Know Your Rogue Lore: Lilian Voss

As a newly arisen Forsaken you encounter a young woman by the name of Lilian Voss. Like you she has recently been resurrected into the life of the walking undead, however she is not adjusting well. The Forsaken have a fairly simple philosophy about the recently awakened, you either serve Sylvanas or you die permanently. They give you the illusion of choice but that is the sum of your options. They will grant you some time to come to grips with this if they feel there is potential for you to come around to their way of thinking. It is this "give her time" path that is left open for Lilian and leads to all sorts of interesting encounters.

Lilian Voss is no ordinary corpse. To be perfectly honest she doesn't really have a classification other than "undead" but there are a few things that lead me to place her in the "rogue" family, not the least of which being that when she first runs off you find her hiding out behind the rogue trainer or displaying our trade mark skill "stealth".  A Scarlet Crusader in life, her father is an area ranking priest who groomed her to be a weapon against the undead. Unfortunately with her recent transformation her usefulness to him has reached its end. Lilian finds herself torn between the life she once lead and one she now finds herself presented with.

The Scarlet Crusade is very aware of what Lilian is capable of. When Lilian attempts to contact her father, thinking he will protect her, she instead discovers that despite who she was in life,  the Scarlet Crusade holds true to its ideals. Her Father orders her execution at the hands of her one time friend. Declared a "witch" along with all the usual foul names they bestow upon the Forsaken, she escapes, bewildered and enraged.

It is when faced with second death that Lilian's true nature emerges. Lilian's education while living was very well rounded. Not only was she trained in the traditional assassin arts of stealth, weaponry, and martial arts but also sorcery.  When you first stumble across some of Lilian's handy work it is the evidence of this added element that grabs your attention. All of Lilian's kills glow with purple fire. The Forsaken generally prefer that corpses remain in one piece, (spare body parts or future Forsaken you understand) so this could be a problem. However Lilian demonstrates that while this is her preferred method of disposing of people, she can show profound creativity, as displayed with Captain Sanders, who she suspends by one foot at the outskirts of his camp.

When you encounter Lilian for the final time at Captain Sander's corpse she lets you know that she could easily dispose of you just as she has all the others but instead she is going to allow you to help her obtain her revenge. Her father High Priest Voss, is hiding surrounded by flunkies in his tower to the west of Scarlet Monastery. For creating a killer, rejecting her in her hour of need, then ordering her death, Voss must now reap the rewards. You need only to escort Lilian there. As a rogue this is of course incredibly easy, you can both stealth by every thing, however as any other class you will also find it rather simple as Lilian will quickly dispatch the Scarlet Guards in the area. (It reminded me a bit of the scene in Blind where the Rogue was entering Stormwind Keep, not quite that quick but impressive for a level 10.) Once you get to the tower don't let Lilian out of your sight because she quickly gets to the matter at hand, confronting her Father, if you blink, you will miss it.

After delivering her final embrace Lilian disappears, but her mark remains on those who have encountered her. As High Executor Derrington remarks "With power like hers, we could do incredible things." Lets explore that for a moment. The Deathstalkers are in shambles after Varimathras' betrayal of Sylvanas, many question their loyalty, constantly looking over their shoulders. Now lets say they manged to bring into their ranks a recruit like Lilian and adopted her methods? Sylvanas right now is fighting a war on two fronts not just literally with the Alliance but also within the Horde and their perceptions of  the Forsaken. At the moment she is winning the physical war as she bolsters her troop numbers from the deceased, making the Horde despite themselves dependent on her.  If Sylvanas can also rebuild her feared Assassins into something even MORE than they were before...the Hour of the Forsaken could indeed be at hand.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Maiev Shadowsong

From time to time I get requests to cover specific Rogues sooner rather than later. Some are expected, and others take me by surprise. Today's was one of those. When Jadzea asked me to discuss Maiev I could not understand how she thought she was a rogue. Jad's response? "Well, WowWiki lists her as one of its notable Rogues." Sure enough, she was right. Unlike Brann where I could easily understand the confusion, Warden Maiev Shadowsong is commonly called "The Huntress"....WHY would WowWiki ever consider her a Rogue? Lets see if we can figure out this mystery.

If you have not played the original Warcraft III game or read the War of the Ancients Trilogy, Maiev Shadowsong may be a complete stranger to you. So lets take this time to go over who she is, and what role she has played in the history of the Night Elves, Azeroth and even Outland.

Originally Maiev was little more than a young, somewhat ambitious priestess of Elune. As the oldest daughter of a minor night elf family she has a perfectionist personality. Easily seeing the faults in everyone around her, she often alienated those closest to her, including her younger bother Jarod, with her "I know best" black and white thinking.  By displaying superb organizational and leadership abilities she earned a position of assistant to the High Priestess of Elune. When the Burning Legion began it's invasion Maiev joined those of the Sisterhood who decided to participate more directly by taking up arms. The newly formed Sentinels were a good fit for her as she displayed a talent with blades and tracking. 

Unfortunately for Maiev she forgot that she worked for a "Goddess" not just a governmental organization. It didn't matter how great her abilities were if her heart was not on serving her Goddess, but rather herself. When the High Priestess announced that "country bumpkin" Tyrande Whisperwind would be the new High Priestess Maiev was incensed. Things reached a head when Maiev attempted to undermine the the succession. However she discovered you just can't argue with the direct intervention of Elune. Eventually circumstances handed her the title for a short time during Tyrande's imprisonment at the hands of Queen Azshara, grudging Maiev realized that Tyrande's effortless communication with Elune and selfless devotion was really what is needed. This didn't mean that she liked it.

It further galled her when she was bestowed with the position of  Tyrande's second in command. Now not only did she have to see the position she had always coveted for herself go to someone she couldn't stand, she has to serve that individual PERSONALLY on a daily basis. As far as Maiev is concerned how much worse could it get? As she would soon discover, much worse.

Following the finally battle at Mount Hyjal Maiev was part of the leadership delegation that headed to the summit in search of fresh water. The earlier sighting of a lake had risen hope of a sufficient supply for the survivors.  What they find is that Illidan has turned the once pristine lake into another Well of Eternity and killed all but two of those who tried to stop him. One of these happened to be Maiev's only surviving relative, her younger brother Jarod, by now an acknowledged war hero.

This is a turning point for Maiev. Once she is reassured that Jarod was only injured and not dead her focus turns COMPLETELY to Illidan. Maiev wants him to pay for all that he has done. While she states it is for his crimes against the Night Elf people, the reality is all her personal rage, disillusionment, disappointment and frustration of the past months now have an outlet and Illidan has becomes its acceptable focus. Maiev petitions Malfurion to become Illidan's jailer. Abandoning her hated position as Tyrande's Handmaiden.

Over the next 10,000 years Maiev creates a personally selected organization called the "Watchers". Like the Sentinels its members were made up former Sisters of Elune. She forms a high security prison in Barrow Deeps, the ancient cave system beneath Mount Hyjal, here they could safely lock away not only Illidan but many other dangerous creatures. With the help of  Malfurion, Maiev is able to gain the cooperation of some of Cenarius' offspring as well as some Wildkin to act as additional guardians. By making it their home as well as major base of operations, all of the Watchers could be on hand for continuous training, as well as instantly available when called for. Eventually the Watchers would earn a reputation as the elite Assassins and Bounty Hunters within Night Elf society. Perhaps it is this that leads to Maiev's inclusion on the "Rogue" list.

Even among the Watchers, (as few as there were) some stood out. It was Malfurion who first bestowed the title of "Warden" on Maiev and she then granted it to a select few under her amongst the Watchers.  This title has come to represent the best of the jailers and Marshals. Those who display the combination of extraordinary skill and personal drive. Those who played Warcraft III may even recall a certain ability that Wardens had which we Rogues receive at level 80. Fan of Knives. Perhaps this is another reason why Maiev ended up on the Rogue list. Their Blink ability is also not THAT dissimilar to the modern Shadowstep.

So things are going fairly well for Maiev up until this point. She doesn't have to deal directly with Tyrande. She can just hang out in Barrow Deep with friends. Sure the scenery isn't the greatest but the temperature is consistent and the rest of the Watchers really only answer to her.

Then the Burning Legion return just as Illidan had predicted. While Malfurion and Tyrande hadn't really FORGOTTEN about Illidan, he hasn't been at the forefront of their minds for the last 10,000 years. Malfurion has been off taking an extended nap and Tyrande has been trying to rebuild the Night Elf people. When they DO remember the troublesome twin Tyrande wants to release Illidan to help but Malfurion doesn't agree, forbidding it. (NEVER try to tell a woman what to do when you have left her to do nothing but clean up for 10,000 years while you snoozed....) Furious Tyrande parts from Malfurion and heads to Barrow Deep. She then proceeds to SLAUGHTER the Watchers in Barrow Deep defying  Maiev, and freeing Illidan.

Maiev is devastated and enraged. Not only has her sole purpose in life been violated (guarding over Illidan) but her friends and really what has become her family have all been heartlessly murdered by the individual who is SUPPOSE to be the leader of her people. The SAME person who she lost the only position she ever wanted in life to. For the rest of Maiev's life her only goal is to capture and return Illidan to Barrow Deep, she will now begin what many call her "Huntress" period.

Maiev, along with her second in command Naisha and what few Watchers managed to survive Tyrande track Illidan across Kalimdor, always close but never managing to corner him. Upon reaching the coast they encounter the Naga for the first time, revealing them to be allies of Illidan. It is actually Maiev who discovers that the Naga are in actuality the Highborn who served Queen Azshara, now transformed almost beyond recognition. Appalled Maiev rejects any kinship with the Naga, defeating them before commandeering a ship and heading out after Illidan once again. Their sea journey is short, as they find themselves on a set of uncharted Islands. Maiev soon realizes that someone, or some THING has risen the ruins of the former Elven capital city Suramar from the ocean floor.  Pursuing Illidan into the Tomb of Sargeras, Maiev believes her quest will soon be over, but it is a trap. Illidan repays the Watchers for their centuries of guardianship by collapsing the tomb on top of them, only a handful make it out alive. The hardest blow to Maiev is the loss of Naisha.

Devastated and outnumbered Maiev sends a plea to Malfurion for assistance. However when Tyrande chooses to accompany him the two almost come to physical blows. As far as Maiev is concerned EVERYTHING horrible that has happened is as a direct result of Tyrande and her choices. Tyrande on the other hand believes she had only done what was needed and would make the same decisions even now. Mulfurion just wants the two of them to focus on the task at hand. (He REALLY does not understand women at ALL does he?) Lucky for him they agree and continue on after Illidan.

However when shortly after their arrival in the Eastern Kingdoms and encounter the Blood Elves Maiev is forced to rely on Tyrande's more developed negotiating skills if she hopes to proceed in her quest. Personally Maiev finds Arcane Magic abhorrent and blames it for all the corruption found in the world. Those races such as the Naga and Blood Elves who find their roots in the Night Elf Aristocracy she denies any kinship with. Going so far as to state their current troubles are nothing more than what they deserve for the abomination they insist on practicing.

Her patience is eventually rewarded. Tyrande is swept down river after an attack and Maiev intervenes so that no rescue efforts take place. She goes one step further, deceiving Malfurion into believing Tyrande is dead and it is all Illidan's fault. (NEVER tamper with a vengeful female if you weren't already aware of this rule.) When the group finally DOES located Illidan a grief stricken Malfurion rains accusations down on his brother's head for the death of the woman they love. Gleeful Maiev volunteers to execute Illidan on the spot. Bemused the Blood Elf allies innocently expose her deception by remarking that no one really knows for CERTAIN that Tyrande is dead, she just washed down stream after all....

At this point Maiev loses everything. As far as Malfurion is concerned SHE is now the "Betrayer". Joining forces with Illidan the two brothers set off to find and rescue Tyrande. By the time Maiev is able to locate them Illidan and his allies are slipping through a portal to Draenor. Incensed Maiev and what few Watchers remain follow through the rapidly closing portal. As Malfurion puts it, "She has become nothing more than vengeance."

For quite some time it appeared as if Maiev ultimately failed before perishing on Draenor. However with the release of the Burning Crusade her true fate was revealed. The jailer has now become the jailed. While Maiev HAD actually managed to capture Illidan at one point, she had no where to go. The Blood Elves she had one counted as Allies now served Illidan. His supporters freed him and took HER captive. Illidan decided turn around was fair play and had Maiev imprisoned in Warden's Cage near his new head quarters at the Black Temple. There she is watched over by Akama and his Ashtongue Deathsworn. Restlessly she paces, calling curses down on her jailer and belittling him for his slow moving rebellion.

Eventually Akama invites Maiev to assist him in overthrowing Illidan as part of The Fall of the Betrayer quest chain. What is interesting is that while Maiev gets the killing blow,  Illidan still manages to get the last laugh. As he dies he mocks Maiev that hers is a hollow victory, for without him what is she? For centuries the two have been inexplicably tied. Both prisoners to their fates. Maiev acknowledges he is right, what does she have now without her vengeance? The Watchers are no more, she created and ran the faction, and it was never revived after her original disappearance. As to her fate following Illidan's death, no one knows, she simply vanished. Maiev has to be one of the loneliest individuals in the universe.

So now we know who Maiev IS lets get back to the original question. Why would WowWiki consider her a Rogue? First of all you have to remember that WowWiki is NOT an Official Blizzard site, this means that just anyone can edit it and put their personal perspective on the information. Second, the Maiev inclusion is a recent addition. Third, as the game has evolved some of the abilities that Maiev displays such as Fan of Knives, and  Shadowstep have been recent additions to the rogue arsenal. Personally, I think Maiev, like Brann is a "special case". If you backed me into a corner she is more like a hunter than a rogue. Her gear sets are mail, she sets traps and she is called "The Huntress".  I would HAPPILY take her cloak at ANY time though because that thing is just cool, as are her circular weapons...I don't know what they would be classified, my leaning would be swords, as but I still like them. She has always had a stealth ability, but as she IS a Night Elf, this does fall under the "racial" category. Do any of you have an opinion?

Know Your Rogue Lore: Theloria Shadecloak

Yesterday Brian Cutaia discussed how it is the one dimensional characters in World of Warcraft that some times have the greatest impact. This entire series is really about those one dimensional characters, any information we have about them is either deferred or concocted out of our own imaginations. My only hope is that you all enjoy reading about them as much as I do discovering and discussing each one.

I mentioned Theloria Shadecloak briefly last week when looking at her superior Bertelm, but I couldn't just leave her there. Like Bertelm, Theloria was a part of the original forces who came through the Dark Portal with Ranger Alleria Windrunner and assisted in establishing the Allerian Stronghold in Terokkar Forest. A former Farstrider (the elite scouting force of the High Elves) she is dressed in the original Bonescythe Armor set exposing her as one of the few roguish members of that organization.

Theloria is appalled at the changes that have befallen her people over the last 20 years. Denied the homecoming of her dreams she declares the forests of Outland her new home, vowing never to return to Azeroth. Recognizing the fruitlessness of giving into despair she chooses to continue to work with the Alliance in hopes of bringing an end to Kael'thas Sunstrider and his followers. She can now be found at a small camp located next to the water between Firewing Point and the Bonechewer Ruins with her human companion Lieutenant Meridian. Interestingly she is neutral to any Horde who may decide to go visit.

The shocks she has undergone as she discovers just how far her people have fallen continue as you interact with her. Theloria has two quests she sends players on which specifically deal with the cooperation taking place between Kael'thas' followers and the local Fel'Orcs. Firsts she asks you to thin the ranks of Bonechewer garrison, hoping that by doing that she can keep them at manageable levels. Second she asks you to remove the Firewing Liaison, a blood elf woman she has observed traveling back and forth between the two camps, the idea being that this will give her a better chance to understand just what kind of relationship the local blood elves have with the Fel'Orcs. While completing these two quests you will discover another one on the ground close to Lisaile Fireweaver, the liaison you are sent to dispatch. The Fel Orc plans reveal that not only are the Blood elves under Kael'thas working WITH the Fel'Orcs, they are actually in control and commanding them to assist in delaying and disrupting the local Alliance and Horde forces.

Theloria offers a glimpse into the agony of the High Elves who see the vast majority of their people being deceived and falling to addiction at the hand of leaders they once trusted. While she and the other High Elves completely understand the horrors of overcoming addiction to arcane magic they can not fathom the decision to replace it with Demonic power. Now they are left with no home and watching from a distance as those they once considered kin are changed beyond all recognition.

Rogue Lore: Alrin the Agile

I wasn't planning on talking about Alrin today but this guy has been the bane of my existence for three weeks running now so maybe if I give him his day in the spot light he will vanish for a while. Alrin the Agile is another member of the Argent Crusade's special forces working as part of the Ashen Verdict. He presently is in the position of  supervisor over all the covert operations within Icecrown Citadel, most specifically dealing with reconnaissance.

As with his dwarven colleague Minchar Alrin is wearing his Alliance armor, (though why he is only using one dagger is beyond me.)  Also like Minchar you should only see him if he needs your assistance. Alrin will report  that Infiltrator Minchar has been captured and is presently being tortured by the Blood-Queen Lana'thel. (The dwarf's screams of "Eep" are kinda funny though.) Alrin informs you that Minchar is fading fast and won't last more than a half an hour in her hands, you need to fight your way past all the San'layn and rescue him. Most raiders HATE this quest. The GOOD part is you only need to make sure that Lana'thel is ENGAGED within that 30 minutes and then kill her successfully. The problem is getting past all her annoying trash and long winded speeches in that time. The timer starts as soon as the first trash mob is pulled (though I have heard there are ways to get around it for the first trash mob which makes this SLIGHTLY easier, I personally have never seen them work.) Even if NO ONE has the quest the timer will start.

If you are successful Alrin gifts you with your tasty reward, 56g and a Sack of Frosty Treasure which contains 5 emblems of Frost and a chance to contain epic level gems or even BOE 265 gear. While the carrot he dangles is quite tasty, sometimes I have to wonder if Minchar thought being killed at the hands of the lovely Lana'thel was preferable to continuing to work with Alrin.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Infiltrator Minchar

Infiltrator Minchar is a member of the Argent Crusade whose background almost certainly includes association with the Hidden Circle and SI:7. Interestingly enough unlike Captain Rupert who is wearing neutral armor, Minchar is proudly displaying his Alliance colors. His job specifically for the Ashen Verdict is reconnaissance. As a result this dwarven rogue will play least in sight for players unless he needs their specific assistance in accomplishing his goal. Minchar is involved in two separate weekly quests located within Icecrown Citadel. Both of them are considered VERY annoying by players.

In the first quest Deprogramming, Minchar charges players with rescuing one of his fellow spies, a human by the name of Darnavan. Apparently Darnavan was so over come by Lady Deathwhispers persuasive powers he decided to switch allegiances. One has to question his reasoning and sanity as personally I am always looking for a mute button to shut Deathwhisper UP. For this quest you have to locate Darnavan amongst the followers Lady Deathwhisper summons during the fight then pull him off to the side so he doesn't get killed. Once you have managed to defeat Deathwhisper Darnavan is fetched by his colleagues to be "deprogrammed" from his brain washing.

The next time you have the opportunity to encounter Infiltrator Minchar it is HE that needs rescuing. While investigating the San'layn in the Halls of Blood Minchar is captured and taken before Queen Lanathel herself for questioning. Minchar's superior Alrin the Agile requests that players rescue him from her clutches. What makes this quest annoying is it is timed. You have 30 minutes from the first pull until his execution, (this was recently increased from 20 minutes) even if no one accepts the quest. That means you have to kill all the trash, the Blood Princes AND Queen Lanathel in order to save Minchar who is being suspended by blood chains in Queen Lanathel's thrown room.  Many consider this to be the HARDEST of the weekly quests located within Icecrown Citadel.

There is also some debate about where exactly Minchar's NAME came from. Some feel it is as result of Elitist Jerks (a precedent that has been set), others think is has something to do with the coding itself. As Blizzard has not seen fit to enlighten us it will just have to stay up for debate and theory.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Captain Rupert

Quite a while ago I used this series to argue that someone many thought of as a Rogue really wasn't. This time I want to do the opposite. There is a hidden rogue in our midst that gets missed because he is so deceptive. His true nature has not been discussed until now.

Captain Rupert is a member of the Argent Crusade, first introduced as part of a series of quests in Zul'Drak. Dressed exactly like his colleagues, his only distinguishing feature is that Rupert is VERY fond of explosives. Players assist Rupert in securing his section of Zul'Drak by taking his bombs and blowing up Nerubian tunnels, burning the corpses of falling comrades or bulling fearful Argent Crusaders back into the fight. As a Forsaken Rupert knows better than anyone what it means to be under the control of the Lich King. His aversion to returning to that state fuels him on.

When we reach Icecrown Citadel and head towards the Frostwing, Captain Rupert, as well has his colleagues appear via the transporter. If you take the time to look you will notice they have all undergone a wardrobe change. These new looks give you a hint as to the classes they represent. Captain Brandon is a paladin, Captain Grondel a warrior, Captain Arnath a priest but what about Rupert? He just his throws bombs around and talks about explosives right? Take a look at his gear.

Rupert is wearing the Terrorblade set, they didn't even take the time to recolor it. Perhaps they thought that since he was a Forsaken we would miss the distinguishing marks. My friends, Rupert is an engineer loving Rogue.

When Rupert first arrives at Icecrown Citadel he remarks that he can feel the Lich King watching, his former service giving him an added awareness. As you make your way down the hallway towards Sister Svalna she will peg each of the Captains off with a lance. When Rupert falls he refers to having a worthy afterlife and asks you to burn his body just as he requested for the fallen soldiers in Zul'Drak there by preventing him from becoming a mindless pawn. When he is raised to serve the Lich King for a second time, Rupert is not pleased. For your failure in fulfilling his last wish Rupert treats you to an added taste of his explosive arsenal, proclaiming we will all burn. In the end however Rupert will fall, sadly this is finally the end for a worthy Rogue. So the next time you are in ICC take the time to get a closer look at Captain Rupert.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Deathstalker Visceri

Deathstalker Visceri is one of the Argent Grand Champions from Trial of the Champion. This individual is the essence of "divided loyalties".  For the Horde he represents the Undercity within the Sunreaver Pavilion.  Specifically he sends players off to get weapons from the various " Water Ladies" as well as starting and ending the Undercity Valliant quests.

Many fail to make note of his Title, it means more than just an identification of his class. Visceri is a DEATHSTALKER. You remember these guys?  The Deathstalker's were Varimathras' elite collection of assassins and spies who assisted in the work the Royal Apothecary was doing with the New Plague. Usually by keeping any information concerning it from getting out to the REST of the Horde. After the Battle for the Undercity there was much question as to WHO exactly these guys were loyal to, Sylvanas or someone else? Visceri ended up in Northrend working with the Argent Crusade and representing the Forsaken. The question then becomes, did he come of his own violation, looking for a fresh start or was he SENT for some OTHER purpose?

When the Argent Tournament was FIRST introduced Visceri was dressed in warrior plate garb. This changed when the actual Arena was finished and he is now appropriately dressed in Deadly Gladiator's Vestments. It is his WEAPONS that are the most intriguing. He is sporting a pair of Spinal Destroyers. These daggers can only be obtained by Horde, who may purchase them with Champion's Seals. Usually when you see a weapon there will be others using the same model but different colors. This is not the case for this particular dagger, it is unique. The bones along the upper edge seem fitting for an Undead who always has his spine poking out.

Visceri's fighting style is identical to his Alliance counterpart Lana Stouthammer. While in our present state of being over geared for encounters his Poison Bottle is not QUITE as deadly as it use to be, it can still be an annoyance. Many players still fail to avoid the deadly green goo which rapidly ticks away at their health. If you don't have a poison cleanser in your group it is best to just avoid them all together. His Fan of Knives was also not be as damaging as it once was, though he still favors this move.

Visceri still manages to hold on to his secrets and for the time seems pleased to be competing in the Tournament forcing players to joust despite how much they may hate it. What more could a Forsaken ask for?

Rep: The Argent Crusade

The Argent Crusade is a faction of recent origin however it's roots are MUCH older. The name itself means "Silver" so the faction is in fact the "Silver Crusade". This name makes a great deal of sense when you consider exactly where this group came from and how they came to be. A great deal of this information has to do specifically with the faction's founder and leader Highlord Tirion Fordring. Many have stated that if Fordring were ever lost the Argent Crusade would crumble as this movement is really little more than an extension of his vision and personal charisma. Who is this guy who is always giving speeches and why should ANYONE especially the horde stop and take notice?

Tirion Fordring was one of the five founding members of the Knights of the Silver Hand, a group of paladins created during the Second War to counter the demonic forces accompanying the Orchish invasion. He was there when his friend Alexandros Mograine took an orchish artifact and assisted in purifing it so that it could later be crafted into the Ashbringer. After the war Tirion married and settled down to rule over the small hamlet of Hearthglen located on the outer edges of Lordaeron. His honor is one of his most valued possessions and something he would and has sacrificed all else to protect.

One day Tirion discovered a lone orc taking refuge in an abandoned tower near his lands. Convinced this was a scout sent to test the strength of his holding he attacked. The battle between the two combatants was so fierce that in the end the structure of the tower could not handle it and collapsed on top of them, knocking Tirion unconscious. When he awoke it was to discover his foe had pulled him from the rubble as well as put him astride his mount so that it would take him home.

Tirion recovered enough to go out again looking for the Orc who had saved him, eventually finding  him near the ruin of their first encounter. There they talked, for Tirion was shocked to discover that the orc who was named Eitrigg was fluent in common. Discovery his foe desired nothing more than a quiet place to remember better days, his family was all gone, killed during the invasion. Both recognized the honor in the other. When Tirion left it was with the vow that he would not betray Eitrigg and granting him safety on his lands.

Of course Tirion's secret was eventually discovered and Eitrigg captured. When Tirion refused to betray Eitrigg he was kicked from the Order of the Silver Hand, striped of his family, lands and most importantly to him, his communication with the Light. Even his great friend Uther Lightbringer could not understand Tirion's single minded devotion to protecting Eitrigg.

With nothing to left to loose save his life AND his precious honor, Tirion slipped into Strathome while they were preparing to execute Eitrigg, fought his way to the scaffolding and rescued his unlikely friend. The only reason this mad plan succeed was because another group lead by Thrall was ALSO there attempting to find Eitrigg. Tirion managed to drag the critically wounded Eitrigg out of Strathome. In despair Tirion called out to the Light to heal his friend. To his surprise and delight the Light answered, healing power poured from his hands into the lifeless body of Eitrigg restoring him.

When Thrall and his followers found them Tirion was certain this was the end. Instead Thrall gathered Eitrigg to be his mentor in shamanism and granted Tirion the chance to escape further into the wild outskirts of Loredaeran. From there Tirion kept tabs on his family and observed the incoming Plague that decimated his former home and people. To this day Tirion and Eitrigg consider each other brothers in arms and are the best of friends. Eitrigg can even now be located commanding Argent Crusade forces in Zul'Drak.

Players of the Old World would first encounter Tirion at his hiding place along the river in the Eastern Plaguelands. There he requests their help in freeing his son who is being used by the Scarlet Crusade. The end of this quest chain gives you your first glimpse into the type of "kick butt" fighter Tirion Fordring is. In the end Tirion realizes he must take up the mantle left vacant with the death of Uther Lightbringer and begins to rebuild the Knights of the Silver Hand.

Fast forward a few years. Tirion continues to stay in hiding but some of his disciples, individuals who once worked closely with Alexandros Mograine have created a group by the name of Argent Dawn. These individuals broke away from the Scarlet Crusade after Mograine's death because they felt that Tirion was right, they couldn't just focus on fighting the Scourge as the humans alone, other races also needed to be included, be they Alliance OR Horde. When Arthas' Death Knights attacks Light's Hope Chapel Maxwell Tyrosus, the leader of the Argent Dawn pleads with Tirion to come help. Tirion can not deny him and his presence there revitalizes the defenders. Unfortunately they discover it was all just a ruse to bring Tirion out of hiding.

As the last founding member of the Knights of the Silver Hand The Lich King wants to turn Tirion into his own personal champion. The memories Arthas has have shown him that only Tirion is truly still a treat to him as he is one of the few still alive that helped train the young prince. The gambit fails, instead of capturing Tirion the Lich King instead is faced with a Tirion now holding a purified Ashbringer.  At the conclusion of The Light of Dawn Tirion takes that moment to step into his own and declares that the Knights of the Silver Hand along with the Argent Dawn will now work together to bring about the Lich King's final downfall. The new hand picked group will be called the Argent Crusade and set sail immediately for Northrend.

Alliance players will stumble across Fordring shortly after their arrival at Valgarde in Howling Fjord. However for all others their first encounter with the newly formed Argent Crusade will most likely take place at either Dawn's Reach in Dragonblight or at the Argent Stand in Zul'Drak. Before patch 3.2 it was in Zul'Drak that people needed to farm for Argent Crusade reputation by doing the daily Troll Patrol. With the release of the Argent Tournament however gaining reputation with this faction is MUCH easier as numerous quests which grant reputation with this faction were added.

Age is starting to catch up with Fordring but his clear eyed vision is the same, no matter what others think he will do what he believes to be the best and most HONORABLE method of completing his objective dragging the rest of the Argent Crusade along with him. At times this puts him in direct conflict with those who over all support him. This can be clearly seen at the Argent Crusade's main outpost the Argent Vanguard located on the very edge of Icecrown.  It is here players can over hear the arguments between Tirion and Darion Morgrain regarding how Tirion plans to deal with the Lich King.

All told there are 119 quests which give reputation for this faction, of those 15 are daily quests (though they are not all available every day) located either in Zul'Drak or Icecrown. For Tanks this is a MUST HAVE reputation for the helm enchant. Tailors are also after this faction for the Brilliant Spellthread recipe.

I hope you enjoyed the overview of this faction, Happy Grinding!

Know Your Rogue Lore: Drool The Griefer

I'm sure you all thought I had forgotten today. (No I hadn't but I was kinda busy demoing a wall in my bathroom so blog time got pushed back until REALLY late.)

Drool is another one of our favorite types of Rogue lore characters, a member of the Dalaran Player NPC gang. Yes, the Horde managed to have TWO rogue representatives, our protest is of course in the mail.

Drool has a uniquely colored Tier 6/Season 3 set which further sets him apart. (I personally like the look, but then black always DOES appeal to me on a rogue.) Of course he represents the classic rogue "pvp ganker" who spends the majority of his time doing nothing more than harassing others. However he is nothing but polite while wanders the streets of Dalaran checking out the various professions and banks before disappearing.

His name is derived from his lack of a lower jaw which causes him to drool at all times. Sadly he could not recall anything more from his former life, or if he does he chooses not to dwell on it, including his former name.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Ikfirus the Vile

Last week in Know Your Rogue Lore we discussed the Alliance Tier 10 vendor Yili. This week lets take a look at the Horde vendor Ikfirus the Vile.

You will find Ikfirus in the same place that Yili is located, at the end of the line of vendors on the right hand side platform as you enter Ice Crown Citadel. Like Yili he is dressed in Tier 10, however he is sporting a pair of Stygian Bladebreakers.

As with all of the members of the Ashen Verdict Ikfirus earned his spot by success at the trials in the Argent Tournament as well as being a gifted craftsman. For him this fight is more personal as he once suffered under the rule of the Lich King as a member of the Scourge. Now free as a member of the Forsaken he, like many others of his kind, desire vengeance.

As with all the tier pieces, the items he "sells" can be purchased with Emblems of Frost. Once you have gotten the first level of gear you can then "upgrade" it to the next level with a Tier token called the Mark of Sanctification AND the original piece of gear. This is more reminiscent of the "dungeon sets" from the Old World level 60 dungeons in which you needed to collect the pieces and then do quests to upgrade them. Thankfully, unlike then you can upgrade in which ever order you prefer providing you have both the Token and the gear.

Ikfirus is linked to another item of note. A chest piece that players will sometimes locate in the chest in the Gunship Armory called "Ikfirus's Sack of Wonder." With a name like that it is no accident that many players first mistake it for a bag. What makes this piece even MORE interesting is that it is a Bind on EQUIPPED item making it more likely that some lucky rogue or feral druid with cash to burn could pick it up on the auction house. The itemization on it has attracted a great deal of interest since so many of the new tier pieces lack both expertise and hit rating.

Know Your Rogue Lore: The Deathstalkers

No rogue faction has been more impacted by the lore of Wrath of the Lich King than the one we are going to discuss today. (Yes, I would say that the impact on them is even greater than the impact on SI:7 and the Stormwind Assassins with the return of their king.)

The Deathstalkers (also known as the Darkstalkers) are the assassin's guild for the Forsaken. However their primary function until after the Battle for the Undercity was to serve as elite guards for Varimathras, as well as performing a role similar to that of the Shattered Hand or SI:7 but with Varimathras directing their steps.

These Rogues are some of the most highly trained and dangerous in all of Azeroth. I truly believe that one of the reasons you see SO MANY of the fan based videos about rogues featuring the Forsaken is because of the very thing that makes this group rightfully considered the most deadly of ALL rogue assassin organizations. Not only are their skills unparalleled due to two lifetimes of experience, but because they are undead they have no need for such mundane considerations as eating, drinking, resting, or even to breath air. This allows them to pursue their goals without interruption. As former scourge who have won their freedom their individual willpower is almost unmatched.

Unlike the Shattered Hand, which is fairly unknown to all but rogues, the average Horde player WILL hear about the Deathstalkers. Like the Alliance with SI:7 non rogue players are able to obtain some quests which deal with this particular group at several different levels. Most notably the one that sends players into Shadowfang keep. However as the majority of these quests deal with entering dungeons or facing elites it is easy for others to miss them if they are not working on their Loremaster achievement.

A number of the quests dealing with this particular group are Forsaken Rogue ONLY as they deal specifically with JOINING the Deathstalkers and this is a undead only organization. If some how you missed doing this chain while leveling and decided to go back later (say to work on your Loremaster) there was one glaring issue. After the events of the Battle for the Undercity Varimathras is no longer there. So with the introduction of patch 3.3 Blizzard will be introducing a fix that will allow individuals to turn all of the old Varimathras quests into Bragor Bloodfist.

With Varimathras proven to be a traitor to the Forsaken and out of the picture, the fate of the Deathstalkers is left hanging. Many question where their ultimate loyalty lay as well. Do they support Sylvanas, the Horde or are they just biding their time with some other goal in mind? This line of thinking comes purely from speculation on the origination of the Deathstalkers themselves.

Some feel that the ORIGINAL Deathstalkers are the remnants of the thieves and assassins once lead by Blackthorn. If this is the case then they certainly would have no love for Sylvanas herself and their dedication to Varimathras would take on a whole new level of meaning. Again this is all purely speculation as no one knows for certain what became of Blackthorn after WarCraft 3 and he and his troops are not mentioned anywhere in the current game.

For now once players leave the old world they fall into the realm of legend. How they will be effected with the changes in the upcoming Cataclysm expansion will be very interesting to see.

Rep: Ashtongue Deathsworn

The story of the Ashtongue is one of grimmest survival. Made up of the largest collection of Broken draenei they are lead by Akama, once the Guardian of the Temple of Karabor, some of his tale is shared in more detail in the short story Unbroken.

To give a quick summery, after the decimation of the Draenei by the Horde many of those exposed to the fel energies and mutated went into hiding. But with the sundering of Draenor they were exposed and were being hunted down by Magtheridon and his minions.  Kael'thas and Lady Vashj come to their aid in hopes of gaining allies for Illidan. Their ploy works. Akama and his followers pledge their loyalty to Illidan but soon discovers that he is little better than the pit lord they have been fighting.

Devastated at his miscalculation on behalf of his people Akama for all appearances remains visibly loyal to Illidan but in secret begins working to to undermine Illidan's connections with his followers. In the Black Temple trailer it is his voice that explains what is going on. At present his job is to guard over Maiev Shadowsong Illidain's one time jailer and he has already assured her that when the time is right he will allow her the revenge she is so desperate to enact. But on HIS time table not her own much to her eternal frustration.

When the Black Temple Raid was first released gaining entry was not a simple process but involved a long and complex attunement quest. That is no longer the case. At that time you first needed to chose either Aldor or Scryer  in Shattrath and do a 4 part chain for either of them in Shadowmoon Valley that would send you to the Warden's Cage and Akama. From then on the chain would be together.  That chain would then send you into the Dungeon of Arcatraz which required a key to enter or at least a rogue to lock pick the door. Then the chain would continue on for a bit and seem to end after giving you some rewards. But it didn't.

It would pick up again INSIDE the Serpentshrine Cavern and this chain would require you to go to The Eye and Hyjal Summit in the Caverns of Time. After you have killed the necessary bosses there you would go to Shattrath City and then finally return to the Black Temple itself.   By the time you completed this chain you would be friendly with the Ashtongue. Once you entered the Temple three more quests would await you resulting in the eventual upgrade in your medallion.

Out side of the attunement chain there is only one other way to gain Asthtongue reputation OUTSIDE of the Black Temple and that is by doing a few quests over on Netherwing Ledge. There you will find a few other Asthongues being used as slaves in the mines as well as Illidan's troops using the Netherdrakes as slaves. As a result you can get to ALMOST friendly just by doing the Netherwing reputation alone.

Once you have exhausted those options that leaves only the Black Temple and like the Violet Eye reputation any and all mobs and bosses in the instance will give you reputation. Full clears grant about 8k reputation and if you are running a party of geared 80's take about an hour.

Happy Grinding!

Know Your Rogue Lore: Jannok Breezesong

It is not often that a rogue TRAINER is the object of trivia and speculation but our subject of today's Know Your Rogue Lore is just that. Jannok Breezesong is one of the earliest trainers Night Elf Rogues will encounter in their travels. Located in Dolanaar, in Teldrassil, He starts two quests. One is a level 16 quest that in reality is nothing more that a feeder quest that all rogue trainers have (the exact quest varies from race to race) but all of them will eventually send you into the hands of SI:7 in Stormwind.

What makes him note worthy is actually the OTHER quest he has. There are several things about this quest that are interesting. In summery Jannok is pinning after a rogue stationed in Darnassus named Syurna. What is disturbing is his obsession with her as he is well aware his feeling are not reciprocated in the least.

Sure, I spend my every waking moment thinking about Syurna. Sure, my home is full of paintings and drawings of Syurna. Sure, I often go days without eating, sleeping, or drinking, while I lament about the love we could have had. Is that so wrong?

So lets look at the quest The Apple Falls.
The name of the quest as well as what Jannok says, or more correctly is constantly SINGING are actually part of the lyrics of a song by Depeche Mode.

Like a cat
Dragged in from the rain
Who goes straight back out
To do it all over again
I'll be back for more
It's something
That is out of our hands
Something we will never understand
It's a hidden law
The apple falls...

  Also from the quest text is an interesting tidbit.

Now she won't see me! ME! I've tried sending her messages but she won't even talk to another person unless they are a rogue.

This seems to indicate that while Jannok is a rogue TRAINER he himself is not a rogue. This has lead to some hot debate. Some feel that no he is a rogue just not one she is willing to talk to and any other messengers he happens to send her way (unless they to happen to share her profession) are rebuffed in a continued attempt to avoid him. Others believe that perhaps he was a rogue who sustained "battle injuries" that now prevent him from practicing the profession any longer. This perhaps leading both to his spurning by Syurna and his comment. Either way it certainly makes for the above average interesting trainer, especially for such a low level.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Calia Hastings

At times when dealing with Rogue lore all we truly are dealing with is our own speculations, observations and opinions. This is clearing demonstrated in dealing with our topic for today Calia Hastings. The only FACTS we have about her is that she is a level 38 Alliance quest giver located at Theramore Island in Duskwallow Marsh and a member of Mathias Shaw's organization SI:7. From there pretty much everything else is subjective.

The prevailing theory is that this is none other than Prince Arthas' older sister Calia Menethil. For quite a while everyone believed that Calia was killed during the massacre following her father's death at her brother's hand but recent clues have begun to erode that idea. It all started with a short story in the RPG Horde Player's Guide in which there is contained a tale about a Paladin and a undead Priest rescuing two prisoners from Undercity, the priest refers to the girl as "my Princess".

Speculation arose even more as the result of  the recently released novel Arthas: Rise of the Lich King. Here Arthas recalls a secret passage known to his sister from her rooms to the outer walls. In the Novel Day of the Dragon Calia was presented as being enthralled with the idea of her impending betrothal to Lord Prestor but in the Arthas novel we are given an entirely DIFFERENT picture. A Calia  PROTESTING her betrothal, weeping at the prospect and actively seeking escape. Even going so far as to beg her brother not to do the same to his own children. In addition we now know from that same book that Calia had developed a close friendship with Jania Proudmore while she visited at Lorderon so the thought of her seeking sanctuary with her after its fall is more than reasonable.

The question then becomes, what about the "Hastings"? Here again there are two prevailing theories. The first is she married. Some purpose she could have married Caretaker Hastings of Karazhan or a relative of him.  Others believe that she just took on the name of Hastings as a disguise.

Now of course this could just be Caretaker Hastings wife, daughter, niece or other relative as well, but it certainly is fun to speculate isn't it?

So lets get back to what we KNOW about this individual.

She starts and ends four separate quests that you can pick up no earlier than level 32. Each of them deal with traitors amongst the guards at Theramore. It is a fairly simple and fun quest chain if your Alliance and will give you a better understanding of the politics of the area. Calia's duties for SI:7 are to make certain that Jania stays in power and protected. You as a player help her do that.

This is another character and quest series it will be interesting to see if it manages to survive the upcoming Cataclysm being that Theramore is an Island.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Gamon

Once before in this series we have covered an individual who was NOT actually a Rogue. In his case it was due to confusion as many people THOUGHT he was one (I still have people tell me I am wrong.) The individual we are going to look at today makes no pretense at claiming to BE a Rogue, his race can't even learn the trade but his presence greatly impacts Orc and Troll Rogues and from them the REST of the Horde as a whole.

Gamon is a level 7-12 Tauren warrior (his exact level changes each spawn time which is about every 5 minutes) who is part of the rogue quest The Shattered Hand. In order for rogues to be able to pick pocket an individual they must also be allowed to ATTACK them and this has lead to a rather interesting and unanticipated difficulty. Gamon is a drunkard who hangs out in the main Inn of Orgrimmar the BUSIEST city of the Horde. Since he is vulnerable to Mind Control and there is NO penalty for attacking and/or killing him the options open for mischief are endless. Rogues are often forced to both camp and plead with their follow players while attempting to complete their low level quest.

With the release of patch 3.0.2 Gamon received a unique ability called Pride Breaker. It is basically a knock back ability but priests especially liked it as while controlling Gamon  they could use it to knock fellow players off of mail boxes and mounts. (This control was later lost in patch 3.1.0)

It isn't often that a rogue quest objective reaches such legendary status but Gamon's presence has literally effected the over all feel and environment of the game for many Horde players.  Few can log on in Orgrimmar with out being greeted by the sounds of fighting and a dying Tauren as Gamon faces repeated execution by players. This has helped contribute to the lawless feel of this Horde Capital city. It was further driven home with the introduction of the Death Knights to the Game. While all other NPC's greet them as unfriendly when doing the quest "Warchief's Blessing" Gamon is actively hostile and will pursue the Death Knight swearing vengeance in the name of the Horde.

Like the Alliance's Hogger Gamon is frequently the victim of long kiting expeditions, lvl 1 raids, as well as claims for epic and legendary loot drops in trade chat. His death is often greeted with spammed emotes of /cry, /cheer, /dance, /mourn and /spit. Clemency for him is only pleaded by the few rogues desperate to complete their quest.

When Horde players complete the achievement Veteran of the Wrathgate and return to the phased Orgimmar which has been placed under martial law. Gamon is one of the NPC's they will find gathered at the bank. We can only hope that in the rumored upcoming destruction of Ogrimmar during the Cataclysm Gamon will survive.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Mathias Shaw

Now for our final installment of what is really a three part piece in Know Your Rogue Lore. Mathias Shaw, the man who heads BOTH the Stormwind Assassins AND SI:7 an impressive feat for such a young man. So who exactly IS he and how did he come to hold such a powerful position?

Mathias' mother was a First Finger assassin who was killed while fulfilling an assignment when Mathias was only four years old. Of his father nothing is known but it is assumed he was either already dead or out of the picture before this time. As a result it was at this tender age Mathias fell to the care of his Grandparents Pathonia Shaw and her long time lover Waltion Freemore. As the founder of the Assassins Guild Pathonia did not think it right to hide from Mathias the truth about his mother's death nor the family business.

Mathias became the youngest member of the guild when he achieved Fourth Finger status at the age of 10 slowly working his way up through the ranks based upon his OWN achievements rather than nepotism. This is to his advantage as it gives him a greater understanding of each of the levels in the Assassins' organization as well as what is needed in new recruits. From Pathonia Mathias learned everything there was to know about assassination, thievery, stealth and the PHYSICAL side of his job being constantly tested by her as he grew up on his speed and dexterity. Freemore on the other hand taught him about the inner workings of court politics, reading people and using his MIND to best utilize the resources he had available to him. It was through Freemore that Mathias developed his friendship with Edwin VanCleef while learning about the nobles and wealthier residents of Stormwind. All these factors resulted in his first kill being the very individual who had ended his mother's life proving beyond a doubt his abilities to all.

Pathonia waited until Mathias' 30th birthday then retired, choosing to have a clean transition in leadership from her to Mathias. Freemore agreed to stay on for an additional five years handling the new recruits and smoothing any unforeseen bumps that might come up along the way. Mathias at first attempted to put his own stamp on the organization but after a few months gave it up deciding his Grandmother's vision was just to good to tamper with. His turn however was coming.

Three years after his assumption of control of the Stormwind Assassins King Varian disappeared while on his way to a diplomatic conference in Theramore. After Anduin was crowned king during the ensuing confusion he secretly met with Shaw and requested that he create an organization that would serve not just the human nations but ALL the Alliance by gathering information and preforming covert operations. The first goal of course being to discover what had become of the King of Stormwind but in addition to that to look into corruption within the Stormwind House of Nobles.

Shaw was elated with the commission. Here was a chance for him to take all of his talents and utilize them from the ground up.  Within just months Shaw had a functioning organization called SI:7 which has expended to cover all of the Alliance controlled lands and even reach into some Horde areas as well. Players are even able to participate in SI:7's mission on several occasions through out the game via Shaw as well, both at lower levels (30's) and then again in at the Higher end (60's).

To say that Shaw has a problem with being a workaholic would be an understatement. His life IS his work and he has no time for anything else at this point. You will find him no other place than at SI:7 Headquarters located in Old Town of Stormwind. He never leaves as he might miss some vital piece of information. It will be interesting to see if they have any further plans for him in the coming turmoil that will be the Cataclysm.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Stormwind Assassins

Last week I had questions as to why the segment of KYRL was so SHORT. Basically it was because if I expanded it I started getting into lore from both another faction AND an individual which ended up with the segment being both to long AND to involved. Instead I opted for one short one and two other longer ones. I stated with SI:7 because of the three players will have the most direct contact with its lore and there by a frame of reference.

The Stormwind Assassins on the other hand is one of those organizations whose presence is FELT within the game. The actions of its members directly effect the world we play in but the majority of the major players are neither known by nor have a place in the on line game.  In fact the majority of on line players will have absolutely no idea of its existence. Most recently they were mentioned in the World of Warcraft Comic Book one in which Lady Prestor sent one of the assassins after Lo'Gosh the Gladiator. Valeera, one of Lo'Gosh's companions was able to dispose of the assassin (more by way of LUCK than actual skill.)

So who exactly ARE these individuals and where did they come from?

The Stormwind Assassins claim to be one of the oldest surviving organizations on Azeroth. Their existence predates any of the wars as well as the Alliance itself. The human nation of Stormwind's leaders realized that they were restricted by their own laws to do everything they might want in dealing with certain situations. One of it's nobleman, a man by the name of Erwill Youngton reportedly came up with the idea of recruiting from within the prisons and building an organization that could do this type of work for them.

Youngton located the PERFECT individual in Pathonia Shaw. A professional thief for the thrills, the offer of clemency to do what she loved best LEGITIMATELY was just to tempting. Further more Youngton allowed Shaw to organize the society as she saw fit with only her having complete knowledge of all of its members. Shaw began recruiting a very select collection of thieves, spies and assassins. Her requirements were simple but tough: The thrill along with a steady pay check needed to be enough or you were not considered. She wanted individuals who could be loyal to the "family" as she called it. Trustworthiness is all important along with a desire to serve. Recruits are subtly tested on everything from skills to morals. As a result this small group is totally dedicated to the Alliance and its goals.

Of course there was no way to keep such an organization COMPLETELY secret, not and have it do the job it was intended. So the general population of Stormwind is VERY aware that it exists. Rather than make the Stormwind Assassins a organization to be feared Shaw instead worked to have its image be one of shadowy protectors, talented fighters who work alone to make sure that the general population of Stormwind is kept safe and the wicked ones made to suffer wherever they hide. Consequently sometimes the children of even wealthy parents (like Edwin VanCleef) would become thieves in hopes of becoming assassins themselves. It got so bad at one point that the prisons were literally full of "would be assassins" hoping to be recruited.

Shaw retired about 10 years ago and left the Assassins organization to her Grandson Mathias whom she had carefully groomed from infancy for the job. When Mathias first took over he spent the first couple of months attempting to "improve" on his Grandmother's design only to finally concede her plans only required him to keep a steady hand at the reigns. Pathonia designed the Assassins into a five branch group using the image of a fist grasping a dagger as her inspiration. The thumb is made up of about thirty older rogues including Mathias and deals with the general management and leadership of the overall organization.

The other four fingers make up the general rank and file and consist of about 500 rogues each. The First Finger is the highest level a rogue can reach before entering leadership or retiring and deals with assassinations. The Second Finger specializes in "acquisitions", this involves either returning stolen goods to their rightful owners or removing powerful items from individuals it is best to keep living for the time being. The Third Finger focuses on espionage, often working closely with the First and Second fingers, they gather information, will read and memorize information with out actually removing the documents, as well as serving as look outs or distraction providers while others conduct their work. The final finger, or the Fourth Finger are your "Jack-of-All-Trades" and new recruits. This branch is about twice the size of other three fingers and handle more low profile things such as body removal and disposal, alibi establishment, along with recruitment.

Since the Assassins are based in Stormwind and focus more on the human interests their range of influence is a little more limited than Mathias Shaw's other organization SI:7. (Though of course the two DO interact and Shaw certainly used his Grandmother's organizational skills when developing SI:7.) The Assassins really only have influence in Elwynn, Redridge and Westfall. Areas directly under Stormwind's control. However they have conducted jobs in such places as Duskwood and Deadwind Pass.

Know Your Rogue Lore: SI:7

SI:7 is most simply the premier Alliance intelligence organization, specializing in such operations as assassination, stealth tactics and special operations. Headed by Mathias Shaw out of Old Town in Stormwind City it was long considered nothing more than a front for the Stormwind Assassins another organization that Shaw also heads left to him by his Grandmother. As a result its ranks are filled primarily but not exclusively by human rogues. Human rogues will of course have a more intimate interaction with this organization as many of their rogue based quests will be handled by its members.

SI:7's history an interesting one. It actually came about as the result of Prince Anduin Wrynn seeking Shaw out and specifically requesting he create such an organization after the disappearance of King Varian. Anduin wanted an organization that was more far reaching than those already established within the human kingdoms and that would work with the other Alliance factions gathering and transporting information that others might find more difficult to accept. (Specifically the Stormwind nobility who appeared to be doing everything in their power to keep the human kingdoms from working with the others.) With the contacts he already had as a result of the Stormwind Assassins, aided by the support of Anduin and Bolvar Shaw was able to quickly to develop and implemented an organization that covered all of the Eastern Kingdoms as well as parts of Kalimdor.

Unlike its Horde counterpart all Alliance players may become aware of SI:7 due to a quest chain in the plaguelands. Here you are sent to discover what happened to some of their operatives as well as learn a little about human and forsaken hunter lore. (I won't go into details about the quest as it will spoil it.)

If you had not already guessed the name of SI:7 is considered a play on the British Directorate of Military Intelligence offices which famously go by MI5 and MI6. SI:7 would most closely resemble their MI6 branch.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Brann Bronzebeard

When I started this series I invited readers to request rogues they would like for me to feature. One name came up that kind of surprised me. Brann Bronzebeard. As was stated in the request "He is stealthy, picks locks, despite being the brother of an Alliance King will take help from ANYONE to get the job done...IF that isn't a ROGUE what is?" As all these things are INDEED true,  Brann would seem a prefect candidate, there is just one major problem....he is a HUNTER.

For Horde players who have really only been introduced to Brann in Northrend via the Halls of Stone and then later Ulduar all they will have witnessed is really his more roguish tendencies so the confusion is understandable. Alliance players on the other hand have been falling over King Magni Bronzebeard's youngest brother through out most of their leveling experience. Even with that, it is STILL easy to get confused about Brann because it wasn't until Northrend that anyone actually SAW him...instead we were always finding his STUFF. (Brann has a NASTY habit of LOSING things, HIMSELF included, though he will NEVER call it that.)

So lets take this time to clear up the confusion and cover this fascinating individual that we already know we are going to be seeing even MORE of in the NEXT expansion.

As I mentioned before Brann is the youngest of the three Bronzebeard brothers. King Magni, realizing there was nothing he could to to control his younger brother's wandering feet, rather than even attempt to try instead channeled it into official lines. With Magni's backing Brann was able to start the Explorers League with the help of his friend Samul Strangehands. It was as a direct result of Samul's influence that Brann became so engrossed in learning any and all languages that he stumbles across.

Earlier in his life Brann was directly involved with helping out his eldest brother. Since Brann is was conversationally fluent in Orcish as well as being an accomplished fighter he and his brother Muradin were sent during the Second War to guide and assist Anduin Lothar as he lead the Alliance Army, following Lothar's death he continued to work with Turalyon resulting in the destruction of the Dark Portal.

It was after the Third War that Brann's life as the Great Explorer that we know today truly began. Commissioned by his brother Magni to create a map of the Eastern Kingdoms, this eventually expanded to included Kalimdor, the South Seas and Northrend. For Alliance players Brann's name will first creep up in Stranglethon Vale. It was here that EARLY in the game players followed his trail into the Zul'Grub. All they knew at the time was that he had gone "missing" leaving the message that he would be "traveling east".

This would become Brann's trade mark, disappear, leave a trail of STUFF, then pop up again in a completely DIFFERENT region leaving another trail behind him. This trail often leads to raid instances. Case in point: After their first encounter with Brann in Stranglethorn Vale Alliance players won't see anything of him again until they get to Silithus. Here you will actually discover one of Bronzebeard's Encampments being manned by some of his colleges as well as his pet gorilla Glibb.

You recall how I stated that Brann was a HUNTER right? Well there are several reasons why this is the prevailing thinking though Glibb is only the beginning of it. In addition if you ever take the time to read his Journal you will see him comment about his "Rifle, Dwarven-hand cannon and Battle Axe". Now while Rogues CAN use guns, up until recently they were unable to use axes. In fact one of the quest rewards from Silithus is to get Brann's Trusty Pick.

After players follow Brann's trail into the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj he disappears again. There was some speculation that he may have headed through the Dark Portal into Outland but no evidence of that ever surfaced. The only thing that he clearly communicated was that he was going to head off to Northrend in an attempt to discover more about his brother Muradin's death.

It is not until you get to Grizzly Hills that you know for sure that Brann ever made it to Northrend. Once again his trail of stuff speaks for him. Both Alliance AND Horde players will discover his tattered journal and need to put it back together to have a better idea as to what he may be up to now. From there his trail disappears into Storm Peaks.

It is in Storm Peaks that Alliance players for the VERY FIRST TIME will actually catch up to the allusive Brann and help him to escape. Horde players will also encounter him for the first time...but their experience is a little more frustrating as Brann is not NEARLY as fluent in their tongue as he believes himself to be. For the Alliance I can only say that this chain has become one of my all time favorite lore ones. While I guessed the ending early on I was STILL moved by the completion. (If somehow you have not done it yet I won't spoil it for you.)

Brann turns up again in the Halls of Stone and it is HERE that his class confusion comes up as he certainly SEEMS to be a rogue. There he will challenge players to accompany him into the Tribunal of the Ages to attempt to gain more information about the Titans and the history of the Dwarves. From there we know he goes to gather his forces for his assault on Ulduar.

Those who may have only seen the Ulduar trailer can easily miss the significance of what is going on. Many focus more on Varian and Gorrash's battle so Gorrash's comment to Thrall goes completely unnoticed. Brann is the ONLY ONE in that room to have EVER faced an Old God before. Gorrash wants to see "the fear in his face" so he can judge the seriousness of the threat finding it all a joke. Jaina, Rhonin, even Thrall are VERY aware of what is at stake but Varian is not willing to risk his people one more time only to be betrayed, leaving them at a stalemate.

Brann again heads into Ulduar this time with the PLAYERS as his helpers, everyone now knowing what is at stake. If you listen he will continue to give you information about each of the towers as you progress toward the first boss of Ulduar via radio. Once you reach and defeat the Iron Council if you wait long enough he will enter the room and trigger a cinematic that will give you a basic run down on each of the guardians as well. If you are one of the few guilds who is downing Algalon you will also see him briefly when you turn in the Reply-Code Alpha quest in Dalaran.

At BlizzCon 2009 it was also hinted that we should expect to see more of our intrepid adventurer in Cataclysm's Uldum. I am very much looking forward to this as only hints of it can be seen in the Cataclysm trailer.

So there you have it, I hope you have enjoyed this insight even if it is only to burst some bubbles by correcting a miss belief. While I would happily love to call Brann a Rogue, he really is a class all unto himself when it comes right down to it. If it were a PLAYABLE class, it would CERTAINLY be over powered.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Timothy Daniels

Today I am going to be doing something a little different. Rather than look at one of the "Major" lore figures for Rogues I want to focus on a "Minor" one. SO minor in fact he is not really a lore figure at all. Rather he is just one of those interesting little characters you stumble across from time to time that can just make you laugh.

His name is Timothy Daniels and he is located in Zangermarsh in the Outlands. More specifically near the flight path at the Orebor Harborage. No one knows exactly what he looks like because one of the most striking things about Tim when you meet him is his fashion sense...The fact that he is wearing a Dive helmet and his gear is the Madcap's set. Tim is a quest giver as well as regent and poison vendor for Alliance players and when many of us rogues first hit Outland there was much excitement over one of his quest rewards.

Crimson Steer Energy Drink. Like Thistle Tea before it is the ONLY way for rogues to INSTANTLY restore energy to themselves in one shot. (If you didn't catch the joke Crimson Steer = Red Bull.) Rogues were OH so hopeful that FINALLY we were going to have a way to PURCHASE an energy restorative rather than having to brew our own but it was not to be. Now of course with the changes to energy regeneration the stacks of  Thistle Tea that many of us use to carry with us for raids are but a memory.

So what all do we know about Tim? He actually tells us quite a bit about him self and we can defer even more. He tells us that he was trained by Master Rogue Lee Sparks (and Lee does indeed claim him as a student.) There is also speculation that he may be related to Barkeep Daniels from Redridge Mountains but since we really can't see him it is hard to say. (Though Daniels IS human.) We can also defer that Tim is extremely self confident, perhaps a tad lazy and also rather self involved, (not that this is TO surprising of a quest giver) if he can get someone else to do his work for him and take the credit, he has no problem with that at all.

Tim calls himself "The Specialist". There is speculation that this could be in reference to two things. A movie  about an Assassin called "The Specialist" or a Blizzard Employee by the name of Timothy Daniels who handled Burning Crusade QA in regard to Content. Most likely BOTH are correct.  In addition to this Timothy also makes the comment "There are some who call me Tim..." Which is a quote from the Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie from Tim the Enchanter.

The Specialist was just one of those NPC quest givers that sparked my imagination as leveled through Outland and I never forgot him. One of the reasons for this part of his response at the completion of the quest he gives you. "Including ragveil in a poison is like a rogue wielding two maces. Sure, you can do it, but it isn't true to the essence of your calling!" That is EXACTLY how I feel about mace wielding rogues.

I hope you enjoyed hearing more about him.

Edit: Sorry guys, when I returned this morning after being away this past weekend it was to discover that for some reason this post didn't post last Thursday. So if you are wondering why you may have missed it that is it. Huge apologies for the delay.