Thursday, April 14, 2016

Day 10

I slept like a baby last night, and woke up sometime before noon. I knew I had a long day ahead of me, there was much to see before I would reach Tarren Mill. First of all, I stopped by Shadowfang Keep. This used to be the base of operations for archmage Arugal(the guy who summoned the worgen, you know), but nowadays the ruler here is Lord Godfrey, a renegade Gilnean nobleman.


I also stopped by Ambermill, which used to be an Alliance town, favored by Dalaran mages. Not too long ago Sylvanas ordered an attack on the town, and wiped out the Alliance here for good. Nowadays it's deserted, and overrun by elementals.


I made a quick visit to Gilneas, but the place has been abandoned for some time, and the leader, Greymane, resides in Stormwind for the time being. Sad to see such a beautiful place all empty like this... I hope the Gilneans will be able to return here some day. I know that they sided with the Alliance, but still...


 After this I entered Hillsbrad, right after I had passed the Southpoint Gate. This place has changed a lot since the undead took over. Through the years there has been so many battles on these lands, Horde against Alliance, but now the Horde has finally pushed through, and there is no Alliance settlement left here. I continued down to the shore, since I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to wash some of my clothes. I thought I'd hang them up for drying when I get to Tarren Mill. I noticed a small island just off the coast. This is probably the mysterious Purgation Isle. It was haunted by ghosts for a long time, and only the most brave heroes ventured there. Nowadays they say the Stormpike clan and worgen are occupying the place. Who knows, I'd rather not swim out there...


 So, I started making my way north again, and I ended up at this little farm. There was only one guy there, Brazie, and he told me he was a botanist. He did indeed have a lot of flowers on his property. He then starting mumbling about some warden and also something about zombies, so I just told him I needed to leave. I think he was a little cuckoo in the head. But I was still kind of jealous of that beautiful farm he owned...


Not far from the farm is the Dalaran Crater. This is where Dalaran used to be, before it was moved to Northrend. Now there is only a huge crater left. There are some Kirin Tor mages in the area, probably doing some studies, but otherwise it is pretty much deserted.


 After this I just made my way to Tarren Mill, it was starting to get really dark when I got here. It is a pretty little town, and after a quick sight-seeing, I went straight for the inn. Unfortunately they only have coffins here as well, so I got directed to another building, where I could rent a bed for a slightly higher price. I'm really not keen on a coffin right now, so the price doesn't bother me.


I just had some mutton chop and ice cold milk for dinner. Now I'll just lay down and continue reading my book. Oh, and I'll have to hang up those wet clothes as well... Otherwise they will be really nasty when I wake up tomorrow. Good night everyone!


Thursday, March 24, 2016

Day 9

So today I woke up in Undercity, with a quite sore back from the goddamn coffin... I bought some breakfast and read some more of my book, it's really intriguing and I'm having a hard time putting it down. I had quite a lot of laundry at this point, but I thought I'd find a lake or something later on where I could wash them. So I packed up and headed out again, I followed this road outside Undercity that lead straight into Silverpine Forest. There was an outpost with guards at the border, so I asked one of them to take a picture of me. Bye bye Tirisfal Glades!


Now I entered the mystical Silverpine Forest. This used to be a part of Gilneas, and the road that goes through the forest was frequently used by travelers on their way to Lordaeron. Nowadays it's controlled mostly by the undead, at least the northern part. I think it's really beautiful here, and this architecture is amazing, just look at this bridge I crossed on the way..!


There is a huge lake in Silverpine Forest, called the Lordamere Lake. In the middle of it is Fenris Isle. The ruined keep that you can see in the picture, Fenris Keep, once belonged to the kingdom of Lordaeron. When the Scourge invaded the lands, all the islands inhabitants fled, and some were also killed. After this the island was taken over by Rot Hide gnolls, and they stayed there for quite some time. Nowadays, though, the keep is inhabited by refugees from Hillsbrad.


It was late afternoon, and I approached the Sepulcher. This used to be a simple graveyard along the main road, but at some point the undead made this into their base of operations here in Silverpine Forest.


There was a neat little altar in one of the buildings, I just love candles!


There was a woman outside who sold mushrooms, so I had some dried King Bolete and spongy morel for dinner, delicious! I was planning on staying in the inn for the night, but it's such a beautiful evening that I'll camp outside instead. The weather is lovely and the night sky is just magnificent..! I'll see you tomorrow!

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Day 8

This morning I woke up refreshed and had a quick breakfast. I headed out immediately after that, and my first stop was Calston Estate. It's a lovely, big house, and it is owned by Sedrick Calston. I chatted with him a little bit, he was a very nice man, but also seemed very lonely. I really hope he finds some companion, maybe he should get a pet..?


Next up I went to the Agamand Mills. These mills used to be owned and operated by the Agamand family, but unfortunately they all got slaughtered by the Scourge... It really is a shame, this must have been such a beautiful place.


I went south quite a bit, and ended up in Deathknell. This is where dead bodies are brought and resurrected as undead. The town has had its share of problems with the Scourge and the Scarlet Crusade, and it continues to this very day.


In Deathknell I met an undead, who I convinced to give me a ride on his flying mount, to the top of the big mountains to the west. We landed in this interesting forest, and I snapped some pictures. There was also a giant lake, but no houses or people in sight.


There was this really small island in the lake though, and it seemed like there was something on it, so I swam out to take a look. There was a sun chair, a fishing box, and a skeleton. Seems like a person was fishing on this island, but got attacked by someone and died..? And whoever the attacker was, he just left his sword right there. It seems weird enough, I'll put up a picture just in case someone knows what is going on here.


I got a ride back down to Deathknell, and now it was starting to get late, so I headed for Undercity. I thought I could have some time to do a little sightseeing there, and then find a place to sleep.
I really love this place, I guess it is because I'm undead myself. The colors are wonderful, and skulls really make beautiful ornaments, don't you think?


And then I did some shopping... Again. Yeah, I know I have spent way too much gold already... I suspect I am going to have to find a job of some sort later on when I'm totally broke. So I got this lovely new dress(perfect for warm weather), and another book. My backpack is starting to get a bit heavy, I really can't buy any more unnecessary stuff...


I found the inn, and was glad to hear that it wasn't too expensive. It is really small though, and unfortunately only have coffins. I know most undead prefer to sleep in a coffin, but I actually really like a nice, soft bed... But oh well, I am really tired right now, so a coffin it is. I suspect I will be a little sore tomorrow, see you!

Monday, March 21, 2016

Day 7

I slept quite well last night, and woke up feeling very rested. The family I stayed with was nice enough to let me eat breakfast with them, and after that I packed my stuff and headed out again. I strolled around town for a while, and found this merchant who sold lovely clothes. I bought a new shirt(again!), and then I made a quick stop at a library. You see, I have finished reading all the books that I took with me when I left, so I really wanted new ones. Luckily I was able to trade my old books, which meant I didn't have to spend more gold, and my backpack stayed the same weight.  So now I have new books to read, I'm very pleased with that!


After this I headed out of town, and followed the road. I came across Dalson's Farm, and I was happy to see that something can still grow in this place. I actually love farms, and I would really like to own one some day.


I continued down to Andorhal, a city which has been in ruins for quite some time. Originally this was a human city, one of the biggest in the area. However, the city became infected with the Plague, and fell into the hands of the Scourge. It stayed like this for quite some time, until the Cataclysm hit. Both the Alliance and a group of undead wanted to take over the city, and after the Battle of Andorhal the undead were victorious, with some help from Sylvanas herself.


Next up I went to visit Scholomance. If you didn't know, this is a school for necromancers, and it is run by Darkmaster Gandling. The school, originally founded by Kel'Thuzad, is located in the crypts underneath this ruined keep, which is named Caer Darrow. It was once owned by the very wealthy Barov family. Kel'Thuzad approached the family and he promised them immortality if they donated the keep to him. They trusted him and gave the land to him and the Cult of the Damned, but got killed shortly after.


So after this I started to make my way towards Tirisfal Glades. I wanted to take a picture of Uther's Tomb, but there was this angry priest outside who kept chasing me off, so I just continued. I passed the Bulwark, which marks the border between Western Plaguelands and Tirisfal Glades. It is basically a defense establishment, to keep the Scourge forces out. From there I went north a bit, and checked out this forest with a lot of spiders, Venomweb Vale.


Further to the north is Scarlet Monastery, and that's a place I would rather not visit... For all that I care, it could just blow up or something. I followed the main road, and soon I was in Brill, where I was going to sleep. It's a very cozy little town, don't you think?


I went into the inn, and met the innkeeper, Renee Lauer. She told me that she once was an experienced leader in the Scarlet Crusade. This eventually lead to the death of her and her family, and she realized what horrible deeds she had done. I was really intrigued by her story, and after this I asked to stay for the night. Unfortunately there wasn't an available bed, but I got a quiet spot underneath the stairs. So now I'm going to get some sleep, goodnight!

Friday, March 18, 2016

Day 6

I woke up quite early this morning, the sun was shining on the tent and made it unbearably hot... I ate a quite large breakfast, talked to some people, and even had time to wash some of my clothes in a bucket of water. Then I continued my journey, first I was going to dig up some old memories... I am talking about Acherus of course, which was my home a long time ago. I rarely return there anymore, but it was refreshing to enter the grounds of Light's Hope Chapel and once more see it just floating there in the sky... Oh well, I didn't stay too long, it just messes up my head otherwise.


After this I followed the road for a while, and then I climbed the hills until I found a good spot overlooking Plaguewood. This is a place heavily affected by the blight, and before Naxxramas was moved to Northrend, it used to be here.


I followed the mountains for a bit and got to Thondroril River, which is the border between Eastern and Western Plaguelands. It started raining, but I continued along the river to the north. I found this abandoned house at the opening of a tunnel. I didn't really have time to search the place more thoroughly, but I think that tunnel leads through the mountains and back into Plaguewood.


I turned back and started looking for the bridge so that I could cross the river. When I finally got there, I met this nice worgen lady named Fiona. She is a traveling merchant, and she sold me some homemade cherry pie and just chatted about a lot of things. I thought she was really cool, so I asked if I could take a photo with her..!


It was starting to get really late, so I crossed the bridge into the Western Plaguelands. It is a lot greener here than on the Eastern side, the blight has not affected this place that much. I even heard there are still some farms up and running here.


I made my way into Hearthglen, where I was going to find a place to sleep. This is a very old town, and it has survived a lot, most recently the Scarlet Crusade(yuk!). Nowadays it is however controlled by the Argent Crusade, and Tirion Fordring resides here in Mardenholde Keep. There is even a big statue of him in the middle of the town.


I was getting really tired after this long day, so I tried to find an inn. Unfortunately I couldn't find one, but I talked to this nice family who owned a house in the town, and I was allowed to spend the night in their guest bed. So now I have just eaten almost a whole cherry pie on my own, and I'm just going to get some sleep. See you tomorrow!


Thursday, March 17, 2016

Day 5

This day started off as usual, I had a quick breakfast and then I headed out to continue my journey. There were still some places to visit in the Ghostlands, and first of all I visited Zul'Aman. For those of you who don't know about this place, it's what is left of the once great Amani Empire. Amani trolls live here, and they are very hostile towards practically anyone, so I didn't go very close. But it's an impressive place, don't you think?


After this I wandered through the forest, and reached the Dead Scar again. It actually begins right here in the Ghostlands, in a place called Deatholme, which is the headquarters for the Scourge in Quel'Thalas. Dar'Khan Drathir also resides here, the traitor who allowed Arthas into Quel'Thalas... Obviously I couldn't go inside, but I got a pic of the majestic main gate.


After my little sightseeing I continued on through the Thalassian Pass, a narrow road through the mountains that connects the Ghostlands with Eastern Plaguelands. A huge elven gate marked the border.


Later in the evening I got to Northpass tower, where I was going to spend the night. This used to be a ruined tower, but after the Cataclysm hit, the Argent Crusade took control over it and repaired it. Looks much better now than before!


I went to the top of the tower, and it's a pretty amazing view from up there. As you all know, Eastern Plaguelands is crawling with Scourge forces. This used to be peaceful farmland long ago, hard to believe that now...


There isn't really a inn in this tower, but one of the knights offered me a spot in one of the tents outside. There was also a food merchant right next to my tent, so I didn't have to go to sleep on an empty stomach..! Now I think I'm going to lay down and read the final chapters of my book. Tomorrow I'll have a closer look at Eastern Plaguelands, and I suspect it won't be very pretty... Good night!


Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Day 4

So today I was really lazy, and got out of bed quite late. I ate some fruit for breakfast and packed my bag. I set out for the bridge that connects Eversong Woods and the Ghostlands, but before that I made a quick stop at a huge runestone. This one is named Runestone Shan'dor, and it is one of the few remaining runestones that protect Eversong Woods with their magic. Runewarden Deryan is the one who maintains these stones nowadays. Being a death knight and all, runes are kind of my thing, so that's probably why I wanted to stop by.


I continued my journey, and when I got to the bridge, I met this apothecary lady who lived right there in a small house. She seemed to be busy with other heroes who passed by and wanted to help her, but she still agreed to take a picture of me in front of the bridge.


So, I crossed the bridge and arrived in the Ghostlands. It's pretty dark and gloomy here, but that doesn't bother me much, maybe because I am an undead..? I also think the forest looks kind of cool with all these glowing mushrooms all over the place. There are also a lot of bats and spiders here.


I even had time to take a selfie with a spiderbro, haha!


It was almost evening, so I continued towards Tranquillien, where I would spend the night. I feel quite at home here, since there are a lot of undead living in the town. They have formed a faction with the local blood elves, and together try to drive out the remaining Scourge forces from the Ghostlands. I hope they will succeed in that some day.


I went into the inn, which was quite crowded. Unfortunately it was not in the best of conditions, but I can understand that with the ongoing fights just outside town. The innkeeper was kind, and he told me to go upstairs for the night if I wanted some peace, since there was a lot more space and less people. There were no beds, unfortunately, but luckily I have got my awesome lounge cushion. I bought some supplies for the night, moonberry juice and some Tel'Abim bananas. A woman standing outside by the road sold me some freshly baked bread as well.


Now I think I'm going to get some sleep, got to read some more of my book first. Tomorrow I will be heading for the Eastern Plaguelands. It's going to be exciting! Cya!