#Sunshard Mages

[pywriting]

Shadows Cast

Taliori had been in a rush of sorts as soon as she had gotten the call. It had been brief, but clear. The man that was so far away calling out to her and telling her news that was terrible in it’s own.

She had to bring it to the Lord of the lands. A man that she rarely had conversed with, yet deserved above anyone else to know of it.

Esme Sunshard was dead.

At least, her soul was dead. Her body was still alive somehow. Even Quineven had struggled to explain that.

It had been hard news to pass along, yet one she had to be honest with. She struggled with answering the stream of questions and a man breaking down with anger and fear. She could only offer so much, and before she could so much as try and explain that Quineven was working to fix it, the man was gone. Off to the mountains that the mage resided in.

It left Embertree empty. Barren of leadership and left with a woman that knew it couldn’t remain so. And thus, Taliori and made a decision.

After speaking with the staff, she finally made her way to the wide and open library. There was a desk there- the owner was the woman herself who was subject to such a terrible fate.

Tali glanced over the table of neat stacks and the few papers that had been dropped off. Work that had been left behind and surely to be attended to after the woman came back. 

That was, she meant to do it once she came back. No longer would that be possible.

There was a sigh that was released from Taliori, and she slowly slid into the foreign chair. She kept looking through the desk till finally she found blank paper and the ink required to write with. Preparing herself, she set out multiple sheafs of the paper and began to dip the pen to the ink. 

After a long moment of consideration, the pen was brought to the paper and the monk began to write with her oh so nice script. 

 Captain,

You know that usually I would come in person to deliver news, but i’m afraid the time it would take for me to make my way to your home personally would be far too long. I don’t know if you will find this as urgent as the warlock Faervell had, but I need you to know all the same.

Esme is gone. By such, I mean that she appears to be dead, yet her body remains alive.

It is far more complicated than I can adequately explain, however I will try.

According to Quineven, a spell had been cast not but a day ago. It was some sort of spell that sent her spirit or soul to somewhere that is beyond our physical reach. A surge of energy abruptly cut the tether that kept her attached to the physical plane, and from that point on, she no longer remained there. It is as if she is a shell with nothing inside. 

This led to a theory that she may have gone through what a few others appear to have gone through. There’s word around that there may be some sort of connection to the dead. I’m not sure how it works, and I don’t dare to assume that I could understand complex magic, but it may point us to where she went.

As of right now, I am assuming over whatever matters is needed here at Embertree since Faervell is gone as well. I can handle what affairs need to be, but I know that you would wish to know this news just the same.

I am sending for the others as well.

If you have any need for me, I am always at your disposal and will be here for you.

Be safe.

Taliori

Glancing over the letter twice over, she finally folded it up and set it aside. All prepared for the delivery that was to come. Yet, she didn’t go immediately. Instead she went to begin writing two more letters. Both were the same in their own ways, yet addressed to two different men.

It was short. Simple. Easy to understand.

“Come to Embertree.”

Both were folded and sent to the others of the crew. 

The small woman slid back the chair and swept up the letters. Making her way hastily off, she’d find herself going to pass the letters on to the carriers. From there, directions were given and the messages were sent. 

She watched until she could see no more, then gave a brief nod to herself as her eyes closed. She knew plenty of what she needed to do, but this was far more out of her range. She felt hesitant and a bit scared of herself. She never was good at this game that needed to be played in the absence of the Lady and Lord of Embertree, but at this point she felt obliged to take care of things.

Hopefully the others would come.

Hopefully she could maintain what needed to be done.

Hopefully Esme and Faervell came back.

Hopefully... Hopefully...

---

@sakialyn @raserus @jessipalooza @vaelrin

[goaprose]

.14: Bitter | SG SW 7.2016

14th: The way a person handles disappointment reveals a great deal about their values. Describe a time your character faced disappointment and how they handled it.

"But I thought- You said I was getting better! I can do better! I promise!"

"No! No, you clearly cannot." V'liyidan Sunshard gestured with a hand, slashing the air between himself and his youngest son. "I see now this is a fruitless endeavor. You have neither the talent or skill necessary to master this-"

"Ann'da-!"

"And I lack the patience to try further."

"But..." Breathing hard and biting back tears, Iiloridan attempted to step forward, only to quail under the intensity of his father's stare.

"Go back to your mother, for now. I'm sure you'll be able to learn all you need to from her side of the family. Magic is clearly not for you."

Taking one last look at his father's expression, which refused to soften even in the face of his son's tears, Iiloridan ran. He ran and he ran and ran, despite the fact that the translocation portal back to Silvermoon and his mother was back the opposite way. The unending, empty forests of Sunbreaker Coast stretched all around him, auburn trees swallowing him up. But that was fine. More than fine. At least there would be no one to see or hear his crying.

But it didn't take long for tears to turn to yells; and for cries to turn to stubborn, bitter anger.

If it was the last straw for his father, then it was the last straw for Iiloridan, as well. It had been a long, long time coming. He'd tried so very hard, just to make his dad proud, even with his older siblings getting the lion's share of the attention. If Ann'da refused to just try...

Lori clenched a fist, the enchanting crystals he'd accidentally taken still clutched in his hand; they ground together until they burst into dust with an errant surge of adolescent mana.

He'd just wanted to do something with his dad. Something they could do together. But- Unfortunately, they were more alike than either acknowledged. Just like his ann'da, he could only take so much disappointment.

"Fine. Fine!"

Scrubbing away his tears, Iiloridan drew on his anger and disappointment like a cloak, shrouding himself in it before stomping stubbornly back.

If his Ann'da refused to try, neither would he. And their relationship would never recover.

unedited

[thesunguardmg]

With one fell swoop, the Alliance has come to Quel’Thalas and in their fury, they have dispatched an entire fleet of Thalassian Warships, taken a province of the Ghostlands, nearly taken Sunstrider Isle, besieged the Sunwell, and locked Quel’Thalas in a barrier of magical nullification. Armies from Stormwind, Kalimdor, Gilneas, Kul Tiras, and even reclaimers of high elves and void elves have landed to bring Quel’Thalas into submission. 

Just as the ink was signed for the Sunguard to become a fully fledged regiment within the Royal Thalassian Army was the battle called. An army of Three Hammers moves onto Silvermoon City and the Sunguard moved to intervene. Thane Fergus Mountainbeard and regiments of dwarves position themselves to fight head-on with the elven host. The Sunguard, moving to the fields south of Silvermoon make into battle array for a pitched battle while Gilnean forces close in on their rear and ready to reave into the Dawnspire.

Off the coast of Sundial Anchorage, a Stormwind and Kul Tiran Fleet led by Commodore Lucious of Lordaeron takes command as soldiers from Kul Tiras, Stormwind, and Arathor are ready to disembark. 

Near Sunsail Anchorage, Admiral Drake dispatches his Kul Tiran marines onto the shores and brings the Citadel of the Last Ember, home of the Phoenix Guard under siege. 

Attempting to make some sort of headway on the Isle of Quel’Danas, Fleet Commander Esme Sunshard and Commander Faervel Bael’nar ready themselves with Stormwind 3rd Fleet and a garrison of undead that hold the beach landing. 

Further south, a new nation sparks into the hearts of all former exiles of Quel’Thalas. The Kingdom of Quel’Thalas Reborn, a thalassian enclave has reclaimed the former Windrunner Holdings. Their elven regiments move onto Embertree of Shallowbrook and further into Havenblaze port. 

With the war sounding out in the deep Amani trolls swept out of the mountain passes and surround the Emberlight. Dispatching General Idrya Blacksun to the Blacksun Gates, the Emberlight prepares for the carnage. Sailing north, Severus Blacksquall engages with the Stormwind 9th fleet off the coast of Sundial Anchorage.

The night was not without some victories as the Sunguard was able to dispatch squads of agents. Monax the Undying was successfully able to raise new soldiers in Autumnvale while the scout Thinariel was able to show the Sunguard main force a position of an ambush on the dwarven column. Finally, the bard Vaelan Cindercloak gave a rousing song to the Mage-Guard under Azriah Thelryn’s command.

Research into Militia Training and Advance Seafaring were completed by the human Gideon and the Pathfinder Caelinda respectively while a force was sent to Suramar to assist in retrieving allies. A troop of consisting of Caeliri Dawnsworn, Melori Bronzeblade, and Elovriel the Wyrm were successfully able to find and meet with the Matron known as Ayra, a rising figure within the city-state. 

On the southern front, an elite force consisting of Oosaarn Bloodaxe, Sibelia, and the Spellbreaker Thordemar were able to cross over the Thalassian Mountains into the Ghostlands and link up with a battalion of elite Forsaken soldiers known as the Queen’s Hand. 

With the battle lines drawn, the Sunguard prepares for its next adventure in the PHOENIX WARS!

[safrona-shadowsun]

"The grand magister's greatest mistake was in handing his enemies a force that he was too cowardly to take for himself." ~Khairan

It was an unexpected discourse to hear waiting for her coffee at the Ledgermaine Lounge that particular morning. The Blood Mage looked like a walking promotion for the Sin’dorei nation, and his like so often seemed to sneer at her on look alone. The Void Elf dipped her head into a slow nod as a hand toyed with a wine glass with all the coveting of one of the Shal’dorei. “Or maybe it was more a mistake of his standing to refer to his people as ‘a force’ instead of ‘people’ no?” 

The words were delivered on a factual breath, perhaps made more strange by her otherwordly echo, lambent eyes holding the blood mage at a glance. She let her words linger there a moment or two before she let a smile drift across her lips, fully turning to face him. “A…second hand opinion only, admittedly. I cater to enough of my own in the Ren’dorei to know some are less worried about Void technicalities and more for how they can see the family they were isolated from for being too much of a threat to the city.”

{ @silvertonguedaggermaw – for Khairan Sunshard }

[sakialyn]

Gabriel Shadowdrake

Appearance -

Gender: Male

Race: Sin’dorei

Height: 6′2″

Eye Color: Stone grey

Hair Color: Raven black.

The Facts -

Birthday: Summertime; First of August

Occupation: Hired blade, Lightward of the Sunguard

Sexual identification: Heterosexual

Romantic identification: Asexual

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Criminal History: Piracy, Murderer, Familicide, Thief

Relationship Status: None

Favorites –

Favorite food: Apples

Favorite drink: Rum and apple ale

Favorite artist: None

Favorite scents: Breeze on the open sea, apple orchard, the forest, lillies, cinnamon, and spice

Favorite person: Taliori Dewblossom, Esme Sunshard, Vaelrin Firestorm, and some of the crew.

Randoms –

Ten facts about your muse:

⚫  He is the firstborn son of Faedryn Everdawn and Calarel Everdawn, and second child of four. From a young age, he was groomed to eventually succeed his father as a skilled mage and take over as head of the House of Everdawn, but it did not come to pass.

⚫  He once enjoyed singing and dancing in his youth and would often make up childish lyrics for songs to sing for his siblings and mother. His father heavily disapproved of such frivolous time waste and would constantly remind him to take his studies more seriously. His love of song and dance was extinguished years ago, but on the extremely rare occasion, he’ll allow this old side of him to surface.

⚫  He was once captured and used as a test subject within a research facility that specialized in the affects of certain magical components and reagents on living subjects. Because of the amount of intense magic and components he was subjected to from constant experiments over the course of over two years, it’s rendered him unable to be effected by magic. While advantageous as a shield against manipulative magic, such as polymorph and curses, it’s also rendered him immune to mending magics should 

⚫ 

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Five Things -

Things they like: - Sailing the open seas. - The Night. - His children. - Beautiful, alluring people. - Playing on his piano.

Things they dislike: - Authority - Witches - Snobbery - Nobility - Narcissists (…because he’s probably one lbr)

Good habits:

- Independent. - Confident - Raconteur - Determined. - Survivalist - Leader

Bad Habits:

- Drinking…………to excess - Manipulative - Hedonistic - Strongly detached and prefers to handle problems on his own. - Somewhat possessive. Bad sharer. (pirate and treasure trope). - Disappears without warning. - Bad deals. Very bad deals. - Smoking and plenty of drugs. - Sticky fingers. Whats yours is now his because you weren’t paying attention.

Personalities they gravitate toward:

- Quiet and subdued - Confident and self-sufficient - Shy and submissive. - Determined and strong-willed. - Cool, levelheaded, and patient. - Nurturing and warm.

Personality types they avoid:

- Overly vain and narcissistic. - Loud, boastful, and annoying. - Arrogant and conceited. - Materialistic and shopaholic. - Weak-willed and broken. - Fake. Those who truly hide behind a false identity. - The unfocused, unimaginative, and pathetic.

Fears:

- Losing his children. - Dying without fulfilling everything. - Huge social circles. - Being ignored. - The Unknown.

[pyrar]

Faervell Bael’nar

Appearance -

Gender: Male

Race: Sin’dorei

Height: 6′3″ (I think)

Eye Color: Fel Green

Hair Color: Dark Brown/Blackish?

The Facts -

Name Day: Sometime in the Fall

Occupation: Co-Owner of the Bael’nar Silks, Dawnward of the Suncasters, and Proveyor of Curses and other fine tuned spells delving into darker magics.

Sexual identification: Pansexual

Romantic identification: His wife, Esme.

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Criminal History: Following Kael’thalas was probably a bad idea... Along with all those people he killed and tortures. But who’s to know anything about that. It’s fine!

Relationship Status: Married.

Favorites –

Favorite food: Manly meals full of protein and carbs. No greens allowed.

Favorite drink: Juice

Favorite artist: He has more than a few good friends that are excellent tailors and masters of their craft that he thinks are the best. He goes to them any time that he needs or wants a new outfit.

Favorite scents: Fresh rain, a warm morning, The smell of the sea clinging to his wifes hair, the smell of a candle freshly burnt out, spices or the sort used for aromas in incense or the various herbs he smokes.

Favorite person(s): Esme Sunshard, Ciaragan Bael’nar, Elleynah Stormsummer, Cynel Sunfire

Randoms –

Ten facts about your muse:

⚫  He sells silks, but does not create the outfits. Many people approach him asking for outfits of the sort, though usually he has to either redirect them to an actual tailor or do the order himself if they’re particularly useless rich customers.

⚫  Ciaragan and Faervell are technically identical twins.. Although they grew into their looks in vastly different ways, not to mention they’re completely different genders. 

⚫ Faervell is an addict in the strongest sense. His largest vice is fel and he does not go a single day without a minimum of three or four crystals to keep that little itch scratched. He also smokes and actually likes to collect pipes for such an occasion.

⚫ Faervell is actually very skilled in herbology and alchemy, to the extent that he’s found it necessary for his spellcrafting and own needs. 

⚫ While he was never a mage, Faervell and his sister both displayed incredible skill and genius when it came to the Fel and Demonic arts. They learn at a very fast rate, though Faer does not see himself better than all the mistakes he’s made through it all. 

⚫  Faervell cannot swim. He just fucking can’t. Esme has tried to teach him, and to her success, she’s gotten him comfortable enough to float, although it is a struggle to get over the fear of water he has.

⚫  While Faervell is very charismatic and flirtatious with nearly anything that breathes, he is dedicated and absolutely loyal to Esme. If anyone even mentions her in a manner to get him started on talking about it... woooo boy, you best be prepared, because he will go on and on about it.

⚫ Faervell is a very jealous and possessive man. He struggles with it often. He has gotten himself into fights over those he’s loved, and particularly is possessive of his sister. He would kill a man that would think to do something to her... And goodness, if you even think about looking at his wife in a manner that even seems promiscuous? He immediately get’s upset.

⚫ Hates trolls. Really just fucking hates them. And undead. He does not much care to work with them, though he will tolerate their existence.

⚫ He is haunted by the trauma both from his experiences and the demon that he still fears possesses a part of him. He dares not ever admit it to Esme, for fear of worrying her or appearing weak in any way, but it constantly looms within his mind.

Five Things -

Things they like: - Reading or being read to - Walking around and just allowing time to think - Sex - Spending time with the people he truly loves to be around - Working

Things they dislike: - Making mistakes - Failing or causing a major loss - Being alone for long periods of time, especially when Esme goes out on her ships. - Dealing with incompetent mages who think they are the shit. - Not having Fel

Good habits:

- Patient - Detailed - Charming - Thoughtful - Willing?  

Bad Habits:

- Stubborn - Jealous - Judgmental - Slutty - Hypocritical - Demanding

Personalities they gravitate toward:

- Sharp - Challenging - Confident - Charming/Friendly - Intellectual - Fun/Humorous

Personality types they avoid:

- Annoying/Loud - Holier than thou - Antagonistic - Insincere - Frail/Weak sorts

Fears:

- Making one too many mistakes and killing himself and proving that his teacher was correct in how worthless he truly was. - Drowning - Esme’s affections waning or changing at some point and her leaving him. - Loss of Control - Losing his sister

Tagged by @stormandozone... the only one

If anyone wants to do this, they can. I’m pretty sure everyone else has tagged someone though

[thenaaru]

Avie Silverbrooke - Spellbreaker

Appearance - 

Gender: Female

Race: Anorthalasian (Sin’dorei)

Height: 5′3″

Eye Colour: Citron

Hair Colour: Fiery Red

The Facts -

Birthday:  March 6th

Occupation: Duskward of the Sunspear Battalion / Guardian of Anorthalas

Sexual Identififaction: Bisexual

Romantic Identification: Heteroromantic

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Criminal History: Outstanding warrant for going AWOL from the Blood Knights.

Relationship Status: Divorced

Favourites - 

Favourite Food: Cheese board

Favourite Drink: Red wine

Favourite Artist: Her sister, Avari

Favourite Scents: Starlight rose, bonfires, fresh coffee

Favourite Person(s): Iiloridan Sunshard, Ithanar Islesun, Kalyanar Brightquill, Mylinne Osh’ara.

Randoms -

Ten facts about your muse:

⚫ Avie has one older sister, Avari. She is a gifted fire mage who holds a respectable position within the Magistrate. She is very politically minded. The two are undeniably alike.

⚫ She has two notable scars. The first a faded bite mark in the left crook of her neck, the second a through-and-through wound from an abomination’s hook on her right shoulder. She was lucky not to lose her arm.

⚫ Avie is a gifted violinist but she rarely plays.

⚫ In her youth she dreamt of becoming a dancer and would often sneak off when she was able to practice. Had she not been forced into service under her father, she would have left Anorthalas to tour the world with a troop.

⚫ Since learning to see the ley lines she has become unable to switch this ‘ley sight’ off. Large, unexpected uses of magic cause bright flares in her vision that can render her temporarily blind. On the plus side, it means that it requires very little effort for her to see and predict magic before it is cast.

⚫ She is terrified of flying.

⚫ Avie’s healing magic is very limited and she cannot heal herself. On others she can perform basic triage at best.

⚫ She’s ticklish. Very ticklish.

⚫ Stormherald was gifted to her as a foal by a childhood sweetheart. She raised him by hand and is very attached. She will retire him soon to live out his old age on the isle, if he does not fall in battle first.

⚫ Had she been allowed to study it, Avie would have found she has a talent for the arcane. If her father had let her follow the centuries old tradition that saw Daughters of Anorthalas train to become mages she would have blossomed into a fearsome fire mage - even more so than her sister. However, she was never given the chance and so her affinity for magic remains a mystery to her - though some have started to suspect as she begins to display her skill in Spellbreaking.

Five Things -

Things they like:

Baths

Cats

Dancing

Lingerie

Gold

Things they dislike:

Caemenas

Being told she isn’t allowed to do something

Being teased for her curly ears

Ghosts and Undead

Physical touch

Good Habits:

Disciplined; she gets up at sunrise almost every morning to train and care for Stormherald

Brave

Charismatic

Loyal

Strong-willed

Bad Habits:

Arrogant

Manipulative

Cruel

Stubborn

Distrustful

Personality types they gravitate toward:

Strong-willed

Wise

Brave

Charming

Aggressive

Personality types they avoid:

Meek

Holier-than-thou

Cowardly

Preachers

Controllers

Fears:

Being under her father’s thumb once more

Disappointing Zalin

Losing Iiloridan or Ithanar

Becoming like her father

Flying

Tagged by @captainswingbeard

Tagging: literally anyone I mean Y’ALL HAVE ALL ALREADY BEEN TAGGED. @ all my followers here do this it’s fun.

[akanetto]

Woo, part 2 of my Tales of Own Charas *u* Full Name: Khilien Sunshard Gender and Sexuality: Male, Heterosexual Pronouns: He/His Ethnicity/Species: Blood Elf Birthplace and Birthdate: He was born in Silvermoon City as second child of a noble family (paladin father, mage mother and a mage older sister). Autumn baby, he’s about 25-27 years old (in human years, still have to learn elven aging :’D ) Affiliated with: Eredyn Sunshard (his sister), Turuen (ex-paladin)

Guilty Pleasures: Watching Shywaa sleep, and pretty elf ladies wearing pretty clothes, what a perv Phobias: Arcane magic. Although he is a blood elf and has great affinity for magic, he only relies on the power of Light as a paladin. What They Would Be Famous For: Hmm, good question. Maybe he can lift even heavier things than you would think? What Have They / Would They Gotten Arrested For: For nothing I guess, only because of misunderstandings...

OC You Ship Them With: My night elf priestess, Shywaa~ OC Most Likely To Murder Them: Haha, his cousin, Agganon, he’s a bitch ass warlock that’s why Favorite Book Genre: Historycal things mostly. And theological stuff. Least Favorite Book Cliche: Too scientific writings

Talents and/or Powers: He wields two artifacts, a sword and a necklace which he received from his father right before his death. These empowers Khilien’s holy powers, so he’s a quite effective protector of Light. Why Someone Might Love Them: He is righteous and has a strong heart. Helpful and always defends his loved ones. Not to mention that he’s really strong so he can carry you anywhere you want~ Why Someone Might Hate Them: Sometimes too melancholic and disappears without saying, just to be alone, maybe for days. How They Change: He has a really sad story, he lost his mother when he was young (during the Scourge invasion), and when his father died, Eredyn wanted to kill him just to lay hands on the artifacts. He’s the only survivor amongst a paladin troop, all his friends (and nearly himself) were killed. His optimistic and faithful personality has changed into a melancholic and pointless one, until he meets Shywaa. Why You Love Them: His strong emotions, the strenght to move on and keep on living no matter what, that’s what I love the most within him. And he was my first chara in the horde fraction~

[telchis]

“To Fleet Commander Esme Sunshard,

Sunward, it has been long since your appointment and while I have appreciated fully the commitment you have made to the Crimson Fleet and its logistics, I will now put your new position to the test. We have several ships remaining without a captain. Recruitment in the past has gone to men and women of considering sea-worthiness, skill in command, and staunch dedication to our cause. I would see that you fill these vacancies immediately.

Crews can be provided for. Sundial Anchorage is never short of able sea-hands and as such can be relied upon to man these ships. I will order the sailing master to reconquisiton you adequate training and drilling for new sailors once they are assembled. 

Sir Dawnsky, my quartermaster in Sundial, will see to it that each ship is given adequate defenses of ironclaw balistas, thalassian marines, and if available, blood mages to defend them. 

The names of ships shall be attached to this letter, should you have difficulty filling critical roles then you may speak to me as necessary. Time is of the essence Sunward, I mean for us to set sail at week’s end.

May the sea keep you,

Archon Telchis Truefeather”

@esmesunshard

http://sunguard.wikia.com/wiki/Crimson_Fleet

[sakiwriting]

Alliances

Taeral drummed his fingers rhythmically upon polished wood as he carefully looked over the document in his hand. His desk had been a scene of paperwork stacks the past few weeks, with reports from the other houses coming in constantly: Reports of production, sightings of scourge and demons, and all other manner that required his attention as the Lord of the Everdawn. 

The past few years had not been easy, after taking up the mantle following his late brother’s passing. Vesyrn’s methods had been questionable, as the man had driven the neighboring houses into subjection like a tyrant, rather than regarding it as a mutual alliance. Yet, regardless, there was no doubt that under his hand, production and trade had continued to flourish. Perhaps what fear he had utilized had been a motivational factor, but Taeral’s brother, whether or not his methods were moral, had been efficient in ensuring The Everdawn continued to thrive. Yet now, with his brother’s gruesome death having come with few sympathizers, it had been a question of how to maintain it.

It had taken time to clear out his brother’s ill influences, and lingering thugs, as it were, in order to start fresh, but with it, came even more problems. 

The mines of Phoenix Heights to the north had practically been stripped barren and its residents had been worked thin in order to meet demanded production. While the corruption of his brother had been cleansed, House Highmourn would need time in order to survey new places within the mountains in order to draw from.

To the south, Lightblossom Fields were having trouble with bandits pillaging their crops, and even burning their fields in a fit of spite. Calling upon those of Highmourn to assist in guarding them had stemmed the tide, but the damage had been done. Recovery and re-planting of lost crops would set them back.

Then to the west, Dawnwood forest, and, more specifically, Tylentus Sunleaf had been another problem. While the Sunleaf Wardens had done well to prevent the Scourge’s corruption from tainting their forests, their numbers had dwindled over the past years in fending off wandering undead and trolls that tested the western borders of The Everdawn. They required manpower in order to process the lumber and goods from the forests, but House Sunleaf had been refusing aid. Taeral suspected it had not only to do with Vesryn’s methods of terror, but also the rumors over a daughter of Sunleaf, Tylenthus’ own, having been murdered by a son of Everdawn, Taeral’s late nephew, Leo’ren, nearly a hundred years ago. Such wounds would be hard to forgive, and Taeral would have to regain the man’s trust somehow. Until then, Dawnwood Forest could not be counted upon.

Lastly, there were his own lands of Autumnsun. Port Belore had seen fewer and fewer ships passing through, and under the tyranny of his brother, many of the surrounding towns had become abandoned, its citizens having sought refuge elsewhere. Even Arkha'oriel, once a prominent academy of mages and those seeking knowledge, had become a little more than a husk of its former glory. Taeral suspected the rumors of his brother’s penchant for the darker arts, including felmancy, had something to do with the taint that had filled it until recently.

Given these circumstances, he knew there was little choice. If the Everdawn was to survive, and the tides change, then new alliances would have to be formed. He once more looked over the parchment in his hand. It was a list his advisors had given of suggested noble houses that might prove beneficial in an alliance. As his eyes scanned down the list, a particular name stood out:

Firestorm.

Over a year had passed, and he still remembered vividly the night of the ball that honored the Lord’s newly appointed Knight-Captain. A face of a ghost long since dead had stuck out to him in the crowd, yet had been as tangible as mist before it vanished before his eyes. Was it his youngest brother, Faedryn, he had seen? Had it been a warning warning of the fate that had swallowed those who had previously held the title of Lord of the Everdawn? He had wondered for the longest time if it was merely the wine of the evening that had played tricks upon him, or if he had truly seen what he had.

He stroked his beard a moment as he thought over it further. Perhaps this would be the opportunity to look further into the mystery, while at the same time, secure alliances that would save his lands.

The paper was set to the side as he retrieved parchment and a well of ink in order to begin writing. 

Lord Vaelrin Firestorm-

He paused, having recalled the man had a military title, then balled up the paper and tossed it into the wastebin before starting over with fresh parchment.

Ranger-Captain Firestorm,

It has been some time since we last spoke and I believe our last meeting was to celebrate your new Knight-Captain Esme Sunshard’s appointment. It is in my hopes that you have been keeping well and that your people and lands have known a harmonious peace within these trying times. 

It is in regards to that mentioned above I feel I need to write onto your persons as I have a proposition for you that I believe would both benefit Shallowbrook and that of my own the Everdawn. If you hold any interest in helping strengthen your own lands through an alliance I would like to extend an invitation to dinner so that we may further discuss this proposition.

Sincerely,

Lord Taeral Everdawn

Once finished, he read it over, ensuring each line was pristine and the words un-smudged before setting it off to the side in order to allow the ink to dry. It would perhaps mark the beginning of a long road, and regardless of where it took him and the Everdawn, he would see it through to its end.

@forever-afk

[barbosaasouza]

Hearthstone: The Boomsday Project Card Analysis Lab (Part 3)

Card reveals have begun for Hearthstone's next big expansion. The Boomsday Project will dive deep into science and technology, as part of the next set for the Year of the Raven.

This expansion features the new keyword Magnetic, new Omega Projects, and Legendary Spells. And as is the case with each new Hearthstone expansion, Shacknews is stepping into the lab to analyze each of the Boomsday Project's new cards. Before we get started, here's everything you might have missed:

Hearthstone: The Boomsday Project - The Dr. Boom, Mad Genius Design Interview Hearthstone: The Boomsday Project - Analyzing Dr. Boom, Mad Genius

Hearthstone: The Boomsday Project Analysis Lab (Part 1) Hearthstone: The Boomsday Project Analysis Lab (Part 2)

And now, let's continue with the next batch of cards.

(3) Omega Medic (3/4) Type: Minion Class: Priest Rarity: Rare Battlecry: If you have 10 Mana Crystals, restore 10 Health to your hero. Source: MKRR3 on YouTube

Analysis: Omega Medic isn't something I'd consider packing into a constructed deck, since there aren't a lot of high synergy possibilities here.

But Omega Medic is a solid Arena pick, with a decent 3/4 body to play on curve and a Battlecry effect that could prove beneficial in the later turns. I wouldn't expect to see this guy on the ladder, but Arena players should be pretty happy with this pick.

(7) Astromancer (5/5) Type: Minion Class: Mage Rarity: Epic Battlecry: Summon a random minion with Cost equal to your hand size. Source: Dian Fuji on Panda.tv

Analysis: There aren't many Mage archetypes that fit into this card's effect, with maybe one exception. Early on in the Witchwood, I played around with an Elemental Mage and often found my hand overflowing, thanks to constant Discover effects from cards like Servant of Kalimos and card generation from cards like Ruby Spellstone.

Getting a big hand isn't as hard as it might look for Mage. Just avoid the temptation to fast track the process by using Aluneth, simply because of how easily that card can backfire.

(2) Celestial Emissary (2/1) Type: Minion - Elemental Class: Mage Rarity: Rare Battlecry: Your next spell this turn has Spell Damage +2. Source: DDaHyoNi on YouTube

Analysis: Celestial Emissary won't be an Elemental that Mages will look to pack into their deck, necessarily. Not when Bloodmage Thalnos still provides a valuable card draw effect. But hey, are you picking this guy up from Servant of Kalimos or some other Discover effect? That's not too bad.

It's important to keep in mind that Celestial Emissary will only work on a single spell, so if you're a Big Spell Mage, make this guy count. Clear the board with that 6-damage Flamestrike or use something like Leyline Manipulator to maybe discount a Pyroblast you might have gotten off that Ruby Spellstone and go face for 12 damage.

(2) Cloning Device Type: Spell Class: Priest Rarity: Common Discover a copy of a minion in your opponent's deck. Source: Eurogamer

Analysis: For the Standard player, nothing is ever going to replace Drakonid Operative. May he rest in peace. That just leaves little remnants of his effect, like this Cloning Device spell, which allows players to Discover a minion from the opposition's deck. That's not nearly as fun.

Cloning Device has very limited uses and it's hard to imagine this getting any play in constructed decks. But if you're messing around with Lyra the Sunshard and Radiant Elemental and this spell happens to pop up, then by all means, use it to its maximum potential.

(5) Giggling Inventor (2/1) Type: Minion Class: Neutral Rarity: Rare Battlecry: Summon two 1/2 Mechs with Taunt and Divine Shield. Source: Zaltir on YouTube

Analysis: Look out! It's a 2/1 flaked by double Annoy-o-Trons! And while that may sound sarcastic, this effect is nothing to laugh at.

Remember how laughable Annoy-o-Tron first looked in Goblins vs. Gnomes and then remember how hard it was to actually get through one of these little jerks. Now imagine trying to get through two of them. In certain decks, Giggling Inventor could be a complete irritant. One of those decks is the Odd Paladin, which could plant Giggling Inventor on Turn 5 and then buff two of these minions up with Fungalmancer on Turn 6. While the effect doesn't look like it'll do much damage, the Giggling Inventor play could spiral into something out of control if not dealt with swiftly.

Fortunately, a few classes are equipped for the Giggling Inventor play. Warlocks packing Defile and Big Spell Mages packing Blizzard could counter this play rather easily. Also, be on the lookout for that one jerk packing the tech Mossy Horror, who may be joined by quite a few more jerks in the coming weeks.

(9) Zerek's Cloning Gallery Type: Spell Class: Priest Rarity: Legendary Summon a 1/1 copy of each minion in your deck. Source: Omnistone Episode 56

Analysis: I'm looking for the big legendary impact and I'm just not seeing it. Don't let this card text fool you. It should really say "Summon a 1/1 copy of up to the first seven minions in your deck," because you can only fit so many minions onto the board.

The effect itself isn't a bad idea on paper, but 9 Mana is a lot to ask for. Unless those are some devastating Deathrattles in the deck, it's hard to say whether this is worth a Turn 9 play. And worse, the opponent has likely already built to their win condition at this point. The ideal counter for that is not to flood the board with 1/1s.

There could be an interaction that I'm not seeing, but after racking my brain on this one, I don't see this getting much play.

(4) Blightnozzle Crawler (2/4) Type: Minion - Mech Class: Rogue Rarity: Rare Deathrattle: Summon a 1/1 Ooze with Poisonous and Rush. Source: OnlineStationNetwork on Facebook

Analysis: This minion really only works one way and that's if you trade it into another minion. By trading it into a mid-sized minion, it ensures a poisonous 1/1 Ooze that can Rush a much larger minion for maximum impact. But if your opponent kills this thing on their turn, then the Rush effect becomes useless.

It's a good novelty card and one that might come in handy in an Arena run. Just don't expect to see too much of this guy on the ladder.

(7) Star Aligner (7/7) Type: Minion Class: Neutral Rarity: Epic Battlecry: If you control 3 minions with 7 Health, deal 7 damage to all enemies. Source: NGA.CN

Analysis: Here is this set's top meme card. It's Star Aligner, which takes Blizzard's love of the "7" stat to the extreme. But the Battlecry only works when there are three other minions with exactly 7 Health. So how in the heck would that work? Which Hearthstone minions even pack 7 Health? Glad you asked! Those would be:

Hadronox (3/7)

King Mosh (9/7)

Cauldron Elemental (7/7)

Charged Devilsaur (7/7)

Grand Archivist (4/7)

Gruul (7/7)

Kalimos, Primal Lord (7/7)

Violet Wurm (7/7)

Abominal Bowman (7/7)

Archmage Antonidas (5/7)

Prophet Velen (7/7)

Sated Threshadon (5/7)

War Golem (7/7)

Archmage (4/7)

Boulderfist Ogre (6/7)

Glinda Crowskin (3/7)

Grumble, Worldshaker (7/7)

Mossy Horror (2/7)

Sunkeeper Tarim (3/7)

The Beast (9/7)

Bolvar, Fireblood (1/7)

Carrion Drake (3/7)

Doomguard (5/7)

Duskfallen Aviana (3/7)

Festeroot Hulk (2/7)

Gurubashi Berserker (2/7)

Nesting Roc (4/7)

Tar Lurker (1/7)

Voodoo Hexxer (2/7)

Mogu'shan Warden (1/7)

Oasis Snapjaw (2/7)

Injured Blademaster (4/7)

Doomsayer (0/7)

And that's all just in Standard.

So if anything could trigger this guy, it could be the Cubelock that suddenly sprouts out multiple Doomguards with Carnivorous Cube. It is a longshot to make Star Aligner work, but it is not impossible. You won't be seeing him pop up often, but you might see him at least once. Hearthstone fans anxiously await the inevitable Disguised Toast video.

(2) Cybertech Chip Type: Spell Class: Hunter Rarity: Rare Give your minions "Deathrattle: Add a random Mech to your hand." Source: LiangYiWeiNa on Douyu

Analysis: Hunters really aren't much of a Mech-heavy class and I don't expect that to change after this expansion. Because of that, I don't expect the Cybertech Chip to see much play in Standard. It's certainly nothing to sneeze at in Wild, where Hunters can pull out Piloted Shredder or Antique Healbot.

Hunters seem to be doing just fine with their Spell builds and Beast builds, so don't look for Cybertech Chip to see much action.

(2) Pogo-Hopper (1/1) Type: Minion - Mech Class: Rogue Rarity: Rare Battlecry: Gain +2/+2 for each other Pogo-Hopper you played this game. Source: Tars on YouTube

Anaylsis: Boingy! Boingy! Boingy!

If you think Rogue decks packing spiders is terrifying, now imagine a Rogue deck with lots of mechanical rabbits! And yes, it is entirely possible for Miracle Rogue to adjust its deck to unleash maximum spiders and maximum rabbits.

The Pogo-Hopper will play very nicely with the new Lab Recruiter that was unveiled earlier this week. This means shuffling multiple Pogo-Hoppers into your deck. That sounds like an even better idea than using the Lab Recruiter on Fal'dorei Strider, which can still generate spiders even by itself.

The new-look Miracle Rogue could be very dangerous in the new meta. And if the Rogue reaches Pogo-Hopper #4 or #5, there aren't going to be enough removal or Silence effects to deal with all of these mechanical misfits.

(1) Omega Assembly Type: Spell Class: Warrior Rarity: Rare Discover a Mech. If you have 10 Mana Crystals, keep all 3 cards. Source: Hearthstone: Enter Boom Labs Episode 3

Analysis: A 1-Mana Discover effect has been plenty useful in the past, as seen with cards like I Know a Guy and Journey Below. So Omega Assembly by itself isn't bad. But in the late game, it's great for refilling a waning hand. And with the cost so cheap, it leaves more than enough room to play one of those discoveries.

In constructed, it's going to be a downright glorious card in a Dr. Boom deck. In Arena, it's going to replenish a lot of resources in the late game. Normally, these 1-Mana Discover spells aren't much to write home about, but Omega Assembly could see a lot of play in this new meta run by machines.

(8) Gloop Sprayer (4/4) Type: Minion Class: Druid Rarity: Common Battlecry: Summon a copy of each adjacent minion. Source: DisguisedToast on YouTube

Analysis: As Toast notes in his video, this is an oddly expensive card for mediocre 4/4 stats. So naturally, this should do something crazy, right?

Gloop Sprayer will create copies of its adjacent minions, which should, theoretically set up a game-ending combo. I mean, what can opponents do against double Malygos or double Ysera? The trouble is, it's still an 8-Cost minion, so it's an expensive combo to pull off and usually must be pulled off in multiple turns. Fortunately, Twig of the World Tree is here to help by refreshing Mana with its Deathrattle.

As for Wild players, this will offer a new twist on the classic Aviana/Kun the Forgotten King OTK combo. Simply play Aviana, Kun, Malygos, Faceless Manipulator, and Gloop Sprayer for a quadruple Malygos! With seven Mana to spare, show no mercy to your opponent's face.

(2) Crystology Type: Spell Class: Paladin Rarity: Rare Draw two 1-Attack minions from your deck. Source: Nayara Sylvestre on YouTube

Analysis: The heavy implication with Crystology is that its main focus is drawing cheap minions. That is not the case, though.

See, there are a surprising amount of good minions with only 1 Attack. Stonehill Defender and Tar Creeper are perfectly fine minions that only sport a base Attack value of 1. But how about something a little more legendary? Think Bolvar, Fireblood and Lynessa Sunsorrow. Don't worry so much about these cards being at the bottom of the deck, because Crystology is here to help pluck them out.

This is a spell that has a strong potential to see more play down the road and could be something that gets much better, depending on future expansions. For now, it's a pretty decent spell.

(7) Boommaster Flark (5/5) Type: Minion Class: Hunter Rarity: Legendary Battlecry: Summon four 0/2 Goblin Bombs. Source: Inven

(1) Goblin Bomb (0/2) Type: Minion - Mech Class: Neutral Rarity: Common Deathrattle: Deal 2 damage to the enemy hero. Source: Inven

Analysis: This feels like an odd Legendary to put in a Hunter deck, but here we are. Boommaster Flark is Diet Dr. Boom, bringing along four 0/2 Goblin Bombs that all hit the face for two damage when destroyed. His 5/5 body isn't great, but if the Hunter player can attach Taunt or even Magnetic mechs onto those Goblin Bombs, this Legendary suddenly gets a little more useful.

The Goblin Bombs can also apparently be played a la carte as a Neutral Common. That should intrigue anyone with Magnetic Mechs, since the Goblin Bomb is a cheap attachment with a nice effect.

That's all for now! Keep an eye on Shacknews over the next few weeks for more card breakdowns for The Boomsday Project, leading all the way up to the expansion's release on August 7.

Hearthstone: The Boomsday Project Card Analysis Lab (Part 3) published first on https://superworldrom.tumblr.com/

[goaprose]

.12: Longhaul | SG SW 7.2016

12th: What's the story behind your character's name? Who chose it for them, and why that name?

"Well. No easy way to go about this. I'm-"

"Just a minute, dear, I'm in the middle of a-"

"It can wait. I'm pregnant."

"...I'm sorry- What. I almost thought I heard you say you were-"

"Pregnant. Yes. You heard correctly. ...Are you going to clean that up? I thought you weren't supposed to mix mana dust like that?"

"Shit!"

"Oh. Are the flames supposed to be that color? Burning through the tablecloth and all?"

"No, the flames are not supposed to be that color! Fel-hells, Lyn! When? How?"

"I would think the 'how' should be self explanatory. When, about two months ago. Soooo, the Observatory? Or perhaps that lovely field overlooking the mana-wrack? Or maybe-"

"A-ha. Ahem. Right. That day. It...explains a few things."

"You bet your ass it does."

--

"You know, you're going to have to help me pick out a name eventually."

"Not really, no. We don't even know what it will be yet, so I don't really see the point-"

"It's a boy."

"...Ah. Found out already then?"

"Mmhmm."

"Well then. Disappointed you're not getting another daughter, dear?"

"Only if he turns out like you."

"Ouch. You wound me. Through the heart."

"Really? And just yesterday I thought I heard you tell our daughter you had no heart."

"I have to. Telling her 'no' would be more difficult if she thought I still had one- that isn't that funny. Stop that."

"Ha! If you insist. But really, we already have Neiydrus, after your brother; Aruenna, for my dear Minna. How about a little mix of both this time around?"

"Wasn't exactly expecting 'this time around' to be so damn soon- ouch! Dammit, Lyn!"

"Get used to it, sweetheart."

"I- really have little opinion on a name at this time. The fact that we're having another is still a bit of a shock. I mean, I really don't know how I'll have the time to teach another child."

"Teach him? You just need to father the boy, not teach him runes and the arcane."

"Well, of course I will. He'll be a mage like the others- ow, stop pinching me!"

"Not even out of the womb and you're already planning his future?! - V'liyidan Sunshard, sometimes I wonder about you!"

"Lyn? Shalyndr? Where are you going? ...Dammit."

--

"Iiori."

"Hmm? What about your cousin? ...That is your cousin, right? The one with the bees? You have so many cousins I really can't keep them all straight."

"You're a regular riot. No, Iiori. I want to name the baby after them."

"I thought you wanted a 'mix' of our families this time around?"

"Oh, so you were listening."

"Yes. Even when you drive me mad, dalah'surfal."

"I could name him after you, if I wanted him to suffer."

"Ah. Ha. Ha."

"But I did have a thought. 'Iiloridan', after you both."

"'Longhaul'?"

"It's not an exact match for dear Iiori, but it fits. For you both. What do you think?"

"Interesting proverb choice, to take it from. 'Stay the longhaul'. You'd think you were the one planning his future already."

"Don't get cheeky. I'm not deciding anything. It just- seems like something to aspire to. A positive thing. Whatever he choses."

"Hm. I suppose. Still say he's going to be a mage. He's a Sunshard."

"He's half Brightquill. If he wants to be 'nothing but' a quill-maker, you'll just have to deal with it- don't make that face!"

"Urgh. Hear me, my child, don't settle for 'just' quillmaking. You'll be a fine mage someday-"

"Stop trying to corrupt my child through my gut! You arcane-addled wretch!"

"-Also your mother hits like soft, doughy noblewoman! Ha!"

"You take that back! Just wait until I can fit in my armor again, you little mana-sniffing- get back here!"

unedited

[hypexion]

Kobolds & Catacombs: First Reveals 2

Some Legendary cards were also revealed at the Blizzard Convention. Some aren’t bad. Some are.

Marin the Fox is available right now! Why read my questionable opinions when you could form your own in the game? Of course, other cards are not yet available, so you should read my opinion, if you’re into that kind of thing.

The Mage Legendary weapon is the mother of all draw engines, letting you pull three extra cards a turn. In less charitable terms, Aluneth is a bigger Mana Tide Totem, that’s harder to kill when you start overdrawing. Either way, once you equip Aluneth, you won’t be running out of cards in hand. But this is still a rather awkward card - paying six mana for no immediate effect is killer for your tempo, and you’ll need a plan to play the extra cards you get, lest you mill and/or deck yourself. But getting four times the draw is still very tempting, and if you can find a way to use it, will let you run over you opponent with sheer card advantage. Just watch out for Mill Rogues.

Make like you’re Daenerys and hatch some dragons! Dragon Soul can easily be used as a fire-and-forget weapon, or as part of a combo. Even getting one or two dragons in a game could be pretty useful, since more minions are always good. And if you combine Dragon Soul and Lyra the Sunshard, you can have both spells and dragons for days. Of course, Dragon Soul is going to be a magnet for weapon removal, since it’s one of those cards whose text might as well be ‘kill this immediately‘.

Rin, the First Disciple is not a good card. It’s tempting to look and Azari and think “wow, that’s amazing”, but that’s the wrong kind of thinking. To play Azari and annihilate your opponent’s deck, you’ll need to pay 41 mana. Which, due to how Hearthstone’s mana system works, will take at least five turns. The first two seals summon weak minions, and even the later ones don’t provide that much of a threat compared to other late game minions. And of course, playing Rin is effectively a sign that your opponent should abandon any strategy and go straight for the face. Accelerating the chain of seals with Bloodbloom is probably a bad plan, since it will eat away a whole lot of health. Really, the only way this can be viable is if Team Five have made several bad decisions with the Warlock cards in this set.

Really, it looks as if this card started as just being Azari. But you can’t just have Azari’s effect on a regular card - that would be be a terrible design decision. So the whole seal thing was created to weaken the effect. But the only way to make the effect safe to print was to make Azari almost impossible to actually acquire and play, rendering the whole exercise pointless. Another tragic victim of the good old ‘thinking you could, but not if you should‘ cliche.

Anyway, no more reveals until November 20th. So hype. Much excitement. Very not pre-ordering. Maybe Warlock weapon will allow spells to be paid for with health at all times, and everyone will want April to arrive so that Violet Illusionist rotates out.