| Commander Kara "Snowfi" Arrington | |
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 Kara and a sneaky Nibbles By Nixri | |
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Race: |
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Age: |
35 |
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Titles and Occupations: |
7th Legion Naval Commander |
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Affiliation(s): |
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Companion: |
Nibbles |
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Beliefs: |
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Status |
Alive |
“She may not soar like the Illustrious, she may not be tough like the Vigilant, she may not be fearsome like the Skybreaker but at least she's... slow” -Jokingly describing her assignment as Commander of the merchant raider, The Savage Pig.
Kara Arrington is an Alliance naval officer, part of the 7th Legion Maritime Command. She is currently helping to stop a band of young witches in Drustvar from infiltrating the Dragonscale Expedition to the Dragon Isles, as well as rooting out Horde mercenary raiders disrupting the rebuilding of Daelin's Gate.
Kara works along with her esteemed companion, Nibbles, who is usually at her side tinkering or causing mischief. When not on-duty, she can frequently be spotted around Boralus purchasing supplies for her new farm plot or trying to avoid the wrath of Nibbles’ former cooking contest co-hosts.
She is a cheerful, proud and slightly clumsy individual with a loathing of most of the Horde races. She takes her work seriously but relies on Nibbles' help for staying organized and evening the odds in a fight. Her partner, Taelia, her close friends and crewmates round out the group trying to keep her from getting lost or ending up in another Gadgetzan prison cell. Recently, Kara and Taelia have decided to move to Stormsong Valley together and are building upon a newly purchased plot of land.
Kara is a rather average Light magic user, taught as a young officer on how to harness shield and healing spells. Lately however, the spells have begun to tire her out quickly and provide less protection. She has instead become more proficient with maces and swords over the past several years, and is now being trained on small crossbows for witch hunting. When not on-duty, she is an aspiring engineer, winemaker and wannabe horse trainer.
A career military officer, she had previously served the Alliance military in campaigns in the Plaguelands and Outland before joining the prestigious 7th Legion. Since then, she has served on or led several naval vessels, including gunships such as the Illustrious, the destroyer Duskhaven Reborn, the commerce raider The Savage Pig and three years in command of the escort frigate, Vigilant.
Kara has led ships on a variety of missions, from troop transports in Northrend to anti-piracy missions around Kul Tiras. Both Kara and Nibbles have been commended for their reliable escort runs during and after the Fourth War. During the course of the war, she was credited with downing two Goblin zeppelins, sinking two Horde transports, shooting down several dozen flyers and the rescue of an Alliance warship off the coast of Zandalar.
She was also involved in the failed defense of the town of Anglepoint, which resulted in the deaths of over thirty crew and civilians, leading to disciplinary reassignment.
The duo enjoying the summer seas - Art by Nicolas Barbas
In the years following the war, Kara and her crew sank two pirate galleys and rescued several stranded ships around Alliance waters. She also successfully dismantled a mercenary ring from stealing Argent artifacts that control the undead and stopped a pirate group from selling Gnomish teleporters and mounts used in the Fourth War.
Following severe damage to Vigilant after striking a mine, Kara and her senior staff supported the Order of Embers in Drustvar. Acting as temporary 'Inquisitors', Kara and her team were able to train as witch hunters and eliminate a band of witches operating from Falconhurst.
Since the re-discovery of the Dragon Isles, Kara was initially requested to help escort transports headed to the island. However, fiercely objecting to working with Horde-friendly expeditions, she instead volunteered to transport supplies to the Kirin Tor in the Azure Span.
Currently, she is working with Kul Tiran and Alliance logistics to help with the rebuilding of Daelin's Gate in Tiragarde Sound, while also clearing out camps of bewitched pirates and Horde mercenaries west of Freehold. And with the growing popularity of the Dragon Isles, Kara, alongside Nibbles and her squad, have been trying to sabotage the attempts of several young Drustvar witches from infiltrating the islands.
About[]
Kara is of average height and build, with bright blue eyes but few other discerning features. She generally keeps longer dark brown hair, sometimes tied back to keep it from blowing in her face while flying or at sea. A hairband that she sometimes wears was a gift from an old friend aboard the Skybreaker. Although the hairband was dropped in blighted water that has discoloured it, she refuses to replace it. Dual earrings are her only other minimalist accessories, which she claims are all that are allowed by her naval dress code.
Kara and Nibbles - Art by Nicolas Barbas
She is most often recognizable by her vivid and often elaborate plate armour. Many of these armoured suits were crafted by her friend and mentor, Cyrus Gladstone. Some of her shoulderplates are engraved with her nickname, "Snowfi", given during her younger days training in Alterac Valley as a junior officer. Although the story is disputed, her friend Cyrus states that, "Kara managed to cause a well-timed avalanche over an Alterac bridge that swept away a passing convoy of Horde wagons and troops, giving her the reputation of a bridge troll who punished them for not paying the 'Snow fee'". Since misspelled from "fee" to "fi" thanks to a drunken Dwarf's recording of the events, it ended up sticking as a joke to become Kara's new nickname. While not always a fan of it, she has learned to embrace people sometimes calling her "Snow" instead of "Kara".
She maintains several armoured outfits, magically infused to help with the climate of where she is stationed. For example, her desert armour was crafted with imbued Silithid shells and is worn in hot, dry environments. The suit has caused a few close calls with wandering children nearly losing an eye due to the spikes and sharp edges so she rarely uses it today. Her 7th Legion lion-themed plate was severely damaged in the Battle for Anglepoint, having been largely sheared off in an explosion. Several months later, the repaired suit was again damaged in an ambush by the Amathet while searching for a stolen divining rod (which turned out to be a potato peeler). It is currently finishing a total rebuild in Dalaran.
Kara and Nibbles, in her desert gear - Art by Nixri
Her current black and blue armour was crafted by Cyrus with long-stored pieces from Naxxramas that have been upgraded to provide better magical protection compared to her old 7th Legion plate. The shoulderplates glow with infused mana stones, powering the suit's protective barrier. She often wears thick warboots, designed to resist the constant sludge she encounters dripping from Nibbles as he walks. She also swears that her warboots are the reason she trips on the stairs so often.
Although not a master melee weapon user, she has been improving in recent years with all the hand-to-hand fighting involved in her anti-piracy missions. Her current weapons include a 7th Legion sword, awarded to her when supporting an Alliance counter-attack on a Horde gunship, and a collection of weapons from her expeditions into Naxxramas. Among these include purified former Scourge weapons, three of which adorn the wall of her temporary farmhouse. Taelia and Nibbles both consider the weapons collection to be “creepy and smelly”.
Her current favourite weapon is a purified Naxxramas mace; designed to harmonize with the magic barriers of her armour and give off a protective aura that helps keep the squad safe from noxious traps and Nibbles' engineering mishaps.
Kara's armour over the years - Art by SilverEaglex
Companions[]
With her oversized mace in Snowy Kul Tiras - Art by Sam DelaTorre
Nibbles is a plague-dog found over a decade ago by Kara in one of Naxxramas' blight forests. When first encountered, rather than attack the adventurers, Nibbles led them through a safe passage around a poisonous glade and helped avoid several Scourge patrols. Kara took a liking to the small dog, taking him with her for further study in Wintergarde Keep. Although initially despised by those at the keep, he showed remarkable loyalty and rooted out multiple Scourge saboteurs. Refusing to leave Kara's side, she took him along for further missions and is now one of her most trusted companions. Due to his undead nature, Nibbles tends to drip sludge and ooze, so constant boot cleaning is one of Kara's most common pastimes.
Throughout their adventures, Nibbles has been credited multiple times with saving Kara or the lives of others. During deployments in Icecrown, Pandaria and Kul Tiras, he has sniffed out hidden bombs, traps and saboteurs inside installations before they could act. Nibbles is also a founding member of the Darnassus branch of Alchemists’ Anonymous and frequent orphanage alcohol donator. His reputation for supporting charitable causes has gained him merit awards from mayors and governors across Azeroth. He has also been the cause of a few cooking mishaps whenever he is near a kitchen. Despite this, he is a former two-time Dalaran Baking Champion and was one of three hosts on “Dalaran Children’s Bake-Off” before a controversial explosion and manhunt forced him to abandon the career. He is banned from multiple inns in Ironforge, Boralus and even Thunder Bluff for baking accidents involving Azerite. Nibbles continues to serve with Kara and Taelia and helps plan missions, coordinate repairs and defend the team. In his off-hours, he is on a lecture circuit throughout the Alliance on the dangers of using Goblin rocket fuel.
Kara on her Gryphon. Art by Saloshmat
Mrs. Squawks is Kara's trusted armoured Gryphon. Kara has flown with her since her first flight assignment in Honor Hold many years ago. While previously stubborn and difficult to handle, Mrs. Squawks took a liking to Kara (and probably lighter weight). The two developed a close bond over the years and Kara insisted Mrs. Squawks be transferred with her to new assignments. She served as Kara's sole riding mount in both Outland and aboard the Skybreaker. She is even credited with helping bring down an undead frost giant in Northrend. Years later, she also served as Kara's reliable all-weather scout aboard the Vigilant. After helping attack a pirate camp in Naz'mir, Mrs. Squawks was wounded by several fire arrows that limited her ability to fly long distances. Kara has chosen to move Mrs. Squawks to her home in Stormsong where she assists with the townspeople of Brennadam and with flying lessons for young Kul Tirans.
Kara and the team in the Brennadam stables. Art by SilverEaglex
Domadraghi is Kara's rescued armoured Riverbeast. Saved from pirates in Naz'mir, he is now living with Kara's other mounts in Stormsong Valley. With riverbeasts only rarely used during the Fourth War, Doma was outfitted with armour to help protect him while pulling carts near the front lines. Currently, he is helping with the rebuilding of Daelin's Gate, happily accepting the many treats given by the newly arriving families and construction crews in exchange for pulling heavy wagons.
Kara and Taelia on their new bike. Art by Don
Although not a companion, Kara's current flying machine is named The Highflyer. A sarcastic nickname given that it is unable to soar nearly as high as Mrs. Squawks, it is used by Kara to give her gryphon a break from long missions. Nibbles enjoys tinkering with the flyer, recently adding a new windshield and handlebar heaters to make it a more comfortable ride. It currently has a 97% reliability rate, having only crash-landed once while Kara was testing Nibbles' unsuccessful addition of a giant grappling hook.
Recently gifted a motorcycle by Taelia and Cyrus for her birthday, Kara sometimes uses the bike as a testbed for modifications that can be installed on The Highflyer, or sold to pay off their 'kitchen mishap' debts.
Not-so-short History[]
A Stormwind citizen by birth, Kara grew up spending most of her time between Stormwind and Dalaran. Her mother, a Dalaran archivist/enchanter, and her father, a vineyard farmer, exposed her to the varieties of city and country life, often dragging her to both lectures and wine harvests. Her closest childhood friends enlisted in the military and she followed suit, many of whom are still colleagues to this day.
Kara in her early deployment armour. Art by Millalol
With her career starting through routine guard rotations around the Alliance, her biggest adventures began once the dread citadel Naxxramas appeared over the Plaguelands. Her posting at an Argent guard tower gave her a front-row view of the changes in the environment. She provided protection on the ground for Alliance officers and the massive number of blacksmiths, cooks, medics and mages arriving to support the assault. In the weeks that followed Naxxramas' appearance, she met a mage by the name of Cyrus Gladstone, who later became her mentor and confidant. Guarding against scourge scouts, horde antagonizers and even drunken priestesses, Kara's assignment helped stabilize the Alliance and Argent Dawn positions in the region. Several months in, Kara’s platoon was involved in defending their guard tower against a Horde raid. During the attack, the Orcish invaders brutally cut down several colleagues and attempted to starve them out of the tower. They were eventually relieved by Alliance reinforcements but the incident cemented Kara’s hatred of the Horde. Sometime later, without a chance to join any expeditions inside the citadel, she received new orders to support the Alliance armies entering the newly opened Dark Portal.
Kara was deployed to Honor Hold in Outland, where she was responsible for distracting Fel Reavers atop her Gryphon, Mrs. Squawks. Not a trivial task, as Kara had to provide air support from a moving Gryphon, often with other soldiers riding behind her. It was not until one day when she dropped her sandwich mid-flight and was nearly stomped trying to retrieve it that she began to seek further training in magical shields and protection.
The next year, following months of magic classes and officer training, she was able to join the 7th Legion in Wintergarde Keep in Northrend as a junior officer supporting the second siege of Naxxramas. Finally able to enter the citadel on missions, this is where she first encountered Nibbles, her now loyal companion. She frequently volunteered for tours of duty in the dread citadel, collecting remains of undead plants for study in Dalaran and trying to befriend various creatures. She was often asked to use her new magic skills within the citadel to help develop stronger shields and weapons against the Scourge. She is credited with taking down an undead abomination while providing defensive cover to the task force that disabled the citadel's blight cauldrons. Following Kel'Thuzad's defeat, she was then stationed aboard the Skybreaker gunship, responsible for scouting but also as a part of the ship's engineering crew. Both Kara and Nibbles were instrumental in improving the gunship's flying machines. By developing more reliable cold weather engine parts, she helped reduce the number of aircraft lost to mechanical failure by almost half. To this day, she still has crates of flying machine spare parts lying around that she tries to use in other operations. Kara’s team recently used a decade's old self-lubricating gearbox as an improvised explosive to demolish a cursed ancient door in Drustvar.
Kara and Nibbles - Art by Lowlyowly
Kara was soon summoned to Dalaran to support the triage of Alliance troops following a sudden attack by the Horde in Wintergrasp. It was here that she met Lady Sanalellah Sunbringer, where they worked tirelessly in a field hospital for over three months. They both later supported medics in Grizzly Hills for several more weeks while fighting off both scourge and troll raids of Alliance camps. After a promotion for her efforts in Northrend, Kara was offered a position in Pandaria aboard the Skyfire which she joined for nine months. Similar to the crew of the Skybreaker, it took a while for the new officers and native Pandaren to learn to trust Nibbles, but after alerting the crew to Forsaken saboteurs, he soon became a favourite colleague. It was also during this time that Kara was able to study further use of Light magic, particularly with anti-personnel spells and crowd control.
Kara and Nibbles during their extended leave near Halfhill.
Sometime later, Kara and Nibbles used their medical and magic shield skills once again during the Skyfire’s battle with the Horde fleet in Stormheim. Although the gunship was shot down in the fighting, Kara and several officers who parachuted to safety were able to triage and save much of the crew after the crash. Kara took the loss of the gunship particularly hard, and she took over a year off to recover, using her extended leave to explore the farmlands of Pandaria. She spent much of the time at a vineyard, joining initially as a farm hand in Halfhill, choosing to learn more about agriculture and deal with the loss of the Skyfire. Nibbles took the time to develop an immensely popular beer-battered snack cake, which provided the financial support they needed during their time off. While in Pandaria, Kara debated living there permanently, but the Pandaren’s continued openness to working with the Horde despite on-going treachery precluded any chance of Kara making such a move.
A constant demand for snacks despite his baking skills. Art by Van Harmontt
With the Alliance's return to Kul Tiras, ensuing ramp up to the Fourth War and operations in Zandalar late the following year, Kara and Nibbles returned from Pandaria to manage the many new warship retrofits. As a former Skybreaker engineer, Stormwind harbour had need for experienced wartime engineers, and so Kara was put to work leading teams of construction crews. When open conflict broke out, she saw action aboard 7th Legion ships across the islands, including as a participant in the crippling of the Zandalari Golden Fleet as second-in-command of the destroyer, Duskhaven Reborn.
While serving as the first officer, she led a team of 7th Legion marines and medics to rescue the crew of the Majestic, an Alliance transport ambushed by Goblin zeppelins. Kara's team was commended for saving much of the ship's complement and downing one of the attacking airships.
Later, Kara and a team of other 7th Legion officers were tasked with shore bombardments of Zandalar. Splitting her time between scouting in a flying machine and on the lead ship, Kara's involvement was vital in stopping Horde raids near frontline Alliance camps on the coast.
A constant demand for healing spells and bashing things with a mace. Art by ElenaSwanArt
During her time on the Duskhaven Reborn, Kara had the opportunity to spend her off-duty time in Boralus' city gardens. It was here that she met Taelia, who after losing a bet to Nibbles, came to pay for his winnings, and started a conversation that blossomed into a close friendship and more over the next few months.
Towards the end of that same year, over seventeen Alliance ships were lost at Nazjatar. Having rushed to the scene, she was only able to rescue a handful of sailors before she was summoned to return from the front. Her friend from childhood, Telsia Murphy, was among those reported missing after the discovery of Nazjatar.
After the losses at Nazjatar, the admiralty assigned Kara to the gunship, Illustrious with a field commission of Sky Captain.
They spent several months escorting Gnomish teams to Mechagon, dealing with small scale Horde attacks. Following the end of the Fourth War, the ship spent weeks escorting Alliance troops heading home from Zandalar.
Kara and Nibbles returning home following the attack on Anglepoint - Art by Dewakinnara15
After a post-war refit, the Illustrious was deployed to conduct anti-piracy efforts above the inland waterways of Kul Tiras. Six weeks into their patrols, Kara was ordered to defend the town of Anglepoint which was under siege. Kara rushed to engage the enemy but neglected to provide adequate cover for the townspeople. While the attackers were repelled, her efforts to shoot down Orcish and Goblin flyers above all allowed for the death of several sailors, Anglepoint civilians and the sinking of an Alliance warship.
During the attack, Kara had a close call with exploding shrapnel that impacted against her shoulder armour and knocked her into a bulkhead, injuring her shoulder in the process. The motives of the attackers were not understood for over a year, when it was discovered that a pirate elf was behind the raid, attempting to spark a new faction conflict.
The 7th Legion eventually opened an investigation into the attack and concluded that Kara let anger towards the Horde get the best of her, and did not perform due diligence aboard the Illustrious, which contributed to the casualties sustained at Anglepoint. The Admiralty re-assigned Kara to a smaller naval vessel and returned to her Commander rank.
Kara was assigned a new command, the frigate Vigilant and led the ship on Operation: Foxhound, a mission to find a stolen Argent Crusade amulet and several kidnapped pilots. She and her crew eventually recovered the amulet, freed the captives and killed the mercenary responsible, a short Tauren named "Colonel BD". Several weeks later, as reprisal for the killing, Kara's ship was attacked by new mercenaries trying to make a name for themselves.
Guarding the transport ship 'Bulwark' after she ran aground in Icecrown. Art by Millalol
The Vigilant remained under Kara's command during the events in Icecrown, where she escorted troopships and conducted rescues of trapped Alliance vessels in the ice. Despite the cold seas, she kept morale up by bringing her crew wide varieties of liquor, magical toys, games and even a giant Dwarven brazier for roasting meats when the crew was ashore.
Kara and Taelia spring a trap in Naz'mir. Art by SilverEaglex
With the Vigilant requiring a refit following the long icy duty in Icecrown, the 7th Legion asked Kara to fly to Silithus to support a plea for help by Cenarion druids. Following the Scourge attacks across Azeroth, a swarm of Silithid had been stirred up and were attacking local encampments. Kara and Nibbles assisted with large scale 'pest control' from the air using equipment they had saved from her Skybreaker engineering days as makeshift cluster bombs. This provided relief for the druids to defeat the remaining swarms and begin healing the region. Kara was given a minor commendation for her efforts while Nibbles was awarded the highest medal of honour given by the Cenarion Circle, much to Kara’s chagrin, but she happily made several friends amongst the druids for her work. It was here that Kara first noticed her light shield spells beginning to weaken after years of continuous improvement.
The following month, Taelia contacted Kara via messenger from Oribos where she needed help finding an important spellbook last seen in the Plaguelands. The book was supposed to cure her father's curse of dragon's flame, but after an extensive search in Stratholme and encounters with undead, attempted poisonings, blackmail, capture in Gadgetzan, multiple fights with pirates and a violent final standoff with their leader, Gerianna, the book turned out to be a dud. Kara's actions however, rid the seas of yet another robber baron and prevented a flare-up in the tense faction peace. Kara was then able to finally join in on the backlog of Taelia's squire errands and helped her cope with the realization that there was likely no way for her father to return to being a normal unscarred human, but that it shouldn't affect her relationship with him.
Kara escaping from the Cultists - Art by Werility
Taelia and Nibbles lamenting Kara's luck at flying - Art by itsalezzia
The gang running from yet more mayhem - Art by itsalezzia
Kara, Taelia and Nibbles waiting for rescue - Art by Amedarren
Some time later, Kara and Taelia joined Nibbles on a charity voyage to bring several loads of whiskey to the local orphanages in Kul Tiras when their chartered transport was attacked by a queen bee wearing a fancy hat and her whole swarm, forcing the ship to be abandoned due to fire. Kara and the team eventually cornered the bees to a cave in Stormsong Valley. Here they were able to assist the local beekeepers with the giant bee attacks and were awarded with several jars of Stormsong's finest honey. The honey would later prove useful in an escape from an abandoned Zandalari temple after they triggered an ancient security golem.
Fighting off the Scourge near the coast of Stratholme - Art by SilverEaglex
The trio cornered - Art by LindeminaCarter
Approaching Arom's Stand - Art by SilverEaglex
Dealing with Gerianna once and for all - Art by lidcarter
Later, with Taelia back in Oribos, Kara rescued her childhood friend Telsia Murphy, held captive by pirates in Freehold. They were assisted by a dwarf by the nickname of "Shrinkwrap" following a disastrous prison break attempt and nearly being captured themselves. Kara invited the dwarf to join the Vigilant crew following his bravery.
Kara and the gang departing Boralus for Icecrown - Art by Nihilora
The Vigilant soon took on two new crewmembers, Corporal Fiona Stormblast and Master-at-Arms Wally Windshear and proceed to hunt down pirates that had been stealing Alliance equipment off the coast of Zandalar. The crew rescued several Alliance war mounts during their initial mission, including an armoured Riverbeast. Unfortunately, in the attack, Mrs. Squawks was hit by arrows and fire spells, causing major burns. As reprisal, the pirates attacked the Vigilant with harpoons and a weather-changing device.
Kara met with the pirate leader, Kaloah, to try and stop the attacks, but she was betrayed by a former Scarlet Crusader, named Valerie, who had previously assisted them in Stratholme. Kaloah then forced Kara to find a special Idol buried on a cursed island but in return promised to use it to help Kara recover her fading light magic.
After reaching the Golden Isle off the coast of Vol'dun, new crewmembers Fiona and Wally used a combination of shield spells and necrotic blasts to distract the undead guardians of the island long enough for Kara and her team to land. With one of Nibbles' azerite-filled pies, they demolished the vault entrance and found the idol. Unfortunately, both Kaloah and Valerie soon cornered the team, demanding the idol under penalty of death.
Kara had ensured that the magic used by Fiona and Wally would fizzle on cue, allowing the skeletal guards to swarm back onto the island. In the chaos and subsequent hand-to-hand fighting, the gems used for eyes of the magic idol were torn out and replaced with Azerite pie filling. Kara quickly surrendered the idol to Kaloah while Shrinkwrap and Nibbles worked together to launch fireworks at the elf, causing sparks to react with the azerite and explode. Kaloah and Valerie were killed in the explosion, with the idol also destroyed. Realizing the skeletons were protecting the removed eye-gems, Kara tossed the eyes back into the vault where the skeletons chased after them, allowing the team to escape.
On the return home, the Vigilant struck a mine left behind from the Fourth War, forcing the crew to beach the ship near Falconhurst in Drustvar.
Receiving a request for help from the Order of Embers nearby, Kara and her friends embarked to help flush out a coven of three witches that had been hexing villagers. After receiving some rushed witch hunter training from the Order, and using intel provided by Kara's friend Cyrus back in Dalaran, they were able to locate a house that was powering the witch curses, but was shielded by an impenetrable forcefield. Unable to get through the shield, Kara’s team lured one of the witches out and killed her before the other two witches cursed everyone with a sleeping spell.
Kara returned to Vigilant and used its homing beacon to try to reach help before succumbing to the curse. Thankfully, Taelia, with help from the Lord Admiral's portal magic, was able to arrive and provide a temporary antidote to the sleeping curse. The antidote, which caused belching of fire and acidic smoke, at least allowed the crew to regroup to find the two remaining witches.
Kara and Taelia escaping the bewitched pirates near Daelin's Gate. Art by lidcarter
Using their witch hunter tools, Nibbles' leftover azerite pie, the remaining tequila from the ship's hold, one of Wally's focusing irises and a mana gem from Kara's armour, the team rigged an anti-magic bomb to breach the shielding protecting the witch's townhouse and storm the basement where they hid. After a firefight with the witches, they were able to force them to retreat to an old stone tower and destroy the cursed totem that powered their curses.
Hexed bats with firebombs soon attacked the townspeople. Kara, Taelia and Nibbles stayed back to help with dousing several fires. Fiona, Wally and Shrinkwrap mounted an attack on the tower hideout but were soon polymorphed and turned into pigs.
Help from the 7th Legion and Kul Tiran militia soon arrived in Falconhurst, along with new orders for Kara. She was re-assigned to command a new raiding vessel, The Savage Pig while the damaged Vigilant was to be towed back to Westfall. Kara sailed The Savage Pig to a closer position to the witch's tower and blasted a hole in the brickwork. With Nibbles running in the hole to lure the witches out, Kara and Taelia waited at the tower entrance and smashed the head in of the first witch to exit. The final witch however was able to escape and hide amongst the villagers.
Discovering the last witch hiding in the town granary, the witch transformed the granary's bread flour into a thick, choking fog. Forced to withdraw, Kara returned to the ship and bribed the armoured riverbeast rescued from Naz'mir with fruit. Riding the giant war mount into the granary and trampling the witch using the riverbeast's giant tusks, the final witch was subdued and sent to the Order of Embers for interrogation. Kara and Taelia were then able to use a combination of magic pitchforks and a lightning rod to decurse their friends.
With Kara no longer in command of Vigilant, Fiona, Wally and Shrinkwrap requested to stay with Kara aboard The Savage Pig. Eventually, the 7th Legion agreed and asked the team to head to Tiragarde Sound to investigate raids on refugees in Vigil Hill. Taelia returned to Boralus to retrieve Galeheart and catch up with Kara later.
Landing near Vigil Hill, and attacked immediately by pirates on flyers, Kara and Nibbles scouted a pirate camp surrounded by a dark fog that made anyone approaching violently ill. They learned that the witch captured in Falconhurst had escaped, hexed a local band of pirates and was using them to attack refugees.
Initially unable to find the witch, Taelia returned on Galeheart and they were able to track the witch to a tent using trails of dead grass. Just as Kara and Taelia were about to capture the witch a second time, they were chased off by more hexed pirate flyers.
The trio definitely not being tricked into opening an explosive present. Art by Mels
On the ground, the witch made her escape, but was apprehended by Kul Tiran guards trying to sneak onto a transport. She managed to transfix the guards and nearly drown them before Kara was able to fly in and stab her with a special silver dagger, causing her to lose her powers and collapse. The witch was soon publicly executed by the Order of Embers and her cursed items burned. The fog surrounding the pirate camp lifted and Kara's team and other Kul Tiran militia were able to chase the remaining pirates away.
The local council asked Kara to remain after and support the rebuilding of Daelin's Gate. Kara used her ship to transport construction materials and to help defend the town. Kara's armoured riverbeast became a very popular visitor, bringing Alliance attention to the needs of refugees and pulling donated wagons and carts. Eventually, the 7th Legion asked that Kara's ship return to civilian use and offered the ship's cannons to become part of the rebuilt gate.
Current Adventures[]
Currently without a ship, Kara and the crew have been assisting with several assignments. Former Horde soldiers turned mercenaries have set up camp near Bridgeport and are raiding merchants along the road to Daelin's Gate. Kara and the crew have been setting traps to catch them.
Additionally, the Order of Embers have asked Kara to return to assist with catching a group of young witches hiding in the forests of Drustvar. The witches, drawn to the power given off by the rediscovered Dragon Isles, have been attempting to sneak to the islands masquerading as members of the new expedition. Kara's team's previous witch hunting experience is proving useful, with the team also receiving training in crossbows and decursing potions and setting off after the coven.
Kara and the gang in Falconhurst. Art by Nihilora
The 7th Legion also requested Kara lead a group of marines escorting transports headed to the Dragon Isles. Still distrustful of the Horde races, especially following recent mercenary raids in Kul Tiras, Kara instead joined cargo transports headed to the Azure Span to protect supply runs for the Kirin Tor.
In addition, with the arrival of Cenarion Druids at Kara's plot of land in Stormsong, construction of the farmhouse, stables, bakery has begun in earnest. Kara, Taelia and Nibbles have been slowly working in their spare time to clean up the apple orchards, install supports for the future vineyards and design their future house.
Kara and Taelia squeezing free time and cheeks in Stormsong. Art by Alezzia
The Algerson Lumberyard in Tiragarde Sound has also requested help fending off several wicker constructs that are haunting a large wood shipment, meant for rebuilding efforts in the Azure Span as well for Kara's new farmhouse. The Kul Tiran militia ordered Taelia to respond with Kara volunteering to help alongside.
Previous Commands[]
Kara aboard the Illustrious. Art by Clayscence
The Illustrious is an Alliance gunship, commissioned shortly after the loss of another gunship, the Skyfire in Stormheim. After launch, she was used as a shore bombardment vessel during the Fourth War, shelling Horde positions for much of the campaign. After the loss of several captains in Nazjatar, the Admiralty offered the position of Sky Captain of the gunship to Kara. She learned to embrace the opportunity to command a gunship, like the ones she spent many years serving on prior. The ship conducted four different special missions under Kara's command in addition to her patrols and transport runs.
Kara commanding the Illustrious - Art by Amionna
Following various battles in the Fourth War and hull damage sustained in the defense of Anglepoint, the Illustrious had to undergo refitting for several weeks. She is currently back in service with a new Captain, patrolling between Stormwind and the Dragon Isles during peacetime and acting as a search and rescue vessel.
Kara also previously commanded the Vigilant. A light Alliance frigate, built primarily as an escort vessel for 7th Legion troopships, she initially struggled to keep up with the faster transports she was escorting. The ship was refitted by Kara to improve her speed, including downsizing her with much smaller cannons, removing her deck armour and harpoons but adding anti-sub depth charges for anti-Goblin submersible warfare.
Kara and Nibbles at sea. Art by Pruzhin
Serving faithfully as an escort as well as in anti-piracy operations under Kara's command for three years, the ship became well known amongst convoy captains as a beacon of safety in otherwise dangerous seas.
The Vigilant had also been a frequent target for drunkards attempting to board the ship while docked to steal its ample supplies of alcohol for its often-long voyages. Nibbles had been diligent in catching these thieves during his time aboard.
After striking a mine left behind from the Fourth War, the Vigilant has been placed in dry-dock in Westfall undergoing major repairs and refitting. First officer Monroe has been promoted to be the ship's new commanding officer, where she will become a training vessel for new Alliance sailors.
Kara's most recent command has been the commerce raider, The Savage Pig. Previously a cargo transport, she was fitted with two cannons and a Gnomish machine gun for use in the Fourth War. The ship was used part of the witch-hunting Falconhurst Inquisition in Drustvar and Tiragarde Sound. Returned to civilian duty, her weaponry was recently removed to be installed at Vigil Hill near Daelin's Gate.
Friends and Colleagues[]
Sana and Snowfi - Art by HalChroma
Kara met Lady Sanalellah many years ago as a combat medic in Dalaran. The two became friends during their long shifts working in triage and healing the wounded coming from Wintergrasp. They were unfortunately separated after Sana was injured in a Horde attack.
A year later, they were reunited in Icecrown. Sana, searching for her husband while Kara, seeking repair parts for their ship, the two were able to reconnect until assigned to different missions during the siege of Icecrown Citadel.
The two found each other once again in Stormsong Valley years later. This time, both Paladins were involved in the defense of Brennadam during the Fourth War. The two used their combined powers of the Light to shield evacuating townspeople during multiple Horde air attacks and set up a field hospital for the wounded. They are both credited with saving the lives of over sixty civilians and soldiers.
Lady Sana later contacted Kara regarding a missing Argent amulet and she joined Kara's team to retrieve the magical artifact as part of Operation: Foxhound. Sana's involvement was key in saving the lives of several Alliance pilots and preventing the amulet from falling into the hands of mercenaries.
She most recently helped to find the healing spellbook searched for by Taelia and Kara, working alongside Cyrus and Telsia in Dalaran in her spare time.
Cyrus - Art by Nancy Teeple
Kara and Cyrus initially met during the first appearance of Naxxramas, over the Eastern Plaguelands. Kara was assigned to protect a company of mages from Ironforge and was introduced to their leader, Cyrus. He noticed Kara's eagerness for knowledge and devotion to her work and took her under his wing. Cyrus taught Kara much of what she knows about spell casting and mana management.
The two travelled to Alterac Valley as part of Kara's junior officer training. Cyrus offered to shadow the young officer and offer protection from ranged attacks while teaching Kara to be more self-sufficient in her casting. In return, Kara protected the various mage caravans headed to and from the Plaguelands.
They kept in contact, with Kara often visiting Cyrus' mage tower in Dalaran during her downtime. She often leaned on his welcoming approach to teaching magic, providing her with new casting books as they became available. After her events in Outland, Cyrus spent months with Kara teaching her about shield magic and protecting others. She kept this dear to her heart and the spells proved valuable in Icecrown and aboard her other deployments.
Kara with her old lion armour and Nibbles by Sio64
Cyrus has presented Kara with several pairs of armoured shoulderplates over the years, often designed with vivid metalwork. These pieces were created by the finest blacksmiths in Dalaran and later imbued by Cyrus with magical properties. Kara wears these with pride and often teases Cyrus about his penchant for large shoulder armour. Kara's current set were built by the Argent Dawn and re-designed to provide both strong environmental and curse protection while giving Kara a more sinister appearance which she has come to enjoy.
Cyrus again met with Kara and Nibbles sometime after the attack on Anglepoint. He assisted Kara in following leads about missing pilots and a missing magical artifact. He later joined Kara for Operation: Foxhound to save the airmen, assisting in protecting the evacuees. He was injured during the rescue but was able to recover in his home in Dalaran.
Following the events of Foxhound and the Spudsworth takedown, he has offered to assist Kara in her home building plans in Stormsong Valley, and is currently helping with the architecture design of the farmhouse and stables. He was also able to assist Kara and Taelia in their search for a spell book brought to light by events in Oribos. Most recently, he provided Kara and Nibbles with intel needed to locate the source of witch power in Falconhurst in Drustvar.
Cmdr. Telsia Murphy
Telsia in the Grizzly Hills
Kara and Telsia first met in their military academy days, supporting each other in their training drills and lessons. Telsia lacked any magical ability and focused primarily on becoming an effective sharpshooter, proving to be a powerful combination with Kara's melee and spellcasting skills. Although only briefly assigned to work together in the Plaguelands, they kept in touch over the years through letters as their mission orders moved them from place to place.
After Kara moved to the 7th Legion, Telsia remained in the core Alliance military, eventually becoming a long gun trainer for new recruits in Ironforge. She remained at this post for years, corresponding with Kara and occasionally sharing drinks during her shore leave days. During the Fourth War, Telsia was transferred to lead a team of sharpshooters in offensives on Zandalar.
Suffering injuries in the Nazjatar incident, she returned to Stormwind, during which she helped pass the time by deciphering intelligence reports. Telsia learned about black market operations in Gadgetzan and eventually found that her friend Kara was mentioned in several intercepted messages. After finding Kara and helping her dismantle the Spudsworth operation, she returned to Dalaran to resume her training duties.
She assisted Cyrus in locating the long-lost dragon's fire spellbook, searched for by Kara and Taelia. Although the book turned out not to be the cure, Telsia appreciated being useful outside of a combat situation.
Recently captured by Freehold pirates and saved by Kara and friends, she now devotes her time to supporting anti-piracy missions in the Alliance military. Supported by Cyrus, Telsia has sent magically imbued reconnaissance equipment to Tiragarde Sound to help fortify Daelin's Gate once it is rebuilt.
Corrigan "Shrinkwrap" Caskshot
Kara and Corrigan - Art by Poke
Once a promising Ironforge Guard, Corrigan was dismissed for missing shifts and drunken behaviour on duty. He joined various groups before ending up in Freehold. A further series of indignities trying to return to the Ironforge Guard pushed Corrigan into piracy. Depressed over the path of his career, Corrigan vowed to clean up his life. Following an attack on an Alliance transport, he decided enough was enough and reached out to help those he had brought into captivity.
Kara and Corrigan met in Freehold during the rescue of Kara's friend, Telsia Murphy. The dwarf risked his life to inform Kara about her friend's capture and to save Kara from being taken prisoner herself during their rescue attempt.
After Telsia was rescued with Corrigan's help, Kara offered the dwarf a chance to repair his life with a position aboard the Vigilant. Serving as an Able Seaman aboard ship, he proved himself quickly, supporting Kara's efforts to destroy the pirate camps in Zandalar using the Vigilant's cannons.
Nearly killed by a curse in Drustvar, Shrinkwrap admirably destroyed a hexed totem that was channelling power to the local witches. He is currently helping manage a Dwarven construction team that was hired to join the rebuilding of Daelin's Gate.
Corporal Fiona Stormblast
Fiona enjoying Nibbles' baking - Art by Poke
Kara and Fiona first met after being transferred from the 7th Legion frigate, the Fortitude.
An Argent-trained medic and healer, Fiona proved invaluable in the attacks on pirate camps led by Kara, where she assisted in freeing the stolen mounts and defeating attacking pirates.
Fiona ensured the burns suffered by Mrs. Squawks were treated and helped escort her to Stormsong Valley for long-term care. She also gives guidance for Kara as she deals with her own magic abilities.
She quickly became friends with Nibbles, eager to taste test his kitchen experiments and encourages him to return to baking contests and philanthropy.
Fiona also covered Kara’s attack on the Golden Isle, making sure that undead were kept at bay during the mad scramble for the Idol. She has since fine-tuned her casting and was able to stun a pair of witches during the team’s Inquisition efforts in Falconhurst with her light and fear spells.
Master-at-Arms Wally Windshear
Wally also 'enjoying' Nibbles' baking - Art by Poke
A transfer from the Fortitude like Fiona, Wally worked with Kara and the others in their mission to dismantle pirate operations in Naz'mir. He was injured in an explosion caused by the Scarlet traitor, Valerie, but soon recovered and provided fire support for the team's Inquisition mission in Drustvar.
Previously serving in Northrend, Wally adapted easily to life on the choppy but warmer seas, bringing his engineering and spell expertise to help defend the ships from flyer attacks and submersibles. He also helped Kara, Taelia and Nibbles win a bar brawl in Boralus, sending a massive chandelier down on a group of drunken Kul Tirans.
Since the bar fight, Kara has viewed him as a trusted friend and supports his (unsuccessful) attempts to woo local Kul Tiran women in Boralus.
Alongside Fiona and Shrinkwrap, he currently is based in Tiragarde Sound, supporting the rebuilding of Daelin's Gate following the clearing of bewitched pirates.
Building A Home[]
Kara and Nibbles in a Stormsong farm by Hydra1isk
Much of Kara's leisure time over the past five years was spent exploring the lush hills and fields of Stormsong Valley. She has also been able to spend time in the towns she often defended during the Fourth War. The wide variety of vineyards and peaceful farms has brought back Kara's love of wine making and a desire to settle into a less-stressful lifestyle, similar to what she experienced in Pandaria several years prior.
Her passion for viticulture stems from her father, a respected wine grower whose wines were enjoyed as far away as Quel'Thalas. Following the destruction of the Skyfire and during her subsequent extended leave, Kara studied in Pandaria under the patient eye of Master Horticulturist Bu-Len. He taught Kara the finer details in vine and soil care, proper harvesting and wine production.
Having fallen in love with the sunny climate and views of Stormsong, Kara reached out about purchasing land in Stormsong Valley to settle. She eventually landed on the outskirts of Brennadam, where large properties were available due to the exodus from the region during the Fourth War.
Kara, Taelia, Nibbles and Mrs. Squawks - by mykso
Kara, Taelia and Nibbles pooled their savings to purchase an abandoned plot along the river going through the town. The land contains several acres of apple trees, largely unmaintained but with additional space for farmland and buildings. Kara was also contacted by the Cenarion druids she helped in Silithus who wanted to return the favour by supporting the growth of a future vineyard. Working with Dwarven geologists, they found a hilly region on Kara's new plot to be the ideal wine growing area, thanks to its excellent drainage and constant sunlight.
Snowfi and Taelia hunting the elusive Brennadam fox that had been attacking travellers at night.
She also befriended a young Brennadam couple seeking help with their family farm. Their plots of land had been ravaged by the two years of war and constant Horde bombardments. Kara and Taelia aided their new friends, helping rebuild their irrigation canals and fencing as well as catching a large fox that was attacking their sheep. The family has since become Kara's new neighbours, and they have been helping with the construction of Kara's new farm buildings.
Picnic at the site of the future “Arrington Estate”
Nibbles is currently refurbishing an old barn to house a large bakery oven so he can bake his famous pies and baguettes to help pay for construction costs. Meanwhile, Kara and Taelia plan to restore the apple orchard and produce some of the region's famous Brennadam Apple Brandy. Kara's Cenarion druid friends have started tilling the area to make a sustainable vegetable garden. Construction has also started for new stables to house Mrs. Squawks, Galeheart, Domadraghi and former warhorses. Designs for their future home are being drawn up, with the hopes of breaking ground sometime next year. With some of the prize money awarded from the Inquisition mission, Kara is hoping to afford a two level home, matching the stately aesthetic of other houses in Brennadam.
Kara and Taelia enjoying their Stormsong fruit trees. Art by Nihilora
Quotes[]
“How many un-oiled snakes need oiling? Everyone keeps harping about being sold that strange oil.” -Oldest surviving diary entry from Kara's days in the Plaguelands.
“All these nobodies standing around idle in Stormwind. Grand Wizards of jack-shit. Highlord’s of fuck-all. Self-proclaimed Kings, Queens and Duchesses’ of piles of dirt I doubt actually exist. Don't ever let me become one of those people. If we don’t keep trying to solve the everyday problems, no-one will. Let’s get back out there and help those who we can... Yes, even if they aren't giving us whiskey.” -Before heading out to find a shipwrecked crew north of Booty Bay.
Kara and Nibbles following a skirmish with pirates. Art by Volendor
“Why is it always pirates? Is there a school for pirates or something? Even dealing with the witches, it ended up with pirates.” -After taking down the hexed pirates in Tiragarde Sound.
“He thinks being ridiculed just means free rotten fruit and tomatoes” -Discussing a protest outside the Stormwind cathedral.
“It’s our duty to keep what we still have safe from the pillaging of the Horde. Safe from those who wish to destroy what others have built. Oh and safe from those jerks who caused me to spill this precious cognac we won in that illegal Pandaren jousting tournament.” -Following the loss of a rare cognac bottle outside Paw’don village.
"I listen to the roaring and groaning of Naxxramas floating above us on a daily basis. The shape of the thing causes the wind to howl in ways I have never heard before. It's truly terrifying, but magnificent in a way. I almost miss the sound when away from here. But I look forward to the day when the only sound is the citadel burning to cinders." -Diary entry after six months of guard duty during the first Siege of Naxxramas.
“I’ve seen plenty of casualties on the battlefield in the last decade. Crew members, colleagues and friends. I could usually brush it off. I never blamed myself since it was part of the job. Even at Anglepoint, I largely concluded all the deaths to be in honourable defense of the homelands. But now it’s catching up with me. It hurt losing a seaman in that transport attack. It hurts even more now, losing shipmates who’ve served under me for over a year. And for what? What do I write their families? That they died rescuing a criminal? Looking for an old book that turned out to be a waste of time?” -Venting in her logbook after killing Gerianna at Castaway Point.
“You know, it’s not every day we get blacklisted from a tavern for putting out a fire instead of starting one, Nibbles!” - After Nibbles decided that piloting a flying machine near the coast, sending a surge wave into a beachside pub that flooded their kitchen, was a good idea.
Kara and Nibbles in the desert. Art by Nihilazari
“Taelia, if I had a silver for every still wet-behind-the-ears soldier thinking they somehow outrank me because they’re the leader of a made-up battalion, the three of us could retire comfortably. And I could probably get Nibbles that golden back scratcher he’s been asking me to buy for years.” -After dealing with inane recruiters in Stormwind.
“Once the heat is off from that exploding pie at the pie-eating contest, I think all three of us should enter. I bet we can win that grand prize, it’s not like there will be a lot of competition now.”
“Won’t somebody please think of the war orphans and the naval Commander who saved them from overgrown eyebrows!” -After a long chase, narrowly avoiding being tarred and feathered following an Azerite explosion at a Children’s cooking class.
“Quel’what? How about you Quell my urge to hit you with my mace so hard your ears clap together.” -After talking to a pair of elven 'Rangers' trying to block Kara from attending a garden party.
“Remember when we stole that evil talking door? And then it tried to convince us to bake those haunted muffins on its behalf with the promise of immortality? I hope we kept the recipe.” -Following a witch hunt in Drustvar that ended up with Kara and Nibbles stuck in a haunted estate.
“The 7th Legion has certainly made its mark on me. There's no other group of people I would rather serve with. You have all become my family, and I would fight alongside any of you to my last breath. Let's sail into the sunset and leave a positive mark on the world wherever we go.” -Speaking to the crew of the Vigilant as she set sail for Northrend for the first time following a refit.
“They’re no longer the forbidden woods, they’re the strongly-advised-against woods” -After being bombarded by Horde artillery in Drustvar during the Fourth War.
“Well those gnomes shouldn't have been standing so close behind our motorcycle as Nibbles and I were trying to start it with an untested engine. Especially when it runs on refined Thresher oil with added Dracthyr saliva” -After being fined for accidentally covering the Gnomish delegation to Kul Tiras with soot.
Additional Art[]
