A Nerubian's Journey

Kalecgos waited nervously inside Korialstrasz’s chambers in Dalaran. Malygos had charged him with liaising with the mortal mages and grumpily suggested talking to the nerubians and the Kirin Tor. He smiled happily at the memory of Malygos absentmindedly giving him the orders while fixated on the new clutch of eggs. Soon he would have new brothers and sisters in the Blue Dragonflight. Kalecgos was glad that Lord Malygos was finally showing signs of mental stability and a sense of purpose after his trip deep into Northrend.

Kalecgos had contacted Korialstrasz to request introductions with the key mages in Azjol-Nerub and the Kirin Tor. Korialstrasz had suggested that he meet with a representative of the Kirin Tor, Azjol-Nerub, and Quel’thalas, so he had agreed and was now waiting for everyone to arrive.

Kalecgos was pulled from his thoughts as he heard the door open and turned to see Korialstrasz leading three individuals into the chamber.

“Kalecgos, let me introduce Archmage Ansirem of the Kirin Tor, Vizier Hadix of the Anomalous Magic Research Division of Azjol-Nerub, and Prince Kael’Thas of Quel’Thalas,” said Korialstrasz, smiling as he introduced the three mages behind him. “This is Kalecgos of the Blue Dragonflight and the representative sent by Malygos. He has come today with a proposition that might be of interest to all of us.”

“I am glad to meet with you,” Kalecgos enthusiastically greeted the three mages while doing his best to hide his nerves. “Lord Malygos suggested that in light of the recent rise of numerous dangerous magical threats, there should be an organization of mortal mages and the Blue Dragonflight to deal with any dangerous magic users. It is my Flight’s charge, after all, to protect Azeroth from magical misuse.”

Kalecgos wasn’t completely certain what had prompted Lord Malygos to start interacting with mortals, but he had mentioned having plans for this organization. Lord Malygos had a lot of plans recently and was always really busy.

“While I agree that there should be an organization to deal with any who delve into forbidden magic, our previous attempt led to failure. Now such duties are handled chiefly by the Kirin Tor,” Archmage Ansirem said with a glance at Prince Kael’Thas. “How do you propose to avoid the failure of the Council of Tirisfal?”

“The Circle of Viziers has heard rumors of the fall of Medivh, Guardian of Tirisfal,” Vizier Hadix asked suspiciously. “Can you explain the events that led to his betrayal? We’ve heard much of it already, but Azjol-Nerub would like further clarity of events that led to the creation of the Dark Portal.”

“The Council of Tirisfal was an organization of mages that empowered one individual to deal with dangerous magic users,” Ansirem answered, carefully choosing his words. “Instead of allowing the council to choose the next Guardian, Aegwyyn, then Guardian of Tirisfal, chose her son Medivh and transferred her power to him. We had believed for a long time that Medivh had purposefully betrayed Azeroth when he opened the Dark Portal. It is only thanks to Malygos and Gul’dan’s memories that we now know he was possessed by the leader of the Burning Legion.”

“Empowering a single person with massive power and asking them to shoulder the responsibility of pushing back the Burning Legion’s influence is a ridiculous proposition,” said Vizier Hadix, scoffing disdainfully at the idea. “Nerubian organizations involved in defending the kingdom against the void have always emphasized the need for multiple individuals to work in concert to prevent a single point of failure.”

“Unfortunately, the method used by Quel’thalas to protect the kingdom from aberrant mages by using runestones is not foolproof,” said Kael’Thas, his voice thoughtful. “Investigation of Caer Darrow keep indicates that the Horde was able to modify the runestones for nefarious purposes.”

“If a new organization is convened, it is clear to me that the members must work in concert with frequent updates on investigations,” Korialstrasz suggested. “Also the methods used to deal with the void and fel magic users must be varied to ensure that the Burning Legion and the Old Gods do not find ways to bypass observation.”

“Would the Blue Dragonflight be willing to teach the members methods and spells to counter the vile magic?” asked Archmage Ansirem, directing his question toward Kalecgos.

Kalecgos nodded eagerly before he replied, “Lord Malygos has approved the training of mortal mages of methods to counter Fel and Void magic and their corruptive influences.”

“In exchange for this training by the Dragonflight, I suggest that the Kirin Tor, Azjol-Nerub, and Quel’thalas pool existing knowledge on the Fel and Void magic,” Korialstrasz joined in. “I understand that each nation does not want to reveal all its secrets so easily. However, the threat of the Burning Legion and the Old Gods are too much for one Kingdom to handle alone.”

“If the knowledge is restricted only to the members of this new council, I can persuade the Magisters to accede to your request,” said Kael’thas.

Vizier Hadix nodded in agreement and said, “High King Anub’arak is very concerned about the threat of the Old Gods and would be open to such an arrangement.”

“I will have to bring this matter up with the Council of Six, but I think I will be able to persuade them in light of recent events,” Archmage Ansirem added.

“Do you have any suggestions for the initial members of this organization?” Kalecgos excitedly asked. “Malygos has offered chambers in Azure Dragonshire as a secure meeting place.”

“The Dragonflights, Kirin Tor, Azjol-Nerub, and Quel’Thalas should all be represented equally in this proposed organization,” Korialstrasz suggested before turning to glance at Kalecgos. “I would be glad to join Kalecgos in representing the interests of the Dragonflights.”

At the agreement of all the mages in the room, Korialstrasz continued with a smile, “What should be the name of this new organization?”

Kalecgos could not help but eagerly blurt out, “I suggest the Azure Circle.”

At that, everyone burst out with stifled laughter.

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Vizier Yimit of the Technological Research Division waited in the nerubian shipbuilding yard main chamber to meet with Tuskarr Captain Oomailiq and Captain Averill Stanton of the Lordaeron Navy to discuss the concept of ship navigation. As she waited for her guests to arrive, she examined the sea maps compiled by the Circle of Viziers with the information provided by the Kirin Tor and Dalaran.

At the sound of knocking on the door, Vizier Yimit got up from her warm cushioned seat to open the door. Captain Stanton walked in with a box full of delicate glass instruments and two heavy books. Captain Oomailiq joined in shortly afterward with an old weathered scroll and a wooden lattice.

“Welcome, Captain Stanton and Captain Oomailiq. I am glad that you both responded favorably to my request to learn navigation techniques,” said Vizier Yimit.

Captain Oomailiq rubbed his whiskers and replied, “Of course, I am happy to cooperate with you. Trade with Azjol-Nerub has been good for my people.”

Captain Stanton took off his tricorn hat and said, “My brother survived the war with the Horde thanks to your nerubian warriors. It would be an honor to help you with the navigation techniques used in the Eastern Continent.”

“So far nerubian sailors have only practiced traveling along the coasts of Northrend within sight of land,” Vizier Yimit nodded. “The Technological Research Division is interested in developing reliable techniques for travel in the open ocean away from the coastline.”

“While most tuskarr fishermen do not travel far from land, the turtle boat captains need to navigate on the open seas,” Captain Oomailiq said thoughtfully. “We use stars, the currents, and the wind to work out the correct path to the known ports and then adjust our course once we can see the coastline to dock the ship.”

The old tuskarr rolled out the leather scroll on the table and started to explain the star charts drawn on the scroll. Both Vizier Yimit and Captain Stanton looked at the beautifully illustrated document with interest.

Captain Oomailiq explained, “The star charts show the direction of the port with respect to the setting and rising of heavenly objects like the sun, the moons, and the brightest stars that can be observed in each of the Northrend ports.”

“What are these?” asked Vizier Yimit, pointing to the wooden lattice with strings and beads.

“This wooden lattice, as you call it, contains the information on the location and direction of the main currents and the wind,” Captain Oomailiq said, proudly running his fingers over the beads on the lattice. “The beads are the location of the ports. For example, the red bead here is Moa’ki Harbor. If I run into a strong current due east, I can immediately identify my location relative to the landmarks by following this blue thread. The white threads are for the strong seasonal wind directions.”

Captain Stanton said admiringly, “That must have been made by a skilled craftsman.”

The old tuskarr chuckled and said, “The star chart and this current and wind chart have been in my family for generations. I am going to pass them on to my daughter when the time comes for her to go on her first voyage.”

Vizier Yimit studied the two charts carefully and made some notes. Astronomy had never been a favored field of research in the Circle of Viziers, but its popularity had grown in recent times. She was certain that the kingdom could produce star charts based on those observations. However, she would have to copy down the chart of currents and winds around Northrend after talking to Captain Oomailiq.

“And you, Captain Stanton?” asked Vizier Yimit as she turned her attention to the human. “I see that you have brought several delicate instruments made of metal and glass.”

“This here is a sextant,” Captain Stanton started by picking up a brass curved device with a set of lenses at one end. “This is used to measure the relative angle between two different objects. I use this to measure the angle between the sun, moons, or stars with the horizon at a fixed time.”

Opening one of the thick books next to him, Captain Stanton then pointed to a chart and continued, “Then I can convert the relative angle using this formula and this chart to determine the latitude and longitude on my navigation map. The most reliable navigation technique using this book is by measuring the relative angle of the sun with respect to the horizon at a known time. Unfortunately, the other charts are not as reliable in giving the exact position of the ship.”

Vizier Yimit pointed to the large clock next to the tricorn hat and asked, “Is that why you need the clock to make sure that you know when you are taking the measurements?”

Captain Stanton nodded and replied, “Yes, the marine chronometer is used to determine the time when the relative angle is measured. Before the dwarves created that special clock, navigation using the sextant was not as accurate. It is accurate no matter the orientation of the deck and the weather.”

Taking the compass out of its clasp, the human captain continued, “The compass is used to work out the bearing of the ship.”

Vizier Yimit finished taking notes on the sextant and the navigation method used in the Eastern Kingdoms. The Technological Research Division had already obtained two sextants, a compass, and had acquired a book containing the navigation tables from the human merchant Oscar. She would arrange to buy a marine chronometer from Khaz Modan through the nerubian enclave in Dalaran. Even if Azjol-Nerub could not reverse engineer the mechanical device fully, she was confident that a magically enchanted clock could also serve the same purpose.

“Would you both be willing to give a demonstration today?” asked Vizier Yimit. “I have readied a tuskarr fishing ship for sailing practice today. I would also like to practice both techniques myself”

At the agreement of the two captains, she led the way down to the docks.

…

Vizier Yimit chittered with frustration as the incoming fog made it difficult to get the angle of the sun with respect to the horizon using the sextant. She had missed the port by at least two miles as per her last calculation and now the boat was stuck in the lagoon until the tide came back. At least she was lucky that she had not run into a reef like her last voyage.

Ever since her conversation with Captain Oomailiq and Captain Stanton, she had been diligently practicing the two navigation techniques. The method used by the tuskarr captain was not very precise and only suited for week-long voyages for novice navigators. The technique used by the Eastern kingdoms was more precise but required relatively clear weather. Vizier Yimit knew that she needed an easier way to navigate in any weather for any new nerubian captain.

“Even this prototype magical marine chronometer artifact keeps deviating thanks to the Maelstrom,” Vizier Yimit muttered to herself and tapped the metal casing. “I knew that we had missed a factor in the enchanting process.”

As she settled down glumly back into the boat and waited for the tide to come in, she decided to be productive by working out the problem with the enchantment. Hopefully, she could salvage something fruitful from this debacle…

As the tide started to come in and the boat was finally free to leave the lagoon, Vizier Yimit absentmindedly put the artifact away and set sail in the right direction this time for Isle of Spears. She had the beginning of an idea of how to resolve her problems.

“If I know my distance and angle from the Maelstrom, I know precisely where I am at any time,” exclaimed Vizier Yimit to herself excitedly. “I can make an artifact that detects the strength of the arcane magic released by that whirlpool in the ocean. The readings should correspond to the distance from the Maelstrom.”

Now all she had to do was work out how to determine the angle of the ship from the center of the vortex of water. Perhaps the magnetic compass could prove useful after all. It did allow her to determine the heading of the ship and the direction of the north pole at all times…

…

Vizier Yimit could hear the cheers of the nerubian sailors as she arrived at Moa’ki Harbor by boat from Iskaal across the open seas. Testing over the last month using the new navigation technique and the specially-made artifacts had been extremely successful.

She turned to address the representative of the High King.

“This Arcanometer artifact and Compass-sextant artifact can give the accurate position of the ship at any point on the ocean even in the midst of storms. I can determine the distance from the center of the Maelstrom using the Arcanometer artifact. Then I use the Compass-sextant artifact to work out the relative angle between the north pole and the center of the Maelstrom. As I just demonstrated on this trip, this combination allows any nerubian captain to navigate across the ocean.”

“Very well, I will inform High King Anub’arak that the difficulties with navigation have been resolved,” Elder Nadox said in a satisfied tone. “You should expect to be invited to meet with the High King to receive a special commendation to commemorate your great service to Azjol-Nerub.”

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There were many events in the last few years that brought great change to the Eastern Kingdoms as a whole. The Dark Portal’s creation, Stormwind’s fall, the First and Second Wars against the Horde, first contact with the nerubians of Azjol-Nerub, creation of the Alliance of Lordaeron, contact with the Dragonflights, the threat of the Void, and more…

However, the one thing that was on the minds of most scholars was the origins of their races. Thanks to recent discoveries and new sources from Azjol-Nerub and the dragonflights, most folk could now trace back their origins to the very beginning!

In Dalaran, a gathering of human, high elf, dwarf, and gnome scholars had assembled to create an official record of the origins of their species to be submitted to the libraries of the nations in the Eastern Continent.

Archmage Ansirem, the one assigned to host today’s assembly, tapped the podium with his staff and said, “Welcome fellow scholars. Today we will be holding a series of short statements from Sir Alamande Graythorn, Rorren Darkstand, Lotwil Cogwhistle, and Magister Alerea Autumnburn on the origins of humans, dwarves, gnomes, and high elves respectively. A summary of today’s discussion will be recorded and made available to all scholars in Dalaran for future studies. With that, I will allow the first speaker to take the stage.”

Sir Alamande Graythorn, a renowned Lordraenian scholar, stood up from his seat and made his way to the stage to talk about his research into the origins of humans on Azeroth.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, I am here today to summarize to you recent findings on the origins of humanity as sourced by records provided by Azjol-Nerub. It would seem that we humans trace our lineage back to the vrykul, a race of aggressive giants who primarily reside within the Broken Isles. Furthermore, corroborating evidence provided both by the Tyr’s Guard and as a result of the Explorer’s League expedition to Uldaman confirms that the vrykul were once golem-like constructs created by the Titans. Such findings are similar to the recently discovered origins of both the gnomes and the dwarves.”

Pausing to drink a glass of water, Sir Graythorn soon continued, “It is said that a portion of vrykul children were born ‘weak and ugly’, being the very first humans, whom the vrykul leadership at the time ordered the deaths of. These ancestors of mankind were spirited away by parents who refused to kill their ‘deformed’ offspring to faraway lands and raised on the legends of Tyr. The nascent human civilization settled and thrived on the Eastern Continent.”

Ansirem listened with great interest as the scholar continued to share the origins of humanity on Azeroth. Not only were such matters fascinating to him from an intellectual standpoint, but there was a good chance they may one day become important…

At the end of the speech, one of the scholars from Alterac asked, “Would it be possible to examine the vrykul in Northrend? Think of all the fascinating information we could discover by trying to understand our forebearers.”

Vizier Hud'rek, a nerubian diplomat sent by Krivax to attend these proceedings, spoke emphatically as he refused the scholar. “Azjol-Nerub will not allow any study of the vrykul as approaching the chambers of sleeping vrykul may interfere with the magic keeping them asleep.”

Ansirem decided to step in before things could get heated, “The Kirin Tor agrees with Azjol-Nerub on this matter. Considering that many of the vrykul of Northrend killed their human offspring for being ‘weak’, approaching such beings would not be safe for anyone. They may attempt to eradicate our civilizations as they would consider us to be mutants. There have been numerous attempts to establish diplomatic contact with the vrykul of the Broken Isles, but they remain hostile.”

“Until that changes, scholars are free to check the records of the Tyr’s Guard in Andorhal,” said Sir Graythorn. “Many of the paladins who have recently moved there can accurately chart their ancestors to the vrykul.”

“Thank you, Sir Graythorn. Now, would Rorren Darkstand from the Explorers’ League please present the findings of the dwarves?” Ansirem asked as Sir Graythorn left the podium.

After the elderly dwarf rose from his seat and finished making his way to the stage, he didn’t waste any time before beginning his presentation, “It’s become clear in recent times that dwarves share our ancestral history with our gnomish cousins. Since our histories are so intertwined, it only makes sense that Lotwil Cogwhistle from Gnomeregan presents the findings together with me.”

Several of his fellow gnomes cheered as Cogwhistle stood up from his seat with a spanner in his hand and joined the dwarf on the stage.

“Based on the recent expedition to Uldaman led by Brann Bronzebeard, we have discovered something truly remarkable!” the gnomish scholar spoke enthusiastically. “We’ve learned that the dwarves were once beings known as the earthen, constructs created by the Titans for the purpose of excavation. Gnomes on the other hand were once mechagnomes, totally clockwork beings made to maintain the Titans’ technology!”

“The rediscovery of our ‘homeland’ in Uldaman has resulted in a great deal of celebration and introspection back in Ironforge and Gnomeregan,” Rorren said, a tad more subdued. “Thankfully, we are able to converse with the few remaining earthen in Uldaman. However, their thought processes are very mechanical in nature, and communication with them can be difficult.”

Lotwil chuckled and continued where the dwarf left off, “Indeed, the two cities will be talking about the first expedition to Uldaman for decades if not longer. The Explorers’ League is planning to send expeditions to discover other Titan ruins wherever they may be in the world! Brann Bronzebeard is busy scouring old records and talking to the Watcher Ironaya to find out all the information about our stone brethren.”

“We have been told by Watcher Ironaya that vrykul, earthen, and mechagnomes all suffered from a Void-created affliction they refer to as the ‘Curse of Flesh’,” Rorren declared, causing the room to break out into hushed whispers. “Does the Kirin Tor have any explanation as to how this magic was responsible for non-organic beings leaving behind fleshy descendants?”

Archmage Ansirem exchanged a glance with Vizier Hud'rek before replying, “The Void is a complex and dangerous subject. There are some mages who have studied the magic and its ability to warp flesh in a very controlled environment. I will insist that scholars who wish to investigate the ‘Curse of Flesh’ in detail please first contact the Council of Six. Unauthorized research into forbidden magic is punishable with anything from imprisonment to execution.”

Ansirem didn’t want to bring down the mood of the conference, but it was important to make such things explicitly clear. There were already enough Void cults popping up in recent times without curious scholars adding to the problem. “Now moving on to our final speaker for today, I welcome Magister Alerea Autumnburn to present her analysis of the origins of the high elves.”

Magister Alerea Autumnburn looked around the chamber with a haughty attitude as she stepped up to the podium and began speaking. “Our people share heritage with the elves across the great sea on the legendary continent of Kalimdor. Further information beyond this point is not known and consists of only scurrilous rumors.”

At her short statement, there was grumbling from the multiple scholars. An intrepid human scholar from Gilneas spoke up from the back, “According to the information provided by Azjol-Nerub and the Dragonflights, the elves are descended not from Titan constructs, but trolls of all things!”

Vizier Hud'rek commented blandly over the furious objections of the high elven contingent, “Indeed, Azjol-Nerub can confirm that the high elves are the descendants of trolls who had gathered by the Well of Eternity. They were changed by arcane magic over generations into their current form. The Circle of Viziers believe that this is the reason why the high elven bodies are more sensitive to arcane magic.”

Magister Alerea furiously replied, “Your records are both erroneous and offensive! Any mention of trolls and high elves sharing a common ancestor within the presence of the delegation from Quel’thalas will be considered a grave insult. If any individual continues to make such ridiculous assertions, their life will be in danger. You have been warned.”

Sir Graythorn chuckled and added, “I believe similar suggestions to the captive trolls have been met with colorful curses and similar threats of bodily harm. Perhaps these records are accurate after all.”

Archmage Ansirem futilely tapped the podium to bring the chamber in order. “Given the historical hostility between the two races, I recommend that scholars now avoid any mention of the elf-troll origins in this chamber.”

A scholar in the back from Dalaran could be heard muttering, “I wonder what would happen if modern-day trolls lived by the Sunwell or some other large font of magical energy? Would the trolls transform within a few generations into something like the elves? It seems like a worthwhile experiment.”

Magister Alerea sent a magical missile at the scholar which was blocked by a ward made by Archmage Ansirem and Vizier Hud'rek.

A high elf was heard to shout, “You may be safe to jest in this chamber, but you will be full of arrows if you attempt to smuggle a troll into Quel’thalas!”

As the chamber descended into bedlam, Archmage Ansirem sighed and wondered how he had gotten saddled with this job. Absent-mindedly, he erected a powerful barrier between the contingent from Quel’Thalas and the rest of the scholars. Privately, he wondered if high elves refused to contemplate the experiment either because they found the idea of any troll near the Sunwell to be blasphemous, or they were afraid it would actually succeed and thus prove the relation beyond a shadow of a doubt.