12 Likes
Update and first event promotion coming on January 1stâŚ
2 Likes
The Wheel Turns⌠and the Dragon Isles Awaken
As fireworks light up the skies of Azeroth, the Wheel of the Year turns once more.
It has been five years since the armistice was signed by representatives of the Horde and the Alliance, and three since the quelling of the threats of the Scourge and the Cult of Isoârath. The citizens of the world had finally enjoyed a time of peace and healing, and had begun to rebuild their homes and their lives.
Some citizens, however, were not as they appeared to be.
In towns and cities across all the continents, embedded within the societies of all the different peoples of the world, ancient and immortal dragons lived amongst ordinary women and men, their true identities concealed by their visage forms. While their main goal was the study of mortal races, many had integrated into their lives, playing small parts in helping communities.
But many of those individuals had recently left. Some had said their farewells, others departed swiftly, upon hearing a calling. The song of the isles, as they began to refer to it, made itself known in their minds and seemed to call them back to their ancestral home millenia after leaving it behind to come to the worldâs aid.
While some who were secretly dragon individuals had led discreet lives, their absence hardly noticed, others were deeply missed by those who called them friends and did not understand their need to leave.
But a distraction came in the form of unnatural storms. While winter was a time of unsettled weather and seasonal change, storms of frost and snow so near to Orgrimmar in the Barrens were unheard of in the history of the Hordeâs occupation of the land. Similarly, storms of fire, wind and even earth began appearing suddenly all across Azeroth. Investigations indicated some form of magical interference, with shamans being able to detect primal elemental upheaval as the primary cause of the storms.
The Kirin Tor, aware of the matter and hosting their quarterly Convocation near the Midwinter Solstice, extended a special invitation to members of the Earthen Ring, who described powerful elemental lords being let loose upon the lands by individuals calling themselves primalists. A few had been captured and revealed little, save that Azeroth would soon be free.
While the Convocation was still happening, news came from Khadgar, leader of the Kirin Tor. Kalecgos, former Aspect of the Blue Dragonflight and member of the Council of Six, returned from the newly rediscovered Dragon Isles and informed Khadgar of the release of Razsageth and the danger this posed to the world.
With representatives from various lands still in one place, a historic first was observed: an agreed upon venture between the Reliquary of Silvermoon and the Explorerâs League of Ironforge, from the Horde and the Alliance respectively, would form the brand new Dragonscale Expedition and venture to the Dragon Isles, together.
Over the next few weeks, posters began appearing in outposts, villages, towns and cities across the world: the Dragonscale Expedition seeks brave souls, warriors, scholars and artisans, to embark on a journey to a strange and ancient land. Compensation will be handsome and can be collected or sent to individuals of your choosing. Adventure awaits!
Within days, inns in Orgrimmar, Stormwind and beyond began to fill with willing adventurers enlisting with the Expedition. A few hours later, they would board vast ships, both sea- and air-faring.
Those ships, which would eventually set sail for the newly discovered coordinates of the Dragon Isles, would first meet up and gather in the beautiful port of Sunâs Reach Anchor, mere miles from the legendary Sunwell, on the isle of QuelâDanas.
Year 40: Dragonscale
First event: Expedition Launch Party
Saturday, January 14th, starting at 4:30pm ST
Sun Sail Anchorage, QuelâDanas (neutral)
9 Likes
Dragonscale Expedition Launch Party
Neutral event- Bring Elixir of Tongues
Date/Time:
Saturday January 14th/4:30PM to 8PM WrA ST
Location:
Sun Sail Anchorage, QuelâDanas (neutral)
Any character joining the expedition ICly, or just wanting to see the expedition off, is invited! To get to QuelâDanas, either take a flight path, or use the portal from Shattrath City.
5 Likes
The EVERDAWN
As he stood on the deck of his gleaming ship, Ethanâtolas watched the beautiful Sunâs Reach Anchorage come into view on the horizon, the golden glow of the Sunwell visible beyond it, crowing the isle of QuelâDanas.
Captain Ethanâtolas Everdawn, of the Farstriders, had briefed his crew on the discovery of the Dragon Isles, the formation of the Dragonscale Expedition and the upcoming Launch event that would be happening in a little over a week.
QuelâDanas, while being in QuelâThalas in Horde territory, was the site of an important cross-faction campaign know as the Shattered Sun offensive in years past. Now, it would once again welcome vessels from all nations, both Horde and Alliance, and even beyond, as the Expedition fleet rendezvoused en route to the land of dragons.
Standing on the deck of his ship, the Everdawn, Ethanâtolas briefed his crew on the double nature of their assignment: to help keep the peace during what would be a significant cross-faction event, and then to escort the Expedition fleet to the Dragon Isles as one of the Thalassian flagships representing QuelâThalas.
He conveyed the orders with confidence, though he had his doubts. Not about the Expedition or the voyage across the North Sea. He knew his ship and his crew and had every faith they would fair well and deliver the fleet to its destination.
He was more worried about the Launch party. As a trained ranger and captain, he was a fighter, not a diplomat. And, though he held no hate towards the Alliance races, he knew that for some, hatred could run deep, even after so many years of armistice.
Still, he had orders and he would follow them to the letter. His crew would help provide the anchorage with a security presence and they would ensure that both the locals and the invited guests would maintain the peace.
2 Likes
(This looks SO INCREDIBLE! Iâm going to try my best to attend Alliance side if thats possible. Joining the discord)
2 Likes
I hope you enjoy your time in our little community!
1 Like
Big same! Loves to make new friends!
Writing Prompt:
Your characterâs motivation/decision to join the Dragonscale Expedition
Posters in every outpost, town and city, in territories both neutral and of the Horde or Alliance, tells passersby of the Dragonscale Expedition and its search of volunteer warriors, adventurers and artisans to ensure its success. A âhandsome purseâ is promised, to be collected or sent to a person of the adventurerâs choosing, in an effort to elicit more participants.
Volunteers are currently boarding vessels, both airships and sea ships, in ports around Azeroth, departing first for QuelâDanas and then, the Dragon Isles.
Writing Prompt:
Why is your character joining the Expedition? What are their motivations? What skill or craft will they be bringing to aid in the survival and success of the mission?
4 Likes
âEvery night, I see it in my dreams.â
The young man trepidatiously crept along the elven docks, priestly robes wavering in the ocean breeze, just as out of place as the one who donned them.
âThe beacon of light piercing the sky, and dragons of all shapes and colors soaring around it.â
He weaves around the sailors as he comes to stare up at the vessels, workers packing crates of supplies into their hulls for the long journey to come. The young âhumanâ priest goes to stand in front of the plank connecting the ship to the docks. The final threshold between the Eastern Kingdoms and the Dragon Isles.
âI donât know the first thing about being a dragon, but I gotta find out. Iâm gonna find out.â
6 Likes
Sunâs Reach Anchorage, QuelâThalas
The town square at Sunâs Reach Anchorage hadnât seen this much activity in quite a while. True, it served as the port and entrance to the Isle of QuelâDanas, used most notably for pilgrims to the Sunwell.
Today, it was full of Magisters, Blood Knights and Farstriders, representatives from the three branches of sinâdorei government, making preparations for the arrival of several ships and dozens of individuals from all over Azeroth.
The Dragonscale Expedition, formed by the Reliquary and the Explorerâs League, was an ambitious, cross-faction endeavor. Not since the Shattered Sun Offensive had there been an invitation to citizens of the Alliance nations to set foot in QuelâThalas.
But QuelâThalas had committed to supporting this expedition. The Anchorage was being stocked with supplies from food, potable water and wine, construction materials and tools, ready to be loaded onto the ships that would be arriving soon from Kalimdor, Zandalar, Kul Tiras, the Eastern Kingdoms and the Broken Isles.
All vessels were expected to be arrived by the end of week, with a planned departure for the newly revealed Dragon Isles this Sunday. Saturday, on the eve of launch, QuelâThalas would show its visitors how it takes care of honored guests, with a grand Expedition Launch Party.
6 Likes
The first ships have begun to arrive at Sunâs Reach Anchorage!
Saturday January 14th
4:30pm ST onwardsâŚ
DRAGONSCALE EXPEDITION LAUNCH PARTY
5 Likes
(Hopefully, no one minds this. Will alter and/or change if needed!)
Alceris stood upon the shore and reflectedâŚ
The island was lively, livelier than she expected. The town was filled with the sounds of conversation, ranging from talesâa few of which she suspected to be a tad embellishedâintroductions of various natures, and the healthy sounds of laughter. Going about her way, she remained aloof, though not on purpose, her thoughts dwelling elsewhere.
With more ships arriving and with them their score of passengers, the Magistrix had contemplated briefly on the Sunwellâs security. Keen eyes spotted more Blood Knights near its location than usual, telling her that she wasnât the only one who was concerned. The Daughter of House Winterdawn doubted the arrivals would do anything harmful, much less intentional, but one never knew if a saboteur was afoot.
Searching their ranks to see her sister among them, she was a little disappointed in Delithraniaâs absence. But then she was likely assigned elsewhere. One canât have all the blood Knights in one place; that would be foolish.
Studying the area for a moment, she cast her gaze to the shore, quietly taking her leave, and set forth. Leaving Dawnstar Village, Alceris left the sea of voices behind her, for the Northern Sea before her. Affixing her gaze forward, she slowed her pace until coming to stop and losing herself to a blue sky that stretched into forever. Somewhere beyond that horizon was an unexplored land filled with new sights and sounds. Somewhere beyond the blue of forever was where dragons soared.
She caught news of it in Dalaran, or the whispers of it, at least. What little sheâd heard caused her to return to Silvermoon, where in little time she was made aware of the joint venture between the Reliquary and the Explorerâs League. It wasnât too long before sheâd heard of an expedition and where theyâd meet up. No surprises really; QuelâDanas was significantly closer than Orgimmar. It would save the Horde resources by using the island as a strategic jumping point⌠so long as things were secure.
Telladris was also nowhere to be seen. Last she heard, he had traveled to Northrend with Highlord Fordragon and other Knights of the Ebon Blade to deal with the scourge threat. Perhaps he would eventually find his own way to these new shores.
There was still more on the agenda for the Magisters to do, meaning she wouldnât make the grand embarkation that was to come. But that wouldnât mean she would be totally absent. At the very least she would see them off and maybe, in the coming days or weeks, she would embark as wellâŚ
3 Likes
(Loved this! Thank you for posting!)
1 Like
Weâre talking about this in Hordeside Trade Chat today. A lot of people are interested 
2 Likes
Thatâs exciting!
Bump! This event is starting in about 40 minutes (soft start/gathering) with an official start time around 5pm (server time)!
3 Likes
Dragonscale Expedition Launch Event
On Saturday the 14th of January, dozens of individuals took a break from loading supplies onto the fleet of ships docked at Sunâs Reach Harbor to attend the official Dragonscale Expedition Launch Event.
The opening ceremony was lead by Magister Axiann Sungazer of the Sunreavers. Sungazer welcomed guests to QuelâThalas and, standing so near the Shattered Sun Memorial, spoke on the great potential of cross-faction collaboration.
Patrol-Captain Loviattar Ashaanth of the Duskwatch Saberguard spoke next. Their vessel, it seems, had already attempted to make its way to the Dragon Isles, but had encountered a powerful and unnatural storm they could not push through and had been forced to head to QuelâDanas. She warned the journey ahead might be perilous.
Commander Vadinnar of the Argent Crusade explained that the Argents had had a similar experience, just breaching the edge of a storm and deciding to sail their damaged vessel to Sun Sail Harbor for repairs.
Sir Beloran Autumnwing, again of the Argent Crusade, then graced those assembled with a blessing of the Holy Light ahead of the expedition that is to come, inspiring those assembled with the story of Keeper Tyr, creator of the Aspects and hero to the Crusaders.
Ranger-Captain Ethanâtolas Everdawn of the Farstriders spoke next. As the captain of the Everdawn, one of the vessels escorting the Expedition to the Isles, he assured the crowds of the efforts made to ensure a comfortable journey across the North Sea.
The final speaker, Priestess Lyastei Starbreeze-Ashaanth of the Duskwatch, bestowing the blessings of Elune on those who chose to pray with her. She asked that the goddess guide the expedition members with wisdom, through exploration and combat, during the campaign to come.
As the sun set over QuelâDanas, the groups and crews dispersed, many of them making their way to the inn that overlooked the harbor and the Expedition fleet, to enjoy food and ale, conversation and information, until the wee hours of the morning.
Big thank you to everyone who came out tonight! We hope to enjoy some ship-board RP with some of you all over the next few days as we head to the Dragon Isles.
4 Likes
Dragonscale Expedition:
Landfall in the Waking Shore
Following a five day sail from the port of Sunâs Reach Harbor, the Dragonscale Expedition fleet finally approaches its destination as the Dragon Isles come into view.
The fleet of vessels, smaller by a few ships that broke off and headed for another port the previous day, carefully navigates the area on approach to the Isles. There, they find a dock, built by the Expedition forces already arrived, allowing each ship, one at a time, to unload its passengers and cargo.
On Friday January 20th at 5pm (server time):
Landfall RP event for any and all characters entering the Dragon Isles via the Waking Shore.
4 Likes
An Eventful First Night in the Waking Shore
It took several hours, but every ship had finally had a chance to unload its passengers and its cargo, with the Wolfmane Tribe disembarking last. Together with the Sunreavers, they gathered and agreed that the shore was not safe, and to make haste toward the safety of a nearby sanctuary.
After getting everyone into strategic position, the Expedition members and their caravan of cargo set out to move up the hillside and towards safety.
It was not long before the party were ambushed by three ferocious proto-drakes. The Expedition members leaped into action and fought to defend themselves, efficiently chasing off the drakes long enough to put more distance between themselves and the shore.
The proto-drakes did not give up, attacking the group again: the Red with its spitting of fire, the Blue with its breath of frost and the Green with its ground-shaking and life-sapping abilities. Their initial strategy was to attack one at a time.
Working well together, the Expedition put down the Green proto-drake and once again made a dash for safety, making it so far as to discover a grand stairway carved into the rock and leading up to an outpost of some kind.
Yet the blue and red drakes were not done, and they landed to block the path of the Expedition. The group fought hard, giving it all they had and working together to finally ensure victory over the beasts, with both drakes flying or limping off.
The Expedition members rushed up the stairs and found the well defended sanctuary called Wingrest Embassy: fires, food, water and shelter awaited them there as they tended to the wounded and had a nice rest.
They learned that this area, used by the Dragons millennia ago to welcome mortal races to their lands, was not the primary staging ground for the Expedition members that had arrived earlier. A Basecamp was located further inland, and they would surely need help and supplies soon.
At dawn, the Expedition would set out into the unknown wilds of the Waking Shore, seeking their allies and adding their strength to the Dragonscale Expedition.
(Thanks to Ozark/Calnos for some of the screenshots!)
The adventure continues tonight, Saturday January 21st at 5pmâŚ
5 Likes