Know Your Rogue Lore: Asira Dawnslayer

The reasons individuals become involved with the Twilight's Hammer are numerous. Archbishop Benedictus turned his back on the Light and become the Twilight Father out of despair after seeing Deathwing's face. Others just like the idea of anarchy and chaos. While still more are drawn to the idea of power or death.

Asira Sunbright would have been your average blood elf blade-for-hire, winning some small acclaim in the gladiatorial ring if Cho'gall had not taken notice of her.  At first when approached for some small jobs she was hesitant. The Twilight's Hammer didn't have the best reputation as employers. Not that they weren't generous, or their tasks challenging. It was just that they their handlers tended to be rather unstable.  Eventually greed over came her miss givings.

Eventually Asira's close and continued association to the corrosive influence of the Twilight's Hammer began to impact her personally.  The jobs became less about the money and more about the thrill, the challenge, the death itself.  The transformation from hired hand to fully committed member came when she chose to change her name to "Dawnslayer".  A major step in elf society, signalling something essence altering had occurred within an individual's life, making their previous exsistence "dead".

By this time she had become an assassin of note within the Cult, frequently gaining both the highest fees as well as the most sensitive assignments.  When we first encounter her or even learn of her existence it is because she has been given the task of eliminating Thrall and retrieving the Dragon Soul as he makes his way across Dragonblight during his journey to Wrymrest Temple. Time is rapidly running out for the Twilight's Hammer and it is interesting that only now do they think to send a rogue in to do what rogues are best at, take out a single target and snatch up an item. It only goes to show how mad these guys are.

Sadly, Asira chooses to confront Thrall and his escort out in the open and from the front, never a rogue's strongest position. In addition she is out numbered six to one. Perhaps all of her time spent in the Twilight's Hammers company has instilled a false sense of superiority, or she has just gotten cocky on her past success. About they only ones she manages to irritate are the casters as she puts her tools to use tossing her version of smoke bomb and has still been able to maintain the ability to silence with a thrown knife. Yet she never uses the major tool of rogues....stealth. As a result her career ends at the hands of Thrall and his companions far from her birthplace at Silvermoon.

For those of you who may be interested in replicating her look for transmogrification purposes.  She is using a pair of Uhn'agh Fash, the Darkest Betrayal off of  Cho'gall in Bastion of Twilight.  Her helmet is the Deadly Gladiator's Leather Helm and the rest is a recolored Ruthless Gladiator's set, however her boots seem to be the plate version not leather.  Her cloak come from completing the quest in Ulduar "All Is Well that Ends Well" and delivering the Reply-code Alpha to Rhonin in Dalaran.

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: Plunderbeard

Few people become famous for being little more than a cold corpse but the rogue we are going to discuss today managed to do just that. When the Alliance first set foot in Northrend the result was many of them ended up dead. Somehow they found enough time to dig a crypt and create a mausoleum. (Dwarves are industrious builders after all and FIRM believers that the dead belong encased in rock underground thank you very much.) Of course this was all before our favorite human prince picked up his new toy and decided to make a major career change. When the Alliance arrived for the SECOND time in Northrend, this time in pursuit of that same prince who had landed there before, they were unaware of the previous burial ground. So they happily build a large fortress only to have scourge start popping up in the basement. This of course caused issues for the new residents.

Plunderbeard was a member of the 7th Legion. Originally formed as the Alliance portion of the combined Might of Kalimdor forces during the Ahn'Qiraj War effort. They were made up of veterans who fought beside Lady Proudmoore and Warchief Thrall at Mount Hyjal.  The 7th Legion is believed to be one of the oldest and most elite fighting forces in the Alliance military. It's members are ALL veterans of numerous campaigns. As these men and women have worked together for YEARS, they know and trust each other. They have experience in numerous hostile environments in both Azeroth AND Outland fulfilling their duties. Now they have been called to the icy ridges of Northrend to take down the Lich King. So they don't scare easily, but having scourge over head as well as popping up out of the ground gets old quickly, even for them.

What else do we know about Plunderbeard? This particular dwarf rogue was sent to figure out exactly what is going on beneath Wintergarde Keep, the 7th's new home in Northrend. Specifically, how are the scourge maneuvering between the crypts and the mausoleum? In addition to this he finds out who is running things, what its weakness are and how to take him out. Unfortunately he while he managed to gather all this information he failed to survive long enough to report. His superior, a man by the name of Ambro Cash sends individuals looking for him pretty much anticipating the worst. Knowing what we do about the 7th Legion I can understand his attitude, but still I love Ambro's faith in Plunderbeard. He knows that even if the dwarf died while preforming his job he WILL have the information he needs SOMEWHERE on him or near by.

Plunderbeard's body is located in a deceptive tunnel connecting the mausoleum to the crypts located beneath Wintergarde Keep in Dragonsblight. If you push your way past all the hanging roots and you can easily traverse from one end to the other. His body faces in the direction of the mobs you need to find his missing journal pages on. Unlike other dwaven writers of note Pluderbeard's work manages to stay fairly close together with some individuals managing to locate all four of the missing pages of the journal on a single mob.

This is all part of the "Wrathgate" chain for the Alliance. It is shortly after you find Plunderbeard and use the information he gathered that you first meet up with Bolvar Fordragon, in Northrend. In fact Bolvar will come rushing in to save your butt at the end of this particular chain. If you happened to have done the Jail Break chain back in Vanilla, he will even express delight at seeing you still alive and kicking. Sadly the same can not be said for poor Plunderbeard, but his legacy lives on in those Alliance who carry on his mission, delivering his reconnaissance and fighting in his stead.  While for the Alliance he is but a small part of an epic chain but don't over look the large contribution he and his colleagues have made and will continue to make as the years pass.

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: Defias Brotherhood part 2 *Spoilers*

All right this post is going to be full of Cata spoilers so hang on. When last we discussed the Defias Brotherhood the question was "Where can they go from here? VanCleef is dead and Lady Prestor their major patron had been exposed as the Broodmother Onyxia and also met her demise." I am not going to take the time to cover their previous history, you can just check the links and see those for a refresher. Lets just focus on the future.

One of the first things you will notice when leaving Stormwind is the ABSENCE of the Defias presence. Before there were always bandits with the distinctive red mask hanging around causing issues. Instead what you will find now are Stormwinds homeless, vagabonds and transients. Basically what has happened is King Varian has now "officially" returned to the throne and "cleaned house".  Before his disappearance Varian had been busy attempting to rebuild the kingdom by running around the country side chasing down orcs and determining what areas needed reinforcement. So under the advisement of King Trerenas Menethil he left the "House of Nobles" in charge of the rebuilding of the City of Stormwind so his attention would not be divided. By now we all know how well that worked out.

Varian was delayed in returning to business by a little war in the far north with his childhood friend Arthas, now with Arthas gone he can turned his attention back to his original goals, this includes the eradication of the Horde. Westfall has FINALLY gotten the reinforcements they were promised. With VanCleef gone and most of his lieutenants either captured or deceased it was not difficult to bring the Defias Brotherhood to its knees and for all intents and purposes force it to disband, rounding up what few failed to return to the general population. The Cataclysm caused some damage to Westfall but over all the farmers have been able to return to their fields and resume production. All should be wonderful right? Not quite.

You see reinforcements require people and war cost money, along with resources. Over the past few years there has been a great deal of miss management on the part of the House of Nobles both while Varian was away scouring the country side and again while he was "bespelled". First you have all the funds that never did get paid out to the Stonemason's guild for rebuilding Stormwind, then you have the "ransom" that was paid to "rescue" King Varian, as well as cost of that little war with the Lich King up North. Who payed all of this? Not the Nobles. No it was the farmers and tradesmen. Some of which have finally gone broke under the burden. Who do they blame? King Varian of course because ultimately he was in charge. In addition to this many of those same farmers and tradesmen saw their sons and daughters go off to war as soldiers, never to return.

Now someone is attempting to organize all those disenfranchised and homeless individuals. Focusing all that anger and resentment towards the King. It is the WHO that is interesting. Many of us joked back when we first ventured into the Deadmines and faced Edwin VanCleef ourselves that with a ship that large who knew what all could be hiding below. In Cata we discover our hunches were correct. It seems our sanctioned  murder and decapitation of the Defias leader was witnessed by none other than VanCleef's offspring. Wow's modeling for children is VERY limited as we have seen with poor Prince Anduin who was stuck looking age ten FOREVER, so it is difficult to determine exact age, my guess would be close to 13. The reason is she (Yes the new Defias leader is VanCleef's DAUGHTER) is described as being a "young girl" at his death, but she is now a "young woman" and it being four years later. (My only problem is that the time line seems a little off with VanCleef's death but we can ignore that.)

So what is Miss Vanessa VanCleef's story? After witnessing her father's death (a horrifying thing for any child) she goes into hiding amongst the local farmers. Like her father Vanessa has personal charisma and organizational skills. She is able to connect with people, to get them to share their frustrations and fears with her.  From there she is able to build on their hopes and dreams. All she personally desires is revenge for what was done to her father. As far as she is concerned the individuals responsible are Gryan Stoutmantle and King Varian. As she grew up Vanessa built a network of individuals who desire personal power, using their greed, she is able to build the framework she needs to rebuild her Father's vision once more.

One of the first individuals she recruits is a goblin by the name of Helix Gearbreaker. Helix works as her go between with some of the more unsavory types in the area that she can not contact herself. These include such groups as the Murlocks and Gnolls, as well as some former members of the original Brotherhood. Helix is even able to connect her with a rogue Worgen who has no desire to continue under Graymantle's rule. One of the interesting things about Helix is that he rides around on the back of a Lumbering Oaf, just like the goblins in the ORIGINAL World of Warcraft game. You will first encounter Helix in a familiar location for Alliance Rogues. Down at the bottom of the Dusty plains in the tower we use to have to stealth up to do our poison quest. Helix now makes THIS his home and center of operations.

Another one of Vanessa's recruits is a two headed ogre by the name of Glubtok. Like all ogres he isn't exactly the brightest, but he does have his uses. When Vanessa first finds him he has set up his own little shop in one of the local mines. However Vanessa is not willing to deal with any competition so she offers him a deal, work for her or be eliminated. Glubtok has to think about it for a little bit but Vanessa's promises of glory and power with out him actually having to do much win him over. His minions now become part of her work force.

Her final recruit and the last member of what will become the bosses of the NEW Deadmines is Admiral Ripsnarl. You first see him in the stocks at Sentinel Hill. Graymantle mentions, and Ripsnarl gleefully confirms that this is a Worgen who is only interested in biting whoever happens to come within range. He has absolutely NO interest in controlling the "beast within", nor of honoring any pacts created by his king with the rest of the Alliance. Ripsnarl is a lot of fun and has a snarky attitude he takes out on anyone who happens to walk by. This old Sea Dog is wild, and it says a lot that the only one he actually seems to respect is Vanessa.

Now don't underestimate Vanessa as a pretty face using her father's reputation to get her places. Oh no. This is a young woman who learned everything at her father's knee but put her OWN twist on it. She learned well, but she is NOT Edwin. Edwin was all about having a "righteous cause", getting what was "owed him" and those who worked with him, gathering to him others who were wronged. Vanessa is about "revenge" pure and simple.  She will take you down, in the dark, from behind, without  pity simply because you have the POSSIBILITY of getting in the way of her plans. If she can't do it personally she will get others to do it. This is one VICIOUS individual for all that she can play the part of "sweet and innocent". All we can hope is that they DON'T give her the emote "My name is Vanessa VanCleef, you killed my father, prepare to die."

Know Your Rogue Lore: In Coming Changes

Cataclysm is coming, hints of its impending arrival surround us. I don't just mean the recently released Ruby Sanctum or much anticipated Operation Gnomeregan and Echo Isle Offensive. But there are other obvious hints if you take the time to observe while traversing the old world this Mid Summer Festival. Unfortunately the vast majority of us spend all of our time traipsing around the frozen north or hidden away in dungeons so we have completely lost touch with the larger world available to us. Tremors rock the capital cities, Sea Striders wander ALL of Desolace not just the coasts, constant rain in desert zones, these are just a few of the things I have noted and when challenged others have spotted even more.

When I first started playing World of Warcraft I learned not from forums, or even blogs, instead I received instruction from other ROGUES I encountered while exploring this wide world we call Azeroth. We had these strange things called "class specific quests". Together we would explore, assisting as we advanced and progressed in level. It gave us all a sense of comradarie since we were hated by all the other classes, feared and reviled for the very things that make us such a great and fun class to play. Now key abilities are simply granted at level advancement via our trainers, quests often skipped completely for speedy dungeon and battleground leveling. Finding Ravenholdt Manor, that haven for all rogue kind, once considered a right of passage, many new rogues are not even sure what it IS let alone how to get there. The sense of community is largely gone.

Many blame this on Blizzard, but lets face it we have just as much a responsibility as they. We told them that traipsing all over the globe was "boring" and "took to long". The very things that once BUILT our community are the things we rejected in favor of "quick rewards". When I first started out those friendships I made in game were as the result of doing QUESTS and running DUNGEONS. Wasting literally HOURS attempting to find our way around BRD or Sunken Temple. Even today you can STILL build relationships IF you TRY, but the thirst for "Shiny Purples" consumes so many they have forgotten how they came to be there. It is easier to just cling to our small circle of friends or self focus than risk rejection from the "noobs".  Why would you want to be friends with them ANYWAY? YOU were never that stupid, dumb, clueless, etc.

So why should we care? You can certainly play this game and never give a moments thought to the stories (aka lore) that are the driving force behind it all. Lets face it, once you have heard Arthas or any of his long winded minions prattle on a few times you certainly wish there was a mute button. Well all that lore we once knew, those quests we did as we leveled, are soon going to be COMPLETELY washed away in the turbulence known as the Cataclysm. Blizzard recently revealed that ALL the old world quests will be "swept aside".  The opportunities this affords them is AMAZING. It allows them to present a COMPLETELY new game to even us "old timers".

Some who don't pay attention to the lore were shocked at the suggestion that Banshee Queen would be making a power grab after the fall of the Lich King, recruiting former members of the scourge into the Forsaken ranks. Others of us were stating "well it is about TIME, she has only been working for this day since the very beginning!" Old world quests hinted at such things as the "New Plague" and the Deathstalkers role in covering it up.  However if you are not one to actually READ quests or pay attention to the lore it was easy to miss these hints.

With all those old quests going away, Blizzard can COMPLETELY rework the roles of some of the major rogue organizations like the Deathstalkers, the Defias Brotherhood,and SI:7. Perhaps even some of the minor rogue organizations like the Hidden Circle and Shattered Hand could get more attention. On the other hand they may just disappear all together into the rubble. Only time will tell. Something of note though with both Burning Crusade AND Wrath, Blizzard has tired to make LORE or the STORY the driving force, to give you a REASON for being there (even if the story itself may be weak).

I started this whole series because I kept encountering Rogues who had no IDEA how deeply our class impacted the over all game STORY wise. Who the "Greats" were of the rogue class and how they came to be "Greats". So with all the recent announcements the focus of this series will change slightly. I will try to look at those rogues who we certainly should expect to see again in Cata and even more how their presence and existence impact the attitudes and behaviors of other major lore figures we may be more familiar with. A great deal of it will be speculation, but I will also be looking at the hints we are already seeing IN GAME and the clues they are dropping. Time to get back into the spy game, we have A LOT to uncover. 

Know Your Rogue Lore: Wiley the Black

In a quiet upper room of Lakeshire's Inn there resides a generally unobtrusive man according to Innkeeper Brianna. "Orders up a pint of  Thunderbrew Lager with his evening meal but pretty much he keeps to himself."  She says. If you dare to request his name of him he will respond with "I'm Wiley the Black".  Now if "The Black" comes from his hair color, manner of dress or just his dower expression, that is all open to interpretation as he refuses to clarify. Those few who do manage to catch a glimpse of him will note a rough hewn, middle age man with a patch over his right eye.

Wiley was once a member of the Defias Brotherhood, as his garments clearly attest, back when they were first gaining strength and establishing a foot hold in Westfall. Eventually his attitude towards the organization soured. As with all "rogue" groups there is a risk when you attempt to "retire". Usually any form of discontent or dissension is met with permanent induction into the category of "examples to others" with your corpse creatively displayed. Wiley was intelligent enough to find a way around this, a chance or perhaps not so chance encounter with a Paladin by the name of Gryan Stoutmantle was Wiley's ticket to freedom.
How did he come to be here? Redridge is not considered a great tourist destination, especially in these times and while Lake Everstill may look lovely at sunset, the local wildlife make fishing and swimming in its waters difficult. Beyond Wiley himself only Gryan Stoutmantle of Westfall knows for sure. The two men only give us hints. Something to consider however is that like Westfall, Redridge has largely had to become militarily independent from Stormwind for it's defense. An individual like Wiley with some training in fighting could easily make a home and legitimate living in such surroundings. At the same time remain close enough to pay off some debts, because as all rogues know...you don't want to have an unpaid debt come back to haunt you.

Stoutmantle will call in that debt before his promotion to Captain and relocation to Northrend's Grizzly Hills.  Wiley's response is classic "Some nerve sending a total stranger to discuss the Defias gang. Once you saved my life and now you put it in great peril." Wiley provides the information Gryan needs but makes it clear that as far as he is concerned his debt is paid in full. It is clear however that Stoutmantle doesn't understands the position he has inadvertently placed Wiley, nor little appreciation for the risks he is taking.

At present all Wiley the Black desires is a life of quiet, to be allowed to make his own choices with out fear of retribution. Perhaps he will be able to find what he seeks in his little inn room in Lakeshire. Sure the Gnolls baying in the hills may not be music to everyone else's ears, but it is better than a dagger in the back or poison in your cup.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Garn Mathers

With Cataclysm rapidly approaching a sense of urgency has filled me in regards to some of these names on my KYRL list. I have no idea how many of them will vanish in a ball of flame or be washed away with the encroaching tides. Todays focus is one that most likely will disappear, never to be enjoyed again as the story line he is intimately tied to has become redundant.

Garn Mathers has so many unique things about him it seems a shame he could soon fade away beneath the waves. Found wandering around on a small island between Durkmurk Shore and Alcaz Island in Duskwallow Marsh, Garn is easily identifiable from the other Defias members lurking there. Clad in a black shirt verses everyone else in tan, he is also sporting two swords. To make him stand out even further his main hand sword is encased with the indicative black cloud of a Lifestealing Enchant, resulting in him being one of the few npc's know to sport an item enhancement.

Further more Garn has the distinction of being the highest level identified member of the Defias Brotherhood. Now this does not mean highest in RANK but rather highest in LEVEL. He weighs in at a womping level 37 where as VanCleef himself is only a measly level 20.  What are the Defias doing in Duskwallow in the FIRST place? Aren't they all suppose to be around Stormwind? More specifically terrorizing Westfall? Alliance players receive a quest from Captain Wymor at Sentry Point telling of a recent shipwreck that has him puzzled. It seems that this ship was full of Defias but that just doesn't make any sense to him as the Defias to the best of HIS knowledge are a bunch of craftsmen and thieves, NOT sailors. He sends you to check it out, specifically to kill Garn and see what information he might have on him.

Garn you see was in charge of  infiltrating, then taking control of the ship transporting King Varian to a Peace Summit being hosted by Lady Proudmoore. The shipwreck that Captain Wymor witnessed was that containing the King and his Defias captors. Now originally this quest chain ended shortly after you located the Defias Orders on Garn. Making Garn nothing more than another hint to the "Missing Diplomat" chain, Patch 2.3 changed all that. Now Captain Wymor suspects something but this time he takes action, sending you off to talk to a local SI:7 agent to collect the "precious cargo". The interpretation both the Captain and the Agent put on the orders being that the ship must have contained valuables, like gold or other supplies from an unknown supporter, never imagining the truth. If you take the time to follow the chain to the end you will discover more of what is going on, even getting a free tour of Alcaz Island. (Nice if you were not around during the opening of AQ.) With Patch 3.0 this quest chain was AGAIN altered, before Jania would send you to Bolvar, then it changed to send you to King Varian, as off patch 3.3 it now just ends with her.

Garn is one of those NPC characters who sticks in my memory. I hope he manages to survive the incoming disaster but I have my doubts. His little island home is not that sturdy and he has a habit of hanging around near the outer edges. There is some speculation that he may be related to Jason Mathers over in Elywnn Forest but that has never been confirmed. However if his home WAS Crystal Lake growing up...perhaps a life of crime is not so hard to understand, at least he won't suffer the same fate as the six children.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Defias Brotherhood

Ah, the Defias. There are few who can play this game without encountering them at least once in their leveling experience. So who is this elusive band and what are their goals? If you play an Alliance character, especially a human, most likely you will do a series of chain quests in Westfall that specifically deal with this group of cutthroats. Lets take this time to look at exactly who they are and what various sources from World of Warcraft have to say about them.

When the human kingdom of Stormwind was leveled by the Horde Invasion during the First War, Anduin Lothar lead its survivors to Loredaeron. There while acting as regent lord for the newly minted King Varian Wrynn, Lothar told the other Human kings and their allies what had befallen them following the murder of King Llane Wrynn, Varian's father. King Terenas pledged his aid to young Varian as well as assisted Lothar in bulling the other kings into do the same. Once the First War drew to a close King Terenas convinced the other kingdoms to finance a reconstruction of Stormwind City. Knowing that young Varian would be to busy attempting to reclaim his former kingdom to direct such a huge civic project Terenas set up a council of representatives from several Noble families to act as advisers to the king and over see the rebuilding project in his stead.

This council, called The House of Nobles, commissioned a talented young architect by the name of Edwin VanCleef, the current leader of the Stonemasons Guild to design and coordinate the reconstruction. Many of the laborers and craftsmen saw these actions as a renewal, as well as a chance to display their skills. At great personal expense many relocated to Stormwind, bringing their families with them.  Others saw the project as a means to make a profit while participating in a lucrative government funded contract since not ALL were original refugees. When the building was completed these craftsman turned to the House of Nobles for payment. Unfortunately many of those council members had misappropriated the funds they were suppose to be distributing. They decided that the best course of action was to act surprised by the demands and inform the builders that they were SUPPOSE to be grateful for having been allowed to participate in such a legendary project, as well as offering government jobs to the leaders. When many of the craftsmen rejected this, demanding compensation for their work, the House of Nobles expelled them from the city.

Into this powder keg rides young King Varian who has spent the passing years clearing the surrounding areas of hostiles so that his people can begin to rebuild their farms. When the House of Nobles inform him that the artisans are causing an issue Varian is shocked, demanding to know why the craftsmen were not paid earlier as he had been lead to believe. He demands that the House of Nobles make good on their promises. At this point the Nobles confess that they HAVE no money, telling the young king that it was sent to HIM to fund his build up of the military. Guilt stricken the Royal family goes to meet with now roaring mob hoping to defuse the situation.

What happens next will greatly impact the Kingdom of Stormwind forever. Varian's queen Tiffin is killed during the ensuing riot. His infant son Anduin is narrowly rescued from being trampled. The council of Nobles declare the stonemasons responsible for the violence, forcing what few remain to flee. Varian then falls into a magically induced depression and becomes a silent figure head for the next 10 years. The council, now lead by Katrina Prestor take control of the kingdom in his name. To further protect their interests and cover their guilt the House of Nobles pull the vast majority of the military forces Varian had put in place to protect the country side back to the capital. This results in only token forces or in some instances where the outposts had yet to be constructed, nothing at all to guard the general population.

It is into this void that the Defias Brotherhood step in. VanCleef you see is not only a stonemason, but he specialized in creating secret rooms and safe houses. This activity brought him into close contact with the current leader of the Stormwind Assassins and SI:7 Mathias Shaw.  The two developed a close friendship to the point that Shaw had taught VanCleef many of the tricks of the trade to being an assassin. Using his former position of leadership and personal charisma VanCleef gathers up the disillusioned and vengeful craftsmen, promising that together they will "retrieve their rightful pay" from the pockets of those who cross their path. Together they construct a hideout in their former haunt the Deadmines, source of the majority of the stone and ore that was used to construct Stormwind City.

One can not create such a large band with out catching the attention of the local bandits. In the end VanCleef is able to convince them of the benefits to be found joining forces with HIM over attempting to compete or take them out. By the time he is finished VanCleef has created an loosely connected force that controls much of the area from Duskwood to Elwynn Forest. By bolstering his forces with mercenaries VanCleef now commands a more well rounded and gifted army than many believe. By directing his followers to avoid direct conflict with the Stormwind guard and People's Militia as much as possible he is able to keep the exact size and scope of his organization hidden.

While VanCleef himself still spouts the founding ideals of the Defias Brotherhood as being the seeking of justice and bringing down corruption within the House of Nobles. The induction of  bandits and mercenaries of other races such as Goblins, Tauren, Ogres and Kobolds has changed the rank and files focus to one of pure profit and power. Recruits need only to put on the signature red mask and seek out members of the Defias to join, however once indited absolute obedience is expected. The Warcraft RPG books also describe many members tattooing a cog on their hands to further indicate their allegiance as well as defacing Stormwind coin to show their disdain for its king. 

Originally VanCleef's plan is to construct a "weapon of mass destruction" and use it to disrupt Stormwinds trade lines as well as perhaps destroy Stormwind itself. After all why should the villainous Nobles get to enjoy the fruits of all HIS hard work? Many believe the ship located within the Deadmines is this "weapon of mass destruction" but this has never been verified. When VanCleef is killed by "a group of adventurers" at the request of Gryan Stoutmantle of the People's Militia the Defias SHOULD have disbanded or at least fallen in prominence. Any of VanCleef's Lieutenants with the ability to assume command were sitting in the Stormwind Stockade. However someone else is able to quickly redirect the Defia's attention. So quickly in fact that some question if VanCleef was REALLY the one in charge of the Defias, or just playing the role of figure head like Varian Wrynn.

Currently in the game the quest chain dealing with the kidnapping of King Varian has been largely swept aside lore wise. To recap, Lady Prestor purchases the services of the Defias through a middle man, Lord Gregor Lescovar, promising them King Varian. The Defias jump at the opportunity, thinking to ransom the king for fees owed as well as damages. However as  is revealed in the Warcraft Comic Prestor is only using the Defias to cover her OWN activities and plans for the king. Before Wrath this chain completed with Lady Prestor buying you off before sending your way. It is not until much later when completing the Jail Break chain (which was removed from the game at the beginning of Wrath) that her true nature and plans are revealed. Now, instead of presenting your findings to Prestor at the end of the Defias chain you report to the King directly who commends you for your work in uncovering the plot before offering the same rewards Prestor gave.

With Prestor out of way you would think that the Defias would begin to fade into the background, but not quite yet. The original craftsmen have STILL not been compensated and while King Varian was sympathetic to their plight 10+ years ago, a lot has happened since then. During that time the members of the Defias Brotherhood have preyed on the populace endlessly, furthermore they acted DIRECTLY against the King by participating in his kidnapping. If not for the unexpected attack of the scourge the Alliance military would have turned their attention to wiping the band out. Instead the countryside is STILL left relatively undefended while King Varian throws the majority of Stormwinds military resources toward stopping the Scourge and renewing the battle with the Horde.  This gives the Defias an unexpected opportunity to reorganize.

There is some speculation that the "Heroic Deadmines" we have all been hearing about may be more than just a "Level Up" of the former instance. Instead it may deal with where the Defias is CURRENTLY after dealing with its recent disasters. Cataclysm will provide many opportunities to rework this organization and we already know that Westfall, its major base of operations, is getting a major overhaul. We can only wait and see.

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.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Bertelm

Bertelm is a member of the original Alliance forces that came through the Dark Portal with  legendary heroes General Turalyon, Archmage Khadgar and Ranger Alleria Windrunner. As a part of the Sons of Lothar he worked specifically with Force Commander Danath Trollbane in tracking down Ner'zhul. Unfortunately we know how that story played out. (If you don't it is all contained in the book Beyond the Dark Portal by Aaron Rosenberg and Christie Golden.) Now he calls the Allerian Stronghold in Terokkar Forest of Outland home.

As a result of his isolation Bertelm has no difficulty working with the High Elves, nor confusing them with the Blood Elves because these are all recent changes for him. In fact it seems that Bertelm has developed a bit of a crush on one of the new arrivals to the stronghold, the seamstress Ros'eleth. In his desire to get to know her better he laments the loss of all the taverns back in Stormwind and plans for how he can convince her to go for a "nice walk in the woods" with him.

As a quest giver Bertelm has you assist him with both his job AND his personal obsession. When you first meet him, Bertelm shares his belief that Ros'eleth must have feelings for him as she winks whenever he goes to pick up something from her. So he wants to create a special garment using local materials to impress her. Unfortunately work keeps getting in the way, limiting his ability to gather all the materials. Bertelm asks for your assistance both in thinning out the ranks of the Fel Orcs in the area as well as gathering up some worg tails and a specific worg's hide for his "masterpiece" garment. Bertelm also sends you to one of his operatives, a High Elf rogue by the name of Theloria Shadecloak to see what all she has discovered.

Theloria will tell you that much to her dismay the Blood Elves are working with the Fel Orcs. When you slip inside the Bonechewer encampment to remove the Firewing Liaison you will see a paper on the ground. Pick that up and take it back to Bertelm for analysis. Bertelm will then inform you that despite all ideas to the contrary the Blood Elves are not just working WITH the Fel Orcs, they are actually the ones in charge, using the Fel Orcs as a diversion for the Allerian forces.  Why he doesn't know but it means his seduction of the lovely Ros'eleth is going to have to wait.

One last item of note about Bertelm, he is slightly taller than the average human male. This may have to do with the in game mechanics that make bosses larger than average (Think of the changes in Tirion.) Not all npcs are effected this way but oddly enough Bertelm is one of them.

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?

Know Your Rogue Lore: Hexil Garrot

Hexil is a part of the Goblin controlled Arena circuit. Early in Azeroth's history individuals would compete in gladiator type competitions for money and glory. Thrall most notably was raised in just this type of environment under Lord Blackmore. The Goblins, seeing what profit could easily be made by conducting these types of games quickly created an underground circuit of arenas to which individuals could go to compete. King Varion in fact fell victim to these, being forced to participate by Rehgar Earthfury.

Hexil is part of the staff sent to open and operate the arena located in Dalaran. However he is not content to just stand around watching when there is profit to be made. Setting up a small shop called "Tools of the Trade" in a dark corner of the Underbelly Hexil sells goods, most notably armor goods to the leather wearers who express interest. Since he is not the OFFICIAL vendor for the Goblin arena he can not sell any of those items, but he CAN make a profit with his niche clientele. Players who wish to avoid the often over crowded shops run by the Elves trading emblems for goods.

Clad in a reworked Bloodfang armor set he attempts to convey that his goods are for everyday life rather than the rigors of the arena. Both Druids and Rogues can benefit from his product list as he does not discriminate between the physical damager verses the caster leather wearer. He also has a small  collection of weapons. So don't pass this guy buy, while he may not Primordial Saronite he DOES have many of the other non tier pieces we can use.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Elling Trias

This weeks Know Your Rogue Lore is inspired by The Daily Quests' Kelly Meeks and Drew Manser's most recent comic. If you haven't managed to discover them yet DO, they are a set of gifted artists. Now back to our regularly scheduled program.

Elling Trias is a humble cheese shop owner in the Trade District of Stormwind City. Or at least that is the impression he gives to the general passerby. However Elling's life was not always so circumvent and it should be noted that his shop is locate RIGHT on the main thoroughfare into Stormwind, just a short step from the Bank and Auction House, the TRUE major area of the city. Why should this make a difference? Because even now Elling can't keep his past behind him.

There is some debate as to how deeply Elling is still involved with the Stormwind Assassins and Mathias Shaw's other organization SI:7 but what IS obvious is that Elling is VERY aware of what is taking place outside his doors. In addition to that as a "humble shop keeper" he is able to maintain relationships with individuals closely associated with less savory groups like the Defias Brotherhood. All of this comes to light if you as an Alliance player stumble across a little quest chain known as "The Missing Diplomat". There is also a quiet hint in the Western Plaguelands that perhaps Elling is not as "retired" as he is attempting to portray.

So who exactly IS Elling Trias and how does fit into the over all scheme of things? Elling is a contemporary of Mathias Shaw and Edwin VanCleef. He was a part of the group who helped to maintain order and spy for Stormwind during the turbulent years of its reconstruction. However Elling is no fool, when injures cost him his eye he determined that perhaps a less "high profile" career would be the way to go. While traveling in Dalaran he took the time to drop a copper coin into the fountain expressing he wish to be able to pursue his true passion...cheese.

Presently Elling and his family (who consist of his wife Elaine, as well as sons Ben and Lucian) are focused on running their business. However don't assume that the Trias family is only working in wine and cheese. I highly doubt it is a coincidence that Lucian's shop is located RIGHT NEXT to the Horde district in Dalaran. Take into consideration the amount of merchandise he loses on a regular basis to thievery, he is either MUCH less talented than his father or running a front where profit is NOT the major goal.

Elling doesn't limit his dealings in information either. There is another quest chain Alliance players can stumble across at about level 16 called "The Unsent Letter", players pick up this little gem off of Edwin VanCleef's corpse. Follow this chain and eventually you end up at Mathias Shaw who sends you to collect a "favor" from Trias. (I LOVE the flavor text for this quest as Elling goes on about Deathwing being alive and attacking the city.) If you continue down the chain it quickly becomes evident that Elling has something to do with planning assassinations of nobles of...dubious loyalty. What is interesting about this chain is that it changed. Originally the quest ended with Lady Prestor who would tell you that the King is away on a "Diplomatic mission" (see previous Missing Diplomat) and rewards you for your "service" in his name. Since Wrath the quest now ends with King Varian himself who thanks you for your efforts and rewards you himself.

Now Elling, Elaine, Ben and Lucain are not the only known members of the Trias family. There is also speculation that a certain horde rogue trainer named David Trias may also be a relative, perhaps a brother who fell victim to the plague. This would make sense as familiarity with the rogue career is certainly rampant in the clan. In the end the most famous member and the one most beloved is the Master of Cheese himself Elling Trias.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Gankly Rottenfist

Gankly Rottenfist is on of those fun characters who could almost be considered an Easter Egg. This elusive NPC appears randomly near the Nessingwary Safari in Nagrand. While his intended target is another random NPC named Kristen Dipswitch. (Originally her name was Kristen DeMeza a tribute to Blizzard Employee Caydiem of Forum fame.) He will also attack any others who happen to be in the area attempting to turn in or receive their OWN quests.

If players don't interfere Gankly jumps Kristen shortly after she rides up to the camp, killing her. He then rummages through her bags stealing her quest turn in. Once this is accomplished he attempts to turn the items in himself to Harold who promises him his "just reward". The results are vindication for every lowbie ever ganked by a higher level in Stranglethorn as Nessingwary and the other members of the expedition fill him full of buckshot. Turning him into their latest hunting trophy and a lovely rug for the center of the camp.

Gankly is considered a modern representation of every high level rogue who spends their time harassing lower level players attempting to turn in their quests. (Christian Chase would be proud.) Clad in the pvp Warlord's Vestments his fighting technique is rather poor for someone who should be VERY good at pvp. He is a Subtlety rogue who will stop at nothing less than death in taking out his intended victim. If you attempt to run away rather than fight him he will chase you endlessly. If he manages to kill you (which unless you are EXTREMELY poorly geared or a MUCH lower level should NOT happen) he will camp your corpse for about 5 minutes before despawning. He has VERY low health, just shy of 6k with VERY low damage output so few people should consider him ANY type of threat even at level 65.

Gankly has managed to collect for himself a cult type following as I know of individuals who happily hang out at the Nessingwary Camp waiting for Kristen to ride up since her appearance anticipates his own. I know of numerous individuals who have NEVER managed to encounter him but if you are so fortunate feel free to end his miserable life and Kristen will give you a nice little quest reward.

Know Your Rogue Lore: Veras Darkshadow

There isn't really a lot of official information regarding Veras Darkshadow the "rogue" member of the Illdari Council from Black Temple. However simple deduction does give us a bit of background and insight into this elusive character.

The Illdari Council is made up of four blood elf representatives from Kael'thas who have a dual purpose job. They are required to both watch Illidan, reporting back to Kael anything that may impact the blood elf interests and at the same time offer the Betrayer whatever support he may require in furthering their joint goals. The question arises as to whom their ultimate loyalty is with, Illidan, Kael'thas or someone else completely (such as their OWN personal interests).

Veras would have been one of the most talented Assassination rogues from the cream of the crop that Kael'thas took with him to Outland. However there is some speculation that in Veras we are also seeing a bit of the Demon hunter. Perhaps due to his close association with Illidan. The reason for this speculation is Veras' costume. He is actually sporting a recolored tier 6 Warlock skirt, the traditional demon hunter tattoos as well as a matching set of Fang of Vashj.  The daggers give a hint that Veras was a part of the Blood elves migration to Outland since it was Kael'thas initial deal with Lady Vashj that brought them in contact with Illidan in the first place. Like all rogues however he suffers from a version of the "vanish bug" in that a few seconds before he reappears he is both visible AND attackable to those close to him, he can even be marked.

Some consider Veras to be the most dangerous member of the Illdari Council as a direct result of his rogue abilities. His Envenom can cause 9to10k damage in a matter of seconds, easily causing a player to expire before a healer can react to save them. Yet when he is not in stealth he is stunable and has VERY low armor. (Not surprising when you consider he is running around half naked to show off his manly chest.) Yet he is  quite confident in his abilities to counter any comers as can be seen in his dying comments "You got lucky!"

Know Your Rogue Lore: Moroes

Ah Moroes, the second boss in Karazhan was once the bane of many guilds. Like every other rogue based boss he is not alone but has additional adds who accompany him. Who exactly is this individual and how did he come to be overseeing a ghostly party?

The vast majority of Moroes' history is documented in Jeff Grubb's novel "The Last Guardian" where the then young mage Khadgar is sent by the Kirin'Tor of Dalaran to be Medivh's apprentice just before the First War. Khadgar describes Moroes as a "whip-slender elderly man with a predominate nose". Yet it is not Moroes' nose that most catches Khadgar's attention rather his habit of wearing horse blinders at all times. It is those blinders that at first make Khadgar suspicious Medivh is actually using enchanted animals as his servants rather than mortal men. Moroes' clears up the issue slightly when questioned stating that he wears the blinders to keep out the visions often seen wandering the keep of Karazhan.

Like any good servant Moroes was dedicated to his job. Often putting up with many inconveniences to keep his master and his guests well cared for. The party he presently oversees is but a reflection of the types he would hold for the nobles of Darkshire, (then called Grand Hamlet) Karazhan's closest neighbor. If you take the time to look around at the guests you will discover that many of them share the surname of prominent NPC's from there. Most notable being Ebonlocke, who is not pleased to be wasting his time waiting for an audience with Medivh that seems less likely to happen with each passing day.

Moroes' human life did not end naturally, he was killed by his master Medivh shortly before that worthy died at the hands of his apprentice Khadgar. Khadgar buried Moroes next to his master knowing that it would please him. The only difficulty was that eternal rest was not to last.

When Prince Malchezaar arrived at Karazhan he attempted to raise Medivh's corpse to use as a puppet furthering the return of the Burning Legion. Instead he got Moroes. Moving on to the top most reaches of the keep, the prince abandoning him to oversee the other spirits now wandering the halls of Karazhan just as he had their living counterparts. For Moroes it is as if he never died. Even now he is behaving as if he is preparing for Medivh's return. While his present form is that of a Forsaken each day is spent locked in the eternal repetition of his life as a human. As he told the fleeing Khadgar just before his death, "where else do I have to go?"