September 27, 2005 - The Alliance consists of four races. The Dwarves of Azeroth originated in the frozen region of Khaz Modan where their citadel, Ironforge, lies deep within a mountain. They have always been close to their cousins the Gnomes, a relationship that has become even tighter since the latter were driven from their home city, Gnomeregan. Both also have strong ties with the Humans, now concentrated around Stormwind, their kind's last remaining stronghold. In contrast, the Night Elf leaders in their capital, Darnassus, apparently prefer to maintain a degree of separation from the others, even though they share common interests and enemies.

In Blizzard's World of Warcraft, the Horde also encompasses four diverse species. The ferocious Orcs arrived against their will from their home world, Draenor. One of their chiefs saved the Darkspear tribe of Trolls from annihilation, leading to an alliance. The brawny Tauren are peaceful by nature, but daunting foes when aroused. All three are aligned against the Lich King together with the Undead, who otherwise follow their own agenda. Extending the coverage normally offered here and at our World of Warcraft Vault, we're pleased to present further features compliments of BradyGames and the World of Warcraft Official Strategy Guide.

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BradyGames presents Nivik's Sacred Writ

Week 9: Weary in the Wetlands
Total Playtime: 1 day, 20 hours, 47 minutes

It may have been a while since I have been adventuring, but is that any reason to drop me from the guild!? Well, I guess I'll just have to make do on my own... Either way, I'm back in Ironforge and can tell that very little has changed. The items I want cost just a little more than I have, high levels are asking low levels for a few silver near the griffons, and worst of all, the gnomes still dance naked in the fires.

Fortunately, the enchanted items and stacks of linen that I left in the Auction House have all sold. Leaving me with just enough money to bid on a few new toys: A Scholarly Robe, Spidersilk Boots, Robust Cloak of the Owl, and finally, Ivycloth Gloves of the Owl. It's sad to say, but most of my equipment dates back to level 13. (/cough) With a full set of armor costing so much, I'll have to pick and choose which level 20 spells I want to invest in. Of course I'll have to go for the heal spells and, finally, Mind Flay.

A little overdue for an equipment upgrade

Back in Menethil, the first issues I plan on taking care of are the locals' requests. It seems that the Bluegills are stirring up trouble again, and I've been asked to retrieve the Menethil Statuette that's said to be in a crate next to one of their camps. Alas, the quest isn't quite as simple as it sounds. Pulling the Bluegills out one at a time, I cleared out the first camp and searched a barrel. Lo and behold, I find five healing potions and no statuette. Continuing on, I clear out the next encampment. The Bluegills were slightly more skilled than the last encampment, so I took my time and pulled them out one at a time. Initiating the battle with a Smite and Shadow Word: Pain, then followed up with a Mind Flay as they approached. As the battles became close quarter, I shielded myself and nuked the beasts with all I had. Finally clear, I open up one of the camp's crates and retrieve a small stack of cheese. With the Bluegills getting tougher as I move north, I'm going to have to wait until later to move on; though the d�j� vu I'm feeling is definitely bothering me. For some bizarre reason, the phrase "I'm sorry, but the princess is in another castle" keeps running through my head.

Bluegill Loot

With that taken care of, or at least set aside for the moment, I can finally move on to the Oozes. A poor woman in town has had her bag stolen, and has asked me to retrieve it. What an Ooze would want with Sida's Bag is beyond me, but oh well. Coincidentally, a Night Elf in town claimed to have retrieved her bag a few a few days back. It seems Sida needs to pay a little more attention to where she's putting the thing, but I've got no problem with getting it for her once.