[A/N-RP] Hand of Cenarius

Noblespirit-argent-dawn · May 27, 2019, 10:39am

One year! Huge congratulations guys, it’s a hell of an achievement.

I’ve heard nothing but great praise for the Hand of Cenarius in all of that time and I hope we get a chance to interact soon.

Melanee-argent-dawn · May 27, 2019, 1:11pm

Happy belated birthday !

Mythundis-argent-dawn · May 29, 2019, 10:02pm

A hearty welcome to our newest member, Faldoren, who joined recently!

We’re still in Feathermoon, and we’re still recruiting until the 3rd of June! If you have interest in the guild, you still have some time to come and say hi before we set off and close recruitment again!

Noblespirit-argent-dawn · May 31, 2019, 9:22am

It is rare indeed that any Proudhorn feels the need to write their words on paper. Yet these are difficult times. Jeddek composes a letter and, in the early hours of Friday, it is delivered back to the owl stationed at the Proudhorn camp.

He is not accustomed to using the alphabet and his handwriting is huge and full of errors. This time he does not allow it to be redrafted by a more practiced elder. His words are his own unfiltered voice:

You articulate well in writing, Clawheart, but I too have eyes to see. The world has been changed by this war and your people no longer behold us as the friends we were. With the climate of hostilities as they are, I do not believe it would be possible to accept your offer of assistance even if it were my will to do so.

My people desire only to live their lives the best way they know how. To that end, we will be leaving into the mountains soon. Do not attempt to follow us for, wary as we have grown, we do not desire the company of those whom are not our kin.

To talk of ‘faith in the Tauren people’, you must first understand us. You talk of nature, duty, to protect the wildlands from the corrupting threats to the North. Consider that my people are of nature also. It is my belief that we as Shu’halo hold no more inherent value than the stags we consume yet that is the way of life.

Allow us to continue to live according to our nature. Perhaps by doing so, the ancient Tauren spirit will continue. Perhaps by being as we’ve always been, we will remind some of those who are lost of a simpler more peaceful time.

I will think of your people, and the old alliance of the Kaldorei and the Shu’halo, when I look again to the night. The Earthmother’s Eye and the stars twinkling by her side. Are they not brothers? Do they not look content?

Ancestors guide your path.

Jeddek Proudhorn

Mythundis-argent-dawn · June 2, 2019, 4:18pm

After having done some lovely roleplay with the Proudhorn Nomads (hopefully the start of a relationship between the guilds!), we’ll be leaving Feralas soon. Although the original date was to be tomorrow, work has come up which means that tomorrow’s event will be moved. Thus, we’ll stay in Feralas for a little longer. If you’re still looking to join before we set off, please do get in contact!

Mythundis-argent-dawn · June 4, 2019, 9:54pm

Event Recap – The Tusk of Agamaggan #1

The Hand of Cenarius’ last encounter with Botani in the Barrens had left many of the order injured and exhausted, despite the fact that the order had emerged victorious. Thus, Mythundis chose for them to have some rest – two weeks in Feralas, before they’d be off again.

Now, that time had come. The Hand of Cenarius gathered by Mythundis and were informed of what lie ahead of them. The Hand would go back to the Barrens to both check on the Horde and to continue training. They called on their old hippogryph friends from the Frayfeather Highlands for a swift lift to the Barrens; the hippogryphs agreed, and the Hand was flown to Bael Modan in the Southern Barrens.

However, when they arrived in Bael Modan, the group immediately found trouble. Overhearing a pair of Dwarves, Faldoren (and not long after, the rest) found out that a modified tank had steered into the Razorfen Kraul – seemingly of Dwarven origin, but the Dwarves in the stronghold knew of nothing. Thus, the Hand of Cenarius ventured out to check on the Quillboar of the Razorfen Kraul.

They came across the tracks of the tank and decided to follow it. It went straight through several huts and raced through the Kraul before finally meeting its demise at a root by the entrance of the Razorfen Downs, deep inside the Kraul. Interestingly enough, the majority of the Quillboar in the Kraul lived normally, as if nothing had happened. The Hand snuck through the Kraul by parkouring over the many roots of the area.

The busted tank found by a large root provided more information, however; four Quillboar seemingly guarded the maw of Agamaggan. A Geomancer blocked off the maw with thorny roots while the rest remained on guard. Since they are considered children of Agamaggan, the Hand of Cenarius opted instead to put them to sleep. They succeeded and, in doing so, the roots faltered from the maw.

But when the roots went down, four Goblins fled out of the maw – almost as if they were trapped in there deliberately. They were quickly killed by the Hand before they could do something. However, a roar of Bramblefur destroyed any further action. The Goblins weren’t disposed of quietly and the rest of the Kraul soon came looking; thankfully, the order had already fled by then.

Now, they stay in an abandoned Grimtotem camp, waiting for the buzz in the Kraul to die down again so they can continue their search.

Screenshots:

[Album] HoC - The Tusk of Agamaggan #1

Mythundis-argent-dawn · June 8, 2019, 11:27am

Event Recap - The Tusk of Agamaggan #2

Tonight, the druids of the Hand of Cenarius left their camp to venture forth into the Kraul again – unseen, of course. Although the entrance was guarded, they were able to find a good place to oversee the Kraul and to discuss a plan.

Eventually, it was decided by Mythundis to attempt to gain the favour of the Quilboar – Sylvari would, through diplomatic means, seek out the Quilboar and convince them of the order’s good intentions. In order to do so, she’d do so as far away as possible from their former camp to avoid giving possible traces to the Quilboar should the negotiations go south.

Sadly, Sylvari achieved little; she was met with wariness and was shooed away, told to only return if she could prove her words. The Hand returned to Bael Modan to rest for their next objective: to gain the favour of the Quilboar.

In the coming days, the Hand of Cenarius will set out to hunt Goblins and, from the remains of these fallen Goblins, craft trophies to impress and convince the Quilboar of their goodwill. Hopefully then may they traverse the Kraul without hostility and find out what the Goblins and their tank were doing there.

Mythundis-argent-dawn · June 11, 2019, 10:12am

Event Recap – The Tusk of Agamaggan #3

The Hand of Cenarius doesn’t rest long after their last journey into the Kraul. A Goblin mine nearby proves efficient for the Hand’s goals; there, they could gather both offerings to the Quilboar and hamper the Horde’s efforts in the Barrens. They would effectively kill two birds with one stone.

And so, they set out. The mine was generously manned by a plethora of Goblin personnel, but the majority of them were simple miners or bruisers. They had all been given tasks – Kraityn was to secure transport by manning a certain snake-like vehicle, Ythern and Sylvari were to disable the forewoman and her bodyguard and Bramblefur was given the task of slaying the guards by the mine and to prevent any miners from fleeing. In the end, they would blow up the mine.

Once everyone had their jobs assigned to them, they sneaked closer; through bushes, high grass and over mountains. And then, they waited. They waited in the darkness while the Goblins went about their businesses without any idea what was about to happen.

It was Melys’ arrow that served as signal to all. Four druids all leapt from the shadows on their green prey. Brief struggles ensued, but it wasn’t very long until the Hand emerged victorious with minor injuries.

Bramblefur effectively became a shepherd of Goblins; wielding a lamppost like a shepherd’s crook, he herded back any Goblins that tried to flee the mine. The inventive Kraityn drove back to Bael Modan with the vehicle and any attached goods that were attached to it. Ythern and Sylvari tended to their wounds and sought explosives in the meantime.
Ythern, Sylvari and Bramblefur ventured into the mine while Mythundis took over Bramblefur’s task and held off the Goblins. Inside, the trio found several red shards, carts of Azerite and mining explosives. The miners still in the mine cowered before them, unwilling to take action and unknowing of what was to happen.

Three carts were pushed out of the mine; one for Azerite, one for the red shards and a last one for Goblin bodies. Kraityn secured these to his vehicle and drove them to Bael Modan. In the meantime, explosives planted within the mine were set to blow.

A distant series of explosions heralded the Hand’s return to Bael Modan. There, they recuperate and craft their offerings – Goblin offerings – before they head back into the Kraul to give them to the Quilboar and, hopefully, earn their favour at long last.

Mythundis-argent-dawn · June 16, 2019, 11:47am

Event Recap – The Tusk of Agamaggan #4

It was already late when the Hand of Cenarius gathered again in Bael Modan. The Stronghold wasn’t to the tastes of many in the group – it was mostly deep underground where it was warm and isolated.

Mythundis explained to the rest of the order that tonight, they would bring their two carts of offerings and gifts to the Quilboar. Goblins and blood shards made up the contents of the carts; Bramblefur pushed the former, while Ythern and Kraityn took the latter.

But when they arrived at the Kraul, they were immediately met with hostility – although not aimed at them. A group of Quilboar on the warpath were just leaving as the druids arrived. Quickly, they hid while the Quilboar rushed past. Thankfully, they were not seen. Thus, they continued their way in.

They came to a stop, however, when their usual way in proved too steep for the carts to be moved over. Instead, Mythundis went into the Kraul – alone – to summon the Quilboar. And so they obliged; a youngling was sent out to investigate first, while the elders watched. Initially, the little Quilboar was horrified when he saw the Goblin cart – but that attitude changed when he checked the second cart, filled with blood shards.

He returned to the elders and gave approval. Bramblefur, in a display of goodwill, tipped over his cart in the meantime. One of the elders came down and, after checking the carts himself, was eager to call the Hand of Cenarius their allies – at least for this conflict. He beckoned them into the Kraul, where he’d show them what was wrong.

The old Quilboar lead them around, back to the busted tank and into his hut. The Hand was told what happened; the Goblins had stolen an artifact of the Quilboar. The Quilboar considered this artifact, the so-called Tusk of Agamaggan, sacred and revered it. It is said to be able to invoke the fury of Agamaggan himself, yet the Quilboar had called upon it before.

Interestingly enough, the documents all shared a similarity: the logo. Indeed, it was that of a white bomb with a red fuse – something the Hand had encountered before. Sylvari recalled how it was the same mark as the operations they had shut down in Darkshore. The elder also revealed that they still kept the corpses of the Goblin they slew in the Razorfen Downs.

Additionally, the elder told them that they could ask the thorns all over the Barrens in a ritual to find out if they knew where the Goblins may have gone. But they would need specific reagents, reagents that they did not have at the moment.

The group left the elder in his hut to do investigations of their own. First, they checked the busted tank again; Kraityn tried the controls of the tank, while Bramblefur searched for something with a scent – perhaps they were not that far gone, and he could simply track them by smell. He found a glove in the tank.

The group then moved into the Razorfen Downs, but they did so without the elder. Thus, they were met with hostility by the Quilboar inside the downs; a massive brute, the size of a Tauren, stopped them in their tracks. But before the situation could de-escalate, the elder caught up and assured the Quilboar brute they were allies.

When they arrived at the bodies, Bramblefur attempted to see if the scent of the glove matched that of any of the Goblins – it was tough to tell, but he was sure they did not match. So, there must be another Goblin – one not in the Kraul that was part of this tank group.

In the end, they returned to the elder’s hut where they were given a mark. With a sharp thorn, the elder grafted a mark on the backs of the group’s hand. This would show them to be allies of the Quilboar and prevent situations like in the Downs. Kraityn denied this mark, however. Sylvari was given a list of reagents for the ritual, and the order left the Kraul again. Now, they had multiple leads: documents, a scent and a possible ritual.

Mythundis-argent-dawn · June 21, 2019, 5:57am

Event Recap – The Tusk of Agamaggan #5

Before nightfall, the Hand of Cenarius left Bael Modan in search of reagents. Reagents, for the ritual of communion the Quilboar elder would host with them; reagents that may well fully tell them where the Tusk of Agamaggan has been taken to.

Their list was fairly small, but very specific:

Salve (Salve has been crossed out, indicating the elder already has it.)

Incense (Incense has been crossed out, indicating the elder already has it.)

Agamaggan’s Bristle, a herb

The tusks of a Great Boar

The eyes of an adult Giraffe

The horn of a Thunderhead

A thorn from one of the large vines on the border of the Barrens

They started with what they believed would be toughest: the horn of a Thunderhead. Heavy creatures, Thunderheads are thunder lizards; a massive horn sprouts from their nose, and they are said to be able to generate electricity from their bodies.

After traversing the Barrens for a while, the group stumbled on a group of three Thunderheads. However, three would be too many. Stormsaber found one was injured, however and, with the hope the healthy would abandon the sick, Melysanna called upon a flash of light.

They were correct; two of the Thunderheads stamped off, while the already injured thunder lizard was left behind – easy prey. With some hiccups, the group managed to fell the great beast. With a heavy rock, Bramblefur cracked off its horn and so they had the first reagent.

Next, they looked for the eyes of an adult Giraffe. Tall creatures, giraffes aren’t easy prey by themselves. They can easily take on a plethora of lions, and their kick can easily send any unwary aggressor to their deaths.

On the plains, they found a lot of them. Again, Stormsaber searched them for any misfits – and she found one. One bore scratches of claws on its flank, and bite marks on its back. It had been the subject to an attack of something, at least recently.

Bramblefur leapt at the unknowing giraffe and hung around its neck. The Worgen sought to use his weight to throw the giraffe off and take it down to earth. It worked and both Bramblefur and Stormsaber finished off. Melysanna took its eyes.

In the meantime, Mythundis had utilized the form of the stormcrow to gather the herbs and the thorn. They had only one reagent left: tusks of a boar.

Closeby the Kraul, they found a lone boar that sought to cross the road. But when it tried, it was rudely interrupted by a leaping Stormsaber who, after a brief fight, felled the animal.

Now that they had all reagents, the group moved back into the Kraul to hand over the reagents. With their new marks, they could traverse the Kraul without danger – they needed only to show the mark on their hands. The elder Quilboar was delighted to see the reagents gathered so quickly, and he assured them they’d find the Tusk. At that, he also shooed them off. And so, they went back to Bael Modan.

Our story in the Barrens is progressing nicely. It is likely we’ll be done in about two weeks and, when we are, we’ll set out for the lush forests of Ashenvale!

There’s also some more news: I will be revamping the general ranking system in the near future. There’ll be two changes - recruitment IC will be changed, and ranking up for Companions & Runts will also be changed. There’ll be more information on this later on!

Mythundis-argent-dawn · July 1, 2019, 9:03pm

Word spreads quickly via Astranaar’s inhabitants that the warband known as the Hand of Cenarius has arrived in the elven town. Their reasonings for being in town stay unknown for now.

Hello! We’re back in Astranaar, Ashenvale, where we’re looking to get some of that sweet hub roleplay. In the coming days, once the recruitment revamp is finished, we’ll also be opening recruitment! A forum post will follow with the updated recruitment methods once its here - until then, you can get in contact with myself or Blackquill to show interest!

Kump-argent-dawn · July 1, 2019, 10:15pm

Led by Warlord Mythundis of the Ashenvale clan! Mok’ra!

Sorry, gave me some Orcish vibe.
Needless to say, but the Hand of Cenarius are very cool bunch to interact with, as we all already know how cool they are.
So, anyone who likes the theme should definitely join.~

Good luck!

Melanee-argent-dawn · July 3, 2019, 10:12am

This thread is so far down i don’t think it’s not fair.
Alright here is some sun light and i wish you all the best of luck

Mithralles-argent-dawn · July 3, 2019, 10:54am

Walking unaided – even it’s a bit wobbly!

Rising to standing without help from furniture or people

Pointing to objects of interest

Speaking two or three recognisable words

Deliberately dropping toys and looking for them.

This is Rethion, like, to the letter.

Also, grats on reaching this milestone!

Mythundis-argent-dawn · July 7, 2019, 10:51am

Hello! About a week ago, I mentioned reworking the guild’s recruitment. It ballooned and became a little more - ranks were changed, too.

First things first, the rank of Runt has been renamed. Now, they are called Neophytes. The reasoning behind this change is simple - Neophyte sounds less belittling, sounds more serious and, since the guild’s changed much since the beginning, we may well be considered to have views of our own. Neophyte is perfect for that; as per the definition of the word, they are also neophytes to our beliefs.

Additionally, there’ll be more of a focus placed on the difference between ranks; higher ranks will get more of a say in this. For example, the voice of a Champion counts thrice that of a Neophyte, a Champion will lead when the Keeper is absent, Neophytes will generally not get as much of a say in matters discussed during conclaves, and so on.

Recruitment/Ranking Rework

Pilgrimage of Reverence

Joining the Guild

Upon expressing interest in joining the Hand of Cenarius, the interested is sent on a pilgrimage that will test their faith and worth. They are accompanied on their pilgrimage by a Champion or Guardian of the Hand that will intently watch them.

The pilgrimage sends the recruit out to honor nature’s sacred entities - be that by placing an offering at the shrine of a Wild God, paying tribute to one of nature’s smaller animal spirits or simply visiting places of druidic importance (Dream Portals or Nordrassil, for example).

The accompanying Guardian or Champion has a clear and distinct role in watching the to-be recruit on their pilgrimage - they observe closely what the recruit does, says and, through social roleplay, tries to work out whether they would be a good fit for the order. This is important for the following Rite.

OOC: the pilgrimage focuses heavily on the social aspect of the travel itself - there’s naturally DMing happening, but it is kept on the low and a focus is placed on the interaction between the Guardian and the to-be recruit.

Rite of Worth

After the Pilgrimage of Nature, the recruit is thrown before a congregating Hand of Cenarius. At this congregation, the accompanying Guardian speaks mostly for the recruit, offering his thoughts and opinions to the rest of the order. Together, the order judges and deems the worth of the recruit. If the order deems them worthy, they will be allowed to become a Companion of the Hand. However, if they are not, they will be shamed, rejected and cast away.

Trial of Spirits

Companion to Neophyte

In the beginning of the Hand of Cenarius, there was a wooden symbol that was given out to members. However, not much was done with that. Now, with the rework, that is going to change. Idols of Spirits, as they will be called, will be given out again when one is ready to undergo the trial to become a Neophyte. They’re wooden idols that are shaped crudely in the form of a claw-like hand.

In this trial, the to-be Neophyte is sent out to one of nature’s lesser animal spirits to gain its favour. Said lesser animal spirit’s favour is all the trial revolves about; when the favour is gained, the trial is complete and the Companion shall be offered a place in the Hand as a Neophyte.

Again, the trialist is accompanied by a Guardian that will make sure they do no wrong in the eyes of nature.

Trial of Nature

Neophyte to Guardian

The Trial of Nature is a later follow-up to the Trial of Spirits. Here, the trialist’s connection to nature is tested through various means - for druids, this can mean a test related to their druid totem, but for others it can simply revolve around the Idol of Spirits. Like in the prior trials, a Guardian accompanies the trialist; they will observe the Neophyte’s actions and report back their thoughts. They are not to help, however.

In the end, these will be hand-crafted not only to suit the environment, but also to create a unique and satisfying experience for the trialist.

Trial of Strength

Guardian to Champion

The Trial of Strength is the last and arguably the toughest trial the Hand offers. The opportunity to undergo it is rare, and only few do. Currently, only Erania Stormsaber has.

In this trial, the Guardian shows they are worthy of being a Champion - they show their strength, wisdom and knowledge on a lone, dangerous journey. When they return, they will be crowned Champions.

Much like the Trials of Nature, Trials of Strength are handcrafted to best fit the character undergoing it. They’re also a bunch harder than the trials before and may or may not involve multiple parts.

Mythundis-argent-dawn · July 13, 2019, 1:19am

[Album] Pilgrimage of Reverence: Morverne

Two little screenshots I took and altered from the first pilgrimage! Morverne undertook the Pilgrimage of Reverence today, traveling all the way to Sargeron, Desolace.

Lóras-argent-dawn · July 13, 2019, 10:15am

Did he lap up the water from the cup like it was a dog bowl?

Mythundis-argent-dawn · July 14, 2019, 10:54pm

Yesterday evening, Nerathion embarked on his Pilgrimage of Reverence together with Sylvari; they travelled from Astranaar all the way up to the Shrine of Remulos in Moonglade, where Nerathion paid tribute to one of Cenarius’ sons, Remulos.

[Album] Pilgrimage of Reverence: Nerathion Vinebranch

But that’s not all! Tonight, both Nerathion and Morverne were accepted into the Hand of Cenarius after their (and our first!) Rite of Initiation. A hearty welcome to the two of them!

Here’s more screenshots from their Rite:

[Album] Rite of Initiation: Morverne & Nerathion

Droople-argent-dawn · July 14, 2019, 11:58pm

These are some wonderfully hoopy froods with much more than a passing awareness of their towel’s location. Had some wonderful RP with them in Astranaar of late, as they patiently teach a gnomish drifter about the wondrous and terrifying continent of Kalimdor.

Mythundis-argent-dawn · July 21, 2019, 1:33am

The lone encampment of the Champions of Azeroth in Silithus is joined by a warband of befallen elves and worgen. They bring with them a dead sentinel and, when questioned, reveal that they were beset upon by swarms of silithid. Outside of the aid provided to them by the encampment’s menders, they keep to themselves.

We got our behinds handed to us by silithid this week (thank you, Lotheridan!) and will now be in Silithus for a night or two. We’ll be attending the Heart of the Forest event next week, where we’ll hopefully be able to connect with the community again!