“A letter found on Edwin VanCleef’s person”

Searching Edwin VanCleef’s person, you discover, among other things, an unsent letter.  It is addressed to Baros Alexston, the City Architect of Stormwind, City Hall, Cathedral Square.

It appears to be recently written and sealed.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Deliver the Letter to the City Architect to Baros Alexston in Stormwind.

Baros Alexston: Yes? Is there something I can help you with?

Edwin VanCleef, you say?  I would as much expect a letter from my dead grandmother … So you’ve killed him then?  Pardon me in saying, but I’m somewhat surprised.  He was a peerless fighter in his younger years.  Let’s see what he finds the need to write to me about after so many years.

(Baros peruses the letter)

Edwin … I see the years haven’t changed you a bit, an idealist as ever, and a romantic.  He doesn’t care who he hurts.  Revenge has consumed him.  But then, I’m not sure I can blame him.

BAZIL THREDD

Baros Alexston: VanCleef and I were members of the Stonemasons Guild.  Our main project was to rebuild Stormwind after the War.

When we had finished our duties, we were cheated.  The nobles refused to pay us for our work.  Some of the more senior of the Stonemasons were offered governmental jobs, but VanCleef refused it out of loyalty to all the Stonemasons.  He led a riot and left the city, swearing revenge.

His lieutenant, Bazil Thredd, might know more about VanCleef’s plans.  He’s being held prisoner in the Stockade.

QUEST OBJECTIVE

Speak with Warden Thelwater in the Stockade

BAZIL THREDD

Warden Thelwater: What in the Light do you want?  Can’t you see we have a crisis here?

Bazil Thredd?!  Why would you want to speak with that bastard?  How am I supposed to know you’re not one of his cronies, come down to help with his bloody riot?  If all the blasted cells weren’t open, I might throw you in one for a while!

THE STOCKADE RIOTS

Warden Thelwater: Let’s get one thing straight.  I don’t trust you.  But, with the situation as it is, you probably won’t make a difference.

So here’s how it’s going to be: go down there and have your talk with Thredd.  If you’re really on our side, then kill him and bring me his head when the job’s done.  And if it turns out you’re on his side, and don’t come out … when we find you, you’ll die along with the rest of the maggots.

QUEST OBJECTIVE

Kill Bazil Thredd and bring his head back to Warden Thelwater at the Stockade.

Bazil Thredd: Outsiders!  Kill’em all!

Warden Thelwater: Either you bring me Thredd’s head, or I’ll take yours, understand?

Without Thredd to lead them, hopefully the riots will be more controllable.  We shall see.

I must say, after a half hour, I hardly expected you to come out, but it seems I misjudged you.

I’d guess, then, that you didn’t get much useful information out of him?  But I know a thing or two that might be of interest to you about Thredd’s activities.

THE CURIOUS VISITOR

Warden Thelwater: During the first years of Thredd’s imprisonment, he never had any visitors.  I figured that he was no longer of use to the Brotherhood, so they abandoned him.

Anyway, a few months ago, that all changed; he started to get regular visits … once, maybe twice a week.  It was a strange man—the quiet type.  I had my suspicions, but all his papers checked out.

His documents claimed his name was Maelik; here’s his description.  I don’t think he’ll be coming to visit Thredd anymore.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Bring the Sealed Description of Thredd’s Visitor to Baros Alexston in Stormwind.

Baros Alexston: Yes? What have you found?

Hmm.  Maelik?  No, the name doesn’t sound familiar and neither does this description.  But it could be anybody!  A former Stonemason, one of the Defias Brotherhood … Though if he is as well connected as Thelwater suggests, perhaps someone else might recognize him.  Let me think.

SHADOW OF THE PAST

Baros Alexston: I really haven’t a clue.  There is someone else who might be able to help you, and it so happens that he owes me a favor for—well, let’s not get into that.  Master Mathias Shaw of SI:7 can be found in the barracks in Old Town.  Shaw has his thumb on most of the shady, or underhanded dealings of the city.

If anyone knows, it’d be him.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Bring the Sealed Description of Thredd’s Visitor to Master Mathias Shaw in Stormwind.

Mathias Shaw: Greetings.  Of what service can I be to you?

What?  What’s this?  Yes. I think I do know who this man is, but his name is not Maelik.  Assassins wear many names and many masks, discarding them as they lose their usefulness.  Another alias known to be used by this man is Marzon; though even that is surely not his true name.

Regardless, he is an assassin and I know a good deal about him.

Marzon is currently under the employ of Lord Gregor Lescovar, a lord of shady reputation, even given the corruption of the nobility of Stormwind.

LOOK TO AN OLD FRIEND

Master Mathias Shaw: That Marzon would be contacting a member of the Defias and have ties to Lescovar …

Having killed VanCleef and Thredd, it would be hard to see Lescovar brought to proper justice, as your evidence is nothing without their testimonies.  That is not even considering the fact that Lescovar is a noble and well connected.  It effectively makes him above the law.

You’ll need other help.  I loathe to do so, but there is someone I know that will aid us.  You’ll find Trias in the Trade District of the city.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Speak to Elling Trias in Stormwind

Elling Trias (Master of Cheese): You’re kidding?  Shaw wants my help again?  Of all the nerve …

The Defias Brotherhood, you say?  Well, you’re certainly the bearer of wonderful news, aren’t you?  Next you’re going to tell me that Deathwing is still alive and attacking the city.

All right, tell me everything from the beginning.  And don’t leave out something you think might not be important.  I need to know it all.

INFILTRATING THE CASTLE

Elling Trias (Master of Cheese): Hmm, an intersting tale, and not one to be taken lightly.  Yeah, I can help you, but what you need to do is divvy out a form of justice that’s not … legal, if you’re to see this through to the end.

Lescovar and Marzon need to be dealt with, and swiftly.  Do you think you’re capable of such a thing?

You decide.  If so, then make haste to the castle and find an old friend of mine, a gnome named Tyrion.  He’s been watching Lescovar now for a couple weeks.  He should be able to help you end this.

QUEST OBJECTIVE

Speak to Tyrion in Stormwind Castle.

Tyrion: You’ll have to be patient with me. I’ve got my spybot inside working on a very delicate matter.  I’ll be with ya in a second.

Oh, and do me a favor, try not to let Lescovar see you … we’re about to ambush him.

What the …?!  Don’t sneak up on me like that!  And keep your voice down!  What in the name of the Shadow are you doing sneakin’ up on me for?  Can’t you see I’m busy, you daft fool?

What do you mean, what am I doing?  I’m waiting for the next Dark Portal to open, what the heck do you think I’m doing?  Speak your peace and be off with you … ‘fore the guards notice the two of us hiding in the bushes together.  I have a reputation to maintain.

ITEMS OF SOME CONSEQUENCE

Tyrion: Trias wants the timetable pushed up some, huh?  Okay, we can do that, but I’m not ready.  And know this, I’m doing the hard part, but you’re the one that’s going to get his hands dirty, understand?  Good.

Okay.  I’ll need you to get me a few things before I can put my plan into effect.  I got the perfect disguise that’ll get Spybot past those guards.

Bring me some silk and a couple apples.  The silk’s up to you, but Clara’s little farm right outside the city has the perfect sized apples.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Bring 3 Silk Cloth and 2 of Clara’s Fresh Apples to Tyrion in Stormwind.

Note: Clara Charles is found at the closest house south of the Stormwind Gates by the Elwynn Forest.  The apples are on the table next to her.

Tyrion: I’ve been watching Lescovar for a couple of weeks now.  Trias has never trusted him, but we didn’t suspect he was involved in anything to do with the Defias Brotherhood.  We were following leads that tied him to the Twilight’s Hammer.  Either way, he’s become more dangerous than this city can deal with, and that’s where we come in.

Get me those items and we can put my plan into effect.

These will do nicely.  Great job.

I have the rest of the gear I’ll need in my pack … thank the Light I just got a tailor friend of mine to make me a silk bag.  I was running out of room carrying all my gear around.

Before Spybot heads in, let’s get the details set so you know what you have to do.

THE ATTACK

Tyrion: After I put on Spybot’s disguise, he’ll head in to talk to Lescovar.  The guards should let him pass no problem.

While you were getting materials for me, I took care of informing Marzon that it was time for him and Lescovar to meet again.  I even dropped some false information.

Lescovar will dismiss his guards and wait for Mazon out here in the garden.  After you catch wind of talk about the Defias, make your move.  You need to kill them both before the guards return!  When you’re done, speak to Trias.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Remain in the garden until Lord Gregor Lescovar and Marzon the Silent Blade have had their conversation.  Afterwards, kill them both before returning to Elling Trias in Stormwind.

Tyrion’s Spybot: By your command!

(The small shredder spybot shapeshifts into a female human named Priestess Tyriona)

Tyrion: Wait here. Spybot will make Lescovar come out as soon as possible.  Be ready!  Attack only after you’ve overheard their conversation.

Princess Tyriona tells both Stormwind Guards: Good day to you both.  I would speak to Lord Lescovar.

Stormwind Royal Guard says: Of course. He awaits you in the library.

Priestess Tyriona says: Thank you.  The Light be with you both.

(Priestess Tyriona – aka Spybot – walks into the Stormwind Library at the Castle to talk to Lescovar)

Priestess Tyriona: Milord, your guest has arrived.  He awaits your presence.

Lord Gregor Lescovar: Ah, thank you kindly.  I will leave you to the library while I tend to this small matter.

Priestess Tyriona: I shall use the time wisely, milord.  Thank you.

Lord Gregor Lescovar: It’s time for my meditation, leave me.

Stormwind Royal Guard: Yes, sir!

(Lord Gregor Lescovar waits for the guards to be out of sight)

Lord Gregor Lescovar: There you are.  What news from Westfall?

Marzon the Silent Blade: VanCleef sends word that the plans are underway.  But he’s heard rumors about someone snooping about.

Lord Gregor Lescovar: Hmm, it could be that meddler Shaw.  I will see what I can discover.  Be off with you.  I’ll contact you again soon.

Marzon the Silent Blade: Very well.  I will return then.

Tyrion: That’s it!  That’s what you were waiting for!  KILL THEM!

Marzon the Silent Blade: The Defias shall succeed! No meek adventurer will stop us!

Lord Gregor Lescovar: What?!  How dare you!

(After killing both Lescovar and Marzon, you return to the Cheese store in the Trade District of Stormwind to report to Elling Trias)

Elling Trias: So it is done?  Good.  Thank you greatly for your discretion.  You’ve proven worthy on more than one account.  I’ll be sure to keep my eyes on you and your progress within the Alliance.

Be sure to keep your nose clean.

THE HEAD OF THE BEAST

Elling Trias: Find Shaw in Old Town.  Let him know that the Lescovar threat has been dealt with and about your involvement in the Lord’s plots against the city.  I’m sure he’ll be proud to have another hero among Stormwind’s citizens.

He’ll more than likely send you off to meet with the Prince or some other noble. Don’t let it get to your head.  The nobles can think they rule the city all they want, but some things remain out of their hands.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Speak to Mathias Shaw in Stormwind.

Master Mathias Shaw: He is dead, then?  Your justice was swift.  I pray to the Light that I never become your quarry!

(He laughs and claps you on the shoulder)

I mean no criticism.  How could I, being the master of all assassins?  But in truth, you have done the people of Stormwind a great service, and for that, I thank you.

BROTHERHOOD’S END

Master Mathias Shaw: Ah, I almost forgot. Alexston came while you were away, he wished to speak with you.  No doubt he wishes to report the goings-on of the Defias Brotherhood to the nobles.

A bit of advice: If anyone should ask, I would provide all details but that it was your hand that slew Lescovar.  Trust me.  I am … acquainted … with the ways of such things.

And as far as Trias goes, well, speak to no one of him … ever … if you can help it.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Speak with Baros Alexston in Stormwind

Baros Alexston: It’s good to see you.  I have heard that Lord Gregor Lescovar was found dead not long ago.

It would seem that you were successful in your mission.  You have my gratitude that you have saved me, and many others, from VanCleef’s revenge.

AN AUDIENCE WITH THE KING

Baros Alexston: I have prepared a report for the King.  I believe you should be the one to deliver it to him, along with an account of your findings.  Do not worry, there is no doubt that he will commend you for doing your duty to the people of Stormwind.

Your audience is scheduled soon, so you’d best hurry, it’s a bit of a ways to Stormwind Keep.

QUEST OBJECTIVES

Deliver Baros Alexston’s report on the Defias Brotherhood to King Varian Wrynn in Stormwind Keep.

Report of the Defias Brotherhood

From the hand of Baros Alexston.
Office of the City Architect.
Stormwind.

Your Majesty,

There are many reasons as to why I felt that a report should be compiled and presented on the recent affairs of the “Defias Brotherhood” and their activities throughout the kingdom.

For perspective, I shall begin with a bit of history.  As you may or may not know, my service to the city of Stormwind began as a member of the Stonemasons’ Guild.  Through years of work, we completed the rebuilding of Stormwind, at which time the Stonemason’s Guild bills and fees and salaries left unpaid and unspoken for.

At that time, Edwin VanCleef had been elected Guildmaster of the Stonemasons, and spoke out, demanding restitution for our works.  In response, the Stormwind House of Nobles ordered the Stonemasons’ Guild disbanded, which, understandably, angered VanCleef leading a riot.  VanCleef led the Stonemasons out of the city.

Before I continue, there are some other events that took place during this time that I should bring to your attention.

First, it was at this time that I was offered the position of city architect if I did not join with VanCleef.  Because of certain idealogical differences, I chose to remain in Stormwind.

During the riots, VanCleef’s lieutenant and most trusted assistant, Bazil Thredd, was captured and held in prison, awaiting trial and questioning.  Thredd was almost forgotten about in the Stockade.

Returning to VanCleef, after he led the remnants of the Stonemasons out of Stormwind, he took advantage of the relatively unprotected state of Westfall, and used his considerable manpower to run many of the farmers off, and take over the handful of gold mines.

Taking advantage of the resources at his disposal, VanCleef hatched a plan of retribution against the government of Stormwind.

This information came to light recently with the assistance of the bearer of this document, who was instrumental in shedding light on this vast conspiracy.

Lady Katrana Prestor: Yes?  I was informed by Baros Alexston that you would be coming.  I must say, I am most interested in what you have to say.

You are to be commended for the service you have done for Stormwind.  If VanCleef had been successful in his machinations, he would no doubt have done considerable harm to the kingdom—something we must obviously avoid.

Take this as a token of the King’s appreciation.  I am only sorry he cannot present it to you himself, but he is away on a diplomatic mission and shall not return for some time.