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

Wyrmrest Accord
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Guardians of the Dream: Prologue

While the Sunreavers healed and recovered from their battle at the Emerald Dream Portal, at Ancient Bough, a call went out for aid.

Over the course of the next few days, while the Green Dragonflight worked to cleanse and re-atune the portal, allies from across the Isles arrived to prepare for the fight ahead. While the efforts were lead by the Dragon Queen herself, many other allies arrived, including several units of Kaldorei Sentinels. All were preparing for a venture into a realm far different from the material one they called home.

Meanwhile, deep within their lair, Fyrakk and his druid minions have found their own way across the veil to the other realm: infused with elemental power channeled from the Firelands themselves, Fyr’alath, the Dream Render, created by the Incarnate and his druids of the flame, easily slices through the veil, allowing the enraged one to enter the Emerald Dream and threaten the world tree Amirdrassil.

Soon, the Sunreavers would join their allies and travel themselves to a mystical realm they had only ever heard about to stop the forced of Fyrakk, the one called the Seer and the druids of the flame.

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Episode 1: Into the Dream

The Ancient Bough. The Sunreavers had spent the last several days healing and preparing for their new assignment: to travel into the Emerald Dream and aid their allies in securing the realm from the forces of Fyrakk and the druids of the flame. They now don uniforms that have been mended with enchanted threads by the green dragons, helping to attune the elves to the Emerald Dream and allow an easier passage through the portal. As they crossed through the portal, they joined scores of allies, lead by Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind and the kaldorei Sentinels, traversing the veil into another plane of existence.

On the other side, they found themselves in an idyllic landscape of vibrant greens, blues and purples, reaching beyond father than anyone can see or sense, yet alone. With no sign of the others or the portal, they assume something went wrong, and they had been deposed in an unknown location of the Dream, with no clue as to how to get back or find their allies. As the wind flowed through the branches of the nearby trees and offered a music-like sound, they began to seek higher ground, hoping to get the lay of the land.

Their walk was interrupted when wisps, ghost-like beings of ethereal energy, came from the trees and encircled them, studying the newcomers to their land, showing signs of alarm and even aggression. Each Sunreaver attempted to reason with them, explaining that they were allies and had come to aid the denizens of the Dream. After several attempts, they seemed to be content and retreated slightly from the group.

At that moment, the air filled with the smell of sulphur as a Firelands portal cracked open, allowing three druids of the flame to enter the Dream at the Sunreavers Location. Combat erupted and a literal fire fight had everyone on high alert, both sides being equally matched. The tides turned, however, when a group of Fae Dragons suddenly appeared, syphoning power from the portal and the druids, causing the former to close and the latter to fall. The fae dragons then turned their attention on the Sunreavers, and seemed ready to neutralise them as well.

The Sunreavers once again attempted to reason with the creatures, which seemed to resonate with one in particular. She approached, her wings fluttering, and spoke Magister Sungazer’s name in perfect thalassian. It turned out to be Artemissa, a Guardian of the Dream the Sunreavers had rescued from Val’Sharah approximately seven years ago, and helped to return to her own realm. Filled with gratitude, she instantly transported the Sunreavers to the Verdand Landing, basecamp for the allied forces, and promised to be the group’s guide in the Dream.

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Episode 2: Burning from Within

Over the last few days, the Sunreavers have been travelling with the Sentinels and other allies to the base of Amirdrassil, the World Tree, in order to set up an encampment from which to coordinate efforts in the Dream. Just short of arriving, however, they decided to investigate when their fae dragon ally, Artemisia, detected intruder magic nearby.

Together with their allies, the druid Moonfury as well as two others who answered the Magister’s summons for aid, the Sunreavers discovered the site of a Druid of the flame camp. They combed the site for clues, finding journal pages, maps, herbs, remnants of rituals and more clues that could lead to information about the druids’ plans in the Dream.

Just then, the group’s wards indicated the return of the druids. As the group hid, five druids engaged in battle fell from the sky: as four of them pinned down a fight, they shifted back into their kaldorei forms and tied the prisoner up. The Sunreavers listened as the druids accused the prisoner of betraying them with her attempt to leave the cult, and threatened to bring her to someone named Seer Sageswift to be sacrificed for her betrayal.

Inspired to help the prisoner, the group secretly moved into position and engaged the druids in battle while Moonfury worked to free the prisoner. The druids were powerful but the Sunreavers and their allies outnumbered and overpowered them, putting them down with relative ease and freeing the prisoner.

The prisoner, Solarys Thorngale, expressed her gratitude but made her final request: to be delivered to the Sentinels. Then and only then, she would request their aid in one final matter and then deliver any and all information she had on the Druids’ movements and plans in the Dream. Not sure if she could be trusted, the group secured her once again and proceeded to escort her to the Central Encampment, completing their journey.

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Episode 3 - Protecting the Bloom

The Central Encampment, under the boughs of the great tree Amirdrassil, was all but empty. Left with nothing but a skeleton crew to defend it, Amirdrassil has begun to bloom, drawing much power from the Dream. The Kaldorei and most of their forces have moved to the frontlines to prevent Fyrakk and his forces from breaching the gates of the Wellspring Temple, leaving the Sunreavers and a handful of allies behind.

As they conversed under the great tree, The Sunreavers and their new allies, including a defecting Primalist, the ground suddenly shook, ushering a sensation in many present that there was something wrong with the blooming of Amirdrassil. The veil separating the Dream from the material plane of Azeroth seemed to be thickening once more, threatening the tree’s ability to cross over as was intended.

Quickly, the party entertained theories and decided there must be a spell at work to usher the tree from one realm to the other, a spell that was somehow suddenly failing. They searched the near empty Encampment for any documentation on the spell and found a scroll featuring a rune much like the pattern of ground and water found beneath the canopy of roots, and mysterious text written in Darnassian:

Mother and Father,
Ancestors to Pass the Flame,
Coming together in a Great Rite,
Creating Life Everlasting,
Four Children to Usher in the Fifth

Confused, the group made their way to the symbol carved into the earth beneath the canopy and studied the area, finding runestones of various sizes, enchanted with energy that seemed to be leaking and dissipating. Inspecting the runestones, the Sunreavers Kaldorei ally found the word ‘Mother’ engraved on one larger stone. Moving quickly, they found stones engraved as the ‘Father’ and the ‘Four Children’ as well, and positioned themselves before each one.

Touching the stones in sequence matching their mention in the Darnassian text, the party successfully realigned the energy of the stones, reactivating the spell. As they did, the ground stopped its shaking and the tree seemed happy once more, the veil beginning to thin as the bloom seemed to continue unhindered.

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Campaign Finale: Everflowing Life

The Sunreavers and their allies arrived at the Verdant Pass to find an active warzone. The Sentinel encampment stood surrounded by druids and primalists on all fronts, trying to hold the line around the Wellspring Temple. Inside the temple, allies from across Azeroth fought to stop the Incarnate Fyrakk and his followers from corrupting the World Tree and destroying the kaldorei’s hope. Meanwhile, outside the temple, the fighting continued. The Sunreavers, having just arrived, are asked to investigate the Wellspring Overlook and offer aid if needed.

Their first task was to fight their way past the enemy lines and clear a path through the combat zone. Focusing on three groups in particular, the champions concentrated their might in a collaborative effort, facing off against druids and primalists both. There was a constant give and take of firepower between sides, with the Sunreavers suffering some injuries. Yet, they persevered and managed to create an opening through which to slip past the enemy and toward their destination.

But the road to the Overlook was not without its dangers. As the group sprinted northward, primal drakes swooped repeatedly down, bathing the area in primal fire and imperilling the lives of our heroes. As they ran, they continuously evaded the flames raining down from above, suffering several minor and more aggressive burns as they ran. Irritated and unable to fight back, they ran for their lives, eventually reaching their destination.

The Wellspring Overlook lacked any guards of any kind. Only wardens were left, tending to a shattered emerald crystal which had clearly been part of a central altar at the heart of the complex. The wardens explained that the crystal, called an Emerald Lifegem, controls the flow of Life energy that pours into sections of the Emerald Dream through facilities like the Wellspring Temple. They beseeched the group to protect them while they installed and empowered a new Lifegem which would send Life energy to Amirdrassil.

At that moment, a Firelands elemental appeared at the Overlook: General Emberion vowed to destroy the Overlook and bathe the entire realm in primal flame. The Sunreavers and their allies carefully engaged the powerful elemental. They suffered several injuries while engaging the enemy, all while the wardens attuned to the Lifegem, wove their spells and eventually empowered it once more. Meanwhile, working together and not giving up, the Sunreavers defeated Emberion, with the kaldorei Sammuroth Moonfury dealing the final blow.

As cheers erupted at the Overlook, the Wellspring Temple hummed to full life, a testament to the efforts of the heroes inside and, one hoped, the defeat of Fyrrak the Incarnate. Just then, Life energies flowed abundantly towards Amirdrassil once more. As they watched, the World Tree glowed brightly and suddenly vanished from sight, having completed its blooming and crossing over into Azeroth.

The Sunreavers’ campaign in the Emerald Dream had come to an end. They would make their way back to the portal and return to Azeroth, satisfied in the accomplishment of their mission.

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The Sunreavers had returned to Dalaran, their home high above the Broken Isles.

Magister Sungazer made his way to their guild hall before his own home, fetching correspondes he needed to catch up on and bringing them with him to his flat. Once he had changed out of his uniform and into some lounge wear, for the first time in months, he sat by the hearth and read through the important messages.

One scroll caught his eye, the seal of the Duskwatch Saberguard familiar to him. He opened it and couldn’t believe a year had gone by and that it was time for the military ball already.

Smiling, he went over to his desk and penned a brief letter:

Esteemed Patrol-Captain Al’shaanth,

It would be our pleasure to attend your wonderful military ball, a solemn but joyous tradition. You may expect us on Saturday.

Sincerely,

Magister Axiann Sungazer
The Sunreavers
Dalaran

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The Sunreavers
are currently recruiting for the new year and our new campaign, starting in January!

Fill out our quick application form and get ready to join a tight-knit group of dedicated role-players who help make the world of Azeroth come alive.

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Presenting The Sunreavers 2024 campaign roadmap! Now is a GREAT time to join.

Fill out our quick application form and may the adventure begin!

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A short glimpse ahead at the launch of the New Year!

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An Eventful New Year’s Briefing…

Following two weeks well deserved leave for the holidays, the Sunreavers reconvened on Sunday in their Guild Hall, in the Tower of the Guardian, in Dalaran. The gathering began with pleasantries amonsgt friends, including a few newer initiates.

After debriefing with a few Sunreavers on various assignments, the group welcomed one who petitioned to enlist with the order. The new initiate, accepted on the merit on their answers to the Magister’s questions, joined in and took their place with the others.

Next, Magister Sungazer shared their next orders with the group: to escort members of the Silver Vanguard through Quel’Thalas on their pilgramage to the Sunwell. As he went over the details he possessed, a new individual approached and -CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION-.

With their new orders in hand, the Sunreavers prepared to return to Quel’Thalas and escort the Silver Vanguard for what would surely be three tense yet interesting days.

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Diplomatic Escort: The Silver Vanguard

The Sunreavers, on orders from Silvermoon City, rode this week to the Thalassian Pass, arriving Friday shortly before their incoming guests. They took the extra time to review the information at their disposal and prepare for what could potentially be a politically charged encounter.

Eventually, the members of the Silver Vanguard, a unit of the Silver Covenant, came through the Pass and approached, making contact. A few formal pleasantries were exchanged, and then the escort proceeded, with the Sunreavers flanking the Vanguard, and taking up the rear, as they began their voyage through the Ghostlands.

The two groups conversed as they rode and marched, mostly about the state of the Ghostlands, formerly known as the Blackened Wood, and the sadness of its current state. Vanguard members were visibly moved to be in Quel’Thalas once more, experiencing many mixed emotions.

As they approached Tranquilen, some began to sense that they were being watched. A unit of Farstriders, concealed in the tree line, made themselves known and approached. While they questioned the diplomatic mission, they ultimately caused no trouble and let the group proceed.

The group traveled throughout the day and eventually reached the bridge leading into the undamaged Eversong Woods, finding it blocked by a unit of Blood Knights. A tense standoff ensued, with the Knights seemingly not open to letting the group pass. Diplomacy was needed and through some passionate discourse, the Knights were convinced, albeit barely. They stood aside, unease, and let the group continue on their route.

Sunreavers and Silver Vanguard continued to discuss issues, warming to each other some, as they continued through travels through the Eversong Woods. While they were not authorised to enter the capital, they did ride by the gates of Silvermoon City, which lead to many complex emotions. Outside the gate, a group of angry citizens yelled and heckled the group. It was decided it was best to move on and not engage.

Some time later, the escort mission approached the Azurebreeze Coast. Passing by the Duskwither Spire, a group of Magisters saluted the group, wishing them well and expressing their desire for eventual peace with all who hailed from Quel’Thalas.

Arriving at the coast, the group beheld the sin’dorei vessel that would take them to Quel’Danas, still taking on cargo and crew. The Sunreavers and Silver Vanguard members set up camp on the shore, enjoying an evening and getting to known each other, planning on boarding the vessel in the morning.

This event was planned and executed by the amazing Silver Vanguard guild, hailing from Moon Guard. We very much enjoyed this collaboration and look forward to parts 2 and 3!

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Its great seeing the Elves doing Elf things. The Sunfury felt the same way about the Ghostlands, and have an outpost dedicated to restoring the land

Some trial and error, but we’ve managed enough to grow our own food

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Diplomatic Escort: The Silver Vanguard - Part 2

On Saturday, the Sunreavers and the Silver Vanguard spent the day sharing meals and stories as they waited for their vessel to be ready to board. Many found that they had much in common, more than outweighing their differences, and they all carried the same warm feelings for the homeland of Quel’Thalas.

Eventually, their camp was dismantled and they embarked together, sailing to the Isle of Quel’Danas. Lead by the Sunreavers, the Quel’orei pilgrims marched to the gates of the Sunwell Plateau and, along with their escorts, entered the holiest of sites in Quel’Thalas.

As the group entered the sacred halls, the tension and emotion was as palpable as the raw, holy power that radiated from the Sunwell itself. Sunwell Guardians stood resolute, permitting the pilgrims to enter and proceed. All were in aw of the beam of holy-arcane energy that shot into the sky, piercing the clouds overhead.

As they entered the Sunwell’s chamber, the Sunreavers and Silver Vanguard members took up positions, some closer than others, near the font of power. Taking the time allotted to them, each one was allowed a moment to pay homage, in whatever fashion each saw fit.

Once the entire group had exited the Sunwell Plateau, they received an urgent summons: Trolls were attacking the Eversong Woods and the Vanguard, with their numbers, were asked to assist in repelling. Dragonhawks were used to mobilise into three groups and helped repel the unusual attack.

It is to be noted that the Silver Vanguard and Sunreavers fought valiantly and their arrival and participation greatly aided in the efficient repelling of the Troll attack.

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Diplomatic Escort: The Silver Vanguard - Part 3

On the third day of this historic diplomatic escort mission, the Sunreavers remained with the members of the Silver Vanguard as they waited for their vessel to depart the Isle of Quel’Danas. Before they did, however, a ceremonial act of celebration and commemoration was to be held: a friendly jousting tournament.

The willing participants, including Guardian Dawnfire and Initiate Sunfeather representing The Sunreavers, along with the spectactors, took up positions near the docks. Instructions were given and an order was drawn up, and all prepared for what was certain to be a thrilling yet good-spirited joust.

Initiate Sunfeather was up first, facing off against the Vanguard’s Lieutenant-Commander Goldensky. While the match was good, Goldensky got the early advantage and fought hard, throwing Sunfeather off her mount and claiming a well-deserved win.

Guardian Dawnfire was up next, squaring off against a Vanguard Cadet named Duskseeker. This time, the advantage was to the Sunreaver, who in just a few, well-executed maneuvers, won the match!

The jousting continued for some time, with several more contenders taking to their mounts and lances and giving everyone a good show. Finally, Guardian Dawnfire was called up again, facing his final adversary, Vanguard Corporal Sunbreaker. A thrilling match, hit per hit, The Sunreaver ultimately prevailed! Then, it was down to the Sunreaver Guardian Mage and the Vanguard Commander, Goldensky. A tense match ensued, but in the end, the Vanguard Commander took the victory, ending the jousting tournament.

Spirits were high by the time the sun began to set on the last day of the Vaguard’s pilgrimage to Quel’Thalas. Returning to Eversong via vessel, they were then escorted back toward the Thalassian Pass. Tensions rose as a Blood Knight approached the group, demanding the arrest of one traitor among them, causing one Vanguard member to reveal herself to be a double agent and representative of Silvermoon. Through much talk, the situation was diffused and none were harmed.

Sunreaver Guardian mage Daltron Dawnfire then proceeded to escort the Vanguard the rest of the way and saw them off, back to their home, thus ending the Sunreavers’ mission.

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sips tea, curious to if the Sunreavers plan to visit and observe the upcoming Festival of Rebirth

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Some of us are going to try and make an appearance!

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Seeds of Renewal:
Episode 1: Ambush in the Streets

On Sunday, the Sunreavers met in the Chamber of the Guardians, their guild hall, for a typical weekly briefing led by Spellbow Sunshadow. They spent a few moments welcoming the orders’ newest initiates before proceeding with orders: the group would conduct a standard patrol of the streets of Dalaran.

Traveling together as a group, led by the Spellbow, the patrol party was shocked to discover a heavily injured Kelevan Whitesinger . After stabilizing him enough to move him, they transported the victim to the Infirmary and asked him questions about the incident. They learned that the man was attacked, and that the attackers are still on the loose, possibly going after Guardian Daltron Dawnfire next.

Leaving the victim to the care of the healers at the Infirmary, the Sunreavers rushed back to the Tower of the Guardians. On approach, they heard an explosion coming from the upper sections of the tower, as well as screams and the sounds of fighting in the streets below.

Investigating, the group found Guardian Dawnfire engaged in battle with what appeared to be an illidari demon hunter. Joining Dawnfire, they eventually were able to overpower and capture the enemy, deciding to take him to the Violet Hold for further questioning.

The battle ended and the streets secured once more, Guardian Dawnfire, rattled from the attack and other recent events, claims he is no longer safe with the Sunreavers and announces an indefinite leave from the order.

To be continued…

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Episode 2: Life and Death

Though their last days in Dalaran had been turbulent indeed, the Sunreavers decided to honor their pledge to aid the Highmoutain druid Taishir Rivermane, an ally who had helped them during their campaign in the Emerald Dream. Traveling to the Ancient Bough, they would cross over into the Dream once more, learning that the druid had been investigating a string or strange events in the Dream that seemed tied to arcane magic.

Within the Dream, the group were greeted by Alisra, a green dragon, who along with her fae dragons friends transported the group to the site of a new disturbance, too near the base of the world tree for comfort. The area had been stripped of all life, a barren place of dry-cracked earth and dead vegetation.

Splitting up, the group investigated the area, finding many dead animals and plants, and evidence that the land would heal with time. Three Zaquali corpses were found, also drained of life, with a journal that documented their own investigation of this dead area. Finally, what appeared to be a phoenix feather, the most intriguing clue of all, was discovered.

While they discussed their findings, the earth rumbled and the three Zaquali corpses stood, skin pale and eyes mere black orbs. They drew their weapons and attacked, but were no match for the Sunreavers, being defeated swiftly. A runebear, also once dead, then came to life, just as the ground shook and erupted with sharp thorns slashing at the group. This fight proved more challenging, but the Sunreavers eventually put the bear down, its body disintegrating into dust and leaving small plumes of necrotic energy.

Relieved the fighting was over, the group were still distraught over the presence of necrotic energies in the Emerald Dream. They agreed to make their way to what remained of the Base Camp beneath the boughs of the World Tree and set up camp for the night, resting before they continued their investigation.

To be continued…

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Episode 3: Life Under Fire

The Sunreavers met the druid Taishir and Alisra the green dragon at the Eye of Ysera in the Emerald Dream. They went over what they knew of phoenixes, since they had found one’s feather during their previous investigation, and agreed that only the most skilled magi from Quel’thalas tended to be able to summon and control the beasts. Tensions rose when the green dragon questioned the Sunreavers presence in the Dream before walking out.

The group followed her out to the terrace where they found her in her full dragon form. She explained that she planned to channel great amounts of Life energies into the Dream to try and bait the Phoenix to reveal itself. The group agreed this was a big risk, but that they would do what they could to protect the guardian of the dream.

Mounting a group of nearby fae dragons, the group was transported to a floating island lush with life nearby. Alisra began drawing runes into the ground, preparing for her ritual. Just then, war horns sounded and three Zaqali, mounted on firehawks, attacked the group, seeking to kill the Fae.

The group engaged the Zaquali, whose primary focus was clearly Alisra. They worked together, struggling at first but eventually turning the tides on the battle and scaring the Zaquali off, the latter retreating on their firehawks.

As Alisra completed her ritual, the great Phoenix emerged, engulfed in arcane-fire and attacking the fae dragon, threatening to destroy all life in the area. The group mobilized and focused their attack, emboldened by the dragon’s dream Life magics. They eventually burned the beast down and it fell. The Sunreavers decided to collect the ashes and bring them back to Azeroth for proper disposal.

It was at that moment the Phoenix burned back to life, blasting Alisra back into the air and sending her crashing far down into the shadow lake below. As the Phoenix channeled into her, he not only drained the life force from her body but from the entire area around her before soaring off to safety. The group, left stunned, gathered themselves up and returned to the Eye Of Ysera to regroup.

To be continued…

(Imgr not working for me right now. Photos will be uploaded when the issue is resolved.)

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Episode 4: Verdant Vulnerability…

The Sunreavers met with the druid Taishir in the gardens of The Eye of Ysera, having given him time to complete his rituals and put the Green Dragon Alisra’s body to rest. He explained that he had gained knowledge during that process that he believed he could use to bolster the group’s next fight against the phoenix.

Taishir also revealed he had collected one of three verdant magical orbs from the Phoenix upon the creature’s first death. This lead the group to believe a sin’dorei blood magus was behind these attacks, and decided to use the orb as bait to attract the magus and his beast who would surely wish to collect what was theirs.

Together, they flew to a location away from the protection and shielding of the Dream-version of Amirdrassil. There, the druid began the same ritual performed by the green dragon several days ago. The entire group prepared, and moments later the beast appeared, staring them down. Working as a team, the Sunreavers, the druid and their treant allies coordinated their attack on the phoenix. They both unleashed their furry and defended themselves well against the creature’s own attacks, taking little damage and healing those wounds they did end up suffering. Eventually, the beast was brought down and killed.

Quickly, the druid Taishir collected the two remaining orbs to prevent the phoenix from using their power and resurrecting a second time. A cloaked figure appeared on the opposite shore of a nearby lake, demanding their orbs back. The group refused, and the image of the figure, clearly a projection, vanished.

As the group flew back to the Eye of Ysera, a bolt of fire struck Taishir, whi plummeted to the ground, suffering injuries. The cloaked figure, responsible for the attack, retrieved the verdant orbs and teleported away, leaving the Sunreavers to collect the unjured druid and get him back to safety.

To be continued…

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