Karazhan revisited

Part One - The Ivory Tower
(The in-character bit)

BACKGROUND
The priests of the Atal'ai have succeeded in calling forth the Blood God (whose cursed name shall not be written here). The reports tell that even now the Soulflayer lurks in the temple in the very heart of the once-proud capital city of the jungle trolls, Zul'Gurub. The high priests of the Five Primal Gods, who set forth to defeat the Blood God, are now under his evil control. The power of these Primal Aspects now feeds the awesome power of the Soulflayer. They grant the Blood God powerful abilities that make him even harder to kill.

The Zandalari continue to recruit heroes to attack him and his evil minions. Each time they can destroy his physical form they slow the spread of his evil. But, alas, the Atal'ai always find ways to regather their strength and summon their terrible God to the mortal realm once more.


ZANICK'S STORY

A few days ago Zanick visited Yojamba Isle to speak again to Falthir the Sightless. He is one of the Zandalari who guide those willing to venture into Zul'Gurub and reward those that return alive. Even before she climbed the steps to his hut, he knew of her approach.
"I need no vision to sense the presence of Zanick of the Darkspears." he chuckled, turning to face her.
"Your senses are as keen as a blade. Greetings, Master Falthir." she replied respectfully, trying to match his well-spoken Zandali.
"Sit. Rest. What brings you back to the Isle?" he said, reaching to offer her a plate of fish. Zanick accepted the food gratefully.
"I seek to find ways that my guild can best serve the interests of all trolls and the Horde. We are growing in numbers and becoming stronger day by day." she said.
"So I have heard." replied Falthir, idly picking fish-bones from his tusks.
"It seems to me that the best way to do this may be to help to prevent the rise of the Blood God by venturing into Zul'Gurub . . ." she said.
A frown creased Falthir's brow for a moment.
"You don't agree, mon?" Zanick asked, surprised at his reaction.
"No, no. You are right. The Evil One holds dominion over Zul'Gurub, bathing in the power of our primal gods." he replied. His face became grim with anger and determination. "Our high priests are in his power. They channel the energies of our most sacred gods into the Soulflayer. The need is great. He must be stopped or he will soon have power greater than any being in Azeroth!"
He paused and then lifted his head, as if catching some far-off scent on the sea breeze.
"But perhaps the danger lies not only within the city." he said.
Zanick remained silent, unsure of what he might be speaking about.
Falthir rose to his feet. "Zanick, let us go to the map atop the watch-tower."

Minutes later they were in the tower at the other end of the island. Falthir and Zanick stood around the table where a map of Azeroth painted on hide was stretched out. Falthir stood at the rail facing the morning sun. Al'tabim, the turbaned spell-user, called 'the All-seeing', stood beside them, studying Zanick without saying a word. The breeze ruffed Zanick's hair.
"Zanick. Look at the map. Can you find where Zul'Gurub is?" said Falthir.
There was an edge to his voice. Zanick sensed a test. But reading a map, judging distance and direction, is meat and drink to a scout.
She confidently placed a wooden counter from a gaming set at the position of Zul'Gurub. "Due east of Yojamba. About mid-way between the shores of the Great Sea in the west and the shores of the Forbidden Sea far to the east." she said.
Falthir grunted in acknowledgement. Zanick hoped that this showed his approval.
"To the north of Zul'Gurub? What lies just there beyond the hills?" he asked.
Zanick felt a bit impatient, almost insulted, by the simplicity of his question. But she took a deep breath and vowed to give a careful and patient answer. Since the map showed little detail she used a finger to trace the positions of the lands that she knew.
"To the north of the Vale lies the forestland called Duskwood." she began. "Beyond the hills to the east of Zul'Gurub . . . lies the demon-haunted part of the Blasted Lands that some call the Tainted Scar." Zanick felt a cold shiver as she recollected that dismal place.
"Between Duskwood and the Blasted Lands must be the canyons in the southern part of Deadwind Pass." she continued.
Zanick looked up at Falthir but he made no response. He was expecting more. Al'tabim looked on with an enigmatic smile that revealed nothing. She turned to the map once more and cast her mind back to when she explored that lifeless place.
"So . . .just beyond the hills to the north of Zul'Gurub is . . .Vekk! It’s Karazhan!" she replied, realising this for the first time and annoyed that she had not thought of it more quickly.
"Yes," said Falthir. "The Ivory Tower of Karazhan. The tower was once the home of a dark wizard. But the tower existed long before the wizard and none now remember who built it. Some say that the many mystical lines of power in Azeroth meet beneath the Tower of Karazhan. It was abandoned after the First War. But many have reported that a new evil now lurks within the Tower."
"So I have heard." Zanick said. "I know several who have ventured inside."
"Hmmff." Al'tabim gave a dismissive snort. "The brave and the foolish are drawn to Karazhan. They are tempted by talk of dark secrets and great treasures."
Falthir turned his sightless gaze towards Zanick and stood up to his full height.
"Zanick, I want you to find out more about what lurks within Karazhan. I do not ask you to venture inside yourself, but speak to those who have. Question them closely about the challenges they met. Return to me when you have found out anything that might be a link to Zul'Gurub."

The next day Zanick was in Shattrath City in the Outland. She waited patiently, lounging in the shadows, keeping a watchful eye on Bindo Gearbomb, the goblin battlemaster who arranges the contests in the arena. Eventually her patience was rewarded when she saw a familiar figure arrive on a skeletal horse. She slipped from the shadows and spoke to the rider.
Soon afterwards the pair were sat in the World’s End Tavern. The rider now sat on a bench and leaned over the table. His deep hood almost hid his features, except for the glowing golden orbs of his eyes. His ornate shoulder-pads were decorated with the face of a blind-folded woman. Shoulders and hood were surrounded by a steady blue glow. A huge mace stood on the floor, propped against the table. One bony hand rested on the handle. Weaving patterns of golden energy constantly swirled around the mace head.
Zanick leaned across the table. “Zaxin. Listen, mon. I needs information. You been in Karazhan, right?” she said, using the common orcish speech.
Her companion stretched his back, accompanied by the clicks of stiff sinews and dry bone grating against bone. “I have, many times.” he rasped.
“Tell me ‘bout da creatures you faced. I needs to know all of it.” said Zanick.

Some days later Zanick was back on Yojamba Isle. Sitting in Falthir’s hut, she told him of what she had learned from the Forsaken priest in Shattrath.
“I learned much about the evil creatures within Karazhan. But certain things that I was told stand out. In a part of the lower levels of the tower there will be found demon-dogs, but also giant spiders and huge bats. These are no ordinary creatures and any is a match for all but the most powerful fighter. But that is not all . . .
“Sometimes this area is ruled by a ferocious spider more powerful than any I have ever heard tell of. It lurks unseen and then attacks with the most powerful poison and its web can stun the strongest warrior.
“At other times this area is the lair of a fearsome bat. Again, I have never heard tell of one as powerful as this. It moves as fast as a hawk, its wings can knock back the strongest fighter and its piercing shriek will silence any who attempt to cast spells. But return at another time and neither this most deadly mother of spiders nor this most terrible bat will be there.”
Falthir gave a sigh and lifted his head to speak. “It is as I feared. Exzhal was right. The Blood God and his minions have increased in power. The voodoo masters of the Zandalari sensed this and they have searched for the source of this new power. Only recently have their efforts succeeded. All the signs point towards the Ivory Tower as the source.
“It must be that the evil magic that is leaking from the Tower has reached Zul'Gurub." he continued. "High Priestess Jeklik and High Priestess Mar'li must have summoned powerful bat and spider minions to find their way into the Tower to feed from this new source of evil power.”
Falthir gave a growl of determination and then rose to his feet. “I must speak to Exzhal and the others about this at once. Thank you, Zanick. You have helped to confirm our suspicions. We must not let the Blood God reign supreme again!” With these words the troll stalked from the hut, sensing his way quickly towards the centre of the main island.
Zanick paused in thought for a moment before rising to her feet. “Bwangoo’s instincts were right.” she said aloud. “Somehow he knew that Karazhan should be our next target. I only hope that we can find others to meet this challenge.”
She lifted her backpack and turned to leave. “There is much to do.” she muttered.


An After-thought

It may just be coincidence, or not, but 'kara'asan' in Zandali means 'blood-tribute' . . .

Part Two - Karazhan Awaits
(The out-of-character explanation)

I'd like to find out who is interested in forming a guild raid group to tackle Karazhan. If we have enough level 70 guild members who are interested then we can add in a few veteran adventurers from outside the guild to make up the numbers. Of course, a guild-only raid group would be even better!

This will take some time to organise and some members might even need to improve their PvE stats to be ready for Karazhan (such as Zanick, for a start!). So let's start discussing it now. Perhaps by the time Snicka returns in July we can be ready for our first attack on the Ivory Tower.

Who's with me?

I'm interested. Mostly because I think it would be fun to get to see the inside of kara, something I never really expected to do.

Absolutely interested. And it's a good idea to give an RP background for the raid group.

Hmm, I think I may have Lyranne spec back to holy, in that case ( her current tanking gear really sucks, and I still have no instances under my belt with her - save low level ones that she can solo ), as I know, from what others have told me, her + healing specs were/are about right for Kara.

OOC-ly I can heal Kara too, but I guess suggesting it is in vain *sigh*

Anyway, what is an ideal group for Karazhan like? I mean, how many tanks/healers/DPS/buffers/food&drink machines (=mages)?
And Barz, if your girlfriend comes up with a reasonable explanation to join the raid group IC too, that's even better.

Snicka wrote:Anyway, what is an ideal group for Karazhan like? I mean, how many tanks/healers/DPS/buffers/food&drink machines (=mages)?

You'll need two tanks for Kara, and ideally three healers. (one of which concentrates PURELY on the main tank)
The rest DPS - Of course shamans and mages are your primary source for DPS, rogues are good aswell but they also dish out some CC on humanoids and such. and you'll need Warlocks for summoning, very handy.
Hunters take on the 'pulling' role.. not the tank. (pretty important)

I think the main thing is practice and knowning your characters skills very well. for example why do Shamans never use purge?! its one of their best abilities for crippling mobs!
Of course Jimar won't be 70 by then... but I would gladly help with healing when he gets there.

You need atleast 1 resto druid, or else you will die, if the rest ain't really good geared. A priest is good for CC.

well, if needs absolutely must, I could respec Whrae, though truth be told, I'm a little reluctant ( seriously, having two level 70 healers, whilst levelling a priest and shaman seems a little overkill ). Seeing as Paladins can't mass heal, I suspect I'd be healing the tank with Lyranne. I'll respec her holy regardless of what happens because I need instance drops for her tanking, which I can't go to as the spec I want. I laothe respec'ing, as to me, it feels like a part of the character is being changed immensly (which is why shen she respec'ed last time, she became more determined... not sure how going back to holy will affect her).

Btw i wanna wish you luck with this and maybe give some hints and tips from my guild. We never got more then clearing kara but in the beginning its damn cool.

Depends on wich boss you are there are different types of groups you use:

Animal boss: I have 5 man it without any problems...thats no real challenge

Atumen: 2 tanks/2 healers (any kind/even 1 priest is preferable) and dps whatever you like.
Taking down Nightmare at this boss is the best way and then just hug boss when they unite.

Moroes: CC is the clue - 2 tanks /2 very good healers but preferable 3 at least 1 hunter and Shadow priest or holy for 1 shackle. IMPORTANT: Tanks start the pull and all dps kills the Shadow priest first, then CC the rest with traps or whatever you can and 2 tanks have to be 1 on treath meter. If you do so enjoy your epics

Maiden of Virtue: 1 tank/2-3 healers (2 palladin or holy priest at least) and dps whatever you like.
Tactic: Tank pulls in the center of the circle where healers are on each side just 2-3 yards aways from the silence. When the stun comes tank pulls boss to a healer so healer gets dmg and gets out of stun-continue healing. Maiden will cast holy fire on 1 random raid member this has to be dispelled (thats why you need 1 palla and 1 priest) or your lost. Maiden dies pretty fast i have downed her in 1 min. Follow this and enjoy your epics


If you need some more tips i can post em later but for a new raiding guild wich begins those bosses are important

Btw requirements for kara are very easy: Full blue/epic lvl 70 gear (talent specific) is enought to clear whole kara without any wipes.

Good luck!

Just a suggestion; what if we trust Bwangoo or Gando with organizing and leading these raids? They have been there several times already, so they know boss tactics and such better than we do. An experienced raid leader would make us feel more comfortable during the instance run.

I agree entirely! An experienced troll who has been into Karazhan before should ideally lead the way.

I think you guys can do it

Many people fear about there gear when entering Kara but if you ask some of the leading PVE guilds on SSL they can tell you thats only skill not that much gear...well of course some stats are required but not that much like skill!

I have a friend whos playing in Zenith and hes telling me that hes guild is doing KZ with there alts and all of them are green geared and they still manage to clear it without any big problems.

You need atleast +1k healing for entering Kara 1 and making it out alive...