All come together

The tension is high as a handful of horde is surrounded by what you suspect are more numerous than they appear night elf Sentinels. Four guards are at the entrance. Two facing inside. Two outside. A dwarf enters from the north road. Catching sight of a gnome tinkering away at some unrecognizable small machinery, his eyes light up, barely acknowledging anyone else. On the oppostie side of the large hall stands the group of newcomers led by a high elf.


The statuesque elves remain stoic in their stance with barely a quiver of their lips in disgust at the orc and his words. Thalnazz glances with worry between Gazam and the night elves.

The night elves become placid at Meridia's words. It may be the highest sign of respect they can muster to an elf such as she.

The gnome in oil stained clothes looks at Allyk from under a bushy brow. "You're welcome to try, creature." He sneers, eyes still locked on Allyk as he quickly reassembles the machinery with other pieces. The result appears to be a gun of some sort. It looks like a series of concentric plates mounted around a central tip, surrounded by coiled silver wires.

Dormir's journey to Silverwing Outpost was not short enough. Had he come all this way only to be sent for elsewhere again? He surely hoped not. Optimistic as he was, Dormir's patience began to wear thin. And then his eyes fell upon Wembil Taskwidget. Fiddling about with wizzle-sprockets and jazzer-doos at his table, Wembil was the epitomy of gnome tinkerer. Exactly what Dormir needed.
Dormir approached, nervousness building within him.
"Might ye be Wembil Taskwidget?"

Wembil is excitedly beside himself. Two people are taking interest in him! He looks back and forth between Dormir and Allyk. "Why, yes. Yes, I am!" He turns to Allyk. "Oh, mister und-. Well, that is to say... Forsaken, is it? I would be quite happy to give you a demonstration at the appropriate time. If you'll but excuse me for a moment?" Bringing his attention to Dormir, the gnome smiles brightly. "You have sought me out, Mister..." He draws out the last syllable, leading to an introduction.

Thalnazz looks unconvinced. "Yes, well, until today I have only seen night elves in the forest, save for Master Taskwidget."

OOC:

You can roll Deception if you want.

Thalnazz looks only slightly puzzled at what message for a human mage could possibly come from an orc. "I'm sorry I can't be of more help. Until today I have only seen night elves in the forest, save for Master Taskwidget."

Dormir's light-skinned cheeks flushed with slight embarrassment as he realized he didnt properly introduce himself before inquiring the gnome's identity. "Right. Me name's Dormir Emberheart, protector of many, son of Theramir Emberheart, associate smithy of the Ironforge Metallurgy League, son of Malduin Emberheart, high priest of the Seven Sorrows. I've come 'ere on Mandy Sparkshine's suggestion. Mandy and a long ear named Elsharin agreed that ye be the' gnome I need t' seek out. Ye could say I've brought somethin' ye want t' see." Dormir, in contemplation, scratched at his thick beard, braided in two strands resting neatly on his chain shirt. "Might ye know somewhere more private?"

The gnome looks somewhat surprised by Dormir's series of titles. "Well now... pleased to meet you. And you already know my name, so that's that." Gnomes usually aren't much for lists of titles, but they're used to it from their Dwarven neighbors. "Uh, if you'll give me just a moment ... Mister Forsaken?" He takes a step toward Allyk and levels the device in his hands to a stool beside the undead. "Yes, if you'll just turn your attention right... here." Wembil takes careful aim -squinting and lightly biting his tongue- and pulls the trigger. A blast of blue lightning erupts from the tip of the device, striking the stool beside Allyk. And it shrinks. Not miniaturized, but if you'd hazard a guess, you'd say it was the perfect size for a gnome.
Looking utterly pleased with himself, Wembil nods in approval, holsters the device, and leads Dormir to a room just off the main hall. Recovering from a bit of shock at Wembil's demonstration, Thalnazz speaks up. "Well then! That was ... quite something." He clears his throat and takes a seat at what seems to be a large dining table, motioning for the rest of you to take a seat. "While it's unfortunate that I cannot help you in passing on your message, I don't suppose all of you are here as couriers, are you? What brings you to Ashenvale?" Thalnazz is perky, positive, and genuine. You're sure this continued behavior will become annoying soon. He looks to each of you, expecting a wellspring of conversation, and getting little to none. He looks behind him to the night elf guards. "Oh don't mind them. But if you'd prefer..." He turns, calling to the sentinels. "Would you be so kind as to stand guard somewhere that needs guarding? My new friends and I are quite alright, I assure you." Looking all too relieved to be away from the priest, the night elves roll their eyes and calmly walk away, leaving the two guards on the outside of the door. Thalnazz slips a hand into his robe, producing a small yellow crystal set into a silver disc with arcane runes carved into the metal. A slight gesture from the priest sends a faint shimmer around him and the four of you. "There. Now they can't hear us." And indeed, sound seems muffled somehow, though you can hear him just fine. Tucking the item back into his robes, Thalnazz beams with naive excitement. "So tell me, what sort of an adventure are you on?"

His eyes go wide at the revelation of Meridia's arm. "By the Light!" Gingerly, he takes her arm, careful not to touch the affected area. Meridia notices the area has grown to cover most of her forearm. Worry replaces the excitement in the priest's demeanor as he examines the grey flesh. "Camberon was right to send you to me." He looks up, and with a rather inappropriate smile, "You know, he and I would come up with the most ridiculous concoctions..." His face falls, realizing his faux pas. "Uh, that isn't important." The slightly embarrassed priest returns to his examination, "Were you not already a High Elf smothered in arcane magic, the night elves here would likely have detected this taint on you." He gives Gazam a side eye. "But I suppose there are other sources of magic to sense."
Thalnazz lets go of Meridia's arm and takes a deep breath. Holding his hands over Meridia's forearm, he closes his eyes as a golden light radiates from him, bathing Meridia's arm in its warmth. The moment stretches on, warming Meridia - uncomfortably warm. And just like that, it's over. Thalnazz opens his eyes to see nothing has changed, and he is silent for a moment.
"I have not been to Silvermoon in many years. Before the Third War in fact. My calling, as you can see, has not taken me along the same path as others of my kind." There's an old pain in his eyes as he says this before pushing it aside and continuing. "I have heard of Blood Elves who have succumbed to their hunger of magic. Wretched, they are called. It is a lack of magic they suffer from. You, however, seem to suffer from too much magic. Tainted, yes, but magic all the same. You say you were present when the Sunwell was destroyed? By the ... discoloration of your skin there, I'd say necromantic energies have tainted you from when Arthas raised Kel'Thuzad as a lich, befouling the Sunwell." Concern lines his face as he struggles to make eye contact. "My personal mission has been to study the religions of different cultures. It was my hope to unite these cultures and their people. It seems there are some ... subtleties that prevent this." Thalnazz finally meets Meridia's gaze, trying to hide the pity he has for her. "Be that as it may, I have learned a great deal about many things. The night elves have a rich history with the Moon Goddess, Elune. Their moonwells are sacred pools blessed by Elune. Their purity may be able to help you." He turns to spy on the door, making sure no guards returned inside. "The problem is, even I - a priest of the Light - have not been granted access to such places. I am still a High Elf and the arcane taint of my people still clings to me." Thalnazz lets out a sigh of frustration and stands as he begins to slowly pace. "I must meditate on this. It is dangerous, but necessary. Tomorrow then. You may stay under the protection as my guests here. Though we will remain under guard of the Sentinels."

"I can't say anything for certain," Thalnazz replied,"With this sort of magical taint, you may be even more susceptible to succumbing. As long as you stay vigilant in resisting the effects of withdrawal, I'd say you stand a good chance at preventing 'wretching'."
Meridia's comment on troll religion has Thalnazz fully intrigued. "Really now?" He looks over to the only troll present. "Is that right - Mul'Zeb was it? I'd be most interested in hearing more about this. From what I've learned, there seems to be a connection of sorts between the Ancients revered by the Night Elves and the Loa spirits of your culture."

The religious discussion goes on for some time, with a few commonalities discovered such as both Ancients and Loa being gods of the natural world and usually taking form of enormous animals. It's during this conversation that Dormir and Wembil emerge from the side room.
"I don't know what to say. I don't know of the device you speak of. It could take weeks to design and years to build. Or, I suppose a day to design and weeks to build?" Wembil gets frustrated and shakes his fists beside his head. "I don't know! This isn't what I've trained for!"
Thalnazz stops mid word at the gnome's outburst, glancing between Dormir and Wembil. "Is ... everything alright, you two?"

Putting himself between Wembil and Thalnazz, Dormir's voice drops to a whisper. After what appears to be a moment of reassurance between Dormir and Wembil, Dormir nods at Thalnazz and speaks, "Aye, me friend 'ere just had a moment o' clarity..." He let's the words hang in the air just long enough for it to sink in, see the gears turn, and see a mouth to hang agape in preparation for a retort, then finishes, "He noticed 'is hand don't have any ale in it!" Dormir gives a hearty laugh, a pat on Thalnazz's back/shoulder (whatever is in reach for the dwarf), and a wink. Directing his attention to Wembil, "Might ye lead me t' the tavern ye mentioned before? The ale's on me tonight!"

"Tavern?" The gnome looks thoroughly confused. "Oh! Yes. Yes, of course." Wembil readily agrees to a drink. He seems a bit overwhelmed after his conversation with Dormir.

Before the dwarf and gnome go off for a drink, Thalnazz excitedly declares, "Web- er, Welm- no. Taskwidget! We are to have guests! Let us all go to the inn and get settled for the night. Tomorrow looks to be full of excitement."
Thalnazz looks expectantly to everyone, hoping for general agreement.

One step out of the hall into the early evening air has two night elves escorting you to the inn. They seem to be more concerned with making sure you go to and from your destination rather than watching what you do inside since they stay outside. Drinks and food are ordered and you all sit together at one of the long tables stretching the length of the room. During the meal, Allyk notices Wembil giving him a curious look - or rather, giving his gear a curious look.
"You have some interesting tools there, Mister Forsaken. I wasn't aware your people had a knack for the trade." The gnome indicates his own tools, patting them affectionately. His demeanor has shifted from cautious to friendly and genuinely intrigued.

As Wembil waited for Allyk's response, Thalnazz sit beside Meridia. He keeps his voice low as you could be overheard. "There may be a way to help you other than the wells." He paused as Meridia was served her drink and Thalnazz ordered a Morning Glory Dew before continuing. "If their wells are blessed, then why can't you have one of your own making?" Smiling and tipping a few extra coins when his drink was served, Thalnazz took a long drink and a deep breath. "There are relics scattered throughout Azeroth. Many of these have magical properties. Some are even divinely touched." The statement hung in the air with another drink taken.

Wembil nodded. "I see. So, you were assigned the task of ... engineering devices for your people?" The gnome rubbed his chin, obviously puzzling something out in his head. "I don't suppose ... you might have found this task to be something you have the knack for, eh?"

At the mention of destroying a holy relic, the priest's eyes widen but he composes himself quickly. "I sincerely hope nothing need be destroyed." Thalnazz goes silent as a fellow inn patron passes by. "You're thinking of this in arcane terms. The power of the Light is different. I just pray it allows us to succeed in this ... experiment."

The metallic sound of an empty flagon slamming onto the table rings out above the conversation, bringing several other patron's attention to Dormir as he tries to lick the froth of ale from the beard surrounding his mouth. Dormir notices a few of the glances and cheers, raising both flagons in the air, "Drink like a dwarf, sing like an elf, and fight like an orc!" Hoping for a roar in agreeance, he turns, smiling ear to ear, looking for even just one patron to befriend. Defeated, he gathers both flagons and approaches the bar. "Two more ales fer me, and another round fer me friends with the gnome! On me!" Dormir points over to the table with Wembil and the others, then walks back with his freshly filled flagons."Wembil, ye seem t' be the mutual friend in our group here." As if expecting Wembil to speak for himself, Dormir pauses, making quick work of yet another flagon of ale, then sets it down and starts where he left off, "Me name'sh Dormir Emberheart, protector o' many, son o' Theramir Emberheart, associate smithy o' the Ironforge Metallurgy League, son o' Malduin Emberheart, high priest o' the Seven Sorrows. Pleased t' meetch ye. Who ye be?"

Following Meridia's lead, the others spout off similar introductions with vague reasoning for being here. The orc is Gazam Deadwolf, only admitting to once being a sailor and here to deliver a message to a particular human woman. The troll beside him is Mul'Zeb, here for spiritual guidance. The undead fellow is Allyk Karsin here for personal reasons.Thalnazz pipes up "Yes! Hello! I am Thalnazz Whitesong, priest of the Holy Light conducting religious research. That is, until beginning a personal project with Miss Highstrider."

"Aye, me namesh Dormir, 'nd ye be wise t' call me so. If me ears're blessed t' hear me lineage from erryone who spoke me name, ye can bet me head wouldn't fit'trough th' door!" Giving the appropriate pause for nods and breathed acknowledgements from his new comrades, he quaffs--no, nearly breathes--his ale with fervor. "Ye'd be a mule'sh uncle t' see me sober!" He lets loose a raucous laugh and slaps the shoulder of his nearby companion. Eyeing Wembil, "Ye've barrly sipped yer drink, gnome! Dun tell me we've found th' only abstainin' gnome in Az-sheroth! Well, ye asked what me bus'ness is in these parts. Sheemsh thish here gnome'sh able t' help me with somethin' of a problem! Ye see, I've got somethin' tha' not another person in Azhtherosh can idinify." Dormir looks each one of his new friends in the eye... well, he tries to the best of his ability in his current state. "And ye?! Must be somethin' grand t' bring togevver a wild band such as ye!"

Totally inebriated, though functional being he's a dwarf, Dormir gives Meridia a wide grin as he digs out a fist sized sapphire. Handing it to Meridia, one of the first things about the gem she notices is a green flicker in the center of the gem. Her extensive knowledge of magic tells her the flicker is fel magic. However, she also notices someone has put a sort of dampening spell over the gem - it doesn't look to be lasting for much longer though.

Wouldn't say I'm following you for no reason, just nice for whoever attacks us to have another target is all. he rolls his cigarette to the other side of his mouth where it falls into the gap left by a missing tooth before looking at the dwarf. Y'can call me Allyk, though I s'pose 'Dead One' ain't a bad bone de guerre either. And while I 'ppreciate the drink, I lost the taste for it since it seems to run through me. he pauses looking at his companions Lit'rally, I ruined more than one pair of boots before I realized it

"Ye'shud know tha' th' gem'll be screamin' at us when th' spell wears off... th' BLASTED gem screams in me head sometimes. Ye bett'r strap in, lads!" With that, Dormir hoists a flagon of ale in the air and gulps down the tasty beverage with vigor.

It only takes Meridia a brief moment to remove the dampening spell from the gem.The fel flicker inside pulses with a sickly green light the instant the spell is gone.

*~POWER~*

The feeling reverberates through Meridia. A call to power so rich and sweet she hadn't felt since the days of the Sunwell.

Meridia: Your ache swells as the promises of power echo through your mind. The urging is too strong. You give yourself over, more than ready for the suffering to end. You sense a connection forged between you and the gem, and there are faint whispers of more power to come should you prove worthy.

Dormir's mouth hand agape as he back peddles, stumbles, and lands on the floor. "On me gran'father's beard!! What've ye done, elf?!"

The gem clinks harmlessly onto the table, the green flicker at its center small once more.

Dormir scrambles to stand and grabs at the gem. He coddles it as if trying to protect it from Meridia. He tries to lock eyes with Meridia through his drunken stupor, squinting to concentrate on not letting his eyes wander. "Th' blasted gem was protected, elf! Why d'ye do tha' for?! D'ye know what ye've done?"

With most of the group concerned with the gem, Wembil sneaks over to Allyk. "Mister Karsin. I wonder if I might have a moment of your time." He motions for the undead man to follow him to the far side of the room, far enough for a quiet, private conversation.

Looking up at Wembil, he nods and stubs his cigarette out on the table and gets to his feet sure, lead on

With a sway toward Mul'zeb while trying to make eye contact, Dormir retorts at a volume not matching the calm tone in the troll's voice, "Oy, th' blasted gem'sh just somethin' I found on me digsite minin' fer me ore back home. I thought me mind was playin' tricksh fer a while, BUT," the dwarf raises a finger to emphasize his point, "It wush confirmt!! Me mind wush jus' fine. Me gnome lady friend once heard th' gem callin' out to us. Fro' that day on, me mind wush set. I have t' know what th' gem is and how t' stop it from screamin' anymore." Dormir's once bright and lively demeanor transformed to a purely serious one. "Ye help t' do tha', and ye'll have me shield."

"Well..." Dormir pauses to gather his thoughts and to refocus his efforts, "Me travels've taken me from Ironfarge to... here with no more'n a peep from me gem. It'sh fine. Ye're fine. We're fine... though, me flagon seemsh to've run dry." Dormir's ear-to-ear grin and suggestive tone both point to expectations of someone else taking responsibility for filling the mug.

You notice there is finally another guest to walk into the inn after you. Her presence is brief, but you do notice she is a human woman. Her disgust is clear when her gaze falls upon your table, and she quickly walks out.
Amid the various conversations being had around the table, a shrill voice is heard above it all. "I DON'T CARE IF THEY'RE THE PERSONAL GUESTS OF THE KING OF STORMWIND HIMSELF! I WILL NOT TOLERATE THE VERY PRESENCE OF THE LIKES OF THEM!"
The voice seems to be coming from outside the inn.

Dormir shuffles to join the others and stops, places his thumb and forefinger to the beard on his chin, and inquires, "Aye, but thish doesn't sheem right... do ye shuggest we meet elshwhere?"

With an exasperated sigh, Thalnazz throws his arms into the air dramatically. "Fine! I'll lead" He takes Meridia's hand and rests it on his staff, using it to help lead her. Leading the group out the back, everyone can still hear the voice from the other side of the building. "YOU WON'T HEAR THE LAST OF THIS! THE ALLIANCE DOESN'T NEED PEOPLE LIKE YOU. JUST WAIT UNTIL EVERYONE HEARS OF THIS!"
Thalnazz leads the group away from the inn and out of the city.

"Aye, lead on! Me shield'll bring up the rear." His body seems to bring him in the right direction, but his feet seem to lag behind momentarily while he concentrates his efforts to fight through the effect of alcohol. "Where would ye lead us?"

Seeing the group follow along obedient like chicks after mother hen, Thalnazz broke off into a run. "This way!" The high elf commanded in a harsh whisper.
The group ran between the back of buildings and the almost too-close trees of the forest. They caught glimpses of armed night elves hurrying toward the inn, and the din of angry voices grew. Finally, they were forced to continue their travels on the main road just in time to see the front of the inn some distance away. A blue-white explosion of energy erupted from within the gathering of night elves, freezing them in place before a doorway simmers into existence and a human female, her purple robes fluttering behind, as she steps through the closing portal.

Allyk slips away from the gnome at the perfect time. Wembil turns to acknowledge the sounds outside only to find Allyk is gone when he returns his attention to the what-once-was-conversation. It's not until the entire group leaves the inn does Wembil spot Allyk again. He stays close to the undead man's side.

Dormir gives a gruff "Humph!", catches up to Thalnazz, his armor jingling merrily with each pounce of his boots meeting the ground, and rests his hand on the elf's shoulder. "Might ye clue us in to where ye leadin' us? Me thinks a plan should be crafted."

Glancing over to Gazam as he chuckles, Dormir posits "If me father an' me father's father taught me one thing, it's to always be concerned when an orc stops swingin'!"

Leading Meridia in the head of the group, Thalnazz blindly rummages through her bag. He eventually finds traditional Sin'dorei garb of crimson and gold. Making their way through the forests of Ashenvale, Wembil stays close to Allyk, keeping a curious eye on the undead man, determined not to lose sight of him.

Yes, and Meridia studies the gem and the magical fluctuations faintly emanating from deep within ... but also from somewhere else. You determine your knowledge (arcana) is sufficient to ward the gem. It will merely require a variation on the alarms and wards spell. Like any good mage, you surely have that particular spell in your spell book, right? Though how she's kept the gem from Dormir for so long is anyone's guess.

Response to anyone who tries to take the gem: Ahahahah, I'm trying to ward it!

The rest of the group side glances at Gazam worriedly when they hear his mumbled ... "singing".

Reaching for the pocket in which the gem once rested, Dormir grows anxious. He fiddles with his beard, stroking the whispy ends of hair reaching his chest. Pointing to cknowledge that Meridia's fiddling with his gem, "Ye know, ye've had th' gem fer quite some time now. D'ye think ye'd let me keep watch o'er it till nightfall?"

Dormir nabs the gem from Meridia's hand, bringing the gem back close to his body. He pauses, standing still for a moment, and closes his eyes, concentrating on the light hum coming from the gem. Dormir carries it between his two clasped hands, lets loose a long sigh, and carries on walking with the group again.

You notice the trees begin to thin as you get glimpses of a more barren landscape beyond the trees. Thalnazz looks nervously at the rest of the group when within sight of the Horde outpost at the edge of the territory, but continues on with a feigned confidence.
"Throm-Kar!" An armored orc greets you. He speaks expectantly and with respect. Confused, Thalnazz looks to Gazam.

The armored orc gave a slightly confused look to Meridia (though she might not know with her being blindfolded), but acknowledged the elf with a respectful "Zug zug". He then gave his attention to Gazam - as he was forced to with Gazam placing himself. Saluting with a "Lok'tar!" he introduces himself as Kadrak. "Theramore is a long march. Mages move quickly across the world." He stops himself in mid thought and looks over the group. "You are all seeking the mage for justice from the Horde?"

Suddenly confused at his choice of traveling companions, Dormir does his best to mimic Gazam's gutteral cry. "Luktor agar!" The stare that ensued between the dwarf and the armored orc was tense. Dormir witnessed the armored orc's lip begin to twitch as if preparing to speak, "Must not've gotten that right. Ye must forgive me tongue. It's adapted t' far more complex sounds than the gruff an' grumble of yer Orcish."

"So what d'ye lads have against th' human mage?"

"HA!" Kadrak (the orc guard) bellows a laugh as Gazam - tension successfully broken - and begins to lead the group on a march. "If you want to get to Theramore before the mage dies of old age, I have some wyverns you can take." Still chuckling to himself, he walks over to the opposite side of the outpost, leading the group to a large wyvern nest tended to by an orc couple. They eye the group with suspicion but stay out of the way as they prepare the wyverns for travel. "These will take you to Camp Taurajo. There's half your trip."
Assuming the group agrees, your journey can continue.

Slightly uneasy about riding the horned, winged creature, Dormir pauses to make sure the rest of the party agreed to ride the hellacious things before walking toward them. "Ye won't hear complaints from a dwarf when offered another option t' walkin' so far!"

Each of you take your mount and take flight suddenly once the wyverns are given a signal from one of the tending orcs.
You pass over the settlement of Crossroads, herds of animals such as zhevra and plainstriders, and long expanses of dry earth spotted with a couple small oases. The trip is fairly short, the wind in your face is refreshing.
The wyverns circle Camp Taurajo as they land one by one. Greeted by large, gentle looking Tauren, your group causes a slight hesitation when Dormir, Thalnazz, and Wembil are noticed. Still, you are treated warmly. That is, until an armored guard comes thundering to you and speaks sternly but not threatening even with his large polearm. "State your business."

The tauren accepts the scroll, only now noticing the lithe elf. He reads over it and nods before handing it back. "Very well." and returns to his post.

Once the Tauren returns to his post, Dormir descens from his wyvern and arranges himself in front of the group, eyebrow raised and hands in the air,"So ye've got me this far, ye should tell me about th' mage."

And after that long winded explanation from the orc, the group has made it halfway across the Barrens toward Dustwallow Marsh.

Upon request, Dormir tentatively passes the gem over to Meridia, careful not to let it too far from his reach. "If t' keep the screams at bay, ye have me trust... just for a bit, though."

Turning toward Gazam once the story had concluded, "Yer sure ye saw the mage at yer home?"

The rocky divider over which Dustwallow Marsh lay came into sight. As you get nearer, the wind picks up and you get a strong whiff of musk. You should reach the marsh by sundown. To your right far in the distance, you see twisted, sharp vegetation reaching into the sky.

With Gazam's warning of potential dangers, everyone pays more attention to their surroundings.

Meridia's keen elven eyes glimpse movement in nearby brush.

Solemnly, Dormir responds, "Ye'll have yer vengeance, orc, and ye'll have it with me shield at yer side."
At the commencement of his proclamation, Dormir's eyes close briefly. "Brings t' mind th' famous dwarven poem:

One upon th' hill, two within th' mine,
Th' goblins invaded by numbers tenfold,
Gold was their goal, but their plunders were not,
Dwarven wrath was exacted,
Goblin repentance was given,
And those goblins in particular were never again a problem."

Looking around at the group, Dormir notices most of the others not paying attention to his reciting of his forefathers' most famous poem.
"Aye, it doesn't translate well t' Common..."

Meridia focuses everyone's attention to the bushes. Only a short moment later 6 squat humanoids reveal themselves with warty brow, tough skin and two short tusks sprouting from their piglike snouts. A thick mane of sharp quills spills down their backs.
Three throw crude javelins at you, but their element of surprise is taken and you manage to dodge their volley.

Dormir springs forward, shield and axe drawn, approaching the two closest standing foes. The swing of his warhammer completes the motion, aimed directly for the opponent's ribcage.

Gazam's blast of fel energy slams into the ground beside a Quilboar (Q1), leaving a dark sizzling divot in the earth.
As Mul'Zeb stares down a beady eyed Quilboar (Q2), the creature blinks quickly and shakes it head after meeting the troll's gaze.
Meridia's slightly fel-tainted energy bolts race toward a Quilboar (Q3) reaching for a spear. The bolts slam into the creature, knocking it off balance before it slumps to the ground.
Of the three who charged, Dormir intercepts the center (Q4) and right (Q5) adversaries. Holding one at bay (Q4) with his shield, the dwarf cuts a wide gash into the other creature's chest (Q5) as you see rage build in its eyes.
Seeing its companion injured by the great bearded one, a Quilboar (Q6) flanks Dormir and stabs the dwarf in the shoulder holding his shield (take 4 damage).
While one is down, the other two Quilboar take up spears once more, striking Gazam in the leg and slicing Mul'Zeb across the arm (take 4 damage each).

Allyk's shot struck a javelin-throwing Quilboar (Q2). It squealed in pain before it steadies itself, grunting loudly.

Dormir reacts to his opponents' tactics of flanking him by utilizing his expert footwork to slowly rotate around the quillboar he first attacked (Q5) such that the flanking quillboar (Q6) is more easily defended by Dormir's shield. As he shuffles his positioning between the three quillboars, Dormir draws upon his training to enter a defensive stance (using the dodge combat option) to focus on fending off all attacks made by the three quillboars (Q4, Q5, Q6).

As Dormir defends against the trio of tusked warriors, Mul'Zeb enters the fray, taking the attention of one away from the dwarf but failing to hit his mark (Q2). Gazam eliminates another with a stream of caustic fluid catching one of the unfortunate Quilboar in the face (Q1). With squeals of pain, the creature falls to the ground writhing in agony for its last moment of life.

Odds favor Dormir as it's back to 1-on-1 with a Quilboar (Q4) unable to get past the dwarf's defenses. The two spear throwing Quilboar, apparently now out of spears, rush to help their brethren, one (Q5) engaging Gazam while the other (Q6) gangs up on Dormir again.

Assessing the new situation, Dormir blasts forth with his warhammer, first swinging high and then coming back across the quillboar's (Q4) body .

Dormir's first swing is easily dodged by the Quilboar bringing his head back and to the side, twisting his torso along with the movement. Unfortunately for him, this movement lined him right up for Dormir's back swing. The force of the blow knocks the Quilboar down into a lifeless heap.

Dormir fends off the Quilboar's attacks (Q6), who had become frenzied at the sight of his brethren falling. Meridia's spell struck the Quilboar engaged with Mul'Zeb (Q2), who weakly deflected the troll's axe. There's a loud BANG and its head is knocked to the side before he falls. Allyk looks over to see Wembil next to him with a smoking flintlock pistol. The gnome smiles meekly when he meets Allyk's gaze. Meanwhile, the split in Meridia's spell combined with Gazam's own magical onslaught decimates the unfortunate Quilboar (Q5).

Mitigating any damage taken by the frenzied quillboar (Q6) attacking him, Dormir gracefully uses his shield to work around the quillboar attacking him. Pivoting on his front foot while the quillboar's attack is unleashed, Dormir takes the opportunity presented to smash his warhammer into the quillboar's fleshy abdomen.

The last standing Quilboar is devastated by Dormir's swing and Meridia's arcane assault. The dust settles and Thalnazz passes around healing everyone. Afterwards, the priest kneels at the corpse of a Quilboar and says a silent prayer.
"It's time we go." Thalnazz wears a grim visage as he quietly addresses everyone. "We're obviously too close to the Quilboar territory." The elf walks off, leading the group out of the Barrens. Away from the spot of the grisly battle.

Allyk doesn't find much on the Quilboar. Besides their armor and weapons - which were crude - they carried almost nothing else. Either they had a camp nearby or an entire settlement.

Allyk, ever the inquisitive and inventive mind, takes some quills and tusks along with what could be interpreted to be religious totems or fetishes. Cobbling these together as he continues with the group on their march to Dustwallow Marsh

By the time Allyk finishes his latest and greatest invention, the group finds themselves surrounded on either side by dark trees with low hanging branches and stagnant pools.

"Ye sure do know how t' give a dwarf the chills." Dormir takes what some could construe as a handcrafted doll and stashes it in his belongings, hesitating slightly to bring it closer to his body than what he thought necessary.
Turning to the group's new surroundings, Dormir chuckles, "Ye don' suppose yer dolls could save us from wha'ever might be growin' in these pools, do ye?"

Wembil is still fawning over Allyk's new invention and all the undead man must know, still dropping hints about sharing *wink* certain *wink* knowledge.... *wink*
Thalnazz has finally relaxed to where he seems to be approachable without him him snapping. He's staying aware of his surroundings while he addresses the group. "Since I think I'm the only one who's been here, let me put your minds at ease. We should - should - be fine if we stay on the path. Just ... pay attention just in case." If there's no questions, he leads everyone down the northern path.

"Ye mind providin' a wee bit o' information on what might be lurkin' out there?"

Accepting the charm Meridian shrugs nonchalantly We should be able to handle anything that comes up.

The group travels along the road, noticing it become more worn and even some cobblestone work. The northward road began to turn east when movement was noticed in the brush to the south. It looked like something was skittering back away from the road. You are a group of 7 after all. Perhaps you scared something off?

Dormir sticks to the path, all but ignoring what he has assumed to be more quillboar skittering away. With a grunt originating from the depths of his belly, "They must'a smelled th' blood still hangin' in th' air around us..."
He treks on, warhammer in hand.

At that notion, Dormir noticeably picks up his pace. "Last one t' Theramore's a bearded barmaiden!"

The group travels through the swamp, the road sometimes submerged by overflow. You round bends and twists as the low branches and rolling hills make for the road to be the only way through this area.
City walls and watch towers across a bridge come into sight, engulf the horizon. The late afternoon sun glares behind you, barely able to poke light through the trees. Thalnazz steps forward, seeing three armored humans at the far end of the bridge, and turns to the rest of the group. "Well, we're here. "

Thalnazz turns to the others. "Dormir and Wembil will be no problem. Even with Theramore's relatively friendly relations with the Horde, I'm not sure how well they are received into the city."
Wembil speaks up upon hearing his name. "I'm not leaving Allyk's side."

"Aye, we're surely a diverse group. Suppose the lot of ye are Wembil's and me ambassador friends on personal business? That should get us int' th' city, but we'd have t' be careful from there." Dormir displays the family crest crafted into his shield. "Me father and me father's father hold prominent positions in Ironforge, so me family name might hold weight t' get us past th' guards."

"Make sure ye don' appear too... aggressive when ye approach the' guards, and stay t' me rear." He gives one last glance at everyone, noting anything the guards may question upon closer inspection. "And Wembil, turn up th' charm, eh?" With a nervous chuckle, he waves on the group to approach Theramore's main gate.

Barely turning his head toward Wembil as he confidently approaches the gate, Dormir gives the slightest eye roll and produces a quick retort, ever so slightly mimicking the gnome's jovial tone of voice, "Aye, ye got charm like royalty and th' drama o' Stormwind thespians. Just what ye need."

Dormir walked past the tree line, now clearly visible to the city guards. Behind him trailed the rest of the party. Stopping a respectful distance away, it was clear the guards had already noticed. Some tightened their grip on their weapons while others stared in confusion. A seasoned looking human man stepped forward, carefully scrutinizing the group of newcomers before sending a guard into the city and then finally speaking up to address you. "State your business."

Meridia had been given a few curious looks until she had seemingly deferred to Dormir, who was looking more as the one in charge.

Ensuring to not appear aggressive, Dormir raises both hands to about chest-height, showing his calloused but empty palms, Dormir clearly enunciates his introduction, "G'day to ye. Me name's Dormir Emberheart, protector of many, son of Theramir Emberheart, associate smithy of the Ironforge Metallurgy League, son of Malduin Emberheart, high priest of the Seven Sorrows. If ye've been privileged t' visit th' Grand City, ye've witnessed me father's craft adornin' th' shoulders o' every fightin' lad in th' land. Ye might've even sought guidance from me father's father at his temple." Dormir smiles, closing his palms and points both thumbs over each shoulder. "Those standin' t' me rear are me diplomatic associates in a personal business matter. We are in front o' ye without hostility and ask only for yer hospitality long enough t' carry out our personal business and be on our way."

Near the end of Dormir's speech, an armored human man on a horse comes to the front of the crowd, beside the seasoned man who addressed you. "That depends on what exactly your personal business might be." He scrutinized the group for a moment before speaking again. "I am Lieutenant Aden. We will take you before Lady Proudmoore. She will want to meet you."
Lieutenant Aden turns his steed around as the crowd parts, allowing you entrance into the city through a gate house and a gauntlet of guards leading you straight through the city to the central tower of Theramore.
At the base of the tower stands a human woman in modest purple and white robes, long blonde hair, and a kind smile. "Welcome to Theramore. I am Lady Proudmoore. Please, come inside." She opens the overly large door behind her, revealing a meeting hall that couldn't possible fit inside a tower this size. Two guards close the door behind you all and remain on the inside. Meridia can feel the power of the arcane pulse from the tower, a delicious fragrance in the air.
At the far end of a long feast table appropriate for a party three times your size stands a stern looking female night elf clad in fine chain mail and a longsword on her hip. Lady Proudmoore gestures for you to sit. "I'm terribly sorry we missed your arrival announcements. I do hope the hasty arrangements we were able to make are adequate. Shall we dine first?" A flourish of Jaina's hand brings a flash of purple-white light across the table, leaving plates and dishes overflowing with food.

Accepting the pleasantries and hospitality being offered,
Dormir agrees to dining before the discussion. Time is required to be successful. "Aye, though this is much more hospitality than expected, th' road has worn us weary. Let us dine together in yer fine hall."
Dormir glances at the others, hoping to convey confidence and assurance.

Everything seems to be exactly as it appears: a polite, diplomatic meeting.

After a few moments of silence at the table, Jaina speaks up. "Perhaps a bit of small talk to break the ice. I do hope your journey went well. The marsh can be a bit dangerous. "

Thalnazz, sitting beside Meridia, tries to guide her on where things are, "Oh, watch out - I mean, be careful. No, the plate is to the left. Your other left. That's your drink you just spilled." Eventually, he physically guides her hands to get a feel for the whole setting.

Seeing the spectacle, Jaina plays the perfect diplomat, smiling politely and pausing almost imperceptibly. "Do you require any assistance?"

Meanwhile, Wembil is happily loading up his plate, making sure to hand Allyk any and every meat dish. "Oh my, yes. You'll like that very much."

Jaina accepts the elf's answer with a small nod and her customary smile before returning to her meal. The silence is broken only by the clink of dishes and sounds of chewing. The entire time, the female night elf stands stoically behind and to Jaina's right. She gives each of you stern looks.

Jaina clears her throat and stands after several minutes of silence. "I sense that you have pressing matters to attend to. Let's get right to it, shall we? If I might know with whom I have pleasure of meeting, perhaps I could be of assistance. Again, I am Jaina Proudmoore, ruler of Theramore."

Dormir nods, acknowledging Jaina's suggestion to move things along. He drops the chunk of meat from one hand and the biscuit from the other hand, finishes chewing the abundance of food currently in his mouth, and wipes his fingers clean with the cloth napkin nearest to his plate. With a clearing of the throat, he announces, "Aye, seems we strapped on th' feed bag and put on th' blinders. Me name's Dormir Emberheart, protector of many, son of Theramir Emberheart, associate smithy of the Ironforge Metallurgy League, son of Malduin Emberheart, high priest of the Seven Sorrows. The pleasure is truly ours. Yer hospitality does not go unrecognized." Dormir gives a modest nod to show respect, and then glanced around at his cohorts, inviting them to introduce themselves.

Wembil perks up at the dwarf's introduction, ready to slide his own into the flow. "Wembil Taskwidget, at your service. A member in good standing of the Mechanical Engineering Guild, Associated." He beams with pride as he nudges Allyk. The undead man seems to be trying his best to be unnoticed, but eventually relents at Wembil's insistence. He half-mumbles his name "Allyk".
Thalnazz takes his turn, "I am Thalnazz Whitesong, priest of the Holy Light. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Proudmoore. I had passed through here once before on my journey to Ashenvale. I wonder if my colleague, Allen Bright, is still living in your fair city? Oh, yes, and this is..."
Thalnazz stops for Meridia's introduction, and Mul'Zeb goes after her.
"My, what a diverse group you are." Jaina seems to be more at ease as she slips into the role of the diplomat and things are going more by protocol. "To answer your question, Thalnazz, yes I do believe Allen is at the church."
Throughout the series of introductions, Dormir feels the growing pulses of his gem's influence. Dark whisperings too subtle to properly hear filter into his mind, distracting him.
Seeing Dormir as the leader of the motley crew, Jaina addresses him directly. "Is there any more business that brings you here?"

While the group goes through its introductions, a blank stare creeps over Dormir's face, sublte but noticeable. His eyes squint ever so slightly as he tries to make out any of the gem's callings. One hand slowly reaches up to feel for and dampen any vibrations coming forth from it the gem so carefully placed within the clothing beneath his armor. He notices the speaking at the table has finished. His eyes blink once, breaking him of his momentary trance. Dormir's eyes catch Jaina's, staring directly at him. He notices the twitch of her eyebrow as she waits for a response. Dormir tries to recall what was said, but his only clue is the terminal elevation of vocal intonation--a question. He stumbles on some words. What does one say in such a situation? Maybe she offered some assistance or further hospitalities, ones that are surely unnecessary. "Aye... ye needn't worry on that."

Jaina tilts her head ever so slightly to the side at Dormir's response. "Oh." She takes a sharp intake of breath, "I only thought that perhaps I could be of assistance. Surely, you didn't all come here to see a priest?" Jaina looks to everyone expectantly.

Turning a half-blank stare to Meridia, Dormir slowly shakes his head, a thought coming to fruition in his self-proclaimed clever dwarf head. "Nay... nay... " Dormir turns to Jaina, reaching into his pocket where the gem resides, pulsing with its energies, trying desperately to be heard. He produces the gem, holding it in his palm for all to see. "I found th' gem in me mining, and it's ne'er stopped callin' out t' me. Do ye hear it callin'?"

As Dormir produces the gem from his pocket, it goes completely silent. Jaina leans forward with intense curiosity while the night elf puts a hand on her sword hilt. "It certainly is a beautiful gemstone, but I'm afraid I cannot hear anything." Jaina says after a moment of nothing happening, leaning back in her seat. "Pained." Jaina addresses the night elf. "I think you can stand at ease now."
Jaina gives Dormir a polite - but slightly worried - smile. "If there are any matters that I am required for, I will be happy to assist all of you." With that, she stands to leave. If no one stops her ... She will excuse herself and exit the hall through a door behind Pained. Pained will stay. To keep you company of course.

Dormir's palm remains stretched out, the gem now lying dormant. His eye brows raise, expecting the gem to come back to life. His eyes dart between the others at the table, and finally to meet the gaze from Pained. The night elf's facial expression needed no explanation; the pitiful dwarf, now the elephant in the room, tucks the gem back into his pocket close to his chest.

"Aye, ye do deserve yer due revenge, an' me clan's way has always been an eye fer an eye..." Dormir looks up at Gazam from under his brow. "Ye think th' wizard might have a whole village t' teach a lesson?"

*Deletes double post*
Gazam wanders off looking for someone to question while Thalnazz and Meridia begin discussing what to do next with the relic. Wembil begins pestering Allyk again while Mul'Zeb and Dormir...