It's amazing what you can achieve by mashing the print-screen button.

[Varethyn]

Dear diary

Outside the building Airwyn was in I tripped over a very sick-looking goblin. Jungle fever, he managed to wheeze out. Something about the heart of a white gorilla. I'd shrugged at that, passing it off as drunken babbling. I also bumped into a man known as Sea-Wolf MacKinley who demanded payment from gambling, but his opponents were yet to pay up. First up: an easily scared guy called Phillipe. MacKinley suggested showing him giblets from the local gorillas. Ick.

As I headed back up the ramp leading into Stranglethorn proper Captain Heckleberry Smotts almost too casually told me the story of how he used to sail on a grand ship, but it was destroyed by sea giants. One such giant had stolen his chest. Apparently it still wonders near here, maybe I should take a look.



Wouldn't you know, Gorlash, the giant, was still here. He also went down like a ton of bricks. I fear that the punishment he did dish out may have triggered the paralytic venom in Seren again, as he's limping slightly. I really wish someone here could help.

Another thing, I found a bottle along the shore with a message inside. Someone, somewhere, needed help. Reading the note I gather they're over on the isle to the southeast. Time to be a hero again perhaps? I'll be carrying Serenade on my back as we make our way there.



A tauren! I'd almost jumped her before Serenade dashed between us. The wolf nudged at a ball and chain that the tauren was shackled to. I didn't trust her much but I suppose if a troll can be friendly to me a tauren can too. Poobah, as her name was, asked first that I kill some of the panthers nearby. No point being rescued if you're going to be eaten.



Cats dead, path suitably cleared... she now wants me to retrieve some things that the local monkeys made off with. Look Poobah, do you want to be rescued or not?



And now we... no we don't. After asking me to help her, slaughtering most of the wildlife on this isle to get her belongings back, only now does she tell me about the key. A particularly huge gorilla known locally as King Mukla holds it. She wants to be free yet she has me beating around the bush before getting to the point? Why don't I get the key first so we know you're safe then get the stuff together? No? Well excuse me, Princess!



Well now. After killing ample monkeys and gorillas for Poobah's objects one particular monkey decided to jump on my back, screeching fearfully. At first I thought it was attacking; why wouldn't it after I killed possibly its entire family? Turns out it was clinging on out of fear, grinning and hooting pathetically. I've never considered a monkey as a pet before. They, and their larger cousins, just don't strike me as pet material. But this little girl seems insistant on clinging on. Well then, why not. Just for now.

Listening to the sounds she makes... its almost like a vocal musical. What were they called? A capella, that's it. And so, Acapella will be her name while she's with me. She is actually kind of cute.



Serenade isn't so sure, probably doesn't like how Aca clings to me. His health isn't great either, I think the toxin's spreading. Quickly I unlocked Poobah's shackles and watched as she made her own way off the isle without me. Yeesh, royalty. Only royalty I can stand is Gilnean royalty. I digress, I need to get Serenade help NOW.

That wolf is determined, I'll give you that. Its not like his life is in danger at all but being paralysed must be awful. Back in Booty Bay were some other members of the Zandalari tribe, and a couple of their shaman agreed to tend to Seren. It may take some time but whatever it takes to get my pack-brother back on his paws. I'll check back every now and again to see his progress.

Best to take my mind off things. Shaky isn't going to scare himself and I'm curious about this “Mokk the Savage”. The valley just north of Booty Bay was home to a bunch of gorillas I recall, so I headed that way. It took a few moments to pry Acapella off of my back but once I did she was straight into the fight screaming. ...I think she freaked out.



Monkeys are vicious little critters! Or at least this noisy devil is. I still want to know just why she's so clingy; as soon as we kill a gorilla she's right back on my back, arms and legs around my torso. This could get fun. I carried the little rascal up a path in the mountains, seeing if any gorillas made the cave their home. Instead of gorillas I found another troll shaman who not only has heard of Mokk but knows how to summon him in return for a gorilla fang. The reason for the fang eludes me, but I'd already collected a few and so agreed. A couple other gorillas attacked too, but Mokk was right on their heels. That's it Aca, go for the eyes! Now scratch the face, keep them distracted. Okay its dead now, you can stop. I said you can stop! Eesh.



Back to the Bay. Shaky was the guy wondering around near the ramp. I could tell: when I'd pulled out the giblets everyone else gave me strange looks while Phillipe started shaking furiously. He coughed up his debt, claiming to have gotten drunk along the way. A likely story. MacKinley didn't believe it much either, but he was glad to have his pay. Now he needs me to collect some more, except this time one of the targets is dead. Debt from beyond the grave. That's new. I also gave Smotts back his chest. Grateful though he was his vengeance isn't yet sated. He intends to lure out another giant using meat and port. Or rather, he intends ME to lure it out. Whee...

Grabbing the food and drink was no big deal. Now for the fun bit: summoning the giant, Negolash. Before I headed to the old beached lifeboat Smotts mentioned a goblin, First Mate Crazz, called out to me and asked me to scout out a cove just outside Booty Bay for pirate activity. He said he'd send his boys out but they're out of their little green heads right now. Typical.

I found the three debtors roaming around on the eastern beach. Ephram Moostrike was pretending to be more interested in the gorillas but soon turned hostile when I mention Sea-Wolf. He, and the other two, ended up dying (again in Maury's case). This just proves that gambling gets you nowhere. I looked over their belongings and snagged the most expensive things they had: A mirror, a wrench of sorts and Maury's clubbed foot.


((Laki insists on using the same pose sometimes Boring worgen.))

That sorted I checked in at the cove Crazz wanted me to look at. And was promptly attacked by pirates. Well, that confirms that suspicion. One of the pirates, ashamedly one of the Cursed, held a coin with an odd insignia on it. Keeping that for later I also found a map with a dagger stuck in it. The Bloodsail Buccaneers (whoever they are) intend to attack Booty Bay. I don't think this is what Crazz wanted to hear.



Crazz told me to warn the baron of Booty Bay of the inpending attacks. He also suggested showing the coin I found to Fleet Master Seahorn. En route I dropped by MacKinley to give him his dues. He was extremely grateful and immediately attempted to open Maury's foot. Which turned out easier than he thought. I then made my way up to where the braon waited. Why do the important people like to hang out in high places? Seahorn was there too. He knew the guy who had the coin, and asked to keep it. When he said “keep it” I expected him to pocket it, not throw it out to sea.

Baron Revilgaz didn't seem particularly concerned about attacks, confident Booty Bay would hold out. He did suggest I go thin the herd a little to teach them a lesson for trying and steal their orders and charts. Headed back downstairs a dwarf by the name of Deeg asked me to steal some snuff from the Bloodsails. He'd run out personally and the pirates had stolen it all. Well, if I'm killing them anyway might as well take the loot. Likewise a blind man called Dizzy lost his eye to the Bloodsails. Not his real eye, an enchanted one that let him see. All that glitters is pirate loot, or something like that.

Its getting late though. I'm sure those pirates will still be there tomorrow. Good night diary.

[Nick]

Well excuse me, Princess!

I think I lol'd at that for five minutes before I could continue reading. xD
Loving the journal so far, its amazing to see how a character fleshes out over time.

[TygerDarkstorm]

Belated posting but excellent reads as always Varethyn! I sat and laughed at that little naga comic for a good few minutes, even gave the man a giggle.

[Airwyn]

So I totally Derp'd when I saw Airwyn...I forgot about the npc named Airwyn I was all HEY! THEY SAID/TYPED MY NAME! Haha but besides that, I really like reading your journal posts! You do a really great job! The naga comic made me laugh too

[Varethyn]

Hee I love knowing that I've made people laugh with this. Normally I'm bad at humour, but I suppose having a semi-sarcastic character, good references with chances to use them and some decent luck with screenshots makes it all work

So I totally Derp'd when I saw Airwyn...I forgot about the npc named Airwyn I was all HEY! THEY SAID/TYPED MY NAME! Haha but besides that, I really like reading your journal posts! You do a really great job! The naga comic made me laugh too

I KNEW I'd seen that name somewhere before and I was certain that wasn't the right name, but something similar. T'is a small world (of Warcraft)

[Azunara]

I was all, "Huh." too. Anyways, I love this post!

Sol needs a monkey someday. :\

[Varethyn]

Dear diary

My task was simple enough, the coast was crawling with Bloodsails, and every other one had a pinch of snuff or so on them. Getting the amount Deeg wanted (and then some) was no trouble. It took some time before I found the one carrying Dizzy's eye. Conveniently it was a mage, perhaps she was going to use it in her spells or enchantment. I hear you don't need physical reagents in the afterlife, honey.



The Bloodsails were making progress as well it seems, having set up a couple of make-shift camps up the beach. In each I found important-looking pieces of paper. And a few shopping and “To Kill” lists. Among them all I managed to dig out a map and chart. Perfect for what the baron wants. Can't say the pirates were happy to let me have them but Acapella kept them busy. If those pirates she attacked had lived they too would need enchanted eyes like Dizzy's.



I spotted what I assumed was Smotts' lifeboat as I was smakcing the Bloodsails about. Just as well, the food was heavy and started to reek in the heat. At least that'd add to the lure. Dumping everything inside the wooden structure I hid behind a tree and waited. It wasn't long before the second sea giant showed himself and he too now eats sand.



One last target: a final, and typically the biggest, sea giant haunts the island with the statue on it. Apparently he's the one keeping Heckleberry from leaving again and needs to be dealt with accordingly. Wow, he is big; I can see him from here!



The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Also makes shooting them in the face a darned sight harder when they insist on keeping their backs to the sun with it peeping over their shoulder. Aca was fine though, scrabbling up the giant like a tree, swiping at his eyes and shrieking uncontrollably. I'm a little wary of this tiny psycho I appear to have befriended.



Smotts was impressed and thanked me for allowing him passage back onto the seas. Almost. He needs a ship now. Still hooting and chattering Aca has wrapped herself around me again, hissing at everyone. What have I gotten myself into? Its difficult to talk to people with this girl stuck to me.

After returning Dizzy's eye, handing Deeg the snuff and giving the charts to baron Revilgaz I settled down for a quick drink in the inn. People were gossiping as normal, and many of them had their eyes on my monkey. Don't blame them. I hope she stays put, even if she's crushing my lungs. One tidbit caught my attention though: development in Stonetalon. It seems the Horde dropped their bomb right on top of a druid training ground out of conspiracy. Such sad news. While it was in vain an orc woman with a white wolf much like Serenade had been reported to have attempted to intercept the mission. An orc? Why would the Horde try to diffuse their own terrorism? Well I have learned that some Horde creatures can be neutral to non-Horde, but I'll never forgive them for what they have done to me and the rest of the Alliance.

Baron Revelgaz called for me shortly. He's mulled over the Bloodsails' plans and is suspicious of them. The captain, Firallon, intends only to station three ships to fire cannons at the Bay while a handful of men enter via the tunnel. Booty Bay is too well-defended for such an attack so the baron wants me to infiltrate the true plan... by becoming one of them. I hope word didn't get out too far about me or else this will get ugly.

Turns out they had heard of me, but not enough to describe me as more than a female worgen hunter. Because of this though the recruiter, Yancey Grillsen, didn't trust me, me being a female worgen hunter. I've been sent to prove myself by bringing them the head of Fleet Master Seahorn! Now I can't go double-crossing Booty Bay can I? There must be some way around this.

Seahorn was amused and told me how most non-tauren find it difficult to tell one tauren from another. I admit, I fall under that category. He went on to say how most of those people can't distinguish a tauren from a certain four-legged farm creature - a cow in other words – and that the local leatherworker keeps one here in Booty Bay. I think I see the connection here.



Poor Bossy. You will be remembered for your selfless act. Then worn as someone's clothes in a few weeks. Now for a hat that would fit a co- tauren. Narkk the Pirate Supplier might have one of those.



He did, but he wasn't happy. Little goblin is proud of his hats and hates having to drill holes in them for tauren's horns. Also, this was his last extra large hat. I timed that well. Seahorn told me that most tauren would find this shameful. It was then decided that the head were beat up a little, for the illusion of a fight. He and the baron proceeded to play football with it. The Fleet Master then changed his mind, saying that this performance was somewhat amusing. Hopefully Yancey will fall for this thing.



Ha! He fell for it completely: I'm in. Feels kind of strange working for the enemy. I was to meet my new captain, Keelhaul, and learn the ropes. I reported for duty promplty, handing over the papers. What, no uniform?



Keelhaul isn't the caring sort. I've been made his swabbie and the thing swabbies do is swab the decks. Disgusting. The thing was filthy. Hardly a surpise truthfully, pirates tend to keep parrots about. And when they gotta go, they gotta go... Yuck.



Swabbing is an endless job. One guy, “Pretty-boy” Duncan laughed at me but agreed how tough swabbie-level is. He explained that due to his short arms and inability to hold his breath for more than ten seconds he'd been demoted thoroughly. But his task was to collect cannonballs that had sunk. I've still got decks to clean. I hate cleaning the decks. Duncan isn't doing anything of use and is at risk of something called a “boo-box”. One gold piece and we swapped places: I'd much sooner haul cannonballs around that clean up after the birds. And Duncan is proving to be capable of something. Win-win for both of us.

Did he say SHARKS? Blast it all. It was hard enough fighting to get the balls back to the ship as they were without being charged as soon as my back was turned. Aca didn't hep with the heavy things either, clinging on to me unless a shark attacked, then she was all over that. If we could breath underwater I'm sure the whole ocean would be ringing with her shrieking.



Finally, task complete. As I sat on the (now clean) decks taking a breather the Fleet Master of the ship called me over. That was when I was introduced to a lovely little detail known as scurvy. For Greymane's sake I pray I don't stay here long enogh to catch it myself. The tauren, Garr Salthoof, explained that limes make good relief for scurvy but their last shipment was leeft along the coast. Little swabby girl needs to collect. At least I'm away from those disease-ridden pirates and their filthy birds.

As it turned out some of the Bloodsails had tried to keep all the limes for themselves and attacked me at each crate I located. Some people go to extremes to keep themselves healthy. Shame limes don't protect against an angry worgen and her psycho monkey.



Garr was pleased and split some of the limes with me in the form of limeade and key lime pie. Good to know I won't be catching the disease any time soon then. No sooner had we made the exchange did Keelhaul call me back downstairs. I found him in tears of both loss and joy: Firallon himself heard how capable I am and wants me to work for him instead. This is perfect; being close to the brains of the operation I should better get the chance to learn his true plan. Let's do this.



Firallon welcomed me smartly, but I won't be working with him just yet. An orc -yes, an orc. How many Horde characters are going to turn up here and make me wish I could attack them? - called Ironpatch gave me my first task: learn how to use a cannon. Not jus any cannon, a proper, old-fashioned, lock-and-load cannon. I was to aim at a small boat with a target dummy affectionately named “Smilin' Timmy Sticks”. It took a lot to not laugh when he said that.



It took some getting used to: with these things you have to load the ball then lock the barrel in place to fire it. Timing and aim are crucial. I think I went through a whole pile of balls before I got the required five direct hits. Happens all the time, “Dead-Eye” Drederick McGumm told me. At least now I know why all those cannonballs were at the bottom of the sea. I wonder who Duncan will get to pick mine up. I also couldn't help but notice that these cannons have the Lordaeron insignia on them.



Drederick let me in on a secret: he doesn't really need an eyepatch, he wears it because his other eye is “stronger” and the “weaker” one was holding back its capabilities. What? Strong eyes or not he told me he'd seen ninjas over on Jaguero Isle and wants me to kill some with him. Good thing I got Poobah off the isle previously, it was hard enough to make her move with panthers, monkeys and apes wandering about, let alone ninjas.

I'll get to that later, they're not a major threat right now. Ironpatch acknowledged my “skill” with a cannon and set me out to shoot some living targets. Goblins from the Venture Company who are collecting something they call “black gold”. Needless to say, the Bloodsails want that gold.

Oil. I should have known. Regardless it sells well so the pirates want in on it. Set out on a small boat with an oarsman guiding us and a huge cannon at my disposal I shot as many goblins as I could aim at. The oarsman stopped occassionally to let me aim but more often than not took off again before the fuse was lit. Not a complete disaster mind, the misfires landed on more Venture Co on the coast.



Time to check on these ninjas. “Pirates' mortal enemy” Drederick informed me. I don't see why but fair enough. If it proves my loyalty to them. I swam over to the isle and shot a flare to tell the dwarf the coast was clear and we set about slaying the black-garbed rogues.

<Many pages have been torn out – you assume a scuffle involving the diary occurred here.>
((After having to relog because of one bug that made my items disappear if I moved them into another bag and any quest-buttons showing as "in use", I'm suffering a weird bug that shows the Bloodsails as hostile despite the quest buff. I can't attack them, but I can't talk to them either. This means I can't do anymore quests in the Cape but I'm eager to continue. So... yeah, pretend the diary got busted.))

Blast it all, how did this get so torn up? That's half of Stranglethorn missing! Bah. Nothing I can do about that but continue on.

I never understood that monkey and never will. I'd headed up to the flight tower to catch a ride to Westfall to begin my usual rounds when Acapella let out a horrible and quite horrifying screech and fled. She ran into the jungle and vanished within the trees. I'm speechless. Passers-by must've given me odd looks as I'd stood dumbfounded, staring after the monkey.

As I returned monkey-less a woman on the docks called me over, telling me that the swampland of Dustwallow Marsh needed assistance. I agreed, but before I left I checked on Serenade, who is suffering some irrepairable paralysis in his front left leg.

I feel awful letting him suffer like that. The shaman did their best and I'd thanked them, but I'm at a loss as to what to do with the wolf. As it turned out he's made friends with the innkeeper here and receives lots of attention from the customers. Not really his scene, but better than dragging himself after me.

I'll sleep here for the night and set out for Kalimdor in the morning. I want to spend a little more time with Seren and collect my thoughts after Aca ran away. Good night.

((I'm adding more and more text as I go through this ))

[Azunara]

((Brakara! Not even my char, but nice one. And oh noes, what's wrong with Aca?))

[TygerDarkstorm]

I like all the text Varethyn. Excellent read as always, it's fun watching Lakita progress.
The Brakara reference gave me a smile.