A Preliminary Look at the 4.0.1 Affliction Warlock Spec

With patch 4.0.1 on our e-doorstep, it's finally time for me to acknowledge the existence of change around here. If you're a regular reader, you know I've pretty much avoided the pre-cataclysm buzz, favoring to focus on the here and now. Well, the here and now means respeccing in a completely redesigned talent tree.  Eventually, I plan to rework all of my guides on the left and update them for 4.0, but until I get time to do it properly, I want to throw out some preliminary thoughts about class setup (speccing and glyphing mostly).

It is important to note that these are preliminary.  That means I would love feedback.  My goal is to start here, and then as information becomes more readily available at theorycrafting sites and such, to compile that information into an updated guide.  So, for now, please read, consider, and respond.  Leaving links to your sources of research would help me a ton too.  In other words, I'm not claiming to "know it all" yet.  Like most of you, I'm just trying to use the information as its presented to make the best choices I can.

The first spec we're starting with is, as promised, my Affliction Warlock raid spec for 4.0.  Prot Pallys, Demo 'locks, and DK's will follow shortly.  The goal of the spec I'm presenting today is to be ready to continue raiding now.  This is not a Cataclysm leveling or raiding spec (there may be changes between now and then).  We're still raiding, so all of my choices are made with this (and my current group makeup) in mind.

Spec
So, without further ado, the big reveal:

Fixed the link here.

I'm not going to go through every talent I chose, but rather touch on those I avoided.  Since I'm using this to raid, my primary goal was to do whatever I can to maximize my DPS.  I choose all talents that obviously did that.  I skipped the two fear modifiers, since fear is rarely used in raids, and I didn't pick up Curse of Exhaustion for the same reason.  What I see as the only optional points when filling up the tree were the points spent in Improved Life Tap.  You'll need to spend those points somewhere in order to advance the tree, and I figured more mana returned translates to less tapping, hence a DPS increase.

Does anyone know what happened to Dark Pact?  Obviously it's not in the tree.  If I can still demon tap, I may put the points spent in ILT into one of the fear mods, since that might be more useful.  This is something I'll need to do some research about.

After I filled up my Affliction Tree, then the option to spend points in other trees becomes available.  I went right back over to look for my old friend, Bane.  You'll see a somewhat newish talent next to it called Shadow and Flame (which is mostly a re-skinned ISB, but including fire).   I actually opted to fill up S&F first as it makes a target weak to spell damage.  I'm assuming this would benefit all casters in the group (same as the old ISB), so it's a great raiding talent to pick up.  I plan to fill Bane out by 85.

Recall that you only get 1 talent point per every 2 levels, so the level required for this spec shows up as 79.  This is by design.  (I forgot about this and at first thought there was some sort of glitch).

Glyphs
The glyphs I chose are as noted:

• Prime - Bane of Agony, Haunt, Corruption (runner up: Unstable Affliction)
• Major - Felhunter, Soul Swap, Shadowflame (runner up: Life Tap)
• Minor - Unending Breath, Drain Soul, Eye of Kilrogg

Perusing the offerings, I found myself easily able to narrow my choices to four for Prime and Major.  The Minor glyphs are still pretty slim pickings for us, so I just went sort of how I've gone in the past.  I won't waste words on those. 

For Prime, Agony and Haunt are no brainers.  Corruption has always been a minimal (~50DPS at 80) DPS gain, but I don't know how much decreasing the cast time of UA would give me either.  I enjoy more Nightfall procs, so I went with Corr.

For Major, Soul Swap is a lock (I expect to love this new spell).  I also plan keep using my Felpup for as long as his DPS is a solid choice for Aff'locks.  Thus, the Felhunter glyph seemed to be a solid choice.  Finally, I decided to go with Shadowflame over Life Tap.  I'm hoping the slow effect on Shadowflame might work on the Valks for the LK fight.  If nothing else, it seems like a fun modification to a situational spell, and I'm already improving my Life Tap. 

Rotation
Lately, I've been doing this:

Shadowbolt > Haunt > CotE > Corr > UA > Refresh as needed, when not: bolt filler > LT as needed > Sub in Drain Soul for the last 25% filler.

It is important to note that Soul Shard mechanics have been changed, and I haven't even looked at how to use those properly yet.  For the sake of this preliminary look, I'm going to assume them to be a bit situational, or something you throw in every few rotations, or a modification of what we'll use anyways, and not a staple.  A.K.A - I'm going to ignore it for now until I understand it better.

With that said, the key change to note is that we should now be able to cast both Bane of Agony and Curse of the Elements.  Additionally, we'll have Soul Swap to use when popping between targets.  There also seemed to be some minor mechanics changes to Drain Soul and Death's Embrace that may make it worthwhile to use DS all the time (or none of the time, or just woven in with bolt filler).  The operative here is that I don't believe DS gets a special bonus for under 25% (edit: was moved till tooltip, still plan to use DS under 25%).  All of our spells do via Death's Embrace (and Drain Soul gets a buff when we're low).  I'm not sure how the numbers will work out, but I would think we'd need to keep S-bolts going to utilize the buffs we picked up in the Destro tree.

My plan is to start with my current rotation and squeeze the new stuff in.  The major mechanics don't really seem to change, but we may need to revisit this.  So, in 4.0 it'll look more like:

Shadowbolt > Haunt > CotE > BoA > Corr > UA > Refresh as needed, otherwise fill with S-bolt to keep S&F/ISB buff up, otherwise DS > LT as needed > Soul Swap before target dies if you're going to switch to another target.

What do you guys think?  I would love links to theorycraft numbers/data (and plan to run over to the Den and EJ when I get some time).  All in all, I'm pretty excited about the changes, though I haven't even touched on the soul shard mechanics yet.  Or the stat changes (just rolling with the gear I've got).  Or mastery (you can get the baseline at 80).  Sheesh!  The blogosphere should get mighty busy here.

Also, side note: we did some research and soul shard bags are going to be "converted" into a normal bag of "roughly equivalent" size.  Your guess is as good as mine as to what that means.

(edit: if you want to see some great counterpoints and further discussion, Poneria does a great job here.)

Upgrayedd

I finally got promoted to Silver league on Starcraft II. It took me 32 games, winning just slightly over half of them. I think I'm sitting at 23-19. Then I played a few games in my new bracket.  The first thing I noticed is that it did seem like the competition was a bit better.  I lost the first few quickly, before I began to adapt to the new pace of play.  It seems that Silver players are just quicker than Bronze players, flat out.  Strats didn't really seem to change, however.  Actually, if anything, they got worse.

Now, I admittedly only played a handful of games in my new bracket, but the general strat being used seemed to be all-out rush.  It didn't even matter the race.  Heck, I had one Terran opponent come in with a marines and all of their SCVs.  It was the poker equivalent of "all in".  Unfortunately for that individual, I had void rays waiting to counter-attack, and a second fortified base.  I killed all of his stuff, and his remaining force couldn't kill mine (which was still producing the entire time: it takes a long time to wipe someone out).  In any case, you have to be quick, or you wind up dead pretty quickly.  After that, I'm still trying to play fluidly, keeping my opponent scouted so that I can react to what they're building.  I'm not always the best at it, since things like a mass of marines seems particularly hard to counter early on as Protoss.

In unrelated news, rumor is that the big 4.0.1 patch is going to drop tomorrow.  With it comes the much anticipated, much dreaded, much lauded... tree changes.  The plan here at KeS is to get my preliminary Affliction tree up ASAP, then follow it with Fuu's Prot Pally, and then our others.  I'd like to get all the preliminary tree suggestions up first, hopefully get good feedback, and then modify before I update all the guides I have linked here.  It will get busy around here if the patch drops as expected.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Shards are going away.  Use 'em up now or delete them later, your call.
• Paladins who are Protection or Retribution specced will no longer be able to Cleanse Magical Debuffs (edit from comments: Cleanse itself is still a baseline spell all specs get but only a Holy Paladin can spec into Magical Debuff removal. For further information Go here!)
• Holy Power will become a new Resource for All Paladin Specs. 
• When your Toon hits level 10, you will be stuck in the tree that you put your first talent point in until 31 points are invested (True for all specs for every class)
• There will be no such thing as a DW Frost DK tank: sad day.
• A whole bunch of stuff is going to change: stats, talents, etc.  We'll figure it all out soon enough though.  Heck, I'm sure the beta folks are already well on their way.
• 4.0.1 Will not bring the New Races, World Terrain Changes (right away that is), or Level 85.

Stay tuned!

Incoming

Fulguralis hit the platform hard and rolled to his feet. He glanced over his shoulder as another Val'kyr plummeted off the edge, trailing smoke behind it as it screeched death. Rips in the Warlock's robe from the thing's claws made clear the fate he had just barely escaped.  He glanced over and nodded his thanks to the hazy shadow Priest beside him, who barely paused in the midst of slinging darkness to acknowledge the gesture.  Fulguralis rejoined the fray, adding his own brand of shadow to the mix.

The fight was not going as planned.  With Tirion frozen in a block of ice, their group of adventurers was left to face the Lich King alone.  Ten brave souls standing against the might of the Frozen Throne.  More Val'kyr screamed overhead and large, pieced together monstrosities and spirits lumbered among the good guys, bashing at shields and plate armor.  It was barely organized chaos. 

"Defile!" the call went out.

The group scattered as Arthas opened up a dark patch of death on the floor.  It roiled menacingly, begging to nip at someone's robes, yet, as one, the group avoided.  A Val'kyr took the opportunity to swoop in and grab one of their Paladins, but several arrows answered the screech and took the thing in the chest.  The Dwarf dropped like a rock, clanking to the ground.  He hefted a shield toward his Hunter friend, quickly cleansed the Elf of disease, and then turned and charged back into the fray.

Rinse, repeat.  It seemed like they had been doing the same things for months now, though Fulguralis knew the time could be more accurately counted in minutes. Yet, it didn't feel like they had even so much as dented the Lich King's spiky armor.  Fatigue and strain was starting to show on all of the adventurer's faces, and yet Arthas looked as cool as ever.

Fulguralis focused in.  He furiously weaved spells together in a never-ending thread, occasionally sending bolts of shadow streaking toward the heart of the battle.  Flashes of light burst among them.  Arrows rained around them.  The deadly dance twirled on.

A deep, guttural grunt surprised the group of adventurers.  Fulguralis saw that his wife had somehow slipped Arthas's defenses and had pierced flesh.  Drops of dark red blood spilled to the floor.  The Lich King had been wounded.  He could bleed, just like the rest of them, and that meant, he could be killed.

With one mighty swipe, the attackers up close were knocked backwards in a clattering wave of armor.  Arthas pointed toward the sky, and the entire Citadel began to shake.  Spirits swarmed overheard, chattering maniacally in the cold air.  What magic was this?  The group redoubled their efforts.  The fall of the Lich King was close now.

Fulguralis froze as the Lich King pointed his long sword at the Warlock.  He felt an invisible rope, as if tied to his chest, pulling him inward.  A Priest, Druid, and Shaman frantically sent healing his way, while the rest of the group fought on, hoping their pressure would elicit Fulguralis's release.  The sword crept ever closer.  I'm going to die, Fulguralis thought. 

Arthas's eyes burned before the Warlock, and he could see a sneer of hate through the faceplate of the Lich King.  The tip of Frostmourne was pressed against his chest now, steadily increasing in pressure, slicing through robes, making it's way inevitably towards...

Light, all Fulguralis could see was light.  This must be what it's like to die, he thought.  Yet, the light faded.  Fulguralis was still on an icy platform.  Jagged rocks ringed the edge, and the sky... the sky was crossed by glowing blue chains.  Is this what it's like to have your soul captured?

Fulguralis was startled to find a shimmering form standing next to him.  What was this place?  The person was familiar, and yet the Warlock found it hard to believe.

"King Terenas?" he asked unceretainly.

"Just Terenas, son," the spirit smiled.  "No one is king forever."

"Then why do you still have your crown on?" Fulguralis observed.

Terenas frowned, "Do you want to get out of here or not?"

*      *      *

On a boat, just off the Northrend continent, Decedereful gazed at the approaching coastline.  She couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that she was arriving too late.  Mr. Wow retched loudly beside her, leaning over the railing.  She couldn't help but smile at her new friend's misfortune.  She was still a bit miffed that he'd found her so easily in Stormwind.  She'd stumbled out of the inn the following morning, the bright sunlight stinging her bloodshot eyes, and he'd been there waiting patiently as if there were nothing better to do.  Of course, his clothing was a mess as usual, but she hadn't been in a condition to judge.  The fact that he'd laughed as she complained about a headache was what provided the current situation such sweet justice.

"We're almost there," Decedereful said soothingly.  She had to admit she did feel slightly bad for the bloke.  It was not a short boat ride.

He stood up and wiped off his mouth, "Great.  I've never been so happy to see land before.  That hold was pretty stuffy."

"You didn't have to sleep down there, you know," Dece pointed out.  "My cabin had an extra bed."

"Didn't want to puke all over you," he said, turning slightly green again.

Suddenly, the there was a rumbling sound in the distance.  Decedereful swore she thought she saw the entire continent of Northrend shake.  Even the seas seemed unnerved by the disturbance.  The boat heaved around them.  Mr. Wow hung his head back over the side and did his own imitation of a Shadowflame.

Decedereful stared worriedly off into the distance.  "We'd better hurry," she said to herself.    

*      *      *

"There!" Minerva said.  "Perfect!"

The Undead woman was balanced precariously on a chair, arranging the last of the curtains she'd hung.  Captain Melvin Brightrune sat nearby, sipping a brown beverage.  Abi peeked above her book from where she sat on the couch.  She had to admit, the curtains did make the room a bit less... warlocky.

A light clinking of the chandelier was all the forewarning they got before the house began to bounce around as if it were on the back of a giant Mistsaber.  The Captain crossed the room in the blink of an eye to catch his wife in his arms as she toppled off of the chair.  After the rumbling subsided, he set his wife down softly.  Abigora calmly marked her place, set her book on the table, and stood up.  She cocked her head sideways as she observed the elderly couple eyeing each other.

"Faith," the both said simultaneously.

The Captain looked at Abigora, "We're going to Dalaran.  Now."

Recalling the speed with which he'd crossed the room, Abigora observed, "I thought you were a Paladin."

"I gave up following the Light long ago," he admitted.  "I'm just a plain Warrior now."

Abi nodded, and then looked toward the former Priest, "And that would make her..."

"A Mage," Minnie finished, waving her arms and producing a portal to Dalaran out of thin air.  "In now, dears, I don't want to have to hold this forever."  

She shooed them in. 

Writer's Corner

Thanks to everyone who's been reading my stories on IC Fridays. I've gotten a decent amount of positive feedback over the last year or so about them, and that's really appreciated.  Anytime you work to create something, you end up putting a piece of yourself in there, and it's nice to know others appreciate it. They are a lot of fun to write and I plan to continue into Cataclysm with them.

I wanted to touch on them today because very soon I'm going to be doing something I've yet to do.  You see, mostly I've looked to the actual adventures of my toons for inspiration.  That is, when Decedereful was poking around looking for her brother at the tournament way back when, Ful was actually parked there and I was leveling with her.  Also, since she's my PvP toon, it makes sense for her to run around to different BG locations.  Ful is generally spotted wherever we're raiding (being my raid toon).  Obviously the other characters follow suit as well.  The bottom line is that I usually try to have a loose linkage to what I'm doing in game.  That probably makes a basic kind of sense.

Now that we have the timing of Cataclysm, though, I find myself needing to advance the storyline further than I've actually progressed via raids.  Our raid crew continues to battle away at the Lich King, but we'll probably take it right up to the wire, which is what we expected going into this.  I think we'll all be pleasantly surprised at how much better the "curve" feels in Cataclysm, since we'll be raiding straight 10 together from the beginning.  In Wrath, we only solidified our team near the end of the expansion to take on ICC.  Imagine if we'd had all the other raids together building up to the last one?  Perhaps it might not have made a difference, but I'd like to think we would have ironed out a lot of the minor issues and gotten better at anticipating and understanding each other.  I mean, more time together should only help right?

In any case, I'm going to write in the demise of the Lich King from my character's perspective pretty soon here.  I'm noodling the scenes and storylines now to try to get an idea of what I want to do, and chances are it will not coincide with our actual downing of the Lich King.  I'm sure many of you are shrugging and saying "eh, no big deal", but to me it represents a stark departure from how I've been writing the story all along.  I still hope it'll remain entertaining and fun, which has always been my goal.  I like to throw in some drama and suspense, but at the end of the day my aim has always been to make you, the reader, crack a smile at least once.  That's what Fridays should be for, IMO. 

Anywho, I just wanted to bring that up today and give you guys a heads-up going into tomorrow's episode.  If anyone has questions about my process or just wants to chat writing... we do check the inbox at least once a week (it's mostly empty) and there are always comments.  We love hearing from you!

Also, as a teaser, Fuu has some exciting news coming up, but I'll let her tell you once she knows more about it.  Suffice it to say, if you're a pally tank fan, you should probably keep your eyes open for her announcement :-).

Raid from the Heart

Today I wanted to go ahead and plug Raid from the Heart. If you haven't heard about it, it is the annual Raid for a Cause event organized by Big Bear Butt et al. on October 16th of this year. I believe this would be, officially, like the second or third annual cause raid that he's been a key part of. It's not always planned to be annual, but it has sort of worked out that way for a few years now.  In any case, this year it is loosely tied to heart disease, hence Raid from the Heart.

I say loosely, because it's not like you go and are brow-beaten for donations are anything.  One of the charms of these events is that it's really just about people getting together and enjoying the good company.  Fuu and I have attended in the past, and it has always been a blast.  Usually there are upwards of 100 people, often more than that, just generally having a good time.  I got to chat with a lot of bloggers and readers that I'd never had the chance to chat with before, which was just awesome.  Plus, it's just something different and unique.  In my experience, being a part of something that is bigger than yourself always tends to be a rewarding experience, even if you're not donating money or anything like that.  Just spending the time is the important part.

Sadly, Fuu and I will not be able to attend this year.  We're batting .000 on doing anything cool or community oriented this year, and it really sucks.  However, on the 16th, we already have 3 weddings to attend (two family, one a close friend, and we've already made plans, which was a sucky decision as well).  Thus, our dance card is full.

I would still encourage anyone who's thinking about it, and free, to go.  There are more details on BBB's site, but the fun kicks off around noon.  You don't even have to attend the whole thing.  If you want to meet up with the group later, I'm sure no one is going to bat an eye.  Heck, you can probably just pop in, say hi, and leave if you want.  Like I said, it's about the company.

I don't mean to belittle the cause either. Heart Disease is something that's likely touched a lot of folks.  I know my grandpa had 3 heart attacks (and 4 strokes) before he turned in his last quest (he had a Cataclysmic health pool, apparently.  That, or stellar healers.).  Fuu's dad has had one as well, and is working hard to make healthier choices so he can be around to meet our kids (leveling up his exercise skill?).  It's a cause I think we can all get behind... Who doesn't like healthier hearts? Mmm...

Anyways, just wanted to pass along the information.  For complete rules and regulations, see the link above.  And by rules and regulations, I mean a Bearwall of explanatory text that gives you pretty much a play by play of what to expect.  Don't let the guttural growl scare you though: it's really as simple as popping in, joining the correct chat channel, and following the crowd.  Even if you get lost, folks will be there to help.  Trust me, bloggers will be the first to admit to getting sidetracked and lost, even with a cause in mind.  Plus, we like to help.  And we love to hang out and chat.  There should be no shortage chatter.  I'm sorry I'm going to have to miss it.  So show up for me!  Roll a horde of 'locks and represent, because a sharded heart is a healthy heart.

In all seriousness, this is one of the great and unique things about a game as big as WoW that is worth experiencing for the sheer epicness of it.  After all, not all awesome has to be served up to us by developers.  We are quite capable of being awesome on our own (and have proven that in the past).

Disclaimer: All comments above are unsolicited.  KeS, Shd. is in no way affiliated with Promitus Ursus Posterius Productions (PUPP) or the Big Bear Butt Blog (B^4). Kthxbye. 

Finally, Official Word

If, like me, you'd been waiting on something concrete before you started to get excited, well, you have it.  Blizzard has officially announced a release date of December 7th, 2010 for the Cataclysm expansion.  With all the speculating lately, I can only say: it's about time.  I will most certainly be penciling in a "personal day" on my schedule for that day.  Some may call that unhealthy, but I say everyone shouldn't personal days be personal?  Plus, my wife will be there.   That makes it slightly more acceptable, right?  I suppose I'm just lucky that, working among engineers, people have been known to take days off for much stranger things than mere gaming.  Heck, the first day of deer season used to be a corporate holiday.

In other news, you've probably caught an outbreak of blogposts regarding BlizzCon 2010 as well.  Sadly, as in past years, I will not be able to attend.  My duties as a football coach prevent me from travel in the fall.  WTB Blizz Con in November or July, ffs.  I'll be with you all in spirit.  Drink one for me, and hit up the TNB meet-up if you can.  I've always wanted to go to that. 

Oh, and we'll likely be purchasing Collector's Editions.  Does anyone have a link where they've told us what's going to be in them?  Pricing in the release has them listed at ~$80, and after getting the Starcraft II CE, it was totally worth it.  We may just get one CE and the other copy normal though... it depends on how unique the swag is.

(Edit: Thanks to Elkagorasa for the link to the Amazon item.  Totally tells what is all in the CE.  I just hadn't looked it up before since I was waiting on a concrete date to get excited.  I think we'll have to get two for the cards and pet...  I may have to donate the DVD, artbook, etc to some sort of prize giveaway or something, since you really don't need two of those.  Hmm... we'll see.)

I would guess this means that 4.0 is imminent.  Maybe tomorrow?  Probably by the end of the month for sure.  I can't wait for the chance to get in on the new talent trees and such.  You won't see anything from me until they're made official, though.  I hate having the rug pulled out from under me! 

In slightly more personal news, I'm totally excited to have blogged through an entire expansion.  I remember, back when I started near the end of TBC, I first created the "Expansion" tag for early posts.  I thought: "I wonder if I'll ever re-use this tag after Wrath drops."  I mean, there were two big if's at that time.  First, if WoW would even have another expansion (decently likely at the time).  Second, if I would make it this long enjoying a game enough to continue writing about it (probably a less likely phenomenon).  I'm happy to say that both conditions have been met, and I'm still going strong.  The community and wonderful readers like yourself are a big part of that, so thanks!  I don't plan on going anywhere for Cataclysm, nor changing a whole lot up.  :-)

Invasion of the In-laws

They stood before the manor while the first touches of sunlight bled over the horizon.  Most of their traveling had been done at night.  Folks in the Eastern Kingdoms still tended to be wary about Undead near their homes, and Abigora didn't want to have to put her best friend's parents in shackles just for show.  Besides, the Captain probably wouldn't take too well to that, and the last thing she needed was a faction skirmish.

Abi took the moment to study the structure in front of her.  She had been calling it home for the last several years, after being taken in by her oath sister, but hadn't seen much of its exterior.  It really was a sprawling house, meant to accommodate more than just one family.  A large, iron gate stood open and a pathway ran from there, up a few stone steps to the front of the wooden abode.  The narrow, peaked windows cast an almost religious air to the architecture, but the dark purple paint said it was anything but a cathedral.  The lawn was shaggy and unkempt, with several gnarled trees spread haphazardly around the property.  In the back, a graveyard held several generations of former occupants. 

Fulguralis had purchased the manor shortly after getting married.  They had outgrown their previous quarters, and this menacing structure had been wallowing, unsold for several years.  Apparently it's owners had been staunch supporters of Arthas, and the place was said to be haunted by their former spirits after he betrayed them.   They had yet to find any ghosts.  All in all, it was a rather picturesque house for a Warlock, yet the touches of a Paladin were not unnoticed.  Around back a stable held a multitude animals, and there was a sparring yard with several wooden training dummies that could just be glimpsed from the front.

Strangely, there also seemed to be a spot where the grass had been trampled, as if by a tent.  Who would camp in the yard before the manor though?  They always had open rooms.  In addition, there were several scraps of clothing lying discarded around the area, as if someone, in a fit of fashion passion, had ripped a shirt to shreds.  It was odd, so Abi filed it away for later investigation.  She had enough on her hands right now.

"Oh what an... interesting house!" Minerva exclaimed happily, hopping off her mount and striding up to the gate.  She eyed some of the overgrown shrubbery with a scowl.  "It could use some T-L-C, but nothing a mother's love can't fix!"

"Hmpf," the Captain snorted.  "I thought it'd be bigger."

"I believe it's normally in much better repair," Abigora stated.  "However, habitation has been sporadic as of late, what with the fighting and all."

"Of course, dear," Minnie said.   "A few nice curtains will spruce this place right up."

"Here we go with the curtains again," the Captain said under his breath with an roll of his eyes.  Abigora was afraid the gesture might cause one to fall out.

"What was that, honey?" Minnie asked.

"I said: let's see this Warlock," Captain Brightrune commanded.

"Well," Minnie said, casting a baffling look at her husband, "I don't see how a door lock will help things.  I'm sure they have one of those already.  Really, Melvin."

The Captain scowled.  "Warrrrrlock, honey.  Our daughter's... husband."

"Yes, yes.  I'm sure our daughter has a dust bin." Minnie said, waving a hand and sauntering away.

Brightrune sighed, then gestured for Abigora to lead the way up to the manor.  Abi obliged, sending her mount around to the stable in back.  The stone steps led her up to the large, oaken double-doors.  She grabbed the iron knocker, letting it swing down one with a resounding clack.  Knocking was unnecessary, but Abi felt the urge to warn anyone inside of the impending invasion.  There was no answer.

Abi swung the door open and stepped inside.  It wasn't nearly as dusty as she'd expected.  In fact, it seemed like someone had been here recently.  Perhaps Decedereful had returned, looking for her?  If so, the poor girl was a bit late.  After all, Abi had decided to bring in the big guns.  Still, the extra information wouldn't hurt.  Warlocks never were the quickest to trust.

A large sitting room stood before them, old furniture that went mostly unused even when they were all in residence.  The spent most of their time in the kitchen and dining alcove that lay off to the right through a set of large, perpetually open doors.  A curving stair wound up from the first floor to second on the far side of the sitting room, creating a balcony that overlooked the entryway.  Nestled in the curve of the stairway was a wooden bar with stools.  A large, horned skull, ostensibly demonic, was mounted on the wall behind the counter. 

There were several windows along the wall, without curtains, and the faint light they let in was all that brightened the room at the moment.  The sconces on the walls were unlit, and a large chandelier hung overhead.  Abi couldn't recall ever seeing the chandelier lit up.  They normally came in and out through the back door that led to the stable through the kitchen, so there wasn't ever much of a reason to light the main entry.

The Brightrunes shuffled in behind her, dead eyes sweeping the interior.  Minerva immediately focused on the windows, wandering over to them and fluffing up the furniture as she sized the room up.  The Captain frowned and marched straight to the bar.  Abi quickly checked to see if any note was left on the kitchen table, then returned to the sitting room.  She walked over to the bar and pulled up a stool.

The Captain rummaged around behind the bar, pulling out random bottles and holding them up in the pale light.  He was obviously looking for something specific.  Minerva had found a broom from somewhere and was sweeping the hardwood floors.  Brightrune eyed his wife, then disappeared behind the counter.  Abi could hear him clanking bottles together as he reached deeply into the stores.  He re-emerged with a triumphant grin and a quite dusty bottle.

"Gold mine," he said, cradling the bottle almost reverently.

"Eh?" Minnie grunted from across the room.

"Nothing, dear," the Captain said.

His wife eyed him suspiciously.  Then, she turned to Abigora and smiled.  "Abi, could you be a peach and go find me a mop, and some fadeleaf please?"

"Fadeleaf?" Abigora asked.

"Yep, it'll get these bloodstains right out of the floorboards," Minnie explained.

Abi stood up and disappeared into the kitchen, returning almost immediately with the items.

"Thank you, dear!" Minnie said with a smile.  "Now, Melvin, go and fetch me a glass of water from the well out back.  I know I saw a well out back."

"What do you need that for?" the Captain groaned.  He had just been pouring himself a glass of dark liquid from the dusty bottle.

"No, honey, not a wild boar," Minnie said.  "Just a glass of water."

Grumbling to himself, the Captain marched out the front door.  Abigora sat back down at the bar after handing her items off.   Minerva leaned the mop against one of the chairs and then made a couple simple gestures in the air.  A bucket of water appeared at her feet.  She crushed the fadeleaf between her hands and dropped the pieces into the water.  Finally, she waved a hand at the mop, which floated up in the air, dipped itself in the water, and began dancing on the floor.   Nodding at the enchanted mop, Minerva walked over to a seat and patted the one next to her, looking meaningfully at Abigora.  Abi walked over and joined her. 

"There isn't a well out back," Abigora stated.

Minnie patted the Night Elf's hand, "I know, dear, but looking for it will keep Melvin busy for a while."

She waved her hands again and a pot of steaming tea appeared on a table beside them with two cups.  The pot rose up in the air, and poured its steaming contents into each cup.  Minerva took one cup for herself, and then handed the other to Abigora.

"Now, dear, tell me about this Warlock."