When we left Veritistrasz and Voraxian in 10.0.7, Veritistrasz had promised to tell us the story of Hraxian one day, a Black Dragon who died during the final battle with the Djaradin elders. He’s finally made good on this promise in 10.1!
Dragonscale Expedition
In 10.1, Veritistrasz and Voraxian can be found in the Dragonscale Basecamp in Zaralek Caverns. A recent Djaradin attack on the Dragonscale Expedition group has left one dead and several badly injured, poisoned by the Djaradin blades.
While Veritistrasz helps with an antidote, we accompany Voraxian and one of the stranger members of the expedition – Rupert, a “Gentleman Elemental” – as they investigate a local cavern. The cavern turns out to be a buried vault containing Black Dragonflight artifacts guarded by Titan Watchers – and we collect an Elementally Charged Orb and Displayed Armor Piece, as well as an extensive Research Journal.
The Gaze of Neltharion outpost is reporting “unexpected outcomes” after disposing of experimental waste.
It is a characteristic understatement and intriguing. Neltharion has ordered that we close this vault and transfer back to Aberrus, but I intend to keep my focus on these “unexpected outcomes” once I arrive.
But I’ll be lost without these notes. I must remember to pack them!
Respite
We return to find Veritistrasz has managed to heal the surviving members of the Dragonscale Expedition, and are able to take a moment of respite, during which we have the opportunity for several conversations as we share a meal.
Veritistrasz
Finally able to catch up with Veritistrasz, we learn that he’s been doing a lot better recently. His relationship with Voraxian especially seems to be thriving.
I did not expect to run into you down here <name>, but I am very glad I did. You saved these people, as you saved me.
I was not in a good place when we first met in the Ruby Lifeshrine, but you sat and listened, and that helped.
More than you could ever know.
How are you doing?
I am doing… well?
It sounds surprising to say it after so many years, but I am honestly doing well.
It feels good to be helping people once again, although I do wish it were under better circumstances.
What brought you here?
After you introduced me to Voraxian, we have been spending a lot of time together trading stories and talking about what we want to accomplish. We both want to see the black dragonflight grow and flourish.
When these caverns opened, we both decided to come and help.
Do you have any other plans here?
Voraxian wanted to come down here to find stories about the obsidian flight of old.
He hopes they are positive ones. I fear they won’t be, but I am here to support him.
I’m glad you are doing well.
In no small part due to you. You helped when I needed it.
You listened at the Lifeshrine when I needed to talk, and you did not judge. You introduced Voraxian, and helped give me the push I needed to start helping out the black dragonflight.
I do not think I can adequately thank you for all you have done for me.
<Veritistrasz smiles softly.>
Maybe one day.
I’m glad you and Voraxian are getting along.
Ah, do not tell him, but I am starting to become fond of him.
In many ways he reminds me of Distyia. She also wanted to explore the past, learn from it, and bring those lessons forward to a new time.
He wanted to come down here to hear stories from the local inhabitants about the obsidian flight of old.
He hopes they are positive ones. I fear they won’t be, but I am here to support him.
Voraxian
Voraxian also seems to be doing well, still determined to find positive history for his flight from before its corruption.
<Name>, I knew you were good at raiding vaults, but that was an impressive display earlier!
How are you doing?
Fantastically! It feels good to be on an adventure, it feels good to have helped these people, and it feels good to meet a friend again.
That is three feels good. I would be ungrateful to ask for more than that.
How have things have been with you and Veritistrasz?
Good, he is doing a lot better than when we first met.
I think the sense of purpose is helping him. That is why I want to introduce him to the rest of my flight.
Did you come down here looking for more artifacts?
Yes and no. I had hoped to learn more about my flight’s history from before the corruption.
Then we found the buried vault and now there are artifacts too.
A very happy surprise!
If you try warn Voraxian to lower his expectations, he takes it well enough – though nothing quite seems to dampen his optimism.
I’m happy to help you learn about your flight’s history. It’s unlikely to be positive though.
Certainly not with that attitude, <name>!
I jest, I jest.
This cavern was from before the black dragons fell to corruption. So even if there were some bad apples, there must have been some good as well?
Rupert, the Gentleman Elemental
Talking to Rupert, the Gentleman Elemental, gives us an opportunity to learn why a tophat-wearing stone elemental has joined the expedition.
Well. That was certainly quite the adventure. I have to say enraged Titan watchers was not exactly what I was expecting I would have to deal with today.
Between that and the djaradin, it has certainly been a very… engaging day.
How are you doing?
Ah, well. I do have a stiff upper lip, but I have to admit, I am quite shaken.
I had only recently met Sheridon, but he seemed like a nice person. And he was taken from us with such brutality.
Then we had those uncouth watchers, which I was not expecting at all.
It has been a day.
Why are you so different from other earth elementals?
I am not sure I understand the question.
You are different from others of your race, are you not?
Further conversation with Rupert reveals just why the earth’s elementals seem so angry lately – as Rupert makes reference to several moments in Azeroth’s history. The elemental also explains why he, at least, seems more peaceful.
I meant that most earth elementals on the isles have been aggressive so far.
Well, you might find yourself a tad aggressive if the land you were bound to was torn asunder by an insane Earth-Warder.
Then, as you started to recover, you were stabbed with a giant Titan sword.
Then, as you started to recover yet again, you had your very essence nearly sucked into the realms of Death.
It has been quite the two decades is all I am saying.
Why are you helping the Dragonscale Expedition?
I prefer to rely on diplomacy where possible.
It seems to me that most mortals are trying to help Azeroth. Holding the many accountable for the actions of the few rarely gets you anything except hate and violence.
I prefer to try to bring us together rather than push us apart. That is much easier to do from the inside, as it were.
Earthmender Narvra
Earthmender Narvra, leader of the expedition, is severely shaken by the death of one of her own.
We lost Sheridon during the attack, and the team is struggling to get back on their feet.
Anything you can do to help build their spirits would be greatly appreciated.
How are you doing?
Oh, I’m doing well. I just want to make sure that the team is doing well.
I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.
It’s okay to not be okay.
No, I need to hold it together for everyone else.
They need a strong leader.
It takes strength to admit you need help.
I failed my team. It was their first time on a mission. I was the only veteran, and I failed them.
Sheridon is dead. Everyone else in the team was severely injured. If you and the dragons hadn’t turned up when you did, we would all have died.
I… don’t think I should be leading this team.
I have been saved by others too. There is no shame in needing help.
Hah, you have been saved by others? You are the great <name>! From what I hear you are the one that does the saving.
Every story I have heard of you has you defeating the greatest threats to Azeroth and walking away with your head held high.
At this point, we can tell Narvra about one of the times where we needed help – whatever we select, she has the same reaction.
I would have been killed by the Lich King if not for Tiron Fordring.
Illidan and Khadgar saved me from being blown up on Kil’Jaeden’s ship.
Magni and MOTHER helped me hold off corruption and defeat N’zoth.
Khadgar and Kalecgos saved me from the Incarnates.
Ebyssian saved me from Fyrakk.
I… have to admit, I hadn’t heard that part of your tales. I guess you only ever hear the victory part.
If even you need help sometimes, then maybe it isn’t a weakness. Thank you <name>.
Chef Butterfingers
Like any skilled professional, Chef Butterfingers seems mostly preoccupied with his craft.
“It’s a promotion,” they said. “Be a head chef,” they said.
They didn’t tell me giant fire djaradin were on the menu! Seems like that was relevant information!
How are you doing?
Ya know, I thought the worst thing in my life was playing second fiddle to that giant hunka charcoal in a hat over there.
Turns out the worst thing was nearly being murdered by giant fire beasts.
I guess I have a story to tell my grandkids now that doesn’t involve cookin’ beans.
How did you prepare this food so quickly?
I’m a good cook is how! Ok, it’s not one of those fancy Tuskarr feasts I keep hearing people yammer on about, but I didn’t have much time, and everyone needed something warm in their belly.
Sometimes you can make something tasty, and quick, and healthy! Not often mind, and it’s not exactly high cuisine, but it’ll do in a pinch.
Have you always enjoyed cooking?
Yeah, I’ve been cooking since I was a kid, my ma said she could barely get me outta the kitchen.
I just like to see the looks on peoples faces when they eat good food you know? The difference between a slammed together cheese sandwich, and one made with love is night and day.
Unless you are like Tellywin, in which case apparently “Food is just food”.
Your food is having a positive effect on everyone, their spirits seem to be lifting.
You noticed that too huh? Nice to see right?
You a cook yourself?
I consider myself a good chef.
Oh that’s great! I always love meeting another chef!
Maybe next time we can cook a meal together?
Tellywin Sharpfizzle
Finally, talking to the mechagnome Tellywin Sharpfizzle gives us a chance to learn why a non-warrior might choose to duel-wield swords.
<Tellywin looks significantly better than the last time you saw him>
I guess the good thing about flesh is it is a lot easier to heal with magic than metal is. Someone should probably work on some magic to repair metal.
That’s got to be a thing, right?
Those are impressive swords. Are you the warrior of the group?
No, that was Sheridon. He… managed to distract the djaradin long enough for us to get away.
Honestly, I don’t even know how to use them, other than stick the pointy end in the other person.
Why do you have the swords if you don’t know how to use them?
Because everything is bigger than me.
Take wasps, or snakes or whatever, they’ve got fangs, stingers, you don’t mess with them.
Then you have the things that look like wasps and snakes and you think “Oh, that looks bad, going to stay away from that”.
Same thing with the swords, it deters. Although… not enough, apparently.
I know some people adept with swords, if you would like to learn.
No, thanks though. I’m really more a book sort of person.
That’s what drew me to the Dragonscale Expedition. The only thing better than reading about old things is finding old things and figuring out what they are for other people to read about!
Or at least, I think so. This was my first outing. I haven’t actually discovered anything new yet.
You are in an underground cavern that was Neltharion’s secret base of operations.
Well, yeah, but there are other people down here as well. It’s not that special; it’s just a thing that happened.
It’s not like I did anything to discover the cavern. I just walked in.
Things rarely feel special to the people they are happening to.
Huh… I hadn’t thought of it like that.
I guess if it wasn’t happening to me, I would be interested in reading about it.
Hmm, these crystals are different from the ones we’ve seen above ground…
<Tellywin absentmindedly stops talking and starts furiously writing in his journal.>
The Gaze of Neltharion
Eventually, we’ll ask Tellywin about the artifacts we found. As it turns out, the research journal referenced a place quite nearby – a tower known as the Gaze of Neltharion.
What were the artifacts we recovered?
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: They are fascinating! The book alone is going to take years to study; it’s filled with meticulously kept notes!
Voraxian says: The final page mentioned something about the Gaze of Neltharion. What is that?
Earthmender Narvra says: It’s what the locals call the big tower in the Sulfur Wastes. It’s where we were heading towards when we were attacked. Once we are rested, I mean to move out again.
Rupert, the Gentleman Elemental says: The djaradin were unanticipated. We can circumnavigate the sulfur pits via Loamm this time.
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: And after we return, we can get these artifacts back to basecamp for study!
Voraxian says: At the Obsidian Citadel you mean. These artifacts belong to my flight, and they should be returned to us.
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: Oh… that’s not standard protocol…
Earthmender Narvra says: You’re right, Voraxian. These artifacts should be returned to your people.
Voraxian says: You have my thanks. I will make sure you have access to the rest of the Citadel’s artifacts for study in exchange.
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: Oh my! That is very generous!
Earthmender Narvra says: Our mission to the Gaze of Neltharion may of yield more of your flight’s artifacts, Voraxion. Will you be joining us? Veritistrasz?
Voraxian says: I would like to, yes.
Veritistrasz says: Yes, I will join you, young ones. If anything to keep from having to patch all of you up again.
Earthmender Narvra says: Whatever the reason, I’m glad to have you both onboard.
As we begin to investigate the area around the tower, disturbing truths begin to be revealed. For a start, the area is haunted… quite literally.
Rupert, the Gentleman Elemental says: As we crossed the bridge, I noted the northern Sulfur Wastes had a significant number of ghosts wandering about.
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: Ghosts are never a good sign.
Rupert, the Gentleman Elemental says: Indeed. That is why I thought it worthy of note.
We quickly discover evidence of unethical experiments done on living subjects, including the book Waste Disposal Notes.
Subject 642 – Non-communicative – Dumped, Terminated
Subject 646 – Cried for parents – Dumped, Terminated
Subject 652 – Powerful Physique, low intelligence – Dumped, Terminated
Subject 643 – Expired after testing – Dumped
Subject 647 – Fought with Subject 648, expired – Dumped
Subject 648 – Aggressive beyond orders – Dumped, Terminated
Subject 653 – Disobeyed orders – Dumped, Terminated
<The rest of the book is filled with lines like this.>
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: This book contains notes on… test subjects? Almost all were marked dumped, and some were… alive when that happened.
Earthmender Narvra says: By the elements… They were testing on live subjects?
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: This timeline is… wrong. The Dragon Isles were sealed just after the black dragons fell. But there are hundreds of test records…
Veritistrasz says: Neltharion’s twisted ways started a lot earlier than anyone dared imagine, it seems.
Voraxian says: This… this is horrific…
Earthmender Narvra can perform a ritual to help the restless spirits find peace, but as we work on preparing the ritual, the spirit of Lead Researcher Sytorian, the Black Dragon who was in charge of these twisted experiments, begins to protest.
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: What are you doing? You cannot undo my work!
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: Azeroth must be ready for any threat the cosmos throws at us!
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: My work was for the good of all!
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: The things I did so you could sleep comfortably at night…
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: I may have failed Neltharion in life once…
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: But I will not fail him in death! Azeroth must be kept safe!
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: You… you do not have the strength to do what must be done.
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: To make the decisions that have to be made… to dirty your claws so that others may keep theirs clean!
Voraxian says: If you are the example of my flight’s past, I am glad to not meet your standards!
We confront Sytorian directly in the ritual. Though he still argues that he did what had to be done for the sake of Azeroth, Veritistrasz and Voraxian are finally able to show him that there was no excuse for the atrocities he committed.
Veritistrasz says: Your work has saved nothing and no one. It is time to move on.
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: Go back to your “life pools,” red! This is an obsidian matter and concerns you not.
Voraxian says: Obsidian matter? There is no excuse for what you have done here!
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: No… no… you just do not understand…
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: No! I must complete my research and save Azeroth!
Veritistrasz says: Neltharion is dead. No one is coming for your research.
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: No… it cannot have been for nothing… That would mean all those things I did…
Voraxian says: In ten thousand years, Azeroth has been saved many times without your research.
Voraxian says: Go to whatever awaits you beyond.
Lead Researcher Sytorian says: I am released? I am… afraid…
Once again, we are given the opportunity to overhear conversations as the group leaves the area. Veritistrasz and Voraxian seem closer than ever. What’s more, they seem to have found themselves a group of good friends to adventure with.
Voraxian says: I want to thank all of you. You have seen the worst of my flight’s history and stayed to help me make things right.
Voraxian says: I cannot change what happened here, but I can do better. I can help my flight be better.
Earthmender Narvra says: After everything we have been through, this feels like the least we could do.
Chef Butterfingers says: Yeah!
Rupert, the Gentleman Elemental says: Indeed.
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: Exactly!
Veritistrasz says: I am very proud of you, Voraxian. In the shadow of your forefather’s citadel, you proved yourself a better dragon.
Voraxian says: Thank you, all of you. Can we head back to camp? I would like to be done with this place.
Veritistrasz says: Last one back is a crusty hornswog.
Voraxian says: Tellywin… could I ask you to write about this? So the world knows?
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: You want me to write about it? My goodness, what an honor! Our group will need a name for posterity though. What should we call ourselves?
Chef Butterfingers says: Butterfingers and his Sous-Chefs?
Rupert, the Gentleman Elemental says: The Long-Suffering Rupert and his Wayward Charges?
Voraxian says: Hah. <Name> and Others?
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: This is serious! Every group needs a good name. You wouldn’t pay attention if the Valdrakken Accord was called “Some Random Dragons”!
Veritistrasz says: I might. Some Random Dragons sounds interesting. It could be anything.
Earthmender Narvra says: Could even be dragons.
Veritistrasz says: Exactly.
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: I can see working with you all is going to be insufferable.
Voraxian says: How about… “The Dragons and the Scale Expedition”?
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: Hmm. Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but it’s not bad. We’ll workshop it!
Rupert, the Gentleman Elemental says: I am looking forward to returning to camp and having a spot of tea.
Earthmender Narvra says: Tea sounds wonderful.
Chef Butterfingers says: I can throw some food together as well!
Voraxian says: Rupert, I have to ask. The hat makes sense to me, but why the monocle?
Veritistrasz smiles towards Voraxian.
Rupert, the Gentleman Elemental says: Well you see…
The Tale of Hraxian
Players who have already completed A Dusty Vase and who return to Veritistrasz after the next daily reset are finally able to hear the story of Hraxian, as Veritistrasz decides it’s time for Voraxian to learn something positive about the Black Dragonflight. As with previous conversations with Veritistrasz, the full story is quite long – and it takes several prompts from us to hear it all.
In the end, after listening to the entire tale in full, we are rewarded with the Hraxian’s Unbreakable Will, a toy that, when used, surrounds the player with Djaradin blades – the same honor that the Djaradin showed Hraxian upon his death.
Veritistrasz says: What Sytorian did… not all the obsidian flight were depraved, there was good in them too. I will tell you of a hero who defended the weak and saved many.
Voraxian says: Tellywin, could you write this down? I want my flight to hear of this as well.
Tellywin Sharpfizzle says: Of course.
Veritistrasz says: This is a tale set in the final battle with the djaradin elders, where Neltharion banished them.
Veritistrasz says: This is the tale of Hraxian, and how he died.
Tell us of Hraxian.
Veritistrasz says: He always put up with the antics of the young with a smile and a wink and he was loved for it.
Veritistrasz says: Hraxian was one of the oldest black dragons. It was said only the Earth-Warder surpassed him in strength among his flight. But for all that, he was a gentle soul.
Veritistrasz says: He would sneak whelps treats when others were not looking, and he would lift the mood of any he spoke to.
What happened in the battle?
Veritistrasz says: The draconic army faced off in a final stand against the djaradin elders. The army needed to buy Neltharion time to enact his plan.
Veritistrasz says: The battle went… poorly. The djaradin elders’ mastery over earth and fire was catastrophic; they laid waste to the draconic forces.
Veritistrasz says: One of our flanks crumpled under a devastating attack. As the djaradin closed on our medical wing, Hraxian flew to help.
Veritistrasz says: As he landed, he looked towards the wounded and the noncombatants.
Veritistrasz says: He looked towards me.
You were there?
Veritistrasz says: I was a young dragon assigned to healing duties. Hraxian was my idol growing up. Heh, I was one of the whelps he used to sneak treats to.
Veritistrasz says: You know, I do not remember what the treats were anymore. It was such a long time ago. I have a vague memory of lemon… and tart hochenblume?
Chef Butterfingers says: After this, let’s talk. See if we can recreate it.
Veritistrasz says: I would very much like that.
What did Hraxian do?
Veritistrasz says: The djaradin have a need to prove themselves the strongest – a weakness Hraxian exploited.
Veritistrasz says: Hraxian roared a challenge of single combat to the djaradin: a challenge they readily accepted.
Veritistrasz says: Hraxian slew his opponent with one swipe of his claw and bellowed the next challenge.
How did the djaradin react?
Veritistrasz says: One by one the djaradin faced Hraxian, and one by one they fell.
Veritistrasz says: As the first djaradin strode towards him, I could feel the djaradin armies roar deep in my chest.
Veritistrasz says: I could feel their hate, their lust for his blood, their yearning for his skull.
Rupert, the Gentleman Elemental says: They sound like absolute louts, no different from the oafish djaradin of our time.
Veritistrasz says: You are not wrong. Though they started confident, as each champion facing Hraxian fell, the cheers of the djaradin died a little until they began facing him in silence.
What did you do?
Veritistrasz says: Nothing, I could only watch. Breaking single combat was not an option. Many of us tried to heal him, but he warned us back every time.
Veritistrasz says: Hraxian fought for what felt like hours, though… it cannot possibly have been that long.
Veritistrasz says: Scores of djaradin weapons had left their mark; his blood and scales littered the ground.
Veritistrasz says: Even so, he made them pay for it. Each challenger had to clamber over their dead to meet Hraxian.
How did he die?
Veritistrasz says: It was not a djaradin who killed him – not an individual one at least.
Veritistrasz says: After his final battle, he stood silent. The djaradin waited for his next challenge, but it never came.
Veritistrasz says: Hraxian died on his feet, with his eyes open, staring them down.
Veritistrasz says: Each battle had drained his blood and his life until there was none left.
What happened after he died?
Veritistrasz says: As the djaradin waited for the next challenge, Neltharion banished the elders, and the djaradin fled.
Veritistrasz says: However, a few djaradin advanced. They collected the weapons of the fallen and planted them in the ground around Hraxian.
Veritistrasz says: Then they left, leaving his body untouched. It is the only time I have seen djaradin behave in such a way to a dragon.
Thank you for the tale, Veritistrasz.
Earthmender Narvra says: Why is it we always lose the best of us…
Veritistrasz says: I know how you feel. We hold onto the dark memories, where we remember those we loved and lament we could do nothing to prevent them leaving us.
Veritistrasz says: We miss them. We miss their laughter, their smile, their quirks. We focus on our loss, and the fact they are no longer with us.
Veritistrasz says: I have lost so many. But thanks to <name>, I am trying to change how I think.
Veritistrasz says: Instead of lamenting that loss, I try to be glad I had those memories in the first place.
Veritistrasz says: Trying to break my old patterns is a battle every day. I do not always succeed. Since meeting <name>, Voraxian, and all of you though? I am finding it easier.
