I
I boarded a gryphon and readied myself for the long flight back to Stormwind, where I would use my bounty money to purchase some new armor. Stormwind was bustling the next morning. It was a refreshing change of pace. I spoke with the local Warrior trainer, who was pleased with my progress. After teaching me a few new techniques. He then told me that I was now tough enough for a heavier armor called “Plate”. I was excited by this new prospect of protection. I was convinced it would make my adventures through the Stranglethorn Jungle much easier. So, taking his advice I purchased some brand new armor, and headed southward towards the great jungle.
Nessingwary was pleased to see me back, and added another challenge to my expedition. The undisputed king of the jungle was named Bangalash, a white tiger known to stalk the southern regions. If I could defeat this beast, he would give me a brand new rifle. I really had no need for a rifle, but I always enjoyed a challenge. Now I had four animals to slay. There was Sin’Dall the tiger, Tethis the raptor, Bhag’thera, the panther, and now King Bangalash.
Before I left, I noticed an explorer that didn’t seem to belong the group. He was a Night Elf Hunter, and he looked like myself when I began my hunt. He’d overheard my conversation, and offered his assistance in return for that rifle. I typically enjoy working alone, but a little help couldn’t hurt, especially from a hunter. Boarding out mounts, we set off on our quest.
The first animal, Sin’Dall was seen not very far from the camp on top of a small hill. We cautiously climbed on top of the mound, expecting to see the beast, but to our surprise saw nothing. So we waited for what seemed to be hours until the Night Elf’s pet took off down the hill. There we saw Sin’Dall. Rushing to the hogs’ aide, I slashed and swung at the beast while the hunter shot from the top of the hill. Within seconds, our long vigil had ended. “One down, three to go” I thought to myself.
Continuing south, the next beast on our hit list was Bhag’thera. I kept a close watch on the overgrown grass and bushes, trying to see if I could spot anything out of the ordinary. Without warning my comrade told me to stop and keep quiet. Taking his advice, I jumped off my Mechanostrider and laid low in the grass along with the Night Elf. He silently pointed straight ahead, but I saw nothing. Then, without warning an enormous panther came rustling out of the brush directly towards us. I jumped to my feet and blocked it with my shield. It was a quick, vicious fight as the animal frantically swatted and scratched at myself and the hunters pet. Then, with a loud clap, the panther was hit on the side with a bullet. This was my opportunity. When it turned around, I slammed it with my axe, ending its’ struggle.
After a quick bandage, it was time to hunt our third target. Tethis was the largest of this species of Stranglethorn Raptors. To get to him, we’d have to get through countless others. After a lengthly trek, we saw the Gurubashi Arena. Behind this arena was were the Raptor was said to rule. Cautiously we rode around the southern half of the arena. To our horror, there were hundreds of raprors roaming around. This looked to be our most difficult battle. Throwing caution to the wind, we stepped into the brush, and were immediately met with extreme opposition.
One raptor instantly became four as we worked our way though the path. Despite their size and number, these animals were predictable. I waited for them to spring off the ground, to slice them across their midsections. Finally, we saw Tethis running towards us with two other Raptors. The Night Elf sent his hog after the others, as we focused our attack on Tethis. The raptor squealed and shrieked in pain as we took him down. As we rode out of the area, I glanced back to see six or more raptors chasing the Night Elf. They bit ands clawed at his Nightsaber, but we made it back out to the path.
I typically enjoy working alone, but a little help couldn’t hurt, especially from a hunter.
This was a long, exhausting hunt, but we were finally ready to take on the “King of the Jungle”. Despite our wounds and tattered armor, we were both ready to end this hunt. We made it back to a small grove, where Nessinwary himself once fought Bangalash. We knew we made it, when we were attacked by the kings’ sire and servants.
These beasts put up a fierce fight, but it was nothing in comparison to what Bangalash had in store. The tiger casually walked towards us, seemingly waiting for us to finish with the others. Then in an instant he lunged, knocking me flat on my back. Luckily the Hog grabbed on to it’s neck, allowing me to get back on my feet. The hunter shot through the remainder of his ammo on the king, barely slowing it down. I started to do some damage, but then immediately found myself surrounded by a group of ferocious panthers. The hog valiantly fought off the horde down to it’s last dying breath. I was bleeding from head to toe, but I wasn’t about to let a simple animal defeat me. I grabbed drank a health potion, then in one final swing, beheaded the beast, then collapsed to the ground.
The Night Elf helped me up, and I took a break, and made a fire. We recollected our journey from start to finish. In the warm glow of the fire, I felt my energy returning. We returned to Nessingwary’s camp in a beaten, dreadful state. As we placed the pelts down in front of him, Nessingwary Jr’s jaw dropped. It was obvious that he never expected us to survive our journey. Perhaps he underestimated the will of an unlikely fellowship of a Gnome and a Night Elf. He angrily rustled through his bag, and gave me the rifle. With a smile I handed it to my new friend. We parted ways, but knew this not the end.
