So, I'll tell you what has happened to me over the past few days. It has been hectic to say the least. As mentioned before, I encountered the Kalu'ak. To the far west of Howling Fjord there lies an island - the Isle of Spears. Settled on this island in the village of Kamagua are the Kalu'ak, a clan of Tuskarr. At the top of what is known as the Ancient Lift, one of their members, Orfus, greeted me. I'd never encountered this race until now. From what I can gather by talking to the locals, they are native to the colder regions of Northrend, making their homes along the southern coastline. Being so close to the ocean provides them with their main source of food and income - fish. Many of the Tuskarr are fearless fishermen, and whaling is an important part of their culture. They are strange creatures; bulky, with large tusks - a very peaceful, nomadic race. They have a penchant for using turtles as transport; either riding on their backs over the snow or boarding the larger one's shells to swim across the seas. I have a lot more to learn about the Kalu'ak, but they are the midst of a conflict with the pirate thieves of Scalawag Point and have been requesting assistance from anyone who happens to pass by. Curiosity got the better of me, and so, I obliged.
The Kalu'ak's hunting grounds have become rife with bloodthirsty undead rising from desecrated graves - from within, the most prized artifacts of the diceased - stolen. It doesn't take a genius to figure out who's to be held responsible, but replacement was necessary, or the Kalu'ak would be facing ever harder times. After Elder Atuik explained to me the current state of affairs he let me know of a Goblin pirate who goes by the name of Grezzix Spindlesnap. In return for food and shelter from the Kalu'ak, he offers them valuable information about the pirate's attack plans and other dealings. Elder Atuik suggested that I might ask him if he could get me in undercover on behalf of the Kalu'ak. I have to admit that infliltrating the Northsea Freebooters controlled port sounded appealing, albeit dangerous.
I travelled with Grezzix's cabin boy, Lou, to Scalawag Point where I went to scout out their leader - "Silvermoon" Harry. After explaining who had sent me, he had no qualms in sending me off on my first 'mission' which I assume was an initiation test - to reclaim 'his' Sin'dorei scrying crystal from a large Orca. The mere thought that he would take something so sacred from my brethren makes me sick to my stomach, but this was no time to complain about theivery. Judging by his nickname and remembering what Grezzix had told me previously (He's a freak... crazy for Blood Elves.
) it was hardly surprising he had no trouble trusting me with his business almost right away. After performing some tasks for the pirates around base, I asked him what had happened to the stolen artifacts - some armor, a shield, a staff and a frozen heart. He expressed his distaste in ever setting eyes on them again after he explained each dreaded series of events in turn. As it turns out, they were rather bad luck.
The ancient armor of the Kvaldir was taken aboard a ship that was ambushed by a Forsaken destroyer. The crew of the destroyer took the stolen goods for themselves and sunk the vessel. "Silvermoon" Harry escaped, of course, as did a few other shipmates, but many did not return. Harry's girl, Alanya, loaned me a bomber plane and sent me on my way to the docking point of the Forsaken destroyer to reclaim the armor. Many people were on board, but with the power of magic I pushed my way into the cabin containing the goods, loaded it up and hastily made my escape only a little worse for wear. I kept my promise to Harry - I did not return the armor to him, I went straight to Orfus who I knew could be trusted to keep close eye on the artifacts I recovered. The 'cursed' staff was to be found on an abandoned ship out to sea far north of Scalawag Point, and the frozen heart of Isuldorf was being held captive at the back of a deep running cave directly below the pirate's camp.
As for the shield, now that makes for an interesting ghost story. It was pilfered originally by the crew of a ship belonging to a Captain Ellis - all of whom were killed a short while ago. "Silvermoon" Harry notified me that the ship takes a certain path through the smaller islands that surround Scalawag Point in order to search for new crew members - the souls of the deceased. As I boarded the ship at the pirate's dock, cold shivers were sent streaming down my spine. With great trepidation I apporached Captain Ellis who explained that the shield was pilfered from him by the elemental giant, Sorlof. He couldn't get it back himself as he and his crew couldn't leave the spiritual confines of the ghost ship - nor did he want to get it back, it bought a curse upon them all. I agreed that I would help him blast down Sorlof and go out to retrieve the shield myself. Unfortunately, below deck, an undead mutiny was rising. I had to fend off the rebels as Captain Ellis and his remaining crew directed the ship to Sorlof's location at which point I loaded the artillery ready for fire by the ghostly cannoners. After some time firing, we succeeded in bringing the giant down. I didn't hang around to see if he was really dead. I scrambled off the ship, took back the artifact and returned swifly to Orfus of Kamagua who instructed me of the artifacts' replacement.
I had done what was asked of me by the Kalu'ak, but to avoid suspicion, I returned later to Scalawag Point where I was notified that a suspected traitor had infiltrated the island. I tried not to let on to my true position. I spoke to Zeh'gen, a Witch Doctor, who was convinced that "Crowleg" Dan was the traitor and asked me to confront him. I did so, and it turned out that he was working for the Southsea Pirates. I was off the hook! Other pirates soon noticed what I had been doing for the camp and referred me to Annie Bonn - second in command.
She saw right through me, my intentions were crystal clear to her. I wanted to stop all attacks on the Kalu'ak by the Northsea Freebooters and if that meant destroying their leader, that is what I would aim to do. I did not admit this to her at first, but then something strange happened - she offered her help. She explained to me how Jonah's leadership threatened their operation. His tactics were suicidal and disasterous at best. If we could stop him from making a mess of things, she vowed to take over command and stop all attacks on the Kalu'ak.
After explaining to me where Jonah's hideout was, I set out with a few allies to assassinate him. We made it to his lair and commenced attack. Before we could even succeed in our goal, victory was ours. His bear, Hozzer, picked him up and ruthlessly consumed him - his flesh was ripped, torn and pulled from the bone before our very eyes. His spyglass clattered to the floor as he was thrown about, and I picked it up to return to Annie Bonn as evidence of his demise. The Kalu'ak shouldn't be getting any more trouble. I am spending the night with one of the families here as I write. I have heard reports from the Horde base over at Borean Tundra - this is where I will head next, only after a good night's sleep.
Friday November 21, 2008
