Kalmorith - The Idealist Hunter

[Kalmorith]

The tall elf hunter, with flowing indigo hair and the piercing eyes so often seen in the hunter type, strides up and leans on his staff. Leioa, his spotted nightsabre, pads up behind him and settles down. A broad smile, uncharacteristic of the hunter type, spreads across his face.

"Greetings fellow Guild members. I am Kalmorith Farseer of Teldrassil, First Son of Kaldarin Farseer. I am a Night Elf hunter who has recently entered the Guild in my 28th Season.

I hail from Fenelin Glen, a tiny community on the northern edge of Teldrassil. I thought since I am new to your ranks, you might want to know a bit about me."

As he starts to tell his story, it is evident from his broad and alert stature, that the elf, though not an adolescent, is still enjoying the fitness of body that comes with youth. His voice also has a hint of friendliness that is not characteristic of the lone hunter type, and his polite manner belies a good upbringing.

"Like most young elves from my village, I have followed my father’s footsteps and developed into a competent hunter, skinner, and leatherworker. Since my youngest days, I have helped my father in our family leathershop, and have tagged along on the village deer hunts. I have even developed a reputation as a handy campfire cook, roasting the best spiced grouperfish anyone could hope to taste.

My passion for leatherworking wasn’t truly inspired until a wandering elven warrior brought a chestpiece of dragonscale armor into my father’s shop for repair. The craftsmanship of the armor, and the warrior’s tales of how its materials were garnered, fascinated me beyond description. I was determined that I would one day learn how to fashion such wonderful pieces."

Kalmorith's account of the dragonscale armour is accompanied by a distinct tone of excitment. The heightened energy does not subside as he continues his introduction.

"My true passion, however, has always been archery marksmanship. As a boy, I was in constant competition with my friends to prove who could hit the smallest moving target, or who could drive their arrow the deepest into a board of Dendra hardwood."

It was true. With any number of pet tamed cats, squirrels, or birds at his side, Kalmorith could always be seen roaming the hills and boughs of Teldrassil with a bow slung over one shoulder and a clutch of leather hides over the other! He was always sure to be home exactly when expected, so as not to alarm his parents.

"As I matured from boyhood into manhood, I began to take closer notice of the abnormalities taking place in the forests of Teldrassil. Uncharacteristically aggressive wildlife and disfigured fauna indicated to me that my beloved world was in a slow state of transformation."

Kalmorith pauses, and he eyes look up and scan across the horizon, as if checking for the approach of the unexpected. After a moment, he turns back and offers a smile of silent reassurance.

"Although my father could teach me some history of the Alliance and the Horde, it was not enough to satisfy my thirst for knowledge. It wasn’t until I made pointed inquiries to the village elder that I understood the existence of the Twisting Nether and its poisoning effect on not only Teldrassil, but all of Azeroth! Having lived in a world of relative isolation and shelter, I found the reality of the threat sobering.

I eventually came to realize that every creature that was blighted by the influence of the Twisting Nether must somehow be connected to it…even if by only the slightest thread. Surely, I thought, each creature so affected was a direct channel to the evil, and was a threat to the sanctity of the forestlands."

It is clear from his tone and the serious look, that Kalmorith considers the threat very seriously.

"I thus decided that no matter how small, any living creature tainted by the Nether should be culled so that this connection be severed. Though it is with a heavy heart, I know it is my duty destroy all creatures so poisoned wherever they are found. I know they must be released, and as such I do them a service. This may not appeal to those who take the wildlife of our great lands into high regard, but know that it is because I love the unbridled wildlife of my land that I dispatch them so!"

There is no doubt from his delivery that Kalmorith truly believes what he says. After listening to him, it is very evident that he speaks from the heart, but with vigor and certainty. He shifts his weight, and brings his staff up and over his shoulder, as if to prepare to leave. Seeing this, Leioa stands and moves alongside Kalmorith.

"The more I contemplated the implications of the Twisted Nether and the Horde, who I know have allied themselves with those who serve Evil and the Twisting Nether, the angrier I become at the blight and its undeniable potential to ruin everything that is dear to me.

I wonder how anyone could remain passive in the face of such circumstances! Inspired as much by my indignation at the rising evil as my thirst for adventure (and dragonscale), I have set out from my small glen into the large world of Azeroth. I vow that I will do all that I can to cleanse the landscape of evil, and defend my homeland against the Horde and servants of the Undead."

Kalmorith sets out, having stated his purpose, with his backpack and bow, into the world of Azeroth. Perhaps the over-simplified versions of affairs in Azeroth accounted to him in his village, by both his father and the village elder, have caused him to see the situation in too simple of terms. Although his intentions are good, he has become obsessed over the impending evil that faces Azeroth. He has always been known to be impetuous and outspoken, and his strong feelings about "evil" and the threat to his world may one day be challenged...

[Merzmac]

*listens closely to Kalmorith's tale*

First o' all, welcome ter our Family young brother. I trust ye find e true home here, while bein' away from ye place o' birth.

Second, I can truely connect with the short history ye've written with yer young life, brother. But mostly I be gratefull fer yer explainin' the existence of the Twisting Nether. I've always senced there be somethin not right, even while just huntin' fer me next meal or ter find me some leather fer new boots...I just couldn't put me finger on it...but hearin' yer story, it all makes perfect sence ter me now...

If I can be o' any aid on yer journeys, please call on me...

[Kalmorith]

Kalmorith's journeys started in Shadowglen, on the northeast corner of Teldrassil. There, with only his homemade bow and a simple dagger, did he set out with a mind not so much to "make things right", but more to determine the true nature of the evil that was poisoning his world.

Setting foot into the elven hall at Aldrassil, the largest tree structure Kalmorith had ever seen up to then, gave him pause. Indeed, the Night Elf race were masters at making home from tree. There was more activity here than he had ever seen before, with elves of all manner rushing about their business.

"I remember this well! My small village of Fenelin Glen had no such business. Indeed, it was rare that one might see more than a couple of elvenfolk walking about."

It was in Aldrassil that Kalmorith met his first Outsider (as his father would call them): a very small pink humanoid. He tried not to stare, but after studying the little creature for some time, Kalmorith realized that he was looking at ... a Gnome! On the shoulder of this gnome, was a little owl. Kalmorith had never seen such a sight. The little man's head was barely up to Kalmorith's hips. How bold this little creature must be to have come from so far, thought Kalmorith.

"Gimme your boots!" squawked the little gnome upon noticing Kalmorith. "I want your boots! They're good ones!"

Taken aback by both the request and the odd little gnome accent, Kalmorith could only reply "I cannot give you my boots! They are on my feet!"

With that, the little gnome gave a 'humph' and scuttered off. Indeed, Kalmorith thought, what a odd little race of people...

"Of course, I was to see many more gnomes later, but you must understand a young elf in his second Season would naturally react this way!"

It did not take Kalmorith long to get his first taste of conflict in Shadowglen. He was asked by Terindrella, a local warden, to seek out and resolve the dangers presented by the grells and other grellkin, who had infested the area.

After cutting through a path of sick nightsabres and thistle boars with arrow and dagger, Kalmorith made it to the grell encampment and brought them down. He was able to dispatch the nasty grell with little thought, but it was the necessary culling of the nightsabres and boars that weighed heavily on his heart that first night.

"The boars and sabres I saw in Shadowglen were much farther gone than the few I saw back at home. They were only shadows of their former selves, and were roaming about in great numbers...unnatural numbers!"

On the next few days in Aldrassil, Kalmorith eventually was tasked to enter Shadowthread Cave. Kalmorith entered the cave with great trepidation, as it was full of spiders larger than any he had seen. Kalmorith is not fond of large insects, and this cave, being his first, vexed him greatly. He was beaten back, bloodied, upon entering the first time alone, and was forced to band with another young elf before he could venture deep enough into the cavern to gather the egg samples he needed. It was a terrible fight, and nearly brought his life to an end.

The fight in Shadowthreat Cave drove home the reality of the perils ahead. Kalmorith realized that he would need to prepare for his journies. He would need to train and concentrate, and listen to those around him.

The receipt of an etched sigil and the resulting visit to hunter Ayanna Everstride at the very top of the tree in Aldrassil, gave Kalmorith the task that would further his journey. He was asked to head out from Shadowglen into the neighbouring forests on the path to the town of Dolanaar.

Kalmorith had already felt an improvement in his short time Shadowglenn. He had purchased a better bow, and had perfected his Shadowmeld trick, which allowed him to disappear into the landscape like a ghost (a favorite trick he would play on his nanny as a boy at home in Fenelin Glen!)

He was also able to imbibe his first majicks on his bow, allowing him to send a bright blue bolt of arcane energy at his foe. Other tricks such as a fancy dagger slash, were learned, but would need much work before perfected. Indeed, Kalmorith was feeling stronger and more confident.

After a tiring week of fighting webwood spiders, boars, and nightsabres, Kalmorith set out along the path to the south, wondering what lay ahead.

[Kalmorith]

After crossing the mountains to the south of Shadowglen, Kalmorith noticed a marked change in the fauna. The shy strigid owls that he rarely saw at home where plentiful here. But instead of the reclusive birds of moderate size he knew, these owls were larger and extremely bold. The slightest attention to them would throw them into frenzy, and necessitate a fatal resolution. Kalmorith's feeling that something was amiss grew with this observation.

"I found that leaving these owls alone would generally avoid a conflict, but these birds were still far more aggressive here than any I had ever seen. Something was amiss, for certain!"

After wandering from the path to the east, Kalmorith came across the village of Starbreeze, or at least what was left of it! He quickly spotted the patrolling furlbogs around the village, which appeared to be abandoned. Again, instead of their usual gathering of berries and sleeping in the sun, these furlbogs were armed and watchful of any who approached.

"I have never understood the language of the furlbog, but I have encountered them often and they usually give one nothing more than a wary glance. I have even known elven children to play with furlbog young."

Kalmorith did not attempt to engage them, and instead went into the village of Dolanaaar.

"This village was larger, and much more active than Aldrassil. And, most importantly, it offered the first inn I had seen. Although I am at home sleeping in the moss, I was thankful to find shelter for the night."

After meeting various villagers, trainers, and other interesting residents, Kalmorith was tasked to go back to the very place he had bypassed...Starbreeze Village! He was tasked to locate an Emerald Dreamcatcher for a local...and the Dreamcatcher was in the home of a displaced resident of Starbreeze.

Kalmorith set out, confident that his hunter's skills would allow him to find the house and enter it without incident. But once engaging the enraged furlbogs, these of the Gnarlpine Clan, he was quickly repelled. Once again, Kalmorith called upon the assistance of another elf, and after much bloodshed, they were able to enter the village and obtain the needed item.

Again, I do not recall who it was who aided me, but I am indebted to them. Indeed, I had bitten off more than I could chew! Would I never learn?"

In the area around Dolanaar, the Webwood Spiders and Nightsabres were even larger and more aggressive than in Shadowglen.

Then a significant event in Kalorith's life took place...

Having met beast trainer Dazalar in Dolanaar, Kalmorith was able to perfect the art of taming a beast. Taming is a revered practice that involves the mental binding of hunter and beast. Few can actually do it. It requires a complete letting down of the guard. The tamer must concentrate fully on binding with the mind of the beast, which in the process will become confused and enraged, and will likely attack the tamer. Yet the tamer must maintain concentration, and withstand the strikes of the beast. If the tamer breaks concentration, the spell will be lost and a terrible fight will ensue.

Kalmorith had practiced this procedure on smaller birds and even insects, but it was while on a hunt north of Lake Al'Ameth, to the south of Dolanaar, that his true abilities would be tested.

While moving alertly through the bush one day, Kalmorith sighted a particularily large female Nightsabre lying among the clovers, intently watching a Tufted Pine Rabbit, which she was presumeably planning to lunch upon. Kalmorith could not help but marvel at the sleekness and muscularity of this speciman. He could sense her energy as she lay in wait, coiled to pounce upon the unsuspecting rabbit.

But the more he stared at the cat, the more enraptured he was...what was it about this sabre that made her so enthralling? Indeed, she was sleek and beautiful...

Kalmorith's attention must have been felt, for the cat's gaze flickered and she turned her head toward him. The movement made the rabbit bolt, which drew the cat's attention back, but only for a second. Her ambush spoiled, the cat looked back at Kalmorith with an accusing stare. She stood up to her fullest and lowered her head, advancing on Kalmorith with a slow but deliberate stride.

Kalmorith instinctively raised his bow and reached for an arrow, but then paused, realizing he felt no fear...instead, he felt awe. Without actually making the decision, he pulled his taming stick from his pack.

"What was I thinking?! Surely I was not going to TAME this beast? She was much larger than anything I had ever attempted. I should have been preparing for my defense, and not fooling around with this confounded stick!"

Against his better judgement, he raised the stick, looked the advancing cat directly in her deep green eyes, and made the connection. Then, he closed his eyes.

As the energy built up and flowed from his hands to the taming stick, Kalmorith started to shake, almost uncontrollably. But he had already locked onto the cat's gaze and had made the connection. There was no turning back! He squeezed his eyes shut, but still "saw" the beasts eyes in his mind. The connection was a VERY good one! He braced for the inevitable...

It did not take long. The cat, upon feeling the unnatural connection to her, stopped in mid-stride. She actually backed up a step, hesitated, then launched herself forward at the source of this unwanted energy with all her might. She hit Kamorith hard, almost knocking him off his feet. But he had expected the impact and was braced. The stick glowed in his hands as the energy flowed.

The cat slashed out, tearing the elf's leather tunic. He kept his eyes closed and concentrated, ignoring the pain. She slashed again, and Kalmorith reeled from the impact. He could feel the blood warmly soaking into his shirt. But he held on. He must not allow the concentration to break, or he would be forced to fight the cat in a weakened state.

But the next strike from the cat was much weaker than the first. As the intensity of the energy flow grew, the elf could hardly stand. The fourth strike never came. There was suddenly a great release, and the stick flew from Kalmorith's hands.

Exhausted, he opened his eyes. There, the cat stood before him. She stood...panting, her fur slick with sweat. She panted, and looked at him, but the fire was gone from her eyes. She looked resigned. Or was it respect? It appeared as though she was suddenly tired and unwilling to do anything more than just stand and look at him. The ferocity was gone from her eyes. It was done. The cat was tamed.

Kalmorith moved back a few steps, and the cat followed him. She maintained her distance, and did not take her eyes off him.

Knowing how the taming process would unfold, Kalmorith ignored his wounds, and turned away from the cat. He turned his back on her, which under any other circumstances would bring on another attack. But none came. He slowly walked forward and began to move away. Before long, he could hear the soft swish of grass behind him. He glanced over only slightly...the cat was following him. Yes, she was following him!

He made no attempt to talk to her - he was too tired for that anyway. He simply moved on and the cat followed. He headed back to Dolanaar, in a slow and deliberate way. The cat stayed with him, albeit at distance. Yes, she was tamed... He would decide what next to do once they got closer to the town.

Ah...this account does make my eyes fill like a moonpool...I remember this as though it happened yesterday. Unless you have done this, you can not appreciate the intensity of such an event. There is nothing like it...

[embermoon]

*with tears glistening in her eyes*

Ah, Kalmorith. You speak true about the overwhealming feeling taming a beast can have on ones soul. To find such a magnificent creature is heart stopping. To TAME such a beast...goes beyond words.

*gently stroking the spotted nightsaber by her side*

Now that I have found her, I can never feel complete without my faithful companion, Shakti, by my side.