04/03/2020
❏ Gordrik was a bundle of nerves. That was the best way to put it. The wolf seemed to hate him, he was stuck in Orgrimmar again, and the Chieftain had left to take care of some business regarding the idiot forgemaster. He trudged along with Iko and Koza, more irritable and willing to back talk then before as he jumped at every shadow and beetle the scuttled across his way.
❏ Upon arriving to Orgrimmar, Koza set about wandering the city with her growing entourage consisting of Shadow, Gordrik and Iko. Hearing of Iko's request, she trudged along after the small Vulpera. She understood why she had to have a 'buddy', but that didn't make the situation any more pleasant for the Orc. She didn't much care for how everyone had scattered, on edge with already being in the city but seeing those inexperienced with the city running off made it worse. Still she kept a cool head, much cooler than usual, as she rummaged around the city before meeting the others. Shadow, an annoyance throughout most of the trip, was at least a stress release mechanism she used as she often reached over to scratch his head when she began to feel like too many critical eyes were upon her. Before meeting with the others, the only thing of note the Orc did was speak to a heavily armored and armed guard out of earshot of Iko. They spoke for only a few tense moments before Koza wandered back to the group.
❏ Texas is serving as muscle for anyone that might wish to travel around the city and needs an intimidating partner.
❏ Iko set to work searching for fellow beast traders upon arrival in Orgrimmar. It seems she's on a specific mission from Kanatu, and she expresses as such to Koza, her buddy in the buddy system.❏ Shadow: When he wasn’t being hauled around by a wyvern he stuck close to Koza, still preferring the company of an orc over the Tauren. Aside from one. He seemed to keep his distance from Gordrik. Perhaps he smelled something he disliked about the boy. Or he remembered Korgig disliking him entirely. He longed for the day he may be reunited with his former companion....or see Longhorn who had gotten into the habit of sneaking him snacks. Whether he wanted to or not.
❏ Wal’ami: Once the tribe had departed Stonetalon for Orgimmar the Skyreaver returned to the village after receiving some explicit directions from Kanatu. She spent a day in the village checking on things and explaining things to Narv. The following morning she and Aja’it had ventured out into the wilds of Desolace before the sun had the opportunity to rise. Chev’ok did not accompany them, however. For this mission they both decided it better to stay out of the sky. There was plenty of talk in their travels of how this was like “de old times.”
❏ Mahala: Since the tribe's little treasure hunt adventure, Mahala had been spending a good chunk of her time fiddling with her new treasures and trying to discover their purposes... that is, until an incident with some potions forced Mahala into taking the form of a spirit owl. Thankfully, Kanatu tethered her to his totem so that she could stick with the tribe. Although the only living person she could speak to was Kanatu, she happened to have quite a lot of fun talking to all seventeen of the past chieftains. It was a long eight hours, but thankfully Mahala came out of it unscathed, and all the wiser. As soon as the group entered Orgrimmar, Mahala expressed a deep interest in looking for someone to tell her more about her ring, but was not willing to venture into somewhere like the Cleft alone.
❏ Grymdel felt mixed emotions as the Skyrunners left the village and made their way towards Ogrimmar. On one hand, he was happy to be upon the road with his companions. Life on the march was something he had come to enjoy during his time in the Army, but with each miles travelled, he also drew nearer to the place of bitter betrayal, and a tragic death that had changed him forever. When Sylvannis killed Saurfang, the loyalty Grymdel felt towards the Horde and the mission that had all sacrificed so much for, began to fade. Now, as they returned to this place of sorrow, he silently vowed to make a new beginning and forge a new destiny alongside the Skyrunners. The encounter along the roadside and the uncovering of strange, magical artifacts had the ring of destiny to it. The drum evoked deep emotions within him and gave rise to a wellspring of conviction. As they travelled, he found himself humming softly, creating new rhythms and chants and revisiting old ones. The compass, broken as it appeared, seemed to remind him that Fate was not yet done with him, and that the direction he now travelled was not predetermined. Yes, it would be good to once again visit the city of his old friend. For the story the Skyrunners were to tell would be a new one, and with their service, the Earthmother and all of Azeroth would be the better for it.
❏ Venzolo before the group arrived in Orgrimmar made it very, very, VERY clear to everyone that while in Orgrimmar everyone was supposed to call him Vinny Legwrench and under no circumstances should anyone refer to him as Venzolo Shadowspark. Also, he instructed the group that if anyone asks if they know Venzolo to vehemently deny knowing anything about him. He then spent several hours of the flight attaching a fake mustache and goatee before finally changing his clothes and putting on a hood that covered his face almost completely. He seemed both excited and nervous about going back to Orgrimmar but it seemed he definitely didn’t want any attention there. As soon as the group arrived, he headed to a Goblin run insurance company and cashed out a life insurance policy that would be paid to Vinny Legwrench upon the death of Venzolo Shadowspark. Venzolo was very busy in the city often talking to shady individuals and in a strange move he was actually handing out a large amount of the gold he received to some of the down trodden around the city. Only after he made them sign several documents though. He didn’t seem to say too much to the tribe about what he was doing but he made sure to wear his disguise at all times.
04/06/2020
❏ Since Mahala’s disturbing adventure in the Cleft of Orgrimmar, not only was her self-image shattered, but a tribesman was almost killed. Since then, she has spent quite a bit of time away from the group, usually spending it meditating with her spirit totem or with Loknatah and brainstorming ideas on what they can do to remedy his situation. They spend much of their time doing little exercises together to see what feeling can possibly return to the wyvern’s leg or tail, but so far there are no immediate improvements. Aside from that, Mahala can be seen sporting a different outfit. Her leather harness has been changed for a thicker, full coverage leather chest piece, and despite being clearly uncomfortable, she seems relatively okay with that. Hearing news that Koza intends to enter the tribe into brawls, Mahala figures it would be a good chance for her to blow off steam, and as such, wishes to join the fights as a fighter.
❏ During their time in Orgrimmar, Jaeva seems to be keeping a wary eye out for someone in particular while remaining close to Mahala. She isn't too thrilled to be in the city again. When asked if she was to participate in the arena, she answered no to fighting, though she would place bets.
❏ Enyetof has been busy gathering materials he will need for his alchemy stand. He is not participating himself, but has left specific instruction to come get him immediately if something goes wrong. He is also looking for volunteers to help him in potion making.
❏ The meeting with Korgig had Grymdel concerned. The charge of desertion was more of a bureaucratic mess than anything else, but the events following were of a more serious nature. Much had changed since Grymdel had left the army and he found himself dismayed that his name and reputation had not lingered long after his resignation. Perhaps that was just his pride and vanity speaking though. It seemed that just as the Skyrunners solved one threat, another reared its head. With this in mind, Grymdel resolved to at least do his part and give the veteran a fighting chance. Upon the morrow he would travel to the Hall of Legends and hopefully find a friendly face or two that could help smooth the way to getting the records they needed.
❏ Venzolo has been hard at work in Orgrimmar constantly going out and meeting with people usually of an unsavory sort. His meetings usually center around deals or information about the best places to secure lumber and ore at a better price than the current market value. So far he seems to have stumbled across some information that the lumber mills in Ashenvale have a pretty big surplus of lumber but for some reason shipments aren’t making it to Orgrimmar. They might be having trouble with something. He also heard about a Goblin Foreman running a Horde mine in windshear crag in the stonetalon mountains who likes to make some money on the side by selling ore from the mine cheap though usually in exchange for favors. Though it seems like Venzolo isn’t having an easy time finding information about some of the other stuff needed for the sky ship. His angry frustrated mutterings usually revolving around Phlogiston and engine parts. It seems he still needs more time to gather information on those things. He has also heard about the tribe’s plan to raise some quick cash to keep Korgig’s head off the chopping block. He has always liked betting on fights it’s one of his most favorite past times and he is well suited to the task. He’d let Koza know that though she probably already knew. Though the clever Goblin was also beginning to scheme that it might be a benefit to whip up something that would turn the odds in the tribes favor if given to the proper person or persons. He wasn’t sure if Kanatu liked the idea though.
❏ Realizing that the Tribe does not have enough time to gather the money for Korgig, and pushed by the question of his own terms of honor, the Chieftain ventured out one night. Alone. With Enyetof and Grymdel so far failing to turn up the papers to dismiss Korgig’s charge of desertion he returned to the prison magistrate who apparently slept in his office. The morning that the brawls were supposed to happen would dawn on a Chieftain-less hut in the Valley of Wisdom, and a very bloodied prison magistrate who was currently holed up in his office. A simple note left in the Chieftain’s spot around the fire in the hut explained that they had one additional week to raise funds and that he would return that afternoon to discuss further but no one was to enter the Brawlgar Arena to fight. Not yet.
04/10/2020
❏ The caravan escort was a welcome distraction from the challenges the tribe had faced over the past few months. Grymdel enjoyed the friendly banter that went on between the caravansary as they travelled and was happy that the route was unemcumbered by threats, providing him with time to enjoy the scenery and reflect upon all that had happened. During the night however, the fractures within the tribe began to show and not for the first time, he found himself concerned for the continued stability of the tribe. It was clear that while in the process of rebuilding, the relationships of the individual members were not as strong yet as they should be. It all felt... out of balance. These thoughts kept him up long into the night, and dawn found him forming the beginnings of a plan. Something that could help serve to bring the tribe together and help bring more stability to the whole. Upon their return he resolved to speak with some of the others and get their thoughts. Gymdel would also ensure that Kanatu was given the envelope containing the service records of Korgig so that the Chieftan could use these in the orc's defense.
❏ Left to his own devices, Snagg was unsure at first what he should do. Apart from his routines -wake, give thanks to the Earthmother, and train -he found that there were entirely too many hours in a day to try and fill with his own ideas. By the end of the third day, he saw clearly that if this were to go on too much longer, he would most certainly start to wear people's patience thin. To remedy this, Snagg approached Takata Steelblade and asked the veteran orc if he could help stand guard with him. He identified the teaching he had undergone with Grymdel and the experience he had operating as part of the army during the war. After all, with many of the tribe away, an extra pair of eyes and trained axe couldn't hurt, right?
❏ Mahala’s mind has been plagued as of late, and though her loved ones have been a great solace in this time, she’s had an interesting experience with her bonded companion. Where Mahala’s brain would fight to disturb her, Loknatah will send positive thoughts and images back, as if to combat her own insecurities. It’s at times like these where Mahala felt as if she made the right choice during her Judgement. As for the events since the group got to Orgrimmar, Mahala can’t help but to feel as if this is a lot of work over one person, but has come to realize that if she were in Korgig’s place, she’s want the tribe to do the same.
❏ It has been a few weeks now since Dursk had left the village to return to Orgrimmar. The trek back was painful and slow, but at this point it was nothing that he wasn’t used to. He was curious about the events that would unfold as the tribe made their way to Orgrimmar, and was often anxious to hear about what result would return if their efforts there. The orc has been sending letters to the village whenever possible, to give updates as Jaeva has asked, but knew he wouldn’t possibly be able to get a reply until he made it to Orgrimmar himself... in which case the tribe would be long gone by the time he got there.
❏ “It is the nature of a lone wolf to starve. That hunger often drives them to desperation, and that desperation will force them to do things they would not normally do. It was not a desire that brought me to Azshara that morning - it was not the scent of the wilderness, however pleasing; but the promise of meager coin from an escort job. On top of things a second group showed up, calling themselves Skyrunners. We ended up traveling together and now we have made camp. They are decent folk; I have little else going for me, and these lot seem to walk like mercenaries, yet speak like family. Mayhaps I shall inquire about traveling with them.” Goro’tash has found himself in the company of the Skyrunner Tribe after a brief isolation wandering the wilds of Ashenvale following the close of the Fourth War. He had come to Orgrimmar to lick his wounds when his prized possession, his blade Hellwalker, was shattered in combat by a blast of Arcane magic. There, he learned of a job escorting a caravan through Ashenvale and gladly took the job - as he was quickly depleting his coin purse at the Wyvern’s Tail. His goals for the near future are to get steady work and shelter, and to reforge his namesake, The Hellwalker.given to the proper person or persons. He wasn’t sure if Kanatu liked the idea though.
❏ Iko has been accumulating power ever since the tribe arrived in Orgrimmar. It was palpable to most anyone that got close enough. Recent events however have seen a notable decline in it as well as her increasingly becoming more and more distant. It seems like she's working through some stuff. The severe burn injury to her left arm seems to have stopped radiating Fel corruption and is now simply a standard 3rd degree burn from palm to shoulder.
❏ The Mag’har remained in the Orgimmar dungeon unsure of his fate. While Kanatu, Enyetof, and Grymdel had visited there was no discussion about their intention of his release. Luckily Koza decided to visit him and scold him for destroying a gift for the purpose of leading Shadow to the tribe with his note. Now he’s aware that the Skyrunner are working toward his release which comes with a hefty price. One he is not keen on owing, but he has little other options in his current situation. The lack of being able to do anything to help his own release has been wearing on him. Helpless is not a feeing he is used to.
❏ Wal’ami set off from village with Aja’it and some animal companions in tow. She had a special mission to compete which was issued by Kanatu. The pair of trolls and company are off to the location of the night elves based on Vul’mon’s observations of their location. She hopes to learn what she can and return to the village before the rest of the tribe returns from Orgimmar.
❏ Since returning from the caravan mission and her own personal outing, Koza has spent much of her free time trying to stay off the streets as possible. After the events of the last week that happened to her, Iko and the rest of the tribe, Koza wanted just a day or two to hide away from it all and read all of the new books she had received from Klula. This was also due to her losing her buddy in the little buddy system she had been assigned to, leaving her with little choice unless she wanted to follow Mahala or Kanatu around at all times. Something still seemed to be bothering her, but only someone brave enough to ask her would be able to learn what that was.
❏ Having suffered burns and trauma to the chest that has seemed to result in a permanent wheeze, Gordrik has been forced to remain in the hut to heal where Koza could keep a close watch on the boy and make sure he wasn't going to try sneaking away only to get even more hurt or worse. He'd grumble about his situation to anyone that'd pass by.
❏ Texas has been quiet on the trip and has kept his head down. It seems like the big city has put him on edge. Too many people! ❏ Venzolo after his little spat with Iko spent the rest of the time with the caravan avoiding her though he didn’t seem mad he simply kept staring at her and watching her with a curious expression on his face from a distance. When he wasn’t doing that he spoke at length with Grez about numerous topics usually revolving around the elements, magic, and engineering. Besides talking with Grez Venzolo seemed uncharacteristically quiet brooding and muttering to himself. Something seemed to be troubling the Goblin though he was not telling anyone about what it was.
❏ With the total sum of 4,860g so far the Tribe is close to half way on gathering the gold necessary to release Korgig from his prison cell. Upon getting the documents from Grymdel and returning to Orgrimmar Kanatu went directly to a scribe to have copies made and signed so that there would be little confusion in the future and promptly delivered the original to the Prison Magistrate. Now at least they did not have to worry about getting a head in a basket for their trouble. They still need rest of the gold though and the sooner the better.
❏ After returning from the Caravan trip Kanatu pulled Koza aside and ordered her to begin preparations for the Arena with Venzolo. Training up those that would be fighting with arena specific knowledge and getting a plan together for how to best work with the betting system. He’s also informed her that if there is a worthy enemy in the roster that he can fight with all his skills to bear he will.
❏ With the Tribe in Orgrimmar their wyverns have drawn a good bit of attention. While wyverns were common enough among the Horde the consistent heavy horns and large size of the Cloudlord Wyverns have drawn a fair bit of attention from Beastmasters and Handlers of all kinds. The extra attention has brought some children by as well asking for rides from the Tribe. Seeing an opportunity to get a little more gold for Korgig, Kanatu has offered flight tours around Orgrimmar on wyvern back for five gold a piece for adults and only one for children. The result has offered a small but steady and growing supply of gold for the cause.
❏ Elder Ruhanik has been with the tribe near constantly since they arrived in Orgrimmar. From giving council to Kanatu to speaking with the other members about whatever crossed their minds. While he suffered from that habit most storytellers do in rambling on and on he seems to be well welcomed among the Tribe. He’s expressed an interest to Kanatu about returning back with them to speak to someone specific. He may have done this fairly loudly to see who might have opinions on the matter. ❏ Back home people are starting to worry a bit at the extended absence of the Tribe. They should be back within a day or two and so far they have not gotten word.
❏ Aja’it has continued to hunt for the tribe, even taking tag-alongs if they bring it up. Though reclusive, quiet, and generally not the most social of people the troll has gathered at least a few people in the village that seek him out including Gruda, Hotah, and Dakoda. They seem to extend that same treatment to Wal’ami though they seem more afraid of her than Aja’it.
❏ Additionally back home Huntha was put in charge of a project by Nataka to build a full Plainstrider Run for the hatchlings who are now too large and wild to keep track of around the village. As they bonded to Huntha upon hatching he’s taken to the task of building the corral very seriously and pulls in the help of anyone that he can for ideas, help digging holes, cutting wood and making rope.
04/13/2020
❏ Venzolo was extremely disappointed that he could not get anyone to go along with his plan sabotage the fights in order to swing the results in favor of the Skyrunner Tribe. None the less he had prepared an odorless tasteless potion that would make those who came into contact with it would end up acting extremely drunk for an hour. However, without others to distract his targets or remove obstacles he doubted he would have the chance to use it. But at least he was prepared. He had absolutely no intention of participating in such a sport but he was looking forward to watching and betting on it. He knew the goal was to raise money for Korgig but if they did well and got enough for that who would notice a bit of skimming off the top? Despite all the clamor around the upcoming fights Venzolo hadn’t forgotten about his other business. He was still slinking off constantly to hunt down information about resources for the skyship. He came across some information that a wartime shipping company recently went under and some of the ships will be auctioned off which could be a good source of slavage. He has also heard a rumor that somehow those ugly pig people the Quilboar are making Phlogiston. The best part about that is that the tribe may be able to get a stockpile of the expensive fuel completely free with a side of bacon to boot.
❏ “I have learned in my time with the Skyrunners thus far that there is a hierarchy of command. We swapped stories over a fire and I was referred to as an outsider by a Warsong woman within the tribe. It confounded me how a clansister might cast her elder aside in such a disrespectful way, but the more we spoke of it the more she asserted that she was not Warsong. These people truly view themselves separate from their birth clans. The implications of this are not pleasing to me in the slightest.” Goro’tash has decided to stay with the Skyrunners after a conversation with it’s Chieftain. He is still unsure of where he shall fit within its ranks in the long run, but he has agreed to travel with the Tribe back to their home in Desolace. ❏ With Korgig out of danger of losing his head for the time being, Enyetof has been taking some time to gather a few things for his upcoming projects. Along with pouches of seeds of some hard-to-find herbs, he has also been making some trips he has kept to himself. He has also been gathering what he will need for his performance in the Arena.
❏ Since returning from the caravan, Mahala leaves at unholy times of the morning to go up to the wyvern’s roost on the cliffs above the valley to help Loknatah down to the pools below, where they work together through some exercises Mahala thought up, trying to see if any feeling could be brought back into the elderly wyvern’s tail or leg. There’s is no response as of yet, but the two remain hopeful. In regards to the upcoming brawling event, Mahala has expressed interest to participate and is devising war paints for her bear form, intent on using it in the coming battles.
❏ After striking a deal with the elf Ivilith, Koza has been hard at work preparing for the coming fights within the Arena. They wouldn't be deadly, which was the main reason for her choosing those in particular, but they would still be a challenge. Typical exercises as well as some mock demonstrations with the help of Gordrik filled most of her day as she worked herself into the correct mindset she would need for the fights. She secretly hoped that either Mahala or Texas would be unsuccessful in their quests to make her yellow feather cloak and yellow-gold paints respectively, but if they did she would do what she could with them.
❏ Being happy to be used as a bopping bag and throwing prop again, Gordrik spent much of the day helping Koza prepare. The anger of not being allowed to come due to what many assumed to be his allergies was still there, but the promise of stories from Elder Ruhanik while they were all gone was at least something to take his mind off of missing what he believed was going to be a fantastic show.
❏ With the total sum of 4,860g so far the Tribe is close to half way on gathering the gold necessary to release Korgig from his prison cell. Upon getting the documents from Grymdel and returning to Orgrimmar Kanatu went directly to a scribe to have copies made and signed so that there would be little confusion in the future and promptly delivered the original to the Prison Magistrate. Now at least they did not have to worry about getting a head in a basket for their trouble. They still need rest of the gold though and the sooner the better.
❏ The day of the fights Kanatu left Koza in charge of the Tribe along side Elder Ruhanik. Between getting everyone ready for the brawls and making sure that everything was secure and in place the two would have their hands full. Kanatu himself went with Ivilith in the early hours of the morning to the Arena and has not been seen since.
❏ Elder Ruhanik has continued to share his stories among the tribe, the ones that will listen, taking time to be available for any sort of questions people might have or requests for songs or stories. For the time being he kept unsought after advice to himself though he was watching. His old mind was quick to pick up details as he got to witness the things Kanatu had been writing to him about. It wouldn’t be long before he started to insert himself into conversations.
❏ Among the city the nature of tonight’s brawls were drawing a large crowd. Word had apparently spread that there would be new fighters added to the Ring. Everyone seemed to be talking about the matches and the known fighters that were going to be there. The excitement level was very high and a large crowd was expected to show up and watch these new up and coming brawlers get smashed. Which was a very good thing. The more money Ivilith made the more the Tribe earned.
04/17/2020
❏ Gordrik, with his hair cut into a very short style, was less then pleased that Koza was running off into the woods with a known criminal, let alone the one that had threatened him so when they first met. He huffed and puffed, but was reigned in by Kanatu. As such, he has spent all of his time at Kanatu's side moping. He had heard the stories Koza told of the forest and was worried, although Kanatu's lessons over the past few days served as good distractions.
❏ Grymdel looked forward in anticipation to the trip home. With the planned stop at the Crossroads he was happy to get a chance to reconnect with Lonaki and the other residents of the Crossroads for it had been quite some time since he was last among them. After years of war and the recent crucible the tribe had gone through, Grym had spent so much time living in the mindset of a soldier that he felt that he had lost some of the connection to his Sunwalker heritage. Seeing Lonaki and getting his thoughts on the matter would help Grymdel evolve his purpose and perhaps establish a deeper connection to the Earthmother.
❏ Koza was beyond pleased to be leaving Orgrimmar, although slightly less pleased to be traveling back to Ashenvale. The morning after the party, head throbbing in pain from last night's drinking, Koza said her goodbyes and set up Cloudjumper for the journey. Believing it would be wiser due to the other's obvious fear, Koza ran a length of rope from Cloudjumper's horns to whatever Wyvern was assigned to Korgig's horns. That way a bit of physical control was kept. The initial flight was uneventful, Azshara was not where they needed to be and so they kept a steady pace as Koza drove them towards the forest.
❏ Having left early from the party in Orgrimmar, Mahala was up and chipper the next morning, well before many others. She prepared Loknatah for the journey home, the wyvern still unable to properly fly or use its paralyzed limbs. She was starting to lose hope for the limbs, the leg especially, but was reluctant to have it removed. On the journey to Orgrimmar, the pair continued to share many memories and stories while Mahala stretched Loknatah's limbs. The two were becoming closer with time, but it would still take them a while to completely trust each other.
❏ Venzolo seemed utterly depressed when the tribe left Orgrimmar. In fact he almost missed the Zeppelin as he was still plastered to the top of the bar counter when the Zeppelin was being readied to move off. Only to shamble aboard right as the ship was about to pull away. As the Zeppelin flew away he looked back longingly at the city until it was completely out of sight. Nothing seemed to be able to rouse Venzolo from his melancholy. If asked what was wrong he would whine and bemoan almost nonsensically about losing everything and being worthless sometimes being brought almost to the point of tears. Despite the fact that he had made a good portion of gold for himself on the side while in the city. Enough to buy a lot of fine clothes from one of the best tailors in the city. He had bought other what he calls “essentials” from the city mainly things like fine liquors and engineering tools. He hadn't seemed this distraught during the party the night before they left but it seems something must of happened to turn his mood to near despair. For the entire trip he was even more useless than normal doing nothing mope around absorb an drop of alcohol that came within eyesight.
❏ Texas has been hard at work drawing up... costume designs? Each one is lovingly titled 'RAMPAGE!' in chicken-scratch script. They are variations of what he wore in the fighting ring, each with some kind of ram motif. Some appear more gritty and serious, while others have bright flashy colors and ridiculous headdresses. It seems like there's a new spark within him that takes his mind off of wanting to wrassle everyone.
❏ Iko has been busy spending time with Akee'Awak and Hinjen once again. The hell that was Orgrimmar left her few chances to interact with her bestial family, and so she's been back to working with them on maneuvers and team tactics. The limited space on the zeppelin has probably led to more than one unfortunate collision. If there was anything amiss with Iko, she makes no indication of it-- but the fel aura is rooted deeply with her, now. She also has been sketching out possible areas on a world map for where the 'Plane of Fire' could be. She never understood this shaman stuff.
❏ Enyetof seems grateful to be putting some distance between himself and Orgrimmar, though it seems there is a great deal on his mind for the return trip. He has requested to be allowed to speak to Gordrik, Dakoda, Dosta, and Dehokon once the Feast of Change has passed.
❏ It had been months of none-stop travel. Mal'kara wandering from place to place, never laying her head on the same soil twice. After stopping to resupply in Orgrimmar, she found herself warming herself by the fire of a tavern. The tavern was filled with a rather pleasant Tribe, celebrating something she had always valued. Freedom. She wondered how it might feel to belong somewhere, after being on her own for so long. This group seemed to share a bond, a bond she couldn't help but long for. Perhaps she'd ask to tag along.. She already had no idea where she was going, following the Skyrunner Tribe was no change of plan for her.
04/20/2020
❏ “As I mused previously, it is the nature of a lone wolf to starve. At this time, I had just crossed paths with the people known as Skyrunners, and had joined them in escorting a caravan through Azshara. Although my interactions with them have been cordial at best and outright hostile at worst, I have found them to be an honorable, close-knit sort. Recently, I joined the Skyrunners on a zeppelin bound for Thunder Bluff, but we came under siege by harpies a short way into our journey. The Skyrunners proved to be efficient fighters, but the harpies managed to do just enough damage to the ship that we crash landed. Now, we are standed and seemingly must walk the rest of the way. In this instance, a lone wolf would have died at the hands of the harpies - such would be the will of the ancestors - but it was the pack that kept us all alive, there. It was the pack that will enable our survival on the road ahead.” On the zeppelin fight, Goro’tash was sooner to press his own assault than assist an ally being carried away by harpies.
❏ Texas has been busy nursing some light burns on his hide he sustained saving Gordrik from the zeppelin crash. The rest of the ride to Thunder Bluff, he's been trying to keep a close eye on the boy and make sure he's doing alright. Once in Thunder Bluff, he begins making arrangements to pick up parchment and more charcoal.
❏ Iko and her menagerie seem to be on the up and up. Though Iko sustained heavy bleeding and nearly lost an ear, she hasn't let that quench her fire. She seems to be invigorated by the airborne fight-- however much of a failure it might've been! She talks to anyone and everyone about how cool and crazy some of those flight maneuvers were that she saw, and has been practicing rolls and dives with Akee'Awak ever since. She also has been sketching out vague design ideas for a specialized harness to hold Hinjen, so the poor boy didn't have to keep popping in and out of a soulstone. She's going to need a leatherworker to hammer out the finer details, though.
❏ Okunn, who had remained in the village while the tribe was in Orgrimmar, went out for patrol the morning of the day the tribe was due to arrive in Thunder Bluff. It was supposed to be a short routine patrol around the outskirts of the village. However, Okunn never came back. The day dragged on and there was still as of yet no sign of him. It wasn’t until sunset that Okunn finally returned. He looked a bit disheveled and bleary eyed but otherwise ok. When asked about why he had been gone so long he simply said he had become side tracked and apologized profusely but did not speak more on the matter. If something had happened, he wasn’t telling what.
❏ Venzolo the day after the skyship attack despite a head splitting hangover got up early to help with repairs to the zeppelin. However, Venzolo even in the wilderness of the barrens managed to find more booze in the form of a crate of it which had fallen from the zeppelin. He spent the rest of the trip thoroughly inebriated. Though the reason for his heavy drinking had finally been revealed. It seems that while in Orgrimmar he learned that the wounds he suffered in fleeing from the SI:7 were more severe and lasting than he first thought. While his physical wounds have healed by now it seems that it has hurt his ability to wield arcane energy and he will never again be able to perform magic on the scale that he had in the past. While he is still able to do small spells like invisibility portals and teleporting. More advanced spells like those that would be useful in combat are forever out of his reach. This is why he has been drowning himself in drink. In his near constant drunken state, he has seemed to have misunderstood why they are in Thunderbluff. He seems to think the tribe is there to take care of his feather hunt so that he can join the tribe as he has been bemoaning why such a thing is required but has sluggishly been preparing for the hunt none the less.
❏ So far, the trip through Ashenvale has gone well enough so far. The two Orcs have managed to not completely murder each other yet despite a few close calls. Koza has taken her self-assigned goal of being a guide very seriously, taking opportunities between nearly being killed by demons and having their well earned meal almost stolen to tell the Mag'har stories about the Orcs that have been on Azeroth for years at this point.❏ Gordrik spent the day after the crash taking it easy, following Kanatu around as he conversed with the people he needed to speak to as he practiced his breathing exercises. The boy was pumped to be allowed to take part in the coming hunt and to even be in Thunderbluff as it was a city he'd never had the privilege of being in, only wishing that Koza was there to see it as well. The thought of his guardian being out in the woods bummed Gordrik, but he was doing his best to keep his spirits high, chatting with Texas excitedly. Whenever he passed Enyetof, he'd shoot him a distrustful look before continuing on.
❏ Mal’kara stepped out of the zeppelin and onto the high perch’s of Thunderbluff. She had never visited the city and seeing the vast plains extending below her left her awestruck. She used the coin she had gathered from pelts she collected to repair her armor and stock up on food and water. She strung together a necklace of tiger fangs she had gathered and clutched it tightly in her hands. Mal’kara called on the blessing of the Tiger Loa Shirvallah, asking for him to guide her hunt. Shirvallah’s low growl echoed in her head and the tiger fang necklace began to bleed. The fangs dripped blood down the trolls arms where it seemed to absorb into her skin, leaving only a slight red stain down her forearms. The growl faded away and Mal’kara donned the necklace. She was ready.
❏ With new hope concerning her wyvern, Mahala has been seen doing a new set of exercises with Lok'natah, her current goal to get the wyvern his ability to fly back. Her rooster, Benedict has been helping. Mostly by climbing on Lok'natah and pulling out loose fur, but the elderly wyvern can't bring himself to get angry much at the little thing. Aside from that, Mahala seems to be feeling more and more at ease the closer they get back to the village, and upon arriving to Thunderbluff, would often try her best to stick close to Kanatu, Jaeva or Enyetof.
❏ Ruhanik didn’t travel with the Skyrunners on the zeppelin ride back but when they arrived in the tauren city he was already there. They first found him in the central terrace telling stories of the various tribes to the Highmountain that had come to visit their lowland cousins. Though once the tribe had arrived he stayed fairly close to them on the whole. Asking members to walk with him as he visited among the various traders and tribe representatives. He never gave a reason why so it might be thought he was simply trying to learn more about the members of the tribe he was assisting.
❏ Kanatu was a bit less than relaxed the rest of the trip from the Ramparts out of the Barrens. Though once they had passed over the mountain ridge into Mulgore he eased a great deal. Riding in the zeppelin again rather than flying beside it on Lo’eshk’ahy. Through the rest of the days of travel, the group might have noticed that he spent a bit more time in meditations, and there was a distinct lack of armor use. This seemed more by choice than happenstance as he wore more of the traditional garb he could be seen at home with. Even when they arrived in Thunderbluff he did not put it on. Though much like in Orgrimmar he made himself shine even more than usual.
04/24/2020
❏ Since returning to the village, Mahala has relaxed considerably, though she still seems slightly withdrawn. With Lok’natah often in tow, Mahala spends plenty of time in the rookery either checking on the three Pridewing cubs or trying to get a hold of Hotah.
❏ Venzolo awoke the day after the Feast of Change still in the spot where he had slumped over in front of the fire to discover that he had no hangover at all. That was curious. Also, as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he heard Narv whisper to him to kill the Orc. Venzolo looked at him confused only to find that his mouth wasn’t moving. Narv hadn’t whispered anything. Again, he heard someone whisper to kill the orc but neither of the elders who stood vigil over the fire had said anything and it seemed no one else was around. he began to wonder what had been in that last drink he had concocted but he couldn’t' remember what he put in it. For the rest of the day he heard whispers bidding him to kill an orc and someone giving him directions. He was beginning to get a bit scared of the whispers and thus he went to ask Kanatu about it. Though, Kanatu had other business to discuss with him as well. Kanatu gave Venzolo three days to leave the village apparently having enough of the goblin. Venzolo tried to negotiate but when Kanatu didn’t budge unleashed a verbal lashing that would have been heard all over the village. Feeling hurt and betrayed Venzolo would take a pack of supplies, clamber aboard the captured Dark Moon fair Plainstrider and ride it clumsily off into the Desolace sunset.
❏ Wal'ami: The troll was happy to see the tribe's return from Orgimmar and the feast of change come once again. It was an enjoyable celebration for her. She managed the plainstrider event, challenging the villagers to not only catch three crafty baby plainstrider but wrangle them back into their pens. In the end Grymdel was the victor and the Skyreaver bestowed the title "Potentate of the Plainstriders" upon him. Sadly not long after those celebrations she came across Venzolo and delivered an ultimatum to the goblin regarding his future with the tribe, and potentially life in general. Not having seen her tribesman in so long had made her more irritable than normal and the goblin's claim that Kanatu didn't understand what loss was just pushed her over an edge she would have difficulty coming back from.
❏ Korgig: The Mag'har remained in Ashenvale on his Warchieftain prescribed trip of knowledge gathering. With Koza as his guide the orc was quickly learning the history of the Azerothian orcs, their failures, their perseverance. They weren't as terrible as he initially believed, though still pretty bad. After visiting Grom Hellscream's memorial at Demon's Fall he and Koza encountered a fel orc monstrosity which they swiftly vanquished. Since that night, the pair have continued their travels telling stories of each of their people and hunting fresh game.
❏ Koza was beginning to settle into the role of a guide well. The trip had presented plenty of challenges that she was not aware of even being a possibility, although both her and Korgig were seeming to be making it through without too much turmoil, besides a few instances of fighting amongst themselves. A demon monstrosity tried to kill them, an elf tried to steal their hard won food and most recently a Draenai that had crossed their path are just a few of the trials and tribulations the pair have run into.
❏ Gordrik has spent much of, if not all of his time following Kanatu as they practiced breathing exercises and other weapon exercises. Along with that, having not forgotten the punishment he had been given just before the plague, Gordrik has been seen with at least helping clean out the Rookery of his own accord.
❏ After being humiliated by a trio of plainstrider chicks, Iko had left the main festivities of the Feast in an embarrassed huff. She watched from the sidelines and stuck close to Akee'Awak, finding strange comfort in the wyvern's feral, practical outlook on things. In the next couple of days, she has resumed her hunt for the Plane of Fire, and has been asking around for any information about where one might be able to slip into that realm. She's even been asking Texas of all people.
❏ Texas, meanwhile, has settled back into his usual fighty, grumpy self now that they had returned to the village once more. Though he donned his ceremonial garb for the feast and partook of the meat, he didn't bother with the dumb kiddy games. He was, after all, far above that! He picked a fight with a couple Braves from the village over inconsequential things, and then stomped back to the hut he's been sharing with Hotah after getting a solid punch to the snout for his belligerence.
❏ The Feast of Change went as one might expect. The seasonal celebration brought together any in the tribe as they were honored for their deeds. With high spirits, the tribe celebrated through the night.
❏ Though the Feast was one of harmony and joy the morning after Kanatu gathered the tribe and informed them that in the next few days he would be calling a war council. The intention to make another go at the elves was clear in his words as he had information from Wal’ami and Aja’it that confirmed they remained in the same spot and whatever they were doing in that tower seemed to compound what Vul’mon had witnessed only a weeks ago. Powerful magic was brewing and it was only getting stronger.
❏ The day after the feast Kanatu had called Venzolo to his chambers to speak to the goblin about his behavior. The Chieftain gave him three days to change his attitude and the way he treated the tribesman but an argument soon broke out and the goblin left. It was quite an argument. ❏ After the conversation with Enyetof Dasota seems slightly less on edge. Though quick to anger he’s not moping around the village like a damp dirty dishrag. Winona, who would usually be seen around Dasota has been distinctly avoiding the bull. But then again she has been avoiding everyone and active very paranoid and frightened whenever she is seen.
❏ Two days after the Feast of Change, the day of the famed Chuckle Hunt, Aja’it returned to the village with several rabbits for the fire but also with a square of purple cloth. The cloth had stitched into it the half black and half white shapes of the moon. The same symbol of the Elves. He had informed Wal’ami about it and she, in turn, spoke to the tribe about spies and being on their guard as the cloth was found tied to an arrow that was lodged into one of the supports of the Bridge. What wasn’t told was that it also had a note for it. One for Kanatu.
❏ Ruhanik has made himself at home int he Glade outside the village for the time being. Visiting with the druids that live there and what not though he’s made it clear that he intends to move into the village soon enough. He was at the Feast of Change, observing the various rites and rituals that he had never been allowed to witness before and during the day the aged bull can be seen in constant communication with Dakoda.
❏ The night after the feast Jaeva had departed from the village to take her Rite of Vision. She was to be gone quite some time it could be assumed as she spoke of Pandaria being her destination. Kanatu would have sent her on her way as anyone taking the rite would be and then spent several long hours watching her as she disappeared into the night. Remaining until dawn.
❏ Harnor’s fall from the bridge during the games at the feast resulted in a sprained knee and a very amused Kireena who had pulled in help from the various tribe members to help with meal preparations for a few days.
04/27/2020
❏ Iko has seem stressed these past few nights, as if something was weighing on her mind. She has been keeping to her hut for the most part, or ranging out into the desert with Akee'Awak until late into the evening. She has been trying to keep a good face, but it's clear something is distracting her. In the meantime, Iko has also assisted Mahala, Narv, and Nataka in amputating Lok'natah's leg. Though by no means a healer, her survivor-taught veterinary skills came in handy during the surgery.
❏ Texas has been much more reserved, but also much more willing to offer a hand to his fellow tribemates. His disdain of the "strangers" has waned considerably. It seems like the argument between he and Kanatu reached a boiling point-- and some sort of conclusion. The whole of the village certainly would have witnessed the clash of the elements right in the middle of the town. Bruised snouts and ribs seemed to be the worst of the physical injuries, thankfully. Texas' ego seems to have been reined in, and his wounded pride is now slowly on the mend.
❏ After Mahala spoke with Narv and Nataka, and after having her own long conversations with Lok’natah, they had come to the conclusion that the sooner they removed his leg, the better. After requesting the help of Iko and Enyetof, the elders and them quickly got to work on removing it. Mahala’s intention was to give the wyvern a bit of time to heal before starting up any work with him again, because after all the wyvern would still have to get used to the lack of weight on his one side. Aside from that, Mahala can be seen with a slightly dark expression as she awaits the council. She didn’t know what to expect, but after their last run in with the elves, she couldn’t imagine this would go as smoothly as some would think.
❏ While all had been going on with the tribe, Dursk had finally made it to the dusty lands of Durotar. It was interesting for him to be back, and it also meant it was time for him to get back to work. He had sent multiple letters back directly to the village. A few shared stories about his travels, any interesting creatures he had seen on the way or any funny things that had happened, and were open for any in the Skyrunner village to read. The next three were specifically listed for Koza. The letters ask how she’s been, asking how she’s doing and if anything interesting has happened lately. He asks how their trip to Orgrimmar went, and that he was disappointment to have missed them, but that everything went well with the blacksmith. He also moves on to say that he knows she won’t be able to reply, considering she has nowhere to send her messages to, but that he hopes he finds her in a decent state, alive.
❏ Atuluki has been keeping to herself since their arrival back at the village, often sleeping in the trees around the village in the coverage of leaves to avoid the newer faces. The only person she is seen actively talking to is Vul'mon, more often than not in a trollish tongue. Since hearing about whispers of war coming, she has been sharpening her spear and leaving early in the morning to practice her work with the elements and send her prayers to Har'koa that she walk away from another war still breathing.
❏ Since Jaeva's departure, the sound and smell of brewing potions is almost constant at Enyetof's hut. The Plagueshifter is at least making the attempt to be more social, spending more time in and around the village and occasionally joking that he's able to do so because "Healing potions are the least likely to explode." He has also assisted in the removal of Lok'natah's paralyzed limb.
❏ Having finally reached the border of Desolace, Koza prepared for the final march back home to the village with new knowledge and companion in tow. The trip throughout the forest had been a great exercise and learning experience, lessons learned throughout to be built upon once she was back home. She itched to know what had transpired while she was gone, feeling the sense of disconnect and not liking the feeling in the slightest.
❏ The orc boy had been keeping himself well since the argument with Venzolo and the training with Kanatu thereafter. With the Chieftain's reminder of the coming talk of war, Gordrik silently hoped that Koza would return soon enough. The thought of sitting in on another meeting and relaying the information was bad enough without the added thought that she'd return in the midst of battle and be separated from the others. He cursed his age and lack of training, the thought of others bleeding for him while he hid unsettling.
❏ The Darkspear has been busy. With what, not many knew as she seemed to keep most of it to herself. She and Aja’it had been leaving the village early in the morning and returning about midday with supplies which seemed to be split between going to her own hut and Longhorn. There were strange smells wafting from the Darkspear’s hut throughout the later hours of the evening. The smell was often more acrid and acidic in nature. Days where she didn’t leave were spent hovering around the elders though rarely was conversation in view of the village. Often they would retreat indoors to speak privately.
❏ Camp was made in Desolace and the Mag’har and Windwarrior were on pace to return Monday. It was decided to camp one final night before the last push back to the village. The Ashenvale trip was bountiful and productive for Korgig. He had learned a great deal about the orcs of this world and how they persevered through their various challenges. In exchange he was able to explain the histories of Draenor to Koza in exchange for her own stories. Sadly, his axe was lost to rot on the forest floor, but he was able to replace it with an old sword he found lying around in a Kaldorei skeleton. It would do the job, until his axe could be replaced.
❏ Among the village talk and action has turned to preparations for combat. From sharpening spears, crafting arrows, creating meal packs for travel, and wyvern training. Everyone has been busy with something and it doesn’t seem to matter what time of day it is, there’s always something happening.
❏ Aja’it has been seen helping Wal’ami out whenever he can though his main focus has been helping Hotah with the wyverns and other beasts. From checking tack and armor to brushing down and weight training by having them lift and hover with large heavy stones in their paws.
❏ Winona has become more and more reserved the last few days. She has been seen speaking with Dakoda a great deal and she appears to not be sleeping.
❏ After his fight with Teyshas, Kanatu has been seen very little outside of the Meeting Hall. The fight seemed to have drained his energy considerably. Additionally the display of the Elements at his command only affirmed his path moving forward and when people came to speak with him he was often crafting totems of stone, bone or wood, or otherwise looking at maps of Kalimdor. Likely he was planning something.
