It turns out that there was still a few things I could help out with before I made my way to Goldshire. Deputy Willem told me more about the thieves that have been causing problems in the area. They call themselves the Defias Brotherhood and that they’ve occupied an area east of the river. He essentially placed a bounty on them asking that I return with the red bandannas they wear as proof of their deaths and I would be rewarded with a new weapon. Seeing as the weapon I’d been using is getting pretty dinged up, how could I refuse.

It seems the Defias keep a man guarding the eastern side of the bridge. I spotted him before he spotted me and was able to sneak up behind him, pick his pocket and backstab him. The fight ended very shortly after that. That’s pretty much what happened with each Defias I engaged in battle… Not very good thieves at all if you ask me. It wasn’t long before I had a dozen bandannas to bring back to Deputy Willem. True to his word I was rewarded not only a military issue dagger but a bit of coin as well.

Turns out Jorik heard about my exploits and decided I was ready for more training. He taught me not only how to improve my Sinister Strike but also an technique he called Gouge, which hurts your enemy and incapacitates them for a few seconds. And a few seconds is all I need to get behind them for a backstab! Fortunately the training didn’t take quite as long this time.

When my training was finished and Jorik deemed me fit to use my new techniques in battle I was approached by Deputy Willem asking if I could do him a favor.

“You’ve shown yourself to be a dependable rogue, Garrett” he said to me before asking me to talk with his “friend” Milly Osworth. She was having some sort of trouble but Willem didn’t go into detail, just asked that I go speak with her. Plausible deniability I guess? Either way I figured it wouldn’t hurt to talk to her.

Apparently the Defias had invaded her vineyard. She’d already informed the local guard but they had yet to do anything about it. Plus she was worried about her crop getting damaged as soldiers and thieves did battle amongst her fields. I can’t say I blame her… I’m pretty sure dozens of fully armored soldiers running through the vines and swinging swords isn’t good for the grapes. What she asked me next though seemed impossible… that I gather her crop and bring it to her. Really? An entire field of grapes by myself? She said she already collected most of the crops into buckets it still seemed too much work for one man but I told her I’d try.

Thankfully the Defias continued to be terrible thieves and I was able to sneak most of the crop right out from under their noses, only getting spotted a couple of times. And those Defias were quickly dispatched. Milly was so thankful she even referred to me as a hero… Definitely never been called that before!

Milly had one final favor to ask, that I take her grape manifest to Brother Neals. I guess he likes to spend most of his time up in the bell tower of the abbey boozing it up. I agreed, but I couldn’t help taking a peak at what she’d written before I did:

Brother Neals,

My grapes are saved! Garrett, the bearer of this manifest, braved my thug infested vineyard and gathered the grapes that I could not. Although the Defias still roam across the river, nearly my entire crop has been salvaged.

You may add a full load of grape bushell’s to your stores.

May the light protect us,

- Milly Osworth

I found Brother Neals exactly where she said he’d be, up in the bell tower, and it was clear he’d already tied a few on. I handed him the note (as it was no kind of manifest that I’d ever seen) and he read it over quickly.

“Oh my! Milly’s grapes have been saved! When she told me that brigands overran her vineyards I nearly despaired, but my faith in the light did not waver!”

Of course it was obvious he cared little about Milly’s vineyard, just that now he could make more wine. Clearly moderation means nothing to “Brother” Neals. Good to know they’ll let just about anyone into the clergy in case this rogue thing doesn’t pan out. Anyway, as thanks he did give me a nice cloak, even if it did have wine stains on it.

A short time later I was approached by Deputy Willem. They had discovered the location of the leader of the local Defias gang, Garrick Padfoot, and asked if I could bring  him the villain’s head. That seemed a little extreme as killing him would do the same purpose without my having to carry a head around in my backpack but… I told him I would do my best.

I found him outside an old shack near the vineyard, exactly where I was told he would be. Seeing as the rest of his gang were such poor thieves I tried my usual tactic of pick-pocketing then back stabbing. Unfortunately, it seems there was a reason he was the leader of this rabble as he discovered me. It was a tough fight, particularly because one of his Defias thugs heard the commotion and rushed to his aid. Fortunately I prevailed but there was a moment when I thought I was a goner. I bandaged my wounds, collected his head, and made my way back to Willem.

“Hah – you caught him! You’ve done Elwynn a great service, and earned a nice bounty!” Willem said when I showed him Garrick’s head.

I didn’t realize I would get a bounty but I guess I should have expected it, him being a wanted criminal and all. Not to mention there’s not a single task I’ve helped with where I didn’t receive something in exchange whether it be coin or something else I could use. Where I come from, that almost never happened! In any case, he gave me a new tunic to replace the somewhat ragged one I had been wearing.

After killing the gang leader there was little else for me to do in Northshire so, I said my goodbyes, and began a journey that would take me outside the walls for the first time. There was a big world to discover and Goldshire was to be my first stop.

It took much longer than I originally thought for Jorik to train me in those new skills but once he deemed me ready I couldn’t wait to try them out. I heard that Marshal McBride needed to see me so I went to see him at the Abbey. Turns out he had a letter for me, an encrypted letter, from Jorik:

Never been more proud to be part of the trade as I am in these last few years. The need for assassins, spies, and scouts has never been more prevalent. You’d think war-time would have had a higher demand, but surprisingly, war isn’t a time we flourish like we do now — the times after peace starts to deteriorate.

I was told you’d be in the area looking to learn a few things. When you have time, come see me by the stables in back of the abbey.

Jorik Kerridan, Rogue Trainer

I found it strange that Jorik would send me that letter through the Marshal when he could have just given it to me himself, or, better yet, saved the paper and ink since he’s already been training me for weeks. I went to see him about it and I guess it’s just something that goes out to all trainees. However he did tell me a few things I didn’t know, those being the names of several of the outfits that covet skills such as mine: other adventurers, SI:7, even the Defias Brotherhood.

“You remember this,” Jorik said to me. “You’re your own man. Don’t let nobody bully you into doing something you don’t wanna do! Besides, we hold all the cards… at least, we do before the game’s done. Know what I mean?”

I didn’t really but it seemed an odd thing to say anyways so…

After that weird exchange I went back to Marshal McBride to see if he had any assignments for me and fortunately he did. Apparently the kobolds are still causing problems and a group of them had camped near the Echo Ridge Mine. He said that his scouts had counted at least 10 of them and asked that I kill them, find out if there were any more and report back. Putting my new skills to work I would sneak up to each kobold, do a little pick pocketing, then stab them in the back. For the most part it went well but there were a few occasions where my pick pocketing wasn’t as unnoticeable as I would have liked. Needless to say however, these kobolds weren’t much of a challenge. After taking care of the ones at the camp I scouted around and found that there were quite a few more than then just the ones at the camp so I headed back to the Marshal to let him know.

Upon hearing the news he asked me to return and help clear the mine of kobolds, so after a brief rest I did. While killing kobolds and exploring the mine I managed to find some new equipment, a minor healing potion, and a couple of gems… malachite I think they’re called. The potion intrigues me, a vial of what looks like red cough syrup. Hopefully it doesn’t taste like it… I’d almost rather be stabbed than try to chug a bottle of Robitussin. Anyways, after killing as many kobolds as I could I once again returned to the Abbey. He thanked me for everything I’d done and then handed me a new belt to replace the old ragged one I’d been using.

“Garrett, you are a rogue with proven interest in the security of Northshire. You are now tasked with the protection of the surrounding Elwynn Forest,” he said to me while handing me some papers. If I decide to accept the duty then I’m to report to Marshal Dughan in Goldshire. At least he told me how to get there. I’m not sure if I was supposed to look at these papers or not but, nothing was sealed so…

Report: Kobolds

The activity of kobolds has increased in the vicinity of Northshire Valley. They camp north of the abbey and within the Echo Ridge Mine in alarming numbers. I have marshalled paladins, warriors and other local folk to aid me in ridding us of the vermin.

This progresses well. And I will update as needed.

Report: Thieves

More alarming than the kobolds, a human gang of thieves has emerged in the valley. They wear red bandanas and call themselves a brotherhood. This level of organization may lead to trouble, both here and in all of Elwynn Forest.

We have identified one of their leaders — one Garrick Padfoot — and hope to bring him to justice soon.

Report: Wolves

There has been an increase in reported animal attacks in Northshire. Eagan believes the wolves in the valley were scared here from Duskwood.

Although the wolves rarely hunt human prey, the sheer number of them has caused some incidents with farmers. And many livestock have gone missing.

COMMENDATION:

The bearer of these documents is to be awarded Deputy status with the Stormwind Army, having served Northshire with eagerness and distinction. I am confident you will find this person useful in Elwynn Forest.

signed:

Marshal Douglas McBride,

Stormwind Army, Northshire

It’s weird to think I’ve been on this world for a couple of months now and Northshire has been my home away from home for a couple of months now. I’m definitely excited to see more of this place but I decided not to leave right away. I wanted to at least take one last look around and say my goodbye’s.

As I was walking around the abbey I came across a man who called himself Eagan Peltskinner, the one mentioned in the report. A very odd fellow this one. Kept going on about hating wolves but how he loved eating wolf meat and how hungry he was. He asked if I would go gather wolf meat for him and promised to make it worth my while. If nothing else it would be a good test of my new skills… if I could sneak up on a wolf I could surely sneak up on anyone!

They certainly weren’t hard to find, the woods around the abbey were indeed practically teeming with them. Much to my surprise I was even able to sneak up on them! Also, much to my surprise, it wasn’t very difficult to take one down with nothing but a dagger. I guess the training I received was even better than I suspected. Eagan wanted quite a bit of meat and there wasn’t much decent meat on any of the creatures I came across so I had to kill several before I had enough. When I returned to him he was quite thrilled and gave me a pair of wolfskin bracers to use. Before I could even thank him he’d already started cooking up the meat. I guess he wasn’t kidding!

Soon I will make my way to Goldshire and see what more this world has to show me. Until then… Deputy in the Stormwind Army? That’s kinda cool.

Training has finally come to an end.

I’m definitely in much better shape and I’ve learned a lot. I still don’t know much about this place I’ve found myself in for the past several weeks but one thing has become clear… It’s not a dream and there’s not going to be an easy way home. Assuming I’ll ever see home again.

Yesterday seemed like it would be no different than any other day. We went through our regular routine of running, sparring, and perfecting our techniques, but at the end of class, we were told that our training was over and we would be receiving our orders individually. No fanfare, no congratulations, no ceremony or certificates, just a handshake and a “Report to Deputy Willem first thing in the morning.” Before Jorik sent us on our way he did mention that further training would be available as our skills progress but that we would have to pay for it from here on out. I also learned that this definitely was not going to be a typical military assignment. I didn’t know what I was going to be doing exactly but I knew it wasn’t going to be marching into combat and holding formations. It would be a series of special assignments which I would be able to take and complete at my own discretion. Kind of sounds to me like a potentially poor use of training time but, it seemed to work for them. I certainly know that I’ll do my best to complete any missions that come my way, not only out of a sense of obligation but, at this point, it’s the only work I know how do to here. I’ll be paid by the assignment and I’ll get to see the world and, hopefully, find a way home. Plus I need to do something to keep myself fed and out of the rain.

Today was the start of a new career and I reported to Deputy Willem as ordered, first thing this morning. Since he was in uniform I assume he’s part of the regular military and not on a per mission basis like I am. He seemed nice enough but I’m not sure why I was to report to him first as he sent me right on to his superior, Marshal McBride.

I found the marshal inside the Northshire Abbey. He looked like he’d seen a few battles and had that confident tone of a consummate soldier. He mentioned that, with so many forces abroad that it was becoming more difficult to defend from corruption within the kingdom which is why volunteers like myself were needed. Something Deputy Willem also mentioned when I briefly spoke with him. He then told me that a clan of kobolds had infested the woods to the north and that he needed me to “Reduce their numbers so that we may one day drive them from Northshire.” In another words, kill as many of them as I could find.

I didn’t know what a kobold was so I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect when I headed North through the woods but it wasn’t long until I found what he was talking about. They were ugly creatures to be sure but they also seemed to be an, at least relatively, intelligent species. I’d done a bit of hunting as a kid back home but never actually killed anything that could talk back. They also didn’t seem very aggressive but I could see how, if their numbers continued to grow, that they could become a threat. So, without further hesitation I set about completing my first assignment and I was able to easily dispatch my first intelligent opponent. Upon searching it’s pack I found one copper piece and some flimsy looking chain-mail pants. I knew they’d be too heavy for me to wear and still be able to fight and, considering how ugly they were, it’s just as well.

It was not difficult at all to find the creatures as they were lurking throughout the woods. I was a little thrown off the first time one of them yelled “You no take candle!” at me, but not enough to still easily defeat it. Like I would even want it’s useless candle! I lost count of how many I killed before getting too tired to continue the hunt but it must have been at least 15 or 20. Not only did I find more copper but I also found some equipment that, while clearly well used, was still an improvement from the training uniform I was still wearing. Even if one of those pieces of equipment was an old frayed robe that looked a little silly but, while the kobolds weren’t very good fighters, it still hurt when they did get a hit in so any extra protection was worth it.

Something odd happened during my kobold hunt. I was attacked by a wolf that was wearing leather pants. Well, it wasn’t so much wearing them as dragging them but where it found them and how it managed to get tangled in them is beyond me… I’m still scratching my head over it. At least the pants were still in pretty good shape.

When I returned to Marshal McBride I was covered kobold blood. His response? A “Well done, citizen” and 25 copper pieces. I guess that’s not too bad for a days work. After cleaning myself up I found a man named Dermot who was able to what little damage their was to my equipment and was also willing to buy those pieces I’d found that I had no use for. By the time all was said and done I had quite the coin collection going on.

I then went and found Jorik to see if there was anything new he could teach me that I could afford. Tomorrow he’s going to begin teaching me how to move without being heard or seen and how to use that stealth to pick pockets and to attack enemies from behind. I can’t wait!

So, I’m still here, obviously. During those few moments where we’re not training and I’m not so exhausted I can’t see straight, I find myself missing home but, strangely, not as much as I would have thought. Being able to relax on the couch, watch some TV, or play some video games… and I really miss internet access and being able to listen to music anywhere, anytime. But, I find myself adapting to this new life. It seems quieter and much slower paced. No one rushing to get places, no traffic, no one seems to get stressed out over pointless jobs, at least from what I’ve seen so far. People just go about their business of farming, driving their carriages, delivering goods. You realize I don’t even know what time it is anymore? I get up at sunrise,  break for lunch around midday, and eat dinner and go to bed after it gets dark. It’s actually quite liberating… I never knew how much stress I had just worrying about what time it was all the time!

Training continues. It’s amazing how quickly the body can adapt when forced into being put through it’s paces on a daily basis. I’m still not quite able to keep up with the other recruit but, given the improvement I’ve seen, I’m confident that I will by the end of training. I find myself pretty adept and wielding knives, which I never thought possible. In fact, it seems to be the only area where I can match or exceed the other students. I can still get the crap kicked out of me in a toe-to-toe fight but once I get my stamina up, but when it’s just daggers I can hold my own and I’m at the top of the group when it comes to throwing knives. We’re supposed to get into the more advanced techniques in a few days so we’ll see how that goes…

I’m starting to get the impression that I’m not going to be part of a regular military force once training is over. I’m going to be expected to use my new found skills to help this kingdom, whatever it is, but I’m not going to be on the front lines taking orders, which is a relief. I’ve never gotten along well with authority figures, which is why I always had trouble holding down a job at home. It’s more like I’ll be given an assignment and it will be up to me as to how best get the job done. It’s definitely more my style but given how little I know of this place I’m a little worried I’ll even know what they’re talking about.

Other than the book I read when I first arrived, my whole world has been nothing but training. I’m looking forward to “graduation” so I hopefully have more time to dig into the history of this world. Of all the things I’ve heard I’ve yet to see anything to back it up. Makes me wonder if it’s not like the middle ages were; filled with primitive people who believed in just about anything because they were simply to ignorant to know any better. Unless it’s in regards to our training I really don’t talk to anyone else so all I have to go on is what I manage to overhear. Mostly it’s just talk about back home, one guys dad served in the war or was a farmer or a shipbuilder. I’d love to ask “What war?” but I’m pretty sure that would give me away.

I will say this much, the kids here seem much more mature and well behaved. Back home, I’d swear 90% of 16 year olds are borderline retarded!

I hate running!