(2025-10-26) A New Mission (Should You Choose to Accept It)

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	Jo sends a letter to the Thousand Needles team, setting them up for a new opportunity.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: Kalimdor Newbies

A copy of a letter arrives to each of the team from the Speedbarge: Cerethan, Glyphe, Kalhidai, Lihua, Natlee, and Slicket.

Hello team!

I’ve heard good things about your work in the Thousand Needles. It’s a unique situation there, the goblin-gnome partnership following from the old Raceway. I have good memories of that place, though I haven’t visited the Speedbarge since the flood. Anyway, it seems like you resolved the pirate situation well, and some of those Silithid ice cream flavors are surprisingly good. I realize the centaur deal might not have gone entirely as you hoped, but I’m confident that will be smoothed over eventually.

Anyway, if you’re interested in a related mission, I’ve had a request for a support team come in from a woman I know from Tinker Town, Kelsey Steelspark. It’s down in Tanaris, with the Steamwheedle Cartel. As you likely know, Steamwheedle has kept itself carefully neutral for years, but the Horde Bilgewater Cartel recently sent a diplomatic overture to try to bring them over. Kelsey’s aiming to sway them in the other direction, or at least keep them away from the Horde. There’s also the idea of establishing a place in Tanaris for a gnomish community, like we have at the Speedbarge, if possible.

The kinds of problems they’re facing are likely similar to those you’ve already encountered – pirates along the coast, for instance. I think your team would be perfectly positioned to help Kelsey sway Marin Noggenfogger, the Baron of Gadgetzan, in our direction. If you’re willing, I’d ask you to meet with Kelsey directly in Gadgetzan, just as soon as you’re ready to begin.

Best Regards,
Captain Sparkwire

There is also a post-script that is different on each copy of the letter.

Cerethan
P.S. I hope all the gnomes and goblins have not been too jarring for you. I expect the culture is quite different from what you’re used to with Highborne, but sometimes it’s good to broaden one’s experience.

Glyphe
P.S. I hope it’s been interesting, working with Cerethan! I’ve always enjoyed seeing new perspectives on magic, and I think it’s valuable for up-and-coming brilliant mages. I’ll also trust you to make sure no unstable goblin contraptions blow everything up in Tanaris.

Kalhidai
P.S. I’m not sure if you’ve been to Tanaris yet, but it’s a pretty extreme environment – sand and heat. Just to warn, in case you need specialized hoof gear for it. If there’s any hunting and seeking to be done, I trust you and Finder for it.

Lihua
P.S. I’ve been looking for cooking-related missions for you. Still, you found the ice cream empire in the Thousand Needles, so I expect you can find something anywhere you go. You might find Tanaris cuisine interesting, as it’s a scarcity environment.

Natlee
P.S. As a warning, Kelsey is Gnomeregan Covert Ops. I know you and Slicket did some work with them in Dun Morogh, so I’m sure you’re familiar with the type. From what I know of her, she aims to be underestimated. I trust you won’t let that disarm you.

Slicket
P.S. I hope your money situation has improved, but I think there’ll be plenty of profit opportunities in a goblin mission. Take care of everyone, please, and keep my stepdaughter safe. Maybe don’t tell her I said that, she might not take it the way I meant it.