(2023-06-18) Vegetarian Souls (S10 E8 White Squad Log)

Details

Author:	Jessa
Summary:	In which White Squad discovers Arthas' soldiers have been haunting the beach for years waiting for him to come back, then discovers a key book for the Scarlet Onslaught. Also, the term 'meat suits' is used a lot.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: Season 10

Atley grunts. "Tinkering seems to have its uses, but the skill is beyond me."

Caspis gives his head a birdlike tilt. "I wasn't aware Captain Sparkwire was an engineer. Or… I did not recall."

Sabitha waves, generally.

[Atley]: Aye, she's a master of her craft.

[Ralaea]: I learned in the field. Specialize in bombs, mostly.

Caspis's ear twitches.

Atley looks to Sabitha and nods in greeting.

Paluuva smiles at Sabitha. "Archenon poros, Sabitha."

Caspis's right ear turns backward toward Paluuva and Sabitha, but he keeps his eyes on Atley.

[Atley]: Cressidha. Afternoon.

[Sabitha]: Achal hecta, Ambassador.

[Cressidha]: Good afternoon, everyone.

[Caspis]: Cressidha.
Caspis bows warmly to Cressidha.

Cressidha smiles and begins to trace water-summoning sigils in the air, as usual.

Paluuva smiles warmly at the greeting in her own tongue.

Ralaea steps aside to include Cressidha in the…square.

[Caspis]: Shaha lor'ma dula Luvas'alith.
Caspis bows before Cressidha.

[Cressidha]: You're welcome.
Cressidha offers water to Ralaea and Dane as well.

Caspis tucks away the water Cressidha gave him.

Satterly trudges out of the lodge and blinks at the accreting crowd.

Ralaea takes it and offers a tiny smile in thanks.

Atley grunts and reaches out to accept a waterskin, taking a quiet drink. His eyes flick to Vond as he tilts around Caspis. "Crusader!"

Cressidha smiles back.

Bennarin dismounts from a gryphon, adjusting the sword slung at his shoulder, and surveys the group. "Hey, y'all."

Caspis 's gaze follows Atley's.

Bennarin blinks at Satterly.

[Bennarin]: Satterly! Hey!

[Paluuva]: Achal hecta, Ben.

Satterly lifts his gauntlet at Dane. "Hey, Cobalt! Of all the sights - Hazan!" He looks a bit bright, energized.

Sabitha looks to see who Satterly is.

Bennarin grins at Satterly and offers out a hand.

Atley eyes Satterly up and down.

Caspis moves to flank Atley, curious eyes on the more unfamiliar faces.

[Satterly]: Imagine running out into you lot. He pulls a broadsided grasp of Ben's hand, a sharp shake. I've been keeping up with the news.

[Paluuva]: I should say, Sabitha, while I have no objection to the use of my title, I want you to feel free to call me Paluuva.

[Sabitha]: Oh! How kind, thank you.

[Bennarin]: Yeah? How you doin'? You and the Confessor? You around here these days?

[Atley]: Wot' brings you to the Hills?

Mordecaì scoots a little closer to Colson.

[Satterly]: I was /hoping/ to get a glimpse, if we're bein' straight about it. Confessor's out on the edge of Dragonblight, tending our own - we haven't had as much room to get a sense of this area as you lot.

Caspis looms beside and just behind Atley, giving the impression of a well-trained guard animal of some sort.

[Paluuva]: We are companions now, yes? I believe a certain degree of familiarity is in order.

[Ralaea]: Oh, so it wasn't Scourge sightings?

[Sabitha]: It's just you're always so grand and graceful, I hate to be informal with you. But I'll try! If
Ben can remember to call me Sabitha, I can remember to call you Paluuva.

[Satterly]: Just the sort of matter I'd be right keen on catching up on, if you and yours could spare some talk down a short road. He glances over the crowd. But it looks like you're squared out for your own sort of undertaking, so it can wait.

Atley seems quiet comfortable having Caspis stand just behind his periphery.
Atley looks between Vond and Ben.

Satterly flicks a glance to Ralea. "One of the things we'd best discuss and soon. The Crusade's looking for our way to Icecrown, same as the Alliance, which is what I hear you've all been pryin' at."

[Bennarin]: We're glad to catch up with y'all on whatever the Crusade's about these days, when we got a few minutes, and yeah, that's our main object at the moment.

[Ralaea]: I hope you've had better luck than we have.

[Bennarin]: Though I reckon it's Mr — uh, Sir Atley's people workin' that angle today.

Paluuva puts a hand to her chest in a display of humility. "Grand? You are so kind. I hope my manner is not offputting in any way. I should endeavor to be more casual within our own company."

[Bennarin]: White Squad been called back to Dragonblight, actually, of all places.

Caspis's ears are turned attentively toward the conversation, though his gaze has drifted a bit.

Atley grunts, and raises his brows at Ben.
[Atley]: We'll be glad to share our findings with the Crusade.

[Bennarin]: We was tryin' to find Captain Stoutmantle's people a way through that dwarf city, Thor Modan. Ain't pan out so far's I know. But yeah. Ben gestures at Dane.

Satterly nods at Ben. "Dragonblight. We might have more moment to cross paths in that case. Will ya send word when there's a moment's breath to speak? Perhaps with your Captain as well should she find a tick."

Bennarin nods seriously at Vond. "I will. Yeah."

Satterly nods sharply, taking a deep breath of the fresh country air. "Let me not keep you from your duties then. Light keep each of ya, Cobalt."
Satterly stands at attention and salutes.

Bennarin salutes Satterly with respect.

Atley grunts and inclines his head.

Caspis drifts over toward Thayreen and lays a hand on the small of her back. She looks up at him, and he lays a fatherly kiss on her snowy hair.

Satterly nods as he sets out. "Keep 'em safe."

Caspis murmurs to her in Darnassian before returning to his place at Atley's flank.

[Bennarin]: Light keep you, too.

Atley briefly side-eyes Caspis and Thayreen with a gruff expression.

[Sabitha]: Sometimes I forget just how big Cobalt Company is.

[Mordecaì]: You're, um, heading to Dragonblight? Your squad?

Atley peers at Bennarin searchingly.

Bennarin nods at Mordecai.

Mordecaì takes a candle out and recites a hasty prayer.

[Bennarin]: Yeah they need a squad back there, I ain't all clear on why but we will get briefed on the ground.

Sabitha smiles at Mordecai.

[Mordecaì]: Be careful, then.

[Bennarin]: Since we are wrapped up with the iron dwarfs thing, it seems like, and Blue is still handlin' the trolls thing? we are gonna head that way.
Bennarin glances at Dane.
Bennarin smiles briefly at Mordecai. "Thanks."

Atley grunts. "We've still work to do with the trolls of the region," he growls disdainfully.

Caspis reaches a hand out toward the cat at his side, without looking.

Lode is just kind of lurking. She probably has been for a while.

Caspis attempts to pet.

[Bennarin]: Okay, White Squad. We ready to fly?

[Mordecaì]: Light be with you.

[Bennarin]: Captain will meet us there, I think.

[Aspenwood]: Light be with you.

[Cressidha]: Ah, Dane. Azizia gave me back the containment box. She isn't feeling well.

Lode latches teeth on Caspis' glove. Not enough to pierce but enough to growl.

[Sabitha]: Be safe, Blues!

Caspis retracts the hand.

[Bennarin]: Thanks. Y'all take care here, too.

[Lode]: Rrr…

[Atley]: Travel well, you lot.

Bennarin salutes Atley with respect.

Aspenwood salutes Ben with a sharp, military precision.

Atley blinks and looks to his right, spotting Lode.

Cressidha startles faintly. There is a cat there.

Bennarin smiles at Aspenwood.

Atley salutes Bennarin with respect.

[Cressidha]: Ah.

White Squad flies to Wintergarde Keep

Bennarin brightens when he spots Jocoza. "Hey, Captain."
Bennarin salutes Jocoza with respect.
[Bennarin]: We're here.

You wave at Jocoza.

[Jocoza]: Hi everyone!

Ralaea nods to Jocoza.

[Jocoza]: It's rough being back here after the Hills, but… work to be done!

[Ralaea]: Scourge?

[Paluuva]: Pheta thones gamera.

[Bennarin]: We are supposed to talk to Commander Wyrmbane again?
Bennarin eyes the distant necropolis uneasily.

[Jocoza]: I would assume Scourge, yes.

[Ralaea]: Oh.

[Bennarin]: Okay, well. Let's find out.

[Jocoza]: But the Commander will explain further.

[Bennarin]: Sir. Cobalt Company, reportin'.
Bennarin salutes High Commander Halford Wyrmbane with respect.

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: Cobalt Company, we meet again. Time is short and I have a siege on my hands, so I’ll be brief.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: In response to Fordragon’s assault at the Wrathgate, Arthas has sent Naxxramas down upon us.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane glances grimly over his shoulder, and then back to the group.

[Jocoza]: Naxxramas?!

[Ralaea]: N- W-what?!

[Jocoza]: Like Naxxramas from the Eastern Plaguelands?

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: That's right. When it vanished from the Plaguelands, we thought it was vanquished. It seemed our celebrations were… premature.

Paluuva nods solemnly. "I see."

Jocoza’s face looks grim. "He just pulled it back, then."

[Ralaea]: That…that is bad. That is SO bad.

Sabitha chews her lips and looks around nervously.

Bennarin stares set-jawed at the necropolis.

Jocoza nods at Rae. "Very bad."

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: While Kel’Thuzad hides in the blasted citadel, his ground commander, Thel’zan, lays siege to Wintergarde Keep.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: The lower village is already lost, and any chance of extracting survivors from the ruins diminishes by the minute.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: Report to Gryphon Commander Urik immediately. He’ll get you equipped and up to speed. Go!

[Jocoza]: No time to waste, I see.

[Bennarin]: Yessir. On it.

[Ralaea]: We've got to get moving then.

[Bennarin]: Sir. The High Commander sent us.

Gryphon Commander Urik says: Good, more hands to the rescue. Take these.
Gryphon Commander Urik hands a whistle to each member of the squad.

Jocoza looks at the whistle, puzzled.

Gryphon Commander Urik says: Use the whistle to call down a Wintergarde gryphon.
Gryphon Commander Urik says: Fly down to the ruins of Wintergarde Village — now called the Carrion Fields, for reasons probably apparent and best not elaborated on — and keep your eyes peeled for villagers.
Gryphon Commander Urik says: When you spot one, fly low and attempt to pick them up. Return the rescued villagers here, to the gryphon station.
Gryphon Commander Urik says: There are Scourge all over the place, so keep your wits about you. Good luck!

Sabitha stares and slowly takes the whistle.

[Jocoza]: Time is of the essence then. They won't survive long with Scourge all around them.

[Ralaea]: By air, huh? Okay. Makes sense…

[Bennarin]: No ma'am. Okay. Let's do this.

Sabitha evidently gets the scaredy-gryphon and gets dumped out, but manages to call it back and re-mounts.

[Jocoza]: Are you alright Sabitha? My gryphon threw me, too.

Helpless Wintergarde Villager says: You are my guardian angel! Like a white knight you flew in from the heavens and lifted me from the pit of damnation!
Helpless Wintergarde Villager says: Kindness is not lost with this one, Urik. Thank you, hero!

[Jocoza]: I saw death knights out on the field. So… if we wondered if there were more after Light's Hope, the answer is yes. Jo looks grim
[Jocoza]: At least these people are safe.

[Ralaea]: I…already knew.

Bennarin nods curtly at Jo.

[Sabitha]: I… can't we go get more?

[Bennarin]: I ain't seen more down there, Sabitha. I am sorry to say.

Jocoza looks sharply at Rae and Ben, but nods.

Gryphon Commander Urik says: Outstanding work, praise the Light! With the recovery of our people, we can start reinforcing here.

Sabitha's shoulders slump.

[Bennarin]: I am sorry it was not more, sir.

Gryphon Commander Urik says: Every life counts. You did what you could. Return to the High Commander at once and let him know that your mission was a success.

[Jocoza]: I'm sure others are still on it. Aren't they? Or was that… all that was left?

Gryphon Commander Urik says: There are still a few rescuers on the field. We will hold out hope.

[Bennarin]: Okay.

Sabitha murmurs, "I guess it was surprising there was anyone left."

[Ralaea]: The ones we saved were the lucky ones. The Scourge don't tire. Eventually…

[Jocoza]: We'll win, Rae. Eventually.

[Bennarin]: … let's go see the High Commander.

[Ralaea]: They're at the gates, even…

Bennarin catches his breath as the last of the ghouls falls.
[Bennarin]: Damn.
[Bennarin]: Uh, sir.

[Sabitha]: But not past the gates.

Bennarin salutes High Commander Halford Wyrmbane with respect.

Jocoza looks down at the skeletons with rags of what look like villager clothing.

[Bennarin]: We finished our mission for the Gryphon Commander. Got some of your people back.

Jocoza forces herself to look back at Commander Wyrmbane.

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: You’ve rescued some of the townsfolk? Outstanding. We’ll get this town back up and fortified in no time.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: Before long, reinforcements will be ready to join Fordragon’s fight at the Wrathgate.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: I’m getting ahead of myself, though. There’s much to do here before we can even think of sending you to Bolvar’s aid.

Sabitha's eyes widen.

[Bennarin]: … us? Okay. Yessir.
Bennarin straightens.

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: Just down this path is Wintergarde’s town square. It’s a warzone now, filled with murderous geists.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: We need the buildings surrounding the square searched for trapped villagers. I’m asking much of you, Cobalt, but you’ve already proven yourselves as rescuers, and I can’t spare any of the 7th right now.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: I need you lot to get into those houses and kill anything that gets in your way.

[Jocoza]: Yes, we saw that much. Ah… right, that makes sense.
[Jocoza]: If I were… I would think I'd try to hole up, barricade.

[Sabitha]: Oh good. Her smile is a bit feral.

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: Before you go, stop in the tower and speak to Zelig. There’s an artifact of some kind he was forced to leave behind when the geists swarmed,
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: and he says it could provide vital intelligence if it can be retrieved.

Bennarin looks over his shoulder at the tower.
[Bennarin]: Okay, yessir.

Ralaea stares at the village. "Maybe this time, I…"

Jocoza reaches over to touch Rae's arm comfortingly.

[Bennarin]: Sir. The High Commander sent us to check in with you. Said you need help with somethin'?

Visionary Zelig says: Ah, Halford sent you? Excellent.

Ralaea tries not to flinch at Jo's touch.

Visionary Zelig says: The memories of the past haunt this land. I hear the cries of the fallen echoing across Northrend, crying out in rage and despair.
Visionary Zelig says: Arthas left a terrible imprint on everything he touched. Only wither and decay remains in his wake. We must know what happened here in the past, to better know our enemy.
Visionary Zelig says: Perhaps untold truths shall surface that could help in our campaign. Perhaps, at the very least, we might bring a modicum of peace to the spirits of this place.

Jocoza nods sadly at Zelig.

Visionary Zelig says: I was forced to abandon my scrying orb in the town hall. Retrieve it for me if you can, and our work shall begin.

[Bennarin]: Yessir.

[Ralaea]: As long as that peace doesn't involve them possessing us…

[Jocoza]: A likely place to look for survivors, in any case.

[Bennarin]: Yeah, as long as we are down there.

[Jocoza]: A town hall might be a place they'd gather.

[Bennarin]: Let's move out.

[Jocoza]: And I would not call any peace that requires possession a true peace.

[Bennarin]: Damn, there really is geists everywhere.
[Bennarin]: Time to clean up.
[Bennarin]: This the town hall here, you reckon?

[Ralaea]: I hear someone.

[Jocoza]: I… can't tell. Is it?

Jocoza nods. "Crying."

Trapped Wintergarde Villager says: I'll never forget you, friend.

[Bennarin]: Sir, get up the hill to the Keep.

Trapped Wintergarde Villager says: Good of you to come, champion! The beast almost had me!
Trapped Wintergarde Villager says: Finally! A hero has come!

[Jocoza]: Three here. Town hall was a goo bet,

[Sabitha]: Upstairs.

[Bennarin]: This is the town hall. Anyone see a orb?

[Bennarin]: Oh, there's a upstairs?

[Paluuva]: Perhaps…yes.

Trapped Wintergarde Villager says: Finally! A hero has come!
Trapped Wintergarde Villager says: I'll never forget you, friend.

[Sabitha]: Sorry… I heard her crying and just ran.

[Bennarin]: That is good, ma'am. Sabitha, I mean.
[Bennarin]: We are here to look out for 'em.

[Jocoza]: A good instinct, but let's try to stick together. I don't want any of you getting stuck somewhere.

Bennarin peers at the glittering object.

[Ralaea]: This thing looks…
[Ralaea]: Orby?

[Jocoza]: Looks like an orb?

Sabitha blushes and looks down.

[Paluuva]: I think we have found what we're looking for.

[Bennarin]: Okay, well. Let's bet it is the orb we want. Who wants to carry it?

[Jocoza]: Sabitha, can you?

Sabitha nods.
Sabitha steps forward and slings a bag over it, then puts the bag back in her pack.

Bennarin nods to Sabitha.

[Bennarin]: Thanks.

Trapped Wintergarde Villager says: I'll never forget you, friend.
Trapped Wintergarde Villager says: Good of you to come, champion! The beast almost had me!
Trapped Wintergarde Villager says: I'll never forget you, friend.

[Bennarin]: Anyone see more villagers?

[Jocoza]: I don't hear any more crying.

[Bennarin]: Okay. Let's clear up the road to the Keep just in case, and report back in.

Bennarin salutes High Commander Halford Wyrmbane with respect.

[Bennarin]: Sir. We cleared up the road and the buildings we could get in. People should've come back up here?

Sabitha glances at Ralaea, giving her a questioning nod. Ok thar, friendo?

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane nods curtly

Ralaea continues to stare back towards the village.

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: You do the Light’s work, Cobalt Company. You’ve done what you can for the living; now go to Zelig and see what you can do for the restless spirits of this place.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane bows his head in prayer for the deceased.

[Bennarin]: Okay. Sabitha, you got the orb?

[Sabitha]: Safe and sound.

Bennarin gestures Sabitha forward.

Sabitha pulls the bag out and flips it open to reveal the orb. Just in case, she ain't touching it. But she does hold it out. "We found your orb, sir."

Visionary Zelig says: Well done. Now our long journey toward truth begins.
Visionary Zelig takes the orb and turns to place it reverently on a pedestal behind him. He murmurs an incantation and peers into the orb’s swirling depths. At length, he nods slowly and turns back to the group, his expression grim.
Visionary Zelig says: I have gazed upon the orb and seen the path that you must walk.
Visionary Zelig says: Many years ago an atrocity was committed upon the shores of Dragonblight. The act itself remains shrouded in darkness, but I am certain that your destiny lies south, amidst the ruins of the Forgotten Shore.
Visionary Zelig says: Take the road southeast through the ravaged village. Follow the trail until you arrive at Dawn’s Reach. You will meet an old friend of mine there, known as Orik Trueheart. He will be expecting you.

[Bennarin]: Yessir.

Jocoza nods.

[Bennarin]: Okay, well. South is gonna be a rough ride. We are gonna have to get through the village. Y'all ready for that?

Jocoza whispers. "The southeast coast… that's where the shipwrecks were, if I remember correctly."
Jocoza nods at Ben. "I think we can make it through the village."

[Bennarin]: Okay. Everyone on me. If you get dismounted, holler.

[Sabitha]: It'll be hard not to stop if we see any villagers.

Sabitha, predictably, gets dismounted and White Squad circles back to her aid. More and more undead rise as they fight.

[Ralaea]: They're never-ending! We should pull back!

[Bennarin]: Keep goin'! Head for the Argent banners up there!

[Jocoza]: More are coming, let's go!

[Jocoza]: Sabitha, are you alright?

[Sabitha]: I think so.

[Jocoza]: I saw them get you off the horse.

[Ralaea]: They've got their hands full here…

[Bennarin]: Okay. Everyone take a minute if you got to.
Bennarin eyes the dwarf paladin.
[Bennarin]: Sir. You are Orik Trueheart?

Sabitha shakes her head a little. "I lost track of everyone, then suddenly everyone was there again."

[Ralaea]: Of course we were…we wouldn't leave anyone behind.

Orik Trueheart surveys the blue tabards. "Ah, Cobalt Company. Zelig sent word. We’ve been expecting you."

Bennarin nods at Rae and Sabitha. "We would not."

Jocoza nods. No one left behind.

Orik Trueheart peers at them. "Is everyone well?"

Sabitha smiles at Rae. Then includes the rest.

[Bennarin]: Yessir. We had a bit of a clusterfu— incident on the way.

Orik Trueheart nods gravely. "The waves of the Scourge seem neverending."

[Jocoza]: That they do.

Orik Trueheart says: I am Orik Trueheart, paladin of the Argent Crusade. The priestess standing across the campfire is Tilda Darathan.
Orik Trueheart says: We are here on behalf of the Argent Crusade, sent to stem that tide of the unfortunate damned souls attempting to escape Wintergarde.

[Jocoza]: We saved as many as we could from the damning.

Orik Trueheart says: Light praise your works.

[Ralaea]: Escape, huh? Seemed like escaping wasn't what some of them had in mind…

Orik Trueheart says: To the south, however, more unfortunates haunt the coast. In life, they were brave and noble soldiers of the Alliance, but in death they are cursed — bound to this world until the end of days.
Orik Trueheart says: We must discover the source of their anguish if we are to free them!
Orik Trueheart says: To the southeast, on the Eldritch Heights, you will find a rare herb known as murkweed. I can use this herb to concoct an elixir that will allow you temporary entry into the world of the forgotten. Go now and gather the weed.

Jocoza looks very curious. She whispers to Paluuva, "This sounds sort of like what you all did with the incense, by Valgarde."

[Ralaea]: Oh, no. I hope this doesn't make us forgotten.

Bennarin nods thoughtfully at Jo.

[Sabitha]: No one can forget us, we're big heroes. She elbows Rae playfully.

[Ralaea]: And no Lich King, please.

Paluuva nods solemnly to Jocoza. "I was having the same thought."

[Jocoza]: Temporary entry, Rae. He's Argent Crusade, he knows what he's doing.

Orik Trueheart says: You have my word.

[Bennarin]: Okay.

They ride out to find weeds, and find raccoon-badger-dog-wolverine people where the weeds are. Quel surprise.

[Bennarin]: Oh. It's them dog fellows.

[Bennarin]: Raccoons? Badgers. They are badgers, I reckon.

[Ralaea]: Rather large for that…

[Bennarin]: Yeah they are fellows. But badger fellows.

[Bennarin]: Like how the tuskarr is walrus fellows.

Bennarin holds up a stem.

[Bennarin]: This is it you think?

[Ralaea]: Not very friendly are they?

Paluuva peers at the plant. "I suspect this is it, yes."

[Jocoza]: I wish they were as friendly as the Tuskarr.

[Bennarin]: I mean, neither is badgers.

Sabitha refrains from skinning them.

[Ralaea]: When was the last time you befriended a walrus?

[Sabitha]: I never tried.

[Bennarin]: But is walruses mean like badgers? I dunno I never saw 'em before for real.

[Bennarin]: Badgers is f*cken mean.

[Jocoza]: I have honestly never encountered an actual badger.

[Bennarin]: For real?

[Jocoza]: I'm trying to imagine these fellows smaller and cuter?

[Bennarin]: … yeah basically.

[Jocoza]: Maybe I could try to build one, and you can tell me if I've got it right.

[Ralaea]: Well, they don't do the whole two-legs bit usually.

[Jocoza]: Okay, four legs, cuter. Jo nods.

Bennarin]: Yeah they are kind of like — I dunno, if you cross a raccoon and a ferret?

[Jocoza]: I guess there are a lot of animals I've never seen but in books.

[Jocoza]: Up until Cobalt, I mostly lived indoors.

Paluuva casts a shield of Light, "Pheta vi krovas!"

[Jocoza]: I did have a cat. At one point. But not really any wild animals.

[Bennarin]: Like a real cat or a clockwork one?

[Jocoza]: Oh, a real cat.

[Bennarin]: What was it named?

[Jocoza]: Gally, is what I called her. I was really young back then.

[Paluuva]: I have also only seen many Azerothian animals in drawings. I think, perhaps, based on the length of their snouts and certain markings, these creatures may be more reminiscent of wolverines than badgers.

[Jocoza]: Only pet I've ever had, really. The only alive one, anyway.

[Bennarin]: … oh huh. Yeah maybe? I dunno I've seen wolverines so I went straight to badgers.
[Bennarin]: Well I went dogs and raccoons and then badgers
[Bennarin]: Mostly straight to badgers.

[Jocoza]: Also a no from me on wolverines. So, uh… maybe we can trust your scholarship.

[Paluuva]: This is only assuming the drawings I have seen are accurate, of course.

[Bennarin]: So I got a question.

[Paluuva]: Please, ask.

[Bennarin]: We seen proto-dragons and proto-humans and proto-dwarfs. You reckon them big-mouth things in Borean Tundra is proto-murlocs an' these fellows is proto-gnolls?
[Bennarin]: Like this is some kind of whole f*cken proto-place.

Sabitha blinks.

[Bennarin]: I mean I am just wonderin'.

[Jocoza]: That is a pretty strong pattern.

[Sabitha]: That… is quite the hypothesis. I wonder how we could tell if these and gnolls are related.

[Ralaea]: The bears look the same. Maybe proto bears are just bears?

Bennarin looks pleased. He found a pretty strong pattern.

[Jocoza]: Maybe bears are ancient.

[Bennarin]: Yeah, maybe.
[Bennarin]: Deers too.

[Sabitha]: Let's be glad bears didn't turn into anything big and eat-y.

[Bennarin]: Ain't the druids got bear gods and deer gods? Er, god? One per?

[Paluuva]: An interesting notion.

[Ralaea]: They are already that aren't they? Big and eaty?

[Bennarin]: Maybe that is why there ain't protos of them.

[Jocoza]: They could've gone the vrykul way, turned into something more reasonably sized and cuddly.

[Sabitha]: Eatier.

[Bennarin]: Let's get these plant-things back to Trueheart?
[Bennarin]: … damn, paladin names.

Jocoza nods.

[Bennarin]: I hope I ain't got to do that.

Sir Bennarin the Ain’t Got to Do That

[Bennarin]: Sir?
Bennarin offers out a handful of boggy-looking stems.

Orik Trueheart says: Thank you, these will do.
Orik Trueheart takes the murkweed and begins mixing an elixir. “It won’t be much longer.”
Orik Trueheart says: Here we are. Take these vials.
Orik Trueheart distributes vials of a dark, smoky-swirling liquid to the group.

Sabitha eyes hers.

Orik Trueheart says: The toxins in the murkweed elixir will render you unconscious. So powerful is its effect that even your spirit will be fooled, allowing you temporary entry to the world of the dead.

Ralaea stares at it with maximum suspicion.

Orik Trueheart says: Again, you have my word as a paladin of the Light that it is safe, and you will return to yourselves among the living, unharmed.
Orik Trueheart says: Once you have drunk and become spirits, you must speak to the ghosts of the Forgotten Shore. Seek out the cause of their anguish, and return to me.
Orik Trueheart says: Remember, these spirits were once Alliance soldiers. Treat them with honor and respect.

[Bennarin]: … okay.

[Ralaea]: We're…becoming spirits? Ourselves?

[Jocoza]: Temporarily.

[Bennarin]: I am trustin' you as a paladin of the Light, sir.

[Sabitha]: Technically, you're already a spirit just stuck inside a meat suit.

Bennarin side-eyes Sabitha.

[Ralaea]: I…uh…would like to think I'm more than a meat suit…

Sabitha smiles uncertainly. Wasn't that comforting?

[Jocoza]: We're just… taking a jaunt out of the meat suit then. Jo seems to be trying on the terminology to see if she likes it.

[Sabitha]: You are. You're a spirit, a soul.

[Ralaea]: …In a meat suit.

[Bennarin]: A jaunt out of the meat suit. Uh. Okay.

Sabitha nods at Jo, happy that someone understands. "Exactly, Rae."

[Bennarin]: Let's get down to the shore, then.

[Jocoza]: Alright, ready to go meatless for a little while?

[Ralaea]: Is that a new meaning for what it means to be vegetarian?

Jocoza giggles at Ralaea.

[Bennarin]: Here seems like a safe place to… leave our meat suits?
[Bennarin]: Here goes nothin'. Cheers, y'all.

[Jocoza]: Here goes… something…

Ralaea sighs.
[Ralaea]: Uhhh.

Jocoza looks down at her body. "Huh."

[Sabitha]: See?

[Jocoza]: I still feel like me.

Bennarin stares at his corpse. "… huh."
[Bennarin]: Uh, be right back, meat suit.

[Sabitha]: You still look like you because that's what you expect to look like.

[Jocoza]: Stay safe, little body.

[Ralaea]: Let's do this quick.

Bennarin eyes the ghosts ahead.

[Bennarin]: Hey, sir?

[Ralaea]: What's that glowing circle?

[Bennarin]: What you doin'?

[Sabitha]: I'd stay away from things that glow. At least for a little bit.

Ralaea glances around. "Everything glows…"

Forgotten Rifleman says: I don't know what could be takin' the young prince so long, but I don't think we can hold out much longer! The cold is gettin' to some of the soldiers.

[Jocoza]: The young prince…

Forgotten Peasant says: If it weren't for those damned beasts burning our ships, we'd have been home by now.

[Paluuva]: Could he mean Arthas…?

[Jocoza]: Here's a footman, maybe he knows more what's going on.

Bennarin looks around uneasily.
Bennarin waves at Forgotten Footman.
[Bennarin]: Hey, sir?

Forgotten Footman says: Arthas and Muradin have been gone a long time. I hope they aren't in danger.

[Bennarin]: Uh. Yeah.

[Jocoza]: Definitely Arthas then.

[Bennarin]: Who you reckon might know more?

[Jocoza]: Somebody higher ranking?

Bennarin points at Forgotten Knight.

[Jocoza]: Here, someone on a horse.

[Bennarin]: Sir?
[Bennarin]: Hey, sir. Uh, what's up?

[Paluuva]: Muradin. Is that not Brann Bronzebeard's kin?

Forgotten Knight says: Rage. That's how I can sum up my feelings toward this whole mess. We worked our fingers to the bone trying to get through the woods to the shore, only to find that we were too late. Our only way home had been destroyed.

Jocoza nods at the knight.

[Bennarin]: Let's get back to the meat suits.

[Jocoza]: We know something. Let's get back.

Jocoza settles back into her meat suit.

Bennarin stops over his corpse and with a shimmer, returns to it.

Sabitha looks everyone over.

Bennarin looks down at himself.

[Bennarin]: Okay. We all meaty again?

Sabitha shivers. "Little chilly."

[Ralaea]: Let's not do that again soon.

Paluuva brushes snow off herself.

Bennarin nods at Sabitha.

[Bennarin]: Yeah let's maybe don't.

[Bennarin]: Anyhow, let's go, uh. Report in?

[Jocoza]: So, we know someone destroyed the ships.

[Bennarin]: Yeah.

[Jocoza]: And Muradin, yes, was a brother of the dwarven king.
[Jocoza]: I think he died up in Northrend.

[Bennarin]: Sir? We found out they are waitin' for Arthas and Muradin to come back. Their ships got burned and they could not get home.

Orik Trueheart’s eyes fill with tears.
Orik Trueheart says: They don’t know? None of them know! They believe Arthas to be some great hero, when in truth it was Arthas who ordered the ships to be burned. It was Arthas who left us all for dead in this frozen wasteland!

Bennarin stares at Orik.

[Paluuva]: I am so sorry, Sir.

[Jocoza]: That's terrible.

Orik Trueheart weeps.

[Bennarin]: Arthas… ?
Bennarin looks around at the others.

Ralaea frowns. "Was that his plan from the start? To become the Lich King?"

Orik Trueheart says: Not all of the soldiers from the Prince’s fleet perished in that freezing winter. I was only a lad when I was given the chance to battle the Scourge… to save our home from certain destruction. I took that chance.

[Jocoza]: You? Jo's eyes fill with sympathy.

Orik Trueheart takes a deep breath.
Orik Trueheart says: I know what must be done.

Sabitha bites her lips and gives Orik much the same look as Jo.

Orik Trueheart turns and goes to a trunk in the tent behind him. Reverently, he lifts out a crystal ball.
Orik Trueheart says: Zelig gave this crystal to me years ago with specific instructions on its use. For five years, whenever I felt anger, sorrow, or anxiety over what had transpired here, I was to focus on the orb.
Orik Trueheart says: I now understand why Zelig gave it to me.
Orik Trueheart says: Take my crystal to the Forgotten Shore. Find the ruins of my old base on the upper reaches of the beach and place the orb in the center of town. Let the forgotten see the world through my heart and soul.

[Ralaea]: So Mr. Barefoot was here for that time as well?

[Sabitha]: This seems cruel. Can't we leave them?

Orik Trueheart says: If we leave them, ma'am, they are bound to this world forever, wandering in despair and fear.

Sabitha sighs. "True."

[Jocoza]: I think that may be more cruel.

[Ralaea]: They need to know who betrayed them.

They return to the ghostly shore, carrying the orb.

[Bennarin]: This look like the center?

[Jocoza]: Seems like it to me.

The orb glows, then a scene begins to play out.

Forgotten Captain says: What's this now? Perhaps Prince Arthas returns to us today!

Forgotten Captain says: Look alive, lads! Today might be the day we leave this cursed land! O' sweet Ironforge, how I missed ya!

Captain Luc Valonforth says: I apologize, emissary, but the prince is away on an errand. What brings you to this desolate place?

Alliance Emissary says: By royal edict, you men are to return to Lordaeron immediately. Lord Uther has convinced the king to recall this expedition.

Captain Luc Valonforth says: We're to just pick up and leave?

Alliance Emissary says: That's correct. My men report that the roads from here to the shore are held by the undead. You'll need to find an alternate route back to your ships.

Captain Luc Valonforth says: To hell with the undead! We'll cut our way through the woods, men!

Prince Arthas says: Captain, why are the guards not at their posts?

Captain Luc Valonforth says: Well, milord, your father had our troops recalled at Lord Uther's request.

Prince Arthas says: Uther had my troops recalled? Damn it! If my warriors abandon me, I'll never defeat Mal'Ganis. The ships must be burned before the men reach the shore!

Paluuva peers curiously at the visions of Muradin and Arthas.

Muradin says: Isn't that a bit much, lad?

Prince Arthas says: Burned down to their frames! No one goes home until our job here is done!

Muradin says: You lied to your men and betrayed the mercenaries who fought for you. What's happening to you, Arthas? Is vengeance all that's important to you?

Prince Arthas says: Spare me, Muradin. You weren't there to see what Mal'Ganis did to my homeland.

Forgotten Captain says: It was all lies…
Forgotten Knight says: But why?

With cries of anguish, the soldiers and peasants fade away.

Ralaea stares at the ground silently.

Jocoza watches the ghosts fade away.

Sabitha sighs. "Rest well. Poor souls."

[Jocoza]: That was… maybe the beginning of the darkness.

Paluuva turns her head politely, dabbing at her cheeks with a handkerchief.

[Sabitha]: I suppose I understand why he did it, but … I can't think it was the best choice.

[Jocoza]: No, I don't think it was.

[Bennarin]: F*cken sh*t choice.

Ralaea remains silent.

Bennarin is grim.
[Bennarin]: Sir.
[Bennarin]: They saw it. From your orb.
[Bennarin]: They… did not take it great. But they vanished.

Orik Trueheart manages a sorrowful smile.
Orik Trueheart says: You did a great good deed this day, Cobalt Company. Hundreds of lost souls are now redeemed, thanks to you. Their understanding of the truth has released the hold that Arthas and this place had on them.
Orik Trueheart says: You have honored me and honored the memory of hundreds of Alliance veterans. Zelig was wise to send you here. Please return to him to tell him of the events that transpired here, and to give him my thanks.

[Jocoza]: At least some souls that he doesn't keep bound any longer.

Bennarin nods somberly.

Orik Trueheart nods gravely at Jo. "Perhaps even those souls, someday. I do not have Zelig's gift of foresight, but I am certain that great things await you, friends."

[Bennarin]: Okay. We will get back and let him know.

[Sabitha]: Riding back through town?

[Ralaea]: There's nothing great about this war, only that it needs to be won.

[Bennarin]: That's another ride up, yeah.

[Bennarin]: Stick close.

This time it isn’t Sabitha, but someone is dismounted. Once again, White Squad stops to save its own.

[Bennarin]: Keep movin'!
[Bennarin]: Remember they keep comin'!

They fight clear to the gates of Wintergarde and return to Zelig the Visionary.

[Bennarin]: Okay.
[Bennarin]: Sir. Mr. Trueheart said to thank you. We was able to release a lot of souls on the Forgotten Shore on account of the orb you give him.

Visionary Zelig bows.
Visionary Zelig says: It is I who owe you a debt of gratitude, heroes. Orik is like a brother to me. You have changed his life and given renewed hope to countless others.

Ralaea scuffs at the ground with her boot.

Visionary Zelig says: But now I must ask another task of you. I have been searching my orb since you last left. We know that after the betrayal at the Forgotten Shore, Prince Arthas — with Muradin Bronzebeard in tow —
Visionary Zelig says: began his quest for Frostmourne.
Visionary Zelig says: Could the location where Frostmourne was found be near? What secrets could it hold?
Visionary Zelig says: The orb has no answers to these questions, but it has shown me something — to the northeast of Wintergarde Keep, the Scarlet Onslaught are building an outpost of their own.
Visionary Zelig says: Somewhere within that outpost is a map. The orb tells me that map will be of great use to us. Retrieve it, if you can.

Jocoza straightens, glancing at Rae.

Ralaea bites her lip.

Bennarin also glances at Rae.

[Bennarin]: … okay.
[Bennarin]: We can do that.

[Ralaea]: They're no friend to the Scourge. Maybe we try diplomacy?

Commander Lynore Windstryke says: Cobalt Company!

Jocoza waits till they're outside, and turns to Rae. "We could… try. But are you going to be alright, if it doesn’t work?”

[Bennarin]: Ma'am?

Commander Lynore Windstryke says: Zelig told us he intends to send you into the encampment set up by the Scarlet Crusade — sorry, the Scarlet Onslaught, as they’re now calling themselves.

[Paluuva]: I have little direct experience with the Scarlets. But…as I understand it, diplomacy has not historically been very useful.

Commander Lynore Windstryke says: While we’re not sure why they’re in Northrend, they’re certainly no less dangerous than they were before. As of last night, the Scarlet Onslaught has killed twelve of our soldiers —
Commander Lynore Windstryke says: and as you know, there is not a single expendable life here.

Bennarin glances uneasily at Rae again.

Ralaea sighs. "Alright… So they've made their choice."

Commander Lynore Windstryke nods grimly. "If they cannot see us as allies against the Lich King, they endanger everything, and they are our enemies as surely as he is. They must be taught a lesson."
Commander Lynore Windstryke says: Go to the Onslaught camp and cut them down.

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: One more thing.

[Bennarin]: … sir?

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: The Path of Redemption — have you heard of it? It is allegedly a journal that holds the prophetic ramblings of High General Abbendis of the Scarlet Onslaught.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: Within that book, we can perhaps find the motivations and goals of these Scarlet zealots. While you’re at the Onslaught encampment, see if you can recover a copy of the book from one of their soldiers.

Jocoza nods.

[Bennarin]: We will keep an eye out, sir.

[Ralaea]: Jenzelle did mention that as she was preparing everyone to leave, the Scarlets were getting kind of…brain-washy?

[Jocoza]: Maybe we can learn more if we get this guy's journal.

[Bennarin]: Let's go.

[Ralaea]: Girl, but yes.

[Jocoza]: Oh… you knew this Abbendis?

[Bennarin]: I see 'em. Uniforms an' all. They are diggin' in.

[Ralaea]: Hard not to. She was the daughter of one of the founders. I didn't know her personally, but everyone's heard of her.

[Jocoza]: I see. Daughter of the founder.

[Bennarin]: Well. Let's get down there. Map, book, uh — thinnin' 'em out.

[Jocoza]: I admit… I didn't know much about them personally, except that they'd think I was an abomination.

[Bennarin]: You ain't never.
Bennarin is unnecessarily indignant on Jo's behalf.

[Jocoza]: Oh, I know. I don't think I'm an abomination.

Ralaea gazes quietly at the familiar flag.

[Bennarin]: Anyone seen that book on any of 'em?
[Bennarin]: … heads up. That a map in there?

[Sabitha]: I think there's one on that table. With the map.

[Ralaea]: What's in it?

[Bennarin]: Oh, nice. That it?

[Jocoza]: That must be what we're after.
[Jocoza]: All gathered up for us.

Bennarin flips open the book.
Bennarin furrows his brow.
[Bennarin]: Uh.

[Sabitha]: What's it say?

[Bennarin]: She is hearin' a voice whisperin' to her to come to it.
[Bennarin]: And she is pretty… sure… it's the Holy Light?
Bennarin pages through.
[Bennarin]: She is wakin' up freezing after hearin' the whispers. She is… still pretty sure this is good news.

[Sabitha]: Freezing is good?

[Bennarin]: She says she was givin' a sermon and her breath come out misty from cold. She thinks the ranks of the Crusade is full of unbelievers now.

[Jocoza]: That doesn't sound like any Light I've ever heard of.

[Bennarin]: Uh anyway.
[Bennarin]: This is some pretty zealot sh*t.
[Bennarin]: She is talkin' about a day called the Crimson Dawn.
[Bennarin]: They are being called to Northrend.
[Bennarin]: So uh.
[Bennarin]: Anyhow.
Bennarin closes the book up.
[Bennarin]: We will just… bring this back.

[Ralaea]: Can we keep a copy of it?

[Bennarin]: See if we find more on some of 'em?
Bennarin side-eyes Rae slightly.

[Ralaea]: I want to see where they started going wrong. If there are clues here…

[Bennarin]: Okay.
[Bennarin]: Well, eyes up for more copies, then.

[Jocoza]: That makes sense.
[Jocoza]: This is an insight into what they're thinking. Why they aren't allying with us against the Scourge.

[Bennarin]: Oh, they notice we are here.
[Bennarin]: Well, that's good. Time for lesson I guess.

Paluuva casts a shield of Light, "Pheta vi krovas!"

[Bennarin]: Okay. Let's get back.

Bennarin dismounts breathlessly and offers the book to High Commander Halford Wyrmbane.

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane flips through the book. His scowl deepens.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: Abbendis has gone off the deep end. The Light itself speaks to her now?
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane sighs and closes the book.
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane says: Despite the ramblings, this journal gives us a never-before-seen look into the mind of the Scarlet zealots. This was a valuable find, Cobalt Company. Lord Fordragon will be pleased.

Commander Lynore Windstryke eyes the group expectantly and arches a brow.

Jocoza nods at Wyrmbane.

[Sabitha]: Lesson taught, ma'am.

Commander Lynore Windstryke says: Good. Hopefully the message is now clear to the Onslaught.

Bennarin nods curtly.
[Bennarin]: Okay. We are gonna report in to Zelig with this map.
Bennarin offers out the rolled-up map. "Sir. We found this."

Visionary Zelig turns to his table and unrolls the map to study it, frowning. He traces a finger over various marks on the parchment.
Visionary Zelig says: Excellent work, Cobalt. I think — yes. I will consult with the orb and consider these notations. When you return to me, I will have a target for you.

[Jocoza]: Thank you, sir.

Bennarin nods respectfully to Zelig the Visionary. "Yessir."

Thel'zan the Duskbringer yells: Their defenses are down! The time is now, minions! ATTACK!
High Commander Halford Wyrmbane yells: Legion, to the front lines!

[Bennarin]: … sh*t, that is trouble at the gates.
[Bennarin]: I'm goin' out there.

[Jocoza]: Guess we better get to it.

They get to it, and we fade to black on the sounds of battle.