| Day 3 and 4.. Stormwind Ho! |
[May. 14th, 2006|08:11 pm] |
What a busy two days it has been indeed! After leaving Coldridge I made why way back to Ironforge and made for the Tram. Cutting through the crowds I made my way for the Gnomish section of Ironforge. We gnomes do love to tinker with things and shortly after finishing the great tram we found our hands sitting idle for too long. We began to work on extending our mighty city of Gnomeregan in anticipation of the visitors and rush of new business the tram would bring us.
The Entrance to the Gnomish District
Unfortantly for us we seemed to have run into a slight snag. One morning before dawn a huge explosion rocked the very foundation of our once mighty city. Noxious and poisonious gas spewed from the earth and irradiated many many gnomes. Many more fled the disaster and sought refuge in the halls of Ironforge. King Magni, and wise and just dwarf, allowed those gnomes seeking refuge a home in Ironforge. We constructed a small section for ourselves near the trams entrance and remain there to this day trying to find a solution to the radiation.
The tram was constructed shortly after the second war to make it easier for exhange and travel between the two greatest cities of Ironforge and Stormwind. A marvel of Dwarf labor, gnomish engineering and human resolve the tram has carried many travelers and buisinessmen to and fro.
I made my way into the main waiting hall for the tram. The tram itself was comprised of two three car shuttles that ran through two seperate tunnels under mountains and for a short spell under the ocean. The feat of constructing such a marvel still boggles me to this day. I guess if we can beat a horde of orcs,trolls and the onslaught of demons this should seem easy.
The Mighty Tram
While waiting for shuttle to arrive I bumped into a poor bloke by the name of Haggle. Seems poor Haggle lost everything when Gnomer (short for Gnomeregan) went up in poisonious smoke. He was now reduced to sifting through trash and begging tram-goers for copper to get by. I handed the poor guy a gold and wished him the best as my shuttle arrived. As the shuttle moved away my last sight of him was him returning to dig through the trash.. poor guy.
Poor Haggle.. he should really get checked out, doesnt look so well
My mind was quickly pulled away from Haggle as we reached the section of the tram that run under the sea. Thick glass seperated me from millions of gallons of water as the shuttle rushed through. I could look out and see coral, sea beasts, and the wreckage of a Elven ship from the second war. Seemed everywhere I looked there were reminents of that awful time.
A Ruined Vessel Seen From The Tram
The shuttle soon reached the other side of the tunnel and I disembarked and entered Stormwind in the Dwarven District. The smell of sulfer and black smoke assaulted my senses as I made my way through the section of the city. Seems you can take the dwarf out of Ironforge but not the Ironforge out of the dwarf. I made me way out into the canal district, and fresh air, and was greeted by the site of the mighty spires from the Stormwind Cathedral looming in the distance. I decided since I was so close I would visit the site first and foremost. But first I had to sleep. I found the Inn and settled down for a long nights sleep.
The Mighty Spires of The Stormwind Cathedral
I awoke later then I wanted and spent the afternoon buying supplies that I would need for the next leg of my journey. I remembered the cathedral and made my way there late in the afternoon. I entered into the cathedral district and made for the giant steps. As a gnome I have to say, its quite alot of work getting up those steps!
Quite a workout!
Once inside the cathedral I knew I had made the right choice by visiting here first. The sun was starting to set and made for a glorious scene shining through the great stained glass windows. The cathedral, as well as the bulk of the great city itself, was rebuilt by the Stone Masons after the second War. The Orcish Horde had all but destroyed every last part of the city during the great siege. The old town was all that was left standing. After the war The Stone Masons, a group of engineers, stonecutters, and builders grouped together to assist the nobles to rebuild the great city. There are rumors that the nobles stiffed the Stone Masons out of greatly earned rewards so the Masons left Stormwind swearing revenge. No matter the truths to this, the Cathedral stands as a testiment to thier awsome skill with morter and stone.
A Thing to Awe!
After looking around a bit I made my way through the Canal District to the Mage District. Stormwind is well known for its study of Magic and the training of Magi. I know Veldinsweed had spent a small time training here, but was thrown out. He has never explained why, just something involving a sheep and the Headmasters wife.
As I rounded the corner I saw the Mage Tower lumming over the grassy parklike layout. I dared not venture up, I wouldnt want a misplaced Frostbolt or Fireball ruining my vacation.
The Mighty Mage Tower
I hurried through the Mage District racing the sun, had much more to see and night was approaching.
I made my way through the crowds in the canal district for the home of the ruling class of humans, Stormwind Keep. I caught site of the giant castle as I rounded the corner. Again the Stone Masons knowledge of stone loomed before me.
The Mighty Keep Loomed Before Me
I was just about to enter the long hall to the throne room when the guards stopped me. Apparently there are reports of attempts made on the young princes life. No visitors were being allowed into the keep. They handed me a painted portrait of the young prince, Anduin Wrynn and his bodyguard, Highlord Bolvar Fordragon and told me to be on my way.
A Token of My Visit To Stormwind
Looks like I would have to make my back here at a later date to visit. Before leaving I took one last look inside the keep and gazed at wonder at the size of the Great Hall. Wherever the Stone Masons had gone they would be sure to build great and wondrous things.
The Great Hall
I made my way to the main gate of Stormwind wanting to reach my final destination for the day, Goldshire. The mighty gates of the city lay just beyond the Valley of Heroes. A large stone bridge lay over a cool lake with giant statues of the Second Wars greatest Heroes. General Marcus Johnathon stands ever watchful under the cold stone eyes of General Turylon. Turylon lead the Alliance armies into the dark portal after the orcish horde and is presumed dead, as survivors of the army tell of Draenors destruction.
The Mighty Heroes of the Alliance
I made my way through the large wooden and steel doors and was greeted by the site of Elywnn Forest. The lush green trees and grass were a welcome sight to the white blur of endless snow. I made my way down the road toward Goldshire when suddenly I was assaulted by a masked bandit. He demanded my coin and threatened me with a sharp looking dagger.
"A Chance to Use my Freshly Sharpened Blade" is what he yelled at me..
Just as I was about to loosen my coin purse a guard patrolling the road intervened. After dispatching the vile crook he explained that Elywnn forest and points beyond were troubled by a large gang know as the Defias. Mysterious in origin they sprung from the very earth it seemed and have caused much trouble for the guards and townsfolk. I thanked him for his help and made my way down the road.
Guard Brady says "Remember kids, just say no to potions!"
I soon saw Goldshire in the distance and made haste for the Inn. I bought a room and settled down for a drink before I slept. I was enjoying my ale when I heard a old couple whispering about the terrors that plagued Westfall, the province to the southwest of Goldshire. They spoke of bandits who came in the night and giant beasts that stalked the land.
Goldshire
I payed for my drink and climbed the stairs to my room. I sat for awhile thinking of the old couples words. As worried as I was, I decided to make Westfall my next stop on my trip. I was just worried that I wouldnt make it back alive...
I dont look too worried...do I? |
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| Day3... Home again Home again... |
[May. 9th, 2006|10:35 pm] |
I woke with the rising sun in hopes the beast guarding the tunnel to Coldridge Valley had left. But much to my dissmay the brute hadnt moved an inch. If it wasnt so ugly I would think about trying to hire it as a gaurd for the bank, we need good employees these days.
Didnt sleep a wink...
I thought over my possible plans of action and decided Diplomicy should reign. I approached him introducing myself and explaining that I just wanted to pass through as quickly as possible. His response was something along the lines of ..
"RAAAAAWRRRRR"
So I decided to take a less passive stance..
Hey.. He started it!
After about 2 seconds I realized I wasnt gonna last against the brute. Ugly, yes Rude,yes Tough, YES! So I made a mad dash for the cave. Now not one to normaly jump about with thinking things through I realized it was a big mistake heading in without backup. The whole tunnel was infested with the vermin. As I ran further in the brute yelled out and many more joined the hunt.
He had friends!
I ran as fast as my stubby legs could carry me. I never thought I would make it out alive when I saw the sun glaring through the end of the tunnel. I ran faster and realized the troggs had long stop the chase. As I exited the tunnel an squad of gaurds looked at me with confusion.
"Lad, most people want to LEAVE Coldridge.. not come to it.."
To which I replied.. "Im on Vacation!"... only realizing at that point that the statement was probably the stupidest thing I have ever said.
But through it all I was home....
Coldridge Valley
I made my way down the path toward Anvilmar and caught sight of my dear old mother at my fathers grave. I approached her quietly as not to disturb her. I heard her sobbing softly and I called out.
She rose up and greated me with a hug and rushed me into the great dinning hall for a warm meal.
Poor ol Mom
We talked about my job, about the comings and goings on of the last war, if my mother had heard if they ever found my fathers body, and about the recent infestation that has driving almost everyone out of Coldridge Valley. My mother explained with the recent war the King had not the troops to deal with the recent Trogg threat.
We talked more and my mother made mention of needing furs for the coming winter.
A Warm Hearth Cooked Meal
We made our way outside and found a pack of thin looking wolves. My mother proved to be quite resourceful in dealing with the wolves as we killed about 10 and skinned them.
Thier hides would last my mother through the winter.
The Family That Slays Together...
After we got the hides secured I prepared to leave, Unsure of my next destination. I said goodbye to my mother and made my way up the road, hoping I could get an escort through the cave this time.
Leaving Home Again..
As I got near the tunnel again I stopped and looked out across Coldridge Valley as it swarmed with life. I would have to make a point to talk to King Magni about this problem when I got home. Surely the king would not want his people to suffer so.
One Last Look... |
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| Day 2.. A day in the Life of Dwarf.. |
[May. 8th, 2006|07:10 pm] |
So after checking my maps and planning my course it accured to me that I havent been home in a long long time. So I made up my mind to make that my first destination!
A sent a courier on ahead with a letter for my mother.. she doesnt like to be suprised and packed away the last of my maps.
The world looks so small here....
I was almost out the door for good when a guard approached me and said that King Magni requested a meeting. I havent meet with the king since I accepted the post as Head Banker for the Ironforge Branch. After speaking with him briefly I assured him that the bank was in good hands.
The King and I..
After that I left Ironforge to start my grand adventure...
Upon leaving I stopped and took one last look at the grand city I have called home for so long..
Farewell my sweet sweet home...
Traveling just a small ways down the road I came upon the first Crossroads. I seem to remember the small town of Kharanos. I remember passing through it on my way to the big city when I was younger, But I never stopped in due to my mothers parting words...
"Stay away from that Kharanos place... nothing but drunken dwarves there!"
Drunken dwarves she said... YIPEE! BOOZE!
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me and made for the local inn. There I met up with a doctor of sorts as we shared a few pints.
I swear that boar head on the wall was talking to me....
The next thing I knew I was waking up on the cold stone floor with a pounding headache. I stumbled out of the room to find the dwarves laughing at me. Pondered at the situation I asked them what was funny.
"Aye Lil Gnome.. you had a wee bit too much to drink. And you only had one glass!!"
So close to the bed... yet so far...
I dusted myself off and thanked the kind dwarves for thier fire water and made my way back outside. At this point it was getting late so I hurried down the Road trying to race the sun. The Twin moons had already crested the horizon so I knew I didnt have long.
Coming around the bend I heard an onslaught of explosions and the clattering of dwarven laughter. As I crested a nearby hill I found a party of dwarves firing mortars at a target. They finished thier exercise in utter destruction and made thier way back to thier tents. I introduced myself and took a seat with them at the fire. After some general small talk I told them of my grand plan to see the world.
All conversation grew quiet and thier faces drew blank as a untouched piece of parchment. Finally one of the dwarves spoke up..
"Lad.. ya do know that there are beasts that roam the wild far greater then any uh us dontcha?"
They like to blow stuff up..
his comment made me second guess my trip but all the time I invested in this journey so far was not for lose. I asked them for details of the statement and they told me that even around my old home there were beasts that would see me as thier dinner. "Troggs" they called them, a recent festering boil on the land. Seems they had taken over the one tunnel to Coldridge Valley and made it hell for anyone or anything to get through. This only hardened my resolve to reach my homestead and to see my kin.
I thanked the dwarves for thier time and left as I watched the sun begin to set. I raced up the road and saw the tunnel to Coldridge in the far distance. I was excited and nervous to be almost home. Yet, as I drew closer the site of animal bones broken crates and carts and the lack of animals made me very concerned.
Just as I came up on the tunnel I was stopped dead in my tracks by a horrific looking beast gaurding the tunnel entrance.
It was the beasts they warned me about..
The sun fell behind the great hills and it grew dark as I pondered my next move... I made my way into the hills and started a fire to keep me warm. I will hunker down here for the night and ponder my next move...
What will the rising sun bring... |
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| Day 1 |
[May. 8th, 2006|01:44 am] |
Well as I stated before, I had to prepare for my adventure!
My first thought was I needed Food and other supplies. So I hit the vendors in Ironforge for all the supplies I thought I would need.
So my first stop was the local food and drink vendor.
Well if I do say so myself the gentleman was less then nice. Couldnt even look me in the face.
Rude Indeed... Note To Self, Increase Tax on All Food Holdings When I Return..
After that I took a good look around Ironforge and realized I wasnt going to last two seconds in the wilds without proper arms.
Being the resourcefull banker I was I went to see my old friends, the Steelfury Brothers.
Nice Gents, even if they do drink alot...
They were able to secure me with a nice sword for all my "assistance" with that nasty Bankers Union Audit that was looking to close them down last year. I tell you, trying to buy cheap Steel from a one armed Troll doesnt sit well with the union.. at all!
my last step was sending a letter to my second in command (And love of my life) Twilightbank. As my secretary (and love of my life, did I mention that?) she was in charge of the everyday ho hum while Im gone. The only thing that worries me is that troublesome Veldinsweed... He left on vacation yesterday and weve heard no word from him...
I hope everything goes ok....
After that I was all set to leave...
I said my goodbyes and checked the last bit of mail and was off!
Lookout World Here I Come! |
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| A Much Needed Vacation! |
[May. 8th, 2006|01:32 am] |
Well, Hello there!
My name is Bankertron. Ever since I was a wee lad growing up in Anvilmar in the Coldridge Valley counting copper that visitors payed my father for repairs I always knew I wanted to be a banker. So when I came of age, thats what I did. I left Anvilmar and made the trek to Ironforge.
I Soon took a job under a banker in the very busy Ironforge bank. Soon I was approached about holding a position with the Bankers Union. I took the job and was assigned to Bankers Union 88 whos home was trusty ol Ironforge.
Heres me in my Union Uniform, Snazy eh?!
Well as fate would have it I had alot of hours put in and I recently recieved a letter from The Head Banker that I have vacation time saved up!... As puzzling a thing as this "Vacation" is to me, Ive been told use it or lose it. Me not being one to like to "Lose" anything have decided to take this vacation.
I hear lots of bank patrons talk of far off lands and exciting adventures so Ive decided to see as many places and to meet as many people as possible!
Here goes nothing! |
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