[The Sunreavers] Shadows of Pandaria: Episode 3 - Unearthed Secrets

Wyrmrest Accord
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The candles flickered on a moment before the doors to the Chamber of the Guardian opened, allowing Axiann to enter the room, its walls aligned with books and tomes. He walked right up to the raised dais and stood in the center of the circle.

Raising his outstretched arms, his palms open, he reached out with his magical abilities and connected with the mana crystals that provided power to the room and connected it to the rest of the Tower, the city, and the Violet Citadel itself.

He inhaled sharply as he came into contact with the power: syphoned directly from a ley-line beneath the city of Dalaran, the energy was filtered and purified within the complex of the Citadel and distributed to the network of mana crystals all over the city. Within the Tower of the Guardians, Axiann had used that energy to empowered the wards and enchantments that kept their headquarters safe.

Waving his hands and fingers in intricate patterns, he began to trace symbols in the air around himself. As he did, more appeared, sporadically at first, but eventually forming a complete picture: a visualization of the Tower’s wards. Satisfied, he relaxed a bit, and began to inspect the individual symbols, each a component of the spellwork involved.

One by one, he began to spot symbols that were weaker, more faded, than the rest. With intent and focus, he would redirect power to that symbol and recharge it, causing it to return to full brightness.

One by one, he fed the spell the energy it needed, and he could sense the wards growing more powerful around him. As if the walls were stronger, the lights, brighter, and the floor a little more solid.

*Satisfied with the morning’s work, he released his connection with the energy and the mana crystals and let the symbols return to their passive, invisible state. True, he had done a task more suited to a Guardian, but he enjoyed doing this sort of work from time to time. It kept him grounded. *

Now, to replenish his own energy, he required coffee.

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THE WEEKLY BRIEFING

The Sunreavers met in the Chamber of the Guardians in Dalaran to discuss current events and the path forward. Many items of interest were discusses, including:

  • The skies over Northrend have reportedly returned, cloudy cover and a peak at the stars overhead replacing the shattered veil that occupied that space for over 18 months;
  • The Argent Crusade confirm having retaken and re-manned all of their outposts in the Icecrown and surrounding areas;
  • Suspicious activity continues to grow in Quel’thalas;
  • The Farstriders, Blood Knights and Magisters seem to be on top of things there;
  • The Plaguelands seem to have stabilized for the most part
  • Andorhal remains in the Coalition’s control, and also a political powder keg: it has been decided that the forsaken refugees should return, however part of the Coalition guard is comprised of human Alliance soldiers;
  • Someone in the area, likely remaining cultists, are spreading propaganda to instill a deep dislike for all undead.

While all of these developments are important, the Magister informed the unit that Archmage Sunreaver is sending them to rejoin the Coalition, in Andorhal, to try and add a stabilizing presence and encourage diplomacy in upholding the “neutral” values of the Coalition.

The Sunreavers will arrive in Andorhal and join the Coalition today.

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AN URGENT CALL FOR AID

Magister Sungazer returned from his meeting with the Archmage at the Violet Citadel, an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. New orders and a new mission, that he was used to. But the urgency of the call for aid was… unpexpected.

Despite the work of the past eighteen months to counter the work of the mindless undead, it would seem Scourge resurgence in Quel’thalas had recently intensified. And while the capable and quite proud dorces of the Farstriders, Magisters of Silvermoon and Blood Knights rarely called for aid, that call had come.

The tension between the Grand Magister of Quel’thalas and Archmage Aethas Sunreaver was famous. Despite this, he and his Sunreavers had been specifically asked to return home and add their strength to the forces attempting to counter the Scourge at this time.

Axiann reached his desk and wrote own the missive he would send out not only to his Sunreavers, but also to all his thalassian allies. Through magic, he would send copies of the missive to all, and would hope to find many of them waiting to help at the Hall of Blood in a little over twenty four hours time.

OOC:
A group of us will be role-playing through the Quel’thalas questline new to 9.2.5 this Saturday and Sunday, starting at 5pm, doing everything but

spoiler

the bit that happens in the Shadowlands

Any thalassians wanting to participate and ICly be part of this role-play are reminded they need to be level 60 and be exalted with Silvermoon. Grab the quest in Oribos and then wait outside the Hall of Blood in SMC.

This is the first time we will be role-playing through current content, and we are exited!!

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VICTORY IN THE GHOSTLANDS

This past week, a bolstered Scourge mounted a full assault on the hamlet of Tranquilien in the Ghostlands of Quel’thalas. Their concerted attack proved much for the Magisters, the Blood Knights and the Farstriders to manage, and a call for aid was sent out.

The Sunreavers answered that call, and joined other allies in the Hall of Blood in Silvermoon City for an important briefing.

The group then departed to Tranquilien and joined the forces already fighting the Scourge, who had invaded the town and brought mayhem to its streets.

The Sunreavers, along with many more who had answered the call (including the Argents) managed to help turn the tides of the battle.

Once the Magisters, Blood Knights and Farstriders had a chance to regroup and refocus, thanks in large part to the arrival of the Sunreavers and other allies, Magister Sungazer and his unit were called by Archmage Aethas Sunreaver to aid in the installation and empowerment of three wards.

With the wards activated and the town of Tranquilien cleared and secured, it was time to join Lady Liadrin and her champions in charging through the Dead Scar and invading Deathholm to seek out and destroy and san’layn Vorath and end him.

The battle proved difficult, but Vorath was eventually cut down, only to rise again as a Amalgam of Wraith.

The champions did not faulter, and the Amalgam of Vorath was destroyed. The moment he was felled, the Scourge returned to being leaderless and feral, scattering about without purpose.

The Sunreavers returned to Silvermoon, along with many others who answered the call, and were thanked and honored in a ceremony with the leaders of Quel’thalas and the Sunreavers.

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The Midsummer Fire Festival has been ushered in.

Last night, while in Silvermoon City, the Sunreavers attended and participated in the Sind’orei Solstice Oathfire ceremony.

One by one, attendees proceeded to make or renew personal oaths and cast them into the sacred Midsummer Fire.

One was left with a sense of renewed dedication after performing the simple yet powerful ritual.

The Oathfire Ceremony will become an annual tradition in Silvermoon City.

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The Sunreavers return to Dalaran

Following a short voyage abroad to usher in the Midsummer Fire Festival, the Sunreavers have returned to Dalaran, via portal. They were pleased to find the city decorated for the festivities, an air of joy and gratitude in the air as Summer made its arrival in the Broken Isles.

Over the next few days, Magister Sungazer would meet with the Archmage, catch up on field reports, and review any applications from prospective new recruits.

He revelled at being able to return to regular duty, even if just for a short few days, before the next emergency was sure to make itself known.

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It breaks my heart to see once-noble Elves debase themselves so by kowtowing to the Sunreavers and the Horde.

(In all seriousness, these guys are a great guild. Join them.)

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Let’s role-play again soon!

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Briefing: Karazhan

A summons went out to all available Sunreavers in Dalaran, or within quick travel distance: Magister Sungazer wished to gather in the Chamber of the Guardians to discuss an urgent matter. Standing in the center of the room, surrounded by those who had come, he explained that he had just arrived from an audience with Archmage Aethas Sunreaver.

Guardian Kiah Emberflame had been standing in the circle quietly, she turned her head to look at Axiann when he entered and she quickly raised her hand in a salute, “Magister.” She’d smile softly before falling quiet and listening to his words.

“The Archmage is concerned. He has heard that the Coalition, the very one we have been working with over the last eighteen months, are planning on entering the tower of Karazhan.” He scanned their faces for reactions.

Kiah furrowed her brow a bit, “…Why?” She murmured slowly, “That’s a terrible idea…that place is tainted and…” She let out a sigh and fell quiet again.

Axiann turned to Kiah, her reaction no surprise to him. "According to reports, while the lower reaches are business as usual, the upper have become a temporary residence to a host of enthralled spirits and four Darkfallen, plus their San’layn leader. " He looked to the others as he elaborated. "Two of the Darkfallen are missing Elves the coalition have investigated in the past: a Ren’dorei Rift Warden from Blasted Lands, and a Quel’dorei Violet Eye Magister from the Pass. " He paused now, letting what he had said sink in, and awaiting more questions… or concerns.

When none would offer any, he continued. “Those who have invaded the tower are believed to be empowering more dark relics, like those we encountered in the Plaguelands. Obviously they must be stopped.” He looked back at Kiah now. “But you are right, the Tower of Karazhan should not be trifled with by those who do not understand the heavy magics involved there.” He paused now, seemingly coming to a point.

“The Kirin Tor would like a presence, when the Coalition raid the Tower, on Saturday. And since we have worked with the Coalition before and have a working relationship, they have asked that we go.”

He wondered if any would volunteer to join him. Either way, he would be there. To lend aid, and protect the Kirin Tor’s assets.

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The Sunreavers
Return to Duty

After some time spent abroad, first in Uldum and then in Silvermoon City, to begin and end the Midsummer Fire Festival, interrupted only by a brief away mission to Karazhan, Magister Axiann Sungazer and his Sunreavers returned to Dalaran.

Axiann arrived via portal, via the Violet Gate, the magi’s entrance into the city. All Kirin Tor trained magi knew the spell coordinates for the portal anchor point in the Gate, and used the spell often. The guards recognized him and his signet ring, so even without his uniform, he was allowed entrance into the city.

His first stop, even before heading home, was always the Legerdemain Lounge. After settling for inferior copies of the drink whenever he was away, he desired a real, premium roast coffee from his favorite haunt.

Finally, he would head into the Tower of the Guardians, and to The Sunreavers’ headquarters on the third floor. He would glance at reports and any other correspondance that came in while he was away.

It was good to be home.

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The Sunreavers and the Sleeping City

On Friday afternoon, Magister Axiann Sungazer was joined in the Chamber of the Guardians by the newest Sunreaver initiate, Fidesa Flamewisp.

They discussed matters ongoing in the Broken Isles: Void Corruption was spreading through the World Tree Shaladrassil and through it’s roots, controlled by the Fal’dorei in some plot to corrupt the Arcandor and turn the Nightborne into abominations.

Interrupting their conversation, a Kirin Tor Guardian entered the Chamber and requested an audience with the Sunreavers. He informed them of a developing situation in Dalaran, which had the Guardians busy placing the city on lockdown. His request was for the Sunreavers to report to the Infirmary, and help with another matter.

As they walked through the streets of Dalaran, they confirmed the Guardians description of a lockdown protocol: Guardians rushing about, securing structures and barking orders. Civilians looking worried and closing up their shops. And on the steps of the Dalaran Infirmary, dozens of citizens waiting for their turn to be admitted.

Inside the building was no better: every bed full, makeshift cots at capacity and patients, lying on the floor, all comatose, according to Olisarra, the Kirin Tor healer. Upon Fidesa’s suggestion based on previous knowledge, they checked the bodies for signs of spider bites, which they quickly found on the body of at least one woman.

Needing to know if the victim had been down to the Isles or had succumbed to the bites in Dalaran, they headed outdoors to question her husband. The man, Ryan Fern, was pulling at his own shirt, rambling about how ‘they aren’t gonna get me’. The other citizens in the streets were similarly seemingly losing their grip on sanity.

While Fidesa questioned the man, and found out that for the past few days, certain citizens have failed to wake from their night’s slumber, Axiann detected the presence of another who was apparently investigating along with them.

The new arrival was Felorax Autumnwing, exiled brother of Sir Beloran of the Argent Crusade. He proceeded to taunt the sin’dorei, while offering vague, ominous warnings of the city of Dalaran crumbling away. Meanwhile, Ryan Fern admitted to their neighbors having an infestation of spiders in days’ past.

When the man mentioned having drinks at the Legerdemain Lounge the night before the whispers began, the Sunreavers and their Ren’dorei follower headed there to investigate the alcohol. As Axiann came close to the crate, a sensation of dread overcame him, his gut telling him he shouldn’t be there and to walk away from the crate.

To be continued…

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The Sleeping City
(Part Two)

The Sunreavers left the Legerdemain Lounge in pursuit of the merchant who was rumored to be heading to Orgrimmar to export more Arcwine. In the streets, they met more civilians seemingly going mad, believe the city was crashing and that the Kirin Tor were the mad magi responsible for the calamity.

The group asked the woman to shelter in her home, and proceeded down into the sewers, joined by Spellbow Felesshi Moonspell and Guardian Anar’theril Autumnleaf, who had heard of the lockdown and had come to help.

The last two arrived just in time to watch the Initiate Flamewisp use a tranquillizer arrow to subdue a crazed citizen with extra eyes. The entire scene was very disturbing, yet the group continued on, ignoring as best they could the feeling of dread as they moved deeper and deeper underground.

Once in the Underbelly, Spellbow Moonspell’s keen eyes spotted a Shal’dorei merchant tending to crates of Arcwine. The Sunreavers approached the man and began interrogating him.

The man answered their questions and even provided official trading identification and permissions. But as the man plead his innocence, large spiders leaped from one of the crates and down from the ceiling, attack the group.

SAs the group fought the spiders, Vindex the shal’dorei also attacked, claiming the Sunreavers were nearly delaying the inevitable. Through concise and coordinated attack, they managed to entrap and bind the Nightborne, and eventually kill all of the spiders.

The battle over and won, Magister Sungazer informed the shal’dorei that he would be detained in the Violet Hold until it was determined what to do with him, escorting him there himself. He then ordered a message delivered to the Kirin Tor to capture one sample spider, but to exterminate the rest, and for the Spellbow and Initiate to destroy all remaining crates of arcwine.

And with those orders, the Sunreavers called it a day.

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Not the Arcwine!

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This may be the sign you were looking for, my thalassian friend.

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Revelations and Promotions

In the morning hours, Magister Axiann Sungazer was joined by Guardian Autumnleaf, Spellbow Moonspell and Initiate Flamewisp in the Chamber of the Guardians to investigate the artifacts collected during their last mission: a spider and a sample of arcwine from Suramar.

Through alchemy, spellwork and firsthand knowledge, the group was able to ascertain and confirm a few details: firstly. the arachnid was a Dreamweaver Spider, native to the Isles, which had apparently been in close enough proximity to the void for it to become marked by it, magically. And secondly, the arcwine was itself intentionally tainted with the powers of the Void.

Before dismissing his Sunreavers, Sungazer executed one more task: the promotion of one of their own. In her short time with the order, Fidesa Flamewisp has proven her loyalty to the order and her commitment to her duty, and has earned the trust of those around her.

She was presented with her very own official Sunreavers Tabard and offered the rank of Spellbow.

Following the short ceremony, the Magister retreated to his office to write and send an urgent missive to the Duskwatch Saberguard, delivered by the new Spellbow:

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Dalaran Lockdown Now Lifted!

On Thursday, it was announced by the Kirin Tor that the lockdown imposed on citizens of Dalaran had been lifted, confident that the latest threat had passed.

The Dalaran Infirmary was a very different place than it had been a few days ago, when every bed, cot and corner was filled to capacity with citizens unable to wake up. Having regained consciousness and passed a general medical exam, those citizens have now been released.

Shopkeepers have returned to their posts in earnest, eager to continue serving the public and earning a silver or two in the process. They seemed glad to be out of their homes and back to interacting with their customers and selling their wares.

Many a customer was also glad to be able to frequent their favorite haunts once more. Line-ups were around the block for popular restaurants and cafés, including the Legerdemain Lounge.

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From Bad to Worse

On Thursday, The Sunreavers welcomed valiant guests from the Coalition into their chambers: High Warlord Jan-Mak, Captain Songsear and Champion Summerveil, of the Horde’s Vol’kar Legion, as well as Highlord Raseri from the Legion of the Dawn, of the Alliance.

Captain Songsear offered a briefing to the group. While she spoke. Sunreaver Guardian Anar’theril Autumnlead took notes.

While the battle for Quel’Danas was won and the Sunwell defended mere days ago, it would seem the attack was a diversion with the intent to steal an artifact, the Heart of Aruun.

The artifact having seemingly been used, a dark eclipse now reins over Quel’thalas.

Fanotheril, one of the cult masters, is confirmed be in Zul’aman, protected by a magival barrier of Death, surrounded by an army of undead. From there, he seeks to resurrect Kith’ix, a C’thraxxi.

Another cult master, known as Landers, is suspected of seeking a Titan relic known as the Keeper’s Key in the Drustvar region of Kul Tiras, while Perrin, the third master, has presumably already accomplished her task in the Twilight Highlands.

Meanwhile, a Lich known as Shivertomb, once rooted in Duskwood and now driven out by the locals, has found new purpose with the newly turned Darkfallen, hold up in the Sunken Temple where he uses dark Nerubian relics to raise undead Wyrms.

One prisoner, held by the Coalition, finally revealed a riddle that seems to be of some import:

“Green points the way;
Bronze opens the way;
Blue reveals the door;
Red unlocks the door.”

It seemed the Sunreavers, and the other allies and members of the Coalition, would have their work cut out for them over the next few months.

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An Aura of Death

On Saturday, under the continuously eclipsed skies of Quel’Thalas, The Sunreavers travelled to the gates of Zul’aman, in the Ghostlands, to investigate the Aura of Death barrier that had been erected by the Cult and its master hiding inside the ancient Amani city. Present, along with Magister Sungazer, were Guardians Autumnleaf and Dawnspring, Spellbow Flamewisp and Scout Avannaris Autumnwind. Joining the Sunreavers from the Coalition was Calnos, the human warlock.

With them, they brought the Nerubian relics that had been located and acquired during a recent raid of Karazhan. The Magister was acting on a theory that more relics were being used to empower the Death Aura, and that they might use the ones in their possession to connect with, and control, the barrier. They now knew a great deal more about the relics, thanks to the tireless research of Guardian Dawnspring and her Reliquary associates.

The group ventured to the gates, where they came upon the Death Aura, barring the way into the city. Just outside the gates, the bodies of three dead sin’dorei scouts lay on the ground. The bodies were collected, prayer over, and disposed of, lest old friends become new enemies.

One by one, three Nerubian relics were removed from their arcane wards and brought right up to the barrier, only they offered no reaction.

It was decided that one relic should be activated. The warlock, Calnos, knowing the incantations, volunteered. The incantation worked, and the artifact hummed to life. All seemed fine, but for a few moments, until the group lost control.

Within seconds, another force, scryed as being within the walls of Zul’aman and having an elven mind, fought for, and took control of, the artifact. Attempts to secure, deactivate and destroy the relic all failed spectacularly.

Then, the Death Aura merged with the relic, using it to amply itself. The barrier began to advance, descending the stairs and forcing the group to flee. The relic lost and in enemy control, and the barrier protecting more enemy ground than ever, the mission was a stunning failure.

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The Sunreavers are recruiting!

As Summer enters its third month, The Sunreavers are looking to grow and add new members to their ranks. If interested, either reach out to myself (Axiann#5749 on discord) or fill out an application form: https://forms.gle/5nkkEPvWektgqobv5

Our three main ranks/roles are as follows:

Sunreaver Guardians
Primarily mages, they value knowledge of the arcane above all else. They use this knowledge for the protection and prosperity of Quel’thalas and Dalaran. Some members are former Silvermoon magi who are interested in building a stronger relationship between Quel’thalas and the Kirin Tor of Dalaran.

Sunreaver Sentinels
Usually priests or paladins, they wield the Holy Light to heal their allies and smite their enemies. They are essential during active combat assignments. Some members are former Blood Knights who are seeking to aid not just the Horde, but the world of Azeroth in general.

Sunreaver Spellbows
Skilled hunters and rangers, they use the Kirin Tor’s knowledge of the Arcane (and occasionaly the Light) to magically augment their already impressive archery skills. Some members are former Farstriders who wish to improve their skills and broaden their horizons.

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The Portal to the Tournament of Ages is Open!

The Kirin Tor Convocation may have come and gone, but there was still work to be done. Today, at the top of the world in Northrend, the Tournament of Ages would begin. For one week, participants from all over Azeroth would come to commemorate the coming-together of factions to defeat the Lich King several years ago.

On Sunday morning, in the portal room of the Tower of the Gardians, The Sunreavers have opened a portal to the Argent Tournament Grounds in Northrend. All allies of Dalaran and the Kirin Tor are allowed safe passage so that they may participate or observe the Tournament.

The Sunreavers would travel there later in the day, ensuring the Sunreavers Pavillion would be ready to house and feed visitors from the Horde, primarily.

OOC Note:
I created this simply to give characters an IC way to quickly get to and from Northrend for the following week.

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