<The Crystal Tear> is now recruiting on Frostwolf! (Ally)
ATTENTION TO ALL ADVENTURERS!
The Crystal Tear is a new initiative under the auspices of the Alliance aiming to collect knowledge and lore on Azeroth and Outland. We organise small expeditions to locations of interest, investigate the area and collect the knowledge we have obtained for future reference (all objects, loot and items discovered during the investigation remains with the expedition team). We are looking for explorers, loremasters, arcanists and able-bodied men of all backgrounds to join our ranks. After declaration of interest, a field mission will be organised with a ranked officer for your recruitment. Please contact any of the following names by post should you wish to join.
OOC Information
The Crystal Tear is a newly formed Roleplaying guild that accepts all levels, races and classes within the Alliance. Our main focus will be organising small-scaled, investigation-themed roleplaying events in questing locations and especially dungeons.
Recruitment will be done following a quick In-Character interview so that we can see your character's motivation and backstory in joining the guild. No experience in Roleplaying is necessary whatsoever, only enthusiasm.
For further info you can join the roleplaying chat channel by typing "/join OOCRP", where an online guild member would be happy to assist you. You can also contact the following players according to their timezones:
Maralais (Europe)
Valyar/Chandrakant (second character is in-guild alt, Americas)
Eriadnis (Europe)
Elvorifiwien (Americas)
Tiavia (Americas)
Levallois/Runa (second character is in-guild alt)
Emilienne/Ariallyn/Raphaella (first character is in-guild main, Americas)
Zytar/Destry (second character is in-guild alt, Europe)
Shandre (Europe)
You can also leave a reply in this thread for any questions. Hoping to see you in a roleplay session!
Foreign Relations
<Stormwind Army> - Revered
<Blood Knights Gladiators> - Neutral
The Chronicles of The Crystal Tear: The Beginning
Chronicle of the Guild of the Crystal Tear
Submitted on this day in the 29th year of the 5th lunar cycle of the 12th day here find the events of the Guild the Crystal Tear as recorded by Tiavia Alorlunael
Guild Members:
Maralais Anornar (Leader & Founder)
Emilienne Baugquemare (Founder)
Eriadnis (Founder)
Elvorifiwien
Tiavia Alorlunael
Destry
Illiandar
Shandre
Astalder
Drakedead
Chandrakant
Sethrend
Daedhelon
Malanar
Fyris
Lelyssae
Nrea
Nyeana
Runa
Deltahar
Rayfield
Keena
Dayzik
Inkry
Cassa
Bochok
Scruffles
OnDath
Drakok
Xanatia
Maralais Anornar, born some 200 years after Sargeras’ body was locked within the ancient halls of Kalimdor, lived a secluded life studying ancient lore and texts. He was content to find what he needed from his surroundings and, in his wanderings, found himself - as surely as his ancestors did – thinking of the home of the Night Elves before The Great Sundering. Though he would wish it otherwise, events upon his home world of Azeroth would shift history once more. The destruction of his home in Auberdine during the Shattering drew him into the world once more, breaking his solidarity. During a year of intense study Maralais met Eriadnis, a keeper of the Shadowglen Grove. Eriadnis’ desire for unity and the protection of nature drove Maralais’ thoughts back to his ruined home in Auberdine and the loss of his estranged wife at the takeover of Feathermoon Stronghold. Seeking to retain something of his former life he asks Eriadnis for his service in securing treasured belongings from his ruined homestead. In particular Maralais searches for a manuscript filled with critical research and dark secrets he fears will fall into the wrong hands.
Eriadnis, suggests they be accompanied by additional companions to help them on their quest. He sends a message to a recent acquaintance that he met in Teldrassil who is a warrior and can assist them on their journey. Elvorifiwien acquiesces in her stalwart manner and begins the trip to meet them in Darnassus. Along the way the night elf stumbles across Tiavia who is attempting to use a dagger in battle against small woodland creatures. Recalling Tiavia’s presence at the tree of life where Eriadnis had patiently explained its history she sighs deeply, furrowing her brow and takes the young arcane mage into her care.
Following brief introductions of the four companions in the temple gardens of Darnassus, Elvorifiwien, Eriadnis, Maralais and Tiavia make the journey to Maralais’ home attempting to draw as little attention as possible. Extra caution is needed as they traveled through the sparse and desolate lands of DarkShore.
Keeping to the sandy banks of the Veiled Sea until their arrival at the ruins of Auberdine, the party watched warily for signs of attack . Nearing the ruins they veered into the sparse forest pausing to survey the wreckage of other buildings. Among the wreckage of a lodging twisted and crooked due to a sharp, jutting cliff face they find the long ruined body of a merchant who Maralais – at one time - called friend. In a moment of silence over the loss of so much and so many, the group suddenly has an eerie sensation that all is not settled before them. As they follow the rise to what was once a second level they notice a strange mark in the distance and a figure trapped within.
In order to free the night elf ensnared within the rune symbol the groups investigates the area and discovers three more identical symbols. They seem set to pull something evil out by drawing on the trapped night elf’s power and life force. The group discovers that the Twilight Hammer’s Cult has set these plans in motion. In order to halt their progress the companions battle a horror that is pulled from a rift in the sky. Once they have defeated the horror, they rescue the night elf and continue on their journey knowing that this is not the end to the Cult’s plans.
With their rescued charge in tow, the four companions arrive at the hollowed-out ruin of Maralais’ home. They search in vain for the manuscript and Maralais collapses, sobbing – in a moment of weakness – for what has been lost. The companions vow to continue the search for knowledge and to seek guidance on their recent discovery.
The Chronicles of The Crystal Tear: The Crystal Tear Formed
Participants: Maralais, Emilienne, Valyar, Elvorifiwien, Tiavia, Illiander, Shandre
Crystal Tear Headquarters: SECRET
Downtrodden by his loses and the stirred memories of his destroyed past Maralais wanders the land in solidarity for a few days searching for the way forward. During this time he meets another unlikely companion named Emilienne Baugquemare. The death knight seeks knowledge and – hiding other possible motives – convinces Maralais to allow her to help him on his journey. Though having lived a secluded life for so long Maralais begins to realize that – for some unknown reason – others are drawn to him. His awkward manner and rusty social skills do not seem to be a detriment but a trait that makes him personable and down-to-earth.
Having inspired his earlier companions to seek knowledge he discovers an opportunity to form an alliance. At this time The Crystal Tear is formed and the first guild meeting is held. At the meeting, the companions are joined by Valyar, a proponent of the light and Illiander who is also a death knight. Valyar is a visiting traveler who belongs to another guild and is intrigued by the formation of this new group. Illiander attends to plead his case for membership in the guild. His goal to seek the light even in death intrigues the group with the exception of Emilienne who despises the idea. He is invited as an initiate into the guild.
The Chronicles of the Crystal Tear: The Quest for Quel'Serrar
Quest #1
Participants: Maralais, Emilienne, Elvorifiwien, Tiavia, Illiander
A small group of Highborne, having heard of the formation of The Crystal Tear and its purpose, asks Maralais to bring his companions to Feralas. The group meets with a highborne named Estulan who asks for their assistance. Estulan explains that he has received reports of increased activity from the ogres that inhabit the area, particularly in Dire Maul. This site, formerly the great capital city of Eldre’Thalas and once a seat of Queen Azshara’s Highborne servitors, still holds strong remnants of forbidden, arcanist power. He fears the ogre leader Cho’gall, who is supposed to be dead, is using the Gordok Orgre-mages to gain access to this ancient reservoir.
The group agrees to scout the area and gain information. Maralais leads them to the ruins where they gain access in one of the lower areas of a crumbling building. They are forced to battle ogres as they traverse the maze of rubble, attempting to find their way up to the surface arena. Maralais leads the group as Elvorifiwien lags behind to be sure they are not taken by surprise. Emilienne and Illiander dart among the ruins when necessary to keep the ogres from attacking the group full force. Tiavia, not yet as strong as her other companions, blasts spells out from the middle of the group to hinder the ogre advances.
Finally, Emilienne calls, “Here!” having found an archway that leads upward. As the group approaches the arena they spot Cho’gall’s looming form but notice that he is somewhat ethereal. Dead some years gone past, the ogres were working powerful magic to bring him back to the world of the living. The group attempts to break the spell by killing the ogres controlling that magic’s complicated pattern. They hope to disrupt it so that Cho’gall fades back into the ether once more. They fear he will be too formidable of an enemy to destroy.
“You are too late foolish beings” roars Cho’gall, “the spell cannot be stopped!” The ogre-beast looms before them preparing to attack. “We must attack!” yells Emilienne “We have no other choice!” Maralais spreads his lips into a grim line and nods to the group. Elvorifiwien draws her massive weapon and charges the beast full force. The ruins of Dire Maul tremble as the companions strike their enemy and the ogre retaliates with a deafening roar. Though the beast was powerful and fierce the group was quick and intelligent. As the ogre fell into non-existence once more he yelled out “No! You have ruined it! Quel’Serrar was to be mine!”.
The group exchanges confused glances as Maralais mutters “Hmm…did he say Quel’Serrar?” Leaving the ruins behind the companions return to Estulan to share what they have learned. Estulan is genuinely startled to hear the name Quel’Serrar and explains that it is a sword of god-like power forged by dragons and given to the Quel’dorei. He shakes his head as he speaks “It does not bode well that this sword is being sought. He who wields it possesses great destructive power.” Faced with the possibility that the companions will not be able to stop evil’s access to this destructive power Tiavia asks “Cannot the blade if found again be unmade?” Estulan explains that these swords cannot be destroyed, though the history tells of Quel’Serrar’s sister blade Quel’Delar which was defiled by Lana’thel and therefore unusable. Since that time though, the Silver Covenant had returned the blade to its former glory where it resides in Dalaran.
In the hope that the Highborne in Dalaran can provide more information about destroying a sword of this type the group travels to the Silver Enclave there to speak with the elves. The elves are unable to provide additional insight and scoff at the idea of destroying their own historical artifact, the Quel’Delar, no matter the consequences of it falling into enemy hands.
Chronicles of the Crystal Tear: The Quest for Quel'Serrar
Quest #2
Participants: Drakedead, Tiavia, Elvorifiwien, Maralais
Though the quest for information on Quel’Serrar and its sister sword the Quel’Delar seemed to have reached an abrupt halt, the companions remained determined. After receiving information in his travels from an unexpected source Maralais alters his plans and heads towards the Eastern Plaguelands.
Before he leaves he sends messages to his guild companions urging them to meet him outside of the Ghostlands. On the ship to the Eastern Plaguelands, Maralais draws yet another stranger to him who strikes up a discussion. He finds himself in easy conversation with a mage named Drakedead (Richard Wilhelm) and soon begins to talk about The Crystal Tear and their recent quest.
Drakedead (Richard Wilhelm) takes a keen interest in the story and expresses his willingness to help. Maralais is hesitant to have a stranger join them on the immediate journey especially since the mage already belongs to another guild. He gives over in his easy nature and allows the mage to accompany him. After arriving at North Pass Tower the two are met by fellow companions Elvorifiwien and Tiavia. As they travel to the Thalassian Pass, Maralais explains that they must travel through the Ghostlands to find a man named Dar’Khan Drathir. He presents their only new lead for information on the swords.
The group leaves a trail of undead behind them as they make their way to the stronghold of Deatholme. The journey is perilous and the companions fight together to reach their destination with no guarantee that Dar’Khan will be found. Knowing that he is rumored to spend his time in the Tower of the Dead they head to the center of Deatholme. Once in the tower’s depths Dar’Khan is found to be within but he is not alone.
A powerful warlock named Daedholm is seeking information from Dar’Khan as well. Slightly shocking to the group – since he was a hermit for a long time - Maralais knows the warlock and tells him to leave the prisoner for them to interrogate.
“Ah, but I can be very helpful in this regard” Daedholm declares a crooked smile spreading across his face.
Maralais retorts simply, “Leave us.” Drakedead approaches threateningly, his magic primed, in an effort to encourage the warlock to do as he has been told. Daedholm surveys Drakedead severely for a moment before an even larger smile brightens his features. He laughs lightly, unperturbed, and states,
“Very well, I leave Dra’Khan in your capable hands.” As he traverses the room he watches Drakedead carefully, always smiling. He stops near him as if to tell him something in confidence. All the companions here are a few words “beware…gain… power”. Then, they simply stare at each other for a few seconds before Daedholm exits. The companions notice this exchange but think little of it at the time.
Through threats and cajoling the companions convince the prisoner to speak of the sword of Quel’Delar. He knows little but that there is one who resides in Silvermoon that may be, though not willingly, of assistance to them.
Though Dra’Kahn is told he will be left in peace to continue his undead existence, Drakedead smites him, turning him to ash. Too weary to argue the companions turn from the catacombs and begin their assent to the outdoors. Fighting their way through scores of undead once more the group travels to the ruins of Silvermoon to seek out the Thaelis the Hungerer who has specific knowledge of Quel’Delar.
Though allowed to enter his residence without harm from his blood elf keepers Thaelis does not cooperate, though he grudgingly tells them that he has a book with the knowledge they seek. Short on patience Maralais creates a diversion as the companions storm about the residence to find the book. Tiavia discovers the tattered book upon a warped shelf and they barely escape with it. Upon reading parts of the book they discover that Quel’Delar gained its legendary power s from a dragon named Keristrasza who completed its forging.
The group travels to Westguard Keep in the Howling Fjord for a short respite before continuing their journey to speak with the dragon queen at Wyrmrest Temple.
At Westguard Keep the companions find food, rest and time to heal their wounds. Drakedead ingratiates himself with the group and Tiavia becomes impressed with his extensive knowledge. Elvofiriwien, stoic as always, keeps mostly to herself – listening but barely participating.
Soon, the companions travel to Wyrmrest Temple in Dragon Blight to seek an audience with Alexstrasza the Life-Binder, queen of the dragons. Maralais explains the nature of their quest and that they seek her daughter Keristrasza to ask about the sword Quel’Delar. Though Alexstrasza is willing to help them she tells them that her daughter has been captured by the Blue Dragon Flight and they have her imprisoned. Slightly disheartened by the set-back but feeling it their duty to help they agree to try to rescue her daughter in order to get the information they seek. Alexstrasza bids them well and wishes them luck in their task.
The group flies to the Nexus in Coldarra. Entering it deep recesses they stumble upon Keristrasza almost immediately but discover that she is frozen in a large block of ice. In order to determine the nature of the mechanism keeping her in place they descend further into the depths. As they go deeper, Drakedead comments
“This place is brimming with Fel energy” Maralais stops the group for a moment and replies, “Something about the concentration of it does not bode well. Whatever it is that is going on here - I think - can only lead to disaster.” As the group continues to descend Drakedead begins to act strangely. He moans lightly and must stop for short periods of time to collect himself.
Tiavia, her concern evident asks, “Are you alright Drake?” Looking up at her with a pained expression he says, “No, I am not. But we must continue.” The group confronts many powerful mages who attempt to deter their progress. Eventually their bold descent brings them before Grand Magus Telestra who fights them bitterly to keep the companions from discovering their plans.
As they reach the lowest level , they cross a series of platforms, the foreboding of the Nexus’s secrets weighing heavily upon them. At the top of the final platform they stop astounded by what they are witnessing. The mages have created a rift in Ley Lines which has created a being named Anomalus. He is a pure energy mana wraith and attacks the companions with fury. As the rift sucks matter into it at dizzying speed the group fights to overcome the wraith. With its destruction the intensity of the rift does not cease. Maralais yells over the noise,
“I must seal the rift!” Before anyone can dissuade him Mara draws himself up, magic keyed and strains against the rift’s power to seal it shut. Tiavia fearful that the task will destroy him yells Maralais’s name over the tumult. She steps forward to stop him but is held back by Elvorfiriwien and Drake. As quickly as it is begun Maralais seals the rift but at great cost to his own strength.
Finally able to free the dragon the group returns to the main room and each stand before a large orb cast on a footed pedestal. The orbs are disrupted simultaneously and the dragon thaws. As they attempt to question the dragon about Quel’Delar they quickly realize that the dragon is mad. It screams that it will not again be taken under the sword’s power and strikes out at the companions. They are forced to kill Keristrasza before she can destroy them. Distraught at the events of the day and the inability to gain new information about Quel’Delar the companions return to Wyrmrest Temple feeling defeated