The Warlord's Journal

[Keraph]

Finally found my damned book, Nadea's stupid imp must have scrambled off with it for some reason. That pest is more nosey than he's worth, I found him snooping about my room a few days ago with some sort of odd dagger that looked much to big for him. I'll have to have a little chat with the Baroness about her little pets.

Progress is stifled in Outland. We've already completed most of the goals set in service of the Lady, and I have isolated the location of the artifact we are seeking, but knowing where it is provides no real progress to actually obtaining it, if it even still exists. For now I continue my studies on various items of power that may work to serve the Lady, but I am not a scientist. For the most part, my work consists of....forcibly obtaining the items in question and shipping them off to the Mage Quarter or the R.A.S. for further study. As expected, the R.A.S. is making little to no progress as usual, but something has had them very excited as of late. I will have to look into that later, even if it means shoving that gnat Faranell around a bit.

Speaking of the Society, the disgusting liquid I've been drinking in the past weeks has not been having the effects that they have promised. Twice now have they increased the intensity of the doses, but other than more frequent coughing fits, results are minimal.

I am most unpleased.

[Keraph]

Three days and no word from Lascivious. Perhaps more important matters have come up, or perhaps we have been shrugged off. Regardless, I must make a note to establish ties elsewhere as needed.

Having been primarily on Draenor for so long, I have had to rely on the younger scouts of Infection to report to me the goings on of Azeroth. I have been informed that the situation in the Plaguelands is worsening, no doubt as a result of Infection's recent lack of action in the area. Conflict is escalating from the Scourge, so it seems we will have to put it down. I will draw up a series of attack plans to cripple the Scourge forces in the area, keeping them from pushing beyond their boundaries for a while longer, and inform the fold that we will be issuing a temporary withdrawal from Outland to deal with this threat. Once we've mobilized, it should not take too long to remove key positions from enemy control, and reestablish a silent domination of Lordaeron.

I need a drink.

[Keraph]

*Written on the night of the Harvest Ball*

Excellent news! Whilst attending the Harvest Ball hosted by our allies, the Ghants, I happened upon someone I did not expect to find. One Sanrin Zenafova, murderer, thief, and overall enemy of Infection and the Forsaken. And he was parading around as an elf. An ELF!! In short order we had surrounded and detained the paladin, and I took the opportunity to let our displeasure be VERY clear.

Before killing him and stringing him by his guts in some suitable location in the Undercity, I took the time to interrogate the pest, to see where he had hidden the Tome of Blood. The chance to recover it was too important to waste by letting my hatred get the best of me. With much effort from both myself and my peers, I managed to -not- kill him on the spot. However, what I heard from him was not what I was expecting to here. He had lost the tome.

LOST THE TOME. An artifact of immeasurable power, and he LOST it. Not content with the apparent ease of that answer, we were able to contact Archmage and ex-Lifebane Skyze Val'thoxis, who was fortunately also nearby. The tome was the Archmage's treasure, so it made sense to have him personally exact his revenge on it's theif. Again, however, things progressed in an odd way. After being approached and opposed by some Sanctuary filth, who Sanrin had apparently allied himself with (Note: Slap Vilmah upside the head. Hard.), we moved to a more private location. The Archmage and that rat spoke in length about the use and location of the tome as we kept him securely surrounded. After we had heard all we needed to, an odd, ODD bargain was struck. We have agreed to work in coordination with the Empyrean Dawn.

My anger boils even as I write this, for my hatred towards this paladin and all that follow him is immeasurable. However, he has a better idea as to where the book was lost. He will lead his men and search for the tome, under the careful eye of my scouts, whilst Infection is to find a way to destroy it. That was the deal. And destroy it we shall, once it has been put to use against our enemies. Many will fall before us once the Tome of Blood has been returned to those who can use it. I am sure that the Archmage is already preparing for it's arrival.

And once we have the book, we wil no longer be obligated to honor any agreements with the Empyrean Dawn. I will have my revenge on Sanrin Zenafova.

[Keraph]

It has been some time since I have bothered to write. I have been very busy lately, and I do enough writing on the maps and strategies that I must constantly be dealing with. But much has happened in recent weeks, and I might better organize my thoughts if I can see them down on paper.

Firstly, the coughing fits have stopped, for the most part. In fact, the doseage for my unique....situation has been upped thrice in the last few months. The lack of any reaction whatsoever after the increases has me concerned, though. With the coughing, I at least knew something was happening. The fools of the R.A.S. claim that it is because constant exposure to the substance has created something of an artificial resistance to it, but I am dubious. They have made many promises that they have yet to fufill. However, it does seem that there are trace amounts of the energy within me, as proven by studies from the magic quarter. Additionally, the good doctors of the Society claim that my "temper" has been increasingly aggressive due to prolonged use, but I have a feeling they were just upset that I upturned a table of "rare and expensive" reagents after expressing my displeasure with their project.

"Rare and expensive" my rotting ass. Infection provides them with the bulk of their rarer materials anyways.

On a different note, it seems that the mantle of leadership has changed hands within the Grim yet again. Lady Lascivious, who I was actually quite able to tolerate, has stepped down for reasons unknown to me, and another has taken his place. Malebrignon, or the "artificer" as he wishes to be called. Such a silly name! But anyways, I know the old priest. I used to mistake him for Lord Maledictus, in earlier days. Regardless, I am not sure how I feel about this change, but that will heavily depend on the days to come. I will have to arrange a meeting with him to discuss policies between Infection and the Grim. Must note to use their "ambassador" of war, the rogue known as Drinn, as a proxy for that.

On the subject of the rogue, it is important to note that Infection has been interacting with the Grim increasingly as of late thanks to my connections to her. She shares a desire for bloodshed that is a refreshing reminder of the true Grim spirit. In these times of increased conflict (An agreeable situation, I may note), it is good to be sided with their ranks like in old times. Drinn in particular is quite promising, for one lacking the gift of undeath. She insisted on taking beating after beating from me in an attempt to learn how to fight one such as I. She had little luck, but I think she learned a thing or two. Most important though was her perseverance. Quite resilient, for an elf. And quite persistant.

Such traits are desireable in the coming times. It would seem that Infection is at war once again with the Alliance. Well, moreso than usual, anyways. A group that calls themselves the "Ebon Banner" (Or black tabard....dark rag....whatever) has made a particular effort towards attacking Forsaken territory. And in a force that may actually pose a threat. I do not know who backs them or how many they number, but I have no doubt that their intentions reach past Tarren Mill and the Sepulcher. No, they will attempt to assasinate the Lady by way of brute force. Little do they know, they are already doomed.

In retaliation for their attacks, I rode into Southshore, along with Baroness Nadea and the mage Rolphemona, and the three of us razed the town. It took much longer than I expected for the Alliance to raise arms in defense, and when they came, it was from an unexpected angle. As if they were already in the area. Regardless, I got a look of many of their faces, and noted their black tabards. There were others with them, allies from guilds that I half-recognize, but nobody of any importance. If that is all they can muster, then they are doomed already.

The plans we have for our venture into Human territory are well underway, and thanks to the guidance of Rolph, we have drawn up an undefeatable battle plan. We will be drawing of course from the Grim for support, as well as the Kokron Vanguard, a military organization led by one Alekander, a Forsaken man who interests and concerns me, but seems experienced enough for war. Rolph has also contacted the private army of Citadel, a name I have not heard in some time, and apparently we have their ranks at our disposal as well. Quite an interesting turn of events, but it looks like our numbers will easily be able to accomplish our goals, and much more.

I must note to write more often. It clears my head and lets my prioritize matters properly.

[Keraph]

"I must write more often" I say, and yet I have been so busy that I have not had time to put my thoughts to paper in over a month. A quick summary of the past few weeks will both put perspective on current events, as well as allow me to put down my thoughts on what has happened, and quite a bit has happened. I have hardly even been spending time in Infection's own halls, I have been so occupied. However, I'd say it has been well worth it.

First and foremost is the biggest news, and also most recent. Mistress Dartsnap, Catalyst of Infection, has returned. We were contacted mysteriously through the nether by her, and after an arduous ritual concocted by the Baroness Nadea, Warlock Eboncraft, and surprisingly enough Faelen, we were successful in brining her spirit back into her body. She is greatly weakened, and had to be escorted to the safety of Brill to recover, but she seems to be gaining her strength back. Thankfully she has decided to continue to defer leadership to the Baroness and myself, as she is not as aware of our current situation as we. I will still follow her every word, but I am glad that she has had the foresight and good judgement to not simply retake command of the fold. She has always been clever.

On to other matters. The attack on Redridge was a remarkable success. After swiftly conquering the area, we pushed on further into Human lands, and had ourselves quite a large battle. Shortly afterwards, a small group infiltrated the catacombs below Stormwind's Cathedral of Light, and summoned the rest of us to them. In silence we moved, killing the few scouts who had located us, and assaulted the Archbishop of the church. By night's end the spiritual leader of the Humans was laid low, and we withdrew. There was speculation as to what went wrong and what could have been done better; this will all be taken into account. However, the mission itself was a grand success. I could not have asked for better.

There have been other incursions into Alliance holdings since then, including yesternight's sacking of Toshley Station, a little Gnomish outpost in the Blade's Edge mountain region of Draenor. It was a minor event, little was accomplished that I know of save the slaughter of countless droves of Gnomes. How they kept coming I do not know; perhaps some sort of teleportation technology created by those foul little creatures. Regardless, they were killed, and we left the area a wasteland.

I have grown a keen interest in the Alliance holdings of Outland. Future plans include scouting their defenses and drawing up attack plans accordingly. I spent a bit of time with Drinn and an elven hunter who's name I never caught (Note: Why do I keep spending all my time with these elves?) scouting Telaar, which is REMARKABLY under-defended. We were able to kill quite a handful of Alliance wretches without even incurring the wrath of the guards. Pathetic, but it will be taken advantage of. I will have to see if other strongholds of the Alliance are similarly unguarded; this information could prove quite useful if ever a war campaign is pursued in Outland.

In honor of our Dark Queen and the might of the Forsaken, with respect payed to our Elven allies, Infection is hosting a grand Ball this sunday. Faelen organized the event, yet again displaying his mastery in gathering and entertaining large crowds. It will be good to see such a crowd joined in celebration of our people and accomplishments. We have selected a hidden location to be sure that none of the lesser wretches of the Horde weasel their way in, as their attendance would be quite inappropriate. Those beasts are not suited for civilized gatherings. Faelen insists the ball be a masquerade, which I find quite amusing. Nothing more mysterious than an identity hidden, and it will be enjoyable to identify those dressed to hide their true selves. And beyond all that, I'm sure he has a few tricks up his sleeve to spice up the night.

Note: Put together a decent costume.

[Drinn]

((Haha. Keraph likes elves! Neener!))

[Keraph]

It has been some time since I have written, but that is largely due to the fact that little of note has happened in the past months. The Vanguard disbanded, though few seemed to notice, and Drinn, along with some of her delightful troublemakers, have broken from the Grim to form their own organization of killers. This of course diminishes the use of the Grim to us, but their new leader of war, a cow named Cristok, shows a decent amount of potential for one who's relatives most likely spend their time grazing. In particular, his hosting of combatative events have proven to be wildly successful and entertaining, and in the coming championship tournament Infection has two representatives, Ambassador Rolphemona and the Ice Lord Resinous. Both mages with strong control over frost, and I am told there are one or more other ice mages competing as well. How very coincidential.

It is also worth noting that a scouting force of Infection, including the Baroness and myself, accompanied a Grim expedition organized by the ex-Corruptor Ellsbeth to the colossal necropolis of Naxxramus. To finally assault the centerpoint of Scourge activity in Forsaken lands was satisfying, and we were able to collect a large amount of data from within the floating citadel. In addition to that, we wreaked substantial havoc on the interior forces; hopefully that will cause enough of an inconvenience to their leadership that their increased aggression will diminish for a time.

Recently there was an incident within our halls in which one of our members was attacked by another. The culprit, ex-Spymaster Visararath, had his rank stripped and was put into a probation of service until he was tried and properly punished for his idiocy. Almost predictably, come the time of the trial the rogue instead decided to remove himself from the Dark Lady's elite and flee in cowardice, lest he face the wrath of the Lifebanes. I've given this one far too many chances; this time he is on his own.

I am running out of patience with those who lack the strength and discipline to properly serve their queen.

[Keraph]

*This entry is dated two months ago*

Lord Markenis seems to have come out from whatever corner of the world he has been taking residence in, and he has come with gifts! He and I have been working separately towards the same end: power. We are not content with only strength of arms, powerful as we may be. Long now have I been seeking to uncover the power that those who serve the Scourge so easily possess. To turn the Lich King's greatest weapons against him has always been our goal, though the Royal Apothecary Society has certainly taken their time on their renditioning of the Plague. The Baroness informs me that there has been a breakthrough in research, however, but whether there is truth to this or merely more boastful hot air, I am unsure. One of their other projects, one that I myself had expressed interest in (along with personal involvement, despite the risks) has failed, as I had begun to expect over the last few months. The vileness that they were supplying me with took no real hold, provided no real power. However, based on my new research I may be able to use what little it did to my advantage.

I do not intend to fail, as they did. Until Vales showed up, I was unsure of how to proceed, but he has given me the answers I need. His private studies in mixology have provided me with a potent substance, one that actually shows promise over the trash the R.A.S. was providing. Sealed with some sort of rune to keep it chilled at the temperature that it must remain to be effective, the vial possesses a noticable aura of shadow. Or perhaps it is only my experimentation in the past months that has heightened my awareness of such things? Regardless, the means matters not, only the result. I will test this new elixir shortly, and be sure to save enough to experiment with.

*The next entry is dated two days later*

The results of the test were fruitful, though short lived. Far more short lived than I originally anticipated, even with his warning. It would take an immeasurable amount to extend the duration to near permanence. There is simply no way that this is an acceptable option. There must be a way to fix this, to make it more than just a burst of strength. There are plenty of common elixirs for that. Alchemy is a powerful tool, especially among the Forsaken. However, from what I have seen it can only provide a temporary solution. I do not expect to be able to control vast powers on a potion alone, but as it stands I simply cannot grasp the strands of magic that come so easily to others. I must find a way to bring the power in, and contain it within myself. My research continues.

*The next entry is not for another two weeks*

Of course! I've had a breakthrough. My time has been split between my research and Infection. As a leader, I cannot grow so distant, allow us to fall into complacency, but at the same time I cannot afford to leave my work unattended either. It is a frustrating situation, but one that I must deal with. It is in the best interests of the Forsaken, of Infection.

Now then, I've recently made a rather obvious discovery in my progress. It always seems to be the glaringly obvious that is so hard to find. It was brought on during my study of Lord Markenis's elixir, or more specifically the container in which it was held. The ice rune, a minor spell at best, was the only thing keeping the liquid potent. It is a well known fact that the Lich King's Death Knights wield powerful Runeblades that contain much of their strength, but I had not considered the application of runes in a more...direct sense. I know not much on the subject, but runes hold the power of magic, without the need to be particularly apt with it as far as I know. This could prove useful to me. I will have to obtain some more knowledge on the matter.

*Another week before the next article*

My investigations have yielded adequate results. I was unsure where to find tomes on runecrafting and inscription, so I checked in a number of places. There were a couple simple books in the libraries of some of my contacts in the Undercity, which was a start. Their seems to be an abundance of certain manuals, but they revolve around glyphs of power, and certain symbols that are certainly useful, but are not powerful enough for what I am trying to do. I sought out rarer sources to find answers, of course. The library of the Shen'dralar offered some help, with more specific information on runes of binding and the such. The keepers of the books were not so willing to let me take them, however, but after a certain amount of...negotiation, they were much more receptive to my request.

After adding a few of those books to my collection, I made my way closer to home, to the Scourge controlled Plaguelands. I thought it would be a bit of fun to ransack their libraries, so I saved that location for last. The reports that Scourge activity had ramped up still held quite true, but with the amount of counteragents we have pouring out of their own cauldrons, they remain significantly weakened. It was a simple matter searching though their first few libraries, and while I found little to the effect I was looking for, there were plenty of other tomes I'm taken the liberty of adding to my collection. Plenty of dark sorcery and studies on different diseases that I can look into at a later time. Of course, deeper into the dark school I found a few tomes more relevant to my needs, as well as a pleasing supply of dark runes, which will benefit my research greatly.

With a mountain of dark literature in tow, and a considerable pile of research to be added to, all that remains is to put the pieces together.

[Keraph]

My work continues, well I might add, but I feel compelled to sidetrack from my research for a moment, and comment on tonight's...meeting.

Resinous Beyruul, one of my most trusted advisors, and deadliest allies, made quite a proposition to our current target. One so bold I almost chuckled under my helm as he spoke it. I know how they are, how tightly they cling. I'd consider it a strength. But it wasn't recruits I was looking to gain, it was reactions. Granted, if all Forsaken truly served under one banner, bowing only to our Queen, that would be ideal. But not all are as far-sighted as her Elite, so I expected little. What I did see was the fierceness I feared had died from our sometimes compatriots. Though Resinous may well be right, and some of our bretheren have been 'tamed' by the barbarc Horde, I think it is safe to say that we will be able to rely on their strengths when the situation arises. And they will do the same to us, as has always been the case. Well over three years now, how the time does fly...

The General looked as though he was doing well. Same strength, same confidence. A great boon to them, indeed. I wonder how the others are doing.

[Keraph]

*A few days before the departure to Northrend*

I have learned all I need to regarding the runes of binding that are essential in seeing my experiment through. The crafting of them should be simple enough, but that is only the start of it. They need to be properly infused with the spell that will contain the dark energies in at least a modicum of safety, lest I be torn apart by the very thing I am trying to control. I will also need some sort of focus, a 'key' that will balance the power of the other runes and keep them from shifting the power too heavily in one direction. I have also had need of a more focused and refined elixir of this dark energy, and it was with perfect timing that Disciplinarian Byrun came to me with a delivery, a full case of a stronger manifestation of Lord Markenis' previous work. I do not know what relationship exists between Byrun and Vales, but the former does seem to follow every word from our protectorate. After assuring the potency of the elixirs, which yielded an advanced strength and control though a short duration, I was satisfied and began my work.

Under the effects, magics once foreign become simplicity. It is the very essence of corruption that is bestowed; a dark power than has enabled me to play upon the threads that keep one held together like so many strings on an instrument. While empowered, infliction of a myriad of weaknesses may be inflicted, and similarly my own strengths and attacks empowered. I am enthralled with learning how it works, and have already begun alchemical studies in order to better understand it, but I must not spread my research too thin, for I have little enough time as it is.

We sail soon for Northrend. Forward parties have already established fortifications, so we have the pleasure of charging directly into the conflict. The Horde has finally been moved to attack as well. It only took a direct attack by the servants of the damned Lich King himself to make the imbecile warchief who leads those wretches realize that there just may be a threat to the North. All the better for us, however. While we perform our mission as assigned by our Queen, they will be happily dying in front of us, for blood and glory and whatever else they dilude themselves with. A very fortuitous occasion. My only regret is that I did not perfect my experiments sooner; my work will have to take a back seat that I may fufill my duties to the Dark Lady.

Preparations must be made. The Dark Lady's elite sails for Northrend. For Vengeance.

[Keraph]

((Wrath gate spoilers, don't read if you haven't done the chain or don't know what happens!))


There has been a betrayal from within.

Infection has been the vanguard of the Forsaken forces in Northrend since we have arrived. Quickly did we sweep up into the Howling Fjord, in perfect deployment, aiding in the final perfections to our new plague, our Blight, and the destruction of what hindrances stood between our forces and our goal. The bulk of the advanced research and deployment team sent by the R.A.S. had made fortifications further into the continent, in the area known as the Dragonblight. From there our glorious Blight was made whole, and created in bulk. We only assumed that it would be put to use against the enemy we came all this way to slaughter. We were correct, in part.

Angrathar, the first gate on the path towards Icecrown Citadel, fortress of the traitorous prince. It is known as the Wrath gate, and the forces of the Lich King were strong there, stronger than anything we've seen before. We recieved word that a staggering offensive was to be launched, to crush the forces at the gate, and taunt out Arthas himself. An offensive comprised of both Horde and Alliance, working in tandem. How touching. Infection was rallied, and waited nearby. We were not to assist in the actual attack; such work is for the fodder of the lesser races. Instead, we remained ready, poised to strike should our true enemy reveal himself. We were not the only ones, apparenttly.

Things did not go as planned. At first I assumed that the R.A.S. was finally proving their worth. Brutally effective, the attack was. Scourge, Alliance, and Horde alike fell victim to the strength of the Forsaken, the pinnacle of our vengeful work. For a moment, I thought the day had finally come where we were to shed the facade of 'trust' with the lesser races of the Horde, to have our own glorious vengeance against the living and the dead alike. Alas, the situation was much more complex, and far less favorable. We were forced by necessity to present ourselves to the squabbling orcs leading the Horde's assault on Northrend, for fear that if we did not ourselves, the eye of blame would be turned on us for our presence at the gate during the...event. When we arrived, we were redirected to Orgrimmar, and were met with a chilling sight.

The savage, filthy city of the orcs was swelled with our own people. Refugees, from what we did not then know. Many were questioned, too few were coherent enough to form answers. There was talk of betrayal, of demons. At the first mention of the Queen's endangerment, our company rode for the throne of the 'Warchief'. To see her there, weakened from an unforseen attack, shamed by the loss of her own city, Our city...each of us present was filled with a rage of unimaginable fury. And yet, combined our anger must have paled in comparison to her own. There was talk, discussion, only a short duration of planning, but an eternity to our ranks, until the portals were open, and we moved to retake the city.

What happened next was indescribable. Laying seige to our own city, aided by the lesser filth, even now my hand shakes in anger. But to have destroyed those who betrayed us, to lay waste to countless wretched traitors and their demonic masters, working in perfect unison, blessed with the honor of fighting alongside our Queen...we were a force of vengeance unmatched. There were others there, combatants from many folds and factions, but they did not matter. Nothing mattered but the reclamation of our city, alongside the Dark Lady. To see that filth, that TRAITOR of a demon in HER throne room, surrounded by demonic portals, portals that brought FILTH into OUR city..

*There is a stain of ink here, likely where a quill snapped*

He is dead now, what little there is left of him riddled with black arrows. She is back where she belongs, in her place at the head of the Forsaken. We've much still to do, both in our own lands and to the North. This...betrayal...has weakened our assault. That fool of an apothecary has ruined everything. His methods were admirable, but his allegiances lead to his death. And now, Infection sails north once again. We will not be deterred by this. We are still the hand of the Dark Lady, her elite servants. The Scourge, the Lich King, and anyone who stands in our way will be slaughtered. Such is the will of the Lady.