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Another Update

Spent the last two days cannibalizing the Good Yet Broken and the Shitty Brick into one horrible mechanical amalgamation (Frank, for short). The outcome is: I can run WoW on this brick again!  Of course, all the graphics are on super alpha-low and it lags like a centipede with half it’s legs broken but it’s a start! Plus.. Who needs graphics for RP, anyway. 

Overall, should be back on by the end of next week- now it’s a matter of actually getting game time and wrapping up / posting the Tanaan story for Rogkan to fill the gap. But things are moving along! 

In other news.. Legion. Not sure how to feel about that yet. 

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Repost for MG people that don’t follow my main

Quick Update

I live! Well, sorta.

Computer’s still in the shitcan, though I thankfully managed to recover all my writing/etc from the laptop. What was looking like a quick fix, or a few weeks of saving for a new system has been dragging slowly on thanks to a bunch of issues in my personal life all coming to a head at once. But if nothing else the break from being online all the time has given me the chance to sort out a lot of that crap (housing, second job, new round of medical crap, etc.) and get myself back on a more stable path IRL.

I knew I’d have to take a month or two off at the end of June-July due to the housing situation anyway, so I’ve already got a storyline set up for Rogkan to fill the gap, though I hardly had any time to bring it up or flesh thing out in-game / with the guild.. But expect to see a few stories & journal entries for Taanan when I can find the time to type it up and the means to post it. Got a really, really shitty laptop now that can barely make the jump online, so I won’t be back anytime in the immediate future, but worst case scenario I’m shooting for early fall. I always overwinter in Azeroth anyway.  

Really been missing everyone (especially our glorious leader thebloodyfallen) and wish that if nothing else I’d had more time to prepare and say goodbye, temporary as it may be. The hardest part of the last month and a half has been sitting with knowing that I kinda’ up and vanished and having no way to communicate to everyone… And despite the situation being entirely out of my hands the anxiety just amplifies everything regardless.  I’ll pop in here now and then when I can and see what’s been going on now that I’ve got the means to do so..  But I hope everyone’s been enjoying 6.2 and that the Stormblades are pluggin’ along as always. Good luck with Hellfire progression!

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The Son

The garrison was in chaos people rushing to and fro like there was a fire in the great hall, if anyone was asleep anymore that peace was shattered by the loud urgent call for a medic. The grunts milling around outside the chieftains quarters seemed particularly tense as another crash sounded in the room accompanied by a pained cry. The chieftains contractions were getting worse. The grunts stationed outside to keep the rest of the clansmen from the room, despite everyone’s anxiety and willingness to help, could only flinch at the crash wondering what would give first, the child being born, or her running out of things to throw.

She was early by at least a week but it was little surprise that things have come to this. Most of the clan was dumbfounded at the stubbornness of the woman when it came to doing things and pushing her limits, but the excessive use of magic and travel combined with her recent kidnapping was just too much stress for her to take. She was restless all day and thought nothing of the pain she had felt in her back as she went about her tasks the small aches and pains only part and parcel of her hectic life. It was only as the night wore on and the pains turned into shooting cramps that she realised tonight would be the night.

The hours progressed with Xul pacing across the room Rogkan on her arm helping her along as the baby moved into position, her body was racked by the growing contractions her steps began to falter. Her bed was stripped of it’s finery the lavish pillows and furs replaced by clean simple linen and lots of it. The Medic and shaman were watching monitoring her for any signs of distress from both mother and child but she was an orc and a strong one at that, there was no cause for alarm. The shaman took burning his incense and muttering protective spells and blessings  to ward off anything that may prove harmful to the mother and child. The herbal smell added to the heavy air of the warm room the scent invigorating and bolstering Xul.

There were not so many words exchanged between the two orcs as she moved from pacing the room to the bed, instead it was a serious of comforting gestures, pats and pets of her long white hair, the cradling of her head and upper body, and small soft kisses upon her forehead. Rogkan wore his concern across his grey skinned face the deep trenches from his worry and his own fatigue unable to hold it back. Xul’s hand reached to his face as she smiled wearily to him as he rested his forehead to hers.

Another hour passed it was nearing dawn now, the pains she felt were intense and stabbing as her hands gripped at the linen pulling deep creases into the covers as the medic looked on coaching her through the birth of their son. Xul took a deep breath in and let out a mighty roar with her final push collapsing back into Rogkan’s arms. She was panting hard and was coated in a thin film of sweat and a slight trickle of blood from where she had bit her lip during her labor.

The sun was just cresting the outer wall of the fortress as the babies cry echoed down the corridors to the relief of the clan. Xul laid back in the bed still panting and yet smiling despite the fatigue. The doors to the room opened as Rogkan left, the bundle in his arms to present Rogarn to the clan. “We have a son!”

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It must have been a nightmare.

The orc could feel the shifting squelch deep in his gut with each forced step forward, his insides struggling to burst forth through the gaping split across his belly. Deep gashes lacerated his thick muscles, covering his cracked and dented armor in thick sheets of his own gore. A crude dagger stayed his left arm, driven hilt-deep into the soft bundle of tendon and sinew at his elbow, the blade jutting up from where the flesh had ruptured and burst open on the other side. The only thing that held him together now was sheer determination, and the adrenaline-fueled panic of the sight before his pain-glazed, hazy eyes.

Ahead, a grizzled Shattered Hand necrolyte and his brutish brother sneered back with blackened and bloodied teeth from the far side of the command hall- The pair only a handful of steps away but the distance might as well have been miles. They both knew full well that no matter how hard he tried the oncoming Blackrock would be helpless to stop them from taking the robed orcish woman already trapped in the strong grip of the elder. She kicked and clawed with everything she had, fighting not only for her own life but for the life of her unborn son, nearly ready to enter the world. Yet even without his grievous wounds their scheme was already too far along to be stopped by the interference of one warrior.

A portal of pure void loomed behind the invaders and their frenzied quarry, casting a violet haze across those in it’s shadow. The world was starting to spin. Thick fingers slippery with his own blood closed hard as they could manage around the runed segments of the force-pike in the Blackrock’s hand. It wasn’t the pain that slowed his movements, no. In it’s intensity the agony of torn muscles, shred flesh, and leaking innards had grown to a dull cacophony that faded into the background. Hatred guided his hand, burning rage and boiling fury forcing the greyskin’s weapon forward with a wicked strike ‘toward the forward brother.

The clap of flesh-on-metal met his ears, and the hulking juggernaut’s world fell apart. Without so much as breaking a sweat the Shattered Hand had caught the forward end of the spearing pike. His grin only grew wider across those pallid ashen lips- pushing the weapon aside with a sweep as the swirling portal collapsed inwards as it shred a path through the nether and sucked the elder brother and the wailing spiritweaver away. She was gone, and there was nothing Rogkan could do.

But.. Didn’t he already knew what came next? The younger Hand’s body began to bulge and swell from within, something was pushing up against his flesh as muscles swelled to grotesque proportions that his skin could only contain for so long; A living bomb. With so much pain already searing his brain, the blackrock didn't even feel the gory impact from the following explosion, nor the slivers of bone that further pierced his body. The world tilted sideways, he felt the sudden release of pressure as footing was lost and his ruined body found a new home found on the blood-slicked floorboards. They’d find him soon, already too far gone to be patched back up like usual. The fight began to drain from the brute as the hopelessness of his situation settled, the sting of helplessness, guilt and pure shame of his failure was more that his mind could take, and it burned a thousand times hotter than the physical torment that already wracked him. They’d try their best but it was for naught.. There on the floor.. He died.

He died! But if he’d died, where was he now? The horrible scene faded out around the edges, everything from the walls of the Command Hall to the Blackrock’s own body was growing swiftly transparent, a dim light swiftly growing in intensity as it shone through seemingly from behind the vanishing world. As the glow flared, reaching a sudden crescendo the last thing he’d heard was the voice of the one he knew already to be long gone, the love of his life calling out for him. And then, all-encompassing darkness.

There was no more pain. There was no more light. He’d have thought himself already lost to the eternal void, were it not for his own thoughts rumbling around. He couldn’t see himself, nor feel his body- if he even had one. But that wasn’t to say he couldn’t feel anything at all. Emotions still ran hot through his mind, the weight of what had happened still settling in. How many times had he relived that moment since? How many times had he watched as Xul'ili was taken from him? How many times had he grieved for his son-to-be, poised to grow up without a father? How many times had he tormented himself for doing the one thing he’d promised her he’d never do again?  But he -was- gone now, and there was nothing the Blackrock could do about it but think, and ponder what was to become of him.

Long before he’d fallen for the Spiritweaver, her magics had tethered his soul to one of her gemstones. An act of utter desperation and necessity, brought forth due to Rogkan’s own foolhardy actions as he awoke the demon-blade Borhg'ash at the cost of his own life. It had been a simple effort to cauterize the would and resuscitate him then, but the link had always remained. And though the White Witch had given him the stone, he insisted it remain in her care before long, should something happen. Years had passed and that moment never came. The soulstone’s purpose became less one of intent and more one of comfort, a simple bauble hidden away in the lining of her robes overtop the dancer’s heart that kept him close when he was absent. Even when he’d left to free himself of the blade’s curse, the stone remained with her, and it’s vacancy served to reassure her that no matter what had happened since his departure, the Blackrock did live.

Surely it was in this stone that he now found himself- But Xul'ili had been taken, that much was for sure. For all he knew, she was dead already.. The mere thought wracking him with enough grief that the world of nothing flickered and cracked, the skies running red and orange with jagged arcs of lightning. If this was the case- he would be trapped here for eternity, or until he’d lost his mind. Was he doomed to end up like one of those half-mad Draenei from the soul-crystals? The only other person Rogkan had ever told about his soulstone was Orgram- a move the brute regretted almost instantly. Surely the runemaster wasn’t about to free him. And the body he’d left behind was all but ruined. Perhaps not beyond saving, but there was no way to make the transfer easy, as it had been when he’d woken on the floor of Gruul’s lair to the sight of her beautiful face scowling back at him. He’d had a suitable body put into stasis long ago when the link had first been forged, but without Xul to work as a medium or the assistance of his lone scout among the Clan, no matter how well planned out beforehand the situation was.. Hopeless.

For the first time since he’d surrendered his heart to her, and found his affections returned, the Blackrock was lost. There was nothing left but doubt, fear and pain. As his emotions grew more intense, they began to have an increased physical effect on his surroundings.. Before his eyes the darkness that was streaked with the grief-stricken lightning began to open up again. The rage and sorrow churning inside him began to draw him back into his memories, to that one moment he so loathed but refused to let go. A real, physical pain began to assault him once more, the steps of the Command Hall materializing before him. Her cries filled his ears, the din of battle all around him. Again he could feel the roiling squelching of his innards as they tried to break free of his body’s confines, his feet back under him pushing him forward to face that which trapped him here.

It must have been a nightmare.

Coalescence

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Journal Entry #2 - Failure and Determination

Ancestors, can nothing go right around here? The camp was assaulted last night- Rogkan…passed away after the battle and the boss…Xulili was captured on MY watch, I was ordered to protect her and I failed because of this weak body. If this had happened a week later I would have been able to protect her better- instead I’m left feeling the sting of failure…again. 

Damn it all… I know I keep getting told not to blame myself, but I can’t help that feeling. All I want to do is protect and serve the clan that I’ve chosen to call family, and yet I managed to stand there as Xulili was thrown through that portal…Light, An’she, Earth Mother…Please, watch over them until we can find them.

I refuse to sit by while the leader and Hakita are both still missing,regardless of my instructions to rest and recover from the ceremony, I have no choice but to take up arms again, which is fine by me– I can rest when I’m truly dead.

However, there is a light in all of this, through some sweet talking I managed to get Sabriel and Tyliron to agree to disagree until we get our missing comrades back. I know I’m a mere grunt within the clan, but it feels good to actually have someone listen when I give orders- even if they’re as simple as apologizing for the infighting- I was always good at diplomacy though, who else could’ve gotten a band of cut-throats to get along back in the day~ Not that I’d tell the clan that, I’m more content with them seeing me as the foul-mouthed Shu’halo Pandaren…Thing I am. Let’s face it, now more than ever I have to prove myself to the clan since it was my failure that got the Boss kidnapped.

On a lighter note…I didn’t lose any limbs, so I guess that’s a plus? Bah. I’d give my arm and leg up in a heartbeat if it meant the Boss and Hakita were returned safely.

I should probably rest and get some sleep to soothe the ache in my muscles and head–but there’s far too much to do, back to training- Sabriel and I are going to start whipping the Peons and Grunts into shape while Tyliron sounds out another call for help. 

With any luck, we’ll get them back.

We WILL get them back, or my name isn’t Fenrir Wolfsong.

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In the stables of a small outpost in the wilds of Gorgrond, a lanky greenskinned troll finished gutting the fish in his hand and tossed the mess to the direhorn lazing by his side. As the rest of the reptilian flock hurried over to feast, a crackling voice broke over the small metallic box at the scout’s hip…

In a plane of pure light, color, and sound, glittering amethyst rivers run upwards through stormy violet skies towards a crystalline peak. A two-headed spectral form approaches the looming runestone circle at the top of the shimmering mountain path to be greeted by his fallen predecessors, the features grim across the faces of the awaiting ogres…

In the towering sanctum of the White Witch sits a slender trunk wrapped with rune-bound chains. The patchwork broadaxe within begins to hum, the small silver locket sealed away in the head of the blade fracturing with a loud splinter as a blinding green glow erupts from the box…

In the depths of the nether on a dead rock of felfire and jagged brimstone spires, a grizzled Annihilan looks out from his palanquin of flesh and bone over hordes of rabid felhounds and snarling imps. The great demon’s blubbery lips curl to a wicked smile as he feels the strength suddenly return to his grotesque body, curses long-bound dissolving as their caster falls…

In a hidden corner within the molten core of Blackrock Mountain a bone-wrought blade rises unharmed from the churning magma, lifted by a ghostly hand. The spirit wrinkles his age-lined brow, giving a disapproving shake of his topknot as blank eyes turn upon the empty shell of the demonic blade. “What have you done…”

In a world of empty nothingness the void begins to coalesce into a single thought among the endless expanse: Where am I?

Aftermath

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Right infront of their eyes..

Ha'tok the brutish son of Ra'tok stepped into the cage, the sounds of chaos and battle breaking to silence, nothing not even a soft hum, just silence as the gate closed behind him. The hulking orc took the Cheiftain’s hands and bound them with blood shackles, placing a tight muzzle on the woman’s face leaving only her eyes and nose exposed. The darkness began to fade away from the cage as the torches rekindled showing the woman her fate. The orc stepped to the gate, opening it to the docks as the sound began to roar to life as he stepped through it he would raise the arms of the shackled woman above her head as the workers looked to the balcony and let out a thundering cry. The brute smiled turning to to cage, he would shove the woman inside rather roughly.

The soft raspy breathing in the corner of the cell would echo in the small room as the roar from the docks was silent once more. The cage seemed to have small items inside along with a Horde banner and Stormblade banner mockingly hung on the wall. The winds struck the cage as the torches went out one more time, nothing but darkness and cold air filled the place where the light was..

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Admittedly I’m beginning to feel odd pouring my thoughts out onto these pages nowadays, with so many I’d actually venture to call friends around I’ve had the chance to actually seek remedy for my worries, and ancestors know Xul always soothes whatever may bother me with a simple touch.  But.. Recently, my work has kept me away from her. The time grows near, Rogarn will be with us soon. All the more reason for me to hasten construction. Two fragments have been gathered now, with a third on the way. The gauntlet is complete, and being fitted for the first two shards. In the meantime, I’ve devised a weapon that can both contain and harness their powers in a simple staff-like structure.

It’s quite an interesting device, I’ll have to take further notes and update the plans I’d based my original designs on to match the finished product. There were some.. Adjustments made on the fly, driven by what I can only describe as intense inspiration. I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything quite like it before. Well. Perhaps once, in the Core..  I sent Ty to deal with the Reliquary summons. Seems the agent I caged up has been missed. I’d call in Xul’ili for a quick mind-wipe and be done with this mess.. But things have not been so simple recently.

The last few days have been a blur. Ever since retrieving the fragment of Nullification, and trying to hide the loss of my finger in my experimentation, Xul has been..  Upset would be putting it lightly. While some have blamed it on the child, I get the feeling Orgram has gotten to her with tales of what happened following our escape from the Pale warrens. No doubt with some vile twist to his words. Her slap said so as much, anyway. Yet.. we made up, with a bit of help from Hakita.. And not long after, we got a chance to spend a rare evening alone and I was sure to console her and stay her fears as best I could. The Stormblades part in my efforts to gather the fragments may be a simple means to an end, but I do not wish any of them ill.. Save for perhaps the one that refuses to leave well enough alone. And even then, he has been much more useful as an ally, than he ever was when we were at odds.

There was another attack on the Outpost following my heated discussions with Xul on the recent goings on. Things went.. Very badly. However it seems to have solved the problems with Orgram, at least for the time being. The fight was glorious, though I almost went down, surrounded by bladed cultists. It seems the bubble generated by the Rune of Fortification from my pike only does much good against magical forces, rather than the physical. Something I can adjust with practice, I’m sure. Fenrir didn’t make it. A shame. She was.. A good fighter. And I think I’ll.. Actually miss her. It was a slow, gruesome death. If I didn’t fear drawing the ire of the Stormblades, I would have put her out of her misery on the battleground. To be forced to lay, limbless, burned beyond recognition and die as your body gives out… Needlessly painful, and disgracefully unclean. She deserved better. But perhaps she will get her chance in the end- my love was quick to store Fen’s soul for later use. I don’t like Xul pushing herself like that with Rogarn so close. But these were dire circumstances.

Thinking of gruesome death, Jerasol went on another bender recently. Some sort of Sha-juice she gulped down. I was ready to cut it out of her before she wrenched the stuff up. Ever since I took that mouthful of her blood.. Things haven’t been quite right. Booze doesn’t taste the same, even now, more than a week later. But, I collected the Sha’s essence, and then gave her the punishment she deserved. Sooner or later, I’m going to need to do more than simply gut her and peg her to the bars. She passed the point of no return long ago. And I made this mess, I intend to keep my word on mopping it up.

All-in-all, she should be easy pickings once I finish imbibing the Gauntlet with the rest of the fragments. It was only designed for three, so I’ll be keeping the force pike as well. Together.. Perhaps I’ll even be able to turn the Iron Tide single-handed.

Rogkan’s Log- Draenor Day 119

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Rogkan's Mission Notes

In retrospect I should have been keeping a log of this sort of shit from the get-go.. But I blame the constant work for keeping my mind from writing in this journal. It seems like such a menial task with what's been facing me.

The first fragment was acquired with little trouble. The Stormblades came through in force, the Gorian didn't stand a chance. There were some.. Complications near the end. But despite the fumbles of that headstrong bitch setting the magi into a panic, they all pulled through. A little crispy, perhaps.. But they'll live. Last thing I need is more eyes on me, with Orgram back.

II---- The fragment of Nullification is mine now, as well. Tonight's raid on the Pale warrens however.. Didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped. The shard was fractured as well- the entire sub-chamber was flooded with magic, by the time I hobbled by ass back to the capsule in Wor'var it had warped my gauntlet to half-powder.  The Stormblades, as usual, came to my aid. I certainly wouldn't have been able to do it without them.. But..

Andowyn was trapped in a cave-in. Lady Soulreave, and Ty were unconscious when I left. So was Orgram.. If only my luck were so, he would stay that way. I expect I'll catch some shit for leaving them rather than stay to dig that glorified nurse from her early grave. And I cannot deny that it's deserved. But I've come to far, and these fragments are far too dangerous to break my precautions to spend my time babying proven armsmen and capable women. Even as I write this, both of my legs are still wrapped. I broke a femur, and an ankle in the ordeal, but I picked my ass up and hauled back, as did Hakita. Were it not for Noxim's timely arrival, I would surely have to delay the next stage for recovery time. But as much as I despise magic... It does have it's uses.

III---- I'd asked Xul'ili for a merc I could hire on under my own expense- outside clan dominion, and looser in morals than perhaps I could manage without drawing unwanted attention to myself among the Stormblades. My missives were finally answered in the form of Draagna, a shadowfrost mage the likes of which I've seen only rarely in my travels.

The Warsong bodies were 'recovered' in near record time- though I took a few scrapes, the mage proved more than worth the price. I'll have to keep her close by, we've already arranged to move on to the next step now that she's proven herself capable in battle. I can't say I trust her- but there is a certain unspoken security in these dealings, as with most of a darker cast. She knows better than to kiss and tell when it comes to work. The stasis runes proved perfect, and it only cost me a chunk of flesh and a few hours plumbing the depths of a Mogu prison. A fair price if it will lead to the third fragment's capture.

IV---- Ever since I 'abandoned' the Clan volunteers to contain the second fragment, Orgram has been relentless in his hounding, even if not to my face. I hear through everyone he tries to taint what he's up to.. And surprisingly, it's pity I feel for the misguided man.

I was forced to postpone my plans for seizing the fourth, and final fragment- but that left me with time to rally Draagna once more and strike on the goblin’s outpost. The upside of fighting friendlies is that they never see it coming. I got shot, and she took a nasty gash to the shoulder- but we made it out, and she earned her coin. It's odd that I find myself opening up to her, but perhaps it's because I know she'll be off to the next job, and could care less about an old warrior's woes that I feel the freedom to do so.

I radioed in to Warspear saying I discovered the outpost raided by Warsong. They sent scouts, found the bodies... A strike is set on the Warsong village overtop the hidden fragment of Replication. I'll head out to retrieve it once my scout in the area has confirmed the Horde has wiped out the village. At least here, my plans have been holding up. If only my luck will hold for this final leg.

The third fragment is in containment.

[warchiefscommandboard]

Rogkan's Log- Draenor Day 112

So much time has passed since I last wrote anything in this journal. I have been far too busy carving out my niche on Draenor; There are great things on the horizon. But for posterity's sake I feel there have been events that came to pass that must be noted, and should something go wrong in my hunt for the remaining fragments of the Imperator Runes, at least Rogarn and my love will know my intentions were nothing but honorable.

Following the meeting of the Horde Council, life continued more or less as normal. I watched as the Stormblades took on more and more new-blood eager to assist in their- our- fight against the Council and the Iron Tide. Many of them have become close allies of mine, a few I would even venture to call friends. As the ranks swelled the attacks on the Warsong became more frequent, and soon our attentions shifted entirely. Xul'ili's personal mission to flush out the Shadow Council (among other things...) became a call-to-arms among the Clan, and just as it seemed we were getting close to figuring out the riddle of the daggers those wretched casters grew so bold as to even attack the 'Blade's outpost! We fought them off, of course, but the struggle is still ongoing.. As is our venture to procure the remaining crystals.

During this initial outing of the plot Orgram and I found ourselves continually butting heads. I rebuked his attempts to chide me into a pointless Mak'gora twice, but the bastard took his anger out on me in the hot springs. Though our differences have been mostly settled now, looking back I still feel his assault was a cowardly move- to attack one naked, with their back turned!  Still, had Tyliron not been there to pull him off of me I have no doubt I would have lost more than the few teeth I did. As if to further punctuate his cowardice, Orgram fled the outpost in the wake of his attack. While the Stormblades sought to bring him back for a trial, the Clan seemed to divide. Neither I, nor Org, wanted people to begin picking sides- Our feud was a personal one. But it would be settled soon enough: Within a week, he was found, and put up to trial before the Warlord on various charges. Most of them were dropped by the time the discussions had ceased yet Dreg'tal was less than thrilled when it became clear to all present that things wouldn't be settled between Org and I before I got the chance at revenge I deserved, and was so denied during the black-skin's capture. A gauntlet was thrown, and as the rest of the Clan gathered to watch, Orgram and I worked out our issues the tried and true way- with fists.

Even now I must say, there are a few tricks I'd like him to teach me. We were both put out of commission for two weeks from our injures- and the thick-skulled ass nearly tore my arm off. But in the end, I put him in his place- Below me, face-down in the mud. Our relationship has.. Changed since. Though I still have my hesitations about the runeworker, he is quickly winning my trust back... But his rigid standards prevent me from bringing him in on matters of a darker nature, lest he turn his blades on me again as he did the other night after we'd been dosed with felblood. And to think I'd been clean of the stuff for nearly three months now! Ah, well. It was only a matter of time no matter how much I loathe to admit it.

But things haven't all been so rough. When I first rekindled my relationship with Xul'ili, I was worried perhaps this war would break me in the end. Or my own fears of raising her child might push me away. But though we've had our share of strain, she still proves to be the light of my life- even if the moniker is an ironic one. But these days, it has never been truer. There will be no afterlife for me.. No joy beyond death. But she makes it all worth it in this lifetime, and to know that soon our son will be here gives me a real purpose. Something to fight for beyond more coin, drugs or weaponry. To protect her, to make her happy- even simply to return to her at night and fall into the furs beside her. When Rogarn- the name we've chosen for the babe- is here, our mating ceremony will be the next task for me to focus on. But that is still weeks away, and there is much work to be done in the meantime if I am to hold my promises to the one I truly love: To keep her safe, no matter the cost. My loyalty to Xul'ili personally rather than the Stormblades as a whole has always alienated me from the Clan a bit, Orgram and Tyliron in particular were perturbed by my.. Passion. But they both dance to my tune now, even if unknowingly. The power of the Runes will be mine soon, and with it, I will finally have the kind of power Bhorg'al and Ashi could only offer in tempting whispers. With a clear mind and an elementium fist, I'll wipe out anyone that would so much as raise a finger to Xul'ili: be they Iron, Alliance, or Horde.

Yet- I only have one of the fragments now. The Rune of Fortification is proving temperamental at best, I've already lost one finger experimenting with it's powers. Two more have been located, but the trick will be obtaining them without attentions turning towards my greater goal. The Stormblades have proven quite useful in providing manpower, something I'm admittedly thankful for. They earn some gold, some battle-scars, I get a titan-wrought artifact of incredible power. A win-win in anyone's book. Time will tell if I can move fast enough before the Reliquary sends yet another babbling elf my way trying to tell me the fragments are a "Threat to the future of the Horde" and "General safety". The last one they sicced on me is still lashed up in the cage with that pale nightmare, I almost feel bad for the knife-eared shit. He's started babbling the same nonsense as his demi-orc buddy. He'll have the cell to himself tonight, though. The time has come to release my captive, and hope he leads me back to the main nest. I won't stand to see them skulking around mere miles from the place I would call home, the threat they represent must be put down. And once again the Stormblades will help me accomplish my goals...

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Rogkan’s Log- Draenor Day 34

I’ve been self-aware of the fact that since my run-in with Orgram I’ve been too absorbed in my own brooding. At Xul’ili’s behest, I returned to Azeroth by portal to attend a meeting of the various Clans among the Horde. It was a surprisingly tame affair, I would have been more worried with a gathering of such force. But then again even the most dire of foes band together when faced with a greater adversity, and the Iron Horde has done much to strengthen the bonds between those they’ve terrorized. 

To be honest, little of note transpired though it was good to get out and breathe.. To set eyes on those that would call the Stormblades allies should we require their aid. A fine bunch, of all races and creeds and I found myself proud to stand among them, beside my Chieftain. A few events were called to attention- The Undercity Market, and the Stormblade’s own upcoming tournament among others. But the war in Draenor still looms over us all, stealing away attention, supplies and able-bodies that would otherwise lend themselves to more bountiful festivities. Once we assault the Blackrock Foundry, and remove Blackhand from power, perhaps things will once more return to their usual tumultuous calm. 

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Rogkan’s Log- Draenor Day 33

Interesting day today.. I was able to catch up with Orgram before he and ‘Breaker head out for their suspicious little excursion, as well as meet a few more members of the Clan. Though I cannot say that I like what I see.

After my latest encounter with Jerasol, I was quick to retire to the Outpost’s inn and fetch myself a drink. Imagine my surprise to find none other but Orgram hastily eating his lunch. He didn’t seem all to happy to see me, and I can’t blame him. I was not kind in my interrogation of his trip through Shadowmoon.. the fact he’d all but threatened Xul’ili, as well as reveal my secret task to her did not leave with with an excess of patience when dealing with the greyskin. There are very few I trust, even among the Clan.. and he has given me more than one reason as to why I should not make an exception for him- student of my love, or not. 

Before I could get any real information regarding the reasons behind Org’s upcoming escapades, an elf strode in. Though I am used to seeing Nuellen around the garrison, I haven’t seen a single other Sin’dorei within the Clan. Datari doesn’t count, since the crusader’s sporting hooves and fur most of the time. Regardless, that should have been my clue that this newcomer would be anything but.. normal. I didn’t even notice the horns ‘till after she’d had to point them out. The goggles were too distracting. Sori somethin’.. I can’t say I was paying too close attention at that point. An engineer, apparently, and a felblood at that. I had thought the last of them perished with the Sunwell’s cleansing, but the elf was almost.. disturbingly open with her heritage. To say Orgram was unhappy with this, would be a massive understatement. At one point, I was almost sure he was going to strike her- once Sori had admitted to using scavenged Legion tech stolen during the Burning Crusade to arm Stormblade outposts, Orgram was quick to liken her to the usual demon-worshipers and wail about trying to convert and taint the Clan. 

Sori’s goal was far simpler, however- she was simply using the tools available to her. The felblood’s transformation was an unwilling one, and so she adapted. Turning her former master’s powers against them. A story that I, and Orgram, could both relate to all-too well. Once Xul’s student had discovered this, his tune changed quickly. The rest of the evening was relatively uneventful, save for Orgram’s later outburst when he discovered that I intended to create one of the soulblades. It’s my own fault, really.. I decided to put on a bit of a show for him. Wave it in his face, focus his anger.. As long as his eyes are on me, his efforts directed as stopping my own creation.. he will not see Xul’ili doing her own work in the background. I lied through my tusks when I told him that I would stop Xul from forging one of her own.. and I know now in my heart after seeing his fury, that one day I may truly find myself blade-to-blades with him in much more dire circumstances. 

If I am to be honest, finally setting eyes on Rega only made me want to push that day closer. I knew Thru’mok the Elder had passed during my absence, but I did not know that the one to put him down was also the beloved of the biggest pain-in-my-ass to date. Nor in the employ of Xul’ili.. I wonder if there is more to that story than I know. Breaker is a cocky little thing. I can’t say I don’t admire her fire, but every bit of venom that spit past her tusks made me eager to knock her down a few pegs. Sori seemed to share my enthusiasm, though we parted ways soon after. The way Breaker was talking about the Library brings the stomach-churning thought to mind that perhaps she’s seen a bit more of me than I’d like…  Knowing she and Orgram could very well be plotting during their.. vacation means it’s time to push my next step into action. I must forge the axe soon. 

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Rogkan's Log- Draenor Day 31

Ah, my heart soars.

Xul’ili has returned safely from her travels in Shadowmoon, as has her student. She came to me at our home, late in the evening looking like a sight out of my dreams. It is no secret that of all her features, her snowy hair has always enchanted me.. To see her in those pale silks, the smile on her lips.. it is a sight I shall forever fondly keep tucked away in my head. It seems I was right in thinking the Clan would be anxious to hear the story of her travel as well, Dreg’tal in particular seems to harbor some creeping suspicion about her recent journey. The shaman also apparently harbors feelings for Jerasol.. something I wish I’d been aware of before convincing her to jam that heart back into place. The last thing I need is to draw his ire again..

Still, the evening was nothing but a treasure, as are all spent in Xul’ili’s company. We traded tales of our time away- Though I was less than thrilled with most of the findings from the burial grounds. It seems finding her mother only raised many more questions rather than provide the answers the chieftain sought. However there were a pair of details that gave me hope: Plans for the daggers she so fiercely hunts, and a token of her father, all too absent in this strange time-twisted world. I will not lie.. the urge to make one of these soulblades tugs strongly at me, as does it whisper to Xul. It seems Orgram is not too keen on the idea of the Chieftan making one for herself.. but I understand it is a necessary evil at this point. Though they are born of foul, dark magic, is it not the hand that guides the blade which truly matters? She told me of others who hold the eldritch weapons, others I know well. It only goes to prove that yes.. these things can be controlled. I will not have another Borgh’ash on my hands.

With Ahsi’s locket back in my clutches, I also imparted to Xul my plan of forging it into a new weapon.. Though I have no doubt of my fists ability to win me a fight, I feel.. almost naked without a real blade. She was happy to lend herself to adding seals to my new axe. Trapped in the crystal, and sealed in the locket, Ashi’s powers are all but nonexistent.. but I do not want to take chances. I thought the time appropriate to tell my love of what happened when I left her.. when I returned to the mountain. It was.. not easy, and the tale took more out of me than I was expecting. But true to form, she was nothing but understanding.. accepting of what I’d done, the deals I’d made. I only wish I’d told her earlier- fel, that I’d even been able to recall the contract’s stipulations before things got so out of hand. But we cannot change the past, only look forward.

And it seems Xul’ili shared my mindset. Though I cannot remotely blame her for keeping it, the collaring band her mate bestowed upon her has always drawn my ire. I do not like being reminded of my utter failure, of how I’d hurt the only one I ever truly fell for so badly that she became so desperate.. But at last my pain has lessened somewhat with it’s removal. Now, I simply want for the scars of the past to begin to heal, so that our future may be as wonderful as these past weeks by her side have been. No matter where her journey goes from here- even be it down a darker path- I will stand by her to the end.

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Rogkan’s Log- Draenor Day 29

I’m never going back to Tanaan if I can help it.. 

Seeks and I followed the Channel down through Zangarra in our pursuit of the brood of Krevanos, the journey itself took little over a day from the Stormblade Garrison. The fungal giants and deepwater striders did little to slow our progress- the Runemaster is surprisingly handy with throwing lightning. It seems the elements naturally answer her call.. The halforcess wields thunder with an ease that she lacks to recognize. There might be more to this than I know: but those are just questions for another time. As the channel narrowed near the end, we struggled with the toxic spores from the massive fungi. But I’d had enough foresight to seal my armor and provide a pocket of fresh air. 

The locket wasn’t too difficult to track down. Though there were countless nests throughout the breeding grounds, each sporting their own stash of treasure, both Seeks’ sunbeams and my lingering connection to the spirit stored within the trinket guided us to the right clutch. As could be imagined, though, the Hydra were not so eager to part with their stolen booty. One of the hatchlings put up a fierce fight, and though I hate to admit it.. without help from Seeks, I would most likely be sitting on the bottom of the channel right now. I never claimed to be well-suited for underwater fighting, but I didn’t need to almost drown and lose a foot to find out for sure. The skirmish was an embarrassment on my behalf as a whole, but Seeks seemed just happy I’d made it out at all. Certainly glad I let her talk me into taking her with me on this endeavor. 

Within an hour after we made it back to the shore, she had repaired my foot. The hydra had clamped down around my boot, shredding bone and metal both.. the mess that was left over proved difficult even for Seeks and her spiritbinding, but she was kind enough to keep me company as the magic went to work. However, though we regained Ashi’s locket my hammer now lies in Krevanos’ lair, along with a pair of toes in the belly of her slain youngling. In my tradition, I asked Seeks to imbue a rune above the stumps.. only fitting the one that healed me should be the one to leave the lasting mark. Another trophy for the collection.. another story to recall around a campfire. 

The journey back to the Garrison has been slow-going. I hope to meet up with Jerasol once I return, see if the little ghoul is up to fetching me the rest of those eggs. Though I’d rather be back on the island with Xul’ili in my arms, my Chieftan is still in Shadowmoon sorting her personal matters. Soon.. she will return to me. 

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Rogkan's plans for reforging his locket to house the crystallized soul of the shivarra Ashi, one of the twin demons that had been imprisoned within his father's felbound blade Borhg'Ash. 

Nothing calms my anxiety like drawing nonsense glyphs. Might as well put the nervous energy to good use. 

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A commission. Am I good at orcing? Everything is susceptible to change.

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Rogkan’s Log- Draenor Day 28

So many plans, so little time. The biggest reason I was thrown out of the Mountain was everyone thought I was too smart for my own good.. I’m starting to agree with them. And here I thought snatching Hydra eggs would be a simple matter. With the reforged Ashi crystal and Xul’ili’s ward, what could tooth and claw do to armor like mine? Well. I learned the answer is a lot. And that Elementium doesn’t float…

Dammned things took off with the locket, and now for all I know the next brood of Krevanos is going to hatch with extra fangs, horns and wings. Fel magic is more trouble than it’s worth, but that was the entire point. I didn’t keep Ashi contained in the trinket for kicks or self-gain, the shivarran bitch is literally bound to me. The best I can do is keep a demonic spirit out of the hands of those that actually know how to use it. And now.. it’s sitting in the bottom of Tanaan channel.

The Kirin Tor has me collecting the eggs of the Great Broodmothers for research- apparently each clutch has unique elemental powers.. the magi aim to find if there is some connection to the Furies here, or something worse. We all know the Hydra of Azeroth are the favored pets of the Old Gods.. as are the Elemental Lords. Greater Elemental Hydra? This could be bad.. 

Four nests have been marked for harvesting, each of those lumps are as good as solid gold if I get them back in tact. Plus the locket.. As well as the crystal. Tanaan reeks of nature, grasping vines and toxic spores. I will not be able to handle this alone. I would call on Xul’ili.. but she has left for Shadowmoon. So I turn to the Clan instead. 

Jerasol was the first to heed my call. I learned more about the.. modified forsaken in that night than I ever needed to. I’m not sure I’ll ever get that sight out of my mind.. Not that I’d want to. Though it almost makes me nauseous to admit it, something about all those teeth, tentacles and claws is oddly.. enchanting. She seems to be a creature bred for purpose, every part of her body both natural and artificial has a use in combat. I find myself envious of her corrupted blood- the things I could do with that.. Combined with her fire magic, and my un-meltable armor, we should make quick work of the Jungle’s terrors with our own breed of horror. In payment for her future assistance, I have been gathering scrap cloth. ‘Jera says she’s making ‘baby clothes’. Despite all my forethought recently, I didn’t think Xul’ili was that far along.. but I’m just thankful that the grotesque pyromancer wasn’t expecting her own spawn. 

Before Jerasol and I head to Tanaan to deal with these Hydra and collect their eggs, I must retrieve Ashi’s crystal.. I cannot risk the brood becoming corrupted and losing a paycheck, much less the threat of Fel-Hydra storming across Draenor. Seeks has agreed to accompany me on what we hope to be a quick in-and-out rush, as long as afterwards I tell her why it’s of such pressing importance. If we make it back, the Runemaster will have earned her story.