Something Else

*A note lay on a table in a dark room in Stonard*

Thuugom stumbled into Stonard as some grunts and grots tried to pick him up. He was blood-ridden and was covered in severe wounds...just what happened to him?

I ran over, after instructing a grot on how to build a grot-hole. I asked him where he had went for such a long period of time...He spoke back to me in tongues I had never heard before. I reached down to help him up when a voice rang in my head:"He's mine now...."

Immediately, I put my hand onto his chest and felt into his soul....but there was something very very wrong....there was not just one soul, but multiple souls. Energy seeped through into my body and I pulled away.....

"There's something wrong here" I said. Altaer and Imorthuk were making jokes about the unconscious deathkngiht when I glared at them."I need aid! someone hold Thuugom now...and I need someone to channel through....BRING ME A GROT!"

My voice must have caused all sorts of alarm because Imorthuk was on Thuugom in an instant and grots had stepped back as quickly as they had appeared."What I need to do is check to see if I can't take out the thing that is inside of him!"

Eternalmage volunteered to be used as the channeling mechanism...I obliged and told him of the risks.I ignored his initial response because of course, he was expendable.

I held Eternalmage's hand and put my other deep into Thuugom's inside.I felt around and instantly I felt a burning sensation. I ripped out what felt like and arrowhead, but was I quite mistaken.

What I pulled out was a Soul Prism. Unlike a soulgem, or a Soul Stone, A Soul Prism was used in the Scholomance as a device to hold,control, and to observe what the victim sees. But where Poor Thuugom had obtained this curse, is beyond me.

I instantly let out all of my energy and told everyone to hold him down while I sealed him. I used the most powerful incantation I could use, and it was almost sated by the Soul Prism inside of Thuugom.

However I was successful! After that, I told everyone there to move him to some place where no one would view him as a spectacle.....just as long as I could contact the Lak'gora.

*The text has clearly been written haphazardly and with urgency.*

*Incoherent screams come from the room he is in throughout the night.*

The heavy wooden door creaked open and the warlock shuffled into the room. Bok’theg sank into the chair in the corner of the room and lazily pulled the crumpled note from his pocket. He’d seen it on the table in Stonard but hadn’t had the time to read it. Now in the quiet of the tower in Rockard he began to go over the hastily scrawled note.

As his mind digested the information Shaddoth had written, a memory began to niggle the back of his brain. Popping up from his seat, he went to the bookshelf and began to run his finger along the spines of the many old books, looking for one title in particular. His eyes caught the gold embossed leather and he pulled the heavy book from its place on the shelf.

“…a compendium of artifacts both conjured and existant…” he murmured to himself.

Slowly he sat back down as he flipped to the “S” section of the old book.

*The incoherent screams have ended and scratching can be heard coming from the room. As the night persists, Thuugom walks out, sees all is quiet, he then proceeds out of Stonard*

((As you walk into the room, you inspect the wall to find the letters “N A H Z A R R A K” are scrathed into it.))

*Shaddoth was told by a grot that the screams from the inn have suddenly stopped. Curious, Shaddoth walks in to find Scribblings on the walls*

"DAMNIT! Was my seal so easily broken!?" Shaddoth balls his fists, and energy pulses around him."This is...impossible...."

Remembering the time he spent fighting alliance, he noticd the warlocks practiced odd forms of necromancy, with summonings and implantation...similar to the necropolises that used to roam the northern kingdoms.

"Damnit,damnit,damnit!" Shaddoth seethes with rage. He has tried hard to be the best warlock he could be, he even used a binding seal from his days in the Scholomance."A new seal must be prepared, ... Wait....“N A H Z A R R A K” ? where have I......."“N A H Z A R R A K” ? where have I......."

Shaddoth's eyes lit up with dark energy. He quickly pulled out a scroll of parchment, and scrawled symbols onto them. "Okay, the trap is complete....I have to find Thuugom!"

Shaddoth dropped a note, probably left for another lak'gora member to read. It says:"Old magics are being used here.....Old ALLIANCE magics.....This is but only a theory, but I think i have an idea of what is going on. You know how to contact me if you have any other information."

*The letter ends with an odd looking letter on it....it is actually a symbol from a book marked in the "S" Section in the books of rockard.

*an excerpt from The Compendium of Artifacts both Conjured and Existent*

“Not to be confused with a Soul Gem, Soul Stone, or Soul Shard, the Soul Prism is a conjured item used by a necromancer to maintain control and observation over an intended subject.

History: Originally developed by Dr. Theolen Krastinov under the direction of Ras Frostwhisper. The first Soul Prism was used by the Scourge and proved mildly effective during the third war, particularly as means of divination against the enemy. In one instance, a particularly influential Captain of the forces of Lordaeron was captured and tortured by Krastinov who implanted a Soul Prism within his core. The Captain was then allowed to escape. Upon making his way back to the Alliance lines, madness quickly overtook him and he was sent to the physicians and priests for treatment. However, the Soul Prism allowed Frostwhipser to see and hear all of the events that the Captain was privy to. The conversations of all who attended the Captain were sent to the ears of the instructors of Scholomance. Unfortunately, since most persons displaying symptoms of madness are not normally afforded the audiences of kings nor given seat at council, the Soul Prism was less than useful as tactical battlefield tool. The knowledge of its creation however, remained within the libraries of Scholomance and under the care of Lorekeeper Polkelt.

Creation and Usage: A Soul Prism requires a pure soul and a suitable vessel for its imprisonment. Unlike a Soul Gem which often appears a normal jewel, a Soul Prism will normally have the appearance of a pyramid or arrowhead. It is hot to the touch while a Soul is bound within. While a Soul Gem imprisons a soul through the use of command word and can be employed at distance, a Soul Prism requires the body be restrained and manual entry is required. The necromancer opens the body of a living being and places the empty vessel within. A binding incantation is then recited while the Prism attempts to fuse itself with the person’s soul. When this occurs, the necromancer then fuses a portion of his or her own consciousness with the Prism. The necromancer then becomes the Controller of the Subject. Since a portion of the Controller’s consciousness is actually manifest within the Prism, death of the Subject or destruction of the Prism prior to its removal by the Controller can be physically detrimental to the Controller. This binding process is extremely painful to the Subject both physically and emotionally and normally drives the Subject to madness.
During this time, the physical actions of the Subject are under limited control of the Controller and all activity known to the Subject is also known to the Controller. It may be thought of as a sort of mobile scrying mirror."

Bok’theg closed the book and sat quietly for a moment as he processed this new information. Absently his fingers reached to the bauble on the chain at his neck which glowed faintly.

If Thuugom was in fact, infected with a Soul Prism, it posed a serious risk. Who was behind it? Who was the controller and what was their goal? Was it simply to infiltrate the Blacktooth Grin? …or was it someone who desired to learn more about the Lak’gora. But even if it was, what could they hope to learn through the ravings of a maddened creature.

Bok’theg had to know for certain the identity of the Controller and their intentions. It was unfortunate the death knight had to suffer in the meantime but then again, suffering is the lot of all death knights so it was not worth the warlock’s time to worry on the matter too much.

Snapping the book shut, Bok’theg placed it within the wooden crate near his feet and looked up at the half-empty bookshelf in the tower. Using the now familiar summoning incantation, Bok’theg called for Hathphog and the misty voidwalker appeared from the nether.

“What is it you wish?” the demon asked in an echoed voice.

“This is the last of the crates that must be moved. Take them all to our new location now. If you have any problems, ask the Soul Flayer for guidance. She will assist you. I have business in Stonard.”

“Your comand will be obeyed.” The voidwalker replied.

Leaving the demon to its task, Bok’theg descended the tower steps and headed for Stonard.

The scent of blood was thick in the air. Shaddoth had only stepped feet from Stonard when the overpowring stench of human filled him.

What exactly happened seems to be all of the alliance battling across the cove had been slaughtered.....by Thuugom Shaddoth thought to himself.

Mounting his drake, Shaddoth scowered the land for Thuugom...minutes turned to hours and hours to days before Shaddoth finally decided to quit.

I just want to know who did this..... Thought Shaddoth.Not even a high Warlock could hope of holding a soul for this long under control.....

Shaddoth landed his Drake in the center of Rockard and walked into the tower. Al lthe books were gone.

"Right!"Shaddoth said aloud."They're in the place I was a few days ago with Bok'theg....."Shaddoth didn't say where the place was because of course, someone could be listening.

Suddenly, an immence power flew through him. Dark magics swirreled outside of the tower, and in agony, Shaddoth gripped his chest.

A faded figure manifested itself in front of Shaddoth."You did well, Necromancer!" The Voice hummed. Shaddoth Shivered at the title.Memories....He thought."But you know you need more than just yourself to take the Prism out of the scourge you hope to save..."

Shaddoth had planned something like this would happen. Earliar, during the ritual, the caster of the Prism had cockily chatted with him, if only a few sentances, Shaddoth learned this person is immature and has an aura of self importance...and he could feel it now.

"Look 'Warlock',"Shaddoth said with sarcasm on the word: Warlock "your character is very.....out of place.you're attitude has lead me to believe you have had help with this spell....as in you are not alone."

The figure laughed then stopped and in all business said:"Good job! you are smarter than you look, bones. But! You have no idea what you are dealing with! your friend is gone, and I know where he is."

Shaddoth just looked at the figure....there is something wrong..."You have no idea do you?"Shaddoth asked, he saw the image flicker."you...have nothing to do with this.The fact you are here to boast proves that. Get out of my way, Child-"

Before Shaddoth could finish, the image Displayed a scrying orb showing Thuugom.Walking.

Shaddoth Grimmaced as the image faded, laughing arrogently."Reminds me of Altaer....but more evil..."Shaddoth laughed to himself. The idiot showed him just where Thuugom was.

“Do you recognize where you are at Thuugom?” a voice echoed in his mind.

“Yes I am in Deadwind Pass, but who are you?” Thuugom replied.

“I am the one who possesses you, I am the one who controls you now, and in due time you will find out your destiny.” The voice echoed in his mind.

Thuugom tried to stop where he was at, but he could not. His body was not under his control and all he could do was watch as this being took him south down Deadwind Pass.

Shaddoth knew he couldn't do this alone. He had to contact Bok'theg and request assistance...But where is he?

Bok'theg's whereabouts are always a mystery to Shaddoth. He only sees Bok'theg when he wants to be seen. Shaddoth just hopes right now, he wants to be seen.

His drake howled as he made his way into The Swamp of Sorrows. Deadwind pass hmm?" Shaddoth thought to himself. But to where would he be-

Shaddoth's mind flew through the air in an Eye of Kilrogg towards the pass. Something.......I know is there.... That's when he saw the silhouette of Karazhan.

Shaddoth broke his spell and whipped his dragon to go as fast as it could go.He needs to talk to Bok'theg right now.

Shaddoth was panting when he entered Stonard.

The day was murky and wet.....a regular day in The Swamp of Sorrows. Shaddoth has been spying on Thuugom using the ritual from Karazhan. Nothing really changed except for the fact he left Deadwind Pass once or twice...it looked like he was running...back to Stonard.

A day or so ago, Shaddoth had met with Bok'theg and Vinnixil in Karazhan looking for a book. Bok'theg brought up the note that Shaddoth had left for him, and Shaddoth's assumptions were correct. They had spent a few hours contemplating what the next move of action was, and discussing what to do with the prism-caster.

Bok'theg and Shaddoth called for a warlock by the name of Dirge to help them use a ritual to follow thuugom. After, Shaddoth created a circle on top of the scrying circle to link himself to the soul of the Prism-holders.

What he had found was very odd: A deathknight whom seemed to be less powerful than the warlock that had confronted Shaddoth before. This explained the power that the warlock has, and where he learned this spell...but the Big question was why?

Bok'theg and Shaddoth asked Vinnixil (With maybe some help from Trixcy) to find the people who are holding Thuugom hostage.
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*A note lay in Stonard on a table in the inn marked: "To whom the Shadow wills"

The perpetrators are moving quickly, but are staying an a close proximity to Thuugom to maintain their hold. I have been spying on them and they seem to be in Deadwind Pass allot and have a small base in the basement of Darkshire inn. I am still unsure of what they are planning...as of right now it just seems they're doing this for the sake of doing it... Hopefully our assassins can find and trap them so we might be able to ask?

New descriptions of the people:

Warlock: A black-haired, pony tailed man in his early 30s....seemed to have just started his craft and carries a book with him at all times. He wears a long red robe. His power is quite low and shall be easy to trap.

Deathknight: A little taller than the warlock, he walks about random places... changing clothes constantly. He has a long runeblade and walks with a limp from what looks like a missing calf. His power is not as strong as the warlock, but he moves quickly. He will be a tiny bit harder to capture than the warlock.

One more thing: They seem to be talking to each other in a way that seems to be in code....The phonic sounds of what Thuugom scrawled on the wall (“N A H Z A R R A K”) have been repeated more than twice in one setting.

I will meet you at the designated spot in two days time to fill you in on anything else I have found.

*The Letter has been written on a piece of parchment. it is worn near the end.*

*A letter sent to Bok'Theg*

I'm sorry I can not leave a message for you in a note...this has to be between you and I. Thuugom has been found....Probably by Vinnixil which is good....but the way he was acting was so....unsettling.

He acted violent towards me, with the "Warlock" on the other side talking through him....He knows much about me and I don't know why....

He brought up the fact that I am actually not a Warlock per say, but more of a Necromancer....Although it is probably evident when fighting, no one should know exactly what I am...This leads me to believe he is someone who has been watching us...maybe not in a rival guild, but has been a spectator to our battles...maybe even rituals....

Once again this is only a theory. At least we have Thuugom back....

*The letter ends with Shaddoth's signature "Celebration slime"*

*extra*

I also believe the warlock is going into Thuugom's memories..it is fully possible with the Soul Prism. He is now a threat to the Lak'gora and must be killed.....quickly.

It was dark and silent in Stonard as Thuugom walked into the inn, he heads towards the table that Shaddoth normally sits at and leaves a note made of skin.
-----
Warlock, or should I say Necromancer,

You are lucky that I did not make you mine after that little incident. A simple enslavement spell will not work as you have noticed, but I thank you for the refreshing joy of demonic magic. Your intrusions shall stop now or you risk this Death Knights life as it already hangs in the balance and….

*The word become scribbled and a new writing becomes evident*

Shad, something in chest, do things in dea…

*The words become scribbled and pick up where they left off at*

If you keep it up Necro, I shall be forced to play my hand. Next time you see Thuugom, check out his arm for I left you a present on it.

I was seething with rage. Who was this person? Why does he know this about me? What does he want?

It has been hours since I found that note from Thuugom...or should I say, the "Warlock" and fight the deathknight controlling him...but what does he mean by a note for me on Thuugom's arm?

I must investigate. I have prepared a trap for thuugom...It goes even against Warlock rules...But now that they know, I will have to deal with them myself.

I'm going to use Necromancy...I promised to never do it again but I must. This,sadly, will cause Thuugom alot of pain....I will transfer my soul through Thuugom and into the prism-casters.

This poses a serious risk to Thuugom...for there are already two souls inside of him..a third might kill him......Of course I will be fine, I've done this before it's just I'm woried that Thuugom may get mortally injured. We need a priest on hand for this.

*A small journal in Brill*

*sometime later*

Deep inside Karazan, a dead orc screamed.

Bok’theg’s hand twisted inside Thuugom’s guts as the nethermancer grasped the burning hot Soul Prism. His mind was filled with cloudy images and as his mind searched he saw a pair of human eyes staring back at him with shock and surprise.

“I see you little human.”

Bok’theg grinned inwardly

“You are mine now.”

Quickly he released the Prism and withdrew his hand from Thuugom’s gut. Slowly the death knight’s screams subsided as Roodaka looked on impassively. Only Shaddoth seemed a bit taken aback at the warlock’s actions.

“Keep an eye on him Shaddoth. These humans must identified and captured or killed. His failure…will be your failure.”

Shaddoth nodded obediently but his eyes betrayed nothing.

“You two are dismissed now. The Apexsis and I have things to discuss.”

Bok’theg watched as Shaddoth helped Thuugom off the floor and led him out the door into the cold night of Deadwind Pass.

* A journal hidden in suspicious looking flowers behind the big house in Stonard*

Thuugom seems to be back to himself...Oddly enough, the Warlock and the deathknight haven't made an appearance and seem to be moving. A few nights ago, we raided Darkshire and I checked the downstairs of the inn. It was clear.

They seem to be on the move....but covering their tracks while doing so. The energies sorrounding Thuugom have dissapated to a dull haze once in a while....The warlock must be weak from Bok'theg's sudden actions in Karazhan.

Speaking of which, I have been thinking: Why did Bok'theg fall to the ground (Seemingly in pain) after touching the Prism? I had touched it the day Thuugom came back, and there wasn't enough pain for me to writhe...What happened?

*The page ends with some doodlings of Thuugom beating a grot with an overly animated Battleaxe.*

*Thuug's log*

For some reason unknown to me the encounter in Karazhan has left me stronger and smarter. I am able to properly articulate my words, without sounding dumb, and the magic within me is growing. I feel I must return to Karazhan and explore it more, the answers must be there.

My Lord spared my life for my weakness, but I am quite worried about him as he fell grunting showing weakness after putting his hands in me and making me feel pain of which I have never felt before. Shaddoth will know what to do and I will be there to help as needed.

Something was a little off with Thuugom....He seemed less like a peon, and more like a...well....how can I say this without sounding racist? He sounded more like....A civilized person!

He was barking orders at Jak'thra last night and seemed to sound more confident when he was talking. He also almost made raider! Could this have something to do with....

Anyways, I'm sure taking him and doing a suprise "test" to see just what is going on inside him....I can't help but think Bok'theg did something to him in there.

Bok'theg, as far as I know, is an amazing Warlock, capable of copying my necromancy by just watching! That is not something to be taken lightly, when you have to go through many a test to even think about using those rituals in the scholomance...

I really have a hunch Bok'theg did something in there to Thuugom...maybe by accident...?

*part of the scrit is scratched out*

...............-think he lost part of himself in Thuugom...Possibly when he touched the Prism? Only testing will tell....

*An image of A brain with a plus symbol with a crude sketch of an orc labeled:"Thuugom" with an equals symbol behind an image of an orc with a scholar's cap on.*

*Thuug's Log*
March 01

Today we had entered the Obsidian Sanctum. The Lak'gora had needed eggs and blood, but for some reason unknown to me I was able to tame a Blake Drake and some of it's guarded treasures.

Could this wave of luck be a result of the prism in me or did the ones who put it there, be in some way controlling my good fortunes?

Only the discovery of these intruders will solve this.

I must return to Karazhan, my Lord beckons.

Shaddoth was panting. the gem he kept Thuugom's soul in had dissapeared from his wrist and what was left was some sort of goo.

He had been running around, retracing his steps...feeling Juvinial, Shaddoth gave up and tried to track the stone.

This is too embarrassing for words..... Shaddoth seethed. How could this happen? Who did it? He was never so quick to rage, but usually quick to irrational desisions..possibly because he is more scourge than forsaken and has kept some of the feelings and mediocre self-control from his past life.

Shaddoth had sealed the soul using necromancy, knowing fel magic wouldn't have a ghost of a chance holding Thuugom's soul.He will have to use necromancy to find it again.

Grudgingly, Shaddoth siphoned the swamp of as many souls his rotting body could hold. After several minutes of convulsing and a small session of throwing up, Shaddoth had successfully corrupted the souls to his bidding. Using severed bodyparts from the last Darkshire raid, he created a small army of limbless (exept for legs of course!) undead zombies to track the sent of Thuugom's soul.

After an hour of rolling around on the ground in pain,(He hadn't used that spell in practice before) he got up to see one of his zombies slithering towards him.(Shaddoth hadn't felt the need to ask what had happened to his legs because really, he couldn't care less.)

The zombie handed Shaddoth the soul stone he used to hold Thuugom's soul. Luckily the soul was still in tact, but it was burning and flashing violently. Shaddoth knew what this meant: Thuugom was either in pain, or his soul was actively being called by someone. There was a higher chance of the latter being right.

Shaddoth walked back into the inn.On his way in, he saw a grot eating where he usually sat. He fired a quick shadow ball at the grot, and it scurried off making odd noises as it left.

He sat down, and started writing his days events in a book that he would store in Brill.

*From the outside of the inn, you can hear cackling and see lights flaring inside. the od thing is, Shaddoth isn't even in the inn....*

*Thuugs Log*
March 04

Last night the dreams or should I say nightmares have returned. This time I remember what it was and possibly where it was. It was a great cold fortress with what looks to be the remains of a great glacier. As I continued towards it the voice returned to me.

"Thuugom, you recognize this place, don't you?" The human voice said

"I do, but I don't it's not the same."

"Yes it is and it is not, but you need to go there, I have something to give you." It echoed.

Then I awoke in a cold sweat and knew I had to get in touch with Shaddoth, this might need the strength of the Lak'gora to.

*Thuugom leaves a rolled note for Shaddoth explaining the details of the event*

Shaddoth read over the note quickly. odd....its like this warlock is trying to act like a higher being... Shaddoth laughed.

This warlock is VERY cocky. Shaddoth placed his thumb and forefinger at the base of his nose-ish lump.I just hope I get to Thuugom before he even thinks about going to what seems like a cold waste....

Shaddoth tightened The stone holding Thuugom's soul around his wrist, and walked out of the Inn and into the murk of Stonard. I need to find a new place to think....How the hell did Thuugom know I'm always here? I guess I'm in a rut.

The wind blew and Shaddoth went over it on the wings of his Drake.

*Thuug’s Log*
March 08

I have arrived in the Borean Tundra, it was a long flight on that contraption the Goblins call a Zeppelin. It is good to be back in the Tundra, It had been sometime since I had stepped onto these lands. As I walk around Warsong Hold I have memories of my dad bringing me here after mom died and he was called to duty.

But I must be on my way as something inside me pulls me northbound. I must get supplies and be on my way, no time to waste remembering the past as what I believe my future awaits me.

*Shaddoth lands in the Borean tundra, after a 2day travel*

It has been days of travel! just why does Thuugom want me here? I sense nothing, but all I feel is the bitter cold on the flesh of my thigh bones!

Shaddoth had finally decided to do what Thuugom had asked a month ago, and go to northrend. In that time, Shaddoth had spent alot of his time scrying on alliance, and trying to re-connect the link between Thuugom's soul and the Warlock and deathknight, but to no avail.

The cold winter froze the top of Shaddoth's battle-mask/hat to the point where it was as hard as stone. He sensed nothing, and saw nothing unusual about the most northern continent on Azeroth. He's going to have to go Ask thuugom about what he wants....
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*A journal in Brill*

Why hello again, journal! I have some interesting news! At the party set up in Shattrath, Thuugom lost control and summoned a bunch of scourge! Isn't that just precious?

*An oddly well-drawn drawing of Thuugom summoning copious ammount of scourge iin a small tavern is drawn here*

But iin all seriousness, I have no idea what is going on with him. He is also wearing this necklace, which I'm unsure of where he got it exactly...we assume it has something to do with the current Lak'gora campaign going on at the moment.

Speaking of which, let me release some of my disdain of the Dragonmaw Vanguard here: (Please, skip if you don't want a terribly long rant)

First of all, Klaes, WE ARE NOT FRIENDLY you simply can not come up to me, as if we're old chaps, and strike a conversation as casually as the grots bathe! Then, you go about talking about what we're doing next? TERRIBLE SHOW, SIR.

*A badly-drawn Klaes is drawn with a picture of Shaddoth and Thuugom beside it with the latter two looking very unpleased the the former first*

And another thing, what we are up to, is barely any of your business. I do hope you go chat with Bok'theg about whatever the hell you wanted to talk about, and I hope you die slowly and painfully at his hands!

*Written by an angry, old man angry with "Kids these days's" manners. He might also still be drunk from that Sulfuron Slammer....*
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