The Journal of Kaylina Ashsaber

[Ashsaber]

What follows are excerpts from the Journal of Kaylina Ashsaber, beginning in the 32nd year following the first opening of the Dark Portal, as she first sets foot into the broken mass that is Outland. Having recently sent in her last journal, chock-full of information, to Arcanist Zaedana in Silvermoon, she now prepares to begin another…

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The following is scrawled on parchment in mostly immaculate, though occasioanlly jerky, cursive handwriting full of loops and written flourishes…
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Year 74, Journal Six, Entry One
“The Other Side”

I can’t believe I am only on my sixth journal for this project. The fifth is in the mail, I hope it reaches it’s destination swiftly. There may yet be some useful information on the Scourge Plaugelands within my writings and samples, and I pray that anything within that can be used to help heal Silvermoon and Quel’Thalas. But now, as I begin this journal, I find myself in a vastly unfamiliar, unwelcome land, one I had hoped to reach for so long now. Now is the true beginning of the next chapter of this project.

I had always heard stories of the Dark Portal, stories of the chaos it had brought to Azeroth and it’s kingdoms, and the blasted lands formally known as the Black morass that now sat at it’s barren base. Stories of valiant battles and heroes from all sides of the conflict taking up arms in battles I was forbidden from becoming involved in. Stories of how, is the damned thing had never been constructed and never been opened in the first place, Silvermoon might still stand in it’s fully glory still to this day.

Stories never really do prepare you for the actual thing, and while I had learned this lesson before the first time I set my eyes on Stratholme and Karazahn (a place I still wish so deeply to actually find my way into and investigate), it was a wholly different feeling that swept over me as I walked up the steps of the Dark Portal for the first time. Where as Stratholme had brought me feelings of sadness for the human souls lost within, and the Ivory Tower gave a sense of wonder and amazement, the Dark Portal… it let me with an unquantifiable sense of unease and dread.

However, far be it from me to hesitate! It’s been a year since Zaedana requested I begin these flied research excursions, a year since my sister vanished after relating to me that she was heading to the Outlands. Perhaps here, I told myself, I would finally find some answers to Volaeria’s disappearance. My mother says she’s probably died by now, as so many other of our kind who have ventured into the lands beyond Azeroth have, but… I know her. She’s stronger than that. At least… I pray so.

The atual first steps through the Dark Portal felt no different than any number of teleportation and portal spells I myself have used over the years. It was what awaited me on the other side that I found most shocking, though. Red lands, columns of flame, and the giants of the Burning Leigon itself greeted me as I stepped out, but thankfully Horde emissaries were there to sweep me away and help me get away from the chaos before it became overwhelming. I was unable to get any names, but my thanks go out to them.

With that, I found myself at Thrallmar, and thankfully almost immediately greeted by some of my own kind, some pilgrims if I’m not mistaken. I was sure if I should call them misguided fools to their faces or not, but now I chose to keep things… diplomatic. I questioned them, briefly, about Volaeria, but it was to no avail. Pleasantries and my questions now past, I was quickly instructed by another orc to report to Nazgrel, for… something or other, I must admit I wasn’t paying much attention. I must say, it is a dreadful sounding name, Nazgrel, and the fur-clad orc I was greeted with when led to him only reinforced this. My complaints about the small space given to the blood elves out front, as well as the not so accommodating space that passed for an in were met with laughter, and the nerve of one of this man’s orcish cohorts when he called me a prissy “high elf” housewife, of all the things..! If it hadn’t been for the presence of one of my own, I probably would have given the man what for about how his subordinates should treat both those willing to help, those of higher station, and most of all, how to treat a lady!

Frustrations aside, and the intense urge to vent my hand on his scalp subsiding, I listened to is request. It seemed that, even with my fresh arrival, I was to head off into dangerous territory. I was given two choices – assist the orcs of Spinebreaker Post, or journey into the depths of Hellfire Citadel.

This was not a hard choice.

And so now, I write this with as steadied a hand as I an manage as I ride to Spinebreaker Post, curious to see what awaits me here in the shattered red world of Dreanor. Next entry, I’ll try and include more of my findings and feelings, for your benefit, Zaedana. Until then…

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(( OOC Information:

This section is purely for more fleshed out, though generally OOC, information on Kaylina Ashsaber, her life and personality, and some of my base plans for her. Ashsaber is the first mage I’ve ever leveled, and probably the RP character (in WoW) that I’ve put the most thought into. For those curious, the name “Volaeria” comes up a lot in this write up with good reason. A few may recognize the name as a BE Hunter I had in Nyx many moons ago, before Ashsaber. Unfortunately, I was forced to take time away from the game back then, and in my absence my account was hacked and Volaeria lost forever. Ashsaber, her sister initially only mentioned in her background was created in her stead, and Volaeria’s “disappearance” incorporated into her storyline. But there’ll be more on that later, I just felt like pointing that out in case anyone was wondering.

Basic Background:

Kaylina Ashsaber (yes, Ashsaber is her last name, not first. Kaylina was taken when I made the character) hails, naturally, from Silvermoon, and comes from a family with a minor amount of renown for it’s warriors (let’s ignore that that’s not implemented in game yet.) and rangers. Rather than following in the traditional family footsteps, however, Ashsaber took an interest in becoming an arcanist, something she pursued under the instruction of Arcanist Zaedana, who would also give her her initial recommendation. She studied under Zaedana for several years, speiallizing in Fire Magic, with a side of the Arcane. Outside of a few spells, however, she’s never been as silled in Frost magic, and her power in the field lags largely behind her skill in the other two.

Ashsaber was kept away from the brunt of the Second and Third Wars by her parents, though both of them served in the Second War and Third War, as well as her sister Volaeria Ashsaber in the Third. Kaylina was forced to fight, however, when the Scourge came to knock on Silvermoon’s door during the Third War, and her along wit her mother and sister barely escaped with their lives. Her father, however, was not so lucky.

In the years following the Third War, Ashsaber became an informal assistant to Zaedana, while her sister ventured out into the world of Azeroth on adventure and in search of ways to help the Blood Elves. Ashsaber, jealous of her sister, petitioned Zaedana for the opportunity, and was initially denied. Instead, Ashsaber was forced to live vicariously through her sister’s letters and notes, sent home with thrilling, though likely exaggerated, tales of adventure and mystique. She learned much about the state of Azeroth, about the Alliance and their aggressions, and the unease of te world at large, and most importantly, about what Volaeria reered to as “Tribe Nyx”. Ashsaber was content with this until one day, that is, that Ashsaber received a letter form her sister saying that she was to find means to travel through the Dark Portal into the lands of Dreanor… and wasn’t heard form afterwards. Her mother assumed the worst, but Ashsaber knew there was no chance her sister would perish so easily. Determined to find out what had happened, Ashsaber began finding ways to make it out of the city on good terms.

Her opportunity would come, however, following the retaking of Silvermoon and the actual opening of the Dark Portal. Pulled aside by Zaedana, Ashsaber was asked to venture out into Ghostlands and collect inforation and data on the Sourge and the magical energies found with the Blackened Woods. The reposts and results that she bought bac pleased Zaedana so much that she charged Ashsaber with venturing out into several parts of Azeroth to collect as much information about them as she could and sending te journals of her stories and findings back to Zaedana, along with any samples and clues she may gather (she’s sent back ive of these at this point, one for every 10 levels). With both Zaedana and her mother’s blessing, Ashsaber finally had her means of venturing out into the world in search of her sister, starting first by contacting the Tribe Nyx that her sster had spoken so fondly of…

And so, on that day, her story began.



As for future plans for Ashsaber, very little is concrete, and I am always open to ideas and suggestions. But, there is one distinct thing I plan to do in the future: Recreate her sister as a Death Knight and bring the two back together (and Volaeria back into Nyx). We’ll cross that bridge when I get to it, though.

On The Alliance

Ashsaber as nothing in particular against the Alliance as a whole, and in fact has been know to consort and meet with members of the Alliance (she particularly enjoys gnomes - they're so curious and amusing), as odd as it might seem to some people. Ashsaber's issues with the Alliance rather fall upon certain groups - those who needless attack or harm her breathern in arms in the Horde, and in particular those who come into conflict with her comrades in Nyx. SHe will also rally to the aid of her friends against any foe, Alliance or Horde, unless they happen to be good friends of her. That... is an entirely different matter.

It's important to note that when Ashsaber does find herself at confilct with the Alliance, she takes particular joy in employing her fire magic at their expense, often laughing gleefully as the motes of molten energy dance through the air.

Now what follows is a sort of Questionnaire I do for any character I create. It’s been kind of just sitting here on my computer for a while, so it’s about time I post it among all this, Feel free to use it to familiarize yourself with her, or as an aid when RPing with me.

1. Name: Kaylina Ashsaber
2. Nicknames: Ash, Kay
3. Gender: Female
4. Age: 74 (Age determined using the ages listed for High Elves in the WoW RPG core rulebook, for reference)
5. Nationality: Quel’Thalasian
6. Hometown: Silvermoon
7. Current Residence: Transient
8. Occupational Background: Student and Apprentice Arcanist to Zaedana of Silvermoon.
9. Current Occupation: Professional Arcanist, occasional Field Research Assistant on behalf of Zaedana.
10. Academic Background: Well schooled
11. Intelligence Level: Above average
12. Military Experience: None formal, though she did participate a small amount in the defense of Silvermoon during the Third War, more of out necessity than anything else.
13. Religious/Spiritual Beliefs: Follower of The Holy Light
14. Parents: Anjule (Mother) and Atharian (Father, Deceased)
15. Siblings: Volaeria (Sister, Presumed Deceased)
16. Birth Order: Volaeria first, then Kaylina.
17. Marital Status/History: Single
18. Children: None
19. Significant Relationships: Her mother, many of the members of Nyx, and her good friend Ibis, as wella s her former instructor Zaedana.
20. Relationship Skills: Not so good. She tends to come off as stuck up, haughty and a little self absorbed initially. Once someone gets to know her, and she gets to know them, a kinder and more whimsical personality shows through. It’s just a matter of getting to that step.
21. Height: 5’11”
22. Weight: 139lbs.
23. Eye Color: Bright fel green, as with all Blood Elves.
24. Hair Color: Changed constantly, but currently blonde
25. Hair Style: Changed constantly, but currently long with some curls
26. Facial/Body Hair: None
27. Skin Tone: Pale
28. Complexion: Remarkably clear, something she takes a bit of pride in considering her line of work.
29. Body Type: Slim, athletic
30. Distinguishing Features: None readily visible, though when she removes her gloves one can find a large tattoo of a a starburst on her let hand.
31. Posture: Very straight and proper
32. Health: As good as she can manage when she’s not fretting over magical energies or coughing up organs ater a particularly bad fight.
33. Style of Dress: When not in the field, she dresses very formally. When she is out adventuring, her clothes tend to consist of very typical arcanist robes.
34. Accessories: Bright green emeralds worn on the middle of her ears, two rings on her left hand, one for her sister and one for her father.
35. Favourite Color: Deep purple
36. Favourite Food: Grilled Boar Ribs, with a special sauce made form spices that she’s heard are only readily available in Stormwind territory. Makes it annoyingly hard to come by, particularly given the Blood Elf affiliation with the Horde.
37. Favourite Music: Doesn’t listen to music often, but she tends to like the sounds of harps and music boxes.
38. Hobbies: Ashsaber’s tailoring work began as a hobby, and still largely exists as such.
39. Habits: Has a habit of drumming her fingers on things when bored or wanting someone to hurry up.
40. Voice Tone: A little deep, definitely commanding.
41. Speech Patterns: No notable speech impediments, though she does spea in a very deliberate manner, sometimes going out of her way to sound refined.
42. Biggest Success: Finally making it to Outland
43. Worst Failure: Her inability to properly master Frost magic, despite numerous attempts.
44. Biggest Regret: Not being with her sister before she vanished.
45. Worst Embarrassment: Any one of the numerous arcane accidents that have occurred at her hands, the worst of which being the time she accidentally set a small portion of the building she was practicing her Fire magic in aflame a few years back.
46. Goals: Find out where her sister is, or in the worst case, what happened to her, properly see and chronicle all she can on Azeroth and Outland.
47. Fears: Finding out the worst has happened to her sister, trouble once more befalling Silvermoon in her absence.
48. Fantasies: Silvermoon returning to it’s former glory, with her and his sister being part of the reason.
49. Energy Level: Moderate
50. Sexuality: Subdued. I you were to ask her questions on the topic, she’s say it’s “not something she worries about”, though exactly what she means by this is unclear.
51. Sense of Humour:
52. Introvert or Extrovert:
53. Leader or Follower:
54. Emotional or Logical: Emotional
55. Generous or Stingy: Depends on how well she knows someone, causing her to come off as rather stingy.
56. Polite or Rude: Often times is polite, if seemingly a bit haughty. Has been known to be rude when annoyed, though.
57. Short Tempered or Level Headed: Short tempered
58. Honest or Kind: Honest
59. Apologetic: Not typically, no.
60. Attention Seeking: Somewhat.
61. Keeps Secrets: Fairly well, though o rare occasion she’s been known to use secrets as leverage.
62. Keeps Promises: With all her being.
63. Deals With/Shows Anger: Openly and often with fire.
64. Deals With/Shows Affection: Very reserved about a anything beyond friendly affection
65. Deals With/Shows Sadness: Tries to keep it out of public view. Often ails pretty bad.
66. Deals With/Shows Pain: Poorly. Depending on the source, pain usually leads very quickly to anger or sadness, and almost always to fire.
67. Deals With Change: Rather poorly as well.
68. Deals With Loss: Poorly, often with lots of shouting and anger. Occasionally, fire.
69. Self Admitted Strengths/Weaknesses:
Strengths: “I am a most skilled fire mage, and while I’m sure there’s better, you wo’t find one as knowledgeable or tenacious as I am.”
Weakness: “Hmph! Well, if you [/i]must[/i] know, I tend to be rather off putting to some people. They say I’m self centered and annoying! Ha! What do they know…”
70. Theme Song (if applicable): A few, actually - The Delgados – The Light Before We Land, and Sarah Slean – Sound of Water / Change Your Mind

So yeah, there’s your primer on Ashsaber! Expect more journal entries soon, they’re actually a bit behind, timeline-wise, where I am in game, since I’m traipsing around Zangermarsh. I chose to start them in Outland rather than sooner because it gives a good, clean starting place for the next chapter, so to speak, in her story. Any questions or concerns, feel free to as in game or here in this thread.))