Grim Views

This series of scrolls is intended to chronicle my adventures while completing the Hallow's Eve Hunt challenge placed upon our guild hall.

The first sketch is of my transformation into a wisp creature by the innkeeper of Scryer's Tier. He found it amusing, of course. I did not. It reminds me too much of the form our elven cousins' souls take when they are slain. I wish to cause these wisps, not become one myself! Unfortunately, the strange violence-prevention field broadcast by the naaru kept me from demonstrating to the innkeeper just how displeased I was.



The mission of encountering all five of the Alliance leaders was the most exciting prospect to me, and I undertook it with eagerness. I began my trek on my home continent of the Eastern Kingdoms, by visiting Ironforge. Fortunately, Foecrusher is far too swift for dwarven guards to keep up with, and I raced through the halls of the mountain unmolested. Apparently the Alliance saw no need to face me and risk their own safety.

From my peoples' time amongst the Alliance, we have maps of the Alliance capitals. It was simple enough to make my way to the dwarf king's throne room - you'd think that a mountain would allow for incredible defensive positions, but the dwarven need for grandiosity has left their capital far too easy to invade. Bronzebeard and his honor guard were not too happy to see a Blood Knight infiltrating the heart of their kingdon on her own, but fortunately my powers warded their blows long enough for the sketch to be taken.

After my spirit reformed my body and I snuck away from the throne room, it was time to make my way to Stormwind. I almost overlooked him, but fortunately the gnome leader had decided to make himself more important by standing upon the highest point of his sad little nation.

The dwarven guards rushed to stop my one-knight invasion, but apparently the Tinker and his advisors were not so eager to face me in my dress. I had the sketch taken and slipped into the Tram station before they could pursue.



While the rest of my expedition was business, the Deeprun Tram was a refreshing trip. A little noisy, as the gnomes love to make all their toys, but there were some wonderful views as the tram progressed. I do wish we could have one of these linking the capitals of our own alliance some day. Perhaps once we retake the Plaguelands, one could be built between Undercity and Silvermoon. Quieter and more luxurious, of course.

During the trip I spied another proud member of the Alliance Navy. I believe they are attempting to switch completely over to these experimental submersibles now. Fortunately, the Horde is more than happy to aid in the project.



Just as in Ironforge, Stormwind is wide open for invasion. The situation was even worse for the humans in this case, as I had entered through the completely unguarded rear door. I summoned Foecrusher and rode uncontested through the streets towards the castle, The guards there at least put up some opposition. Still, I was able to force my way through to the throne room and get my sketch.

Apparently the Alliance still does not realize that the dragon Onyxia resides right in the heart of their power. I didn't bother to warn them. Perhaps the dragon will cause enough mischief on her own to allow us the opening we need to end the human threat once and for all.



With three of the Alliance leaders located, it was time to move on to Kalimdor. These two leaders would be more difficult; since both races are new members of the Alliance, I had no maps in Silvermoon to go by. I had decent intelligence in regards to layouts, moreso on Darnassus than on the newly arrived Exodar, so I resolved to proceed with patience and dilligence.

I made my way to the docks of Auberdine, which houses boats to both capitals. Since the boat to the Exodar was present while the boat to Darnassus was not, my first target was decided for me.

The Exodar is a tangled mess. Half the place is in ruins from the crash, and the other half is filled with pointless religious symbology. I spurred Foecrusher to ride as fast as he could, easily outgaining the guards within, and scouted the place. Surprisingly, the Prophet is not near the naaru as I expected. Still, I located him, and he and his chosen were powerless to prevent the sketch.

Four sketches taken, one to go. I took the boat back to Auberdine, then transferred to the boat for Darnassus. Once again Foecrusher was a worthy companion, for he delivered me through the portal and to the High Temple of the Moon without confrontation.

I dislike this place. Regardless of our shared heritage, the night elves and blood elves are no longer even remotely the same people. Our city, despite our trials of late, is still one of sunshine, of spring and of renewal. Darnassus is dark, and feels like the home of people who have reached their twilight, and are simply waiting for the darkness to come.

I digress. I made my way into the temple. Plenty of guards here, and no room for Foecrusher, so the fight inside was fierce. Still, I eventually triumphed and got my sketch. My mission completed, I activated my hearthstone and made my way back to Shattrah.



My next task was much simpler. With sketches of the Alliance leaders in hand, I had to do the same with the Horde leaders. Much easier when said leaders will speak with you instead of drawing weapons and attempting to end you.

My first stop was my homeland. There are some who still follow the Prince, but I am not one of those. A small but growing number of Sindor'ei, the leadership of the Order amongst them, have learned of Sunstrider's treachery and forsaken him as our leader. As far as I am concerned, the Regeant has earned the right to assume control over Silvermoon.

I took the opportunity of waiting on the sketch to discuss some matters between the Order and the Regeancy Council. The Regeant is a wise man, knowing that following his opinion alone is not the way to bring Silvermoon back to glory, and accepts advice and discussion to guide his decisions.



The Regeant asked me to deliver a message to our ambassador with the Forsaken, since I was headed for Undercity anyways. I agreed, and stepped through the Translocation Orb to arrive in the ruined city.

The Dark Lady is rather unapproachable. I delivered my package to the Ambassador, then stayed a bit to discuss my Order's state with our representative amongst the Forsaken. There are a few former paladins amongst the willful undead, and she shared some rather interesting insight they had discussed with her.



I rode Foecrusher through the Undercity and out under the open sky. The smell is no fresher here, between the Foraken and the nearby Plaguelands. While I respect our allies for coming to our aid in the Ghostlands, I still have trouble remaining in their presence. The wounds are still far too fresh.

After the long ride on the zepplin to Orgrimmar, I rode to the Valley of Wisdom for my next two sketches. The first was with the Shadow Hunter, leader of the Darkspear tribe. Try as I might, I still struggle to understand the...unique...speech pattern of the trolls. Our conversation was short, mostly a debriefing on efforts in Zangarmarsh.

Ever since I became a Master of the Order, and became an ambassador for our people amongst the Horde, I have gained great respect for Thrall's leadership. He is no simpleton, eager to just fight his way to a solution. His plans are intricate and multi-faceted; he may in fact be the Horde's greatest asset, since most of the Alliance still underestimates him as "just another stupid orc" despite the incredible deeds he has accomplished.

I have seen Thrall as he was in his younger days, and it amazes me how much he has grown from the headstrong charger I fought alongside in the past to the leader he is today. The only shame is that he does not remember my involvement in those events, thanks to the manipulation of the Bronze dragons.

Even without those memories, Thrall has chosen to seek my advice during my rare visits. One of my areas of study in the Order was the military tactics and history of the Alliance; thus Thrall regards me as a valuable advisor in these matters. He was troubled by some strange movements by Alliance troops in Dustwallow Marsh. After a look at the map, and some explanation of recent events in the area, I determined that these movements were in fact desertions by dissatisfied Alliance troops! Thrall was of course quite pleased by this news, and dismissed me in order to start planning how to take advantage of the situation.



I took a wyvern from Orgrimmar to get my last sketch with Cairne Bloodhoof. This was a personal trip as well. Of all the Horde leaders, Cairne is the most willing to set aside time to speak with those seeking advice. While I enjoy my conversations with Thrall regarding military matters, Cairne has helped me greatly as I sought to find peace within myself.

Thankfully, the chieftain had a few moments to speak with me regarding some dreams I have been having. I took his advice to heart, and decided to spend a few precious hours in Thunder Bluff to regain my lost focus.

by Lascivious

Hmm.

I traveled back to my quarters in the Order's temple in Silvermoon, to retrieve a few items from my footlocker.

It has been less than a year since I was accepted as an Initiate within the Order. In these past few months, I have seen and done so much. I have reached the heights of my power, and become a Master of the Order. And now, I have become the leader of all Blood Knight who wear the colors of the Grim.

It all began with this equipment. My first sword, still knicked from where a lynx decided to try blocking it with its teeth. I am fairly certain that these leggings still glow from the claws of a creature made of pure mana. These boots...there is still a thorn stuck in them from a kick at one of the tree elementals running wild in our lands.

The shirt, I still wear under my armor, as a reminder that I started off as a lowly initiate, exactly the same way as those under my command.