((This is an open rp thread for the ongoing Lok-Regar campaign, White Tiger. Xi's posts will most often appear as journal entries to summarize the online events. [I am Xibalbah for those who don't know.] So check here if you need to catch up.

People are welcome to rp their own perspectives throughout and start spin-off rp threads as well. The more the merrier!))

Operation White Tiger Journal entry 1: *penned by dim light in dank chambers, located in a hidden pass behind the Temple of the White Tiger*

After weeks of planning, the journey is finally at an end. As I write, the Blacktooth Grin’s advance team is settling into its new headquarters within the Path of Conquerors, as the locals call it--a fitting omen for such an auspicious plan.

Warchief Hoober’s ties to the nearby temple will no doubt have their uses, a wise tactical decision. Neutrality or not, everyone has interests to look out for. We just need to figure out what, exactly, the White Tiger interests are and find a way for them to coincide with our own. Regardless, training with the monks will prove challenging and perhaps enlightening as well for those who seek to learn. New tactics, especially those adapted to this continent, can only make the clan stronger. The monk’s methods of hand-to-hand combat have proven effective, and I personally intend to request research privileges in their libraries.

The kodos and mammoths seem to be adjusting to the new climate, and Roodaka’gora’s yak is proving a useful beast with its knowledge of these lands. Water is plenty and sweet, and these tunnels provide ample protection from the harsh elements of Kun-lai Summit in addition to having plenty of space. But the air is damp with the ever-flowing falls, and there’s a chill in the air that smells of restless spirits. There is work to be done here for the Mok’gun.

We were able to secure supplies at two locations along the way to the pass: Pang’s Stead and Binan Village, both of which proved to be both true to their word and honest negotiators. We would be wise to continue to cultivate relations with these natives rather than relying on Nazgrim in Eastwind Rest or on Hellscream’s fickle favor!

The Gol’kosh will continue to secure the perimeters and have doubled the guard, especially after the Alliance infiltrator was found. The human dog died before we could get him to reveal anything due to overzealous interrogations. We will need to improve discipline, especially in the new recruits. This place shows much promise, and I predict the cold mountain air and frequent treks up Mount Neverest will whip the Grots into quick shape. If not, we can always toss them to the Yeti.

**a large flowing X marks the end of the entry**

Journal entry 2: (11/29/12) **written by firelight in the comfort of Xibalbah’s Purespring cave** My bones are glad to be back in the swamp even for a brief time. The clan continues to settle into the new Pandaren headquarters. The chambers are more than adequate, though the damp chill never leaves the air. The palpable change from the heat and humidity here in the swamp is striking, and we will need to take care to avoid illness as our troops rotate between the two climates—a strong constitutional tonic will be mandatory.

I’m pleased to report that my overtures at the Temple of the White Tiger have been met with welcome, and the monks there have given me access to their vast libraries. They have even assigned me an assistant—as much to keep an eye on my studies as anything, I’m sure—but regardless she is both bright and useful, and I find myself growing fond of her easygoing nature. She is a young apprentice monk named Sulai, and she seems eager enough to please.

I plan to learn as much as I can during my rotation in Kun’Lai; these Pandarens are fascinating creatures. Sulai has been helping me with the scripts, and the time I spent in my father’s libraries all those years ago has proven to be the will of the loa. The rare Mogu and Pandaren scrolls he made me study—I thought they had been just legends—have proven to be one of the most useful things in my life. The memories come flooding back…

Our meeting in Stonard this evening went as planned, and I was quite pleased with the progress reports. Roodaka’gora has secured cooperation from the secret aerie in the mountains. The birds there are the best in the land, and we have been given permission to send our people to bond with them. They should provide a secure and reliable method of communicating across this vast country. Hawkmaster Liu will await us and provide anything we may need.

Raider Xandru reported from the Wilds something very interesting about the Mogu: stories of a divine bell and sounds that tear flesh from bone, some kind of ancient weapon. He has not seen anything of this bell, but he reports that the Mogu are excavating ancient ritual sites, clearly looking for something. He reports they have been taking slaves and digging around the clock. I sent him to investigate further on these matters. Roodaka’gora and Nimithriel confirmed that they have seen evidence of sound weapons used by the Mantids of this land; perhaps the two are connected.

Chef Manolin pointed out the logistical difficulties of getting our supplies from Stonard to the Path of Conquerors. While we still must depend on the Orgrimmar portal, he suggests we use Binan Village as a way station. The mayor there has reluctantly agreed to allow us to store supplies until we can secure a port closer to the headquarters. Manolin will take patrols to begin scouting for a suitable port.

In the aftermath of Kleansed’s exorcism, Nimithriel has been investigating these “Sha” creatures in Pandaria. The locals fear the sha greatly, and they could have some connection to Kleansed’s inability to control his shadow side, but we know little at the moment. The Soulflayer will assemble a team to learn more. I have no doubt her expertise with the shadow will prove invaluable.

The rogue Croweye reported some garbled information about Garrosh’s forces landing in the Krasarang Wilds, and Xandru confirmed at least part of his ramblings. Grymhorn tasked Vazek and Utum with finding more about the siege, and Crow will work on scouting maps and troop movements. While not a surprise, Garrosh’s presence in such force could complicate our plans.

On a side note, the Worgmaster hinted at some disturbing news from the stables—something about an outbreak of sudden, unnatural illness in the worg pups. I don’t know how many he had to put down, but the anger and anguish were clear in his eyes. I will have to meet with him to find out more. It grows late and my body is weary…

**signed with a large flowing X**

Journal entry 3: (12/5/12) **composed by candlelight in the Temple library**

Sulai has been busy while I was gone, and she has a stack of books and scrolls awaiting my attention. She anticipates my lines of inquiry and happily busies herself tracking down everything she can find. I admit I’m becoming quite dependent on her, as I haven’t had an assistant in some time. Her training goes well. I will keep my eye on her—the Mok’gun could benefit from her considerable skills.

The new troops rotated into Pandaria this week, and we gathered for reports in the Great Hall. Manolin’s supply run arrived safely in Binan Village, despite Alliance threats. He is right: use of the Orgrimmar portal leaves us far too vulnerable. Travel over the mountains and roads of Pandaria exposes us foolishly to Alliance attack, not mention the numerous hostiles of this land. What’s more, I have no desire to continue operating under the watchful eye of Garrosh’s Kor’kron dogs—Orgrimmar is becoming dangerous. We must find a suitable port quickly; there is little time to waste if our efforts here are to be successful.

Manolin has done some preliminary scouting and believes Zouchin Village to the northeast to be most promising, tactically and geographically. The village will provide infrastructure and the beaches below are optimal for ships, which will secure the direct route we need from Grom’gol. However, it seems we have yet another rival on these shores. The Zandalari have beaten us to the area. Their prior knowledge of these lands has put us at a distinct disadvantage, and they appear to have set up a permanent settlement on an island just off the coast.

The goblin Croweye claims to have Pandaren contacts, which could prove useful, in addition to his uncanny ability to move unseen. I have sent him to help Manolin’s investigation before he journeys back to the Krasarang Wilds. He mentioned something about “talkboxes” that will enable us to gather information. I don’t pretend to understand his gadgets, just as long as they work. Once he supplies us with the necessary maps and intel for Zouchin Province, he will be applying those same skills down at the Landing beaches. Crow will report to Xandru who is already stationed down in the Wilds and knows much of those lands.

Raider Xandru made a disturbing report that Garrosh has diverted forces from the beaches to the Mogu ruins. It would seem we are not the only ones who have learned about the divine bell. I hope to know more soon.

The new Grots were all eager to prove themselves. Apparently, rumors that Pandaria is a fast-track to promotion are making their way through the ranks. I assigned the shaman, Static, and the old orc, Hellglaive, to scouting the Kun’Lai mountains. They will be providing detailed maps of every cavern, nook, cranny, and path. Azhei will be gathering intelligence on the ancient Mogu ruins along the current supply route from the Jade Forest to Kun’Lai.

More later…

**a large flowing X