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.