World of Warcraft®

War is a fact of life, all creatures do it for reasons big or small and it is seen as the natural order. Be it for food or overpopulation they war, they kill, they move on but once you add the factor of intelligence in you unlock a great folly - the ability to perpetrate atrocities.

Deep in the bowls of the Undercity the apothecaries toiled endlessly in their search for bigger and better things, many of which the shadows whispered were plagues. In their search they thought themselves wise to keep humans and others of the alliance to test upon time and again. Once a new batch was used up another arrived, such was the way of things since their first days.

The disruptions were small at first...a noise distracting them, a beaker being knocked over while they were looking away. They slowly grew more eventually drawing attention to the room with the prisoners, discovered within were a pair of undead and the entire number of prisoners lying dead in their cages.

Quite a peculiar night, really.

The Forsaken pair had been banging around the Apothecary for an hour or more, making nuisances of themselves. One was newly raised, the other...an AAMS courier. Of course.

One helped up an apothecary where he had fallen to the floor, the other stood in the corner and whispered at nothing.

One talked of lost Diamonds, the other turned in circles trying to grab its back.

One complained of a hurting head, the other squished around in said head until it claimed it had pried the Diamond out of its corner.

One of them repeatedly cast spells of Arcane Explosion, the other stood up front of the guard and made faces.

Not that the guards cared about any of their antics; newly-raised Forsaken were not known for their intelligence. And as for the AAMS courier...of course.

But there WAS one act that worried the apothecaries, if not the Kor'kron standing watch. Apparently, someone had killed half the prisoners used for experimentation.

There was nothing to show who did it...except the newly raised Forsaken...and an AAMS courier.

Of course.

((Sorry Kord, I'm just too tired to post this atm. I can barely stay awake, much less write up some RP from memory. >.< Promise I'll get it posted soon, though!))

(Righto Vectus! Post when you get a chance :) in the meantime Info for Ti folks, small explosion inside the keep, no real damage or real idea how it got there. (blame the gnomes))

((Hey! I resemble that remark!))

((*Always* blame the gnomes... ))

*scampers away from the angered wee folk*

Responding to word of RAS slaves being murdered within the Undercity, Vectus and Fernand Argustus scoured the nearby countryside searching for signs of the assailant. It was not long before their search led them to a small clearing in the forest, where an elven warrior sat on a drake next to a circle of fungi, observing the local fey creatures.

Vectus paused briefly to study the Blood Elf. It was no one he immediately recognized. Although conspicuously out of place, it was highly unlikely that he was their target. He turned his attention elsewhere to continue the search.

Just as he turned, however, his eye caught the telltale glimmer of a weapon reflecting moonlight. Reflexively and almost without thinking, he drew the shadows in around him and stepped through. The briefest of moments was all he needed to identify his target. It was a human rogue, and he had been caught completely off guard. Two quick strikes and the rogue fell to his knees. A third and he collapsed.

Vectus laughed to himself. He had not expected it to be this easy.

"What the... ?" The warrior shifted uncomfortably on his drake, obviously unsettled by these events. "That was... unexpected." He paused. "You lot were done fighting before I even saw you."

"As is often the case." Vectus grinned. "Many such fights are won before weapons are drawn." At this point he was sure the warrior continued to talk, but he was far too busy examining the unconscious rogue to pay him any mind.

Argustus called to him from above. "Have you found anything?"

"Yes, I believe so." Vectus replied, signaling the mage to land. "And I've taken care of him already."

The warrior looked somewhat annoyed. "So you found who you were looking for, I take it?" Vectus got the distinct impression that their incursion was most unwelcomed by this elf, and that he looked forward to their departure.

"We cannot be certain." Argustus answered. "Although I have met this one before. Kordrion, I believe. We conversed briefly at this same location."

"We were were told of an assault upon some slaves held by the RAS." Vectus added. "It was done covertly--this rogue is likely the culprit." He poked and prodded the unconscious rogue. "I think its still alive."

"I have no oil on my person or I would dispose of the body with a pyre." Argustus turned to Vectus and began channeling a portal spell to the Sanctum of the Modas il Toralar. "Hurry and do away with him if you would. Let us be on our way."

Vectus sighed. "Oh come now, Fernand. Must we leave so soon?" He laughed and his mouth twisted into a sadistic grin. He knew the mage did not look favorably upon his hobbies, and likely considered them little more than an unnecessary waste of time. He prodded the rogue again, and his facial muscles twitched slightly in discomfort. "I'm almost certain he's still alive, and I haven't had my fun yet."

The warrior interjected. "I doubt he would last very long out here anyway, what with your poisons and the hostile environment."

"What?" Vectus had almost forgotten the warrior's presence. "Oh, right. Yes, I suppose so. Still..."

Argustus replied flatly. "I suppose we could take him to the apothecaries to have him identified. Let us not waste time."

Vectus shrugged, threw the unconscious rogue over his shoulder, and stepped through the newly formed portal. Argustus quickly joined him on the other side.

"Oh, Fernand, should we have left like that? Terribly rude to leave that warrior sitting there without saying anything, don't you think?"

"I doubt he would complain. He seemed to enjoy his solitude."

Back in the dungeons of the Sanctum, Vectus examined the rogue more closely. "Oh... this is shaping up to be rather interesting. Kordrion, you said his name was? Yes, now I remember where I've heard that name. I have seen this man associating with that new faction up in Aerie Peak." He paused for a moment, trying to recall the name. "Terra... Something-or-other?"

Argustus kneeled over the body and attempted to check his vital signs. "Ever since undeath I've never quite gotten the hang of this..."

The rogue shifted uncomfortably and let out a light groan.

"Oh, so he is alive after all," Vectus said. "But in critical condition. I doubt he would survive much more trauma."

Argustus frowned tightly. "Unfortunate for the poor sod. No doubt he would have preferred death to the fate that awaits him."

"Hmm..." Vectus rummaged through his bags. "I have a potion injector here somewhere. A small dose should be enough to keep him from dying on us..."

"Do we need him alive?"

"Well, I am certain he will die eventually, but not before I want him to." He gave a sardonic smile as he located the potion injector. "And besides, I'm sure he'll be of use to us in one way or another."

"Master Vectus... I am aware you have quite the flair for the dramatic, but is this truely necessary? Just finish him off and let us be done with it."

"Oh Fernand, where is your sense of humor? Can't I have my fun?"

Argustus sighed.

Vectus readied the injector and inserted the syringe into the rogue's chest. "He will likely try to resist, but he shouldn't have enough strength to put up too much of a--"

And then, the unexpected happened.

Reflexively, Argustus encased himself in a 4-foot thick block of ice. Vectus leapt backward and fell to the ground, narrowly avoiding an attack. A deafening roar echoed throughout the hall, and within seconds the prisoner was escaping with Argustus hot on his heels. Vectus stood dumbfounded for a moment, and looked around trying to make sense of what he just saw.

Argustus called to him. A moment later, the pair found themselves outside, the prisoner nowhere in sight.

"Damn it, he slipped through my incantation!" Argustus cursed.

"Did you... did you see that?" Vectus scratched his head.

"Yes, I did." Argustus replied. "Troubling. This is..." He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Unusual. A dragon, meddeling in the affairs of the Forsaken?"

"Oh, my." Vectus laughed. The full reality of the situation had not yet hit him. "A dragon?! And here I thought we had caught just another pathetic human."

"Perhaps we simply captured the wrong individual. I think it is far more likely that this is simply a case of mistaken identity. That dragon could not possibly be this human from Aerie Peak."

"But are we certain it was a dragon?" Vectus pondered, still scratching his head. "I mean, I've fought dragons before, and he certainly did not seem like much of a dragon to me. I doubt a dragon would have fallen so easily, even if caught unprepared... and yes, I am entirely certain that was the same rogue I encountered at the Stronghold."

"Well, we have a location for his home. It is likely he headed there. It would not be a great deal of effort to catch the sod unawares--after all, he is still in poor condition."

Vectus looked puzzled, still reeling from the recent events. "We do?"

"The Wildhammer compound, yes?" Argustus frowned at him with a look of mild concern.

"Oh... right. Yes. Of course." And then it hit him. "Oh, Fel. What have I done?! We should pursue immediately. He has seen the Sanctum--leaving him alive is too great a risk."

Argustus nodded. "Agreed. Even a vague idea of one of the entrances would be... unfortunate."

It wasn't long before they reached the peak. As they neared, Vectus recognized a familiar figure standing just outside the treeline. "...Is that not the same elf we ran into at the woods?"

"Indeed it is," said Argustus. He approached the warrior slowly. "Odd that we cross paths again. May I ask what your business is here?"

The warrior squared his shoulders at the voice, answering mildly. "Agreed. Interesting places to keep running into you."

Argustus cautioned him. "I suggest you leave now, Sir. This will not be a pleasant locale for your meditations in the very near future."

Vectus laughed to himself, and then added: "Yeah, I'd listen to him. He has a certain way of understating things."

The warrior did not look back, but replied with his voice listing to a bored tone. "Ah, dear... try to not cause too much trouble, yes? I think I still have family near here. All the quieter high places keep seeming so problematic, tch."

Argustus continued. "Furthermore, we will not consider the possibility that you are in league with the ... shapeshifting human, for want of a better term."

"...Shapeshifting? Not too outlandish, I suppose. Know a couple mages that... wait." The warrior paused briefly. "Bad place to natter away. I believe I shall... scoot out of your ways." He gave a nod and distanced himself from the pair.

Vectus turned to Argustus. "Best we keep to the shadows. I'll scout the keep. Alert me if you need my assistance."

"Certainly." The mage readied an invisibility spell.

----------

Vectus had been here before, scouting out the place and attempting to spy on their gatherings in hopes of learning useful information about their new enemies. It did not take him long to search the place thoroughly.

He returned to Argustus outside of the keep. "Empty. At least, the commons are. No sign of the rogue, and I doubt he could hide from me in his condition."

"Obviously, then, the quickest way to uncover our friend would be to burn this place to the ground."

"That would not be wise." Vectus shook his head. "As I said, the commons may be empty but there are undoubtedly many of his comrades in the residential quarters. Such a brash attack would be foolhardy at best."

Argustus nodded in deference. "Very well, I shall yield to your expert opinion, Master Assassin. However, I suggest we leave a parting gift to deter these individuals from attracting our attentions in the future."

"Oh? What did you have in mind?" Vectus raised an eyebrow.

"Releasing the Cold Fire Fever, of course. The lack of ventilation in their little bolt hole of a dwelling should prove quite efficient in infecting those unfortunate enough to be down there."

"Yes, I suppose so. But what of the rogue? He is our primary concern. If he spreads word of the Sanctum's location, it will be on *my* head."

Argustus didn't seem to care. "We have little option at this point. You co-ordinate the drop off. I shall attempt to attract our dragon's attention in the interim."

Vectus sighed in exasperation. "Very well, let us hope this plan of yours works."

As Vectus entered the Stronghold once more, he heard the sound of screams and magical incantations behind him, followed by Argustus shouting into the night. "Dragon! You have no right to interfere with the political affairs of the Forsaken! These dwarves shall pay the price of your arrogance!"

Vectus silently made his way to an open, secluded area and began tinkering with a small explosive device. "Damn it! Damn it all to Fel!" He muttered under his breath. "Why did this all get out of hand so quickly?"

As he finished setting the explosive device and primed the trigger, he withdrew two vials of the light-resistant Cold Fire Fever from a pouch and placed them inside. "That should do it."

Just as he finished, he heard a whisper through the hearthstone. "Ah, Vectus... You may wish to hurry. The dragon is likely in there with you."

Vectus closed his eyes. With a faint puff he faded away into whisps of smoke and shadow, reappearing outside next to the mage. "The device is set."

"Excellent." The mage began opening a portal. "Trigger it, and let us be on our way."

Vectus nodded, pressing a button. A soft rumble was heard within the keep. "That should at least buy us some time."

Argustus finished his portal and stepped towards it. "I suggest we leave quickly. They will not be pleased."

Later, in the Sanctum...

Argustus frowned tightly. "We did not see the human there. Is it possible we were mistaken?"

"No, I am quite certain of it. I have spoken to him on two occasions."

"Good. Although I cannot say I am concerned for the health of those dwarves, I would much prefer to consider our chances of removing the human as moderate."

There was a momentary pause. The two knew what was coming next, but neither wanted to say it. Finally, Argustus spoke. "...We shall need to tell Lord V'Ghera of our...security mishap."

Vectus grit his teeth. "Yes... Better sooner rather than later."

"I am sure he will welcome the challenge." Argustus smiled primly. "Anything to see our forces put into action."

Vectus sighed and shook his head at Argustus' feeble attempt to offer a positive outlook on the situation. They both knew this wasn't going to go over well.

Shifting his weight slightly in an attempt to alleviate the pain in his back Kordrion glanced up at the rubble being swept away. He was positive this was the work of the modas who had beat him back to the keep but to what purpose he wasn't sure. His ruminations were interrupted by a dwarf making his way over to him to hand off a report of the damage, thankfully minimal.

If the situation had been much less serious he would have been tempted to laugh at the timing of all the events as they played out. No sooner had Olarius arrived in his vision and he had taken to the shadows then the mage Argustus and the rogue Vectus had shown up apparently looking for him. The rogue had caught him unawares when he questioned the warrior irritably from the shadows dropping him to unconsciousness before he could respond. As his consciousness slowly returned Kord had cracked his eyes slightly to glance around hopefully sorting out where he was before dropping them closed again attempting to marshal his thoughts.

A sudden sharp jab in his chest had brought him fully around giving him the boost of energy needed to shift forms to that of the stone drake and take advantage of the shock to escape. Though the potion Vectus had given him had done much to stop the bleeding and bring him farther from death's door his body had still protested the shift and subsequent flight from the dungeons. By the time he made it back to the peak he was dismayed to see the warrior's drake settled down below. With a quiet grunt he carefully made his way to the giant cannon on the roof scanning diligently for the modas he was sure would be not far behind.

The warrior had finally taken to the air leaving him to make the slow descent down towards the entrance of the keep till a sharp hiss from behind startled him sending him back into the air and to the mountains across from the keep. The rest of the night slowly faded into a blur between blood loss and exhaustion marked only by the realization of what it was he had seen followed closely by the realization of what it meant. The quiet thump of the explosive going off had caught his attention drawing him back to the keep and returning to where he found himself presently.

What a terrible night.

All he was trying to do was find quiet places well away from the rest of the world to clear his mind. Instead, every high and lonely place he went to, someone was there. Often multiple someones, and even fighting. Blood across the grass ruined the calm of trying to watch the fairy dragons at his first pick.

Hearthglen was no solace, after spending a while stalking rooftops and the peaks that ringed the city.

Eventually he even tried Aerie Peak - how likely was he going to run into someone who would bother him in a place like that? Enemy territory, pleasantly high in the mountains, surrounded by gryphons. So long as he did not tick the dwarves off, it was perfect. Unfortunately, not even a minute after landing, there they were again. The same two fellows, looking for the same person they had caught once already, and one of them even going so far to imply that the Sin'dorei warrior's odd choices of places to stay may be no coincidence.

How rude.

Only fair, then, that he spook away the fellow they were chasing, dropping down right behind him as he slowly inched his way to the Keep. They frustrate his quiet night, he would frustrate their immediate efforts in return with a small show of amusing, relatively harmless, vindictive payback.

Hyjal, ultimately, turned out to be a much nicer, quieter place in the end, anyway.

The explosion startled her awake, and startling like that made Erelyn's head hurt even more. Groaning, she rolled slightly and peered over at the bunk beside her. For a moment, she was frantic -- Lahkin was gone. Again.

Plaintively, she called out, "Lahkin? Arlston? ...Someone? I think the yearlings are in the ale again." She might have gotten up to check the gryphons herself, but the fact that her head had been cleaved open two nights before meant limited mobility for her -- a fact that Erelyn hated ... a lot. Her eyelids drooped as the resurrection sickness took its toll, allowing exhaustion to slide over her body. She remembered then, just barely, that Kord had stormed out earlier in a heap of anger. She'd asked Jon to follow him, keep him out of trouble ... but he'd slipped away with the dragon spirit's help and the younger Harmarth wasn't able to follow.

Kord had promised, though. He wouldn't go seeking vengeance on her behalf. Light, she thought, please, no more hatred. She relaxed into the exhaustion and drifted towards unconsciousness. As she did, Erelyn invoked the light, praying to her beloved Naaru. She hoped they would hear her and sing their songs of restoration and strength.

Cocooned in the darkness of the Wildhammer Keep, Erelyn's body became a beacon of faint silver-white light as she slept. The Naaru had heard her call; A'dal and O'ros both sang. As they did, V'eru whispered inside her head: Little diamond in the rough, your troubles will not pass easily. Listen, girl, to those whom love you. Listen, observe. Learn.

Prevail.

Disease: Cold Fire Fever

Causative agent: Treponema rattus strain 88-5

Storage / designation: Sanctum, Basement level 6, C-west, freezer No. 4; - 80 degrees Centigrade

Biosafety level: Personal Containment stage 4

Isolation source: Black rat, Alterac Mountains, City of Alterac

Growth conditions: Whole blood nutrient broth, 37 degrees Centigrade, aerobic / shaking

Symptoms: Inflammation in the upper and lower respiratory tracts / chronic deep-throated coughing / fever / bronchial pneumonia / tissue damage and mild haemorrhaging / respiratory failure / death

Mode of transmission: Airborne

Brief history: Cold Fire Fever (CFF) is an ancient disease autochthonous to the northern Hillsbrad, Alterac Mountains and surrounding regions. It is a zoonotic pathos, with the black rat acting as the natural host reservoir. Disease outbreaks typically occur in urban environments under unhygienic conditions that favour an increase in rat population density. T. rattus is excreted in rat faeces. Inhalation of the pathos can result in infection and development of CFF. A signature symptom of CFF is a tendency for the patient's fever and body temperature to alternate between dramatic increases and decreases, sometimes within a matter of hours. This shifting body temperature gave rise to the term Cold Fire Fever.

Additional notes: T. rattus strain 88-5 has been continuously subcultured in the presence of Light energy to develop resistance. Displays resistance to healing and disease removal via Light-based spells.

((I love it when you talk science))

(( Getting some questions about the CFF. It's basically like bubonic plague (Yersinia pestis) but more the respiratory phase. This has been weaponised, so anyone caught in the initial release would have rapid onset of symptoms. They'd be highly contagious, but others who catch it will take longer to contract symptoms. It's resistant to the Light, but priests/pallies can still heal it - it just puts up a fight before simply being dispelled.

Pets (and puppies) should be fine :P ))

CITIZENS OF STORMWIND

This is an official public health notice.

There is a possibilty that the Cold Fire Fever virus has been accidentally carried into the city by some travelers from the north. Although a serious illness, it is treatable with prompt action. If you or anyone you have been in close contact with is exhibiting the following symptoms, please report to the Cathedral for examination and further instructions. Encourage anyone you know with these symptoms to report as well.

Cold Fire Fever Symptoms:

Severe and constant cough
Alternating fever and chills
Difficulty breathing

This disease is contagious and can result in serious, even life-threatening complications if left untreated. Receiving immediate treatment is important to a successful recovery.

The cooperation of all citizens and visitors in this matter is greatly appreciated.

- posted by order of Lieutenant Commander Orwyn of the Stormwind Watch

Gentyl received the notice for all Pia members to evacuate Stormwind as soon as possible and retreat to Hearthglen. She feared as much. There was not information on the plague yet, but it was entirely possible it had been sent via the crates of body parts delivered to Abon. Anyone who had been near them needed to be quarantined.

Arlston had spent the days since the attack on the Peak on patrol and recon. Running continuous surveillance for signs of further Modas activity. He had not been back in any town or city save Stormwind for one brief visit to Suni, preferring small makeshift camps.

Leaning up against a tree in Tirifal, looking at the Undercity through his spyglass, with his inkwell, quill, and notebook open next to him, and his impassive eye on the city, he barely noticed the slight cough that escaped his throat every so often...

He probably shouldn't have gone out, but being cooped up was starting to get on his nerves. The confectioner was just down the road and Kord was positive he knew what would raise everyone's spirits a bit.

Come morning everyone stuck on the galleon found themselves in possession of some sort of sweet and a note announcing fresh coffee, tea and stout.