Stormwind University Case Study: A Deathknight's Story...

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Channi
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Stormwind University Case Study: A Deathknight's Story...

Postby Channi » Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:00 am

((Cross Posted on SWU Forums here))

Excerpt from a SWU Case Study:
The Mind of a Deathknight

**********
The Human Mind (And other intelligent races as well) is made up of many different levels of consciousness:
Bodily Functions: Breathing, digestion, pumping of the heart, etc.
Awareness of Self: Sensory Input, Movement, etc.
Instincts: Hunger, fight/flight reactions, etc.
Communicative Functions: Language.
Learned Personality: Likes/dislikes, memories, morals, ego, etc.

It is this last level that is blocked, or more accurately, 'Filtered' by the Scourge when he creates a Deathknight. At this point, it is assumed that if the "Chosen One" was unwilling, in this regard, that they are killed prior to receiving 'The Gift'. Logically speaking, this makes perfect sense as the recipient is now defensless against any 'programming' that is required to become a Deathknight. The Higher levels may then be filtered or blocked to some extent, but they are still able to function as an individual entity. Albiet one that is open to control from a stronger, external ego.

Those that CHOOSE to become servants do not require this type of 'processing' prior to their new 'life.' It is the 'Unwilling' that are chosen that require this type of 'processing.' Most Deathknights fit the 'Unwilling' Catagory. Those that do not, are still in service to the Lich King.

It is essential to understand this concept when dealing with Deathknights in a social environment. Although they lack the social graces they once had, they still have the capacity to relearn them. And maybe in the process, regain some of who they once were. However, it is also important to note that once freed from the Lich King's control, some of this filter was released as well, allowing some of the underlying personality to peek through.

The break from the controlling external ego (ie - the Lich King) has brought about a new conundrum for these poor souls: the discovery of self awareness, and the essence of 'Self.' "Who Am I?" and "Who WAS I?" are both very common questions that freed Deathknights have about themselves. And they each have their own way of trying to find answers.

Ultimately, it would be best to be able to 'break through' the blockage induced upon the unfortunate soul upon their change, but at this time, we are just now coming to understand 'What' has occured, and lack the resources to understand 'How' it occured. Given time, we'd like to be able to have the opportunity to run testing on various subjects in order to understand more about what exactly has been filtered in order to find a possible cause, and then a possible cure as well....

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Channi
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Re: Stormwind University Case Study: A Deathknight's Story...

Postby Channi » Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:00 am

Found on a bulletin board outside the wall of Stormwind University:
The Biology Sciences Department would like to request individual Case Studies on a Volunteer basis of Deathknights to develop a better understanding of the 'Programming' involved while being given "The Gift." The idea behind these studies is that in order to break down the programming used, we must first understand what that programming affects. You will be asked a series of questions, as well as be asked to allow us to retain a sample of your blood and/or a sample of bodily tissue for further study. Your participation is highly valued and you shall be Compensated for your time. Please take a copy of this flyer to the undersigned at Stormwind University's Biology Studies to see if you qualify.
Sincerely,
Dr. Randolph P. Marigol
Senior Researcher


**********
You reach the gates of Stormwind University with a copy of this flyer in your hand. The Guards review it and ask for you to leave your weapons at the gate. "It's merely a precautionary measure..." Reluctantly, you give up your main weapon, but it's a well known fact, although rarely double checked, that most people carry smaller personal hold out weapons. These, you do not volunteer to the guard, and he doesn't ask for them.
You are then escorted to the Biology Sciences wing and are introduced to an older receptionist that seems she was old when Stormwind was retaken and rebuilt. But she's utterly unflappable and highly resourceful and efficient. You are the only person there at this time, and she asks you a battery of questions aimed at finding out more information about you, and your past:
1 - What is your Name?
2 - Where are you from?
3 - What is your marital status currently?
4 - Do you know if you were married before your service to Archerus?
5 - If so, do you know whatever happened to your spouse?
6 - Have you contacted your former spouse since your return from your Service in Archerus? (If possible)
7 - Do you remember your previous family before your "Change?" Parents? Grandparents? Siblings? Offspring?
8 - Have you contacted any of your previous family since your return from Archerus?
9 - Do you currently have any hobbies?
10 - Do you remember any hobbies from prior to your "Change?"
11 - Do you have any aspirations? (Please explain)
12 - Do you have any fears? (Please explain)
13 - Do you remember anything from your childhood?
14 - Do you remember any childhood friends?
15 - Have you interacted with anyone that you knew prior to your "Change?"
16 - Were you a willing recipient of "The Gift?" (IF so, please explain)
17 - If you were unwilling, do you know how you died? (Please explain)
18 - Where were you "Processed?"
19 - Have you had any direct contact with any of the following Scourge Leaders:
(Please include detail about any interactions you may have had, and any feelings you had then, versus any thoughts you have now about interacting with them)

Arthas Menethil?
Kel'Thuzad?
Grand Widow Faerlina?
Noth the Plague Bringer?
Heigan the Unclean?

20 - How do you feel about the emotion of Anger/Hate?
21 - How do you feel about the emotion of Love?
22 - How do you feel about Sorrow?
23 - How do you feel about Laughter?
24 - How do you feel about children?
25 - How do you feel about Life?
26 - How do you feel about Death?
27 - How do you feel about Undeath?
28 - How do you feel about Religion?
29 - How do you feel about the Alliance/Horde?
30 - If you knew the world were about to be destroyed, what would you want to do?
31 - Please include any additional comments not covered above.

After the receptionist writes down all your answers, a team of people in white lab coats walk in as if on queue, and begin readying a rather large needle attached to a small empty vial. They ask you to remove just enough armor/clothing to reveal your arm so they may take a sample of your blood. "It's all part of the survey..."

Another member of the team asks you to open your mouth while your blood is being drawn and they scrape the inside of your cheek with a small wooden stick and place it on a small clear bag. It is labelled with a specimen number and filed away.

Once they have completed drawing blood (only a 1 oz vial) and bandaging your arm, the original receptionist is standing before you with a small pouch in her hand. Inside is 20 gold for your time, and you are shown to the exit and thanked for your participation. "We may call you back for further inquiry, but you shall also be compensated for your time as well. Thank you again, and good day," she says with a smile.

On your way out the main gate, as you recover your weapon, you see another Deathknight reading the same flyer you just did and you wonder just what are they getting from all this, anyway? You also realize that you never did meet the Doctor that was sponsoring the study. Oh well, you now have 20 more gold than you did a half hour ago. Maybe there's something you can spend it on in the trade district...

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Channi
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Re: Stormwind University Case Study: A Deathknight's Story...

Postby Channi » Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:01 am

Hopefully you didn't just skip over the first post entirely, just to come down here and read my commentary on this! If you did, GO BACK AND READ IT! If you didn't, then here's what I'm trying to do:

Channi was originally a young Rogue back in original WoW and BC, but when Wrath came out, and the Deathknight class was opened up, she was my natural choice to become one. Why? Because she's very vulnerable to emotional stresses, and that's what I like to Role Play about her! (Don't we all?) And in the process of becoming a Deathknight, she also lost so much of her past, she was basically starting over. And since I've moved to a new server (Feathermoon), the clean slate thing kinda worked in her favor!

However, with the new beginning, a slew of new questions sprang up:
- How did that slate get wiped clean?
- How did all of this affect her as an individual after her release from the Scourge's control?
- How does she move forward from here?
- And as an off shoot to that, how are the other Deathknights affected by all of this as well?
- And most importanly, how can I get her back to some semblance of her former self?

Channi is a young girl, first and foremost. (She's only 17 at the moment, but ages in real time. Her birthday is July 12, before you ask.) But she's also a Deathknight. On a Battlefield, she is a wonder to behold, and she can definitely take care of herself. However, she has absolutely no streetsmarts about her anymore. She can walk, talk, strategize, and kick some tail if it came down to a fight, but she also has little to no concept of the social aspects of 'Life.' Nor does she fully understand guile in a social setting, which can lead to plenty of situations where she can explore her newfound emotions. But how did that happen? To know that, we have to know how she became a Deathknight to begin with.

The answer to that last question was answered by the Gods at Blizzard when I found the "Unliving Choker" questline in lower Zul'Drak for the Ebon Blade. Certain individuals can be "targetted" for service to the scourge and a specialized necklace is then sent out for the individual to "find" and use and then become a Scourgified Servant of Arthas. Granted, following the questline, you don't REALLY become a Deathknight, but that didn't keep me from allowing it to happen in character! And it gave her a starting point in her new character history, and something to work backwards from!

Recently, Channi has been given a Locket that she lost when she put on the Unliving Choker, and it sparked a vision of her death. It was a dramatic scene (I hope) and it also sparked few days of her obessing about her past to the point where she refused to sleep. It took a close friend of hers to literally drag her back to Stormwind in order for her to get some sleep!

Inside the locket is a picture of her birth mother, and a picture of Lorelli, her adopted mother from before her change. Given time, these will be keys to opening up more of her past, and hopefully unlock more of herself as well. In that way she will be open to experiencing more of what life has to offer.

How about you? What's your Deathknight's story?

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Channi
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Re: Stormwind University Case Study: A Deathknight's Story...

Postby Channi » Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:01 am

Channi's Survey:

1 - What is your Name? Channi Woods
2 - Where are you from? Westfall
3 - What is your marital status currently? Single
4 - Do you know if you were married before your service to Archerus? No, I was not.
5 - If so, do you know whatever happened to your spouse? Not Applicable
6 - Have you contacted your former spouse since your return from your Service in Archerus? (If possible) Not Applicable
7 - Do you remember your previous family before your "Change?" Parents? Grandparents? Siblings? Offspring? No.
8 - Have you contacted any of your previous family since your return from Archerus?
My Adopted Mother found me after I was ordered to Stormwind with my letter of Introduction to King Varian. No other family.
9 - Do you currently have any hobbies? Metalworking, Cooking and recently Fishing.
10 - Do you remember any hobbies from prior to your "Change?" No, but I have been told I used to Enchant items and was a fair seamstress.
11 - Do you have any aspirations? (Please explain) I only wish to learn more about myself and who I used to be.
12 - Do you have any fears? (Please explain) I don't seem to like spiders... And recently, I had a nightmare about people turning on me, calling me a "Soulless Doll." It was quite disturbing to me to be faced by all those I know, and all of them hating me...
I also fear losing control of my Blood Hunger and letting it overtake me.
13 - Do you remember anything from your childhood? No.
14 - Do you remember any childhood friends? No.
15 - Have you interacted with anyone that you knew prior to your "Change?" My Adopted Mother, and an old teacher of mine, Zha'ane. He gave me training in the ways of a Rogue before my change.
16 - Were you a willing recipient of "The Gift?" (IF so, please explain) NO!
17 - If you were unwilling, do you know how you died? (Please explain) Yes. After being given a locket I had owned prior to my change, I had a vision of my death. I had put on a cursed necklace that killed me.
18 - Where were you "Processed?" Voltarus
19 - Have you had any direct contact with any of the following Scourge Leaders:
(Please include detail about any interactions you may have had, and any feelings you had then, versus any thoughts you have now about interacting with them)

Arthas Menethil? I have encountered him a number of times, but each time, he has pared my life saying that I must become stronger in order to become his servant once again. Not that I wanted to be...
Kel'Thuzad? No.
Grand Widow Faerlina? Only after my change, where I killed her.
Noth the Plague Bringer? Only after my change, where I killed him.
Heigan the Unclean? Only after my change, where I killed him.
Instructor Razuvious? Only after my change, where I killed him.

20 - How do you feel about the emotion of Anger/Hate? These are emotions that I try to avoid. I fear I may lose control of my Blood Hunger.
21 - How do you feel about the emotion of Love? Love is a concept that although foreign to me, I have seen displayed by others. Somehow, I have felt a connection to my Adopted mother, where I have a compulsion to Hug her when I see her. I have no explanation for it, but it does feel... good. There are a few others that I also hug, and although the feeling is different, it is also a good feeling inside.
22 - How do you feel about Sorrow? Sorrow is a feeling that I have felt a number of times since my return from Archerus. It is not a pleasant feeling, but is one that I have been able to deal with.
23 - How do you feel about Laughter? Laughter is something that has caught me by surprise. I did not know I was capable of it until I was already laughing. It is not an unpleasant experience, and I find that I crave to do it the more often I do it.
24 - How do you feel about children? There is something about the presence of new, unspoiled life that seems to calm and soothe me. And they also seem to be a source of laughter to myself and others around me.
25 - How do you feel about Life? As one that has lost my life, only to be brought back as a Deathknight, I feel that Life is something that should be experienced and enjoyed to the fullest extent. You never know when you can lose it all.
26 - How do you feel about Death? Now that I remember it, it was painful and traumatic. I don't recommend going through it... again.
27 - How do you feel about Undeath? As a part of my indoctination to the scourge, I was programmed to know that every life leads to death. And every death, leads to undeath. It is part of the natural order of things. But with the change from Life, there is a lot that is lost. I do not think that this loss is an acceptable trade-off.
28 - How do you feel about Religion? I have not experienced much in terms of religion since my return from Archerus. I would have to decline answering this question.
29 - How do you feel about the Alliance/Horde? The Alliance and Horde should put aside their quarrels and join together against the Scourge. It is only by working together that we can all become stronger. The Argent Dawn was the first organization to do this on a large scale and succeed. The Argent Vangaurd continues this and is making great inroads in the efforts to destroy the Lich King.
30 - If you knew the world were about to be destroyed, what would you want to do?
Move. But I don't suppose there is much in terms of another world to move to and I suspect that is not in the spirit of this survey.
If the world were about to be destroyed, I would want to be with my friends and family. Holding them. And let them all know that I...Love them. (The subject paused at this point and seemed genuinely surprised at her own answer.)
31 - Please include any additional comments not covered above.

I find it.... facinating that with so little experience with the concept of Love, that expressing it to those close to me would take such a predominant role in a purely hypothetical final act. This definitely bears more thought on my part. Perhaps with someone of my own to ... express this emotion to, I can begin to understand it better as well.

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Re: Stormwind University Case Study: A Deathknight's Story...

Postby uthas » Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:41 am

1 - What is your Name? Uthas
2 - Where are you from? A small village near Lordaeron
3 - What is your marital status currently? Widower (The subject did not answer when pressed for details)
4 - Do you know if you were married before your service to Archerus? I did not serve Acherus. I was married, however.
5 - If so, do you know whatever happened to your spouse? She is deceased.
6 - Have you contacted your former spouse since your return from your Service in Archerus? (If possible) No.
7 - Do you remember your previous family before your "Change?" Parents? Grandparents? Siblings? Offspring? I was an orphan.
8 - Have you contacted any of your previous family since your return from Archerus? I have made contact with those I consider family.
9 - Do you currently have any hobbies? My efforts are spent on battling the Lich King.
10 - Do you remember any hobbies from prior to your "Change?" Yes.
11 - Do you have any aspirations? (Please explain) Redemption for past crimes.
12 - Do you have any fears? (Please explain) That I will always see the faces of those I have failed, and they will never forgive.
13 - Do you remember anything from your childhood? Yes.
14 - Do you remember any childhood friends? Yes.
15 - Have you interacted with anyone that you knew prior to your "Change?" Yes.
16 - Were you a willing recipient of "The Gift?" (IF so, please explain) Yes. I researched the ritual of creation and performed it upon myself.
17 - If you were unwilling, do you know how you died? (Please explain)
18 - Where were you "Processed?" I was not converted by the Scourge.
19 - Have you had any direct contact with any of the following Scourge Leaders:
(Please include detail about any interactions you may have had, and any feelings you had then, versus any thoughts you have now about interacting with them)

Arthas Menethil? Not after my change. (The subject implied interaction with Arthas Menethil prior to change, but did not elaborate)
Kel'Thuzad? No.
Grand Widow Faerlina? No.
Noth the Plague Bringer? Yes. Noth attempted to convert me to the cause of the Scourge or obtain a sample of the plague I released.
Heigan the Unclean? No.

20 - How do you feel about the emotion of Anger/Hate? They are a cloud upon the eye of reason.
21 - How do you feel about the emotion of Love? I prefer not to answer this question.
22 - How do you feel about Sorrow? Valuable if not overly indulged.
23 - How do you feel about Laughter? I prefer not to answer this question.
24 - How do you feel about children? I do not understand the relevance or context of this question. Children are people and should be respected as such.
25 - How do you feel about Life? I regret performing the ritual of creation.
26 - How do you feel about Death? I long for the sleep of eternity.
27 - How do you feel about Undeath? A deserved punishment for my crimes.
28 - How do you feel about Religion? There is not available space for me to answer this question. I would be happy to grant an interview if requested.
29 - How do you feel about the Alliance/Horde? A heartbreaking folly that two peoples of the same character should be thus divided.
30 - If you knew the world were about to be destroyed, what would you want to do? Make my peace with those I care for.
31 - Please include any additional comments not covered above. I was not transformed by the Scourge. I researched the ritual used by Guldan in the creation of the original death knights who appeared during the Second War. Originally it was used to bind orc spirits into human bodies. I altered the ritual to bind my spirit to my own body.

*Note: The collection team refused to approach the subject to gather physical samples. Upon leaving, he requested that the payment for the study be made to the Stormwind House for Wayward Children.
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Lansiron
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Re: Stormwind University Case Study: A Deathknight's Story...

Postby Lansiron » Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:54 am

(The Death Knight being interviewed this hour is a moderately handsome blonde woman who seems to be in her middle years. She is sturdily built, though lean, and incredibly tall--tall enough to lend further credence to the assertion that humans are descendants of the vrykul. She wears plain clothes under a cowled surplice in the colors of the Ebon Blade.)

1 - What is your Name?

Lady Maraviglia Norvallen. Please, call me Mary.

2 - Where are you from?

I was born and grew up in Gilneas, but lived for much longer in Dalaran.

3 - What is your marital status currently?

Widowed, technically. There's some more to this story--please, continue.

4 - Do you know if you were married before your service to Archerus?

Yes, I was. I married Commander Devon Norvallen of Stormwind about seven years before the Scourge attacked Lordaeron.

5 - If so, do you know whatever happened to your spouse?

Heh, all too well. <she smirks> At the moment, he's been confiscated by campus security. To elaborate: he, by way of a specific runic sequence engraved on it, is the sentience within my runeblade.

6 - Have you contacted your former spouse since your return from your Service in Archerus?

Well, certainly. He isn't much for conversation in his current condition, but he's easy enough to read if you know what to pay attention to.

Oh dear...I do hope your security officers haven't attempted to draw him from his scabbard. I'm not responsible for mental damages.

7 - Do you remember your previous family before your "Change?" Parents? Grandparents? Siblings? Offspring?

Very well, though there was a period of time early in my "service" where things were a bit of a blur. I suspect my own ego managed to regain some ground shortly after Menethil and Ner'zhul merged, but things stayed hazy for quite some time before a recollection of my identity reassembled itself.

8 - Have you contacted any of your previous family since your return from Archerus?

Yes, my brother and his son--my nephew, Tarquin ap Danwyrith. He requires little introduction in this kingdom.

9 - Do you currently have any hobbies?

Of course. My arcane studies were interrupted when the Scourge stole me from Dalaran, but I've since resumed them as a personal hobby, though I've had some catching up to do and a lot of re-learning to adapt to my current condition. Regardless, after we've settled affairs in Northrend, I plan to take a leave of absence to conduct a survey of Azeroth's leylines in the wake of the Nexus War, for the purpose of furthering the science of rune magic.

Regrettably, I'm ineligible for a project grant from the Dalaran academies, being six years behind in membership dues, but I have enough in old bank accounts to cover the upkeep.

10 - Do you remember any hobbies from prior to your "Change?"

I had some musical ability. I've not tried it since I've returned, but I was able to play the harp, autoharp, and lyre with something resembling skill. I've had little time to indulge again recently, though.

11 - Do you have any aspirations? (Please explain)

Right now? In perfect honesty, my primary goal is to see through the effort to bring low the Lich King, render the Scourge broken and mindless, and have the Cult of the Damned dragged through their own filth on their way to a slow, humiliating collective death.

After that is taken care of, as I've mentioned, I wish to continue my arcane studies, but to no particular end other than for it's own sake.

12 - Do you have any fears? (Please explain)

Another perfect loss of control. Having one's ego usurped is an absolutely revolting experience.

13 - Do you remember anything from your childhood?

In that blurry, sepia-toned manner in which most people do, I suppose. I remember my father, who was kind, but rarely home, and my mother, who was often home, but not as kind, and I remember my brother, who was adequate.

14 - Do you remember any childhood friends?

Some. More faces than names, really.

15 - Have you interacted with anyone that you knew prior to your "Change?"

Yes. Other than my former colleagues in the Kirin Tor, there's my husband--his consciousness, anyway--and my brother and nephew, though I never knew Tarquin especially well before. Outside of that, I've shared some back-and-forth letters with a few former comrades-in-arms from the Second War from Ironforge and Kul Tiras. Alas, Gilneas has locked me out. Otherwise I'd love to pay a visit to the old stomping grounds.

There's also a handful of orcs that I, as a member of the Alliance, have had some trouble with through the course of the Northrend campaign. I recall some faces from my tour of duty during the Second War and at the old internment camps. I believe that they remember me, too, assuming those expressions of terror come from recognition, and not merely from the fact that I'm an unholy monster astride a ghastly steed. It's so satisfying to know that one is still appreciated for prior services rendered. <she smiles. It isn't a pleasant smile.>

16 - Were you a willing recipient of "The Gift?"

Not particularly. The way I acquired it was something of an accident in itself, but I suppose a happy one for the Scourge.

17 - If you were unwilling, do you know how you died?

Well...I was probably dying of wounds taken during the battle in which we spectacularly failed to defend Dalaran from His Magnificent Frigidity's invading forces. Several of said wounds were inflicted by my husband, who at the time was himself the Death Knight, having fallen prior to that.

18 - Where were you "Processed?"

<her tone is very even and clinical as she tells the story> I was "processed", such as it is, when, out of mana to fuel my magic, I stabbed my undead husband with the runeblade that had been knocked from his grasp thanks to a well-placed blast from one of my students. The vampiric weapon merged a portion of his soul with my own and transferred what remained of his consciousness into the weapon.

As preposterous as that sounds, that's exactly how it happened.

I was still clutching the blade when His Royal Malevolence himself uttered the last words I remember hearing for some time after that: "You'll do."

19 - Have you had any direct contact with any of the following Scourge Leaders:

Arthas Menethil? Well, yes. You can't answer "no" to this question when the subject, or at least something of which the subject was a major component, was in your head for a while.

Kel'Thuzad? Yes. I actually knew the man before he defected from the Kirin Tor. The tragedy there is the toll that basic villainy took on his imagination, as once upon a time he'd been the soul of wit.

Grand Widow Faerlina? No. By the Light, no, and that was deliberate. Attempts to engage in any kind of productive activity or discussion with Cultists of the Damned brings with it a risk of permanent loss of intellect, and their leaders somehow manage to be even worse.

Noth the Plague Bringer? Please refer back to my comment about Faerlina.

Heigan the Unclean? No, no, no, no, no.

Though a couple of others bear mentioning:

Baron Rivendare: I coordinated with him a great deal during the campaigns. He was not a man of staggering depth, and his eventual assignment to Stratholme was actually one of those "promotions" that are granted to marginalize someone who's potential is so limited.

Prince Keleseth: He was put in charge of early efforts to unearth the vrykul and make contact; I worked under him during the project, before I was assigned to Acherus. I would like to apologize for any disappointment experienced by anyone who helped invade Gjalerbron, as he chose to focus on garrisoning Utgarde Keep instead--and we know how well that went. You would think that a stronghold built into good, solid mountainsides would be a more defensible and practical base of operations, but no. Let's choose the gigantic tower that sticks out like a sore thumb in the middle of the region. If you get the impression that I am dissatisfied with my former employers' approach to long-term campaigning, you would be correct.

Anub'arak: Actually a fairly nice guy, and in the end about as satisfied with his servitude as I was--he just couldn't escape attention like I did. Honestly, as hideous as the Nerubians are, they're not particularly hard to get along with. It's a shame we've all but exterminated them.

20 - How do you feel about the emotion of Anger/Hate?

I understand them well, and choose to embrace them for the useful tools they are in getting things accomplished. They're the kind of emotions that can be used to eliminate distractions and focus on the task at hand, and when you have a force at your disposal, putting them under the sway of unreasoning hatred helps them strike a beautiful balance of tractability and determination.

21 - How do you feel about the emotion of Love?

I guess it has it's uses. It can be another tool for directing those who require direction.

22 - How do you feel about Sorrow?

In my experience, those wrapped up in it spend more time admiring their own grand tragedy than they should be focusing on overcoming or eliminating the source of those grievances. That said, I don't begrudge it--at least to a point.

23 - How do you feel about Laughter?

A natural and healthy reaction to the absurdities of existence, great and small.

24 - How do you feel about children?

Their own vitality is wasted on them. But life is cruel, so let them be themselves.

It was something of a disappointment at the time, but the fact that my husband and I never were able to bear any turned out to be a good thing in the long run. Assuming they would even have lived through the Third War, I don't think that having me as a mother is a situation that I'd necessarily want to inflict upon anyone.

25 - How do you feel about Life?

I'm still not sure what the Gods and Titans had in mind when it came to be, however I'd not suggest that anyone throw it away lightly.

26 - How do you feel about Death?

Death is when you cease to have control over what happens next. When there is nothing left to learn, only then might I lament that I've been forever denied it.

27 - How do you feel about Undeath?

If it ever happens to you, don't let it go to waste.

28 - How do you feel about Religion?

I'm not a subscriber, and don't see any personal benefit, though it's foolish to deny that divine forces are at work in much that we do. If I had to choose, I would say that a particular approach common to dwarves is most reasonable, as the "faith" tends to be based around the scientific fact that we're the product of Titanic creations. Morality is something that should be determined by secular standards, as letting it be dictated by arbitrary beliefs and ideals places it on very unsteady footing. I put it kindly, because it can still be a useful tool for manipulation of a large group of people, as long as you don't get too impressed with yourself in the process.

29a - How do you feel about the Alliance?

I'm sworn to it, and will stand by it. The Alliance of today is not the Alliance that first formed during the Second War, but everything we are represents something better. I daresay I'm proud to do my duty to it.

29b - The Horde?

I may have mentioned that a while ago I was a soldier, a battle-mage of the Kirin Tor when we gathered under Lordaeron's banner. We fought orcs. After the Dark Portal was closed, we hunted orcs. The affairs of the Horde today do not concern me, unless they actually choose to step onto the path that they're gazing so wistfully at of late, if recent incidents are to be taken at face value. On the day that happens, I will hunt orcs again. And trolls, and tauren, and sin'dorei, and even Sylvanas' followers. And they will not enjoy it.

30 - If you knew the world were about to be destroyed, what would you want to do?

Find out how, then weigh my options: escape to the Outland (along with those with the foresight to come with), or hold out to see if Azeroth will eventually become as stable as Draenor now is even after it's own "destruction"?

31 - Please include any additional comments not covered above.

I believe I've conveyed all of the information you wanted, if not more so. However, I would be very happy to volunteer my insights and service to Stormwind University, in whatever capacity required, after the Northrend campaign is finished. Thank you for the opportunity to participate.

(After the samples are taken, the woman departs after a firm handshake and some empty parting pleasantries. Her hands, predictably, are very, very cold.)
Last edited by Lansiron on Fri Apr 16, 2010 5:16 pm, edited 6 times in total.

Hinote
Posts: 22
Joined: Mon Jun 22, 2009 12:13 am

Re: Stormwind University Case Study: A Deathknight's Story...

Postby Hinote » Tue Apr 13, 2010 6:16 pm

Subject in question is approximately six feet tall with silver-colored hair - dyed, not natural - arranged rather neatly in a ponytail. It should be noted that she relinquished her weapons - several weapons - quickly and without complaint at the door, including those that were hidden or otherwise not specifically asked for.

1 - What is your Name? Enixoth. (Note: Subject refused to disclose surname.)
2 - Where are you from? If you are inquiring as to my place of birth, I do not know. However, I lived in Dalaran for much of my childhood life, and moved to Lordaeron as an adult.
3 - What is your marital status currently? Unmarried.
4 - Do you know if you were married before your service to Acherus? Yes; I was still unmarried.
5 - If so, do you know whatever happened to your spouse? This question does not apply.
6 - Have you contacted your former spouse since your return from your Service in Acherus? This question does not apply.
7 - Do you remember your previous family before your "Change?" Parents? Grandparents? Siblings? Offspring? Yes; I had four sisters, all older. One has been deceased for several years, but the others are all still alive today. My parents are also both still alive. (Note: Subject seemed to find the term "change" distasteful.)
8 - Have you contacted any of your previous family since your return from Acherus? All of them, yes.
9 - Do you currently have any hobbies? If you are inquiring about recreational activities, I have little time for any. I am skilled at mining and smithing, and somewhat proficient at herbalism, which is likely the best answer I can give.
10 - Do you remember any hobbies from prior to your "Change?" They were largely the same then as they are today.
11 - Do you have any aspirations? (Please explain) I have no aspirations; only goals.
12 - Do you have any fears? (Please explain) I have no fears; only obstacles.
13 - Do you remember anything from your childhood? Yes.
14 - Do you remember any childhood friends? I remember that I never had any.
15 - Have you interacted with anyone that you knew prior to your "Change?" Yes; primarily my family and several members of what was formerly known as the Argent Dawn.
16 - Were you a willing recipient of "The Gift?" (IF so, please explain) If you are asking whether or not I submitted my will to the Lich King, then the answer is no. If you are asking whether or not I consciously decided to become a death knight, then the answer is yes. Be aware that they are not the same thing.
17 - If you were unwilling, do you know how you died? (Please explain) I have, unlike many other death knights, not yet died.
18 - Where were you "Processed?" I was trained at Acherus, if that answers your question.
19 - Have you had any direct contact with any of the following Scourge Leaders:
(Please include detail about any interactions you may have had, and any feelings you had then, versus any thoughts you have now about interacting with them)

Arthas Menethil?
I believe you may be confusing Arthas Menethil with the Lich King. It should be noted that they are not and never have been the same individual. I digress, however: The Lich King was and still remains my enemy, before, after, and even during my time at Acherus. (Note: Subject refused to elaborate further on what she meant.) What I choose to remember of Arthas Menethil is not the man who betrayed his kingdom, but the man who was willing to suffer any hardship on their behalf.

Kel'Thuzad? I distinctly remember his cult's work in Lordaeron during the Third War, as well as both of his defeats in the necropolis of Naxxramas.

Grand Widow Faerlina? My personal interactions with the Grand Widow extend only as far as the length of my sword.

Noth the Plague Bringer? Noth demanded my assistance with his plague cauldrons during the siege of New Avalon, as he did many other death knights. Beyond that, I know only that he escaped Acherus before it was retaken, and that he is no longer in any position to demand anything of anyone.

Heigan the Unclean? My experiences with Heigan match those of Grand Widow Faerlina.

20 - How do you feel about the emotion of Anger/Hate? A useful drive, but not to be indulged too readily.
21 - How do you feel about the emotion of Love? One of the strongest bonds two sentient beings can form, and yet very easily severed.
22 - How do you feel about Sorrow? Tragedy should be dwelled upon only as long as it takes to overcome.
23 - How do you feel about Laughter? An important part of staving off despair.
24 - How do you feel about children? They live in a worse world than they deserve.
25 - How do you feel about Life? It exists only in the ways that we prove it. (Note: Subject refused to elaborate further.)
26 - How do you feel about Death? A necessary and inevitable end to all beings regardless of size, power, or importance.
27 - How do you feel about Undeath? It should not be abused, but it also should not be wasted.
28 - How do you feel about Religion? Religion is accepting a set of beliefs based on faith instead of evidence or experience. I have long felt that to accept the beliefs of another is to deny yourself the opportunity to search for your own, and eventually lose sight of who you are.
29 - How do you feel about the Alliance/Horde? I feel that they are inextricably bound to conflict.
30 - If you knew the world were about to be destroyed, what would you want to do? Everything I possibly could to stop it.
31 - Please include any additional comments not covered above. I have offered all that I can, and respectfully request not to be contacted in the future should any follow-up be deemed necessary based on the results of this study. (Note: Subject refused to explain her reasoning, and left without another word.)


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