“ | Even the smallest of flame can be the brightest beacon in the darkness | ” |
–Mogrokol Gloamquill |
Mogrokol is a Dark Iron Dwarf born within the Gloamquill Clan in Shadowforge City. His early years were dedicated to learning his family's history, their trade, and their knowledge of spellcraft. He chose the path of a priest after finding solace in the humble glow of a candle flame. He enlisted in the military as part of the Anvilrage Legion, and although he healed the injured with his light spells, he preferred to use them on the front lines against the enemies of the Dark Irons. After Ragnaros was banished, he spent additional years mastering his family's craft until the Dark Irons joined the Alliance. It was then that he discovered the Church of the Holy Light and became a member. He continued to serve the Alliance until the Fourth War, when he wrestled with shadow magic, eventually overcoming its insidious pull and finding balance between light and shadow. Years later, he journeyed north with his friend Khalfog Murkano to aid the defense of Northrend against the Scourge alongside the Argent Crusade. After the conflict, he returned to the mainland with Khalfog and joined The Dwarven Vanguard as one of their sorcerers, wielding both the Light and Shadow.
Backstory[]
Early Life[]
Mogrokol was born into the Gloamquills clan at the dawn of the first war, a clan celebrated for their scribe work in record-keeping, librarianship, banking, among others. The Gloamquills were masters of their craft, with a profound passion for music and songwriting, preferring composition over performance. Mogrokol, who cherished books and the adventurous stories told by his mother, was eager to learn to read from an early age, desiring to delve into these fantastical realms and uphold the family tradition. Luckily, the Gloamquills were one of the few clans not heavily swayed by The Fire Lord, known to be decent people, save for some older dwarves with roots in the War of the Three Hammers. Mogrokol did not share their bitterness; he even found his elders' company agreeable. Beyond their vocation, the Gloamquills were also spellcasters, mainly priests and mages, who taught him the ways of magic and educated him about faith, light, and shadow magic.
Where Light and Shadow Meet[]
As a young boy, Mogrokol was studying the history of his clan's scribes and chaplains in his family's library when he realized the light sources had not been renewed. Gradually, as the light dimmed, Mogrokol, still a child, was unsure of what to do as the other lights were oil based lamps. He remembered that sis mother had taught him a small flame spell for emergencies, prompting him to light a nearby candle that was on the table where he was studying. As the other lights went out, the candle continued to burn, offering Mogrokol comfort. He felt protected from the darkness, believing the candle's light could fend off any menacing shadows. It was only hours later that his parents found him and relit the library, but Mogrokol was content, having enjoyed his time studying in the dark. Since then, Mogrokol has always used a candle, in any form, although he acknowledges that a torch is a superior source of light. Nevertheless, his fondness for candles remains undiminished.
Ever since that day, he has held the light of any flame in high esteem. Upon discovering his connection to the light years later and became a proper priest/chaplain, he transformed his belief into divine power. While he worships the Holy Light like any conventional priest, his faith is always kindled by the modest flame.
Growing up in Shadowforge was challenging, especially given the reputation of Dark Iron dwarves for being manipulative, underhanded, greedy, cruel, and despotic. It was difficult to steer clear of such dwarves, particularly because Mogrokol had several elderly family members who adhered to the old ways, some of whom had even participated in the War of the Three Hammers. Although he was trained to be a chaplain, he also had to acquaint himself with the darker aspects of the Light, such as Shadow and Void Magic.
While learning to control the shadows as a means to balance the wielding of light, he pondered a thought. Like any light source, from the divine Holy Light to the modest candle flame, every light casts a shadow. There cannot be light without shadow, nor shadow without light. There were moments when his kinsmen succumbed to their darker natures, leading him to question whether it was all worthwhile. Times when the shadows threatened his very sanity, but with the love and support of his friends and family, Mogrokol mastered the shadows that once haunted him and harnessed the brightest lights to guide not only himself but others as well.
Joining the Military[]
As Mogrokol matured and delved deeper into the realm of magic, he blossomed into a young man adept in his family's trade and a skilled priest. His magical prowess, however, led to his conscription into the Anvilrage Legion. The experience wasn't wholly negative; he managed to acquire some First Aid training, leveraging his affinity with the holy light, although his true aspiration was to serve on the front lines as a bona fide spellcaster. He idolized the great mages and wizards of lore, yearning to emulate their spellbinding feats. It was during this period that he encountered Khalfog Murkano, a fellow Dark Iron who shared his vision of liberating their kin from The Firelord's dominion. This common goal forged a strong bond between them, and they supported each other through the rigors of military life.
The Firelord Went Out[]
After the Firelord was banished when the Alliance and Horde stormed the Molten Core, Mogrokol went to aid the injured and wounded, as well as to drive the attackers out of Shadowforge. He joined other priests in offering hope to the Dark Iron Dwarves who had just lost their object of worship, including his friend Khalfog. Stricken with grief and self-doubt after witnessing a traumatic event, Khalfog found solace in Mogrokol's comfort, helping him to stand once more. Although Khalfog ceased using the Light thereafter, Mogrokol remained a steadfast support, assisting him through all hardships. With Shadowforge secure and peace restored, Mogrokol returned to his family, employing his scribe skills to assist others in rebuilding their lives.
Joining the Alliance[]
During the War in Northrend, Mogrokol was mastering the next phase of his profession: learning runic magics and writing. Over the following years, he honed his craft, merging his magical abilities with his family's trade. He crafted Scrolls of Healing, Runic Wards, and Runic Tattoos. Additionally, he deepened his knowledge of herbalism, a crucial skill for grinding the various inks required for his work. Following the Lich King's defeat and Deathwing's cataclysmic upheaval, Mogrokol discovered that the Dark Irons had allied with the Alliance via the Council of Three Hammers—a surprising but welcome development. When the Dark Irons gained access to cities like Stormwind, he seized the opportunity to visit. He explored the city's libraries, delving into the history of the Alliance and the world. Upon entering the grand cathedral, he was warmly received by the priests who recognized his divine aura. It was then that he learned of The Holy Light—its essence and the Church's mission. Although Mogrokol's faith had always been kindled by the humble glow of a candle, he soon embraced the Holy Light as his primary source of faith and power.
Years of Service[]
Now that Mogrokol had established himself within the Church of the Holy Light, he would continue to serve not only the Alliance but also the Dark Iron Clan. He would participate in the Pandaria Campaign, travel through the Dark Portal to Alternate Draenor, and fight alongside other priests to fend off the Burning Legion. Mogrokol's true test of faith came during the Fourth War, where his former Horde allies became enemies, reminiscent of the ancient wars between Humans and Orcs. Despite the conflict, his duty remained clear and his faith unwavering. Fortunately, his friend Khalfog Murkano stood by him, and together they fulfilled their duties to the Alliance, healing the injured and, for Mogrokol, smiting the wicked with Holy Fire and other spells.
A Test of Will[]
A great test of will was imminent for Mogrokol as the Old God N'zoth broke free. His influence over the world could be felt by anyone who used shadow, and Mogrokol, despite his affinity for the Light, was no exception. His connection to shadow caused him to experience what felt like earworms burrowing into his mind, making him see and hear terrible things as if nightmares had come to life. He could feel his Light slipping away as he continued to fight, and he was nearly driven to insanity. The burden of the Dark Iron people's terrible crimes and the weight of their history were too much for him to bear. However, he was not alone; his friend Khalfog Murkano assured him that he did not have to carry the guilt by himself. In fact, Murkano had harbored guilt and doubts until he confronted them during the Legion invasion. With the support of his friend and other Light users, Mogrokol fought his doubts and relearned to balance his shadows. When N'zoth was defeated, balance was restored, and he felt comfortable wielding both without issue... mostly.
A Journey Northward[]
After N'zoth's defeat, a new crisis emerged with the destruction of the Helm of Domination, the Lich King's crown. This event sent the Scourge into a frenzy, unleashing their assault on the world once again. Mogrokol, alongside Khalfog Murkano, heeded the Argent Crusade's call and journeyed north. For several years, he supported the cause, healing the wounded, offering prayers and blessings, and combating the undead menace. Once the rift above Northrend was sealed, he and Murkano were tasked with cleanup duties. Afterward, they were free to return home. During this period, Khalfog Murkano shared his involvement with a group known as The Dwarven Vanguard. Driven by curiosity, Mogrokol followed him to Dun Modr to learn more about them.
Where does his Faith come from[]
Light[]
When you think of fire or a flame, what comes to mind? Perhaps the elemental force of Fire, or maybe a mage or warlock conjuring fire magic? Or it could be everyday things like a fire pit for cooking or a forge's flame. And let's not overlook the simplest form, the tiny flame of a candle. All these instances have one thing in common: they produce light. From the radiance of the sun to the flicker of a candle, a flame invariably emits light. For Mogrokol, this is a core tenet of his belief. He holds that regardless of the circumstance, whether you're delving into a cavern, crafting a formidable weapon, or merely mingling with friends, a flame will always illuminate your path.
Shadow[]
Growing up in Shadowforge was challenging, given the reputation of Dark Iron dwarves for being manipulative, underhanded, greedy, cruel, and despotic. It was not easy to steer clear of such dwarves. Mogrokol had several elderly dwarves in his family who adhered to old traditions, some of whom had even participated in the War of the Three Hammers. Although he was trained to be a chaplain, he also had to master the contrasting aspects of the Light, delving into Shadow and Void Magic.
As he mastered the art of controlling shadows to balance his command of the light, a realization dawned on him. Just as with any source of illumination, from the divine radiance of the Holy Light to the modest glow of a candle flame, every light casts a shadow. There cannot be light without shadow, nor shadow without light.
Personality[]
Mogrokol is a solitary individual who prefers to work alone and at his own pace. However, he's quite amiable among friends or the kin of The Vanguard. He has a passion for scripture and learning, especially new things. He has a liking for coffee like drinks, and ciders, enjoys listening to and playing music, and performing feats of strength with spells. As a priest, he will heal and care for the injured when necessary, but Mogrokol much prefers to smite a malevolent enemy with Holy Fire or shadow magic.
Professions, Skills and Hobbies[]
Inscription[]
As their name implies, the Gloamquills are master scribes. Some serve as historians and librarians, while others are bankers and record-keepers. A few dedicate themselves to harnessing their knowledge of magic to craft powerful runic scrolls. When Mogrokol came of age, he was initiated into the family trade. He learned to write records and notes, became skilled at noticing the finer details in things, and mastered the art of composing music for bards and personal use. Additionally, he honed the craft of creating inscription tools, staves for magic users, and runes of power, specializing in Light and Shadow Magic Runes.
Herbalism[]
In addition to Inscription, his family understands that ink is the best medium for writing on scrolls. While most are versed in Herbalism, only a select few specialize in this craft. However, these Ink Masters play a crucial role in ensuring that Gloamquills are well-supplied with both standard and enchanted inks. Mogrokol had to master this trade at some point, and although Inscription remains his primary focus, he holds great respect for Herbalists and their commitment to utilizing plant life across various professions. As for Mogrokol, he has harnessed his skills as a Priest to create Light and Shadow Infused Inks for his craft.
Barding[]
Growing up, Mogrokol's mother would sing melodies and lullabies to lull him to sleep. Her songs were beautiful and enchanting, a testament to her years as a bard. The Gloamquills were not only historians and record-keepers but also composers who wrote songs for other bards and performed them occasionally. Inspired to follow in his family's bardic footsteps, Mogrokol, upon reaching adulthood, took his mother's cherished harp. Although it was not as renowned as the "Gloamquill," it was a treasure to him. He plays this enchanted harp, delighting many with a variety of songs.
The Gloamquill[]
Backstory[]
It is believed that each dwarven clan or family is bound by something significant, be it a major event or an ancient artifact, often an heirloom passed down through generations. The Gloamquills are one such lineage. Their treasured artifact, "The Gloamquill," is a scribing quill of magical enchantment, crafted from materials said to predate the War of the Three Hammers. Its feather comes from an unidentified bird, and its shaft is made from a wood-like substance. Adorning the shaft are ancient yet intact runic inscriptions that endow the quill with its mystical powers.
The Gloamquill Family/Clan's founder first utilized the quill, and when they grew too old to use it, they devised a ritual that enabled the quill's wielder to imbue it with their skills. This was to ensure the preservation of the quill user's knowledge, allowing the successor to benefit from the quill's accumulated wisdom. This ritual has been performed for many years, and the knowledge retained by the Quill could fill an entire library. However, over time and through numerous rituals, it began to accumulate not only the skills and knowledge of its previous users but also aspects of their personalities. This has endowed the Gloamquill with a fragmented yet distinct personality and mind, enabling it to think independently while still obeying the current bearer's commands.
The current user is the Dark Iron Dwarf named Mogrokol Gloamquill, the youngest of the Gloamquill family. His father passed it on to him when he was ready to wield it, and when his hands could no longer manage writing tools properly. The Gloamquill will now aid Mogrokol in his work and also provide companionship to the Chaplain.