Welcome Page Design Contest Winner!

And the winner of the Welcome Page Design Contest is....

Well, since nobody submitted an entry, I guess it's me. And I'll give Gaspar credit too, since he provided the screenshot of the Scarlett Monastery Library that I used. I hope you all like the new Welcome page, but if you don't...well...

Safe travels!

Weekly Events Schedule

The following events take place each week except as noted. All times are server times, which corresponds to PST. As we are a role-playing guild, all events are conducted in-character.

Book Reading
Mondays at 6:00 pm in The Park in Stormwind

This is an informal gathering which is open to all interested role players, whether they are members or not. A selection of Lore will be read aloud by one of our members, or possibly a guest, and some discussion usually follows. It is a perfect place to meet people and usually lasts about 1/2 hour.

Robing Ceremony
Wednesdays at 6:00pm in the Dwarven Hall in Stormwind (only held when appropriate)

This is a formal event in which members who have advanced in rank within the Council are recognized and awarded a ceremonial robe representing their School of Magic or, in the early stages of their studies, their primary area of specialization. All Council members are asked to attend as their schedules permit, dressed in their ceremonial robes. Members of the High Table alliance are always welcome. Others may attend by invitation only.

Council Circle Meetings
Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Dwarven Hall in Stormwind, following the Robing Ceremony

This is the formal meeting of the Council officers, which includes the Chancellor, Scholars, Librarians, and Speakers for each School of Magic. All other members of the Council are welcome to attend, but as membership continues to grow, only officers will be allowed to address the group. Council members who wish to raise an issue at this meeting should contact an officer to speak on their behalf. As you can imagine, with a large number or people in attendance these meetings can easily get out of hand unless this rule is respected.

Required Add-ins

The following add-ins are required for all members of the Council of Magi. You should install them and keep them up-to-date.

MyRolePlay - Add and share additional information with other Council members, including your title, surname, description, etc.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Recruiting Procedure

Gaspar has explained the recruiting procedure to be followed by Council Circle members when interacting with potential members.

The process is summarized as follows:

1. Make sure the potential member understands that this is a Mage-only, heavy RP guild. Talk to them a bit to make sure they will be able to interact with other Council members effectively and contribute to our RP environment.
2. Direct them to our Library to read our Constitution and Code of Conduct.
3. Once you and they feel comfortable, extend an invitation for them to join as an Academic. You should do this at a time when there are other members "awake" so they can be welcomed. Gaspar's usual scenario about opening the door to the Library, showing them to their study, and explaining the Orb of Communication should be followed.
   

12/20 Robing Ceremony and Announcements

The Council conducted a Robing Ceremony last night, welcoming another new Magicienne to the School of Hydromancy. He has a rather long name that this old man cannot remember, but I'm sure you'll notice him in the Library. Please make him feel welcome.

Afterward, we had a brief meeting of the Council Circle during which Gaspar described the recruiting procedure that Officers will be using with potential members. Previously Gaspar had been handling this on his own, but clearly the number of new members was becoming too much for one person. I have summarized that information in a separate post in the Recruitment Tome. We also discussed the use of My Roleplay, an add-in that some of our members have been testing out. We have agreed to make this a requirement for all Council members. Detailed information is included in a separate post in the FAQ Tome.

Finally, we have had a change in our leadership positions. Shinata, Speaker of the School of Pyromancy, decided to step down but will remain active in the Council. Zolon was asked to fill the position, which he agreed to do, and the Council Circle members present accepted him. We realize that it requires a commitment to be an officer, and we know that not everyone is willing or able to make this commitment. We thank both Shinata and Zolon for the contributions they make to the Council - past, present, and future.

Safe travels!

Status of Council member registrations

This is just a quick update on the status of registrations for the Library, our new COM forums, and, indirectly, the MR's HQ for High Table forums. On the left is the list of COM forum members, on the right, the list of Library members. At last count we had about 45 members in the Council. Only 10 have successfully registered for the Library. Many thanks to those who have.

Let me say first that I know that it is a pain in the neck to have to register at multiple places. Really, I know it is. But, I also can't help it. In order to protect our sites from unwanted spam we have to register our users. This is unfortunately part and parcel of membership in a guild, along with having to keep up to date on UI add-ins etc. So, I know it's a pain, but I also know that all of you are fully capable of handling it.

Since it's in everyone's interest to make this a quick and easy process, please read the following important note:

Create a gmail account for your Mage and send me a note from that account. This will prevent me from mis-typing your address so you don't get the invite. I am an old man with poor eyesight and spotty typing skills...'nuff said.

Here is my address (( Flon.Darkstar@gmail.com )) which you can cut & paste, or you can click on my name in the Contributors section at bottom left. I have summarized the registration process in more detail here. If you need assistance, please let me know and I will be happy to help you.

I would like to set a goal of having 100% of our officers registered by January 1st.

Safe travels!

Guild Roster coming soon...

Since the last Council Circle meeting I have, at Gaspar's request, been researching improvements to our Library. One thing that I have discovered is an online guild roster service called RPG Outfitters.

To use it, each of us needs to register at www.rpgoutfitter.com. I know, another registration...but it really can't be helped. Next we download an add-in which will collect all sorts of information about our character and upload it to the web site. I have already loaded our guild information and Flon's information as well, as you can see in the picture. If we all participate, we can see at a glance who is in the guild, the levels, etc. We can optionally make our inventory, bank, and profession information visible too.

We will discuss further at the next Council Circle meeting, at which time we may decide whether or not this is something that we should be using.

Safe travels!

New Forums!

In response to requests for the addition of forums to our Library, I have created a Council of Magi forum page. Many thanks to Dreamer of the MRs for her suggestion...it turned out to be very easy to add this. You can access our forums here or use the new link at left. The procedure to register is exactly the same as registering for the Midnight Reveries High Table forums.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind here. First, these forums are intended as a supplement, not a replacement for, our main Library. The Library will continue to be the place where announcements, official documents, and other things of interest to the whole Council will be posted. Things that are of interest to a subset of our members should be posted to the forums. I have created some forums to start us off, including one for each School of Magic, and more may be added in the future.

Second, there are some things that we want to continue to use the Midnight Reveries' forums for. This includes anything to do with quests, raids, or The High Table. Gaspar correctly pointed out that the main reason guilds like ours - which include only one class - are not often formed is because we need to have relationships with other classes and guilds to accomplish our goals. Participation in the High Table forums is one way to foster these relationships.

Finally, while I will administer the forums, they exist for those of you who want to use them. If you are in a leadership position, please feel free to take charge of the appropriate forums and use them however you feel is best. If you need any assistance you know where to find me, bent over an almost illegible spell book in my "comfortably cluttered" workroom. Please knock first and keep your shoes on....

Record of the Council Circle Meeting 12/14/2006

The complete transcript of this meeting has been moved to our new forum page here.

- Flon

Histories of Azeroth: Creation, Chapter II

Chapter 2: Nobility Destroyed: The Rise of the Burning Legion

As the Pantheon and the Titans slowly forged out their perfect universe, the young, demonic races in the Twisting Nether constantly threatened and attacked the outlying worlds. They occupied and corrupted planets, destroying the order that the Titans so fought to maintain. Thus, the Titans decided they needed a warrior. A warrior, that would be the first line of defence against the oncoming darkness. A warrior, named Sargeras.

"To combat the demonic entities that made their way into the Titan's worlds from the Twisting Nether, the Pantheon elected their greatest warrior, Sargeras, to act as their first line of defense. Sargeras, a noble giant of molten bronze, carried out his duties for countless milennia, seeking out and destroying the demons wherever he could find them. Over the eons, Sargeras encountered two powerful demonic races, both of which were bent on gaining power and dominance over the physical universe.

The Eredar, an insidious race of devilish sorcerers, used their warlock magics to enslave a number of worlds that they had invaded. The indigenous races of those worlds were mutated by the Eredar's chaotic powers and turned into demons themselves. Though Sargeras' nearly limitless powers were more than enough to defeat the vile Eredar, he was greatly troubled by the creatures' corruption and all-consuming evil. Unable to fathom such depravity and spite, the great Titan slipped into a brooding depression. Despite his growing unease, Sargeras sought to rid the universe of the warlocks for all time, by trapping them withing a vacuous corner of the Twisting Nether."

A darkness, one that would eventually break through the Titan's molten exterior, started to well up within the noble Sargeras' body. By encountering something so evil, Sargeras began to question exactly why he was trying to destroy these creatures. He still performed his duties, but doubt began to cross his mind. How long would he have to fight these demons? How long will the Titans forge worlds in their visions? What was the point to all of this?

"As his confusion and depression deepened, Sargeras was forced to contend with another group intent on disrupting the Titans' order. The Nathrezim, a dark race of vampiric demons (also known as Dreadlords) set out to conquer a populated world by possessing its inhabitants and turning them to the shadow. The nefarious, scheming Dreadlords had turned whole nations against one another by manipulating them through unthinking hatred and mistrust. Though Sargeras defeated the Nathrezim easily,their corruption affected him deeply.

The noble Sargeras, unable to process the raging doubt and despair that overwhelmed his senses, lost all faith in not only his mission, but the Titan's vision of an ordered universe, as well. Sargeras began to believe that the concept of order itself was folly - and that chaos and depravity were the only absolutes within the dark, lonely universe. Though his fellow Titans tried to persuade him of his error and console his raging emotions, he disregarded their theories as delusional. Storming from their ranks forever, Sargeras set out to find his own place in the universe. Though the Pantheon was sorrowful for his departure, they would never believe just how far their lost brother would go."

Sargeras, a once noble soldier that questioned not the orders of the Pantheon, now felt a burning hatred within him.. evil, darkness, doubt, hatred, corruption, depravity.. all mixed together in a volatile flame within the molten core of the powerful Titan. Sargeras, in his search for his own place, continued to feel rage build up within him as he looked over all he had helped to protect. It was stupid, hopeless! How could the Titans believe that they were doing something intelligent? The fools.. It was time to change everything. It was time to undo the mistakes the Titans had made. It was time to travel to the Twisting Nether and build an army.

"As Sargeras' madness consumed the last vestiges of his noble spirit, he began to rationalize that the Titans were truly responsible for creation's failure. Deciding, at last, to undo their works throughout the universe, he set out to form an unstoppable army that would set the universe to the flame.

Even Sargeras' titanic form distorted from the corruption that plagued his once noble heart. His eyes, hair and beard erupted in flames and his bronze, metallic skin split open to reveal an endless furnace of hate and flame.

In his madness, Sargeras shattered the prisons of the Eredar and Nathrezim and set the vile demons free. The cunning demons, bowing before the dark Titan's vast rage and power, offered themselves to him and swore to serve him in whatever malicious way they could. From the ranks of the powerful Eredar, Sargeras chose two champions to lead his demonic army of destruction. Kil'Jaeden the Deciever was chosen to seek out the darkest races in the universe and lure them to Sargeras' shadow. The second champion, Archimonde the Defiler, was chosen to lead Sargeras' vast armies into battle against any who would stand against the dark Titan;s will."

And so, the dark masters of warlock magic began their evil question to bring the work of the Titans to the shadow and flame. What they could not convince, they could corrupt, increasing their ranks with willing demons and monsters. The great, vast army that Sargeras' had started, began to burn the universe with the flames of destruction. Thus, they formed the Burning Legion.

"Kil'Jaeden's first move was to enslave the vampiric Dreadlords under his terrible power. The Dreadlords, serving as his elite guard and agents throughout the universe, took pleasure in their work by locating primitive races for their master to corrupt and bring into the fold. First amongst the Dreadlords was Tichondrius the Darkener. Tichondrius served Kil'Jaeden as the perfect soldier and agreed to promote Sargeras' burning will to all the dark corners of the universe.

The mighty Archimonde also empowered agents of his own. Calling upon the malefic Pit Lords and their barbarous leader, Mannoroth, he hoped to forge a fighting elite that would scour creation of all life.

Sargeras, seeing that his armies were amassed and ready to follow his every command, launched his raging forces into the vastness of the Great Dark. He referred to his growing army as the Burning Legion. To this date, it is still unclear as to how many worlds they consumed and destroyed on their unholy crusade across the universe."

A grand army of demonic creatures began to arise and destroy all those in the universe, and eventually the Titans. Sargeras wanted no more than to eliminate his past brothers, as they were the source of this pathetic ordered universe. The Titans continued their work, finally arriving on Azeroth, and began to shape our world. Little did the Titans know that this world would soon be the center battleground for the greatest battle in the universe.

The formation of the Burning Legion is a curious thing. Sargeras travelled to the Nether simply to aquire demons to do his bidding... He relied on the corrupting power of these creatures instead of consuming worlds whole with his own flames. This means that Sargeras had become something the other Titans were not.. a free thinking creature. He saw the Titans as pathetic drones, moving across the universe, scupting pathetic planets for him to destroy. He would soon destroy the Titans, and the universe would be no more. The Titan's failure would be eliminated.

Final day for Welcome Page design submissions

Submissions for our Welcome Page Design Contest must be in by tomorrow. I wish I could say that we have had a huge response, but unfortunately that is not the case. My guess is that you are all so busy that there is no time to think of a design, or maybe this contest just wasn't such a good idea after all.

There's still time to prove me wrong though, so if you have an idea, mail it to me pronto. Otherwise I'll just have to come up with something myself...

Shency the First Sage and Sage Speaker to the Council

Shency the mighty Gnome Sage was born when mighty Gnomeregan was still in exsistance, approximately 19 years before Gnomeregan was mysteriously destroyed. When Gnomeregan was destroyed, he lost everything he had, family and all, he also developed baldness that was possibly caused by the mysterious green mist surrounding Gnomeregan. Though when he started losing his hair, he was already in the mighty Dwarven stronghold, Ironforge and Dwarven medicine was able to save him and the little hair he had left.

After being saved thanks to Dwarven medicine and spending some time in Ironforge, he decided it was time for some payback. Revenge against those who had taken his life away from him, against those who stood against all that is good in the world, those who sought to wreck destruction upon those he loved and cared for. Thus, he became Shency, the Mage.

After spending some time completing various tasks for the Alliance in his quest for vengence, he bumped into Gaspar one day in Ironforge. Who knew that that one chance meeting would forever change Shency's life.

Gaspar, a mighty counselor in the Council of Magi, began to tell Shency of all the good things the Council does and had him intrigued. Upon Shency's expressed interest, he recieved an offical invitation to a Council Robing Ceremony. To his delight he saw one of the most organized, friendly, and powerful councils in Azeroth! He knew he had to join right then and there, he expressed his feelings to Gaspar and he was taken in by the guild almost immediately and was officially joined the following week.

Shency has since been in the guild and is moving fast through the ranks. Being the only member of the School of the Sage, Shency hopes to master his school and teach future Sages efficiently and aide the Council to the best of his abilities. Shency also hopes to live out his days serving the Council and eventually going back home to Gnomeregan, though for now, the Council of Magi will be his place of residency.

12/11 Book Reading

The weekly book readings were the trademark of the old guild. This picture was taken while standing on a ledge above the park. I like to think I'm the only one who knows how to get up there.

Graduation

Leech slammed the door of his small, cold chamber loudly and collapsed onto the lumpy pallet. His leathers chafed him in embarrassing places, and he shifted involuntarily trying to relieve a pinch. Sighing, he rolled to his feet again and removed each garment, laying it out on the floor to be carefully rubbed with oil for the tenth time. Training with Gru’nak’s legion of spies was taking a terrible toll on him.

He was startled as something brushed against his ear. Leech leapt to his feet and turned quickly, his face just inches from Grimm’s, who had a toothy smile on her face.

“You let your guard down again” she said playfully.

Leech was uncomfortably close to her, so that he could feel her breath on his face. Despite the fact that Grimm was considered a fetching girl Troll, he did not find her in the least attractive. For her part, Grimm was enjoying his discomfort, having decided to squeeze whatever entertainment she could from this assignment. She wound her arms around him in a rough embrace, moving again to his ear and whispering wetly “It was child’s play to enter behind you, covered by the echoing slam of the door. If I was an assassin you would be dead right now.”

Leech pushed her away and retreated until his back was against the cold stone wall. “I thought training was finished for the day” he exclaimed with annoyance.

“Training is never over for spies” she replied, idly biting a wickedly curved fingernail and trying to catch his eye with hers. “Just when you think you’re safe, that is when you are the most vulnerable. Have you learned nothing?”

Leech looked at his shoes, knowing that she was right, even if her delivery of the lesson was less than professional. “Did you come to mock me, Grimm?” he asked, “or are you on another errand for Gru’nak?” He smiled as he said this, and softened his expression. Although he found Grimm to be coarse and arrogant, she was the closest thing he had to a friend in this place, and there was no denying that she had much to teach him.

“As you say, my purpose is not all for pleasure…Gru’nak has arranged a little demonstration for you this evening. I am to bring you to him at midnight. Would you like me to wait here with you until then?” Grimm smiled again and blinked with obvious intent.

Annoyed, Leech responded curtly “No thank you, Grimm. I must try to get some rest and food before then, as it is only two hours from now.” He moved across the small room and held the door open for her to leave. The Troll sauntered out slowly, brushing her fingernails along the length of his arm as she passed.

At midnight, Leech stood next to Gru’nak, who was seated on a half-rotted stump. Before them was a large clearing carved from the forest by some long forgotten farmer. Unkempt brush and deadfall provided relief from the otherwise unbroken sea of grasses. The moon was high and almost full, and he could clearly see a group of Elves gathered together. Gru’nak had explained that these Night Elves had been captured recently, and were here so that Leech could witness the deadly skills of his spies in action. The Elves were chained to steel posts and armed with daggers. They had been told nothing about what was to happen. Leech’s questions had been met with indifference. Gru’nak had told him all that he was going to, and he had only to watch events unfold.

At first nothing seemed to happen at all, as Leech watched the captives talking to each other, glancing around furtively, as they tested their bindings and tried to find a means of escape. Suddenly he noticed the grass behind one of the captives parting noiselessly, as if the prow of a small boat was floating through it, and he watched as the ghostly outline of Grimm stole up close to an Elf and plunged her blade into his kidney, jerking and twisting upward to the heart, and then immediately fading away into the shadows of some brush. The other Elves were unaware of what happened until they turned in alarm as the body hit the ground with a thud.

Leech glanced at Gru’nak, who gazed back at him with a knowing smile. “Watch carefully my young friend” he said. “There will be a test afterward.”

Leech turned back to the clearing with a sick feeling in his stomach. Over the next few minutes other members of Gru’nak’s little commando unit of spies eliminated the Elves one by one until only two remained. Each attack was more difficult than the last, as the Elves realized the method of their execution. They were wary, watching and listening carefully for the approaching killers, and the spies sometimes had to make a second or third attempt before successfully attacking undetected.

Grimm appeared at Leech’s side, and Gru’nak turned to them and began speaking in a low voice. “In the past weeks, Leech, you have been learning the lessons of stealth. I am pleased by your progress, but events are moving quickly in the Alliance. This Council of Magi is gaining members every day, and there are rumors of a greater alliance in the making. It is time that you prove your worth and loyalty.” Leech glanced at Grimm, who seemed less confident than usual. Gru’nak extended an arm toward the remaining Elves and continued.

“These last captives are by now well aware of what we have in store for them. They are on their guard. Notice how they stand back to back. Nevertheless, they must be taken quietly, as in a real operation, so that others will not be alerted.” Gru’nak looked closely at Leech as he calmly stated “You will make the final kills, and do it silently, or all of my time and resources will have been wasted. It is now time for you to graduate.” The corners of Gru’nak’s mouth twitched upward into that almost-smile that Leech remembered from their first meeting.

Grimm had explained the strategy to him in whispers as they rounded the clearing, staying close to the tree line. With the Elves sharp eyes and ears, it would be impossible to sneak up on them while they stood back to back. What was needed was a ruse, one that would startle them into dropping their guard for just a moment, long enough for Leech to attack. Grimm patted his bottom affectionately and faded into the forest as he began his approach.

Leech had been taught all the secrets of stealth that the spies used in their work, how to conceal himself in the shadows and move quietly, masking any noise he might make with the normal sounds of his surroundings. The brush of the tall grass against his legs was one in the same with the slight ripple of the wind through the clearing. His leather tunic and trousers, oiled to a pliable softness, moved with him without so much as the squeak of a mouse. He ignored the pain of his chafing groin and armpits and kept his body low, surfing through the grass as the breeze created a ripple, closer and closer to his targets.

As he moved, he considered his strategy. His training told him that the longer he waited, the less alert the Elves would be, as fatigue dulled their senses. But that was not a viable option tonight, Gru’nak was impatient and would view delay as indecision, perhaps even disloyalty or cowardice. The results of that would be most unpleasant. Leech knew that he could easily surprise one of the Elves, quickly dispatching him, but the other would certainly be alerted. He could of course overpower the other, but he would fail the test. This was meant as a real test of his skill, and if he was so clumsy in an Alliance stronghold, help would come to his victim’s aid and Leech would be slain or captured. No, he needed a better plan.

The answer came to him in a rush as he paused at the last bit of cover, about six yards from the Elves. If the second Elf does not know he is under attack, then I will succeed.

Leech crept forward carefully, approaching from the side of the Elves so that he was only at risk of being seen when they turned their heads to scan in his direction. He stopped at three yards distance, and looked to the sky, watching patiently as a wispy cloud approached the shining orb of the moon. He wondered if Gru’nak and Grimm could mark his position, remembering that he was able to detect the others spies only because of his training. As the moon dimmed for a few moments, he closed the distance to the corpse of a fallen Elf, and stretched himself out on top. When the moonlight once again bathed the clearing in it’s silvery glow, Leech was prone in the grass, in almost unobstructed view of the Elves, covering the dead Elf with his own body.

The remaining Elves looked at him, but their gaze did not falter. His features were convincing in the moonlight, and they did not notice the threat.

Carefully controlling his breathing, Leech inched closer to one of the Elves, drawing his dagger and holding it ready, concealed behind his hip lest a glint of steel give him away. He made a small groaning sound, just loud enough to be heard by the closest Elf, and coiled his muscles. The Elf looked down at what he believed to be his fallen comrade, hoping that he was still alive, and as he bent slightly forward Leech reached up with one hand, wrapping his fingers around the back of the neck and pulling his victim down swiftly, quietly, onto the waiting blade. Before the Elf crumpled to the ground Leech stood in his place, bloody knife held in front of him, close to his chest.

The remaining Elf looked back over his shoulder wondering what had caused his companion to move, if only for a moment, from his position, but he saw only the features of another Elf, not those of a killer, and resumed scanning the clearing in front of him.

Leech knew that he could effortlessly dispatch the remaining Elf with a backhanded jab, and he would pass the test. But, he hesitated for a moment. He looked over at the spot where Gru”nak sat, examining his feelings for these Elves that lay around him unmoving in the grass, and the living one behind him anxious and fearful, waiting for death to lurch at him out of the shadows. He did not feel any kinship with them. He did not know anything about them, despite the fact that he bore their features.

For now, I will give my loyalty to Gru’nak. He has given me a chance to earn respect, just as he promised.

Leech shifted the knife so the hilt lay across his palm, and with a cat-quick movement plunged it into the heart of his final victim.

Midnight Reveries planned recruiting events

Attention Magi - you should check out this note at the Midnight Reverie's HQ. It appears that we will be invited as High Table members.

((If you have not yet registered at both our Council Library and the Midnight Reveries HQ, perhaps now is the time to do so. For more information, click here.))

5 More Days for Welcome Page Design Contest

Anyone with an idea for our Welcome page design please be aware that the deadline is on Friday December 15th. We're looking for creative ideas presented as a sketch or even just a description. So far a couple of pictures have been submitted but that's about it. That makes the odds pretty good that your idea will make it onto the site.

Just to give you an idea of how many people view our web site, at left is a screenshot of the Google Analytics report since November 27th.

In the last 2 weeks we've had 277 visits, 747 page views. These visitors came from all over the US and Canada, as indicated by the points on the map. Of those, about 30% were new visitors, 70% were returning visitors, and 53% of all visitors viewed the Welcome page first. So, that means that the Welcome page was viewed almost 400 times in 2 weeks. Pretty good exposure for a budding designer...

Vard Brazenhand, Pyromancer

Vard was born... well... no one actually knows when he was born or to whom, but those who are brave enough to mount a guess would put their money on two humans, about 23 years ago. Whatever the case, he came to Ironforge, his homeland, through accident or abandonment. He was found by a kindly dwarven woman, the wife of Siege Lieutenant Modi Brazenhand, floating in a cooking pot. This, however, was not the unusual part, that being that the cooking pot happened to be floating on the constant cascades of molten copper flowing in to the city from the bowels of the mountain. Seeing the tiny object bobbing in the molten metal, she assumed that it was a boar roast someone had dropped in to the forge by mistake and promptly fished the pot out with her hotmits, being none too fond of returning to her spartan husband to make dinner while he gave her cooking advice better suited to the battlefield. Upon realizing it was a discarded babe, she put forth such a wail as echoed for a week in those hushed caverns, and did not cease her mourning until she had awakened the lightly dozing infant and he had let fly a rather heavily disgruntled sigh, that almost sounded like an... "ach", before returning to sleep in his still red-hot vessel.

She bore the child home and, after much deliberation and the promise that the boy would join the army at the proper age, was allowed to keep him. He was raised among several dwarven siblings and was for the most part completely integrated with society, believing he was simply a variation of the same race as his siblings and playmates. But as the boy grew it became apparent that he was no dwarf, despite his best efforts, and he was shunned from various dwarven rights of passage by his former friends. He struggled through his studies and finally reached the conscription age for the grand army of Ironforge. The recruiters and guardsmen laughed at him and asked why he didn't go do something safe like read a book, and it took all of the authority of the recently promoted Brigadier General Brazenhand to get him a lowly position as a skirmisher, a warrior wearing light armor and using light weapons, sent ahead to soften the enemy's flanks.

He was a fair warrior, but was often prone to bouts of clumsiness and frequent headaches before and after battle. The reason for this soon became apparent. At the siege of Grom'Gol, the Orcish forces were obliterated by brilliant surprise attacks, but as he last forces fell back toward the small fortress the reasoning became clear. The Orcs knew that the intense heat of the Burning Plains would cause the concentrated ignition liquid used by the siege engines' famed flame guns to evaporate before the crews could light the streams, rendering them useless against the concentrated iron walls. As Vard saw this he was so confounded by the sight that he threw his hands up to shield himself from the painful sight, but lowered them to find he had caused the liquid to combust, and was put atop the commander's siege engine to light the streams of the tanks around him. Soon after the battle, knowing he could find no further knowledge of his innate arcane abilities in Ironforge, he made his way to Stormwind, where it was said another adopted son of the mountain had found solace under the instruction of an organization called the "Council of Magi"....

Classes in the Park

Hello all,

I have decided to make a small announcement to those who wish to learn a little more about our world, and the things around us. I will be starting a small history course in the park, every Saturday at 12pm. It is not required that you wear or bring anything special, but it would help you out if you were to read the latest history chapters. The class will not just be a book reading, but more of an actual class. I will accept questions, and offer comments as well as personal theories. Since we are all equals, I will also accept and listen to other theories.

Hope to see you there!

--Zolon Netherdrake

A New Recruit

This one is ugly, even for a Troll, thought Gru’nak, as he enjoyed the attention his servants gave his large, protruding teeth, cleaning each carefully and sharpening the tips to a fine point. The rasping of the silver files vibrated throughout his skull producing a most pleasant sensation.

The subject of his scrutiny sat uncomfortably on the bare earth watching the females fuss over Gru’nak, who was sprawled comfortably on a wooden couch. This room was hewn out of a cavern, made slightly more comfortable than it was naturally, but still dark, humid, and foul smelling. Leech frowned slightly, breathing through his teeth. He knew that he was a most unusual example of his species, but he also knew that was part of the reason he had been brought here, to this smelly cave half a league from Ogrimmar. He squirmed under the gaze of the Tauren. He must be uncomfortable too, hiding like a rat in a sewer.

Gru’nak brushed away the servants, rising to his feet with a grace and quickness in stark contrast to his bulk and height. He paced restlessly as the room emptied, leaving him alone with the ugly Troll.

“Tell me of your lineage” he barked, watching Leech closely as he paced, out of the corner of one eye, and then the other.

“Lord Gru’nak, may I first say that I have heard…” Leech’s words trailed off as Gru’nak growled softly, clearly indicating that he had no patience for pleasantries. Leech swallowed, stood, and continued cautiously. “My lineage, Lord Gru’nak, should be obvious. My father, Lester, serves the Horde. My mother, whoever she was, was obviously an elf. As I’m sure you already know, she left me at the gates of Ogrimmar, and I never knew her.”

Gru’nak nodded and continued his pacing. He was of course well aware of Leech’s story. Lester, a low ranking officer in the armies of the Horde had come upon a lone elven female while patrolling with his unit deep in the wilderness. He had, of course, raped her. Probably more than once, since he kept her as a captive and planned to return with her to Ogrimmar. She was somehow different from any elf he had seen. During the journey his patrol was set upon by an Alliance raiding party, and she managed to escape during the confusion of battle. The child was discovered many months later, left on the road, and no wonder, Gru’nak thought. He had seen for himself that it was an ugly child. The skin was dark, a deep blue, and the hair, what there was of it, was green. The ears, though long, were more delicate than typical of Trolls, and the limbs, though long and knobby, looked too soft and graceful. As the child grew, it’s features took on an elvish character, and the child never reached the full stature of the other young Trolls. Leech was an outcast, try as he might to fit in. And that was exactly why he was here.

“You have had a difficult life, I know.” Gru’nak said, finally standing still, brutish hands clasped behind his back in an oddly human gesture. “I am here to offer you a chance to earn respect.”

Leech mimicked the Tauren’s posture and responded warily, “What do you have in mind?”

Gru’nak took a parchment from his robe and handed it to Leech, waiting for a moment while the Troll examined it. “This was found at Splintertree Outpost two weeks ago. It is a battle plan for a small raid – inconsequential really. Our forces were able to repel the Alliance invaders after a short time.”

“The Alliance often mounts these annoying raids on our outposts. Why are you telling me this?”

“Because there is much more.” Gru’nak went to a table and retrieved a stack of parchments which he waved at Leech. “Here is proof that there is a new power within the Alliance. A group of Magi – both Human and Gnomish – have formed a Council in the city of Stormwind. Their goal, as it says right here” continued Gru’nak, his voice rising slightly as he stabbed at one of the parchments with a finger, “is to recover the lost knowledge of Dalaran, and build a great library.” He held Leech in his gaze for a moment before turning away to pace once more.

Leech considered his words carefully, not wanting to further upset the much larger Tauren. “What of it? I know nothing of magic, and the pitiful Alliance is forever trumpeting their grand intentions, yet all they can manage is pin pricks. Even I know they are no threat to Ogrimmar.”

The Tauren turned quickly, freezing Leech with the intensity of his gaze. “I think you are wrong about that,” he said slowly. ‘But I need to know more about this Council of Magi.” He lingered over the word Council, as if evaluating the worth of it. “Who are these Magi who aspire to the knowledge of Dalaran? I must know, and for that, I need a spy.”

Leech tried to calm himself, finally realizing what this meeting was about. He means me! How can I do this thing, and if I try, how can I hope to survive?

Gru’nak’s pig-like face almost smiled as he regarded the Troll’s discomfort. “I see that you have begun to understand” he said. “I will be direct then.” Gru’nak seated himself comfortably on the couch while Leech remained standing, shifting his weight uneasily as he listened.

“Yes, a spy is what I need, but not just any spy will do.” Gru’nak knew that Leech had taken to petty thievery to support himself, a cowardly profession in his opinion, but sometimes useful. He preyed upon the unwary, hiding from the guards and military recruiters. “Leech, I know that you think you have avoided serving the Horde on the field of battle, but in truth if it were not for my intervention, you would be long dead in some dark alley. I knew that one day I would have use for you, and that day has arrived.” He watched with pleasure as Leech put the pieces together, realizing the truth in what he heard.

“Don’t be bitter, Troll, you were not meant to know of my assistance." Gru’nak popped a grape into his mouth, enjoying himself as he continued. “You my boy are going to be my perfect spy. The very things that set you apart will become your greatest assets. You will soon join the ranks of my other spies, the very ones who have assisted you these past years without your knowledge. They will teach you many skills, and in a few short weeks, you will infiltrate the city of Stormwind and learn what we need to know of this new Council.”

Leech was nearly speechless, and began to stammer his rejection of this plan, but was silenced by a gesture.

“I see you do not yet understand fully.” Gru’nak clapped his hands and his servants entered, carrying a large mirror and a chest full of strange tools. He was seated in front of the mirror and the females began grooming him, cutting and plaiting his hair, buffing his skin, shaving his bushy eyebrows. As they worked they pushed his head this way and that, positioning it where they wanted it, chuckling and squealing to each other. Gru’nak watched patiently, continuing to pop grapes into his mouth and chewing noisily.

After a time the servants stepped back, holding the mirror so he could see his face, and Gru’nak began to chuckle, and then to laugh with gusto. Looking back at Leech from the mirror was someone else, not a Troll at all. In the mirror, he saw a Night Elf.

Histories of Azeroth: Creation, Chapter I

Though there are many accounts of how the universe came into being, nobody can truly know how it all began. However, we do know that after it did, a group of lawful beings known only as "The Titans" arose to bring order to the Great Dark. These giant metallic beings molded and shaped planets at their will. I will begin by quoting a section from the first chapter from an ancient history scroll that I discovered while doing my field work.

"Chapter 1: The Titans and the Ordering

No one knows exactly how the universe began. Some theorize that a catastrophic cosmic explosion sent the infinite worlds spinning out into the vastness of the Great Dark - worlds that would one day bear life-forms of wonderful and terrible diversity. Others believe that the universe, as it exists, was created as a whole by a singular, all-powerful entity. Though the exact origins of the chaotic universe remain unclear, it is clear that a race of powerful beings arose to bring order to the various worlds and ensure a safe future for the beings that would follow in their footsteps. "

Essentially, this paragraph states a few theories of creation, such as a cosmic explosion, or an all powerful being using unimaginable powers, forged the universe. Other lesser known theories state that the cosmic explosion was actually a powerful arcane spell that was cast, pulling the universe from one dimension to another. Some suggest that the Nether once existed as a material plane, and a great war caused it to be torn apart, much like the occurrence on Draenor, but in a much larger magnitude. However, every theory in some way incorporates these Titans, which seem to exist, as on our world there lies proof that at least one existed. However, that proof brought something more sinister to Azeroth.

"The Titans, colossal, metallic-skinned gods from the far reaches of the cosmos, came forward and set to work on the worlds they encountered. They shaped the form of their worlds by raising mighty mountains and dredging out vast seas. They breathed skies and raging atmospheres into being- all part of their unfathomable, far-sighted plan to create order out of Chaos. They even empowered primitive races to tend to their works and maintain the integrity of their respective worlds.”

The Titans, all powerful super-gods of a sort, had the power to forge worlds. And they planned to do this for eternity. The human mind would see this as a noble cause, but at the same time, it seems completely and utterly hopeless. However, the Titans, for whatever reason, continued to forge order out of chaos, regardless of what creatures threatened their mission.

“The Titans, ruled by an elite sect known as the Pantheon, brought order to a hundred million worlds scattered throughout the Great Dark Beyond during the first ages of creation. The benevolent Pantheon, seeking to safeguard their structured worlds, was ever vigilant against the threat of attack from the vile, extra-dimensional entities of the Twisting Nether. The Nether, an ethereal dimension of chaotic magics that connected the myriad worlds of the universe together, was home to an infinite number of malefic, demonic beings, who sought only to destroy life and devour the energies of the living universe. The pure-hearted, altruistic Titans, unable to conceive of evil or wickedness in any form, struggled to find a way to end the demons’ constant threat.”

The Nether is often associated with such creatures as Voidwalkers, Imps, Nether Dragons, and is also referred to as “The Void”. It is common to see warlocks draw powers of corruption directly from the Nether, where they can twist the evil magic to do their bidding in our realm. The Nether was also the prison to the powerful demonic beings that served as the mainstay of the Burning Legion, known as the Eredar and the Nathrezim. The Eredar were incredibly powerful evil warlocks with dark powers of corruption and destruction. The Nathrezim, also known to many as the Dread Lords, were cunning agents of darkness who embodied the corruption and deceit of the Nether.

Some may recognize the Eredar “Archimonde the Defiler”. The first thing that often comes to mind is the destruction of the World Tree, and how all the races came together to unite against the Legion at the moment it really counted. Another name people may recognize is “Tichondrius”, the Dread Lord. He was an elite agent of the Legion, and oversaw the work of the other Nathrezim. In the next chapter, I will explain more about the formation of the Legion itself.

Zolon Netherdrake.. the lost soul.

Zolon was once a powerful Pyromancer, or, so he thought. After months of training in the field, he decided to sit down and document some of his works. He then only took trips to find missing pieces to his puzzles. He doesn't remember much, but Zolon believes that he discovered something dark, and incredibly important on one of his expeditions. Something that set off a chain of events that Zolon had never expected.

One night, as Zolon was asleep in his bed chamber, a group of dark figures burst in, hands glowing with demonic power. Zolon woke, and instantly took to fighting the invaders. Zolon's fire magic was not quite enough to destroy them all, but he certainly did some damage. Soon, another dark figure entered the room. This time, the figure raised his hands, muttered some abyssal words, and a portal opened behind Zolon. Long, glowing tendrils emerged from the portal, drawing Zolon in. The mysterious figure said a few more words, and Zolon was knocked out, his memories locked away. All of his texts were taken, all of his work hidden or destroyed.

Zolon was sent to the darkness known as the Twisting Nether; the abyssal realm of demonic creatures, and the original prison of the Eredar and the Nathrezim. He floated here, knowing very little of what happened, and for an entire year, was completely dazed. He slowly remembered that he could use magic.. fire, to be specific.. but not much else. Then, another portal opened, this time, dark skinned hands with claws reached out, and tore Zolon from the Nether.

When Zolon arrived on Azeroth.. he found himself unable to use any arcane magic. Instead, he seemed to have a connection to the Nether... he was able to draw the power directly from the Nether to use on Azeroth.. but with every spell, Zolon felt a shadow loom over him, and slowly consume him. Fearing for his life, Zolon sought out any mage that might be able to break this soul bond. While in Goldshire, he was sitting behind a tree, trying to ignore his imp, when he heard a conversation between Mye and Balbanes. Intrigued, and hoping he had found his saviors, he used his powers to mentally contact Mye. In doing so, he began to tell the story of how he became this way.

Slowly gaining memories, Zolon let his life story unfold piece by piece. Rescued by Mye and Balbanes, Zolon's gratefulness to the council often leaves him feeling that he is a level under them all, and that he needs to pay his respects to every member as if they were his master. Though Zolon's mind is regained, his memories are not. He now quests for his lost work, and in the process, hopes to learn to channel his pyromantic power again. Zolon has a habit of drawing too much into his passion, however, which could eventually prove to be a danger to himself and those around him. Zolon focusses on not only trying to control fire magic, but to bend this power to his very will. He is also interested in the history of Azeroth, and everything that lead up to the wars between the Orcs and the Humans, and the invasion of the Legion. Zolon hopes to become a valued member of the council, but regrets that he must spend so much time doing field work.

Murder, most foul...

[This was an attempt to generate an RP storyline from an event that was planned by a couple of guild folks. It eventually did result in an interesting RP trial but nobody picked up on my attempt. I like the picture though.]

The scene was typical of a peacful Monday evening in the park. A group of intellectuals gathered on the grass to discuss the ancient lore.

All of a sudden, everything changed. People stood in alarm and there was a body on the ground.

Gaspar Melchior, Chancellor of the Council of Magi, was hosting his book reading just as he does every week. There was a small group, many had pressing business elsewhere, but those that attended were quiet and respectful. All of the attendees were Magi, all except for one.

Balbanes, a Knight of the Midnight Reveries, was sitting quietly listening to Gaspar. Without warning he shot to his feet, lunging forward, and was still.

Bystanders quickly approached his prone form, but it was clear that Balbanes was dead.

What did he see?

Others were confused and unsettled. Gaspar himself seemed to be distracted, and some thought they saw a glittering aura around him. We only hope that this brave man did not die in vain.

Were you there? Did you see or hear anything? If so please add your comments.

Be vigilant!

New officers accepted into the Council Circle

Last night during our Council Circle meeting two new officers were formally accepted by the Circle. Shinata Mairequim is the new Speaker for the School of Pyromancy, and Mye Hexavier is the new Speaker for the School of Hydromancy.

As stated in our Constitution the Speakers play an important role in the development of Magicienne members of the Council, providing assistance, education, and representation as voting members of the Council Circle.
Pictured at left are - from left to right - Shinata, Speaker of the School of Pyromancy; Rosiline, Scholar; Gaspar, Chancellor; Flon, Librarian; and Mye, Speaker of the School of Hydromancy.

We wish Shinata and Mye the best of luck in their new roles!

Safe travels!