Many disagree on this point. The Windshapers would have you believe that joining hands and merely hoping for the spirits' return will be sufficient. Their order's power has waned however, and their path relies on putting us back on the cycle of dependence that got us to this point. The High Order on the other hand... we believe in a more direct approach.

The roiling cloud of living lightning before you seems to crackle menacingly as you approach. It might be best to leave. Quickly.

Why is this happening? Put simply, the spirits of the wind just... vanished. The petty sprites and lesser elementals you've likely encountered out there are a pale imitation of the true spirits of wind. Non-sentient, aimless, and a far cry from the kindly spirits we lived in harmony alongside for thousands of years.

Old Borgy sent you? Always looking out for me. We could certainly use another set of hands around here. Business has all but stopped with the recent tragedy, and I think you could help set things right.

Where to begin? Our home is failing. The wards have fallen and the three provinces have begun to drift apart. There was a time not long ago when the spires of Shen'dramar were visible from the western watchtower. No longer. Day by day the wind pylons that anchor our home to this plane weaken...

I can teach you to swing a blacksmith's hammer, if you are willing to learn.

Zephras is in great danger. The elemental wind spirits that brought us here to Skywall so many thousands of years ago have abandoned us, leaving us vulnerable in this unstable realm. Our once-robust society spanned multiple island sanctuaries in our corner of Skywall, but now we are not even sure if any other shen'dorei remain outside of this small island. Things are dire, but the High Order is committed to rising to this challenge.

Even the Windshapers would tell you that the spirits never spoke highly of any supreme being amongst them. They acknowledged the existence of a being named Al'Akir, but they avoided invoking his name, almost as if they feared him. Even if this Al'Akir is an all-powerful "Windlord" or ruler of the wind elementals, relying upon elementals is what got us into this mess. We must now see ourselves out of it.

You must remember that while this realm has been our home for millennia, we will always be somewhat alien to this place. We are not in the terrestrial world that birthed our people. We are in the realm of Skywall, the elemental plane of air. We arrived here as the guests of spirits with whom we found kinship in ages past. Now that we Shen'dorei find ourselves bereft of their presence--and potentially--their protection, there's no telling how the other denizens of this plane may perceive us.

The Cult? They are zealots and killers. They believe that we are being punished for some unspecific sin. The reality is that those that lead them are opportunists leftover from a dubious order of so-called "Priests" of Al'Akir, the Windlord. They now find themselves in a position to weaponize the fear of our people to consolidate their own power... and they have been quick to do so.

Alas, I have prattled on long enough. Should you find yourself in the port of Valanaar, seek out Elaadrin Evengale. Elaadrin was once my student, but now he serves as the Chief Magister of the High Order. He is headstrong and capable, and it's now up to him and young Skyborne such as yourself to carry the hopes for our people forward.

Magic can accomplish almost anything, but stagnation and inaction have caused us to lose so much of ourselves in the thousands of years since we left Kalimdor. The High Order seeks to reclaim the Highborne heritage that we've left behind and become the masters of our own destiny once again. The Windshapers think we are simply reckless and arrogant. Hypocrisy at its finest, if you ask me. The Windshapers will entertain no ideas but their own when it comes to this crisis. Who, I wonder, is truly arrogant?

Checked in with Rathiril then? Great. Lots of tension between the High Order and the Windshapers these days, but they keep things civil here in Shen'dar. Well, at least in the village anyway. What happens out in the wilds stays in the wilds. Now that that's done, you look like someone who might be looking for something to do with their hands. I've got a few things that need doing, if you are game for a bit of work?

Greetings lad, if you're looking for the best deals you'll find outside of Ironforge itself, then you've come to the right place.

The wind whispers to those who listen... Do you hear it?

Soon all Shen'dorei will see the truth... and those that refuse will be swept away in the coming storm!

The High Order's mission is vital to the survival of our people. We hold our elemental benefactors in the utmost regard, but we must face reality; they are gone now, and we are on our own. Between threats from within such as the Al'Aketh, and uncertainties of our security on this plane, it is our destiny as Highborne descendants of our ancestral home of Eldre'Thalas to use our gifts to ensure that the shen'dorei can stand on our own once again.

Why are you bothering me, recruit? If you want to talk to other doe-eyed fools, try the inn on the north side of town. The recruits that congregate there tend to have brains as smooth as their freshly shaved heads. Oh, and shave that head of yours. The only thing the windlord abhors more than chatty recruits is chatty recruits with a full head of hair. Now, be gone from my sight.

Do you feel it? Yes? Good! You have taken your first steps. You'll find that with your abilities, you will be able to tap into latent magical energy in many locations. Doing so will provide a myriad of benefits, some profound, others more subtle. You won't know until you tap into them, But that's the best part of the gift... making the unknown known. If we are to survive these dire times, we must be unwavering in our search for knowledge... and power.

Ho there, traveler! New to town? Well, once you get settled in come see me if you'd like some work. I've been working overtime preparing for the Festival of Winds and I'll take all the help I can get keeping the larders full!

Greetings.

Good day to you.

What have you brought from the depths, mage.

Weakened, but determined to save his master, Arthas reached Northrend only to find Illidan's naga and blood elves waiting for him. He and his nerubian allies raced against Illidan's forces to reach the Icecrown Glacier and defend the Frozen Throne.

You have returned. What news comes from Stormwind?

Perhaps I did not make myself clear, pledge. In order to prove your worth as a servant to The People's Militia and to the Light you need to slay 15 Defias Trappers and 15 Defias Smugglers then return to me when the deed is done.

The citizens of Dalaran tolerated the magicians' endeavors and built up a bustling economy under the protection of their magic-using defenders. Yet, as more and more magicians practiced their arts, the fabric of reality around Dalaran began to weaken and tear.

Ultimately, Sylvanas and her rebel undead (known as the Forsaken) claimed the ruined capital city of Lordaeron as their own. Constructing their own bastion beneath the wrecked city, the Forsaken vowed to defeat the Scourge and drive Kel'Thuzad and his minions from the land.

Though his powers were drained by the Lich King's weakness, Arthas had been involved in a civil war in Lordaeron. Half of the standing undead forces, led by the banshee Sylvanas Windrunner, staged a coup for control over the undead empire. Arthas, called by the Lich King, was forced to leave the Scourge in the hands of his lieutenant, Kel'Thuzad, as the war escalated throughout the Plaguelands.

That turncoat risked everything to escape the cult and bring us this crystal...

What do ye need, citizen?

The human society of Arathor grew and prospered, yet Thoradin, fearful that his kingdom would splinter apart if it overextended itself, maintained that Strom was the center of the Arathorian empire. After many peaceful years of growth and commerce, mighty Thoradin died of old age, leaving Arathor's younger generation free to expand the empire beyond the lands of Strom.

So ye see now, mage? Thick as cockroaches they are, and that's just the ones we can see from the sky. Ye look like a sturdy enough sort. How's about a bit o' violence?

Though the rebellion had been quelled, the Horde was unable to recoup the terrible losses it had suffered. Gul'dan's betrayal had afforded the Alliance not only hope, but also time to regroup and retaliate.

What do you need directions to?

Judging by this map, it certainly looks like these Dark Irons are planning some sort of incursion into the vaults beneath Ironforge. The band ye busted up to the east must be a scouting force. Thank ye for bringing me this. If we hurry, we might be able to beat them to whatever their goal is down there.

Oh what's this, then?

Just browsing my wares or is there something specific I can help you find today?

I hope that your interruption is for a good cause, I was in the middle of some important work.

After you've become acquainted with the other leaders of the alliance, Lord Fordragon has requested that you report back to him here in the keep. I wish you good fortune in your journeys, Skyborne.

You might think that just because we live on a floating island, there would be no need for miners like me. After so many thousands of years however, we still manage to dig up a lot of interesting things. It's almost like there's some invisible force, constantly creating new mineral deposits every so often. That's magic for you though, right? Regardless, if you need training as a miner them I'm your shen'dorei.

they would have life eternal, and have naught to fear from the Sundering that was to come...

You'll find no finer rat kabob this side of Khaz Modan!

The original hundred magi, who were tutored in the ways of magic by the elves, expanded their powers and studied the mystic disciplines of spell-weaving in much greater detail. These magi, initially chosen for their strong wills and noble spirits, had always practiced their magic with care and responsibility; however, they passed their secrets and powers onto a newer generation that had no concept of the rigors of war or the necessity for self-restraint.

As the empire grew and expanded into new lands, the young magicians also spread out into the southlands. Wielding their mystical powers, the magicians protected their brethren from the wild creatures of the land and made it possible for new city-states to be constructed in the wilderness. Yet, as their powers grew, the magicians became ever more conceited and isolated from the rest of society.

The second Arathorian city-state of Dalaran was founded in the lands north of Strom. Many fledgling wizards left the restraining confines of Strom behind and traveled to Dalaran, where they hoped to use their new powers with greater freedom. These magicians used their skills to build up the enchanted spires of Dalaran and reveled in the pursuit of their studies.

Monty be me name an' rats be me game.

The Council of Silvermoon, which ruled over the elves of Quel'Thalas, entered into a secret pact with the Magocrat lords of Dalaran. The elves told the Magocrats about the history of ancient Kalimdor and of the Burning Legion, a history which still threatened the world. They informed the humans that so long as they used magic, they would need to protect their citizenry from the malicious agents of the Legion.

Eh? I don't have time ta chat, my da' wants me ta finish this order fer him.

...pan fried, deep fried, and stir fried...