WARNING: Midnight spoilers in this post!
Investigating Tranquillien
Following from the first chapter of Eversong Woods and our investigation of the growing Lightbloom threat, we are sent in the direction of Tranquillien along with Arator to meet up with Magister Umbric to discuss our next steps regarding the Voidstorm.
On our path to the former hub of the Ghostlands, we find the corpse of a void elf sitting by the river carrying a notebook full of void theorems.
Arator says: Hold, champion. There's a body here. What's that clutched in her hand?
Arator says: A notebook? So many pages missing... strange. Let's get to Umbric. He'll want to know.
Continuing our journey into Tranquillien, we find the town rebuild and expanded from its state in The Burning Crusade, with the Forsaken who once came to aid them now integrated as everyday civilians. Situated at the edge of town is Magister Umbric's laboratory, where he is busy at work finding solutions to the Voidstorm thanks to the hospitality of the town's mayor, Lord Antenorian.
Magister Umbric says: One of my own, dead? How could this happen?
Magister Umbric says: These notes... Kasiea? No!
Lord Antenorian says: My sympathies, Magister. I'll see that someone takes care of the body.
Magister Umbric says: I need to look into Kasiea's notes. I won't let her die in vain.
Arator says: I'll ask around and see if I can find any leads.
Alongside Arator, we investigate throughout Tranquillien and discover a combination of disappearances, void smuggling, and strange recruitment notes amplifying the isolation of the town. Even the officials in power, such as the guard captain, seem idle and lax in the face of such obvious threats.
Ranger Belonis says: We've lost three more scouts down south since the Voidstorm appeared!
Ranger Belonis says: Five! Something odd is going on down south, but we haven't the numbers to patrol.
Arator says: A lack of Farstriders seems very convenient for our murderer.
Provisioner Vredigar says: This is the third time I've been robbed!
Guard Captain Leonic says: New recruits? Splendid!
Guard Captain Leonic says: Suspicious? Such as a giant storm of Void looming over us all you mean? Can't say I have.
Arator says: That's not much of an answer. Hm.
Quartermaster Lymel says: Why are we stockpiling?
Quartermaster Lymel says: Newcomers, supplies... it's like they're preparing for something.
Arator says: Seems like Lord Antenorian is offering everyone refuge.
Quartermaster Lymel says: What kind of shipment is this?
Matron Narsilla says: Worry not. Lord Antenorian will take care of us all.
Matron Narsilla says: Behold the sky! The Light has all but abandoned us.
Arator says: The Light will prevail--we must have faith.
Continuing our search, we head to the town's inn with Arator, where we are pointed towards the dead void elf Kasiea's belongings. There, we find the remnants of her journal, and the revelation that the town has been wrapped up in secret cult activity.
Innkeeper Kalarin says: I hope you're in better straits than my last guest, traveler.
Innkeeper Kalarin says: A void elf woman rushed out of here last night, as if she was trying to flee.
Arator says: That sounds like Kasiea. I wonder if she left anything behind? Let's go see.
<The last page of this diary has yesterday's date."
They know I'm trying to leave. I don't know how they found out.
I have to run--nobody can help me now, I believed all those seductive lies... this is all my fault. I was so afraid. I should have known better.
I can't let them get my research. I can't give them any more ammunition.
Forgive me.
Arator says: A cult? ...could it be the Twilight's Blade, here?
Unmasking the Void
As Arator heads back, we journey outside of town with Umbric to investigate the incomplete rituals Kasiea wrote down in her notebook. At each ritual site, we uncover more and more of what Kaseia's notes were truly for -- summoning entities from beyond the Voidstorm.
Magister Umbric says: Kasiea's notes appear to be focused on... summoning? Let's see.
Magister Umbric says: A rift!
Magister Umbric says: A sample of Void energy. Good. Let's take it and try another location.
Magister Umbric says: This place is more exposed to the Voidstorm. Things may get dangerous.
Magister Umbric says: More creatures!
Magister Umbric says: Was she summoning from the Voidstorm itself? But why?
Magister Umbric says: Let's try the last location.
Magister Umbric says: Kasiea... what were you doing?
Magister Umbric says: That's our last sample. What was the purpose of all of this?
Magister Umbric says: Let's take these back to my study.
Returning to Tranquillien, Arator and Umbric come to an agreement that things are awry, and opt to take the information to Lord Antenorian. At his office, he is mysteriously absent, with his attendant sifting through a mysterious and definitely-not-evil lockbox. Upon interacting with it, we're blasted back by void, and Lord Antenorian suddenly arrives, ready to help.
Arator says: Too many people are dodging questions... there may be something darker going on here.
Magister Umbric says: Lord Antenorian values nothing more than the safety of his people. He'll want to know about this.
Secretary Faloria says: What are you--what brings you here?
Secretary Faloria says: Lord Antenorian is away. I can help you.
Arator whispers: This isn't right. See what's in that lockbox she was toying with.
Lord Antenorian says: Magister Umbric! How goes your research?
Magister Umbric says: Go on, champion. Tell him.
<Tell Lord Antenorian everything.>
Lord Antenorian says: Really? How very odd indeed.
Lord Antenorian says: I shall have it looked into. But I'm glad you're here--I need your assistance with something.
<Lie to Lord Antenorian about how much you know.>
Lord Antenorian says: A cult? That is a most serious accusation.
Lord Antenorian says: I shall have it looked into. But I'm glad you're here--I need your assistance with something.
Lord Antenorian sends us on another investigation, distinctly away from the rumors to the south. He instead beseeches us to meet with one of his scouts to the north, a task that is quickly ambushed by cultists on their own mission to kill us for the questions we are asking.
Lord Antenorian says: I cannot thank you three enough for taking the town's safety seriously.
Lord Antenorian says: I shall look into your investigation. We'll compare notes later.
Arator says: Champion, wait! It's an ambush!
Mysterious Correspondent says: Little birds void and light, asking far too many questions. Take them out.
Mysterious Correspondent says: And find a better place for the bodies this time.
Magister Umbric says: This is a member of the Twilight's Blade. You were right, Arator--quickly, back to Tranquillien!
Upon arriving back in Tranquillien, we find Umbric's lab in ruins. We sift through what remains of his research, finding little beyond a few remaining void samples of value; thanks to Umbric's lovely cat Penumbra, however, we do find a strange locket.
Good kitty.
Magister Umbric says: Even if I offered my aid to Silvermoon, I have little to give, now.
Arator says: All is not lost, Umbric--they can't have stolen everything.
Magister Umbric says: One of the void samples! See if the others are here.
Magister Umbric says: Excellent--wait, what's that glinting over there?
The seal on the locket reveals the mastermind of the town's cult activity -- none other than Lord Antenorian himself. In an unimplemented cutscene, he reveals himself as the culprit, and the leader of the Twilight's Blade cult. Whisking away, the town begins to be overrun by his followers.
Within the town, we find a good number of friendly faces from Tranquillien now serving the Twilight's Blade, including memorable NPCs from its Burning Crusade iteration like Arcanist Vandril and Advisor Valwyn. Many of its citizens are innocent, however, and we save them in the midst of cutting down the cultists.
Arator says: I will not stand by as that cult takes this town!
Magister Umbric says: See to the citizens. I'll find Antenorian... and make him pay.
Twilight's Blade Recruit says: Void deliver us!
Advisor Valwyn says: Join or die!
Magister Darenis says: Shadows descend!
Twilight's Blade Adherent says: Shadows descend!
Dame Auriferous says: Don't let them destroy Tranquillien!
Pathstalker Lontral says: Have they all gone mad?
Old Man Mavren says: How could this happen?
Ranger Lethvalin says: What aid has Silvermoon sent us? None!
Ranger Lethvalin says: You blind fools...
Ranger Belonis says: That worm--you have our thanks.
Matron Narsilla says: The Void saves us!
Matron Narsilla says: Was I... right...?
Quartermaster Lymel says: They've all gone mad with fear!
Guard Captain Leonic says: We shall be on the right side of this conflict!
Guard Captain Leonic says: Shadows... take you...
Innkeeper Kalarin says: Gather at the inn, it's safe there!
Arator says: You're safe! Have you seen Umbric?
With the town mostly dealt with, we head to the mayor's office to find Umbric and hopefully deal with Antenorian. There, we find Umbric battling with Antenorian's assistant, but the mayor himself is long gone.
Secretary Faloria says: So easily fooled!
Magister Umbric says: Antenorian was two steps ahead the entire time I was here. Let's return to my study.
Magister Umbric says: We've rescued who we can, but my research...
Magister Umbric says: What was in that lockbox?
Magister Umbric says: This map of Eversong is marked with targets for the Twilight's Blade--including Windrunner Village!
Arator says: I won't let that happen. Go, check on your people--I need to tell Silvermoon what's happened here. I'll catch up with you.
Before we head to Windrunner Village, Arator contacts our allies back in Silvermoon in an optional Stay Awhile.
Lor'themar Theron says: Arator! Has Umbric agreed to lend his aid?
Arator says: In due time. I have dire news--the Twilight's Blade infiltrated Tranquillien.
Arator says: What's worse is they had a map of Eversong, marked with targets--Tranquillien was only their first stop.
High Exarch Turalyon says: Traitors on our doorstep. How can they betray their own people?
Arator says: They're afraid, father. You know the Void preys on fear.
Lor'themar Theron says: The last time the Sunwell was threatened like this, the sin'dorei were nearly wiped out.
High Exarch Turalyon says: Then this time, we'll ensure that cult is wiped out. See it done, Arator.
Arator says: Not before we help Umbric secure Windrunner Village. We'll strike once everyone is safe.
Pursuing the Twilight's Blade
Heading to Windrunner Village, we meet with Arator and Umbric in the dilapidated town square. While some void elves have taken up residence in the village, it is still mostly an empty and defenseless ruin, and our first task is to activate the weathered old defenses. Arator also has a few words to say about the village, and the legacy its name carries from his own family line.
Magister Umbric says: It's calm for now... but if the Twilight's Blade had a map of the area, it may not last.
Arator says: We'll fix up those old constructs and take out any cultists we find.
Arator says: Vereesa used to tell me stories of this place. They held festivals, her brother Lirath would play. The air was filled with laughter and song.
Arator says: It's hard to imagine any of that now. It's just... broken. Gone. Nothing left but echoes.
Arator says: Was my mother one of those that filled the air with laughter? Did Sylvanas sing? Were my grandparents...
Arator says: I suppose it's useless to think about it.
Arator says: My mother... I haven't heard from her in weeks.
Arator says: We don't speak often, but it just feels different this time. With everything that's happened, that storm in the sky, the Void...
Arator says: Worry solves nothing. What we need is a sword and a capable hand, and I've both of those.
Arator says: Still... I wish I'd seen this place while it still lived.
Before our pursuit of Antenorian and the Twilight's Blade, Umbric wishes to use what remains of Kasiea's notes to open a connection to the Voidstorm -- one that allows us to enter instead of summoning void creatures. While he tries his best, his attempt ultimately ends in failure, leaving no choice but to find the remainder of the notes.
Magister Umbric says: I'm going to try to decipher Kasiea's notes one last time. They may be the key to unraveling the Voidstorm.
Magister Umbric says: Champion! Bring those void shards to the center portal. If I'm right, it should reverse the path and open the way to the Voidstorm.
Magister Umbric says: No! We were so close...
Magister Umbric says: Kasiea's research holds the first steps I need to help Silvermoon. Antenorian took those missing pages. I'd bet my life on it.
Our path leads us to the ruins of Deatholme, the last remainder of Scourge corruption in Quel'thalas and the current base of the Twilight's Blade. Upon reaching the entrance, we're joined by Valeera Sanguinar, our new Delve companion for the expansion, sent by Lor'themar to aid us in taking down the cult.
In an unimplemented cutscene, we properly meet the Council of the Void including Xal'atath, Salhadaar, and a domanaar named Terminus. Despite Antenorian's plea for aid, they ignore him, leaving him to our mercy.
Valeera Sanguinar says: Champion. Lor'themar sent me to help with that rat you're chasing.
Lord Antenorian yells: INFILTRATORS! TO ARMS!
Arator says: We'll take care of the reinforcements--go with Valeera!
Magister Umbric says: I trust you, champion. Find Antenorian, get the information we need, and take him down.
We join Valeera in the Deatholme delve, the Shadow Enclave, where the Twilight's Blade are busy opening a portal to the Void that they can escape through. Fighting our way through its barriers, rituals, and cultists, Valeera aids us in tracking down Antenorian.
Lord Antenorian yells: Infiltrators seek to destroy all we have accomplished! Cut them down!
Lord Antenorian yells: There is no salvation! We must save ourselves!
Valeera Sanguinar says: Fitting that a worm like Antenorian would crawl down here.
Valeera Sanguinar says: The coward created a barrier. Destroy the Void Foci to collapse it.
Valeera Sanguinar says: They look eager to die for him. Let's not keep them waiting.
Lord Antenorian yells: Do not fear, my devoted. With your strength I open a new path!
Valeera Sanguinar says: He's using them to open a portal! Don't let him escape.
Antenorian's Devoted says: The Light abandoned us...
Antenorian's Devoted says: We will be saved...
Antenorian's Devoted says: Antenorian opens the way...
Lord Antenorian says: I will not die like them!
Lord Antenorian says: I did... all... I was asked...
Valeera Sanguinar says: Alone in the dark, desperate, still pining for power. A fitting end.
We loot the remainder of Kasiea's notes from Antenorian's corpse, and bring them back outside to Umbric. He rushes off to make use of them to find a way to stop the Voidstorm, while we contact Silvermoon with the good news -- only to receive word of yet more peril.
Magister Umbric says: These notes have to hold the answer! Kasiea... I'll make sure you didn't die in vain. Arator, tell Lor'themar he has my aid.
Magister Umbric says: I'll be in touch the moment I have a solution.
Arator says: Umbric is finding a way into the Voidstorm. Once we have it, the Vanguard can launch a direct attack and end this threat once and for all.
Lor'themar Theron says: His help is deeply appreciated. I only wish word of it had arrived under better circumstances.
Arator says: What do you mean?
Lor'themar Theron says: We've news from Suncrown. The Lightbloom has all but devoured the village.
Lor'themar Theron says: Lady Liadrin left the moment we heard. Meet her and get any survivors out of there.
Arator says: We'll make haste.
Lor'themar Theron says: I will head there myself as soon as matters here are settled. Take care, both of you.
With the defeat of the Twilight's Blade, the second chapter of our journey in Eversong Woods has come to an end, to be continued with the resurgence of the Lightbloom. Let us know what you think of the story so far!
