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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 13, 2012 19:37:04 GMT -5
As read by those dear to him.
This is the story arc that started with my first entry for the Ironman Challenge. The stories describe the adventures of Zheleznyi, a Draenei hunter, first as "Ferrousbuelr," then in his own perspective, and then from those who later take up his path.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I saw them emerge from the game.
=== Although the stories stay in character, I wanted to also note the game play that inspired them. Players will know the reference, I'm sure. And as these were originally entered in the forums that are notorious for short attention spans (challengers excepted, of course!), I have tried to include a "TLDR" summary at the end of each story.
Since moving the stories here and re-reading them, I'm noticing small glitches and gotchas in spelling, grammar, punctuation...all that writer stuff. I'm editing as I find them to clean these up. The interface here makes this editing much easier than what is available on the forums. For transparency's sake, I've included links to the original posts.
OK. Enough technical stuff. On to the stories!
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 13, 2012 20:39:28 GMT -5
Dear Uncle, As I come of age, I have resolved to embark on a quest to redeem our family’s name and honor. Although the investigation cleared you and your team of any fault during the final navigation and atmospheric entry phase of the Exodar to Azeroth, many still claim a culpability that is not yours. By embarking on this quest, I hope to establish once and for all that ours is a noble and honorable line. It will not be an easy path but I have resolved to, as Aunt is wont to say, “favour the road traveled by few.” You may have already heard the heralds announcing my increasing reputation among the Exarchs and Vindicators. My time in the islands has helped me hone my skills and confidence as I assisted at the crash site, cleared the surrounding lands of infected wildlife, helped provision the emerging settlement at Azure Watch, helped a group of shipwrecked foreigners with their concerns about naga and political intrigues, and consoled a forlorn fisherman by helping to find and bury his family. It was this last task that affected me the most as I knew it was a part of the Exodar’s fiery, debris-strewn path that caused his misery. I vowed then and there to continue on this quest with honor and integrity. Although I have been offered weapons and armor much more effective than the ones I currently wear, I refused them so that others may make use of them. As you always told me, “be kind to those less fortunate.” Also, as part of my quest, I will keep my needs humble. My meals will be the simplest available, my talents and rankings kept unused, or at their most basic. I will persevere with nothing but my courage and conviction. However, I do intend to make use of what you had taught me from your remarkable knowledge of commerce to help me augment my paltry collection of bags and containers. I have heard of stories of others who are also on the same path as me. I wonder if I will meet them? I do hope so. Are they embarking on this quest for similar reasons? Or are they just being foolish, as I’m sure Mother will describe this venture. I have also heard of stories from the Eastern Plaguelands where my eldest brother disappeared to so long ago. Although the stories from there speak of fear and death, I hope to travel there and find him to tell him that we still long for his return. Will that be where I meet my demise, as he did, as many others have done? I write all this to you, Uncle, as I cannot bear the thought of telling Mother and Father directly. Father would understand, but Mother would surely find some way to stop me from this fool’s errand. Perhaps when my renown is greater, or my deeds and accomplishments more numerous. Perhaps when I bring my brother home from the Plaguelands. I write all this from the inn at Azure Watch that, for the moment, I am calling home. There’s a familiar bustle outside as I prepare to help a tribe of Furbolgs that have befriended me. They seem to have this crazy idea that I am their race’s prophet or savior. As I get ready to travel further inland, I cannot help but feel as if I have made this same trek before…many times before. The echoes of these hazy memories ring so clearly at times that it feels as if I am once again living a life I’ve lived before. But no time for reveries now as I must continue my preparations. I am no longer that small Draenai playing with that toy crossbow you gave me to mark my first decade. You would be proud of how I can send three bolts through the air before the first lands on its mark! This skill has proven very useful in the close encounters with this land’s many creatures intent on doing me harm. I am sure I will have many chances to do the same in the future. And as is tradition, I have acquired a sizable moth that has proven a capable companion. Yes, I will be careful but I feel that risk will always be part of my path. How far I will go on this path, I wonder. We shall see. For now, I end this letter to you with the warmest thoughts and regards. I remain, your nephew. Ferro === TLDR: I'm in! === originally posted 1/18/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3881923142?page=13#243
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 13, 2012 20:41:40 GMT -5
It is a nightmare. After reaching Bloodwatch and completing several tasks that gained me much renown among the Hand of Argus, I proceeded to assault the Cryo Core infested with Blood Elves. At first, all was going well with my arrows flying fast and true. Suddenly, everything seemed frozen in space. My recently tamed bear disappeared, only to reappear further away than before amid a group of distant foes, and then to reappear else where. My limbs were immobile, frozen in a pose about to let loose a killing shot. Even worse, appearing all around are the enemy's fireballs, all bearing down on me. The world then proceeded in an accelerated manner. I absorbed two fireballs, nearly bringing me to my knees. I had enough presence of mind to leap back in an attempt to disengage only to be held frozen in mid air. When the world returned to its normal pace, I lay crumpled on the gritty ground made red by elven fire and my blood. I hope to wake soon from this nightmare. === TLDR. Lag is bad. And don't have too many windows open when doing tight pulls. RIP Ferrousbuelr, level 16. Will start again, with a little bit more care this time. === originally posted 1/20/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3881923142?page=16#308
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 13, 2012 20:44:10 GMT -5
Thankfully, it was only a nightmare. Waking from the dream, I realize that I am once again among the living. But to shake off the lingering malaise, I have taken on a new name: Zheleznyi. Uncle, you will recognize it from the Old Tongue to mean "Iron." Ive also invoked my right to alter my appearance limiting my mandiblular tendrils to be more in keeping with one of my status. I took the nightmare as a warning and a reminder of something you have always told me: "Remain vigilant!" I will keep that in the forefront of my mind as I continue assisting our outpost at Bloodwatch. From the looks of things, there is much to be done here. I will be here for some time. The surrounding lands remain infested with wild mutations, and the hated Blood Elves are seemingly everywhere. The outpost itself is a mixed collection of ramshackle buildings made from salvaged pod nacelles from the Exodar. Crystals, normally just the size of your fist, now protrude as gigantic, tilted columns to dot the land, their growth affected by the local radiation. There is a wild randomness here that is both beautiful and terrible to behold. I continue to hold true to my pledge of remaining humble and simple as I proceed on this quest. I have been offered many rewards of great workmanship and quality that would have greatly aided my progress had I accepted them. It is with a certain amount of pain that I must refuse the offered item that would help me and instead choosing items that would fetch the most value from a passing merchant. It was specially painful to discard the crystal gifts from Exarch Boros, which would have greatly enhanced my fighting prowess but would have violated the spirit of the constraints I am following. However, I have had some success following the examples I have seen you apply from your days as an auctioneer enough to equip me with a set of well-made, yet simple, weapons and armor. Uncle, if you need to reach me, do send your posts directly to Bloodwatch. However, do know that my replies may be delayed as it seems the messenger chosen for this outpost is a bit deranged. Every few moments, he threatens everyone that he will "go Orc" on them. If he means the Red Orcs from Outland, that will certainly something to see. I end this post to you with the warmest thoughts and regards. I remain, your nephew. Zheleznyi === TLDR: Rerolling another Draenei hunter after the first attempt, Ferrousbuelr, was killed by lag. I'm continuing the "in-character" story arc from the first toon. === originally posted 1/21/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3881923142?page=17#334
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 13, 2012 20:48:31 GMT -5
Dear Uncle, The past few weeks in Blood Watch have been a flurry of activity. Vindicator Boros, Harbinger Mikolaas, and Exarch Admentius have kept me busy with a variety of tasks, each of which I had completed honorably and with alacrity. Periodically, I would be offered an award like a weapon or a piece of armor that would be a prized heirloom for someone of my current stature but in keeping with my vows I had to refuse with some regret. The various officials seem puzzled and bemused that I would turn down such treasures, but they have come to accept the commitment I have made to continue as a humble and simple adventurer, foolish as it may seem. Debris from the Exodar continues to affect the surrounding flora and fauna. The towering crystals remind me of Draenor at times and often serve as handy landmarks to aid my travels as I navigate Bloodmyst Isle. I have seen strange things, not the least of which are the ravagers we used to keep as pets that are now mutated monstrosities bent on attacking anyone who comes near, nor the comical Murlocs that abide by the water’s edge. Our hated enemies, the Blood Elves, remain a constant threat as they roam singly or in groups that can do tremendous harm to those unprepared. There were several instances when it was only through favorable chance that I survived the encounters with them. In recognition of my advancement, Hunter Shaniri has shared many of her insights and techniques with me. She explained ways for me to acquire other companions from this land’s many beasts and how to care for them, specific points on an opponent that if hit just right causes them to scatter or be disoriented, and ways to view distant outdoor objects to appear as if they are only an arm’s length away. I’ve also made acquaintances with many of the other residents and vendors in the outpost who have pointed me to ways for improving my weapons while remaining true to my vows. I hope you will not be too disappointed that I’ve taken to using a blunderbuss instead of our traditional weapon, the crossbow. Tomorrow, I will complete a task given to me by Interrogator Elysia to deliver a translated message we had captured from a Sunhawk messenger to the prophet himself. I have been told that this will greatly increase my standing and renown to the point that I may be allowed to gain the use of an Elekk. In preparation for my audience with the prophet Velen, I have acquired a new set of armor from Mahri, the armor merchant in the Trader’s Tier. She sends her regards as she recounted some adventures and business dealings you two have had in the past. She claimed that “all prices here are reasonable.” I chuckled lightly remembering how you always claimed the very same during your days as an auctioneer. I feel that my time in Bloodmyst Isle is drawing to a close. There is still work to be done, from vanquishing our foes in the dreaded Cryo Core, and the final assault against the Sunhawks at the Vector Coil, along with further clearing of the surrounding lands of dangerous animals. And who knows what else the Exarchs and Vindicators at Blood Watch have in store for me. I hope to complete all these tasks bravely and honorably. For now, I end this post to you with the warmest thoughts and regards. I remain, your nephew. Zheleznyi === TLDR. Got to level 20 with plans to finish out the Bloodmyst quests before moving on. Looking forward to now being able to ride instead of having to walk. Content remains doable in plain gear, but only if you are careful. Who knew that plain item vendors would be so helpful? === originally posted 1/23/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3881923142?page=20#389
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 14, 2012 14:29:03 GMT -5
Dear Uncle, I have discovered something amazing about Elekks. They float! And they are remarkable swimmers. I was quite concerned since I was cautioned by Elekk Lord Kessel to keep them out of the water as I completed his run for him in less than 15 minutes to deliver important messages to the Stillpine tribe, Azure Watch, and our newfound friends on the southern beaches. This ability to float and swim served me well as I ventured into the foreboding Wyrmscar Island, to the north and west of Bloodmyst Isle across a narrow strait. I have never seen such desolation. Wyrmscar Island is littered with the remains of dragons, with their eons old bones jutting into the air like a macabre forest. The land itself is blasted and red with dangerous dragon whelps all around. I had to dismount and move cautiously lest I mistakenly rush into an unseen group lurking among the many gullies there. The island is dominated by a dark, smoking mountain that I somehow know will involve a terrifying task. The island is home to tortured spirits. I met the spirit of Captain Hanes suffering from the Bloodcurse. I met the ghost of Prince Toreth, a night elf prince gifted by Ysera herself, who perished over 10,000 years ago in a terrible battle with Deathwing’s minions and is now bound by a blood oath to preserve the history of his beloved Dragon Riders of Loreth’Aran. With great effort, I helped the captain free the souls of his shipmates from the curse and for the Prince to take solace that the story of his line and kin will continue to be told. I shudder as I think back to that last battle on Talon Stand. With instructions from Prince Toreth, I was able to invoke a vile and ancient ritual that summoned the undead form of Razormaw, a lieutenant of Deathwing himself. There, atop the dark mountain with the sun setting low in the crimson western sky, I faced what I thought would be my demise. Razormaw appeared as a dragon, dark and large as a hill, his hatred for anything living crackling the very air around me. Can my simple weapons and armor hold against such evil? Remembering everything taught me by my hunter mentors, I employed every skill I have been honing for the past weeks and months. My companion bear, Rooski, unselfishly attacked without any thought for his well-being. Moving quickly from side to side, I let loose volley after volley into the beast with seemingly little effect. More than once did the beast’s fowl breath strike me, tearing away parts of my armor to burn the skin beneath. Through the pain, I intoned something you have always told me, uncle. “The Naaru have not forgotten us.” Drawing from that inner strength, I continued the battle knowing that only one will leave that mountaintop alive. After what seemed like hours, I sensed the battle turning. My strikes are having their fatal effect. With a final shot to the chest, the monster fell and lay unmoving. I had persevered! Nearby, Rooski lay panting, exhausted and scarred, but alive. To the west, the sun had already set making the sky overhead blaze a dark red that matched the slowly expanding pool of liquid beneath the now dead dragon. As I looked down on the slowly shrinking corpse of Deathwing's lieutenant, I cannot help but wonder if this won't be the last time I will hear of that black dragon's name. Slowly, we found our way back to the Prince to relay what had happened. For the first time since meeting him, he seemed contented. Quietly, he offered the package that I am including with this post to you. The Vest of the Dragon Slayer, he called it, but I cannot use it, resplendent and magnificent as it is. I cannot abide the thought of discarding such a gift so please place it with the other mementos I have forwarded. Perhaps when my quest is over, I will have a chance to don these and remember from whom and where they came. Showing some concern for my tattered armor, the Prince whispered that I should seek the armorer, Cyridan, in Darnassus. “His goods are of the highest quality,” the Prince told me. At the mention of Darnassus, his gaze turned to somewhere very far away. What does it mean to live 10,000 years and not be able to go home, I wondered. Bowing solemnly, I slowly walked away leaving him to his memories. Blood Watch is now a second home as I’ve spent much of the last few months here. It is with a certain sadness that I must plan to depart. I have received a message from Wulf, a hunter of great renown from the human city of Stormwind. I see my future paths leading there. But before I leave, there remains one last task. We must help put an end to the Sunhawk’s world here in Bloodmyst. I have survived the blood elves at the dreaded Cyro Core. May my fortune be as favourable at the Vector Coil and what else may lay in wait for me there. I end this post to you, dear uncle, with the warmest wishes and regards. I remain, your nephew. Z === TLDR. The game takes on a deeper meaning if you bother to read the entire quest description. You might be amazed at the depth of some of the stories. Leveling continues, now at 23. === originally posted 1/24/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3881923142?page=22#432=== The original post used the item code formatting that shows the text as a clickable link to the actual item. Since this forum is outside the Blizzard forums that have direct access to the item database, the code did not resolve correctly leaving the ugly [item="54667" /]. I've changed the text here, now italicized, so the narrative remains uninterrupted. To see how the code works, click on the link that takes you to the original post.
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 14, 2012 14:40:29 GMT -5
Personal Journal. I just received word that another who is on this same path as me has perished. Ironfox, with whom I had a brief acquaintance, met her demise in a far off land called Render's Valley in a place called Redridge. The grief I feel is deep, surprisingly so, as we were just beginning to know each other. But as she was Draenai from an honored house, her passing means a small part of me has passed, too. Our people has suffered much, but we endure. Rest well, fellow hunter. Perhaps my travels will take me to that place where you last fell. There, I will sit and remember. === TLDR. This challenge is not as easy as it looks. === originally posted 1/24/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3881923142?page=22#433=== With only about two dozen among the first set of challengers on WrA, we got to know each other so each player death was felt among the group. Ironfox's death inspired these Personal Journal entries, which felt right for the character to do. This sense of camaraderie has been missing from WoW for a long time.
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 14, 2012 14:48:05 GMT -5
Dear Uncle, Today was a momentous day. After besting the hated Blood Elves and their summoned demon, Sironas, at the Vector Coil, I was greeted with a celebration on my return to Blood Watch. What a sight to see the defenders of the Hand of Argus precisely arrayed to welcome me. Among the gathering included many of peoples whom I have helped since my arrival and start of my quest. “Do you remember me?” they would ask as an introduction. Of course, I remember you, all of you. There was the injured Night Elf priestess from Azure Watch. Captain Odyseus and his crew were there, as well as Cowlen and his daughter, both looking much healthier and happier than when I left them last. I was very touched that they had traveled all the way from their home on Silvermyst Isle to join the celebration. Elekk Lord Kessel was there, teasing me stating that he brought a friend along who was eager to see me again. Looking past his shoulder, I recognized Adimitry, the Elekk I rode on that infamous Kessel run many weeks ago. Also present was a delegation from the Stillpine Furbolg tribe led by the High Chief. Effusive as ever, he embraced me heartily, nearly squeezing the air from me, as he repeated his contention that I am the prophesied One that would save his tribe. He would have none of my objections as I tried to gently free myself from his grasp. I take great comfort that our people and his will welcome each other as we rebuild the island. Of greatest honor of all was seeing the Prophet Velen himself at the foot of the hill, awaiting me. Is that a smile on his countenance? I approached with my head held high. Although his lips did not move, I could hear him not just in my ears or my head, but throughout my entire being. “These islands will serve as the home to thousands. Most of these people will remain here their entire lives. If you so desire, you could do the same. But that is not what you want, is it, Zheleznyi?” I look at the gathering around me. Some are dancing, many are cheering in celebration. I look up at the sky, and then to the far horizon remembering the many tasks completed, the deeds that tried my skills and convictions. I have explored the islands from the furthest hidden reefs to the foreboding Talon Stand. Yes, I could make a home here and settle and grow. But deep down, I knew that regardless of how contented I would be with such a life that there is a wanderlust in our people that strikes hard and deep to a chosen few. I turn my gaze back to the Prophet. A voice continued, soothing, all knowing. “You will do many more great things before you pass. You must embrace your destiny and meet it head on!” Yes. I have chosen a path of challenge, to remain humble and simple in my quest to regain our family name, to display honor and bravery for all to see. Now a further path chooses me. I remember the words of a fallen comrade, “…we are from the stars.” I knew what I had to do. As if reading my thoughts, the voice continued. “Before you leave, I present you these gifts. This tabard, worn only by the most revered of the Hand of Argus. And this signet ring worn by our wisest sages. Wear them both with pride.” It is that Signet Ring of the Hand that I have enclosed with this latest post to you, Uncle, in keeping with my vow to limit myself to the most simple of devices. However, I will wear the Tabard of the Hand with pride as I continue on to new lands and new adventures. As the Tabard was lowered over my shoulders by the Prophet himself, a tremendous sense of achievement filled me. When the day comes when my time here has passed, this tabard will surely be among what I will be wearing. I will stay a few more days in Blood Watch to rest and heal. I also have some small business to attend to with several merchants in the Exodar. Cyridan, the armor merchant I met in Darnassus, told me of an impending event celebrated by his people to honor the moon will soon be here, which intrigues me to investigate it further. The missive from the hunter Wulf from the far city of Stormwind is still with me and will be among the first tasks I must attend to once my preparations to depart are complete. I end this post to you, uncle, with the warmest wishes and regards. I remain, your nephew. Z === TLDR: Completed the Bloodmyst quests and now moving on to Ashenvale and points east as a level 24. Train up and replace items as soon as the next level is available. Gold is very comfortable given the active economy in WRA. Leveling should continue, slowly, if I stay careful and don’t fall of a cliff or something. Trying to stay in character with the stories while relating them to actual in-game content. Welcome to all the new participants! === originally posted 1/25/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3881923142?page=24#478
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 14, 2012 14:51:03 GMT -5
Personal Journal. Another of my brethren has passed. Somehow I just knew from the slight twist in the wind, some would say a trick of the light, but I knew another brave Draenei hunter, Ironic, is no longer with us. The Holy Light binds us all, whether you believe in it or not, and in so being held, those that listen well can hear and know the moment when we travel from this life to the next. As I breathe in the salty air as I await the ship that will take me to the human city of Stormwind, I am comforted to know that her passing was peaceful and the Light was with her until the end. Blessings upon her family. Might we be all so fortunate as to have such a passing. The ship approaches, and new lands are calling me. My thoughts turn to the future, and if I will be able to honor the memories of my colleagues with my actions. The tear I shed mixes with the sea spray, both salty and stinging, for the wind to wipe away. === tldr. I'm guessing this was a selfless decision that placed the integrity and well-being of the challenge above themselves to avoid any controversy. You can learn a lot about a person by how they play a game. I hope to see you back in the challenge. === originally posted 1/26/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3966606644?page=9#168
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 14, 2012 14:52:15 GMT -5
Personal Journal. Sea voyages do not agree with me. I managed the relatively short journey from Azuremyst to the Elven port in Teldrassil just fine, but the much longer voyage that crosses the sea to the human stronghold Stormwind is another matter. The human captain and the cook offered several remedies with good natured glee as I struggled to hold down my meals. Between bouts of nausea, the salty air and the freshness of the sea served to soothe me better than the captain's concoctions, which I suspect are nothing more than thin soups that serve as placebos. Sensing my impatience to have solid ground underneath me once again, the captain assured me that this days-long voyage will pass as quickly as a blink of an eye. In time, I am sure these voyages will be nothing more than pleasant and welcome interludes. For now, I must quickly to the top deck for some much needed air. === tldr. Boats are fun. Many are in different locations since Cata. === originally posted 1/27/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3966606644?page=11#217
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 14, 2012 14:54:05 GMT -5
Personal Journal. I am in Stormwind, the human capital. The sea voyage ends with the ship entering Stormwind Harbor early yesterday morning. What a magnificent harbor, bustling with activity and protected by massive battlements against any possible enemy. Further explorations into the city reveals that it has suffered from an assault by Deathwing. The monster had destroyed several barracks near the harbor and barely missed the central cathedral. The monster has also left its mark on the towers overlooking the main avenue leading into the city. Thinking about the monster makes me remember that final battle atop Talon Stand on Wyrmscar Island. I wonder if I will have the chance to battle Deathwing directly someday. That would certainly be an epic battle, indeed. My stay at the inn near the center of the city may have been a mistake as the constant activity from the near auction house and bank produces a constant din that makes one's sleep less than peaceful. Perhaps I shall seek other lodgings much more quiet than these for the rest of my stay. I want to be well rested when I meet with Hunter Wulf two days hence. I took this chance to walk among the well paved streets filled with life and activity. Several stopped to look me as if I am some kind of outlander from a far off world. I saw many warriors bedecked in exquisite armor and wielding purple tinged weapons. Some looked at my simple wares with some derision. "Hey, look at the n00b," one shouted while perched atop a dark dragon. Another chimed in. "You know there's better gear..." Several beggars accosted me using some strange dialect. "Can I haz gold, plox?" There seems to be a constant conversation about someone's mother, the relative confusion of one's family tree, or if a particular item is "733t" enough. Everyone seems to loathe universally a woman named Susan Ekkspress. I did accept an offer to sample some local wine offered at a nearby shop. All this noise makes me long for the quiet of the Exodar. Near the main gate stood a board listing several guilds forming, all promising benefits and advantage if one joins. Near a corner was a small note with a familiar script and a symbol denoting those who have also decided to follow my path. "A guild is available," the note started, "for those following the Challenge of Iron." I will have to give this more thought as an iron challenger may taint their integrity by openly announcing they are a challenger. What a conundrum that the act of acknowledging your path is what may cause you to veer from it. If only uncle were here to help me understand this further. I will meet with Hunter Wulf after which I will finish my business here. I feel out of place and yearn for more familiar lands. I hope my meeting will be fruitful. == tldr. Stormwind is busy! Don't know if an Ironman Challenger guild is kosher. Will have to wait for an official decision. === originally posted 1/27/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3966606644?page=13#248
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 14, 2012 14:56:28 GMT -5
Personal Journal. The meeting with Hunter Wulf did not go well. Although I prepared as best as I could, it would seem that traditions of courtesy and civility are somehow...different...with these humans. Perhaps the problem rests with me as I have not had a good night's rest the past two evenings. For starters, I was made to wait as what seemed like an endless queue of other hunters stood between me and Wulf. And another thing, his henchmen behaved badly as they sneered at my apparent lack of ability to clothe myself in garb appropriate for a hunter of my status. My actual conversation with Wulf itself bordered on disastrous. After condescendingly offering his congratulations on my progress, he proceeded to describe a quest that in all ways would have me break the very vows that have guided me so well up to now. I can see the disbelief in his eyes as I respectfully declined his task. His nearby henchmen gasped audibly as I do not think any has declined his offer before. I bowed as I exited, giving Wulf the respect he obviously has earned, but I do not think I will be speaking to him again any time soon. == tldr. The risk/reward just does not make sense for certain class quests. Part of this challenge is knowing and picking your fights. That reward bow does look nice, but I'd probably kill myself traveling to Silverpine, entering a dungeon that will most likely kill me, for a reward I cannot use. === originally posted 1/28/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3966606644?page=20#387
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 14, 2012 14:58:28 GMT -5
Personal Journal. (addendum) I have since calmed down from that disastrous meeting with Wulf. As is my habit, I have taken to walking and finding a quiet place to reflect on things that trouble me. In my meanderings, I happened by that same board holding the notice about a guild forming dedicated to those walking on this same path. Again, I wish for your presence here, uncle, to help me choose a way. Looking for a quiet place to think away from the noisy auction house nearby, I made my way north past supplicants headed for the cathedral and the King's Keep, past the canals and the smoky Dwarven quarters, to an orchard dotted with pumpkins and apples. The grass underfoot was soft and the pond just a stone's throw away shimmered invitingly. It is obviously well stocked with fish as I can see several fishermen on the far shore plying their trade. Why these fisherman would need such fearsome looking armor on their shoulders puzzles me. Surely they can best a mere fish with just their bare hands. I must have dozed off as I sat beneath the welcoming boughs of a young oak. The last I remember was reveling at how the sun's warmth is something I wish I could bottle and take with me. The next was waking to see the Prophet Velen sitting across from me with a campfire between us. On the fire were two delectable looking fish on spits, almost ready to eat! Surely, this must be a dream. "Are you hungry, Zheleznyi?" the Prohet asked me. I manage to say yes without looking too stupefied. Do Prophet's eat fish? I wondered. I watched as the fish continued to cook and finish in the fire. My mouth started to water in anticipation of a fine meal. I continued to watch as the Prophet slowly added more wood to the fire, looking at me as if to see what next I would do. The fire under the fish continued to burn hotter and brighter with each added piece of wood, as did the fish. The air slowly filled with the unpleasant smell of burning food. Not knowing what to do in the Prophet's presence, I sat still, too, until there was nothing left of the fish but charred bits of bone. The Prophet smiled benignly. "I thought you said you were hungry, Zheleznyi. Yet you allowed the fire to burn our meal." "My apologies, most Holy One. I was not sure what to do." "Did you not see me adding strength to the fire when it was no longer needed?" "Yes, most Holy One. But I thought it was something you...." The Prophet interrupted me gently, cutting softly into my thoughts. "Some things are obvious, Zheleznyi, and do not require thought at all. Fire will burn, but with just the right amount favorable results happen, like a well cooked meal. Too much fire yields results not as favorable and are often undesirable. Fire, when standing besides it, warms and soothes. Fire, when standing in it, destroys and kills. But is the fire itself the cause of the harm?" The Prophet gestured to the charred bits, now barely recognizable. I nod slowly understanding what he meant. I stare down at the dying flame. "Fire itself is not the cause of the harm," I think to myself. "It is how the fire is used and how we choose to react to its use that causes the results." I sense the Prophet smiling at me. Slowly, I open my eyes. The sunlight through the leaves must have broken me from my sojourn. There is a new lightness in the air and I feel refreshed. I realize I am ravenously hungry for a well-cooked fish meal. == tldr: I vote yes to the guild idea, with all the stated intents, purposes, and agreed upon limitations. <edit> Level 28. 1day, 11hrs, 47mins played as of 1/28, 2:21PM PST. Welcome to all new participants. === originally posted 1/28/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3966606644?page=20#389=== The story came about during the tumultuous "Should we have a guild" discussions.
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 14, 2012 14:59:53 GMT -5
Personal Journal. My time is Stormwind is over. I am heading back to lands more familiar to me that the inhabitants of this planet call Kalimdor. There, home lies, the Exodar. Thanks to my hearthstone, I will not have to once again suffer another sea voyage. I would rather face a nest full of maddened ravagers or a Cryo Core full of Sunhawke Blood Elves! Then again, I have grown to have a certain fondness for the captain's thin seasickness soup that I might venture another trip on her vessel sometime in the future. For now, I'll invoke the spirit of home as embodied in the stone. Exodar, hear my call. === originally posted 1/28/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3966606644?page=24#476
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Post by ferrousbuelr on Feb 14, 2012 15:00:55 GMT -5
Personal Journal. (addendum) Upon emerging onto the Grand Vestibule, I was told there is an urgent need for me at Darkshore. Our Night Elf allies require aid as they try to recover from the devastation wrought by Deathwing. I grind that name between my teeth. No time for more. The hippogryph master is impatient for me to leave. === originally posted 1/29/2012 us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/3966606644?page=24#477
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