Introduction[]
"Those who forget their ancestors forget themselves." - Shadowhoof proverb
Important OOC Notes[]
The Shadowhoof Tribe is an all-Tauren guild with a focus on tribal living. While it is not our main focus, we do not shy away from conflict roleplay where necessary or logical, because we believe conflict roleplay adds variety, realism, and depth to the larger roleplay environment. Due to the variety of roleplay that will be encountered, we consider ourselves mature roleplayers. Also, the personalities and flaws of our characters do not in any way describe us as players. We're really pretty friendly folks.
Recruitment[]
The Shadowhoof Tribe has closed its doors for good and will not be accepting any new members for the foreseeable future.
Most Recent Update[]
The Shadowhoof have returned for Bane's Horde as of October 22, 2020 (UTC)
For help navigating this wiki page, we highly suggest displaying the contents!
Credits[]
This page is a labor of love, created by Kurshaw.
Shadowhoof Culture[]
The old shaman bared her fangs in a devious grin to those near the fires of the story circle. The fire billowed and crackled as she spun her tale with the smoke wafting up in a dark grey cloud. "The world that once was has been broken... Shattered and crippled from corruption. The land was torn asunder and with its crying death throes we as its people were scattered and forgotten."
The smoke moved and shifted as she spoke giving life to the story that weighted heavily on all their hearts. "We move now to a new drum beat as the shifting sands of time never stop. The corruption still clawing at our Mother's skin and digging deep into her flesh is the reason we are still here today. She needs our help, our skill, and our ferocity to stamp out the corruption for good. We are her weapons of war, and we will not fail her a second time..."
The Shadowhoof were once a powerful force that kept the forests of Feralas safe from corruption. However, entrenched in their hubris they found out first hand just how damaging seclusion was when the world around them broke. Learning from their mistakes, the newly awakened Shadowhoof are now a scattered tribe that trains their people to fight the forces of corruption across Azeroth.
A Day in the Life[]
The ground bubbled and spewed forth a disgusting ooze that Umagha was unfamiliar with, but ready. She looked to her teacher as they moved to sew the split earth back together and seal away this fissure of corrupted magma. Concentrating, the two worked in tandem to slowly weave roots across the cavern and stitch the ground like one would an open wound. It would not keep forever, but they knew that help was on the way and their efforts to stave off the spread was needed.
Tatoke crashed through the camp of cultists with a crazed laugh as he lowered his head fully utilizing his horns. A flash from the side as Awanako's arrow landed its mark to the neck of a demon. The two were dancers in the heat of battle, spinning to keep each other's back covered. A loud screech came from above. The flaming hippogryph deposited their rider with a ground shaking crash as Shikoba tore through the infernal with blazing molten claws and a lightening strike from above.
Shadowhoof herds are made of anywhere from two to five members that work as a team to destroy corruption wherever they find it. Training is part of the morning routine as battle has become their way of life. When a team is not fighting or stalking prey, they are keeping tabs on each other through the silent way and making sure that their exploits or locations are known to others in the tribe.
Not all are suited for war and combat, but all are trained to survive in the new harsher world. Daily life is made more difficult by the constant war between the factions that the Shadowhoof now find themselves a part of. Each member that travels learns the ways of survival, but there are a few that maintain life between Feralas and Mulgore so that the hunting packs have somewhere to return to and call home.
Prayers[]
Many of the Shadowhoof place prayer as a high priority in their day to day. Forgetting one’s spiritual self is unforgivable to the Shadowhoof. These are all small tasks that are often performed on a daily basis.
Ritual of the Morning Sun:
Every sunwalker stood facing east, as they waited on the new day's light. An'she would be peaking over the horizon and the brothers and sisters of the Shadowhoof would rejoice in another morning. Soon the drums started, a fast pace as if a bull were running on the plains. A low hum was started, which quickly turned into a chant from those attending.
"Hah hah hoo up! Hah hah hoo up!"
One elder took a step forward and lifted their hands to the sky.
"Brother, we welcome you! Bless us as we go about our morning with pride! We stand under you and know we are safe! Your light washes over the cold night and warms our hearts. You sister has watched us faithfully... Now we ask that you honor us with your presence today."
Ritual of the Rising Moon:
Many of the women took up the front lines and faced Mu'sha as she slowly rose over the horizon. There were a few males who stood in the back, mainly druids and shaman who looked on with anticipation. There was a short tap of a chime, then another. A tilted rain stick started the hoof stomps and the drum beats. The Greatmother of the tribe walked forward, then gave a bow.
"Each night you come to see your brother off to bed. You are shown little praise for what you do... Flora and fauna sleep during your stalwart vigil. Bless us tonight as we honor your passage across the sky! Know that we love you and praise you... And when the dawn comes, we will bid you goodnight."
Curse of the Dishonored:
Not everything the Shadowhoof do is pleasant. Yes, they do curse their enemies. Maybe not in the same way a troll hexxer would, but close...
Earthmother forgive me May our enemies be forgiven Their pain and suffering end Guide my hand...
To those who walk without honor May they feel the wrath of the Earthmother Their plans be ever unfulfilled Their hearts be wracked with guilt Their bodies be pained with sorrow Their minds be filled with doubt Their spirit be marred with dishonor Their soul be ever vacant Earthmother forgive us But punish the dishonored
During the ritual, the Shu'halo performing the rite would be drawing runes of power in a bowl of water. After the curse was fulfilled the image of the cursed would appear and a hand full of soil would be cast into the bowl to disrupt the image. Honoring the Dead:
The shaman stood over the unmarked grave. He didn't know who the buried was, nor did it matter. The Shu'halo stooped low and took a knee by the grave. The old bull placed his hands over his face to look as if weeping and silently spoke a prayer.
"Forgive all who have wronged you and find peace. May the earth mother take you into her arms with love and grace."
A fellow walking with the shaman looked with a huff. He tilted his head as the other stood and brushed himself off.
"Brother, you have no idea who that was. It could have been the enemy for all you know. They could have killed your family in that massacre a few weeks back."
The Shadowhoof flicked an ear and looked back at the grave. He smiled and nodded, "There are no enemies among the dead." With that he continued his walk.
Prayer of Balance:
A lone elder stood at the edge of the cliff. Her hands were stretched outwards and she seemed as if she would jump at any moment. The harsh winds had died down, but if they chose this moment to gust, she would find herself on death's door.
This was how the Shadowhoof of the mountains honored their great mother. Placing one's fate in the arms of the Earthmother and the spirits was a true act of trust and obedience.
Earthmother teach us So that we may find balance Balance in ourselves So that we may be at peace Balance in others So that we may understand Balance in our enemies So that we may forgive Balance in your power So that we may honor you
With that the elder took her leave. Only moments later a strong gale blasted through the area, once again whipping through the mountaintops.
Communication[]
Kurshaw's ear twitched as she stood silent and listened into the winds. Closing her eyes, she smiled and nodded before turning to her companion. "The others have found the demon stalking through Winterspring, finally putting to rest the howling gorge demon. We can walk easy knowing that the winter lands of Kalimdor are safe once again."
The others following the two tauren looked between each other with confused looks and frowns. How could they know that? Regardless they continued their journey through the Plaguelands.
Words spoken in the winds have proven the fastest way to send messages to others within the tribe. Every Shadowhoof and Windsong was taught the way of the Silent Message from older shaman in the tribes. This specail form of communication uses wind magic as well as the ancestors to bring urgent news to the ears of those most in need of hearing it. Occasionally the messages will gift themselves to others not within the tribe and can be mistaken for spiritual warnings.
The Shadowhoof are no longer a tribe that stays together in a single location. Feralas, while being their ancestral home and base of operations, is no longer the limit to their reach. Corruption breeds everywhere on Azeroth, and the Shadowhoof have realized that they can no longer focus specifically on one area. Spreading out to the far winds, they walk lands their ancestors never dreamed of stepping hoof upon.
Celebrations and Events[]
Celebrations and grand scale feasts are what the Shadowhoof use to keep up morale. It is not uncommon for the tribe to host three or four feasts a moon cycle. Typically they keep it within their respective camps, but on some yearly occasions they invite their sister tribes and other Shu’halo tribes to their gatherings.
Ceremony of the Lunar Stag:
Each new moon, the Shadowhoof tribe honors their sister in the sky, Mu'sha, and her consort the Great Apa'ro. It is said that in days past the great stag won over the goddess with his stunning coat that shone like moonbeams on a lake. Disappearing from the sky, Mu'sha came to the stag and took him as her own.
However, being a being of great importance she is needed up in the night sky to guide all those living on Azeroth. Sneakily she comes down to Azeroth once a month to be with her beloved. This is why she is missing from the night sky, so those who know rejoice in the knowledge that sister Mu'sha is happy.
Summoning: The great Stag Ap'aro
The drums beat low and steady, the heartbeat of the anxious observer. Each hoof stomping the ground and shaking the area. A single Shu'halo stands from the croud with their hands held to the hiding moon.
"Great sister of the sky! We call to you for guidance! We call on the great stag spirit to honor the old ways! Great sister, we call upon your guardians to teach us! Let us honor you! Let us hunt this night!"
Ceremony of the Totems:
When a Shadowhoof reaches the end of their rites as a child and move on to adulthood they are given the task of choosing a totem for their Rite of Vision. The stories of each totem and its gifts are told time and time again in stories and song as the tribe celebrates. During this great feast, some of the initiates try their luck at gaining independence through earning the trust of a totem.
However, it is not an understood fact that once you ask a totem for their blessing that you instantly receive it. Most totems require a task to be done, and those who cannot complete these tasks remain without. It is very rare that an elder is without a totem, as after a good life a totem will often come to the adult. A more common sight is younger members and initiates who try and fail to gain the blessing of the spirit they choose.
During the feasting, many of the elders will tell tales of how they were granted their totem. After much feasting the elders will take up a chant and the ceremony will end with everyone honoring all the totems that bless the Shadowhoof.
Kodo Drum Circle:
Despite its name, this festival celebrates the sacrifice all animals made to the tauren tribe over the last year. A drum circle, in which a tauren constantly beats a drum until another tauren takes their place, forms and lasts all of a day and a night. The drumming honors the slain animals and asks the blessing of living animals who will give their lives for the tribe in the coming year. It is a bad omen for the drum circle to break before the end of the festival.
Dance of the Earthmother:
This four-part celebration marks the change of the seasons. Performed at the start of spring, summer, fall and winter, the ritual involves burning scented grass and herbs to ease the Earth Mother’s transition into her new form. At this time tauren feast on the traditional staples from the previous season; for instance, to usher in spring, tauren consume the last of their winter stores, such as dried meat and preserved vegetables.
The Shadowhoof and their sister tribes are not shy with their festivities to help the Earthmother transition. They are loud and this is one of the only times they will let other races join in their feasting without so much as a blink of the eye. Aligning each season with a specific animal (Winter for the wolf, Spring for the stag, Summer for the lion, and Fall for the bear) the shadowhoof also perform a small ritual of passing as one animal passes the rite of the season to another.
Renewel of the Sun:
This rite, performed at the height of summer, celebrates the continued rising and setting of the sun. Tauren view this ceremony as a celebration of the possibilities of a new day, and use it to motivate them to change over the following year. At the Renewal of the Sun, all tauren dress in shades of red and orange and wear gold or copper jewelry. Corn, carrots and other sun-hued vegetables make up most of the feast.
Rites and Ritual[]
These rites are those passed down through generations of Shadowhoof. They are not taken lightly and are often only performed by the highest ranked shaman of the tribe.
Coyote's Naming:
Each Shu’halo is given a name by their tribal shaman after their first years. This is typically a name that has come to light due to rising personalities or even mannerisms. Before this time a shu’halo would be called by their nickname given to them at birth by their family. By taking the new name, they are shedding their childhood and becoming a part of the tribe.
This event can be done a second time if the tribe member achieves a Dreamname. These special titles are only achieved if the shu’halo achieves greatness through a feat of strength.
Rite of the Hippogryph:
The trial of adulthood every tauren takes at the coming of age. It consists of three smaller rites: Rite of Strength, which challenges the shu’halo physically, Rite of Wisdom, which is a mental challenge, and finally, the Rite of Vision, in which they meditate in a secluded place and must find their totem animal.
Challenge of the Chimera:
This Shadowhoof rite of strength is a challenge issued by a younger warrior to one of status. The challenge is two fold, as it maintains that the older shu'halo are still able to fight and the lets younger members into the ranks of the elite. The ritualized duel is only performed if at least one elder is present to watch over the challenge. It is not a dishonor to lose this battle, as it is an important part of keeping ranks strong in the Shadowhoof.
Mark of the Windrider:
Ferocity is the hallmark of the Wind Rider totem for the Shadowhoof. However, this rite exemplifies the tenacity that comes with being a hunter. For the Shadowhoof that take it upon themselves to follow Wind Rider, they must prove that they can stalk and kill their prey. A mark goes out on a specific demon or elemental that has been plaguing a local area. From there, it is a matter of stalking and hunting their prey to completion. Most construct armor from their first kill as tribute to the rite.
Cloud Serpent's Cleansing:
Some are not built for all out war, and the Shadowhoof understand through the mistakes of the Grimtotem that such lives are still worth keeping. The cleansing rites of the Shadowhoof are old and learned from denizens of the ancient Feralas forests. Wanderers of the old ways, the Shadowhoof who take this rite will find themselves taken to far away lands to heal the Earth Mother and cleanse the lands of deep corruption. Most who complete their rite spend the rest of their lives traveling, and some may never return home to Feralas again.
History[]
<< Elder Mahaka Shadowhoof looked about the encampment, her half-lidded eyes scanning the fires. The flow of past memories, most of which were not her own, flooded her mind. She saw Father Keen-eye showing his son how to string his bow, and superimposed stood the image of Keen-eye’s great-grandfather smiling over the handy work clearly impressed.
The scene to her left played out a pair of young Shu’halo playing tag as they ran around the central bonfire. A mother, brows knitted in distress, looks around desperately for her youngest who, by known account, had died during a raid on the village some thirty years ago. A great figure stood watching over the land, bow tight, as he prepared to let fly his last arrow in defense of his people during the great Centaur raids -- over a thousand years ago.
Mahaka knew these spirits well as they played out the scenes of thousands of summers before. The lorekeeper had found the summer tribal lands. She turned to the Matriarch and nodded her approval. This was indeed their home. >>
History for the Shadowhoof tribe is intertwined with tradition. The Spiritwalkers, while still a curiosity, hold much more sway with the tribal elders. Their pasts date back over five thousand years of trials and tribulations that still live on in legends and tales of their most respected warriors.
Beginnings[]
The Shadowhoof tribe's oral accounts began sometime near the Grimtotem's rise to power deep in the jungles of Feralas. These two large and imposing tribes were in constant flux over who dominated the lands between Desolace and Thousand Needles. Tribal clashing was common, but never violent as the land could easily support the two tribes and their peoples. Where the Grimtotem often took the lower lands stretching along the eastern lakes and rivers, the Shadowhoof were lithe and often resided in the high peaks and caves.
Ritual dueling between chieftains became the method of choice to decide the dominance of a particular area. The fighting between the two tribes never reached violence, as the two groups would on occasion simply agree to occupy the same area peacefully. Here the tribes would mingle and in rare occasions migrate to the opposite tribe to spread the gene pool further. Thus many older family lines hold Grimtotem blood in their veins.
A third tribe, the Mistrunner tribe, found homes in the great forests of Feralas. They were a much smaller tribe, but found companionship in the Shadowhoof as they traded goods through their caravans who traveled the further reaches of Kalimdor. The Shadowhoof welcomed the Mistrunners into their homes and beds, through not as commonly as they did the Grimtotem.
Taking to the northern lands in the centuries following, the Shadowhoof witnessed the magic of the Dream Portal in Feralas. The elders, deeming it a sacred site and respecting the wishes of the mighty Emerald Flight residing in the area, took to watching over the portal. Believing it to be the gateway to their ancestors and the spirits of eons past, the Shadowhoof made pilgrimages to the site of the great Dream Bough to request help and guidance. While not the true guardians in any sense of the word, the Shadowhoof did take up the banner to protect the lands around it and protect the Dream Portal in any way they could.
The Centaur[]
The great deserts of Desolace hide the grand city of Maraudon, the centaur’s holy capital city. This location placed the Shadowhoof in direct conflict with the horse-men, as they regularly hit the supply caravans coming through from the southern desolace Shu'halo tribes. This not only strained the Shadowhoof, but also the Grimtotem and the migrating groups of Mistrunners who counted on the supplies from their larger settlements to survive in the slowly diminishing Desolace. Even more concerning was the bold behavior expressed by the Centaur, no longer culled by the Elves as they were before the Sundering.
In an act of honor, three chieftains stood as one to defeat the Centaur threat. A Grimtotem, A Mistrunner, and the Shadowhoof Chief Akap Cloudmane met at the great summit to discuss the downfall of the Centaur in Northern Feralas. While each had their own ideals to how they should act, eventually they came to an agreement to divide tactics and hit the centaur on three fronts. Each chieftain called their tribes to action and the wars began in earnest to remove the threat, each giving their special abilities to the effort. The Shadowhoof provided reconnaissance and tactical skirmish points from their plateau retreats and overlooks, the Mistrunners proceeded to bait the Centaur with hit and run tactics, and the Grimtotem hit the confused forces hard with their well trained braves.
For a great time the two forces battled for dominion over the land. Many lives were lost in the conflict, and through those times life was harsh and sometimes unforgiving. Many families learned the value of traveling light and oftentimes many bloodlines would come together for support and kinship. The males were often short lived as they would insist on fighting as soon as they came of age, so an integral shift in power soon arose. The Shadowhoof women began leading their people through ritual and hunting trails and soon took up arms as the personal scouts for the traveling family units. This shift later would become a permanent mark of the Shadowhoof as the Matriarch soon became the leading pillar of their people.
The break in the centaur attacks, preceding the inclusion of the Feralas nations to the Horde, point to evidence that support the fact that the centaur had been on a two-front war. Eventually, though, the Centaur were driven completely from Feralas and stories of the battles were retold through the generations as great legends.
A New Horde[]
The coming of the Orcs to Kalimdor was for the most part ignored by the Shadowhoof, as their lands in Feralas were several months away. News that did speak of the new groups of trolls and green-skinned brutes were always on the tongues of caravan families and Grimtotem far runners. Coupled with the little knowledge of other tribes in the further reaches of Kalimdor, they had no previous need to investigate the disturbances.
It was not until word began to spread of a Shu’halo chieftain who claimed dominion over all the tribes that Shadowhoof heads began to turn. The leader had enlisted the help of outsiders, the alien race of orcs, to remove the centaur threat from their homelands in Mulgore. They were now sending convoys to all the corners of Kalimdor with word that Cairne Bloodhoof was calling all his people home to his capitol of Thunderbluff and the new Shu'halo homelands of Mulgore. The Shadowhoof began getting curious of talk to further expanding their trade among the northern expanses of Kalimdor, however, the elders remained wary.
Looking to their sister tribes, the Shadowhoof saw as the Mistrunners quickly taking the banner of the New Horde and readily walking under Bloodhoof rule. Their tribe soon saw wealth of lands they previously had lost access to and a growing of their knowledge to shamanistic nature magics, now called druidism. They also watched as the Grimtotem sent their own convoys to Thunderbluff though for what purpose the Shadowhoof did not know, as the convoys always returned bitter and angry at the response. They soon became enraged and withdrawn as the Bloodhoof slowly grew in power, and often spoke of unknown enemies that drew curiosity from some smaller Shadowhoof camps. The Shadowhoof's world was changing fast, and they would eventually be forced to take action.
The great leader Durka Sagehorn, from a neighboring tribe, stepped up to lead a small group of people to Thunderbluff with their allies. There they met with Cairne who welcomed them into the city with open arms. The wary elders remained and watched as deliberations for accommodations and trade were discussed. Several tribe leaders stepped up to aid in the decisions, many of whom the Shadowhoof had never even heard of: the Runetotem, the Stonehoof, the Eagletalon. However, after a long deliberation between the chieftains it was decided that a small group of each tribe would remain under the Shu'halo Horde banner.
Satisfied, the Shadowhoof took their leave of the rather open landscape and returned with their allies to the daily life in Feralas. Here life remained peaceful until the Orc expansion came with a dreadful price.
New Conflict[]
Whispering of a new enemy began to surface of a pink skinned, short, elf-like creature, who traveled in packs through the supply trails, killing caravans of helpless families. The stories became even more horrific as word got out that these monsters took the horns and hooves of their victims and left the carcasses to rot. Talk of horrific demons and terrible magics that brought down fire and ice were on the tongues of refugee Shadowhoof who escaped from their lands in Desolace.
Later reports would come in, as the threat grew to panic stricken heights, that entire villages were being slaughtered for horns and hooves. Women, children, elderly, and infants were slain without mercy all in the name of bloodsport. Messages were sent to the Grimtotem for guidance as their tribes stretched across vast portions of Kalimdor. The responce was less then welcome and the Shadowhoof soon realized their mistake in their Horde allegiances.
The monsters hunting their people were part the Alliance who existed on the continent over the great sea. It turned out that the Orcs of the Horde, and now all Horde nations, had been in conflict with these vile monsters and had gained the ire of their whole nation. The dealings with the New Horde had placed the Shadowhoof in direct conflict with these beasts and now a Shu’halo pelt, horn, or hoof garnished a nice sack of gold for the hero. The existence of Shu'halo in Feralas, once an elven land, gave marauders the excuse for whole sale genocide on small villages in the north. Turning to their caves and cliff dwellings, the Shadowhoof went into hiding.
In the span of twenty years, the Shadowhoof have experienced more death and destruction to their tribe then the centaur wars. The resentment for the war between the Horde and Alliance grew and fostered a new goal and duty for their people. The Shadowhoof now stand as one of the last barriers between their beloved southern Kalimdor and the devastation of industrialized expansion. Even now the Shadowhoof wage a silent war against everyone who would threaten their way of life and their homelands.
Before the Shattering - Cairne's Rule[]
Living in the high stretches of mountain sides and plateaus that line the border of Feralas and Desolace, the Shadowhoof continue to watch over their lands. Protective of their homelands, they are now known to quickly attack anyone seen as a threat to the balance of the jungles. Travelers are often left alone without even the knowledge that they were being observed. However, poachers and hunters are quickly snatched up by rogue Skytalons or attacked by strangely intelligent beasts, which only adds to the mystery surrounding the Shadowhoof homelands.
Surprisingly well adapted to life in the high altitudes, the roar of Skytalon prides can now be heard near Shadowhoof settlements. Preferring to stay aloof from their cousins and only returning to the main cities for trade, the Shadowhoof can be a hard tribe to track down. Though, recent activity between Thunderbluff and Thousand Needles has sparked a larger trade effort from the Shadowhoof and they are venturing further and further north from their homes for trade.
Their migration paths in Feralas have begun to include the area around the Dream Portal, which the Shadowhoof have taken to monitoring once more. A long forgotten charge of the elders and their families, the Shadowhoof sense stirring and have reawakened their duty to observe the portal. This activity in Feralas has brought the Shadowhoof in close contact with their Night elven counterparts. Increased contact and relations between the two groups has stirred a bit of controversy over who the Shadowhoof really stand behind. More and more the tribe have cut themselves from the main Horde force and retreat back to a more nomadic, nature based lifestyle.
The splinter groups of Shadowhoof have begun to regroup and come together to reform the large tribe of long ago. The Shadowhoof have slowly begun to grow in force as they travel the southern Kalimdor continent. Through their travels they have made a few tenuous allies and a few silent enemies.
After the Shattering: Baine's Rule[]
The Shadowhoof have suffered greatly, shrinking from a group of several thousand to several hundred. Many elders, infirm, and children perished, unable to reach safe ground in time.
However, the Shadowhoof understand that nothing stays the same forever. Rather then mourn the loss of their old way of life, they have started to adjust to a new lot. Forming bands of roving splinter groups, once again the Shadowhoof work to build their numbers back from the brink. Shrinking back to the Shadows of their former homes of Feralas, Desolace, and the Stonetalon Mountains they will remain and one day return.
The Discovery of Pandaria[]
As the Horde begins to wage war in the mists for the newly discovered lands, the Shadowhoof are still rejoicing the death of the Black Dragon Neltharion. Having lost so many in the Shattering, the tribe's numbers are growing rapidly.
The old Matriarch Kurshaw, long thought dead, returned to her people from the depths of the Abyss. However, not long after, word to bring every young bull to the battle to gain victory in Pandaria came to the Shadowhoof. Angered and not ready to part with her tribe a second time, Kurshaw reached out to a sister group called the Windsong Herd.
Known supporters of peace between the factions, the Windsong and Shadowhoof worked out a pact. Naming the friendship, the Thundering Herd, they swore to create a place where all Shu'halo could go to remove themselves from the constant bickering and warmongering between the Horde and Alliance. Now protectors of peace, the Shadowhoof will do anything it takes to keep their people from being forced to fight a war that is not theirs.
The Return of the Legion[]
War ravages all, and the Shadowhoof were not untouched by the bickering and childish tantrums between the Horde and the Alliance. Where their numbers swelled only for a moment, the peace was gone in a blink as the Legion descended on Azeroth once more. Corruption and plagues tore through the lands bringing the tribe to its knees. Kurshaw could only lead her people to war once more as they helped in anyway they could to turn the tide to the slow creep that was the Legion's corruption on Azeroth.
Training and teaching new ways to young and old, the Shadowhoof became a tribe of demon hunters and plague menders. Spreading across all of Azeroth, they work to undo the corruption that still lingers even now after the fall of the Burning Legion. New skills and talents have arisen from the chaos, and some Shu'halo have learned how to manipulate and nullify the effects of the fel left behind.
Baine's Rise and the Corruption of the Afterlife[]
With the current climate of war and destruction, the Shadowhoof no longer can deny that their neutral stance in this conflict has placed them in danger. Seeing Baine as Warchief has changed the longstanding views Kurshaw held, as she can see the Horde willing to accept peace with the Earthmother in the elevation of a Tauren Warchief. Standing with the much respected High Mountain Tauren, she accepted the tribe's place as members of the Horde once and for all.
The Shadowhoof, while centering their efforts to heal the Earthmother, have found that the spirits remain in unrest. Spiritwalkers and Seers across the tribe suffer from nightmares as their ancestors weep for the Shadowhoof who do not make it to the afterlife. While the Plagueshifters and Fel Hunters deal with the corruption that remains in the physical, the Spiritwalkers and Seers channel the might of the remaining Shadowhoof to deal with this new corruption head on.
Tribe Matriarch[]
Kurshaw[]
The female Shu’halo glared at the male who dared to insult her. “I am the Matriarch to the Shadowhoof tribe. You will treat me with respect, for I am equal among you Chieftains.”
The male stood and chuckled as he raised a spear to the defiant woman, “Go back to your male. We will speak with him in these matters-”
Before any of them could react, Kurshaw had ripped the spear from the grasp of the prideful male and had placed the point under his shocked muzzle. “I will not return to my male and you will speak of these matters to me… Understood?”
Kurshaw was the former leader of the Shadowhoof tribe. She had a fiery spirit and a short temper when dealing with disrespectful Shu’halo. She worked hard to ensure her tribe gained equal footing among the Shu’halo who follow the way of the New Horde. She refused to back down and give up her tribal lands to the new races inhabiting Kalimdor. While she did not fully endorse the Grimtotem, she did not trust the Bloodhoof in any regards. She saw the downfall of many tribes as they relied on the Bloodhoof to aid them and the arrogant Horde did nothing as they perished. She made sure her tribe was not one of them.
Notable Tribe Members[]
The young Shaman saw the world unfold before him. Great monsters walked across the land as he cried out in shock. None of them paid him any mind, but that did not stop the poor Shu’halo from fleeing in fear. Turning a corner he witnessed the great battle of Two-stone as waves of centaur ran past him, spearing women and children. His mind whirled and everything went dark.
Opening his eyes, the young one meet the faded, milky orbs of the Elder Spiritwalker Mahaka. She smiled down on him as she cradled his head, “Welcome to the past, present, and future young one…”
- Mahaka Ashmane is a Spiritwalker for the Shadowhoof tribe. She and others like her keep alive the spirits of Shadowhoof ancestors. The knowledge of the past flows through her mind and helps her predict proper targets and places in need of cleansing. She trains the young shaman to walk with the spirits and to understand the ways of the elements. Currently she still aids the Chieftain with prophecies and omens, but soon her time to leave them will come.
- Awanako Trueshot is a farstrider of the tribe that specializes in tracking fel beasts and taking down most of the fel hounds left by the legion. More apt to working with the other races, he's found that hunting with his pack provides the largest success in dealing with the monsters of the Legion.
- Hanappi Shadowpelt a seer and shadow prophet to the tribe. She has spent too many moons in the shadows of the Void and the corrupted energies have woven runes to her fur that will never leave. Able to sense the movement of the void entities even when they are hidden from most has made her invaluable in the hunt.
- Tatoke Stonehide boasts a large size that helps him in battle with the corrupted on Azeroth. Ten feet of pure muscle and power, the shu'halo is a Shadowhoof bonecrusher. He wades into battle with his twin maces, swinging in a dance of blood and gore. Combat is meditation to him as he gladly foregoes armor instead relying on his own power and thick hide.
- Todaluk Direbog is one of the few Shadowhoof Plagueshifters that continue to travel Azeroth and aid in the dispelling of corruptive energies throughout the lands. Generally friendly and jovial, he is more apt to dealing with the other races and is one of the few that will engage with the other races on a regular basis. A diplomat of sorts, he works to continue the gradual shift in views that his tribe hold for the Horde and its alles.
- Nyaggi Runeseeker is one of the more powerful Ley Walkers in the Shadowhoof. She takes her job seriously as she follows the stronger threads of the Leylines that criss-cross through Azeroth and heals any major rifts. Usually found with the elven mages, she finds camaraderie in the shared knowledge on ley activity.
- Pachuwa Brighteyes a Sunwalker of note within the Shadowhoof, he has taken up a post as one of the leading guards who protects the territory bordering Feralas and Mulgore. His namesake comes from his rather disarming personality as a friendly conversationalist to anyone who will approach. However, his ability to burn his enemies with the power of An'she reminds others that he is still not to be trifled with.
- Wyldhorn the Awakened is a member of the Shadowhoof Feralhides that had left the tribe to walk within the Emerald Dream. Thought lost to the tribe, she returned during the rise of the Legion's campaign on Azeroth as a Druid of the Claw. Staunch in her belief and duty to eradicate corruption, she is fanatic in her cause. Traveling with her pack, she and the Feralhides stalk the Felwood helping in the work to return the lands to their former glory.
Political Alignment[]
There are many levels to diplomacy, and the Shadowhoof are no strangers to such knowledge. While some factions are given their respects, most of the dealings the Shadowhoof have with others is cursory at best. It takes a lot to gain the trust of the Shadowhoof, as much of their life is in flux. However, for those that do they stand to gain the full assistance of the Shadowhoof whenever it is needed.
The Horde[]
The tenuous alliance with the Horde has surface value at best. Unable to withstand the conflict of alliance raids, centaur overpopulation, and demonic incursion alone the Shadowhoof recognize the value of an ally. However, they also understand that without the Horde many of these problems would not exist in the first place. Most of the regular dealings with the Horde are conducted on a trade level to supply for their hunts and journeys to cleanse the Earthmother.
- Tauren: As any outsider, they are treated with caution, though more leeway is given in their case. That said, tauren of all blood and opinion are respected as any member of the tribe. Although the Shadowhoof view some as misguided, they are happy to just enjoy the company of a fellow Shu'halo.
- Orcs: Seen as the conflict starters and instigators, the orcs are not well liked by any Shadowhoof. Many are shown only the minimal amount of respect, though some higher ranked shaman are seen and respected as if they were tauren. The tribe has been attacked more than once by rogue orcs, and they trust them the least.
- Trolls: Understanding their love of the jungles, the Shadowhoof generally get along well with the trolls. However, the neutrality the tribe shares with the Alliance brings trolls in conflict with the Shadowhoof. Strong supporters of the Horde, many trolls are viewed in the same light as the orcs.
- Forsaken: Distrust that borders on aggression, the Shadowhoof have a strong distaste for the undead thanks to the followers of Sylvanas. Few have earned the trust of the Shu'halo in the tribe and those that have are neutral at best. The corruption that the tribe fights everyday lingers on the forsaken and drives this wedge deeper between them.
- Sin'dorei and Shal'dorei: The Shadowhoof generally keep their distance. Only interacting with their scholars who are willing to teach them about the arcane and the nuances of the fel. The tribe shares mixed feelings about the whole thing. However, they understand the usefulness of knowledge.
- Goblins: Their environmentally unfriendly ways are banned from the Shadowhoof lands. Their constant deforestation and "dirty" machines simply to make money cause Shadowhoof elders to cringe. Goblins only find a welcome table at Shadowhoof markets or walking along side their caravans. Though the few who have taken to learning 'green' production have earned a friendly station with the tribe.
- Panderen: A people that understand peace in combat and who love a good drink find good friends in the Shu'halo. The original neutral standing gained them more favor with the tribe as they also saw the Horde as a war machine. Most find common ground at ceremonies and celebrations.
- Vulpera: Caravans were once the only way of life for the Shadowhoof, and they never forgot those roots. Seeing the caravans return and new allies running them has made the Vulpera the go to for supplies over the goblins in the Horde.
Links[]
More on the Shadowhoof[]
YouTube Channel[]
Recommended Addons[]
The following are addons in use by some members of the Shadowhoof tribe. We highly recommend them for all roleplayers:
Gryphonheart Items: Make and trade your own roleplay items.
FlagRSP2: A "flagging" addon that denotes you as a roleplayer and allows you to fill out additional info on your character.
Total RP: An advanced flagging addon with additional item creation abilities.
Tongues: Enables your characters to learn and speak new languages.
Of course, you should always do your research before you download any addon to your computer. We recommend that you check out this guide before you decide!
Suggested Reading[]
The Shu'Halo and You: By Kurshaw!
Tauren Roleplay: A Guide: By Wailakee of Moonguard.
Roleplaying: A Rambling Guide: Written by Joss.