(2024-04-15) Weapon of the Titans

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	Azizia, Jocoza, Nunuzac, Paluuva and Yveris venture into Sholazar Basin to investigate what sounds like a titan construct fighting the Scourge. New Titan lore awaits. ~7400 words.
Rating:	T for Teen

The team begins to assemble at the River’s Heart in Sholazar Basin.
Jocoza waves at Nunuzac and, after a brief hesitation, the stormcrow. It is probably a druid.
[Jocoza]: Hello! You're here to be part of the investigative team?

Yveris jumps off the rock to greet everyone. "Cozy!" She waves.

[Jocoza]: Oh, Yveris! I'll get to where I can tell crows apart someday, I'm sure of it.

Nunuzac stirs from watching the lake lost in thought, and lifts her hand in a slightly dazed little wave, but a subdued smile rises to meet it soon after. "I hope so yes."

[Jocoza]: I should catch you all up as to what I know - there's apparently an 'enormous woman kicking Scourge butt' to the northeast of here. That sounded an awful lot like one of those titan keepers to me. Or… a giant? Who can say? But that's what we're here to find out!

Yveris points to Nunuzac. "Big?"

Nunuzac blinks widely. "I will get to see one? Maybe she knows the way into Ulduar!"

[Jocoza]: Really big! Probably bigger than you all, or it wouldn't have been noteworthy. And I sure hope so, Nunuzac!

Yveris nods thoughtfully. "Bigger."

Nunuzac scoots up beside Yveris and raies her flat palm to compare heights.

Jocoza looks blithely at the two of them. They're the same size to her: big.

[Jocoza]: I take it… Erixa hasn't turned up anywhere yet?

Nunuzac gives Jocoza a saddened shake of her head. She is still smiling, but it's dialed down a bit with definite worry beneath.
[Nunuzac]: The good fortune is that there is work to open the place.

[Jocoza]: We've got a few more of your people scheduled to join us - Paluuva and Azizia. Let's wait for them here before we head out.

Nunuzac perks up at that. "Azizia and Orachi? They may have ideas."

Azizia approaches the group. "Ah! Here you are! Hello!"

[Jocoza]: Azizia, you made it! Perfect.
[Jocoza]: Now we're just waiting for Paluuva.

[Azizia]: Oh, Orachi Paluuva will be joining us?

Nunuzac waves eagerly to Azizia. "This is what I hear."

[Jocoza]: Yes! This will be a very learned party. So many of you long-lived peoples. And me, I'm pretty educated.

[Azizia]: It is like school field trip, then! *She smiles at Nunu.*

Yveris nods wisely. "Learned."

Paluuva arrives.

[Azizia]: I do not think we have met. You are? *She extends a hand towards Yveris.* I am Azizia.

Yveris points to herself. "Yveris." She takes Azizia's hand.

[Azizia]: Please to meet you, Yveris.

[Paluuva]: I deeply apologize for my lateness

[Jocoza]: Paluuva! Alright, now we're ready to go.

[Azizia]: Hello, Orachi Paluuva!

Nunuzac waves to Paluuva, looking a bit emotional under her grateful smile.

[Azizia]: I got here late too, a little earlier than you did. Do not worry.

Paluuva smiles to all, but perhaps especially warmly to Azizia and Nunuzac.

[Jocoza]: They said this enormous woman was in the northeast. *Jo gets her flying machine out*

They fly to the northeast, Nunuzac on a red drake. The enormous woman is unmistakable. She is fighting Scourge attackers, wielding some kind of green life energy. She has an army of ambulatory flowers fighting on her behalf as well.

[Jocoza]: Oh, whoa. That's an enormous woman, indeed.

The team approaches.

[Jocoza]: Uh, hello ma'am? *Jo calls up at her* Excuse me?

Avatar of Freya says: If you can't tell, I'm busy.

Yveris nods in agreement. "Busy."

[Jocoza]: Yes, fighting Scourge, but we wanted to ask-

[Azizia]: And we are busy potentially helping you!

Nunuzac and the red drake both stare up at the avatar in wonderment, the drake being too distracted by the sight to wander anywhere yet.

Avatar of Freya says: This should never have happened. The forces of undeath storm the very cradle of life! Are you truly here to help?

[Yveris]: Life…cradle?

[Azizia]: We are. We do not particularly like undead. Not at all, even.

[Yveris]: Baby life?

[Paluuva]: We are enemies of these undead. I believe our interests are aligned.

Avatar of Freya says: If you are, then I would encourage you to start killing the undead at once. If you're not here to destroy the minions of the Lich King, then leave at once. Do not incur my wrath by distracting me from my duties.

[Jocoza]: Um.

Yveris frowns. "Wrath…?"

[Azizia]: Wrath means anger. *She explains to Yveris.*

[Paluuva]: Understood, madam.

[Nunuzac]: Great big woman! There is a fight to get at the dead king right now! I hope that is good news to you.
[Nunuzac]: We will fight the ones that get in here.

[Paluuva]: I suggest we engage the Scourge here immediately to demonstrate our sincerity.

[Jocoza]: Maybe if we help for a little while, she'll talk with us more, yes.

Azizia nods at you.

[Yveris]: Help the flowers?

[Jocoza]: Yes, we're on the side of the… animated flowers…

Yveris runs from the animated bones.

They come to an area where the flower army is not doing so well.

[Jocoza]: Oh, a lot of the flowers over here got squished!

[Yveris]: Squished…

Nunuzac clobbers a scourge minion with a magic focus when her lightning begins to fizzle.

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

We fight for a while, pushing back the Scourge.

[Jocoza]: That's this area pretty well cleared out. Let's see if she'll talk to us more?

[Nunuzac]: Maybe she sees that far from being so high up.

Azizia nods at Nunuzac.

We approach again.

Yveris looks up at the big lady. "Talk?"

[Paluuva]: Madam, apologies for disturbing you again. We are attempting to clear out the undead. But perhaps there is something more effective we could be doing to help you?

Yveris smiles at the flowers blooming on the lady's staff.

Avatar of Freya says: Very well. I have watched your fight, and I am satisfied that you're not one of the Lich King's minions… perhaps there is something you can do to defend the titan's creations.

Yveris points to herself. "Healer."

Azizia points to herself. "I heal a little, too. But I am better at punching."

Nunuzac looks hopefully up at the avatar.

Avatar of Freya says: I do value those of you who heal, in many times it is better than the power to harm. Yet… I must fight the Scourge.
Avatar of Freya says: I am an Avatar of the Keeper Freya, the Lifewarden, here to defend this cradle of life.

[Azizia]: Avatar of Keeper Freya?

She nods at Azizia. "I was created by the Keeper Freya to defend this place when she could not."

[Nunuzac]: Lifewarden… friend of Life-binder?

[Azizia]: Aah, I see!

Nunuzac reaches out to touch the petal of a red flower consideringly.

Yveris nods eagerly at Nunuzac. Good question!

Avatar of Freya says: The Lifebinder? The Dragon Aspect? She has not been here recently, but yes, I am aware of her.

Azizia frowns a little. Being friends with someone and being aware of someone are two completely different things. Why are you avoiding the question, Avatar of Freya? A rivalry with her? An awkward and embarrassing encounter? Who knows.

Maybe the Avatar is a little busy right now for gossip, Azizia.

Avatar of Freya says: In any case, we have no time now for long discussion. If you would help, I have a task for you.

[Yveris]: Task!

Avatar of Freya says: The agents of the Lich King have foolishly trespassed upon these lands where the power of life rules supreme. All harm they inflict will be returned to them sevenfold.

Yveris counts to seven on her fingers questioningly.

Avatar of Freya says: The monster directly responsible for corrupting the land is known as Thalgran Blightbringer; you will find him just to the north of here.
Avatar of Freya says: I must keep up the defense here, but I will not send you without my aid. Take this ward and use it to reflect the power of death upon him. Show the Scourge that the power of life prevails above all.

[Azizia]: This sounds like plan.

[Paluuva]: We shall do as you ask, Avatar.

[Jocoza]: Yes, ma'am!

Nunuzac’s red drake, Ranvrastrasz, has still not flown away, possibly curious if there is some kind of connection himself. Nunuzac nudges him from staring with his jaw hanging open.

[Jocoza]: Let's head up and handle this Scourge leader?

[Azizia]: Let us, yes!

We find the big, nasty blightbringer.

[Nunuzac]: Ew! Is that the one?

[Azizia]: Cover mouths of yours! Plaguespreaders.

[Yveris]: Bring blight. Bad.

Azizia puts on a white mask to cover her mouth.

[Jocoza]: One of you that's a healer, use the ward when he attacks! I bet it's more powerful when a healer does it.
Jo tosses a fireball at him.

[Azizia]: Go, Yveris, I am still trying to be healer..

Azizia extends her hands and pulls on invisible leashes. Two wolf spirits appear in front of her.

Thalgran Blightbringer attempts to shoot a death bolt at Yveris, who uses the ward of the Avatar of Freya. The death bolt is reflected back at the Blightbringer sevenfold. He falls over, truly dead.

[Jocoza]: Good job!

[Azizia]: We did it!

[Jocoza]: We just used his own power against him!

Paluuva smiles softly. "Well done."

[Nunuzac]: Yowch! The shadow blasted back on him.

[Azizia]: Always good plan.

[Jocoza]: That's like a poetic justice thing. If he hadn't been shooting death bolts at us, he'd have been fine.

We report back to the Avatar of Freya.

[Jocoza]: One Scourge leader shadow-blasted with his own magic!

[Nunuzac]: Shadow blasted by own bad choices.

Azizia removes the mask.

[Paluuva]: Thalgran Blightbringer is destroyed.

Avatar of Freya says: You continue to prove yourselves. Perhaps I was too impatient with you before.

[Paluuva]: It is understandable in your situation, Avatar.

Avatar of Freya says: The only others I have met here are the poachers to the west, and I had assumed you were simply more of the same.

[Azizia]: Yes. But we appreciate apology either way.

[Yveris]: Poacher?

[Azizia]: … Poacher?

Avatar of Freya says: Poacher, yes. As I have mentioned, this region is a cradle of life for the Titans. They shaped entire life forms here, fostering their unfettered growth.

[Paluuva]: Remarkable. An entire land serving as a biological laboratory.

Azizia nods at Nunuzac.

Avatar of Freya says: Exactly, a biological laboratory. And the poachers have no right to stem that growth as they have.

Yveris frowns thoughtfully.

Nunuzac blinks her eyes wide at Freya's explanation.

[Nunuzac]: This place is so odd and like no other in Northrend. I would also be angry to see the undeath damage on the ground.

The Avatar of Freya nods at Nunuzac. "Angry and disturbed. The five crystal pillars that surround the basin emanate pure lifeforce. The Scourge should've never been able to penetrate the basin, but one of the pillars was destroyed."

[Yveris]: Broken?

Avatar of Freya says: Yes, and I do not know why. No undead should've been able to approach the pillar.

[Azizia]: Hmmm… Would it be poachers, then?

Avatar of Freya says: Possibly. I can hold the line here, if you can go to the Lifeblood Pillar and see if you can find out what happened. I do not know who our enemy is, but keep your eyes out for living intruders.

[Yveris]: Living…

Avatar of Freya says: What remains of it is directly to the south.

[Azizia]: Or maybe Murlocs. People of Azeroth seem to always find murlocs where there is trouble.

[Nunuzac]: If the life comes from the pillar… we should not let the cycle here come apart.

Azizia nods at Nunuzac.

Nunuzac speaks in draenei, "A unique ecosystem is worth protecting, and may hold great Titan knowledge besides that."

Yveris tilts her head at Nunuzac. The question mark is almost visible.

Azizia nods at Nunu again. She looks at Paluuva at the word 'knowledge'.

Avatar of Freya says: What I do know is that the Lifeblood Pillar was toppled over with great force, sending the very earth into an upheaval.

[Yveris]: Earth shake?

Avatar of Freya says: Indeed. Now, the elementals that wander the sundered shard carry with them the very life essence that gave the pillar its strength. I cannot allow this energy to be wasted, for only four pillars remain.

Avatar of Freya says: Take these gems, and use them on the elementals you find there. We'll need the energy to heal the land when all this is over.

Yveris points to herself. "Healer!"

[Azizia]: Elementals. That is our thing. *She looks at Nunu.*

[Jocoza]: Yes, this seems perfectly suited for our team!

They fly to the Lifeblood Pillar, or what remains of it.

Nunuzac frowns. "They have been upset with me."

[Jocoza]: The elements?

Azizia sighs. "Me too. But they always are a little upset with me”

[Jocoza]: Hmm… anyway, this place is well and damaged, and… what's that…?

There is a body.

[Nunuzac]: Yes, they even strike me when I speak to them… *her voice goes quiet, seemingly it is a point of sore feelings. Then she looks up when something is spotted*

Jocoza reaches over absently to pat Nunuzac in comfort. She doesn't have much reach, she probably pats her knee.

Azizia raises her eyebrows at Nunu. "We will speak more of this later."

Yveris crouches by the corpse. "Not living."

The corpse is badly burnt and there appear to be the remains of several powder kegs nearby.

[Azizia]: Dead-dead it seem. Not undead.
[Azizia]: Not yet, at least.

Yveris sniffs at the powder kegs. Another question mark.

Nunuzac stoops slightly, then covers her eyes quickly at the sight of terrible burns, like a reflex. She peeks through fingers a moment after.

[Jocoza]: Yeah, I don't think this was an undead.
[Jocoza]: Doesn't look like a poacher, either. Why would a poacher destroy a lifeblood pillar?

[Yveris]: This one. Bad intent.

[Azizia]: Oh, no, she said Scourge could not come here. I mean it does not seem ready to jump at us right now. The corpse.

[Paluuva]: She said the undead could not come here. but the Scourge employs the living as well.

[Jocoza]: …do you think he was a cultist? They're with the Scourge, but alive.

[Yveris]: Cultist.
Yveris nods.

[Azizia]: Hmm…

[Yveris]: Scourge…tricky.

[Jocoza]: She might not realize that. We should let her know.

[Azizia]: He does have marks on his face like cultists I have seen before.
Azizia nods at you.

[Jocoza]: Well, let's get some energy and head back?

The elementals zip around like wild.

[Yveris]: Fast rocks.

[Azizia]: They are, yes! More than usual.
Azizia conjures and throws an ethereal shawl on her shoulders, transforming into a spirit wolf in the process.

[Jocoza]: They don't usually run like that?

[Azizia]: They are… more agitated than usual.

[Jocoza]: I suppose these ones are charged up on stray life energy.

[Azizia]: But you say they strike you? You cannot let them.
[Azizia]: Strike back!

Nunuzac hugs her arms around herself. "I was shocked! I freeze."

[Jocoza]: That must've been awful! Like if I tried to make a fire ward and got burned. *Jo bites her lip nervously*

[Azizia]: Hmmm. I usually have little fights with elemental because we share temperament, a little, so I am used to fighting with them. You must learn too!

[Nunuzac]: And they are my friends most of the time! I do not want to fight with them. I think friends may be sick. Or angry from something like this big woman."

[Jocoza]: That's enough energy, I think… let's go tell Fre… the Avatar of Freya. Maybe we can just call her Freya. Or Avatar?

We head back to the Avatar of Freya.

[Paluuva]: We have news, Avatar.

Avatar of Freya says: Yes? Have you learned what has happened?

[Paluuva]: We believe the Scourge sent a living agent to destroy the Pillar.

[Yveris]: Living Scourge. *She nods.*

[Azizia]: They have cultists, who live and are not dead.

The Avatar of Freya actually stops what she's doing for a moment to stare at them in horrified near-disbelief.
Avatar of Freya says: The living… willingly serve the Lich King?

Azizia sighs. "Living willingly serve many bad causes."

[Paluuva]: Deluded mortals who believe the Lich King will reward them with great power.

Azizia nods at Paluuva.

Avatar of Freya says: All this time I've been searching for the wrong enemy. Let us make haste and uproot these cultists from these lands.

[Yveris]: Uproot.

Avatar of Freya says: As I mentioned before, I am an embodiment of but one aspect of Freya, daughter of the titans. I am the Lifewarden—I was left here to protect this land against the threat of the Scourge. But I never anticipated the Lich King would send willing living servants to do his work.

[Nunuzac]: We will hurry. The stories I hear about this cult, from the humans… *she shivers*

Avatar of Freya says: Yes, I could easily crush these cultists myself, but I am all that stands between the undead armies and the rest of the basin. I am pleased that you can deliver my wrath to these insolent trespassers. If you find any of the weapons they used against my pillar, destroy those as well.

[Yveris]: Powder?

[Paluuva]: It shall be done.

[Yveris]: Destroy…careful.

[Azizia]: We will make sure land is not destroyed.

[Jocoza]: We should check near one of the other pillars, in case they're planning another attack.

Nunuzac is a wrath delivery agent now. She does not look the part.

They get to the Glimmering Pillar and find a whole cultist camp.

[Jocoza]: Oh goodness. Here we are.

[Yveris]: Save pillar!

Nunuzac blinks. "Whole village of them?"

[Azizia]: Good thing they have banners. We have no doubt of who they are.

[Paluuva]: Be careful, Azizia.

[Jocoza]: And the Avatar just didn't even know.

[Yveris]: Skulls.

[Jocoza]: She was just accepting the poachers, because they are also life.

Nunuzac yelps when the unexploded ordinance becomes un-unexploded, diving behind a boulder.

[Paluuva]: Jocoza, perhaps you are the best suited to dismantle these explosives.

[Yveris]: Powder. Careful.

[Azizia]: Yes, I do not feel confident in destroying bombs.

[Jocoza]: Right, I'll trigger this one. Stand back!

Cultist Infiltrator says: That certainly wasn't the reaction I wanted.

Nor was being killed by agents of the Lifewarden’s wrath, I bet, but here we are.

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

Yveris flinches whenever a bomb goes off.

//We finish off the cultists in the camp and destroy the rest of their explosives.

[Jocoza]: I think that's a fair amount of wrath.

In the last area, there are skeletons, each with a scroll, seated around a circumference.

[Yveris]: Ritual?

[Paluuva]: They died reading…

[Jocoza]: Maybe reading something evil?
[Jocoza]: Something that killed them…

[Azizia]: Or skeletons were set up this way for ritual.

[Paluuva]: As loath as I am to destroy knowledge, we should burn these texts.

Nunuzac shivers. "It reminds me of Shadowmoon Clan…"

[Azizia]: You do not have to ask many times.

[Jocoza]: I'll burn it all.

Jo burns.

Yveris steps away from the fire.

Paluuva nods firmly.

[Jocoza]: At least we've stopped them.

Azizia nods at you.

[Azizia]: By way, did you notice? Avatar of Freya said "Oh, I have misjudged you", so I say "we appreciate apology", to make her see she did not apologize. Did she apologize after this? No.

[Jocoza]: Um, maybe it was an implied apology?
[Jocoza]: So she accepted that you accepted it as an apology.

[Yveris]: Avatar… wrathful.

[Jocoza]: Very angry, yes.

[Paluuva]: She is a creation whose very purpose is being threatened. I think we can forgive her for overlooking niceties.

[Nunuzac]: Azizia, I think she did not notice your word trick. Her thoughts are only on the dead, that is what I see.

[Azizia]: Hmmm… Maybe. Or maybe not.

We return to the Avatar of Freya.

Avatar of Freya says: Hello again.

[Jocoza]: Ma'am, we dealt with the cultists.

Avatar of Freya says: Now that I know what to look for, I can see them in my domain. You speak the truth. The intruders at the camp were dealt with… but I'm afraid it might have been too late.

[Yveris]: …No pillar?

Avatar of Freya says: I did not realize the danger from the living until it was too late. You have cleared their camp, but others are already gathering at the Glimmering Pillar itself.

[Yveris]: Special pillar?

[Paluuva]: Then we should hurry there.

Avatar of Freya says: It is one of only four remaining. If all my defenses fall… *the Avatar shudders.* We don't have much time. Blow upon this horn atop the Glimmering Pillar to channel my power through the crystal. We shall show this scum to not trifle with the titans' creations.

[Azizia]: Do not worry. It is not too late, we will save pillar.

[Jocoza]: We won't be too late! You'll see.

[Nunuzac]: We hurry. *she takes the horn* I am full of wind! Sometimes.

We fly up to the top of the Glimmering Pillar. It is covered with cultists and they’ve already set up their explosives.

[Jocoza]: Oh no, they're all over!

[Yveris]: Who else has blown?
[Yveris]: Horn.

Nunuzac marvels up at the device.

[Nunuzac]: I will! I try?

[Azizia]: Do it, Nunu!

[Jocoza]: Let's get right to the crystal.

Nunuzac produces a lungful of air and a musical note from the horn before the whole thing seems to come alive. She's dazzled.

Flowers spring out of the ground and make quick work of the cultists.

[Jocoza]: Oh look, flowers! It worked!

[Paluuva]: Jocoza, can you disable these bombs?

[Jocoza]: Yes, just give me a moment.

[Nunuzac]: It is good you know these device.

Azizia nods at Nunuzac.

[Jocoza]: Yes, this is really all of our strengths today. We even need an engineer.

Jocoza carefully disarms each of the bombs without triggering an explosion, and removes a part from each to make them extremely difficult to re-arm.

[Yveris]: Horn taste good?

[Azizia]: … taste?..

[Yveris]: Put horn to mouth. Taste?

[Jocoza]: Blow. *Jo grins at Yveris* It's to make a sound.

We return to the Avatar of Freya to give her the good news.

Avatar of Freya says: I sensed your success. Impressive. I wasn't expecting a mere mortal to prove as worthy an ally as you. I fear our efforts have not been sufficient, however. The Scourge shows no signs of stopping.

[Azizia]: Look, you misjudged us again.

Paluuva chides quietly, "Azizia…"

[Nunuzac]: I must take Erixa to see the pillar when we get… *her face wavers a bit and she turns to admire a flower suddenly*

Avatar of Freya says: Just so. You continue to raise in my estimation. Which is why I will now talk with you of something deeper. The cultists have been taken care of, but the Scourge's invasion has not slowed down. The situation is becoming desperate. There exists a last resort. Before I reveal any more, however, I must be sure I have your absolute trust.

[Yveris]: Deep…bad.

[Jocoza]: How can we prove that? Of course we're against the Scourge.

Avatar of Freya says: You have done much already, but let me explain the seriousness of this. The titans did not create life overnight. The process was gradual and required a great deal of experimentation and iteration.

[Jocoza]: Which is why you have these labs, right?

Avatar of Freya says: Yes, it is for that reason that highly protected places such as Sholazar Basin exist. To ensure the safety of their experimentation sites, the titans created a defense mechanism. Its destructive force is unparalleled however, and I will reveal no more unless you swear your fealty to my cause.

[Jocoza]: I… I'll swear? *Jo looks around at the others.* I swear.

[Yveris]: Destruction…

Azizia looks for Paluuva's decision to swear or not first.

Avatar of Freya says: What of the rest of you?

[Paluuva]: This is clearly important. We know the danger the Scourge presents. I swear to support your cause here.

Yveris also looks to Paluuva. Then nods. "Swear."

[Azizia]: I swear.

Nunuzac seems to hesitate slightly for whatever reason, but raises her hand to her heart. "Swear to help this place and fight off dead, and cult."

Avatar of Freya says: Then it is settled. It borders on sacrilege that these secrets be revealed to a mortal such as yourself, but I have little choice. Ever since Freya, daughter of the titans, left me here I've had but one task and I cannot fail. Life must be protected at any cost. There is a waygate that links this place with another very much like this one. It is there that the weapon we seek can be found.

[Nunuzac]: A gate?

[Azizia]: To another place. With weapon inside…

Avatar of Freya says: Yes, a waygate. It is time then. Let us activate the waygate.You will find the first switch inside the Makers' Perch in the western edge of the basin. Beware. The titans used the perch to watch over their creations. Many of their stone servants still guard the place.

Azizia nods at Avatar of Freya.

[Jocoza]: We will find the weapon!

[Paluuva]: We will be cautious.

We fly to the Makers’ Perch, which is exactly where she directed us.

[Paluuva]: I must sketch this place. Brannagan will want to see this.

[Jocoza]: This must be the place!

[Jocoza]: Oh whoa, an aquarium!

Jo would assume water behind glass is an aquarium, and not simply nature. Gnome.

[Yveris]: Fish!

[Azizia]: I will be honest. Titans knew how to make pretty places.

[Nunuzac]: Oh, my gosh! *she peers down into the Titan hall structure* Are we under the sea edge?

[Paluuva]: This is a basin, so it is quite possible we are.

[Jocoza]: I didn't think so… but maybe we are?

[Yveris]: Boat!

[Nunuzac]: There are two-shells, and sea stars!

[Azizia]: Eww. Is this what starfish look like under?

Nunuzac looks reluctant to look away from the sight.

Paluuva holds her sketchbook in hand, quickly drawing various perspectives of the Makers' Perch.

[Jocoza]: That just ahead must be the switch. Shall I activate it?

[Azizia]: Go ahead.

Jo hits the switch. Nothing obvious happens.

[Jocoza]: Hmm… no gate yet. She did say this was the 'first switch’. Maybe we need to hit another one. Let's go ask!

We go to ask.

Avatar of Freya says: You're back, little ones. I was beginning to worry about your well-being.

Yveris tilts her head. "Worry?"

Avatar of Freya says: I would not want a creation of the titans to harm you.

[Azizia]: We're more unexpected than you thought, uh?

Yveris steps forward and hugs the Avatar's ankle.

Azizia blinks at Yveris.

Paluuva clears her throat at Azizia.

Avatar of Freya says: More unexpected…. I suppose so. A pleasant surprise, at least, unlike the living who serve the Scourge.

[Jocoza]: We flipped a switch. Did it work? I couldn't tell.

Azizia sneakily shrugs one shoulder at Paluuva in a 'what?' way.

Avatar of Freya says: It did. We're halfway there. One more switch needs to be activated before we can retrieve the Etymidian.

[Jocoza]: The Etymidian…

[Azizia]: Etymidian… is weapon's name?

[Yveris]: Ety…

Avatar of Freya says: Yes, that's what it is called.

Yveris considers the word, then just leaves it at "Ety."

Paluuva jots down a note: Etymidian - weapon

Avatar of Freya says: The titans constructed a second vantage point where they oversaw their creations. You'll find it to the east, high in the mountains. Pull the activation switch theta inside the overlook and the waygate will open.

[Jocoza]: Yes, ma'am!

We head to the other vantage point. A glowing ball hovers by the entrance.

[Nunuzac]: That shiny ball! What is that?

[Jocoza]: A book!

[Yveris]: Book?

[Jocoza]: Yes, I saw them at the Inventor's Library.

[Azizia]: Uh.

[Jocoza]: The mechagnomes can read them. I wish I could read them. But, you know, not enough to want to be, you know…

[Azizia]: One eventuality our team was not ready for. We did not bring mechagnome with us.
[Azizia]: But you are right, Captain. You are better with not being a robot.

Jocoza smiles at Azizia.

[Nunuzac]: Maybe not to be, but if they read a device language… translator may be possible.

[Jocoza]: Maybe…

[Yveris]: Big…

[Jocoza]: Yes, this side is a bit bigger. And no windows to sea life.

[Azizia]: I suppose if there is first and second switch, they preferred to make bigger room with more defenders for second switch.

Jocoza nods at Azizia. "It's a thing I saw sometimes in Gnomeregan, a two-factor lock."

Yveris points at the ceiling. "Humans?"

[Jocoza]: What?

Paluuva keeps her sketchbook in hand, continuing to make drawings of the Titan facilities.

[Jocoza]: Oh! Winged human babies?

[Azizia]: Uh. Baby humans. With wings.

[Jocoza]: Hm.

[Nunuzac]: The big woman from the Titans looks like a vrykul. Only very big and metal.
[Nunuzac]: Maybe it is their baby.

[Azizia]: They must have kept winged humans in lab, thinking it should not be released to rest of Azeroth.

[Jocoza]: Maybe winged humans was just too much, yeah.

We examine the deepest interior of the area. There is no glass window, but steam rises from behind the switch.

[Jocoza]: This one has like… a steam pit.

[Yveris]: Bath?

[Nunuzac]: Under-earth energy!

[Azizia]: Here. Air totem to keep steam away from us.

[Nunuzac]: It may be the device energy source, and for the big buildings. Very hot and squeeze from where lava comes.

[Jocoza]: I would not jump in it, just in case. Ready for the switch?

Yveris nods.

[Paluuva]: I am ready.

Jo hits the switch.

[Jocoza]: Hmmm…. I don't see a waygate. Maybe it's elsewhere.

[Azizia]: I hope she is not making fun of us.

We head back to see if the Avatar of Freya is making fun of us.

Avatar of Freya says: I felt you hit the second switch. The waygate is active. It is time!

[Yveris]: Time!

Avatar of Freya says: This is the first time I've activated the gate in seven centuries. I want you to use it to travel to where our final hope lies. Let us put an end to those who would seek to bring the taint of undeath to this pristine land. Let us unleash the Etymidian.

[Yveris]: Ety.

Azizia nods at Avatar of Freya.

[Jocoza]: Um, where is it?

Avatar of Freya says: Oh, I forgot you do not sense this land as if it were a part of you.

[Azizia]: No we do not.

Yveris smiles patiently.

Avatar of Freya says: It is in the southern end of the basin.

[Azizia]: Thank you.

[Jocoza]: Right, thanks!

Nunuzac murmurs in draenei, "I hope someone was giving it maintenance"

Jocoza nods at Nunu. "Seven hundred years dormant."

As they head off…

[Azizia]: "You do not sense like I do." She said it this way on purpose.

[Jocoza]: Azizia, I don't think the Avatar of the Titan Keeper was being catty.

Azizia crosses her arms. "I think she was, because I was, first."

They travel down to the waygate. It is big and the travel area is filled with streamers of light.

[Jocoza]: Whoa.

[Paluuva]: This must be the waygate.
[Paluuva]: It's beautiful.

[Yveris]: Gate. Big.

Paluuva nods to Yveris. "It needs be large enough for one such as the Avatar to pass through."

Jocoza glances at Nunu. "I bet Erixa would've loved seeing this, after all the titan construction in Storm Peaks."

[Nunuzac]: I want her to see… The Keeper, she will help us get in after all this, I hope.

[Jocoza]: I hope so.
[Jocoza]: Let's go see where it takes us?

They pass through the waygate!

Jocoza blinks.

[Azizia]: Hm.

[Jocoza]: I recognize this place.

[Paluuva]: Oh my.
[Paluuva]: You do?

[Azizia]: I do not know this place, I think?

Yveris runs to the edge. "Crater!"

Nunuzac does not recognize this place. "The air squeeze is different here… it must be very far."

[Jocoza]: We're high up, but… this is Un'goro, isn't it?

[Yveris]: Un'goro, yes.

[Paluuva]: Un'goro Crater? In Kalimdor?

[Azizia]: Oh, we are back on Kalimdor….

[Jocoza]: Un'goro is a biological laboratory?

[Paluuva]: Astonishing!
[Paluuva]: Another Titan laboratory and nobody knew. This is quite a discovery.

We find a large statue of a man.

[Jocoza]: A statue!

[Nunuzac]: Is this her brother?

Yveris approaches the statue(?) "Ety?" she asks.

[Azizia]: Here, look it says Etymidian, yes!
[Azizia]: Weapon is statue?

Nunuzac pokes an elaborately carved… sandal strap?

Yveris pokes at its toes. How cute.

[Azizia]: Statue is too big to be wielded as sword, even for Avatar Freya.

[Jocoza]: It doesn't look like a weapon.

[Paluuva]: I do not think it is that kind of weapon.

[Azizia]: Ooh, do you mean maybe statue will move?

[Jocoza]: It's not moving now, though.

[Nunuzac]: How we turn on?

[Jocoza]: I don’t know, but we need to get it working - the Avatar of Freya is counting on us.

[Paluuva]: Look there. There is a recess in its chest.
[Paluuva]: Some kind of rune. Just a moment.

Nunuzac tries blowing the horn again. Toooot.

Yveris smiles at the horn.

No flowers this time. Looks like the Avatar of Freya’s power does not stretch so far.

Paluuva examines the rune as she flips through a notebook.

[Jocoza]: Maybe it's somewhere nearby, to prevent idle activation.

Yveris notices cultists nearby. The rest of us are still preoccupied with the statue.

[Yveris]: Oh…!

Nunuzac knocks on the Etymidian's knee when he doesn't seem to hear.

Yveris tries again to get our attention.

[Yveris]: Bad!

[Paluuva]: Little is known of the Titans' language. But…if I'm correct, this rune means 'destruction'.

[Jocoza]: Then that sounds like a weapon.

Azizia and Nunuzac catch on.

[Azizia]: Uh.

Nunuzac blinks at Death's Hand Acolyte.

[Azizia]: Cultist!

Paluuva and Jo are finally pulled away from their examination of the statue.

[Paluuva]: That is not good.

[Jocoza]: No!

[Yveris]: Cultist, get!

[Jocoza]: They must be trying to claim the weapon for themselves!

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

[Nunuzac]: They got in already! They did wait for us to open.

[Azizia]: We must stop them!

We see a cultist with a big hat. Everyone knows that’s a leader, it’s like big shoulders.

[Nunuzac]: Big hat…

[Jocoza]: Kill him!

Azizia 's head and horns are covered by rocks as she headbutts High Cultist Herenn.

Jocoza sees a rune!

[Jocoza]: Look! It's the same shape as the hole on his chest.

[Azizia]: I hope it does not mean "destroy weapon".

[Jocoza]: The cultists had gotten the destruction rune. We were just in time.

We head back to the statue, eager to activate it.

[Paluuva]: Can someone climb up to insert it?

[Yveris]: Careful. Not break Ety.

[Jocoza]: Um, someone taller than me? Or someone could boost me.

Nunuzac stoops with her hands netted and nods over to Jo offering her a hand up.

[Yveris]: Throw-Cozy?

The rune-shaped slot on the Etimydian's chest appears to glow with faint power.

[Paluuva]: Look there. It is reacting to the proximity of the rune.

Jocoza steps into Nunuzac's boost hands and lunges up to put the rune in place.

[Yveris]: Throw-Cozy. *Yveris looks satisfied.*

There's a rumbling sound as the statue comes to life.

Nunuzac is even taller than as tall as she is with a gnome above-head. Teamwork.

The Etymidian says: Omega Rune deployed. Activation successful.
The Etymidian says: I am needed somewhere?

Nunuzac carefully returns the captain to the ground.

Azizia claps excitedly.

[Yveris]: Ety!

[Azizia]: Oh! It does move!

[Paluuva]: Ah! Etymidian, we are here on behalf of the Avatar of Freya!

Jocoza nods. "From Sholazar Basin!"

[Azizia]: Undeath is poisoning Sholazar Basin.

Etymidian says: You speak the truth. I can sense the very essence of Sholazar Basin begin to fray by the blight of undeath even as we speak.

[Yveris]: Fray…bad.

Paluuva nods to Yveris.

Etymidian says: Yes, it is very bad.

[Yveris]: Freya, good.

Azizia nods at Yveris.
[Azizia]: Mostly.

Etymidian says: Indeed, I trust the Lifewarden implicitly. I've bound my being into the rune. Deliver it to she who sent you here—for only her power can grant me passage to her lands.

[Paluuva]: It shall be done.

Nunuzac blinks. "She will be okay that we do not fit him through the door?"

[Yveris]: Ety, heavy.

Azizia nods at Yveris.

[Azizia]: I am not carrying him.

[Jocoza]: I think he's saying he can't pass through unless she gives him… a passcard? A metaphorical passcard?

[Jocoza]: I suppose she gave one to all of us.

Paluuva nods.

Azizia nods at you.

[Jocoza]: Back through!

We head back to the Avatar of Freya.

[Paluuva]: We have spoken with the Etymidian, Avatar.

[Nunuzac]: Great big Keeper - we could not fit him through the door… In the metamorphical sense.

[Yveris]: Ety needs permission!

Avatar of Freya says: But you have brought his rune? You've done well. Woe unto our enemies. Woe unto those who serve the Lich King and threaten the titans' creations—for the Etymidian will soon be here.

[Nunuzac]: Woe!
Nunuzac smiles.

[Azizia]: Woo!

Yveris nods at Nunuzac.

Avatar of Freya says: It is time. The Etymidian is one of the most destructive forces ever created by the titans and I am loathe to unleash him in my lands. There is little choice, however. Our enemies have forced my hand and the fury of the titans will cleanse all.

Nunuzac blinks. "Most?" He just kind of looked like a big guy.

[Azizia]: Cleanse all… Scourge?

Yveris nods solemnly. "Cleanse."

Avatar of Freya says: Go up to where Icecrown spills into the basin and use the rune. It will summon Etymidian to you.

Jo nods at Avatar of Freya.

We fly up to the snow spilling in from Icecrown and land a little ways away from the Scourge.

[Jocoza]: Ready?

[Nunuzac]: We keep back the dead! I did not think I could help the big fight. But we help here.

Azizia nods at Nunuzac.

Jocoza nods. "We'll hold them back."

[Jocoza]: Let's activate the rune!

[Yveris]: Call Ety!

All five of them perch on Etymidian's shoulders as he wreaks havoc against the Scourge.

We see a big flesh giant.

[Jocoza]: Big flesh giant!

[Nunuzac]: Ew!

Ety kills it. Then we see a frostwyrm.

[Nunuzac]: Dragon bones!

[Jocoza]: Frostwyrm over here!

Ety kills it.

Nunuzac clings to Etymidian. "He is like… statue vindicator! Hammer the bad thing!"

We see another monster.

[Jocoza]: That's like the one that injected people in Naxxramas.

Ety kills it. All the while, The Etymidian is rampaging around slaughtering the weaker undead as well.

[Jocoza]: This is amazing.

Yveris frowns. "Plague bad."

[Jocoza]: Defeating it is good!

[Yveris]: Yes!

[Jocoza]: I think we've cleared out this whole terrace!
[Jocoza]: Thank you, Etymidian!

[Paluuva]: She did not exaggerate about the Etymidian's power.

[Yveris]: Ety, hero.

[Jocoza]: Indeed not!

[Jocoza]: If vindicators are like this, maybe we need to focus on recruiting more of them.

[Yveris]: Many Ety?

[Nunuzac]: Many bad things will get hammer.

We head back to the Avatar of Freya to report.

[Jocoza]: Etymidian did his job well!

Avatar of Freya says: I am grateful for your help. It is my duty to watch over these lands and all life that dwells on them. Thanks to you, that life will continue to thrive while the forces of death wage in the bordering regions. Your actions will not be forgotten.

Azizia nods as the titan avatar thanks them. "We are happy to have helped."

[Paluuva]: It warms my heart to know we could help preserve this beautiful land.

[Nunuzac]: You keep this rune, big Keeper? Must keep the dead from here while the fight is on the other side.

Avatar of Freya says: Yes. I will keep Etymidian here, in case he is needed again.

[Yveris]: Visit Ety?

Avatar of Freya says: Etymidian is a weapon. But… if you would like to visit him, I will not stand in your way.

Yveris beams.

Nunuzac clasps her hands. "Do you know any about get into Ulduar? We think there are Keepers in danger inside." She may not have put a few things together about the source of the avatar.

Avatar of Freya says: Keepers in danger? Is that why Freya has not been here recently?

[Azizia]: Oh. Is she missing then?

[Nunuzac]: The one called Thorim was taken inside by brother Loken, and people like us were taken too-also.

[Yveris]: Freya..missing?

Avatar of Freya says: She seems to be, yes. I could use her power here, though I have been holding out on my own.

[Azizia]: That is worrying.

Avatar of Freya says: Thorim is missing as well? This is troubling. And others… Ulduar should be a safe place. It is a titan complex.

[Paluuva]: If you have any knowledge of how to access Ulduar, it would be immensely helpful in securing the safety of the Keepers.

Avatar of Freya says: I admit I have been here for some time, so I do not know what recent events may have wrought. But the only way I know into Ulduar is through the front door.

[Azizia]: … Simple like that.
[Azizia]: We walk in from front door.

Avatar of Freya says: The interior is made for people of my size, but… they did install a teleportation device for the smaller beings, so that you would not need to traverse vast distances. If you can get in the entrance and activate that, you should be able to make a search.

[Yveris]: Missing… Need healer?

[Paluuva]: If it is that simple, I would worry even more that Loken has not secured the facility. It would feel like a trap.

Yveris points to herself. "Healer."

[Nunuzac]: Yes! We want to find out what is wrong. The mages from Dalaran try to open it, maybe we bring one here to make the open spell better.
[Nunuzac]: Would you talk with them?

Avatar of Freya says to Yveris: If the Keepers need a healer, we are in a dire situation. But in that case… I rely on you to use your skills to help.

Yveris nods.

Avatar of Freya says to Nunuzac: Yes, I would speak with your fleshed mages. I value all life, and especially titan-formed life.

[Azizia]: Mhm.

Nunuzac raises her hands gratefully. "Thank you! I will bring one from those who work on this right away."

Avatar of Freya says: I will be here, defending.

Nunuzac nods to Jocoza. "I carry this message."

Paluuva taps her chin. "Avatar…I don't suppose you know whether draenei," she gestures to herself, Azizia and Nunuzac, "were created by the Titans as well?"

[Nunuzac]: Maybe they break through with a break-through.

[Jocoza]: Thank you, Nunuzac. I'll be in touch with the Explorer's League as well. I think they were planning an incursion soon, and maybe we can speed things up now that we've lost one of our own.

Azizia whispers to Paluuva in Draenei. "She looked at me when she said 'especially titan-formed'".

Avatar of Freya says: You are not of this planet, are you?

[Paluuva]: We are not. We hail from a world called Argus. We were once known as eredar.

[Nunuzac]: Far away.

Avatar of Freya says: I am afraid I have no knowledge of that place. I was made here, to preserve life on Azeroth. If you were made by the titans, I would not know of it.

Paluuva nods. "As I suspected. I appreciate your willingness to share what knowledge you have. Thank you."

Avatar of Freya says: Thank you, my friends. My eyes would not have been opened to the true threat here without you.

Nunuzac shrugs across at Paluuva. "Maybe we find out more inside Ulduar."
Nunuzac beams when called a friend.

[Azizia]: Maybe. They must have more knowledge there.

[Yveris]: Bring mecha gnome for books?

[Nunuzac]: I hurry. So much happens right now.

Paluuva nods to Nunuzac. "That is my hope."

[Jocoza]: Everyone want a portal back to Dalaran?

[Azizia]: Oh, I would appreciate portal, yes.

[Paluuva]: Yes please. Thank you, Jocoza.

[Jocoza]: It's not as cool as a waygate, but well… I'm not an Avatar.

[Yveris]: Cozy's portals, cool.

[Jocoza]: Thanks for coming out today! I feel like we've learned a lot, and helped a lot.

[Nunuzac]: Is very cool and good!