A Letter from the Editor

A glance into my notebook has informed me that I have been remiss in reporting all the news that is fit for Nyx. I regret the path that has set me away from that calling, but I must tread where it leads now.

For the nonce, my master, Bael’spar “Guardian Fist” Mon’tisto, Light of the Sun’s Fury, Hero of the Sin’dorei, Nightwarder of Nyx, Fashion’s First Son, and Mrs. Wilkerson’s Finest Reader for January and myself are on an errand for the Grand Order of Librarians. Would that I could summon you all to where we are, just so that you may all see with your own eyes that which we are seeing.

In lieu of that, I shall be doing my best to transmit to you all our current situation. The Order has seen fit to allow me some communiques. Librarian Maledicta has gathered tid bits of information for us on the guild’s comings and goings. To her, I am grateful. Not only for that, but for not incinerating Bael’spar as she had intially felt like doing.

When our tasks are complete, I look forward to returning to chronicle the events of Nyx in my capacity of Nyx Scribe. Until that time, I have, under advisement of Bael’spar, asked a young druid by the name of Buruta to oversee the Gazette, and get some news out to all our guildmates.

As to his qualifications, Buruta is among the throngs of inscriptionists.  All the ink that is used in the printed version of the Gazette, unless you have a Gnomish imitation of the Elftronic Den’Kall Mk II. Then, we at the Gazette cannot be liable for the media that is printed out. This might explain the reports we are hearing of incomplete Gazettes.

That is the news from the field. In service to the Dark Lady,

Yaen’gohl Due’maes

Servant and Nyx Scribe

Who am I?

I am Buruta Kodofist. I follow Cairne Bloodhoof in his guiding of our people. I am a druid, and serve the Horde as a spokesman between the Warsong Outriders and the Cenarion Circle. I am an inscriptionist. I am doing a favor for Bael’spar.

News

Dateline: The Barrens

Alliance Problems

The Alliance are making more and more forrays invasions into the Barrens from Ratchet. I counted seven yesterday. Today, there are ten. If things continue this way, they will be a greater menace than the Kolkar.

Shortage of Tanks and Healers Continues

I am unaware of what a ‘Heroic’ is. Apparently, there needs to be a “tank” and a healer. I have tried to offer my claws, but was turned down as not being “prepared”, At other times, I have been busy, but strangers have run up to me to ask “wanna healz wc?”. This time of no tanks or healers has driven some of the Horde to madness. Cenarius has yet to teach me how to cure it. Many of the druids in Moonglow tell of the same in the Alliance lands. Beware the madness.

Dateline: Durotar

Books Can be Dangerous

Both Bael’spar and Yaen’gohl are learning to be wary of books. Let me add my own lesson. I followed Azim out of Orgrimmar. He seemed rather focussed on his master. I followed as unseen as I can manage. He spotted me, and challenged me. He raised not a fist to me, but opened a book. The book sent me to the ground. Some knowledge can be deadly.

Bael’spar’s Fashion and Gossip

Note from Maledicta – I was sorely tempted to hand Buruta what Bael’spar had submitted to me. I do not wish for the Gazette readers to get the wrong impression about Buruta’s handling of the Gazette. Thus, I will be editting, and perhaps commenting. The intent, though, is all Bael’spar.

I regret that I am not in Azeroth to describe all of the fashion trends that are occurring in Northrend. All that fur and shoveltusk blubber. To imagine all the sights that our friends the Kalu’ak are showing us.

Instead, I must while away my time working on my “High Gothic” with Nanda Ampule, my instructor. I admit that life in the pleasuredrome is not what one might wish, all the lessons take so much time away from the important things. Either a night of pleasure or a morning of beauty sleep has to be sacrificed to fit in these lessons. Fortunately, I have found a local substitute for blood thistle, but it seems to make the local police force upset should they find it on you.

Well, hopefully Yaen’gohl will take a while in finding this book he’s after. I wouldn’t want to fall behind in my lessons.

 A horde of Nyxian fighters, and friends, ventured in to the depths of the Vault of Archavon on Wednesday night; first in a 25 man event, and then followed by a 10 man event.  Both raids were lead by Stormcry, with Theotaz following as second, and Tasera as technical advisor. 

Emalon the Stormwatcher

It was decided at the onset to give challenge to the “new Boss” in the eastern wing – Emalon, the Storm Watcher.  The Nyxian aggressors were prepared for carnage, and carnage did in fact ensue.  Many died, while trying to learn how to best this creature, and his 4 Tempest Minions – for all wanted a crack at the pieces of Tier 8 loot and PvP gear that Emalon is said to part with upon his death.  Stormcry laughingly joked that his armor repairs were nothing, in the face of the knowledge we gained while trying to drop this  beast and his forever reappearing entourage.

Death in the Vault

Flame Leviathan yells:

Total systems failure !

Defense protocols breached !

Leviathan unit shutting down !

Attacks on Our Leaders Increase

As many of our more capable warriors have ventured forth into Northrend, we have been lax in maintaining our home strength. The Alliance have been awaiting this opportunity. They have staged successful strikes into Thunder Bluff, Silvermoon City, Under City, and even Orgrimmar.

Conjecture exists amongst some of the Kor’kran that in allowing the Death Knights into the Horde, Thrall may have given access to sensitive Horde information to the Alliance. Others have not ruled out Verimathras may be utilizing this as a distraction from his other operations. Suffice to say, it is our lack of experienced defenders that is allowing these incursions into our territory.

Horde attacks on the Alliance capital cities continue to varying degrees of success.

Zajiwa to Throw Gauntlet Down Before the Gates of Orgrimmar

In news of attacks on our capitals, it would seem that Zajiwa of the Smalls Clan desires to bring war to Thrall’s door step. It appears that he was bragging about his plans in the Legerdemain Lounge in Dalaran. With ale goggles on, Zajiwa didn’t happen to know or care that he was in a neutral zone with many Horde illuminaries.

As is the case with all dealings in Dalaran, the Kirin Tor maintained the cities neutrality would not allow the Horde to take him in for questioning. Zajiwa was able to elude Horde spies by going into the Silver Enclave.

Nyx’s Kyok has been drumming up support to be ready to send Zajiwa and all who follow his flag into the Twisting Nether. No doubt, this attack will be unlike any witnessed by the forces of Nyx in recent history.

Bael’spar’s Fashion and Gossip

I am sorry, but my personal life must come before my usual tales. It would seem that forces are allying to stop my goal of restoring Elvish engineering to the state that it once was. While my people were busy dealing with the loss of the Sun Well, the gnomes were absconding with our schematics. Fortunately, they are not so adept at combining arcane force with the whirring gears that our schematics showed them. Thus, all their tech is flawed.

The goblins are the source of some of our advanced designs, but they only know the most basic uses of them. The more difficult stuff will have to be recreated. To that end, I have pooled my resources and began the lengthy process of relearning many of the lost skills. To do this, I needed assistants. Unfortunately, this fell to hiring members of the Steamwheedle Cartel.

In spite of all the contracts that I had Verimathras draw up for me, they manage to find many loop holes to escape doing actual work. Progress is slow. I fear I may come to odds with our little green-skinned friends. Perhaps I can borrow the tailors’ succubus to motivate my assistants.

Northrend Ahoy!

The zeppelin masters of the Steamwheedle Cartel have finally gotten their routes to Northrend open. This has allowed the forces of the Horde to begin their efforts against Arthas, the Lich King.

Certain revelations are coming to light, but I shall not begin into those until I can confirm them from multiple sources.

The Enemy of Our Enemy

Lady Nyx foresaw some discomfort amongst the ranks of the Lich King’s Death Knights. She sent out the call, and it was answered by one Baelphias, of no relation to my master Bael’spar; though one could be forgiven for thinking such.

Under her guidance, Baelphias formed a gathering of those that heard the call of Lady Nyx, Xyn they were called. Baelphias used Xyn to weed out those that would infiltrate our numbers in the Lich King’s name. When the time was right, they were inducted into the guild at the command of Lady Nyx herself.

As one might expect, this was not met with resounding adulation. Many of our own have been the victims of not just the Lich King’s soldiers, but the death knights specifically. Lady Nyx has demanded that we do as she bids, and accept them into our number.

Be wary of those death knights that are not sworn to our dark lady. Many of them still have a taste for the death of the Horde. Most of them wear Alliance guises, and will be easy to detect. However, their skill at arms is most formidable. Suitable weaknesses are still being sought.

Bael’spar’s Fashion and Gossip

There are those that will tell you that having an entirely black outfit will allow you to attend most functions with little fear of being out of place. With all the death knights roaming about, I find this bit of fashion advice outdated. Form and function sometimes requires the flair that full blacks can bring, but too much dilutes the effect.

Consider, instead, something with bright colours to compliment the black. Perhaps something to demonstrate one’s particular affinities. See how green spaulders, boots, gloves, and belts underline how unholy as well as fashionable a death knight could be. Use some blue to outline one’s icy heart.

If I’m not available for a style consultation, then perhaps you can persuade my new assistant, Ezraella, to offer you some of her time. She is far more than just Nyx’s new Umbral Champion of Lore, but a stunning figure of a Sin’dorei as well. I’m sure she will do us all proud.

A Letter From the Editor

I sit upon a hill overlooking the site of the annual Brewfest. The army of Orgrimmar peons has gone though and swept up all that the sponsors did not take with them. The stale taste of malted beverages left to Autumnal sun lingers upon the air. I’m left to ponder the passage of this holiday to celebrate all things intoxicating.

The wine of Battle flowed freely this Brewfest. With the attacks by the Grim Guzzler patrons, many of us thirsted for revenge. I confess that I too felt a longing to do such, but was unable to make my way to their demesne. Reports from those that went told of interesting and useful items garnered in Direbrew’s Hall.

Now, historically, is a time to begin taking stock before the Winter sets in. To that end, I will be doing write ups of our officers so that those that get little time with them. Also, as the passage to Northrend comes clear, we will need to know where we’re going.

Better Know a Nyxer Part One

Lady Tomoyo, Oracle to Nyx and Oathsworn to Lady Sylvanus has far more titles than she will ever own up to. Being somewhat modest for one of the Forsaken, she has been the sole Oracle for many months. Only recently has Lady Nyx felt the need to add to the number of Oracles, something for which Lady Tomoyo is glad of.

I asked her what she would be doing with all the time that has been freed up for her. “I must confess that I rather enjoy collecting the souls of various critters and monsters from all over Azeroth, in Soul Shards that I keep in my pocket, and which I use to summon demons and the like with which to battle in underground tournaments with others who share my interests.” I pressed her about this being what warlocks do.

“….What do you mean, “isn’t that a Warlock’s job description”? They’re two entirely different things.” I took this answer as the best I would be able to understand, not being much of the way of an arcanist.

Under Lady Tomoyo’s leadership, our guild has been instrumental in mounting successive strikes against Karazhan. Gruul the Dragonslayer and Magtheridon have been slain by our blades. She was also instrumental in gathering the Twilight Umbrage under Lady Nyx’s banner.

As Northrend opens to us, Lady Tomoyo looks forward to fighting the Scourge on their territory with the rest of the guild at her side. Nyx will bemoving on … ”To bigger and better things. The followers of Nyx have become one of the most influential organizations under the banner of the Horde in this reality plane. We may have been disorganized for a long time after the opening of the Dark Portal, but the focus and unity we have now is second to none.”

The Steamwheedle Documents

Most of the documents that were stolen by the Scarlet Crusade have been recovered. They are being translated and catalogued under the heading of “the Steamwheedle Documents”. Three tomes have not yet been recovered, and I have operations to see find where they have gotten to.

Our foray against the Crusade and the Alliance was extremely successful. Not one member fo the Alliance was able to leave without our interdiction force taking away anything that they try to get away with. It is only Archivist Doan’s inability to decipher some of the books that made him send them out for assistance with the translation.

More details will be posted as they become apparent.

Baelspar’s Fashion and Gossip

Change is in the air, my friends. Some of us have fair worn a rut in our day to day existence. The Outlands have forced us into roles we may or may not have chose, but now we may free ourselves.

Are you tired of constantly getting hammered on by the enemy while your friends to the job of killing the beast? That last ice bolt just enough to make you want to leave the cold behind? Then do it.

If nothing else, Hallow’s Eve is just around the corner. Get ready for some fun and fashionable changes.

Zul’Aman is Being Tamed

With a great felt cheer, Jan’alai Dragonhawk lord of the Amani trolls has been slain. In all due time, the forces of Nyx will be dispatching Zul’jin, the leader of the Amani. This of course leads to the difficult subject of what should be done with the lands of Zul’Aman once the Amani have been defeated.

My master, Bael’spar Mon’tisto has suggested that since the Sin’dorei have been fighting a war against the Amani, the lands that they occupy should become a Sin’doreian protectorate. From there, a triumvirate of Blood Knights, Magisters, and Artisans could collectively form a plan to better utilize these lands.

Master of Elements, Warburn Smoketusk was overheard to be strongly in disagreement, “Dis place belong to dah trolls mon! And wit deh trolls it be stayin! Mah troll brothahs won’ be able tah contain dere hatred much longah, fo yah elves who took dere lands if yahs also takeh deh place where Zul’jin make ‘is last stand!” Perhaps either the Darkspear or Zandalar tribes will be seeking to make it into a memorial of Trollish Determination and Persistence.

An inquiry has been submitted to Lady Nyx to see if she has any intentions for the Amani lands. So far, there has been no response.

Nyx Scourges Ashenvale

After many reports of Alliance incursions against the Horde’s Splintertree Post, Ezraella sounded out the cry for vengeance. A fair number turned out, fifteen all told. Once gathered at Zoram’gar, the force made their way to Astranaar. There, they took a couple of gnomish mages by surprise.

Having caused the fall of one town, they travelled North to Dark Shore. After quickly taking the port town, the forces of Nyx journeyed on to Darnassus, the Kal’dorei capitol. Entry seemed to be no problem.

Thanks in no small part to Pack Spirit, a hospitable set of apartments was acquired. From there, the forces of Nyx were assaulted by our nemesis, the No Mercy Mafia. While our forces were capable of holding off a concerted attack for no short period of time, they were not able to hold forever.

Here is Ezraella’s report of the event.

Gearing for Northrend

As a series of calisthenics designed to prepare bodies and minds for unknown dangers, Pack Spirit will be returning to many of places that vexed Azeroth. The Black Rock Spire, Zul’Gurub, An’Qhiraj, and Naxxramas are likely targets of these exercises. Look to the Pack Spirit forums for more information.

Some Financial Advice

On the horizon, there is a new trade skill to be learned. Preliminary reports that have filtered through to this reporter have indicated that many of the chief ingredients and supplies for this new trade are herbs. It has come through that those wishing to make money in the Northrend economy are best advised to stock up on herbs that might be of use.

Bael’spar’s Fashion and Gossip

I have to wonder at the “success” of the 70 Elite Tauren Chieftans. When first they appeared, they were playing to sold out arenas. Granted, the audience was primarily murlocs, but still the early momentum of their rise to fame was readily apparent.

When they began to make appearances in Silvermoon City, obviously they were making plans for a big move. Yet, it appears as though they must have angered the wrong people, for their next concert venue was the World’s End Tavern in the Lower City. While some pity must be given to the refugees gathered there, I hardly feel that an awesome band is the balm they need when there are far more deserving souls on the Scryer Rise.

Imagine my surprise when I found them in the Grim Guzzler performing for a Direbrew coming of age ceremony. I would expect a band of the caliber of Gnomer-Head (the one’s whose amps go to 10.01) or Copper Stool. In having a word with Sig Nicious, I was able to deduce that Bergrist’s “dust” problem may be at the foot of their troubles. Chief Thunderskin’s assertion that Sig’s wardrobe/makeup expenditures exceed that of Bergrist during a binge seem to be completely unfounded and preposterous. Here’s hoping that Northrend will find them performing at larger venues.

OOC News

Blizzard Account Authenticators are once again in stock. The last set went out of stock in a few hours. Hopefully they will have more supplies this time, but it’s well worth it to have account security.

Nyx Gazette XI – Full Moon Festival Redux

Farewell to a Friend

Linkan, Blood Knight, Hero of the Sin’dorei, Nightwarder of Trials, Defender of the Scryers, Champion of the Na’aru, and many other countless titles that he kept to himself; is no longer with us. We had a moment of silence to commemorate his absence, and recounted what had happened.

News had come to Linkan that his brother was being held in Tempest Keep. Fearing that time was against him, he charged forth to rescue his sibling. That is the last anyone has reported seeing them.

Barefoot has offered to work at taking his place leading Nyx’s raids, including an attack against Tempest Keep to discover Linkan’s fate. She will require all our support in continuing progress toward the Black Temple.

((Just for the record, the player behind Linkan is fine. Here is where he states his reasons for leaving.))

New Leadership

Lady Nyx saw the need to come forth for this meeting. She has promoted both Master Warburn Smoketusk and Archdruid Aitana Tallbear to Oracle to assist Lady Tomoyo with the day to day management of guild affairs.

 Master Warburn has been a loyal Nyx member for quite some time. Formerly a Nightwarder of Lore, he has been instrumental in many of our raids. Also, he has provided much of the flavor of the Shattrath and Orgrimmar marketplace with his “Powah Enchant” shop.

Running a guild is no new task to Archdruid Aitana. She was the guild leader of the Twilight Umbrage, a guild charged with stopping the Twilight’s Hammer from achieving their sinister goals. With the destruction of their citadel, members of the Umbrage joined under the banner of Lady Nyx. No one can say that they have not been assets to Nyx.

May there promotions serve Lady Nyx and themselves.

A Little Light Raiding

After all the announcements were done, duels were fought and dances danced. It was at that point that it was suggested that an attack be made on Jaina Proudmore. Due to the many concerns of those in attendance of the Moon Festival, we were not able to field enough to really take Theramore Island.

However, we were able to make our way to Menethil Bay. We took their castle. Then, we proceeded to Refuge Point where all the Alliance were driven from the Arathi Highlands.

Bael’spar’s Fashion and Gossip

I have not only lost a friend, but a rival. Linkan was not just a fellow Blood Knight, but a rather well dressed one to boot. Even more, his hair was nearly the rival of my own. I will not get into speculation of a compound discovered by the naga in Serpent Shrine Cavern that brings greater luster and body to one’s hair that he was pursuing. Nor, will I offer forth the fact that Prince Kael’thas, Lord of Tempest Keep, my uncle, is an ingenious alchemist and enchanter that provides me with all my hair care products. Linkan would not be so base as to attack uncle Kael’thas for that reason only, but I will speak no ill of those not here to defend themselves.

Let me say, that he will be missed, but Nyx is ready for the challenges that lie before us.

Nyx Guild Meeting

Lady Tomoyo and the rest of our officers will be having a meeting of all the guild on this very night (Sept 15^th, 2008; 10:00PM ST – Fray Island, The Barrens) Bring food, drink, and merriness; for this is likely to be a major event in the annals of Nyx lore.

A Letter from the Editor

From all reports, Lady Nyx’s guild is still doing well. More and more warriors are able to join the fights in the Outlands. The central hot spots in the war against the Alliance, however, are seeing signs that the Horde is losing interest in seeing them won. For the memory of the fallen, as this Harvest Festival wanes, let’s get out there and show the Alliance that the Horde still has its fangs.

Soon, I will be venturing forth in to Alterace Valley. The Arathi Basin and the Warsong Gulch will have seen no shortage of my attendance. While I merely am able to take reports about the battle in the Eye of Netherstorm, I hope that my blades will soon be able to be an asset. This is, of course, why the Gazette has seen a lax in publication. I hope to prove that we can get this back on track.

Taking on Another Prince

Taking down Prince Kael’thas is proving to be an effort that we are able to accomplish. There are some matters that our raiders report difficulties. Out of respect for Linkan, their name will not be mentioned. Let’s just say that golden birds will be on the menu.

Demolishing the Shrines of the Serpents

The Naga who have holed up in the Underbog have errected a shrine to their dark gods. Attempts to destroy this abomination are being made by Nyx forces even as you read this message. Going in there is no small undertaking. The fight is not just within the cavern halls, but in the rest of the Outlands as well. The gear needed to see our fighters safely through is not easily come by. However, great efforts have been made to make it so.

Bael’spar’s Fashion and Gossip

A minor topic of discussion is the matter of so called “Welfare Epics”. I have not entered into the race for these low quality items, but I know many who have. It seems like a glorious path, fight and we’ll grant you excellent quality arms and armor. The unwritten rule, though, is that this is just a way to provide fresh meat for the rage-poisoned. The arena masters are paying you to lose. Worse yet, they make Horde fight Horde; to the death. In the case of the Forsaken, that’s not so bad as unfortunate. Contrarily, some of us like our souls and our pink skins firmly attached. So, Nyx, be wary of such.

Now I have to go…um, fight for gladia- oh, um….justice. Yeah. Justice. Keep looking good, Nyx.

 Maledicta Ebonharte writes Eyesore the Wizened about a recent finding she has made in some ancient Elven ruins.

Her findings  have startled all the scholars of Nyx… for according to the following Lady Nyx who was borne over 10,000 years ago, is named after a being of such power that is even much much older.

 Dear Eyesore,

At your request, I have taken it upon myself to help in the investigation, and upon hearing about some recently excavated documents from the depths of Zoram Strand, I decided to offer my services as a translator of the Highborne texts in order to further our search into Our Lady Nyx’s background. After hours of translation and reading some very dull correspondence, I think I have found something interesting. Here is a snippet from a letter I think must have been sent by Our Lady’s Mother to her own Mother shortly after the birth of our dear Lady Nyx. It is mostly mundane, and I almost missed it as I skimmed through the letter.

My Dear Mother,

I hope this letter finds you and my father well. I so enjoyed spending time with you and Father in Zoram, that it was with great reluctance I returned to Eldarath and my husband. Not that I was unhappy to be reunited with him, but I had missed you both so since the wedding and my taking up residence in his mansion. It was good to be home, if only for a brief visit.

All in all our union is a good one. He is a very considerate husband, although a little austere at times. My every need is taken care of and even my smallest whim is not too much trouble. I could not wish for anything more, except perhaps a little more time to spend with him. For he is very busy and seldom leaves his library, except to eat and to sleep. I’m so glad you allowed me to bring Althaya with me or I would go mad with solitude sometimes. But, I should not complain. My husband is a great scholar and his studies on the Black Dragonflight are second to none.

Still, if not for his preoccupation with Neltharion and his scions I would not have been able to come home to give birth to our daughter. Although, in keeping with his fascination he has decided to honour Neltharion by naming our daughter after the father of the Black Dragonflight’s own daughter, Onyxia. I feel a sense of foreboding about this, as though we may be cursing our daughter with bad luck at the very start of her life but he is unwilling to discuss the matter, so Onyxia will be her name. I have decided to call her ‘Nyx’ for short, as I am loathe to use her full name. I suppose I should be thankful that she wasn’t a boy, who would probably have to suffer under the dubious honor of being called ‘Nefarian’!

The rest of the letter goes on about domestic matters that would be of little interest to anyone except perhaps those who like to follow every boring single little detail of the lives of those who went before. I think the passage above is truly a revelation though, and if I still could, I would be very excited about such a find.

Well, I had better go, Forensia is getting a little twitchy and needs to go out and burn some things before she explodes. It seems that since her death the magic builds up inside her and has to be released regularly. Or at least that’s what she tells me. Personally I think she just likes setting fire to things, judging by the smile on her face.

Your friend,

Maledicta Ebonharte