Greetings Grinners and welcome to the Official Thread of our current campaign.

this is were we will keep track of whats happened, we will also be posting here each new Step, Please feel free to add a post to this on what your characters experiences are during this campaign,

any comments Not IC please mark as such and keep to a minimum (or start a another discussion thread)

Grymhorn Ha'gosh of the Mok'gun

The Fragranced steam swirled within the domed hut as the Tauren contemplated his latest Visions sent to him by An’she. He trusted his Visions but there was much more that needed to be done and he had been feeling lost of late with the non emergence of Xibalbah from the Emerald Dream. As always though he knew she had done what was needed and he would step up for his Clan, he was the New Ha’gosh and would do all in his power to Honor the position and serve his brothers and sisters.

His latest Vision had been yet again a riddle of some sorts. He saw images flashing fast like the pages of a book being flipped past in front of him. He saw An’she and Mu’sha screaming across the sky in their never ending Chase while a whispering voice he could not determine filled his ears.

He Saw Colossal metallic skinned Titans and images that reminded him of the Old Gods, yet even more of the Dream itself, Dwarfs and dig sites, many more images but these he remembered clearly.

There was one other image that stood prominent a Human carrying a white banner with a Red letter C and a cross blazoned on it, he had seen this banner, it was used by the Scarlet Crusade, he saw a gathering of an Alliance General, a Crusader General, A Dwarf General and a what seemed to be a Pirate Captain on the docks in Ratchet as chests of Gold were loaded from Alliance ships to Pirate ones. These Chests seemed familiar indeed; Grymhorn knew they had to be the chests that carried the Tainted Gold that had affected Drahna.

This image was too close to home again, what did it all mean, to his knowledge the Crusaders had been all but wiped from existence and were but a Meer fragment of what they used to be, one thing was sure he indeed needed to know more.

He sat contemplating for what seemed but a few minutes but was in fact hours. Was the Earth mother Whispering to him and guiding instead of An’she? He would consult the Leaders of the Clan, He needed to know more, and knowledge would give more power. Of course he knew about the Earth Mother but Of the other Old Gods he knew little so he would consult Nimithriel and the Lak’gora there, but the Titans what do we know, and what part do they hold, The Dwarfs seek the knowledge of them he knew that, were the dwarfs responsible for the Titans, is that why they seek them out. If so we shall destroy both the Dwarfs and the Titans.

In conclusion he would call for the Chieftain and the Leaders of the clan to meet in council. But in his heart he knew what it meant, the Alliance and in Particular the Dwarfs and the Titans would pay …… war was upon us.

Grymhorn sat in quiet, his mind filled with the recent events that had unfolded. The Discovery at Telredor in the Zangermarsh on Raider Roodaka’s Expedition in search of answers was troublesome and brought but yet more questions. His Vision in the hut two days passed had brought forth the Question of the Alliance being at cause for the Sickness that had befallen the Swamp, now the discovery of a giant spore and Lab in the hands of the Draenei was all the conformation he needed. For his comrades that had fallen from the sickness and the danger it has put Xibalbah in, they would pay dearly.

In the coming days a work Detail will be sent to Stonard to evaluate both the tainted Surroundings and what’s needed for the Repairs of the Walls and anything else that has been damaged since our Departure. Stonard its self seems to be safe but beyond the walls not much is. Grots will be used to scout 15 feet in front of each group to test the safety.

Deep in the chambers of Desolation Hold the Leaders of the clan gathered to discuss the plans to come.

War drew closer.

He didn’t return to Desolation Hold with the others, instead he made his way to Felwood to the Shadow Hold. A place where he went to meditate and consul the souls that swirl in the nether.

He landed just outside the entrance, dismounted and walked into the Shadow Hold. The minions there cowered in fear as he walked to his ritual place, when he arrived Moora was there waiting for him.

Laughing “Gar’mak you sexy orc…” she said as she came up to him “…what do you have planned for me today?”

With a stern face he didn’t look up at the minion “We have a ritual to preform, prepare the table.”

Suddenly, she stopped laughing recognizing the seriousness in his voice. She proceeded to prepare for the ritual “My Lord, what bothers you so?”

He didn’t say anything, there was too much do. What they had discovered in the marsh, bothered him but also delighted him. He believed that the Apexis had saved some of the material to further the Lak’gora’s and the Clans power, but he would have to wait to find out.

He heard screaming coming from the table “Gar’mak, the table is ready.” Moora said. Dressed in his Shadow Council drab, he walked to the table, a night elf laid there screaming and squirming. He grinned as this both pleased and pleasured him to see the subject like this. Although he would prefer for the Soul Flayer to be here, but he needed to do this.

Placing a hand on the night elf’s forehead he began the ritual.

“The souls that surround, that fill, that flow through us. I, Gar’mak, call upon you.” He repeated the saying five more times. On the sixth time his right hand began to glow a purple flame.

“I give this life to the souls, for their answers.” The purple flame flicked alive and changed into a purple flaming knife. Taking the flaming the knife, he began to cut the night elf from right below the neck and continuing down its chest.

Souls began to appear to him, the swirled around him, he knew they were restless awaiting the newest soul to join them. One soul stopped in front of him, in a vaguely familiar voice it asked “nuq 'oH 'oH SoH nej?”

“Who is behind the attack of my Clan, how I can stop it, and most of all, how to harness the power it has wielded.” He asked the soul.

Swirling around abruptly, the soul looked agitated “nuq SoH nej DIchDaq SoH lIj qa' DIchDaq ghoS Daq maH."

Thuugom looked at the soul and Grinned “Do not worry about me as I will be safe, only worry about what I would to do you if you let it happen.”

The souls screamed loudly and suddenly said “ghaH DIchDaq chegh wa'DIch ghaH DIchDaq tlhap lIj 'ej SoH DIchDaq taH.”

He glared at the soul “Don’t change the subject on me, answer my…” pausing he pondered on whom the soul is talking about “…tell me who the person you talk about.”

“wa'DIch joH'a' wa' vo' Sov vo' qan Qunpu'” the soul swirled around Thuugoms head.

Thuugom laughed “That one has not been around in some time. Now, tell me my answers or I’ll keep you for myself.” Thuugom grinned wickedly.

“vo' Gar'mak Daq HoS SoH Daq ghoj Hemey vo' qan Qunpu' qan Qunpu' DIchDaq cha' SoH Daq HoS SoH nej.” The souls said as it awaited the soul of the night elf.

He finished cutting the chest cavity of the night elf; ripping it open he saw the beating heart and grinned. He grabbed hold of the beating heart, feeling the life source of the night elf beat in his hands.

Tearing the heart out the night elf’s chest, he took it “Take this soul as I eat it’s heart, let the blood run through my veins and the meat fill my stomach.”

The night elf watched as Thuugom ate his heart and it’s eye closed. The souls swirled around awaiting the new soul to join, the soul of the night elf appeared out the body swirling in agony. The night elf’s souls stopped and appeared to glare at Thuugom.

“Your soul is now mine, night elf. You will forever be in torment and you will serve your Gar’mak loyally.” He grinned and laughed aloud.

The souls disappeared into thin air and Thuugom came out of his trance.

He looked around “We prepare for a move.” He called forth his familiar.

His familiar looked at him awaiting it’s orders.

“Go find Soul Flayer, tell her we are preparing to make Rockard a forward post for the cleansing of Stonard.” The familiar shimmered into thin air.

He walked out of the Shadow Hold, called forth his winged ebon and made for Desolation Hold. He had much to do and needed to meet with the Ur’shok and Ha’gosh.

Once more they had stepped foot into Stonard. Still not healed the feeling was troublesome.

Grymhorn looked at the troops lined before him, many new faces that had joined the clan since they had made the journey across the Seas to Desolation hold. This prompted his question.

"Do you know why this place is important to us"

a varied response was heard, all viable but non were at the heart of it.

"This is our Holy Place. The birth Place of our Clan. So many have walked these paths before us."

"You see after the betrayal of Orgrim Doomhammer the backstabber against Blackhand and Gul'dan, Blackhands Sons, Rend and Maim come to Stonard in what was known then as the Black Morass to guard the Dark Portal"

the gathered Grin listened as the Ha'gosh spoke

"and After years of exile and abandonment from the Horde Rend and Maim rallied the loyal survivors of there Fathers army under there own Banner, they built the Fortress's of Rockard and Stonard, that Clan they brought to life was this one, the BlackTooth Grin"

"Soon the second war came and as always the Blacktooth were ever honorable and answered the call to arms along side the other clans that had offered them no assistance, it was there duty, and once more Doomhammer destroyed what there was of the Horde"

"With the forces of the Blacktooth held up in Blackrock Mountain, Maim was slain and Rend was forced to kneel before the black Dragonflight to secure the survival of his people.....those survivors made there way back to the Black Morass"

"It was some time after that one of the greatest Orcs stepped Forth and gathered those survivors and once more raised the banner of the Blacktooth Grin Right here on this spot"

"That Great Orc was Gorfrunch Smashblade"

"That is Why this place is Important"

One of the Grots, Locksmith, spoke up "what happened to Gorfrunch"

Grymhorn closed his eyes

"With regret he struggled to control the demons within himself and went into exile"

Grymhorn gave a stern look across the group and then to the Ur'shok he gave a nod

Much was in need to be done and the forward group gathered in Stonard set to tasks at hand. those that had reports shared there findings and then new orders were given, more scouting was to be done in accordance with the pirates, Samples would be taken from the swamp and Alliance posts near by would be scouted for Supply raids.

During this time the Grot Fibuki fell ill with the taint while testing the boundary. She seems to be losing her mind as Grymhorn, Kaibo and Mudbrain restrained her until a cure can be worked on. What was discovered were she fell was some sort of Mind Numbing Poison present, samples have been taken for testing.

this new find of poison coupled together with recent developments of finding the spores in Zangermarsh was adding to the confirmation that the Nightmare Overgrowth and the Sickness in the Swamp were Separate issues and the later was surly to be caused by the Alliance.

Pikki half listened to the Ha'gosh's recital of the Grin history. She watched the gathered clan closely, working what information they had gathered in her mind. She had a fair idea of what there was in general at each outpost, the reports she demanded from the Gol'kosh had given her another's incite. This was more important when trying to piece together what was happening around them in the swamp.

As the evening progressed, some of the flayling ends began to settle, a pattern had not yet become obvious, but some questions were being addressed, if not answered...

The return of Mudbrain with the two test grots added more to the mix. Fibuki's contraction of the taint was not surprising - she appeared to have the same symptoms that others had displayed before the clan had vacated Stonard. What was surprising was Sneakysteve's apparent immunity. This added to her own was disturbing, especially when taken with the knowledge that the goblin contingent in Bogpaddle seemed also not effected. She knew some in Bogpaddle, had shared drinks with them on occasion, but on her last visit, she recognized many that she knew were associated with those in Booty bay and the Venture Co. in Stranglethorn. A possible gold connection?

Andorial seemed competant enough handling the samples, she felt better with one of her Gol'kosh assigned the task. Though they worked closely together, she still had mixed feelings about Lak'gora and their perception of things. The grots work alongside the shaman Kaibo would give them a full picture and hopefully discover the source.

Calendis and Locksmith's brief report opened up yet another player in this ever widening game. They had followed clues to a pirate compound in Kalimdor, interrogating the fallen captain had yielded some information and the mention of dwarves now in the mix...

Pikki siged and rubbed her head, at this point, when Andorial came to her with her initial findings, what she said made little sense. Pikki was not a scientist, she made things blow up...at least she did once.

Resources needed locating...Zorba had discovered some, but Pikki had not been able to process all she had said. One thing that was encouraging, was that the Clan was anxious for the return and enthusiastic about resolving this - she knew that they needed to maintain the momentum...Desolation Hold had the power to sap the Grin's committment...they needed to get back to Stonard..

Before any more information could be relayed, she repeated to those waiting their turn..."Put it en a report...we can't miss anything 'ere, dis needs ter be studied closely..."

She stated that she would return to Desolation Hold and would await their findings and a chance to decipher them with the Ha'gosh and Gar'mack, before presenting them to the Warchief.

((sorry i didn't post this earlier, i was sick and sorry if there are any confusion in my post. And i wanted to point out, me, cale and sizz were like a cop buddy trio dream come true! let's make more of these! :P ))

*The following is the retelling of the event under Lak’tuk’s eyes as presented in his report to his superiors… the scroll smells of familiar dog drool.*

After our Ha'gosh, Grymhorn, introduced us to the history of Stonard, several grots were assigned as team leaders and received tasks to help rebuild our home. Brother grot forsaken “Locksmith” and brother grot elf Calendis and task was to spy on the pirate settlements the latter previously reported after his last patrol while Sister grot elf Andorial’s orders were to inspect the broken tribes and gather some samples to experiment on. Lastly, the unfortunate grots who weren’t wearing their colors were told to stay behind and “volunteer” to be test subjects. As everyone was given a role, Calendis had the opportunity to select an extra party member to which he immediately chose me, Lak’tuk. At soon as he pointed at me, I questioned why he chose me over my other brother orcs. “I need the muscles” he told me, “You will have to do”. I grunted and saluted him, despite my discomfort. I respected the Blacktooth Grin clan too greatly for me to object his decision.

Our Ur'Shok, Pikki, then gave us the orders to move out. We rode on our wyvern mounts and flew out. Though Calendis was the one leading us to our destination, he had a younger and faster beast then mines and Locksmith’s. The distance between us and him was increasing as we traveled further into the jungle of Stranglethorn. During our flight, I and Locksmith exchanged our opinions on our brother elf leading us. With few disagreement, we concluded that Calendis needed a bath to remove his “flower smell” that flown around wherever he went. I hope this request will be heard by the higher-ups.

We arrived in Booty Bay and took the ship to Ratchet in Kalimdor without any incident. We rode on our wolf mounts and trusted the elf’s tracking skills. It led us south into Alliance territory, into a marine camp. Though I suggested to charge in through the gates, Calendis reminded me that our task required us to be discreet. Thankfully, Lockmith’s stealthy expertise allowed us to enter the camp as discreetly as possible. Though we had to eliminate some targets along the way, the alarm was not sound.

As we inspected the camp for any clues, Locksmith signaled us he found a prisoner camp holding some pirates prisoners. That’s when we found one who wasn’t chained up nor put in a cage. His name was Baron Longshore. Apparently, upon further research on his name, the famed goblin Gazlowe posted bounties for his head in every goblin encampments. Desperate, the captain tried to sail away from the neutral shores only to be captured by Alliance forces. Still, we interrogated him on the spot. After I threaten to break his bones and while Locksmith was readying his torture instruments, the only words that came from his mouth was the mention of dwarves and a pirate fleet who traded with them somewhere south in Dustwallow marsh. The rest was whimpering and fluids exiting every of his orifices. We decided he wasn’t worthy neither to keep nor to kill. Calendis lead us along the shore into the swamps, this time following some sort of dwarven caravan. Along the ride, I once more share my doubts with Locksmith, wondering on where this wild goose chase would lead us. We arrived on a small island not too far from the coast. It was crowded with some masked bandits that Locksmith recognized as the “Defias Brotherhood”, some sort of an organized crime syndicate. I first thought they were behind the pirate troubles but Calendis thought otherwised. He spotted the similar Dwarven tracks but they suddenly vanished.

“They flew” he said as he called for his bird. He called for his eagle pet to track down their flight path. The flight on our wyvern was long but we arrived at what was left of the thousand needles. We scouted around for any sign of clues when we came under canon fire. It seems there was a large pirate gathering alongside the southern shores of the region. We dove downward straight into their camp and led a fight to them. The fight was tiring but we proved to have an advantage. We quickly inspected the base for clues and that’s when we found an odd looking cauldron of green mixture. Upon closer examination, we concluded it was not made for feeding the pirates who lived there. It had a hint of odd yet familiar smell. Calendis wanted to test the contraption but as I pointed to the sea of an advancing fleet of ship heading our way, I suggested only taking a vial and offering it to our officers on our arrival back home. He agreed and gave me and Locksmith the order to spare no witnesses and to slow down the boats with the same canons that fired at us. Bodies was thrown over the cliffs and boats were sank before we been teleported back in camp to debrief.

In conclusion, Calendis’ expedition has found involvement of Alliance dwarves partnering with pirates and bandits in Kalimdor. Said pirates were involved in a base who was brewing unknown and suspicious brews. We are leaving the experts of the Blacktooth grin clan on wither or not the vial of the brew is related or not to the poisoning of our Sister Drahna, to the curse that fell on our home or to any other conclusion they may present.

Orc brother Grot Lak’tuk Dictated but not written By Lak’Tuk Report typed by Dog grunt Babe Roof.

The Tests and Reslults of the Samples in Stonard

- Andorial Sunchaser

*You hear a loud cry of an eagle swooping down from the sky into Stonard, a message attached to its leg, and its legs carrying a familiar mail helmet*

<the message appears hastily written, and barely legible>

Ha'gosh, There are multiple pirate ships, a shipyard, and enough pirates to easily overrun Booty Bay. They have shot me out of the sky, the resulting fall breaking my leg... most likely will be captured or dead by the time this reaches you.

Tell my daughter I love her...

Walking out of the Stonard inn and taking note of the progress of the rebuild. His stomach rumbles as he has not yet eaten for the day, then he hears a screech from above. Looking up he sees a bird carrying a helm, grinning, he casts his death grip to the bird, the helm drops to the ground, and brings the bird to him.

The bird squeals with fear as he puts his free hand over the birds head and snaps it off. He lifts the bird torso to drink the blood from it, he notices a note attached to the leg. He removed the note and drinks the blood of the bird.

With blood dripping off his chin he reads the note and then looks to the helm. He then turns to find the nearest grot, while chewing the remains of the bird.

“You Grot, go find the Ha’gosh and give this to him.” He grumbles at the grot whose eyes are wide with fear at the sight of the bird feathers hanging from Thuugoms mouth.

After finishing the bird, he walks over the helm, picks it up, and he frowns and mumbles ‘Like father, like son.’

Drek'jar Frosthowl stumbles out of his tent groggily, as if in a stupor, and looks at the screeching bird in the sky above. Drek'jar jogs clumsily up to where the bird has been deathgripped, and gets to Thuugom just in time as he hands the helm to the grot and gives him the orders. The grot looks scared, which disgusts Drek'jar, so Drek'jar in turn lets our an ear-splitting, cold-blooded howl at the trembling. The grot looks even more frightened now, prompting Drek'jar grab the grot by the throat and hurl him against the Stonard's crudely built walls.

'Ill do it myself.... filthy worg shit.' Drek'jar spits on the ground. 'What is this, death knight?' Drek'jar gestures to the familar-looking helm, then grabs the note from Thuugom to give to the Ha'gosh. Drek'jar skims through the short note, smirking all the while.

'Sappy elves. Bah! Let me go get him! Ill teach him and those 'pirates' a thing or too....' Drek'jar looks at Thuugom briefly before heading in the direction of the Stonard Inn.

The drums and horns riverbeated through the air as Tylmojaes flew towards the keep. Under siege again by the same people that seem to just not get enough of the Black Tooth's pain. "Maybe they're masochists." She thought to herself with an evil smirk. She was all the way in Orgrimmar when the sound off was placed. Perhaps her ears have attuned themselves to the sound of their calls. But for whatever reason her eyes were already red, like the color of blood as she leaped onto one of the attackers. Knocking him in a daze the other Grin's came in for the kill. She looked about her but there was no time for a formal hello. Charging in again and again untill the Allience whelps fled for their miserable lives. The victorious yell of Fear the Grin was chorused as they were dismissed.

Later that day the Grin met in Stonard. The cool air of the swamp was more of a pleasure then the dry dusts of the Barrens. It was time to take what was theirs. Lumber needed to support the failing beams of Stonard. As Tyl looked at the line she stood in, she couldnt help but think back to the reason why she was late the other day. She beat herself up mentally over if since it had happened. She wanted to be promt for the Grin she wanted to prove herself. To be usefull and maybe worth something other then the punching bag she always is. Her blade was still sticky of the demonic blood that had splattered it and she wondered if any of the blood had gotten in any open wound she may have. ~"If the blood is corrupted, and the Swamp is corrupted... If we had the blood in us, wouldnt we be immune.?"~ She was pulled from her thoughts as Grymhorn led them into the charge. They trecked acrossed the land on their ground mounts and Tyl kicked her bird hard to keep the stupid thing in line. The mental images of her ripping its head off made her feel a little better about riding the beast, but it still bobbed about like a retarded gnome who had inhaled too many fumes.

They had come up through the north pass of Darkshire and went through Redridge to come up in the back woods of Elwynn Forest. there in front of them stood the lumber mill. The smell of human was horrid and it made Tyl want to gag. She wrinkled her nose as a unstoppable snarl escaped her lips. She wanted nothing more then to tear them all apart. They stood in the woods as the teams were assigned to haul the lumber and who was to protect the kodos as they made their trip back to Stonard and who was to stay and keep the mill 'open for business'. Tyl smacked her sword against her shield, finding comfort in the metalic ringing and let the familure riverbeating soothe her jittered nerves. To her ut-most surprise Grymhorn told her to lead them in on the charge. She tried not to beam with the pride she felt to have been honored that. She roared a Battle Shout as she charged in yelling Fear The Grin! as she killed a miller on the spot. The chorus of their battle cry rang out behind her as they took over the mill. She stood at the door in ready, waiting for the Allience she knew was to come. The workers ran about them, like chickens with their heads cut off, screaming and crying in the horrible sound of common. And eventually.. They did get their heads cut off. Ironic. Isnt it? Soon the call was heard. The kodos were far from the mill when the Allience attacked. Familure faces of the known mage Deksie and the warrior she seems found about Worked. And then a few very unfimilure faces to Tyl came. The battle was not as long as most but was just as brutel. Blood covered the ground of the mill as the fighting continued untill the caravan of kodos returend with the rest of the Grin. Now rejoined as a whole they fought the Allience back and retook the mill as theirs. They stayed in defense as the Allience once again ran, now that they were evenly matched they wanted no part in the inevitable, their deaths if they had stayed.

With the last cart of lumber on the move they made their way back to Stonard. On their ground mounts they went through Darkshire and for old times sake yelled their battle cry and placed their banners. The gaurds slain at their feet.

"It was a success. And my blade will always be ready." Tylmojaes

((Warning: This post may be graphic in nature. If you have issue with gore, stop reading now and ill give you a TL:DR, PG-13 version later))

<This missive appears to be written very carefully in what appears to be blood.>

Grymhorn sat at his large desk going over the reports once more, a seemingly never ending task. The Grot Andorial has proven some worth with finding an Antidote to help heal those affected by the corruption. He sighed, closing his eyes he thought of his brothers and sisters that had succumbed to the sickness and to Chaoseater and Xibalbah who had entered the Nightmare to fight it from that side, at least Chaos had returned to them, although he nearly did not. We should have trusted in the Old Gods like we always had, they would not have done this to the Clan we have always been loyal.

So much was going on but he needed to focus, he needed close allies to do his work, yes the Clan was at his call but some worked in mysterious ways and he needed some that would answer to him, Nothing against the Gol’kosh or the Lak’gora but they had their Minions, he needed his . The Mok’gun needed to be pulled together, his flock had thinned he thought, many missing or passed since the move from Stonard and on the Coming of the dawn two were taking the Oath of the Mok’gun, to uphold the traditions of the clan at all costs, this pleased him.

There was a knock on the Heavy door, Grymhorn gave response to enter and the Grot Calendis did just that.

“Ha’gosh I have word from the cells the Prisoners have awoken”

“Thank you Calendis,…..how are your wounds healing”

“They heal Sir but pain continues”

“Your should be proud of Andorial, her work on the Antidote is well received”

“I am Sir, Thank you”

Grymhorn nodded to the Grot and smiled “tell the Cell keeper I will be there soon”

“Yes Sir” with a salute Calendis withdrew from the room.

Grymhorn straightened his papers and opened a strong box next to him; he picked up a skull fro within and looked at it, closing his eyes and whispering ever so softly. He then placed the papers in the box and returned the skull to sit on top of them, closing and locking it.

He made his way down the halls beneath the Hold to the cells nodding at the Cell Keeper as he approached.

“I hear our friends have awoken”

“They have Sir” the Cell Keeper replied as he turned a heavy Iron key and opened the door for the Ha’gosh.

“Leave us Keeper”

“Us , Sir” the Cell keeper looked around seeing nobody

Grymhorn looked at the Keeper “That is what I said….leave Us”

The Cell Keeper turned and bowed away before making his way up the Stairs. Grymhorn looked at his captives chained to the wall; barely awake or alive take your pick.

“Aren’t you two a pair” he knelt in front of the beaten prisoners

“Tell me….why is a Dwarf” he looked at the Dwarf dressed in the garb of an Explorer before changing his gaze to the other prisoner “and a Scarlet Crusader traveling together…..hmmmm ….tell me I’m curious”

Neither said anything

“You see I have been having…..a few issues with both of your kind”

The Scarlet knight glared as Grymhorn smiled

“You see we have many questions for you too”

“Aye we have nothing for ya” the Dwarf muttered

“oh I do think you do”

The Scarlet knight spat a mouthful of blood towards the Tauren

“Now that’s not nice”

Grymhorn stood

“So we want to play that way do we……. You are going to wish different…….you see my friends….I am the Ha’gosh of the Mok’gun…….Who are the Mok’gun you say…… well we are known as the Healers ……we uphold the traditions and the Spiritual side of our Clan”

The captives looked at each other as Grymhorn smiled as he back stepped towards the door and into the hall.

“You my friends are about to see just how far we will go to heal our Clan” Still smiling, he slowly shut the door on the cell. In the shadows of the door closing an image emerged and moved towards the Dwarf and Knight, their eyes showing Terror as the Rogue produced two red hot pokers.

“Try not to kill them Locksmith” Grymhorn said as he exited the Cells.

As he passed the Cell Keeper a Scream of pain could be heard, the Keeper looked at the Ha’gosh who only returned a smile.

I entered the cave with the others...the Ha'gosh had set us to investigate the Deadmines for any sign of collaboration with the pirates, and having to do with the corruption. I prowled hesitantly beside Mudbrain, the air of the cave dank and stale as my nostrils flaired filling my lungs. Several humans mined the walls of the cave..overseers pacing...all were eliminated quickly and quietly. We came upon an ogre guard who proved a bit more of a challenge, but with the strength of Mudbrain, the two hunters Rode and Annawyn and my claws...it was over quickly. As we went deeper into the cave...the air grew warmer...and miners more numerous. We searched but nothing was turned up aside from crates of supplies and several piles of explosives. At one point a huge ogre, carrying a goblin gave us some trouble, I went down briefly, but my plea to the Loa and Saltymike's heals revived me quickly and we moved on. In the center, and a reason for the heat, was a huge smelting forge...we weren't able to tell what ore they were smelting, or what it was being molded into - there was no evidence...but there was a goblin transport contraption nearby - transport of whatever it was they were producing, and to where?? The further we went...more questions, until Babe uncovered a chest in an alcove off the main path. It was opened, and Mudbrain covered it again quickly to protect the party...corrupted gold, the same as was uncovered by Drahna. The elves were pushed back, knowing they were more susceptible, and I went forward to see. As of now..I have felt no ill effects...I don't know of the elves in the party. Leaving the forge...we ventured futher and came upon the last area...a huge ship, floating in an underground harbor blocked from the outside by a massive gate. Heavily armed with cannon and rifle, there was no way we could continue. We left before we were discovered with plans to return more prepared. At that time, we'll take more time to check the caverns for any other hidden booty.

Submitted to the Ha'gosh by Jym'jii Grot of the Blacktooth Grin

One things for sure... actually make that two. I am not a very good engineer and two, I am deffinately no rogue. But neither of these things matter if I can still bash a skull in with my shield.

Meeting in Stonard has been becoming more frequent. And I've come to actually enjoy that swamp much more then the Barrens. I hope we get to go home soon. I fell from the sky as my copter once again backfired and fell to the ground and my parachute didnt deploy. I hit the ground hard and thought that this was how I was going to die. And my only regret was it was from not falling in battle. But to my surprise I survived. ONly thing I can say is, our healers are amazing. I tore my cloak off and threw it in the forge. I'll just get another.. Maybe someone knows a tailor who can sew a real parachute into it. The meeting lead to Grymhorn splitting us up. A group went off to investigate the Deadmines. To follow up on the pirate thread lead. While others were sent on scouting missions. But a surprise showed its ugly pressence as we were discussing the plans. I almost choked on the gnome bone I was chewing on when that elf didnt talk with respect towards Slydell. I already hated her. She sat behind our lines and listened to our plans of attack. I dont like that. I dont trust her. She didnt show the fear I believe the Grin should recieve, instead she carelessly flaunted about and talked as if our superiors were normal people. I had to restrain myself from pummeling her into the dirt and burying her behind the fence of Stonard when she stood up to Nim and talked down on her mentors. She begged, which I found repulsive, to the scouting party and to Grym if she could join them. She said she needed 'answers'. But to what I didnt hear, or if I did hear, I just couldnt understand. Have I mentioned that I hate her yet? Either way. I bit the gnome bone in half and spit it out, crunching it underneath my foot as I watched them prepare to leave. Grymhorn called me aside and I followed him with a salute. He asked me to follow her, that he didnt trust her, and I felt relieved to not be the only one who felt this way. Then my next thought was, I am no stealthy.... This might be hard. They left though, rather quickly in fact. I was shocked. I quickly kicked my copter into gear and flew off. This was the only time I ever might've actually slightly missed my stupide wind rider. At least his wings were silent... even if the bastard didnt listen to me. But he is with us no more... As I had to practice my bombs on something. I flew high up above them so they might not hear the sound of the whomp whomp whomp of my propellers. I followed them to the lost ones camp. There was a gryphon roost so I assume the Alliance has a way to getting to where the lost ones are. Those damn squids are all alike. Lost or not. The Grin fought viciously and I wanted to jump in to help spread my share of pain but I had to stay out of sight. I watched as this... elf... stayed in the back. Raising her bow once or twice. It made me sick. She was weak. She claimed to have been a Grin before. But the way she fought, I do not see it. The only thing I truely regret is not being able to get close eneough to hear the conversations. I watched the hand movements of Dakini. And i watched the body language of Crow's bear form. I could understand a few things, but not being able to hear them dampens my report. After they had killed the squid heads they searched the compound. I didnt really see them find anything. I landed on a roof of one of the buildings and watched as once again the elf acted strange. She stayed inside the inn longer then the rest of the Grin. I wish I was a stealthy to watch what she had been doing. The way she walked out made me distrust her. She was too casual about it. Then Crow had explaimed something about something burried behind the inn. When they got close I flew up again, to stay out of sight. But when the rest of the Grin went to dig, the elf left. She didnt even lift one finger to help. And as she left them I saw reinforcements return to the camp. She ran out of there like a coward. I watched her run across the bridge and feign as the reinforcements ran into the town and once again the Grin fight victoriously. Then I heard Dakini and Crow call the Grin to form up. I once again had to restrain myself to follow my instinct to stand in line. I landed behind a tree and listened to them. They said they had found a crate burried beneath the earth of the inn. And not very deeply burried either. And there was a whole bunch more. The new rogue, Varlonde, kept complimenting her on her fighting skills which made me scoff. I almost blew my cover. This rogue and the deathknight Morg something or other. I didnt trust them either. I couldnt understand why he was being so nice to this... this... newcomer. Is there something here he knows that we dont? Then all of a sudden they dissapeared from my view. It was as if someone had ported them all away all at once. I quickly kicked my copter into gear and flew back to Stonard to tell Grym of what I saw. When they reappeared they opened the crate to find vials. And supplies. What is in the vials, I do not know. I am no alchemist. I watched though as this new elf hung her head talking about how she didnt find any answers. I think it was all just an act though. I dont liek the way she holds her head high around our superiors. She walked into the inn and straight up to Thuug I wanted to march in there and drag her out by her hair, but I am not allowed into the inn. So I didnt get to hear what she was saying to him. And once she left her and the rogue went to the gate and were talking for a long while. But I wasnt able to hear.

Whoever she is, or was... To the Grin. She isnt anymore. I dont think she had any right at all to act the way she did. If she was once someone in high regaurd, she no longer stands under the flag of the Grin, she shouldnt act like she still has that rank. ~Tylmojaes

The Clan Gathered in the court yard of Desolation Hold awaiting the Executer and Sythegar's to join them. They tightened there armour and readied there weapons, their mounts ready and their eyes focused. What would unfold before them before the day was out would surly widen there eyes even more.

Executer Pikki emerged from the keep flanked by Croweclaw and Grymhorn, she was almost lost in their shadows, telling the truth she liked the shadow they cast, it meant she could still get the drop on anyone. They Followed the path to the awaiting Clan, pausing briefly to scan who had reported for duty. Pikki nodded at Grymhorn and he stepped forward.

"Brothers and Sisters" he scanned them as they snapped to attention.

"we have made good progress, the Supplies found in the lost ones camp north of Stonard have been tracked."

The Clansmen gathered grinned, this was good news indeed.

"They have been tracked to a couple of locations, one being the Stormwind docks to no surprise......... the other Menethil Harbour.........Executor Pikki will take a sneak squad onto the docks and check that out, the rest of us will make our way to the Harbour in Theramore, there we will sneak aboard a ship headed to Menethil, we will scout there until we rendezvous with the sneak Squad....... we will then make our way into the harbour and lay waste to any appose us until we find what we are looking for......is that understood"

"Yes Sir" the smiles on the troops faces widened as the thought of Alliance blood on there blades excited them.

"Move Out"

"FEAR THE GRIN" echoed as they mounted and left the hold.

Grymhorn sat at his large wooden desk, a hefty candle lit the room well but shadows seemed to dance around the walls. He looked at them, they reminded him of Spirits long gone, fallen brothers and sisters, The old ones and Anshe.

He reached into the draw next to him, he pulled out a large skull and sat it on the table. he starred at it for a long time before reaching in the draw once more to retrieve a large book. he opened it , carefully flipping the pages to make a new entry. he dipped his quill into the ink pot, he then looked at the skull once more, he patted it and smiled before he put pen to paper.

The clan gathered on the cliff over looking Menethil awaiting the arrival of the Sneak squad from the Stormwind docks. The wait was not long, the scouts had infiltrated the docks extremely quickly and with ease, there training had shown. They carried with them news as well, they had discovered the name of the person responsible for shipping the poison to the Doorstep of the Clans home. A Draenei making himself at home in Menethil. It seemed the Clan had come to the right place. Answers would soon unfold.

The Order to proceed with the attack on the harbor was given, and with precision the clan moved in, from multiple angles, swiftness and no mercy as they searched for the Draenei. Soon he was found, hiding away in the Keep, he put up a good resistance before falling to a knee. Finally our questions called be asked. The language barrier proved an issue until Rode and Babe stepped forth, confusion on our very faces as Babe translated to Rode as we tortured and beat on the Draenei for answers. As we thought, The alliance seemed to be up to there necks in this, both Draenei and human mages were behind the poison, but just who gave the order remained a mystery. The most startling information to surface was yet to come, the Draenei alleged a traitor was amongst us. that one of our own was involved, The gathered Clansmen looked at each other, not wanting to believe but judging all the same. Before any more questions could be answered, a swarm of alliance troops flooded the Keep. In the Mayhem that followed the Draenei escaped, his fate unknown as the Clan made a hastily Retreat to soak up there new found knowledge.

Over the following days the news spread, the Sythegar's did all within there power to re assure but with a something like a traitor being amongst the clan, no stone could be left unturned. If indeed it was true there would be consequences, the mere thought of a traitor shook many to the bone. Nether the less there was much to do. Clansmen were spread far and wide, times were tough, they needed focus. The decision was made to station a forward guard out of Rockard, it was well defendable and close to Stonard. Raider Xandru had expressed stepping forward to run the camp. this was duly entrusted to him, only a hand full of others would join him with regular visits by the Sythegar's to make sure all was on track. Supplies would be stock piled and the Alchemy lab was now set up here to, Jymjji was now in charge of the search for the antidote, she would work closely with the clansmen already working on it. hopefully the results would come soon, nothing would settle the Clan more then returning Home.

Grymhorn looked at the page before returning his gaze to the skull, there was no smile this time, only deep reflection as he closed his eyes.

Jymjii wiped the sweat from her brow as the last of the supplies were stowed away and the lab finally set to a condition where work could get started. Rockard was as spartan as Desolation Hold, but there was more room here, and they were closer to the source. She had checked the samples earlier, and found that most of them had been corrupted. She would "educate" the grot who had been in control of that particular shipment. The air was heavier here, more humid this close to the swamp, and closer to Zul Gur'ub. It was energizing just knowing that.

She had been surprised when she had been named to take over as the alchemist for the project, her skills had been of little use of late. She would be restocking her supplies, but their return to the east put her closer to her remembered sources.

Jymjii walked over to the window of the tower she had chosen for her work, the place had a raw sulphuric smell to it - remnants of the attempts to close the portal that hummed with energy not far from the keep. She wondered about the clan's move back to their traditional lands, and their ability to defend the small piece of swamp they had claimed for their home. She wondered about the ability of the Sythegars to control the blood lust that sometimes threatened to disrupt the hard earned discipline, she wondered about the young and untried warchief and his ability to follow in the footsteps of his formidable father. So many freyed ends in this twisted rope that was the clan she had made her own. She moved away from the window as the dusk moved over the hard red clay of the Blasted Lands. The air around her rippled as she moved from the room...a cat, sniffing the air for fresh prey to feed her hunger.