#Battle for azeroth Allied races

[makanidotdot]

How I would have done Teldrassil

There was some Sylv discourse today on twitter, which I totally missed and Nobbel deleted whatever tweet he made so idek what it was about lol, BUT I read some "how it should have been" tweets and I wanted to write down how I would have done Teldrassil:

So, Azeroth just got stabbed and everyone is trying crazy experiments with the newly discovered Azerite. Kaldorei druids end up making some azerite infused super-life substance that has pretty great healing properties, but by accident, they discover it has the opposite effect on undead. It vaporizes undeath. Maybe someone had an undead battle pet out and it touched the goo and it died like a cartoon in roger rabbit.

Anyway, the worst thing to happen to Azeroth in recent history WAS undead and having a potential weapon against that is super good, but there's the whole political problem of ~oops~ we have something that can instantly vaporize a particular enemy race… a race that's not insanely well liked even by their allies... a race that can only keep 'living' by preying on the dead of everybody else, and makes anywhere they live spooky and rotting and gross to everyone but them… anyway we won't keep this secret forever, but, in the middle of this whole azerite-rush, we'll just wait until tensions are not QUITE so high, then bring this all to light in a peaceful and honest way and both factions will have control of supply and security etc., and use it only for the good healing properties, or against any new undead threats, and definitely not against Forsaken.

But ofc, Horde spies end up discovering the existence of this Undead-Away and tell the Warchief.

A good Warchief would handle this by demanding it all fully be turned over to both factions, they would acknowledge the benefit of having that kind of power, studying the tech, but also acknowledge the extreme danger to an integral part of the Horde, and take extra steps to ensure their safety and reiterate the Forsaken's value to the Horde.

Warchief Sylvanas, however, would need to ensure Undead-Away was destroyed, and kill anyone who knew how to make it, at any cost. That type of unique threat to the Forsaken could not be allowed to exist. She would claim the Night Elves had been creating a weapon unbeknownst even to their allies (technically true), and were therefore preparing to be aggressive (a lie). She would omit the fact this weapon only affects undead, maybe even orchestrate an incident that made it seem like it affected the living too, with the help of her alchemists. Even if it came to light that this weapon only really affected undead, the idea of deceitful Night Elf weaponry would still have been planted, that particular knowledge would come too late to really matter.

Teldrassil must be attacked and temporarily controlled in order to purge this substance too dangerous for either faction to control. "USE IT ON THE ALLIANCE" some more bloosthirsty members of the Horde would say. No, no, Sylvanas would say, that would be dishonorable :). For the good of Azeroth, such a weapon must be destroyed. Sylvanas has turned a new leaf after all, she's not blighting anymore, she's interested in stability as Warchief. Both factions should be kept in check.

So, the plan would be to surprise attack Teldrassil, occupy it, purge the city of all the Undead-Away, and then... leave. They would make their intentions clear to the Alliance (after they had started the attack, of course) and actually, pretty true to their word, they would let anyone who wanted to leave the tree go peacefully. Obvs any nobody-druid who knew how to recreate the weapon would wind up dead, and any too-important druid would have to risk escalating the conflict by calling out Sylvanas's lies. But for the most part, there would be no excessive death caused by the Horde forces, Sylvanas would even make a point of publicly punishing any Horde for unapproved violence.

Sylvanas wouldn't need or want a greater conflict than necessary, so there would be none, unless the Alliance wanted to return to all out war against the Horde over what would ultimately amount to just be humiliation.

Because a pre-BFA, pre-Jailer, pre-shit Sylvanas's end goal was this: Don't die. She tried dying before, and she went to Hell, so her goal now is Never Die Again. Never Dying would be achieved by ensuring the Forsaken are a strong race with a secure future. For that, she needs a balance of Forsaken power, but also healthy and happy living races that keep reproducing, so that they keep dying, so that Forsaken can keep reproducing.

But, at some point during the occupation, Teldrassil burns. And we don't know why. Maybe some Horde did it to be mean. Maybe it was an accident as some Night Elves fought back righteously against the occupying Horde. Maybe some kind of magic + Undead-Away is insanely flammable. We never learn the truth, and if we did, it doesn't matter. The Alliance blames the Horde, and the Horde blames the Alliance.

The leaders of the Alliance heroically and epically rescue most of the citizens still in the city, with Tyrande and Malfurion leading the effort. The Horde occupying the city are not quite as lucky, but they're soldiers. So a lot of them are tryhards and have gliders so they can just jump off the tree :). And some Alliance and Horde still die horribly in flames.

Night Elves lose their home, and Sylvanas prepares for the Alliance's retaliation. It wasn't her goal, but it's something she can work with. The Horde and the Forsaken will not fall, and the banger ass BFA trailer actually makes sense and isn't false advertising.

[jainaism]

Jaina and Shandris sweet moments:

🌙A purple-skinned, blue-haired night elf stepped out, blinking at the sun. Jaina’s eyes widened and she smiled, welcoming this particular ally—Shandris Feathermoon, general of the night elf Sentinels—as a friend.

“Battle sister,” Shandris said, returning the smile gently. “The archdruid and the high priestess send me to you with joy, and it is with joy that I and my Sentinels come to aid you.”

“You and they are most welcome,” said Jaina, realizing that if Shandris had brought some of her people, it was likely that the other generals had brought what could be spared of their finest as well. Garrosh was bringing all the races of the Horde to bear on Theramore; they would be greeted in kind. - Tides of War

🌊Lady Jaina Proudmoore says: Shandris, thank the Light you survived. Any news? Shandris Feathermoon says: Our vessels have been lost. Casualties are... extensive. Lady Jaina Proudmoore says: Tides carry them home.

Lady Jaina Proudmoore says: Then we have no choice but to move forward. Shandris Feathermoon says: Be careful. Something about this place fills me with dread. Elune watch over you. - Battle for Azeroth

🏹Shandris Feathermoon says: These abductions... the Scourge attacks... the Banshee will pay for what she's done. By Elune's fury, we will bring her to justice! - Shadowlands

[sesshy380]

Between work and and having this stupid cough, I'm beat. Thankfully I have tomorrow off since I traded with a coworker. Got to come home and just relax. Spent a lot of time on WoW playing on a character I haven't touched since 2 expansions ago.

This is my cute little fox girl, Yiffany :D

When they first announce during Battle for Azeroth that Vulpera were going to be an Allied Race, I farmed the rep and reserved the name asap in preparation to play as the the Horde equivalent of a Gnome lol

[thetantiger]

Character Insight #7: Ephaana

Full Name: Ephaana Gender: Female (she/her) Race: Draenei Class: Shaman Specialization: Restoration Orientation: Straight (ally!) Relatives: Istia (sister [deceased]) Age: (approximately) 2,500 Height: 6'11 Voice reference: In-game player character female Draenei Theme: Animal - *repeat repeat

[BACKSTORY]

Ephaana's story begins on Draenor, where she was born to two loving parents and later gained a little sister named Istia. Her family were the few of the Draenei population to survive the Legion's invasion on their planet and make their way to Azeroth, crash-landing with the rest of her kind with the Exodar. Over time, Ephaana's outlook on life began to change. With all the catastrophes that razed Azeroth, it seemed like there were just more and more problems cropping up in her life, so when the Legion returned, it only decayed her hope further. Her parents and her little sister Istia went to fight the Legion but unfortunately fell in battle on the Broken Shore, and this destroyed Ephaana's psyche once and for all. This left her vulnerable to, many years down the line, a group known as the Primalists.

The Primalists, as a fanatic elementalist group seeking to erase the Titan's influence on Azeroth, saw Ephaana's grief link with their cause. The Titans nor the Light intervened to save her parents or Istia. Why should she serve them? If anything, they deserved to rot for their apathy towards the smaller mortal lives of the world. But the Primalists' behaviors and radical ideals soon slowly began to turn Ephaana off from the group. Most notably, when she spoke out against a plan involving brutality against the forces of Valdrakken--and, by proxy, the large majority of the heroes of Azeroth--a fellow water-aligned Primalist struck her, causing her to lose her eye. With her life at risk, Ephaana made sure to remove herself from the Primalists, and surrendered herself to the forces of Valdrakken alone.

Ephaana's people have not reaccepted her with much grace. Though her time as a Primalist was short-lived, her betrayal to the Alliance left a sour taste in the mouths of her fellow Draenei. As a result, she's secluded herself to wandering the brilliant cities of the Alliance alone, doing her best to make her way in Azeroth once more and find her place amongst her people again.

[THOUGHTS]

So one, I actually think it's really funny in a coincidental way that my all-mighty random name picker picked my water character right after my fire character, but hey! Ephaana's a fun character! I've only rp'ed on her once or twice but she's friendly and patient and kind, and I can't wait to explore her more in the future.

Hope you liked!

[sekhisadventures]

Malgum, Former Felblade of the Burning Legion

Important Stories:

Unnatural Beings: The man'ari have rejoined their draenei cousins, which reunites some families of the long-lived Eredar race. Malgum is asked to come with his sister, Aziguni, to Valdrakken in the hopes that she can help her friends understand that the man'ari are no longer their enemies.

Demons: When Shalandrae and Aziguni wind up cornered by Dissonantia and her minions, Malgum reveals the dread power of the felfury to save his sister.

Race: Man'ari Eredar

Class: Felblade Berserker

Eye Color: Burning fel green

Birthplace: Eredath City

Residence: A small enclave on Azuremist Island set aside by Velen for the Eredar.

Abilities:

Master of Melee Combat: Malgum has had tens of thousands of years to perfect the art of combat, and is able to stand toe to toe with the best warriors of Azeroth, having honed his abilities against countless worlds.

The Felfury: While Malgum does not like using this, he can call upon his fel corruption in moments of dire need. When he invokes this power he becomes a whirling storm of destruction, the felblood in his veins boiling white-hot as he tears into his foes, his body erupting in green flames that ignite anything flammable nearby. He does not feel pain, he does not feel fear, he does not feel anything but a maddening desire to tear apart whatever is infront of him. The Felfury comes with a cost however... felfire must be fed. When he invokes this he must focus on a target. If that target dies then Malgum suffers no ill effects, but if he takes too long he 'burns out' and becomes so exhausted that he can barely move. The cost must be paid, and if not by his victim, then by Malgum himself.

Familiar with Legion Technology: Not extremely useful these days... but Malgum is adept at using the technology of the Burning Legion, such as their ships like the Fel Hammer of the Illidari. As much Legion tech is based on Titan Technology thanks to their former leader being the fallen titan Sargeras this may come in handy...

History

The truth is, he had wished to go with Velen when the prophet fled Argus, but his partner (now centuries dead) had insisted they at least hear out Kil'jadeen's proposal. By the time they recognized it for the poisoned chalace it was, it was too late to refuse. To disobey Archimonde and Kil'jadeen was worthy of death. They allowed themselves to be remade as man'ari and the next several eons of their lives were an endless series of atrocities, genocide, and destruction on a global scale.

His partner fell during a legion invasion of a distant world far away from both Argus and Azeroth, decapitated by one of that world's defenders. For a long time they had only had each other, sharing their regrets and despair at their fate but unable to do anything about it. To even consider dissent was dangerous as Kil'jadeen could invade the minds of the eredar under him at his whim… and it was only blind luck he hadn't seen their thoughts. Their death was what first caused him to give into the felfury. The world turned red for him, and the one who struck down his partner was torn limb from limb by the furious eredar… along with their two allies, and their entire squad, and as the haze fel he found himself standing atop their leader, holding the pulped remains of what had been their head.

After this, he gave in for a long time. He didn't like what he was doing in the Legion's name, but he had lost the will to even care anymore. The only one he could trust was gone, what else could he do?

Then, after eons, Velen returned to Argus at the head of an army. The forces of Azeroth, a world that had denied Sargeras victory multiple times, had invaded the Legion's homeworld and were laying siege to Antorus. For the first time, he saw a potential way to free himself from his fate. As the rest of the legion went to battle, he fell back and hid in the depths of the citadel to wait out the conflict. If the Legion prevailed he would simply emerge and claim that he had been pursuing a group of draenei stragglers into the fortress. If through some miracle Sargeras lost… well… he didn't know what he'd do.

Of course, the miracle happened. The corrupted titan Argus was defeated, the Pantheon imprisoned Sargeras, and the Legion was no more. Kil'jadeen and Archimonde were truly dead, and Sargeras was gone. The Legion's generals looked above for guidance and saw only a power vaccum.

Civil War erupted practically overnight, with the highest ranking demons all vying to take the empty throne of Sargeras. Several powerful Man'ari joined the fighting themselves, but now that there were no leaders and no Kil'jadeen Malgum was beyond tired of the slaughter and stayed out of the conflict as much as he could.

Several years later however, Velen returned and met with another Man'ari Eredar… but Arzal'kal was no foe to the prophet. He led a cabal of Man'ari who, like Malgum, had made the mistake of trusting Kil'jadeen without knowing the truth of their pact with Sargeras. When Arzal'kal presented Velen with the Brilliant Star and shed his Eredar name, taking the name Arzaal once more, Malgum came with him to Azeroth.

Now, he simply wishes to stop being a weapon… but fighting is all he knows anymore after eons of warfare, so he sells his services as a felblade, hoping that he may find a new path someday.

[tastytofusoup]

I have heavy doubts that World of Warcraft committing 3 expansions/6 years to a storyline is a good idea, given their very hit-and-miss track record. Imagine if they'd been like 'get ready for our 6 year EPIC SAGA - it's called Battle For Azeroth!', and consider why I doubt it's a good plan.

It could be good. Maybe if it means they can put more thought into it instead of rushing out a complete expansion every 2 years. But...it's Blizzard so probably not. They are the 'cool idea in theory, shit execution' company. More likely rushing out 3 expansions as normal that happen to be directly related narratively, right?

Thrall featuring heavily though? Always cool. Earthern dwarf land? Pretty cool. Anduin looks like he's finally gone through puberty, which is good. (Although I've already seen someone saying 'wah they've made him UGLY'. Adult woman, if your definition of ugly is someone believably aging older than a 14 year-old boy, and they have some facial hair, facial lines, and short hair, while still being a conventionally attractive man, that sounds like a solid you problem.)

Are the Earthern that hype though as another Dwarf allied race reskin? Are the Nerubians really a compelling, exciting idea for the main villains in an expansion, rather than just forgettable side enemies until now? Could be cool I guess? You know the art team's gonna knock it out of the park as usual, so the zones should be great looking.

Not a great fan of the prospect of Arachnids: The Expansion, though, in the 'stop-putting-fucking-spiders-in-every-zone' game.

Apparently Chris Metzen's back involved, so maybe that'll help?

All-in-all, just the usual case of 'this thing WoW's doing will probably be disappointing garbage, but might on the offchance be good'.

HOWEVER

THEY'RE REALLY GOING TO PROGRESS CLASSIC TO CATACLYSM CLASSIC??

Who's going to fucking want that? Actually who? Cataclysm, the expansion universally considered shit. Cataclysm, the exact expansion that reworked the whole old world, making the original Azeroth extinct. Cataclysm, the expansion where those reworked zones are still the ones in the current game, unchanged, so what's the fucking point?

Wrath of the Lich King was the end of classic WoW because of that overhaul. They're going to replace Wrath Classic, and once again the original old world questing experience will be gone, and the only way people will be able to experience that will be private servers.

The private servers that were popular and Blizzard didn't like it so they shut them down then made Classic because of the amount of interest and now they're going to do the same shit they did on Live and create the same situation again and the private servers will become necessary again anD ARE THEY FUCKING STUPID?

[toothydeerwow-blog]

Battle for Azeroth NEW ALLIED RACE MAG'HAR ORCS

► [If you'd like to see more content/continuous Battle For Azeroth updates, please hit that subscribe button!] 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meOUyPaQsAU&t=67s

 Hi guys, Here is a new video showcasing all the new allied race orcs that are upcoming for the new BFA expansion. This video showcases all the customization options so far, along with the new dire wolf mount. I also showcased some brand new Orc Clan weapons and the new Shaman Orc totems specifically made for this race. The only thing I left out was the heritage armour as I was unable to find it in the database. I also gave the Orcs animations as well. If you are also curious on why the orc's are wearing loin cloth, and mismatched under armour it's because the model viewer was having issues, thus why I had to use those instead.Game

[rethar-quips]

Poor Meerah is probably getting a completely wrong impression of what the Horde is like.

[thenoodles111]

I have like a million pieces to post here, I swear to god O_O

Have one small good fluffy boi for now though. Vulpera sketch in between commission work, can’t wait to make him in game for real.

[horde-fan]

Nightborne in the Horde hcs

Kinda self explanatory but my own hcs of what it's like when the nightborne are in the horde

The sheer culture shock has to be stated. Living for thousands of years with basically only other elves being your main contact

Then suddenly you're apart of the Horde

Arriving in Orgrimmar and finding it to be a massive city with probably dozens of different races/subraces living there

Imagine finding out about shamanism

Learning about the spirits and how Orcs believe your ancestors watch over you

I think that would be very comforting to some of the nightborne the idea their family is still there, watching over them after what the Legion did

Not to mention as they spread out

Visiting Silvermoon and seeing the scar

Hearing about what happened to the blood elves, the invasion of the scourge and being reminded of just how similar they are

Nightborne, after living through the hell of the legion invasion, being welcomed into the horde just like family

Joining Tauren and orcs at the dinner table and trying to eat the food which has to be a lot different compared to the dishes of Suramar

Meditating with tauren to try and be at peace

Since nightborne are tall af imagine them being worried about accidently bowling over some of the smaller races

Nightborne would absolutely love dire wolves I will not be convinced other wise

Nightborne warriors experiencing the martial culture of the horde that values strength, even non magical

Plus imagine the horde helping to rebuild Suramar!

Just peons and grunts flooding in to help rebuild

With blood elf designers working with the nightborne to keep the aesthetic of course

(But a few spikes here and there arent too bad right?)

Anyways there's random thoughts feel free to tell em your own! I'll prob do this for other horde races, even non playable ones. Always thought the hozen should have had a better spotlight...

[superstarpower2000]

Lets do a couple at once. 

World of Warcraft

Battle for Azeroth

Allied Races: Void Elfs unlocked and the mount that goes with it. 

Allied Races: Lightforged Draneai’s unlocked and the mount that goes with it. 

Heritage Armor for Dwarves unlocked

Mastered the Void

Got a great screenshot of Azeroth from space

XT, FlameLeviathan and Ignis are now friendly units! We traveled back to Ulduar!

Ignis even made an appearance in Ironforge. 

Heritage Armor for Dwarves looks great. 

Stand-by for Resident Evil 3 by May. 

[the-nerd-beast]

Playable Race concept: Sand Trolls.

requested by @prototype-heart

*disclaimer: This is a post for fun, it is in no way meant to be taken seriously. I have thoroughly combed the lore before making this post and is just a “what if” scenario just for shits and giggles and is meant to be taken with a grain of salt.*

Race: Sand Trolls

Faction: Horde

Languages: Zandali, Orcish

Summary: The Farraki Tribe, also known as the Sandfury tribe, once called the wastes of Tanaris their home. Descended from part of the Gurubashi tribe that were cut off during the Sundering, they adapted to their desert home. With Zul’farak now in ruins, they have lost their hold on Tanaris and were forced to emigrate to Zandalar in order to make a new home for themselves in Dazar’alor. 

After General Jakra’zet’s treachery was revealed, some of the remaining Farraki swore their allegiance to the Zandalari and by extension to the Horde in order to prevent themselves from losing their home again. 

Classes:

Warrior

Priest

Rogue

Hunter, starting pet is an orange spiny basilisk (basilisk)

Warlock

Shamans, their totems resemble those of Darkspear but desiccated

Monk

Mount: Basilisk

Racials:

Adapt: Active. The user by sheer will adapts to survive, increasing versatility by 15%. 10 second duration, 3 minute cooldown.

Revitalization: Passive. Resource generation and regeneration increased by 10%. 

Squeezing Every Ounce: Passive. Food and drink restore twice as much health and mana and it is restored twice as fast.

Desert Extremes: Passive. Fire and Frost resistance increased by 1%.

Homesick: Passive. Hearthstone cooldown reduced by 25%.

Dances: Same as Troll as new models would be based on that rig

Customization: Skin color, hair style, hair color, tusks

Male Flirts:

“I’ll never desert you”

“Do you need some shade, cause you are looking hot!”

“I go down every night like the desert sun”

“You’re name's Aloe right, because I’d feel better if you were all over me.”

“Want to compare tan lines, or just show me yours?”

“If love was written on every grain of sand in Tanaris, it still wouldn’t compare to my love of you”

Female Flirts:

“You be making me thirsty”

“I don’t need to cool off because I like it hot!”

“Is it hot in here or is it just you?”

“Oh you’re lips are sunburned! Let me help”

“Kiss me if I’m wrong, is it freezing in Tanaris?

“Hey if you can’t take the heat, get out of your clothes”

Male Jokes:

“It’s impossible to starve in the desert, because of all the sand which is there.”

“What did the boar lost in the desert say? It’s so hot I’m bacon here!”

��How’s my desert? a little dry.”

“I hate sand, it is coarse and rough and irritating.”

“Two trolls are walking through Tanaris when they come across a hyena. One of the throws sand in its face and yells run. The other says ‘Why should I run? I wasn’t the one who threw sand in its face!”

“We Farraki run in single file to better conceal our numbers”

Female Jokes:

“If I were a druid I’d be a sand witch”

“Live like a sand dune: stay loose, embrace the winds of change, make positive ripples and show your true grit!”

“We Farraki aren’t easily startled, but when we are we’ll just come back in greater numbers.”

“Ugh your jokes are drier than Tanaris”

“You could say Jakra’zet got his just deserts”

“Why do we only see cow skulls in the desert? And why do you only find the skull? Did the body go off and die somewhere else?”

[chenria]

Quick sketch of my new Zandalari Troll Warrior Rakana. 

[thetantiger]

Sanlasteron Falconstrider

Race: Rendorei Class: Rogue Specialization: Subtlety Pronouns: He/Him

Sanlasteron is a lavender-skinned void elf with purple eyes, black hair and a goatee who was born in Quel'thalas. When he was much too young to remember, his parents abandoned him and his older sister Nyssedri at Silvermoon's orphanage, leaving Sanlas to be raised by the workers and his sister. However, when he was twelve years old, tragedy struck as Arthas and his undead Scourge attacked Silvermoon, separating Sanlasteron and Nyssedri and forcing him to flee the city to survive. He stumbled upon the void elves and continued to be raised and taken care of among their ranks, later joining the Alliance and finding a best friend in a Lightforged Draenei paladin named Tayonna to traverse Azeroth with. They stumbled upon the Shadows of the Faithful, which were able to reunite Sanlas with his sister as well as lead him towards new friends, allies, and a romantic partner, Mythodoran Talonstrike, and now Sanlas aids the Faithful in their battles--as well as gets himself into his own trouble sometimes.

Links: Betrayal in Bel'ameth Contortionism comic Pride Month 2024 Sanlas Thirst art Sanlas x Mytho ship doodles Silly rabbit Risking It TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT Carnivals and Chaos Worst Day Ever Nooks and Crannies Train of Thought A guide to drawing blushes Subtlety rogue spec art Sanlas body ref Sanlas is a sub(tlety rogue) Lunasteron ship doodle 2023 Sanlas solos a dragon for his crush

Related Characters: Nyssedri Falconstrider (sister) Mythodoran Talonstrike (romantic partner)

<Toyhouse Page>

[sekhisadventures]

After the Storm

Valdrakken, The Roasted Ram, Three Hours After the Death of Raszageth

Normally, when a threat like Raszageth would be defeated, the cities of Azeroth would be alive with celebration. Cheers would echo throughout the taverns, wine and ale would flow like water, and those who helped defeat such a dire foe would be practically carried through the streets…

… but despite Raszageth’s defeat at the Vault in the furthest reaches of Thaldraszus it was hard to miss the fact that not one, but THREE massive primal dragons were seen leaving the wrecked halls shortly afterwards.

Raszageth had fallen to the forces of the Alliance and Horde. Infact, to the entirety of Avalon and Savage United. Even Sekhi had managed to fight her way through the howling tempest of the Incarnates’ song to help her allies defeat the Storm Eater… but while she had lost the battle, she had perhaps won the war.

As Raszageth succumbed to her wounds, Sekhi even hearing the Incarnate’s furious elemental chorus become a slow mournful dirge… she heard three more songs suddenly growing louder around her, just before Khadgar and Kalecgos let out a cry of alarm to the assembled adventurers as the Titan’s Prison failed, and three new foes exploded out of their cells!

Fyrakk the Blazing, a massive beast of molten rock and flames.

Vyranoth the Frozenheart, whose every wingbeat was a blizzard worthy of Northrend itself.

Finally their leader, Iridikron the Stonescaled, whose rage-filled cry at seeing Raszageth’s crumpled form was as powerful and forceful as an earthquake.

Before the three could claim revenge for their fallen sister, Khadgar had weaved a powerful teleportation spell to spirit the assembled heroes of Azeroth away from the battlefield and back to Valdrakken… and moments later the entire city gazed up in terror as the vault exploded from within, and the Incarnates took flight over the Dragon Isles.

Now, what would have been a celebration was instead a tense game of waiting. Rather than attack Valdrakken, the Incarnates had fled for parts unknown.

Sekhi sat in the grass outside the inn, gazing up into the sky as she idly turned her flute in her hands. She had felt the songs of the three Incarnates. They were each weaker individually than Raszageth had been as they had just escaped, but against the already exhausted and battle-weary adventurers it would have still been a terrible and costly fight for either side. With them freed the fate of Azeroth was once more in jeopardy.

Sekhi had heard from Nelen of the theories of the elemental chaos that had predated the rise of mortals upon Azeroth, and she wanted no part of that. That wouldn’t be a song, it would be endless rancor of noise and sound that would leave all within it at the mercy of the Primalists... and perhaps even cause the return of the Elemental Lords. True the Earthen Ring had sided with them during the war against the Legion, but then they had a common foe. The Lords needed their help, would they still stand by the mortal races without the threat of extinction?

Sekhi sighed, then yipped a bit as a hand held a skewer of grilled meat infront of her muzzle.

Jeemjazo sat down on the grass next to her, the empty stick his own had been on dangling from his muzzle as he idly chewed on the wood. He took it out and said, “Owed ye fer that one ye gave me. Yer mate Edwood told me ‘bout what happened at the Vault.” he nodded. Jeemjazo had become much more laid back since he had been reunited with his mother, his only living relative really, and had begun looking into how one might join the Horde’s navy… but he didn’t want to leave Sekhi alone with Dissonantia after her.

That being said, he hadn’t gone to the Vault. He was a novice with his weapons at best and saving Sekhi from Cenoon had been luck more than anything. Galdia and Dareley had been teaching him how to use his sword and axe in a way that wasn’t just flailing them about, but he was only just learning. After all, Saltfang wouldn’t have wanted a slave who could fight back, the pirate captain had never taught Jeemjazo how to handle a weapon!

Sekhi sighed, “Thanks Jeem…” she replied, nibbling on the meat. It smelled delicious, Jaie having become good friends with the Ram’s head chef and having swapped a few cooking tips with them. They had clearly taken some of her spice techniques to heart… but her own heart wasn’t in it. Raszageth’s success at freeing her kin was a unique threat for the shamaness. She’d only just managed to teach herself how to block out the Storm Eater’s song, and now there were three more of them, likely stronger than she had been.

“Murblblbl…” whined Murgly Jim, looking at her as he sat up in the eggshell backpack that was his home.

Sekhi looked at him, then gave him a small smile and reached out a finger, poking him gently right above his mouth. “… boop.” she said with a faint giggle.

Jim blinked at her, then shrugged and blew a bubble.

Inside the Inn, in her private room, Samantha Montebank stared into the mirror over her wash basin. Her eyes were narrowed in annoyance.

“Alright Annulus. I’ve had it up to HERE…” she gestured with her hand just under her nose, “… with this ‘I cannot say’ garbage. Three proto-drakes that make Raszageth look like a ticked off salamander are loose and I’ve been hearing shit since we got to the Isles, and I know I’m not just imagining it because I talked to Darkhoof and she said she’s hearing something too, from below us. Start talking or I’m going to go out of the city with a shovel and keep digging until reach whatever is making that sound!” she snapped.

From inside her mind came the reply, “Samantha. It is not that I do not wish to tell you, it is that I am prevented from doing so.” said Annulus.

“Prevented by what?!” she hissed, trying to keep her voice low. Nobody could hear Annulus but her, so to an outsider it would sound like she was talking to herself… which, to be fair, some of the ren’dorei did. Becoming a void elf could leave someone more than a little… off… sometimes. “I know Deathwing was a starcursed monster by the end, did he leave something on the Isles from the Void?” she asked.

A long moment of hesitation, then came the reply, “Not… something… no.” said Annulus.

As she did Samantha scowled, “Annulus, you give me a straight answer or I swear to whatever entities I can think of I’m marching right downstairs and asking Dareley to perform an exorcism.”

She winced, feeling a sudden alien emotion in her mind… then blinked as she realized it was fear. Annulus was afraid? She didn’t even have a body! What could hurt her?!

“Samantha. Do not say such things. I am telling you all I can, but I am still tied to the Void and through it my creators. When I say ‘I cannot say,’ I mean just that. I can NOT say. No matter how you beg, plead, or threaten me, I am prevented from imparting this information to you in any way.” stated the void entity.

Sam frowned, straightening up. “Fine, fine. I wouldn’t do that anyways, too big a risk it’d undo… well… you know…” she gestured to her torso. “Still, I know that there has to be something on the isles related to the Void. I heard about that ‘Black Locus’ thing they found in the Plains, and Deathwing was probably already void-mad by the time they sealed the islands. I know enough about history to know he made the Dragon Soul under their instructions…” she frowned, walking around the room slowly.

Then she paused, a thought occurring to her. “Annulus… before he was Deathwing, he was the Earthwarder… are there, I dunno, caves under the island?” she asked.

Annulus didn’t reply, but Samantha felt an odd tingle of… relief… that certainly wasn’t her own.

“Yeah, that would make sense. From everything Nelen told us that he was able to dig up on dragon history the other four aspects were totally unprepared for Deathwing's betrayal, but he was VERY prepared and caught them all by surprise… so he had to have fallen before they left to fight in the War of the Ancients. It wasn’t just some spur-of-the-moment thing.” she nodded, “It…” she paused, “… yeah… of course. He was the Earthwarder, he had to have somewhere he could have communed with the Old Gods in secret… and where better than where the other four couldn’t follow him? He must’ve used his power to shape the earth and found somewhere underground!” she snapped her fingers, then grinned as she felt a ripple of pleasure.

“Huh…” she smirked, “I felt that… Annulus, I didn’t think void beings like you had emotions.”

“We have been bonded for several years Samantha. As I affect you, you to can affect me to some degree…” admitted Annulus.

“Oh? Good to know… I wonder what else our bond can pull off now…” she muttered, glancing in the mirror, then jumping a bit before she spun around and pulled her daggers in one fluid motion to come face to face with…

… nothing at all.

She glanced back at the mirror, seeing only her reflection… but for a moment she’d have sworn she wasn’t alone in the room. A shadowy figure had been standing just behind her…

… or perhaps, it always had been and was just now becoming more real?

 A few doors down, Zhan-min was looking over his beer making ingredients and tools, examining something he picked up from the interior of the vault before they’d all fled the other Incarnates. He couldn’t sense them as strongly as Sekhi could, but he wasn’t exactly complaining. What he’d felt had been quite enough thanks!

He opened one of his keg-maces, scrubbing it out with a cloth and clean water, the poured in a beer base and held up what he’d found. “This’ll either make th’ most powerful brew I’ve ever done… or it’ll blow someone ta bits.” he muttered, dropping it into the keg and sealing it firmly.

The strange weapon shook suddenly, then went still, and Zhan-min heard thunder rolling… It’d mature given time. All he needed now was to think of a name.

Down below in the main room of the Inn was the rest of their team, save for Grimo who had been asked several times to not smoke his cigars in the Inn and, after he’d told a seemingly pandaren barmaid that he’d smoke what he damn well pleased after that fight toots he was reminded, loudly and violently, that while the citizenry of Valdrakken may look like orcs, humans, elves, pandaren, and such… that they were likely dragons with a visage form… and was chased out of the room as the pandaren unleashed a gout of flames at him after taking offense at his words.

Nelen sat at the table with Nitika, Jaie, Edwood, Mola’raum, Galdia, and Dareley nearby, and infront of the table was Laurelgosa in her own visage form as Laura Brightflame, pacing back and forth as she explained their new foes to them.

“Now, remember, some of my memories may not be entirely accurate even now… but of those three Iridikron, that is the earth-aspected Incarnate, was the most dangerous. He was the de-facto leader of the Primalist Rebels before my people were sealed away, and he was a cunning and dangerous foe. Their retreat as opposed to laying siege to Valdrakken was likely down to him. He would not risk a frontal assault against an unknown foe, especially one that had proven capable of defeating Raszageth, and even moreso with them weakened from their captivity.” she nodded firmly, the formerly meek and unsure dracthyr now talking as though she was a seasoned veteran giving a military briefing… but then, her memories had been slowly returning over the past few months and, it had turned out, that is precisely what she was.

Neltharion had made the dracthyr to be soldiers, and a soldier she was indeed.

“Fyrakk is far more impulsive than Iridikron. This can be used against him, he will underestimate his opponents sometimes. This is likely how he was defeated by the Aspects.” she nodded, “Their sister, Vyranoth is far more restrained than either of them… but this can make her the most dangerous of all. She’ll bide her time until she knows when to strike where it will do the most damage.”

Galdia growled, sitting up in her seat, “Then what the fel are we sitting around for?!” she spat, “If this is when they’re weakest we should go take ‘em apart now!” she barked.

Laura shook her head, “Believe me Galdia, I would wish to stop their threat as soon as possible… but Iridikron will be ensuring they cannot be found. His mastery is earth. Once free of the Vault they likely went to ground in a very literal sense. Its possible they may not even be on the Dragon Isles anymore. Wherever they are, they will be well hidden…”

Dareley nodded, then shrugged, “Er… how though lass? I mean, big bloody dragons made o’ fire ‘n ice ‘n suchlike are hard ta miss.” asked the dwarf.

Laura nodded, “A fair question Dareley. One thing I do recall clearly is this: the Incarnates can take a visage as well.” she explained, gesturing to her own appearance of an elven woman with hints of draconic features. “While their own visage forms are far more… elemental… than our own, they are not much bigger than your average human or orc. While in their transformed state, hiding is as simple as finding a convenient cave and Iridikron using his power to seal the entrance. With Sekhi’s help we may be able to track them down but she is one Shaman and they could have retreated to another landmass entirely.”

Galdia growled, emptying her mug and slamming it down. “So, basically, we’re stuck waiting… AGAIN.” she snapped. “Yeah, screw that. I’m going to go take Nightpelt, find some Primalists, and beat some leads out of them.” she nodded, getting up and stomping out of the inn.

Laura sighed at her as she left, but Nitika shook her head. “Its best to just let her. Galdia isn’t good at waiting for an enemy to come to her.” she shrugged apologetically.

The dracthyr nodded, “Yes, I have fought alongside several dracthyr in the distant past who were much the same…” she smirked a bit, “She would make a fine Dark Talon if she was one of us.”

Edwood shrugged, “Eh, can’t say I don’t get what she’s feelin’.” commented the Forsaken. “Today was supposed ta be our decisive battle against that giant purple monster… ‘n now her mates are runnin’ wild across Azeroth. Gotta admit, I’m feelin’ a bit antsy at that thought m’self…”

Nelen nodded at that, “Likewise Ed. I mean, I know retreat was the smart option, I was about ready to collapse when Raszageth finally died… but… well…” he shrugged, “Yeah… worgen instincts are screaming ‘they are a threat, kill the threat’ over and over.” he shook his head, taking a deep breath as he did. “I’ll manage, but its not easy.” he glanced around, then realized that one specific member was unaccounted for. “Huh… where’s Shalandrae?” he asked Dareley.

The older dwarf shrugged, “Oh, she’s been workin’ more with th’ Dragonscale Expedition lately. Apparently helpin’ out this draenei lass who saved her arse a bit ago.” he replied.

Nelen raised his eyebrow at him, “Huh, well, alright then. I suppose if she feels like she owes her that only makes sense.” he replied.

Dareley, who had known Shalandrae for longer, just smirked a bit… though it was hard to see under his beard. He had a feeling that it was more than just that.

Near the outskirts of the city, Shalandrae was sitting under a tree with her hands folded over her middle, her legs stretched out before her, as a large panthera rested it’s head on them with a contented purr.

“How cute… normally Eocundo is not very friendly with people other than me.” chuckled Aziguni as she rested against the tree as well.

“It’s a druid thing, we’re all good with animals. Some of the more powerful among us can even understand their voices. Shan’do Stormrage can talk to most anything he likes.” she replied, scratching the large feline behind it’s ears as it stretched and pawed at the grass. Nearby Muaaqi, her talbuk, grazed idly.

Aziguni chuckled, sketching in her book again as they sat there. “You know, I truly envy you druids. You have a connection with the wilds of Azeroth that few others can ever hope to come close to. Eocundo, Muaaqi, and I have… an understanding among us, but to truly be able to speak to them as we speak to each other…” she sighed wistfully, “Perhaps someday… my people are not native to this world, our connection is not as strong as the kal’dorei’s is. Perhaps one day we too shall hear ‘nature’s call’ as you do.”

Shalandrae shrugged, “I was born just before the War of the Ancients, I didn’t hear it until the Legion returned to lay siege to Mount Hyjal. That’s about ten thousand years, give or take a few. Its possible…” she admitted.

The draenei smiled at that thought, and for a while nothing was heard but the scratching of her charcoal on paper… after a long moment however, Aziguni broached the subject that was on everyone’s minds. “So… there are three of them now…”

Shalandrae sighed, “Yeah… there are. So much for keeping it quiet. Alexstraza and Nozdormu raised the alarm to everyone they could the minute Raszageth went for the Vault… and I don’t think anyone on the island missed when those three blasted their way out.” she frowned, rubbing her eyes, “The minute word reaches Orgrimmar and Stormwind, and it will eventually, its going to be chaos. Raszageth was as powerful as an aspect, and everyone still remembers the destruction Deathwing caused… now there’s three who want to subjugate the mortal races and return the world to elemental chaos?” she shook her head slowly.

“Indeed… I imagine Turalyon is praying to the Light that King Anduin returns soon just so that he can have him explain why this was kept secret from the populace at large.” smirked Aziguni.

Shalandrae snorted, “Elune have mercy on that poor man… there’s going to be an angry mob outside of the castle demanding answers. I imagine there’s letters heading back to the city as we speak reading ‘bigods! Giant dragons made of elemental madness! Its Deathwing times three, take the kids and run for the hills!’”

Aziguni smirked, then sighed, “It would be more amusing if it was not also true…” she pointed out.

Shalandrae sighed, “Yeaaaaaaaaaah there is that…” she winced, then looked down as her pouch whistled at her. She fished out her gemstone and drew the rune for ‘connect’ on its polished surface as Nelen’s face appeared over it in miniature.

“Shalandrae, sorry to cut your visit short but we just got word that Raszageth’s storm over the Forbidden Reach to the north is dissipating. Looks like it can’t maintain itself without her. The dracthyr are organizing an expedition there to see what they can find so we’re meeting up to see how we can help.” said the magus.

“Eh, its okay Nelen. I could do with some dinner anyways. I’ll be at the Ram in a little bit.” she replied, drawing the rune for ‘sever’ to end the spell and getting to her feet. “Gotta run for now Aziguni. Nice seeing you again.” she nodded, giving Eocundo one last pat on his head before walking off through the crowds, her staff balanced on her shoulders with her wrists resting over it.

“Yes, I enjoyed it as well. Give your colleagues my congratulations on defeating Raszageth.” she replied. She watched her go, then glanced down at her sketch. It showed a detailed drawing of the tree, and of a night elf woman leaning against it with a large panthera resting it’s head on their lap.

She smiled at it, then closed the sketchbook and put it away. “A lovely thought, but now is definitely not the time… perhaps once all this is over, should it end in our favor.” she mused to herself, then whistled for her companions and headed back towards the building that the Dragonscale Expedition had rented in the city for their headquarters.

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