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(The following appeared in the back pages of a Stormwind newspaper)

THE STORMWIND DAILY HERALD

OPINION: Fel Magic Hasn't a Place in Civilized Society
Kyalin Raintree

Two weeks ago from today, the Honorable Lord Victor Peterson delivered an impassioned speech to the House of Nobles, detailing purported excesses in a country other than his own concerning the treatment of warlocks who, in his apparent opinion, had served the Alliance valorously in the last war with the Horde. The bulk of this tirade was little more than a call for extra-legal intervention in Darnassian affairs, and while it drew little attention from its intended audience, it did contain an argument that I found interesting.

It is commonly supposed that limited permission granted to usage of arcane magic is by itself reason enough to extend unrestricted permission to the usage of fel magic. The argument goes that no form of magic is inherently evil - a lesson the Kaldorei "learned" in granting aforesaid permission - and thus users of fel should not be actively detained by our security forces. This deeply flawed contention is largely responsible for liberalization of laws governing fel magic, and more alarmingly, driven observers to ignore differences between different sorts of magic. To be clear, any source of magic when used in excess is dangerous, and any source of magic can be made in some way to be useful, but the casual ignorance of unique aspects of fel magic has been wholly detrimental to contemporary policy debates.

To begin, the nature of the fel is to corrupt - specifically to replace the essence of a thing with its own essence, which seeks constantly to self-perpetuate. This characteristic is one of the reasons why fel magic is considered far more addicting than arcane magic, and therefore more difficult to control. It mimics, at times, the useful aspects of the arcane (specifically the usage of portals), but it lends itself to only two original purposes.

1. To corrupt the body with the intent of causing pain or death.
2. To corrupt the body with the intent of causing pleasure.

Through the view of the object of self-perpetuation, the former acts to enable to the latter, be it by protecting the caster from larger society, or in the attainment of power and resources (such as living souls) for the purposes of the latter. It is in summary, an entirely hedonistic craft which demands ever-increasing levels of consumption. In times of peace, this consumption necessarily turns to predation, be it by isolated victimization or more frequently, in conspiracies aimed at replacing the regional government (the Burning Blade and the Shadow Council have provided us with complete case studies of this very problem). Agents of the Burning Legion, which of course use fel magic as a means of controlling its adherents, are never far away from the planning and execution of such attempts.

Any and every utility for society that a warlock places on the table is matched or exceeded by cheaper, less dangerous methods. Whereas the usage of arcane magic achieves economies in a variety of applications, the fel exists purely for its own sake. It does not take an economist to conclude that on balance with alternatives, we gain shockingly little from the use of the fel, if in the long run we can presume to gain at all.

I will note in closing to those who employ accusations of bigotry in the place of reasoned argument that a departure from fel magic does not involve the population of our streets with warlock catchers. We should feel sympathy for the warlock, and as an act of compassion, seek to free them from the debilitating grip of the fel. The speedy establishment of rehabilitation clinics, and the provision of cessation resources to those who have fallen out of favor with the law is a good first step, but there is more work to be done.

I have found in recent years that the best way to address a crisis is to prevent it entirely. The first step in achieving such prevention, however, is to recognize that there is a problem. I hope that I have demonstrated that problem, and that it is now clear that fel magic hasn't a place in civilized society.

Kyalin Raintree is a Warden of Darnassus, specializing in matters of trade and of parties foreign to Darnassus.

Y-yeah! Those stupid warlocks an' there demons an' fel magic! What they do is so wrong m'kay an'... an' they shouldn't do that stuff 'cause it's wrong m'kay. They totally need ta get one of 'em forceful intervention type thingies ta make 'em better. Just thinkin' 'bout it makes me glad I'm a normal, forgettable fire mage.

THE STORMWIND DAILY HERALD

OPINION: Being an Elder Race Does Not Make You Right
Professor Rakeri Sputterspark, D.Dem., D.Eng., D.Scr.

A recent article by the honorable Warden Raintree ("Fel Magic Hasn't a Place in Civilized Society") has reached my attention here at my garrison of Shadowgarde on Draenor, and I feel that perhaps only one side of the story is being told here. Perhaps my perception will be biased by my current practice of the powers against which the esteemed Warden has spoken against, and it may seem odd to certain readers that I am giving this to a Stormwind paper - given my well-known conflicts with its authorities and law enforcement - but I wish to offer a rebuttal.

Now, as those of you who study history may be aware, the kaldorei's stance against magic in general dates back to the War of the Ancients, over ten thousand years ago. From what little we have discovered from kaldorei history, a cabal of selfish magic users - the so-called Highborne - made pacts with the Burning Legion to bring its dark lord, Sargeras, through the Well of Eternity and herald the destruction of our world. Their use of their powers was as the Warden described: Intended to bring pain and suffering to their victims (and, as it turned out, to the world as a whole), and pleasure to themselves. Indeed, Queen Azshara herself is described in the surviving records as a megalomaniacal hedonist.

That was ten thousand years ago, but the kaldorei remain very quick to point to that history when they speak against modern practices. I will not argue that the reckless use of magical power, any magical power, is dangerous, both to the caster and to the caster's surroundings, be it people, architecture, or natural growth. But in the eons since then - particularly in the last thirty years, since the arrival of the Horde on Azeroth - have we not learned that it is not the magic itself, but its intended use? Death knights are a prime example of this, their bodies corrupt, their powers "evil", but they are among the greatest champions of justice.

I feel that the Warden's viewpoint is colored by her people's belief that we, as the "younger races", require a "wiser hand" to guide us. This is clear by her belief that the best way to "free" warlocks from their "corrupt" powers is to "rehabilitate" them. We tried to "rehabilitate" the orcs after we defeated them in the Second War, only we called it "internment". Aedelas Blackmoore, a human officer, raised the orc he called "Thrall" with the intention of "rehabilitating" what he believed was the orc's natural state of bloodlust and aggression. As learned by the eventual downfall of Durnholde and its subordinate internment camps, neither of these methods worked, and for more than a decade since, we have dealt with the aggression of the Horde in addition to other threats. Attempting to forcibly "rehabiliate" warlocks - and it is clear this is what she advocates - will make the warlocks of the Alliance into its enemies, an action that is self-defeating to the Alliance's agenda.

I wish to remind the readers here that until recently, magic users were put to death in kaldorei society, and mages of the other Alliance races were barely tolerated within their territories once they joined with us. The reason why they have allowed mages in their society after the Cataclysm is the same reason why the Crown of Stormwind has a coven of sanctioned warlocks: Because we need all the weapons and powers we can bring to bear against the threats of our time. I myself have used my "useless" powers, where all of the "cheaper, safer methods" had failed, to aid people suffering from a plague inflicted by a reckless practitioner of the dark arts.

In conclusion, while fel magic may not have a place in kaldorei society, they are not the only people of this world, and they do not have a divine right to rule over the younger races. She rails against the Council of Nobles calling for extra-legal intervention in Darnassian affairs, while she calls for similar in the affairs of Stormwind, Ironforge, and Gnomeregan - the nations that sanction warlocks. If anyone should be shown sympathy, I believe she qualifies, for not seeing the inherent hypocrisy of her arguments.

I leave my last word to you, Warden: We do not dictate how your people choose to live their lives. I, for one, would like to be shown the same courtesy.

Rakeri Sputterspark holds doctorates in demonology, engineering, and inscription from Gearshaft University and the Gnomeregan Institute of Tinkering, and is the current holder of the Fizzlebang Chair of Constructive Demonology at Gearshaft's New Tinkertown campus.

THE STORMWIND DAILY HERALD

OPINION: Being a Professor Doesn't Grant an Exemption from Logic.
Kyalin Raintree

I want to begin by stating that I have the utmost respect for Professor Sputterspark. Our interactions have been minimal, but I have always remembered them being cordial and mentally stimulating. Professor Sputterspark, while perhaps not a luminary among his people, is doubtlessly intelligent. This is why his recent article, Being an Elder Race Does Not Make You Right, was disappointing to me.

It is firstly disappointing because of the central thrust is built around an argument no one has made (that "elder races" must guide "younger races"), and the extra-logical implication that factors other than the argument itself ought to be considered in evaluating an argument. In this respect, I feel that I should remind the professor that in a rational debate, the core assertion is the subject of said debate, not the person making the assertion.

In addressing the support for the assertion that fel magic has no place in a civilized society, the professor rightly acknowledges the disastrous effects of the use of such magic in my people's history as well as the general problem of excess. I am pleased that he agrees with me on these matters, but the support he offers for the assertion that the effects of magic ought not be considered is baffling. He uses Death Knights not so much as an example, but as a shield to ward off criticism. "Attack my position, and you attack the honor of these people", the point almost seems to say.

Discussion on necromancy is itself a separate discussion, but a Death Knight in some ways has choices in what they must do to survive and what they may do otherwise. In the case of the former, some necromantic manipulation is clearly required to sustain their existence. In the case of the latter, raising the dead is a wholly discretionary activity, with effects that are themselves demonstrated in the constant pain and suffering that all death knights have been forced to live with. The Professor errs in his failure to separate the two, and in his continued failure to separate the essence of a person from their choices.

An expected rebuttal to the problem of choice that I would expect from the professor, given his statement that the cheaper, safer methods had failed him, is that usage of such methods achieves economies that other methods cannot. I am curious to see how he would expand on that, given that he offers no discussion as to how the other methods failed, or how they would have failed if he had instead devoted his considerable talents to the study of other methods.

While the professor has mysteriously deigned not to substantively attack the core assertion, he has in an altogether more confusing manner attempted to argue, not so much against solution provided, but to a solution he would prefer to crusade against. This altogether bizarre response begins with the assertion that attempts at teaching and molding are tantamount the treatment rendered upon the Orcs by Aedalas Blackmoore. While I must consider that many of the professor's students might leap to this conclusion as eagerly as their lecturer has, I honestly did not expect such hyperbolic flim-flam from a professor of Mr. Sputterspark's pedigree. I suspect that those same students may also join him in the claim that the rendering of an opinion is tantamount to an extralegal exercise of force, and I can only sympathize with the plight of the poor men and women under his tutelage that should lead them to make such wild statements.

While I am certain that the owners of the Daily Herald would much appreciate for this series of corrections to continue on their pages. I feel it would be more appropriate to ask the professor if he would agree to a public debate on the matter, in a place and at a time that we may mutually agree on. Perhaps then, we may have a discussion on the matters actually discussed in my prior article.

Kyalin Raintree is a Warden of Darnassus, specializing in matters of trade and of parties foreign to Darnassus.

THE STORMWIND DAILY HERALD

OPINION: It is Important to Know What Words Mean
Professor Rakeri Sputterspark, D.Dem., D.Eng., D.Scr.

In response to the Warden's prior assertions, I must point out that words require a person speaking or writing them to form them into an argument; the core assertion is the state of mind of the person making the argument and the meaning of what they say, as well as the words they actually use. For example, your comment about feeling sympathy for some perceived "plight" suffered by those who listen to me shows a hint of condescension, because my interpretation of things differs from yours and thus is "bizarre", and cannot be considered "rational" or "logical".

(And for the record, the students in my demonology classes are - obviously - warlock acolytes, and while those in my engineering and inscription classes are not all warlocks, they do not mind them, either. Fel magic is just another intellectual pursuit to we gnomes, albeit one that requires a great deal of caution. We are inquisitive, not reckless; we leave the recklessness to goblins. And as to your question about how I was able to succeed when "cheaper, safer methods" failed: Let's just say before the Watch came to me, they tried the Light, druidism, arcane magic, alchemy...none of their methods worked. But to the point.)

Your language is very euphemistic, and your turns of phrase in some cases are quite loaded. While you may not have intended it as such, I can see how it can be - and anyone astute enough to read between the lines could, as well. You use words like "rehabilitation", "cessation" and "prevention", and such phrases as "act of compassion" and "seek to free them". You either fail to realize, or you do and you do not see how relevant it is, how your words can be construed as something else entirely. "Act of compassion" in particular comes to mind, given that it's a phrase often used when putting down a grievously ill or injured animal. Along the lines of the wording you used, there are those who would say that they are "rehabilitating" warlocks by killing them; that when they fell dead they were "rehabilitated"; and that there are others who should be given similar "rehabilitation". It begs the question: Exactly what is your meaning here?

While you have also said you wish to avoid giving rise to witch hunts, your concept of "rehabilitation clinics" and "teaching and molding" seems to indicate that you advocate government institutions for that specific purpose - in effect, state-sanctioned witch hunters. This brings up a number of problems, not least of which is the fact that there are a number of warlocks who are sanctioned by the Crown of Stormwind. Indeed, King Varian is said to have brought some among their ranks, their powers used in full view, to the trial of Garrosh Hellscream in Pandaria. What then are we to do with them?

And where does it end, for that matter? Once you have "rehabilitated" the warlocks, who should be next? In my experience, once we begin going after one thing, we cycle onward to find other things to fill the space that is left once that one thing is gone. Will we go through all of the things that we believe do not belong in civilized society, until in the end, there is not much of a society left?

As I asked before: When you use these words, exactly what do you mean by them? Do they have the benign implications you no doubt believe they do...or are they intended to hide the more direct language you wish you could use in such a public forum?

Perhaps, if time permits with my work here at Shadowgarde, I will take you up on that debate. In the meantime, I am most interested to see your reply.

Rakeri Sputterspark holds doctorates in demonology, engineering, and inscription from Gearshaft University and the Gnomeregan Institute of Tinkering, and is the current holder of the Fizzlebang Chair of Constructive Demonology at Gearshaft's New Tinkertown campus.

THE STORMWIND DAILY HERALD

OPINION: Leave the straw-elf alone.
Kyalin Raintree

The death of rational debate is often heralded, much in the same fashion that a dying canary warns a miner of the buildup of toxic gases, by the failure of one party to engage in discussion on the substantive supports for a position. In his recent article, Professor Sputterspark, with the exception of the claim that in a specific instance, the Watch failed in its employment of other methods (a matter which is examined below), has regrettably devoted most of his discussion to attacking a position that he would prefer to argue against, rather than the position he is actually attempting to address (enumerated in a prior article of mine: Fel Magic Hasn't a Place in Civilized Society)

Sadly, I don't believe this position has been made accidentally, as it has become common in contemporary debate to shift policy discussions to exercises in accusation and to ignore nuance entirely. Like accusations of conspiracy, any attempt to rebut the accusations made are merely answered with assertions that the denials themselves are proof of the conspiracy. It doesn't matter that the logic is circular because if a lie is repeated enough, it starts to be regarded as true. Hence I find any further discussion as to what the Professor wants me to mean instead of what I have said to be nothing more than meaningless aggrandizement of this pervasive trend.

Regardless, some may ask why I would not prefer a hard line. If the situation is as dire as it is, it would seem odd to exercise restraint. The first part of this has been enumerated already - many good people have been tricked into believing that the fel is harmless, and now need assistance in redirecting their efforts to more constructive arts. On a more pragmatic note - it is wasteful to kill off those who can redirect their efforts in the manner prescribed, but I wish to keep the former consideration at top of mind.

On the other side, there is a point of course, in pointing out that some individuals must remain to understand the workings of the fel in order to counter its creations. This need deserves our attention too, but understanding is different from wanton and casual practice, and while it may be required in dire and rare situations where, due to the design of a fel-engineered plague or malady, to unwind such a curse, this does not by itself create a need for the general acceptance of fel. It similarly does not form a defense against calls to limit its usage, whether those limits are achieved by governmental decree or by the nonviolent actions of conscientious private parties.

At the core of this, the reader should take this much away: the practice of such a craft is separate from the practitioner. You may attack one without attacking the other, and while those hoping to retain the wanton usage of that craft may try to whip up fear in response to calls to limit it, that fear is wholly unreasonable in the context of this current debate.

Kyalin Raintree is a Warden of Darnassus, specializing in matters of trade and of parties foreign to Darnassus.

*stares at his newspaper, pausing in his normal cup of tea*

Why am I still subscribing to this thing? All I see are opinion articles these days...

THE STORMWIND DAILY HERALD

OPINION: Why is This Even a Matter for Debate?
Magus Alieth Taldir

In case anyone has forgotten: Warlock magic is evil, the elf is a foreigner trying to meddle in our affairs, and the gnome is a convicted felon whose head should have been hanging from Traitor's Gate long ago.

Stop chattering and put all these warlocks to death, so we can return our attention to a more important war: Killing orcs.

Alieth Taldir is a magus of Stormwind.

Foravin sets his paper down and shakes his fist at seemingly nothing.

"Youths!"

THE STORMWIND HERALD

OPINION: Is is Black? or is it White? Perhaps grey?
Anonymous

I have followed this, quite honestly, curious debate since the first article, and I find myself amused by the narrow focus of two of the more prominent members of this discussion. (The third I will address at the end). To the honorable Warden Raintree, I ask that you please direct your focus upon, however briefly, my attempt to satiate your repeated desire to stick to the 'matter of discourse' you request.

In your original article, you state as fact, that "Fel Magic Hasn't a place in Civilized Society." To which I say, that it does. I ask for further clarification of this statement, to better understand your point, here. Which society are you referring to? Darnassian society? Alliance Society? Mortal Society? Universal? Which society is the point of reference? In Darnassian society, where the mores and cultural understanding are quite ancient, venerated, and established, I am in complete agreement. Fel Magic has absolutely no place in Darnassian society. Despite the factual evidence that Arcane magics, the more 'cost effective' and 'safer' magics that were the real cause of the Highborne's folly. I will contend that currently, you are correct within the limits of your argument regarding specific and isolated societies.

You are a result of your societal view, a fact not a single soul can fault you on. Your wording implies that other societal views are quite transparent. 'This deeply flawed contention is largely responsible for liberalization of laws governing fel magic, and more alarmingly, driven observers to ignore differences between different sorts of magic." (Raintree, "Fel Magic Hasn't a place in Civilized Society."). You say 'flawed' but I say 'different'. To each their own, and perhaps my argument is drifting closer to the knowledgeable, and admittedly biased Professor Sputterspark's.

You call for there to be a distinguished view of the 'practice' not the practitioner, and to which I agree. If you look at Fel magics objectively, as a matter different from ALL practitioners you would have contend to several observations. Fel magics are corruptive, they are chaotic, and they are powerful. They have unified species, toppled metaphysical boundaries, and either evolved or devolved other species. They are magics. The same could be said of any and all magical forms. The Light, Druidism, Shamanism, Arcane are all capable of the exact same properties. I remind you that we are looking only at the magics themselves, not the usage of the practitioners. You claimed in your original article, "the casual ignorance of unique aspects of fel magic has been wholly detrimental to contemporary policy debates." (Raintree, "Fel Magic Hasn't a place in Civilized Society."). I ask, what is unique about the Fel? Does Druidic magic not grow life where there was none? Does the Arcane not alter the properties of reality? Does the Light not order and structure forcibly? I fail to see aspects of the Fel that cannot be found in other magical forms. Perhaps you, honored Warden, and esteemed professor Sputterspark would care to enlighten me in these aspects.

You claimed that the nature of the Fel is to corrupt, which is the replacement of essence with it's own. This is not unique. It is a source of power, and physically, just as water moves from a point of high energy, to lower, or down a waterfall into a pool, or from a damn to a stream, all manners of energy perform this. Fel magics are simply powerful, more so than most hence the more 'corruptive' nature. You claim the Fel corrupts with intent, yet how does a power source hold 'intent'?

I am drifting away from your preferred argument and I apologize. Where does Fel magic have place in society? The same place that fire, steel, and every other form of magic belongs. A tool. Nothing more. You tell your children to choose a supper knife, or a sword depending on the requirement at hand. You cannot tell a fire to not burn the home, only the meal, just as you cannot tell Fel magic to only corrupt your subjective 'enemies'. It is simply a power source which must be controlled more strongly than its arcane brother. We only view it as 'evil' and 'dark' because we associate it with the demonic Burning Legion. Enemies of all mortal races.

Do the Wardens of Darnassus eschew the bow simply because the Orcs use the same weapon? No, we use, as a society, the tool best suited for a purpose. The purpose of the Fel is subjective to the practitioner, and if you have no use for the practice, the society will cast out the practitioner as well. Even those who 'study objectively' must still practice in some form, however small, in which they would be forced to forsake their place in your society.

That very society would then be forced to contend with an extra-societal force equipped with an advantage society does not possess.

Druids of the Flame, Scarlet Crusade, Scourge, Twilight's Hammer.

All of these used magics not normally found within societal standards, (Save the Scarlet Crusade) and we, as both Alliance and Horde, struggled to fight these. Would you add Warlocks and Fel Magics to that list?

No, you would understand what you fought, and counter it, or apply it right back to your foe.

To the Stormwind Magus, Alieth Taldir, I ask what differs your magics from a Warlock? Why should we not execute all Magi who meddle with time, and risk the destruction of our timeway? Who tear the very fabric of reality on a far more frequent basis than Warlocks? Who open rifts to dangerous lands in our very homes?

What difference is there really? The answer, is the person wielding those magics.

Anonymous

Gerhilda lets out a horrified gasp as she finishes reading through the paper.

"Oh me stars! They removed the weekly comic strip to make room for this debate!"

THE STORMWIND HERALD

OPINION: What is Considered 'Grey' is Not Exempt from Debate

Polylogism is the belief that the argumentative framework of logic may take different forms. This ought not to be confused with mere clashes of perspectives and worldview, as these too are subject to rational debate - and in the crucible of which we may eventually conclude that one perspective follows more tightly, or has more sufficient basis than the other. Polylogism is rather that where A + B = C, it follows that A = C - B unless a cultural perspective or deeply-rooted belief says otherwise - in other words, sentiment rules all, and that all discussions are not to be evaluated on merits, but rather, through the disparate lenses of every worldview, no matter how extreme or insignificant, and that our eventual conclusion is that the existence of controversy itself makes the controversy impossible to be solved or in other terms, the matter of discussion is "grey".

In any application other than that of a political discussion, of course, polylogism is rare. Mathematics, the physical sciences, and indeed the magical sciences (just to name examples) are not divided into cultural categories, such would be considered absurd. If A + B = C, A = C - B, and this is true regardless of culture, upbringing, or personal sentiment. In most discussions, these factors are irrelevant, and I suspect the only reason why culture is considered as a reason at all is because, unlike the author of the piece I will below reference, I chose not to pen these opinions anonymously.

It is with this in mind that we turn our attention to Is it Black? or is it White? Perhaps grey?, a recent opinion article in this paper which seeks to (mostly) avoid this question by presenting the question as one that's impossible to solve due to cultural considerations. To this exercise in polylogism, I state the obvious in noting that fel magic has the same effects when used in Stormwind as they would if used in Darnassus. Given the sameness of these effects, the question is universal, and indeed, the examples previously raised have spanned the experience of multiple nations.

In discussing the arguments other contention, in the evaluation of other forms of magic (or tools in general), there is a question of the craft's uses. Druidic magic is used to preserve and regrow - not merely to sate the pleasures of the user. Expressions of divine will bring the graces of Elune to the injured and the lost - they do not merely sate the pleasures of the user. Arcane magic may be used in place of a crane, or of transportation - it does not merely sate the pleasures of the user. Fel magic accomplishes a need only where it mimics the effects of arcane magic or of offensive action in general - it has never shown to be more potent in these applications, it's sole draw is to bring pleasure to the user - and it is with that objective in mind that historically, fel-casters have sought to enhance their power through the victimization of innocents, leading up to attempts to usurp the whole society.

Historically, it is also observed that other forms of magic may be abused. The use of arcane for example led to the use of fel in the society of the highborne, but Eastern societies have demonstrated that the use of the arcane, when properly monitored and regulated does not itself render the collapse of society - it has been demonstrated as safer. By contrast, the widespread use of fel everywhere it has been tried has led to ruin, which has been observed at the end of Queen Azshara's reign, Prince Toltheldrin's reign, Prince Kael'thas's reign, the Guardianship of Medivh, the influence of Varimathras in the court of the forsaken, or the numerous iterations of Orcish dabbling with fel magics.

The calculation is thus simplified: We have method A which carries a given amount of risk but achieves a given amount of utility, or method B which carries a substantially greater risk and achieves the same amount (and type) of utility as method A. Given that A can achieve what B achieves and does so with less of a risk proposition, we may easily conclude that A is the superior option, and that we may walk away from B. In the case where B's risk is the probable collapse of society, we indeed must walk away from B.

Kyalin Raintree is a Warden of Darnassus, specializing in matters of trade and of parties foreign to Darnassus.

Seated at a table deep within the Conclave Archival Vault, the old gnome stretched a yawn. Ordering, repairing and refiling countless esoteric volumes can be rather mind numbing work, and today was no exception. Pushing himself from the table he leaned his chair backward letting it rest against the tabletop behind him. The current edition of the Herald caught his eye and so he pulled it closer.

He turned right to the opinion section, giving the open paper a bit of a pop as he straightened the page. He was eager to see if more people had chimed in on the discussion prompted by the esteemed Warden Raintree. To his delight there were more responses. After a long while reading and re-reading the various opines for clarification of content, the old gnome pinched the bridge of his nose between the eyes and rubbed, releasing a tired sigh.

Sims, Cail's superlatively intelligent mechanical squirrel companion, chirped a concern.
"No, Sims, I'm fine." Cail answered. "It's mentally straining at times attempting to follow the logic of others."

Sims chirped a question.
"Well, take Miss Raintree for instance. She brings up seemingly valid points and concerns, but then, it seems to me, she turns her own logic back on itself. Or perhaps more aptly put she suddenly jumps rails onto a different course at her convenience. Further attempts to clarify her method only serve to muddy the issue for me."

The old gnome folded the paper and casually tapped his knee in thought. He turned a scowl of bushy eyebrows to the sentient machine. "Perhaps it's been too long since I've been in a solid debate. I remember taking courses and learning such skills in my now distant youth, but the paths and methods she expresses seem so foreign." He tossed the paper back onto the table. "I'm just having a hard time understand her."

Sims beeped sardonically and Cail twisted a grin up to the ceiling as he relined. "Well that much is true. I'm not one for much debate. Perhaps its that her method is simply too complex for me to follow..." he gestured a hand as he spoke. "Which isn't her fault. Simply I'm too ignorant to grasp hold of her logic model."

Sims beeped ruefully.
"Yes.." Cail pondered. "Perhaps I will. Perhaps, for the sake of the debate, I will issue my own thoughts on the matter. What harm could come of it?"

Setting his chair upright he stood and smoothed down his more formal robes, having retired his fishing hat and gear for a while if for no other reason than to change his pace a bit.

"Sims, find me an ink well or if you can one of those nifty enchanted pens the magi use. The ones that don't run out of ink."

Sims stood to attention and chirped the affirmative.
"I'll also need some paper." He shuffled through the stacks of books on the table. "I can't see to find anything appropriate."

Sims chirped the affirmative.
"And while you're at it..."

Sims beeped at the gnome.
"Oh, come now. Just keep an eye out for my monocle. You know the one dearest Khromie gifted me. It seems to have gone missing."

THE STORMWIND DAILY HERALD

OPINION: The True Meat of the Argument
Professor Rakeri Sputterspark, D.Dem., D.Eng., D.Scr.

The anonymous opinion states what I have stated: The Warden has attempted to focus on the powers themselves, but I have argued more in favor of judging the practitioner, not the practice itself. That is the true meat of the argument, and what has resulted in certain powers having the reputation that they do in certain societies. The assertion of "whose society do you mean" also cuts straight to the point that perhaps I did not make very well - what works for one people does not necessarily apply to others. Fel magic has no place in Darnassian society, but Darnassian society does not represent all of Azeroth, any more than gnomish, or even human society does. Perhaps Stormwind rules the Alliance, but Stormwind's culture does not dominate it, as opposed to the stranglehold on cultures other than orcish practiced by the Horde.

I find myself, I confess, in a most indignant state. The reason for my current foul mood is the following paragraph from the initial article, "Fel Magic Hasn't a Place in Civilized Society", after listing "all that the fel is intended to do", which is to inflict pain and death, and to bring pleasure to the user:

Through the view of the object of self-perpetuation, the former acts to enable to the latter, be it by protecting the caster from larger society, or in the attainment of power and resources (such as living souls) for the purposes of the latter. It is in summary, an entirely hedonistic craft which demands ever-increasing levels of consumption. In times of peace, this consumption necessarily turns to predation, be it by isolated victimization or more frequently, in conspiracies aimed at replacing the regional government (the Burning Blade and the Shadow Council have provided us with complete case studies of this very problem). Agents of the Burning Legion, which of course use fel magic as a means of controlling its adherents, are never far away from the planning and execution of such attempts.

For someone who has emphasized time and again that she wishes a rational debate and does not wish to avoid fearmongering, this section here is incredibly inflammatory, and I condemn this assertion for the libelous bigotry that it is. In effect, if we are to follow this logic, we must always use our powers, and if we're not using them against enemies of the Alliance, we're going to use them against the Alliance itself, to feed on the life essence of innocents and topple governments, for no other reason than "because we have to" - and that by dint of this, we are tools of the Legion.

We are perfectly capable of maintaining discipline in peacetime, or else there would be no warlocks in the Alliance. Not all of us are so ashamed that we must hide in covens down in the basement, after all. I wish to point out that I hold two other specialties in addition to my powers: I am an engineer, as I have been even long before I was a warlock; and I am a scribe, a crafter of magical glyphs, tomes, and foci (wands, staves, so on). And at present, I am master of my own fortress, overseeing matters of construction, resource collection, and action against the Iron Horde and other threats on Draenor. I do not constantly use my powers, nor do I feel the necessity to; indeed, I am content to sit in my library, or catch up on some writing in my scribe's office. Case in point.

You have pointed out that I focus on the person making the argument rather than the argument itself. Given the slander you are attempting to perpetuate, you will understand why - and you will understand my indignance as a response. But your mind is made up, and you will push for your "rehabilitation" regardless of what I say. Just don't be all that surprised if no one wants to accept your proposal willingly.

I know I wouldn't.

Rakeri Sputterspark holds doctorates in demonology, engineering, and inscription from Gearshaft University and the Gnomeregan Institute of Tinkering, and is the current holder of the Fizzlebang Chair of Constructive Demonology at Gearshaft's New Tinkertown campus.

THE STORMWIND DAILY HERALD

Letters to the Editor:

In reply to Professor Sputterspark's latest production: The True Meat of the Argument, I would like to invite him to rejoin the discussion initiated rather than the discussion he wishes to have. I have addressed, with scientific and historical basis, the problem that fel magic presents to the viability of society. I would encourage him to desist from the inane posturing that his position has now become and return his attention to the points raised.

Warden Kyalin Raintree

THE STORMWIND HERALD

OPINION: Do Elves really deserve to live?

In reply to all the zany talk from a certain feisty elf warden, I think the question everyone is asking is this; Do you think she might need to get dropped down off a cliff? Surely, her talk of genocide of certain fel-loving peoples who know the ins-and-outs of using demonic magic to power their lamps.. Well, sure at first, it was giggle-worthy and might earn a spanking, but the more she talks, the more I'm starting to think she might go rogue and start randomly attacking people in the street! This menace needs to be put down before it even starts. I'm sure we all remember the last time an elf started sliding down the slippery slope. It was some angry person who lit himself on fire and decided to burn trees! The total opposite of a normal elf!! And look how that turned out! Soon many an adventurer was forced to bake meat pies just to appease his hunger, then while he was distracted boot him off a cliff!

No no no no no. I say we put this menace down now. BURN THE WITCH! BURN THE TREES!!

Yours, Ardam the playful Necromancer

THE STORMWIND DAILY HERALD

Letters to the Editor:

It is with some regret that Professor Sputterspark is declining to take up the debate as advocated by Warden Raintree, due to matters regarding the safety of Shadowgarde Keep. We have recently sustained an attempt at sabotage by agents of the Horde (as in, the one with trolls and blood elves and what not, not the Iron Horde), and the professor has elected to focus on the cleanup here before resuming the campaign here on Draenor.

Professor Sputterspark also wishes to state that he "will have nothing to do with one who wishes to start a war at home to satisfy her own bigotry, while those of us who truly wish to defend Azeroth do so on the battlefield instead of hiding in trees". This is verbatim; the professor wished it to be exact.

Nessa Steelspanner
Captain of the Shadowgarde Garrison

THE STORMWIND DAILY HERALD

OPINION: On Tribalism
Warden Kyalin Raintree

It is with regret that I have learned of the attack on Shadowgarde Keep in a recent letter to the editor of this newspaper, and Professor Sputterspark may rest assured that the watchers under my command have been authorized to render limited support in this matter if he should request it. However, I am also deeply disappointed to read the product of acts discreditable to Mr. Sputterspark's noble profession.

In any society, questions necessarily arise as to the proper actions that the society - be it through decrees of the sovereign or through spontaneous action on the part of the citizenry - must take. From questions of taxation to matters of acceptable behavior, spirited disagreement is common, expected, and of utility to the society. Debate permits us to evaluate ideas, and remove those that would be harmful to society from consideration after an evaluation of their merits relative to existing alternatives. However, it does require a measure of good faith from each party.

Beginning with an earlier article in this newspaper - Fel Magic Hasn't a Place in Civilized Society - I have made the simple case that a civilized society should reduce the use of fel magic as much as possible. In summary, the argument is of three parts:

1. The statement of the problem: That fel magic by nature is designed for nothing but self-perpetuation and the eventual usurpation of society to the detriment of the populace. The support for this assertion is demonstrated by historical events - from the War of the Ancients to the present actions of the Shadow Council in Draenor.
2. The address of practical considerations: With the exception of a limited situation brought up by the professor which highlights the need for a small group of fel researchers and scientists (as opposed to widespread use, which still lacks basis), I have asserted that fel magic offers no incremental utility over safer alternatives.
3. The solution itself: To seek nonviolent methods of redirecting the activities of warlocks to more productive activities - and to eliminate the effects of fel addiction.

The structure and form of the argument is simple, yet specific. I have left no room for the present confusion with respect to the third piece, and the elements of the first and second piece have yet to see substantive attack from any party - with exception given to the need to address the specific crisis enumerated in the summary of the second piece.

However, this debate has not taken the form we would expect from the hollowed sites of scholastic pursuits and research the Professor purports to represent. In such a venue, the persistent insistence of one party to attempt to restate the other party's contentions for them would be pointed out as a logical defect and that line of reasoning would be discarded. In this present discussion however, rather than employing the concept of rational debate, the Professor has resorted to the instrument of its decay: pure, unbridled tribalism - which brings us to a larger debate of its influence.

Under the wings of this scourge, mundane policy prescriptions are illogically transmogrified into life and death struggles between diametrically opposed foes. The proposal of a tax reduction, for example, is regarded, not by way of sober analysis of its competing impacts on the private economy and on the revenue of the state, but as the insidious effort of monied classes' to harm the station of the working class. It is in this manner that, as we have observed, a specific proposal of nonviolent rehabilitation is miraculously recast as an attempt "to start a war at home to satisfy bigotry".

Such tribalism is the result of an intellectual cowardice which hides from rational discussion as a mole hides from sunlight out of fear of defeat in that arena of ideas. It has plagued the societal mechanics of disagreement, and rendered many of its participants silent out of fear that their contentions too will be mutilated in what we cannot call a debate, but a snarling contest where an opposing viewpoint is not just an opposing viewpoint, but the work of a hated enemy.

In the context of the present debate, I would encourage the Professor to abandon tribalism, and face the controversy head on. If he cannot or will not adopt such a stand, then it is only sorely disappointing that a man who is to represent the very highest of intellectual curiosity would instead hide behind this shield of the intellectually timid. It is a disappointment which the venerable Gearshaft University may also wish to examine in the near future.

Kyalin Raintree is a Warden of Darnassus, specializing in matters of trade and of parties foreign to Darnassus.

THE STORMWIND DAILY HERALD

OPINION: Are Warden's necessary?
Anonymous concerned citizen #4-D

I have attached clippings of your latest article, and while I laud your public unbiased concern for the well being of Professor Sputterspark, I have several questions about logic that you seem to be using in your arguments. The first clipping is as follows:

01/02/2015 03:22 PMPosted by Kyalin

1. The statement of the problem: That fel magic by nature is designed for nothing but self-perpetuation and the eventual usurpation of society to the detriment of the populace. The support for this assertion is demonstrated by historical events - from the War of the Ancients to the present actions of the Shadow Council in Draenor.

Why is Fel magic the only magic by nature to do this? Is not druidic magics designed for the widespread continuation and self-perpetuation of flora and/or fauna into existence even if the species are invasive and possibly threatening to the native wildlife? I've heard many stories of the recently discovered Draenor, and how some mountainous region is overgrown using druidic magic and rendering species as little more than hosts to parasitic spores. Does the Light not affect the souls of the Undead and living? Depending on the populace, say, of Undercity, would this magic not be needed in their society? You'd be correct, but it's acceptable in other societies, regardless.

I do believe the articles and books I've read about the War of the Ancients from Kal'dorei scripts detail the profound addiction to the Arcane, not the Fel, that drove the Highborne into madness, and well...blew up the world. And again, when Illidan Stormrage created a second Well of Eternity... I would argue that the Arcane, with it's widespread use and lack of any sort of oversight is far more detrimental. The population disparity between Magi and Warlocks seems to point to the 'small and manageable' as oppose to 'widespread usage' you claim.

The second clipping of your article, (By the way, I'm a huge fan, can you send me an autograph!?)

01/02/2015 03:22 PMPosted by Kyalin

2. The address of practical considerations: With the exception of a limited situation brought up by the professor which highlights the need for a small group of fel researchers and scientists (as opposed to widespread use, which still lacks basis), I have asserted that fel magic offers no incremental utility over safer alternatives.

Magi and the Bronze dragonflight seem to be the only persons capable of knowing the future (Equally scary seeing as the reality bending ramifications of meddling with time...). I ask why look at the threat of Fel used against you as a singular, easily blown off circumstance. I had family sick with...whatever sickness was in Westfall, so I was glad something out there could work! Yet you call only for small group of Fel researchers. What are the sanctioned Warlocks of King Varian if not that? They number few, and have obviously proven loyalty and control. If you're referring to the 'widespread usage of Fel' by criminals, then don't those criminals already exist outside the bounds of society by being...well...criminals? I can see a Magi of the Crown doing far more damage to the city by meddling with time, reality, and spatial meta-physics than anything a Warlock can do.

My final clipping, (No seriously, please? Autograph?)

01/02/2015 03:22 PMPosted by Kyalin

3. The solution itself: To seek nonviolent methods of redirecting the activities of warlocks to more productive activities - and to eliminate the effects of fel addiction.

You mean lock them up? Give them libraries? Hide them away without violence? I am very confused about what nonviolent means you suggest. What more productive activities do you mean? Mass producing healthstones for the general public? Those seem handy. Little strange to look at from what I hear. As for the addiction part, I doubt you could say that anything in excessive amounts can become addicting. (Like making homemade trading cards of Wardens and Knights!)

My final point here is that you could theoretically call for any manner of situation based subject to have no place in society. Why we do have Wardens? Druids are far more effective, and can accomplish the same task in a more naturally friendly, and societal-progressing manner. Wardens can do nothing but propagate the bristly, antagonistic view of Darnassian culture, so they have no place in society. They serve only one purpose, to slay anyone who dares threaten Kal'dorei culture or lives. This is small, and insignificant in societal issues, therefore, we can better allocate those resources by creating a small advisory group to study warfare, and inform the druids. The Wardens should peacefully lay down their arms, and resign to the study of druidism or become artisans or manufacturers.