Recruitment's never been my scene – too many people shouting their name and skills over each other, too much queueing. Not my thing. So when I turned up to the Blasted Lands last Sunday, I was... Well, surprised. I had been expecting the usual – a rag-tag band of out-of-luck mercenaries, interspersed with the odd glory-seeking crusader, resplendant in golden armour. I wasn't expecting a group of very well-trained people, all of whom with a genuine interest in actually reinforcing Draenor. But there they were – names like Girem, Vashnu, Martin Northwall, even the oft-gossiped-about Gaebriel of Sunshine.
It was one of Gaebriel's own that was leading this effort, a sickly-looking Draenei Mage by the name of Lyandri. While the plans were all being hashed out – with the occaisional interruptions from one particularly mouthy little mercenary – the Horde were doing their usual incomprehensible shouting and wild gesturing, which eventually resulted in them charging through the portal on foot. I didn't even see if they took supplies. Meanwhile, we were packing up mammoths and elekks with food, weapons and timber, the kind of things that would help the beleagured soldiers in Honor Hold. It was all going fairly well, until the scouts sent through the portal mentioned that the Legion were a lot more active.
I suppose subtlety is difficult when your partners in this little effort confuse “restoration” with “decapitation”.
The Alliance, now packed up and ready to go, rushed in through the portal. What we saw was fairly usual, just more of it – Pit Commanders leading vast amounts of infernals and other demons to attack the defenders, and now the Horde – while we neatly sidestepped the action and loaded up gryphons and drakes with supplies. It really set the tone for the rest of the expedition. I'll do my best not to be entirely condescending, but I can only report what went on...

When we finally arrived at the base, we were finally treated to a slightly longer speech from our fearless leader.
"I would like to thank you all that have come here to lend aid. Your effort, and your presence is appreciated. Your work remembered, and the ones you aid, honored by your side. I, myself, am honored to have you all by my side in this."
We were then rudely interrupted by balls of green, infernal, flaming rock. This was probably not the best of starts, but it can always be worse.
Of course, it got worse.
Within about ten minutes of us getting the supplies sent into storerooms and the inn, the Horde attacked. Two of them, supposedly – I didn't see much of them, other than the red smear, which is quite difficult to see on the red rock, covered by red dust, with red light beating down on it. Either way, we knew that we were in for a rough time. Our own “scouts” were sent out in earnest, their flying machines and dragons running around the peninsula. It was all things we already knew – the Legion were mounting last-ditch attacks, the independent factions like the Broken and Illidari getting more than a little antsy...
Those of us who expected boundless glory, wenches and ale may have been somewhat disappointed, as a few people were immediately sent to put the timber to use. No one complained, however, and within a few hours we had a good palisade taking shape around the destroyed walls. This reporter can neither confirm nor deny the fact that he may have used an ornate spyglass to look at a certain pair of barely-clothed paladins at work.
Ahem.
Anyway, diplomacy. We weren't just here to reinforce the Hold – we were also here to ensure that the Temple of Telhamat was safe, amongst the other forward positions dotted around – Shatter Point, et cetera. As the evening marched on, we began to make some serious progress. The walls took shape. An alchemical investigation was being launched into the foul earth of Hellfire. Even a marvel of engineering was built by two competant Gnome engineers – a loudspeaker, to save Lyandri from breaking her throat open trying to shout everyone together. People were working hard – and things were taking shape. I spoke to a few of the soldiers on duty, and they all seemed fairly pleased. Efforts had been made to reinforce them in the past, but this was the first one that seemed to get stuck into it without having to be showered with piles of cash.

In fact, we were so enthused by our progress, that an attack was lead on the Abyssal Shelf, against the vast amount of Fel Reavers and Gan'arg experimenters. This resulted in a couple of small casualties – which is probably to be expected, to be honest – but also a good morale victory. Sticking your boot up the arse of the Burning Legion is always quite satisfying.
Which is probably why they sent the Eredar to intimidate us... I'm afraid I didn't write the speech down, I was too busy yelling “OH, PIKE OFF!” with the rest of the defenders.
If there's one thing I've learned here, it's that the Alliance hasn't got patience for those who shout and gesture.
We just get stuck in.
Kristofer,
Licensed and Registered Sky-Privateer
THE mission was simple: establish relations with the Warsong Defensive. The Golden Crusader and a band of loyal Justicars embarked on a diplomatic mission into the Tundra in an attempt to seek more reinforcements of the Warsong Defensive to aid the effort in Icecrown. 
Throughout the campaign for Northrend the Argent Crusade have earned themselves a reputation for their many battles against the Scourge. Recently the Crusaders have managed to capture ground in Icecrown including a small outpost before the Court of Bones itself. In northern Icecrown the Argent Tournament has been a controversial but popular draw, bringing in hundreds of the Alliance and Horde’s best adventurers and mercenaries daily. But it seems this has not satisfied their leader Highlord Tirion Fordring.
GREETINGS, readers! As you probably have noticed Jereck Serethil has popped up in many of my reports to date, and finally I have managed to get an interview with the holy crusader himself!
LATE yesterday evening, rumours were sparked of civil war between many forces of the Alliance and the Scarlet Enclave. From with their disagreement with the Ebon Blade, through to disobeying the King's orders to accept them as Alliance, it appears that many other Alliance forces have been rubbed up the wrong way by the crimson-wearing zealots.
"It is indeed a dire situation, but we must look to the light and stay our blades unless we have no choice. We must seek counsel with our superiors and allies," Jereck told me when asking him about the Enclave, however he yielded little more information about the situation and refused to speak up on the chance of war.
AS the Midsummer Festival comes to an end, bonfires and barbecue parties are held all around Azeroth. We at The Herald want to help you discover a world of new tastes. We've gathered recipes that represent the very best of Old World specialties and then rounded out the collection with choice recipes from abroad.
Let's not forget it's festival season so theme your party around Midsummer and it’s fiery traditions. The recipes we use are easy even for a beginner cook and use convenient ready-made ingredients or can be prepared beforehand, so you can entertain with your guests while they slowly cook by the table. Start your dinner with either
The main entree and a show dish,
A subtle blend of stout, mustard and Mild Spices make the creamy sauce to accompany Roast Raptor served on a bed of fresh vegetables, a perfect dish for dark meat lovers.
Festive
FOLLOWING the theft reported in Icecrown last month, more information on the culprit has emerged this week. The thief stole thousands of golds worth of equipment from the tournament and tensions between Horde and Alliance have been running high since.
Once more we are saddened to report the following losses of brave defenders of both factions. Let us hope that their souls are at rest and that the Light will watch over them.
OVER the last week there has been reported a significant increase of street violence in big cities as well as a number of Horde attacks on peaceful rural communities all around Azeroth. The escalation of crime is said to be triggered by Midsummer Fire Festival activities. 
THE Ironforge Guard are still disillusioned as to just who destroyed crime-fighting Gnomish technology in the Ironforge Deeprun Tram station.
HEY, you gorgeous things, I'm Kat Jones. When it comes to fashion and beauty, I’ve tried it all – hair extensions, kodo dung paste and tar pit baths. Come to see me as I rummage about my clothes rack or check out newest beauty products and treatments! Let’s get this glam party started!
It's a chance to celebrate the hottest season of the year by lighting great fires across the land, having posh barbeque parties, playing tricks on the Horde, and a great excuse to get yourself some new, sexy outfits too!
Traditional vestment of summer, together with matching sandals and possibly mantle and crown too, make for a nice summer dress perfect for some pole dancing, and is a great way of showing off your body without exposing too much skin (right).
This enlightening three-piece set comes in all sizes, and is unisex, so you can persuade your date to dress up to match you.
Designers didn’t forget those who have to work defending our homes and have no time to party.
The
IT has been reported that Verdauga Whitecloud has recently left his long term guild The Thousand Eyes. Days before, the guild had seen to have been divided. Sources inform us that Verdauga had been leading in an erratic and unpredictable manner which had caused the split. His behaviour has been associated with his apparent corruption earlier this year by an Old God who can not be named.
TROUBLE has sparked a near conflict between The Sunreavers and The Silver Covenant at the argent tournament grounds in Icecrown. It was reported that in the early hours of yesterday morning several items of value were stolen from The Sunreaver's tent whilst the Quartermasters were asleep.

