Often, there is a person that stands out amongst the rest. It may not be due to their prowess in battle, but simply their courage. Their courage to walk into the unknown and be the first to learn about it. Brann Bronzebeard certainly fits that description.

As the youngest of the three Bronzebeard brothers, King Magni and Muradin, Brann has made his own name as an explorer in the Explorers’ Guild. Kind and well-travelled, he makes friends wherever he goes. Supposedly, he has travelled so much that he never gets lost. He has even tread the paths of the ancients.

Brann and a dwarf named Samul Strangehands created the Explorers’ Guild. Considering Brann’s passion for knowledge, this is hardly a surprise. Brann has learned a bit of everything in his time and is considered many things, a geographer, historian, archaeologist, and translator. Just to name a few.

Despite all of this, Brann is no bookworm. He lives up to the legend in being not only a scholar, but a formidable foe on the battle field. During the second war, he and Muradin were sent to accompany Anduin Lothar. Working directly with Lothar, he helped use his knowledge in terrain and provided an edge in the fight. Even after Lothar’s death, it was able to aid in the destruction of the Dark Portal.

His explorations after the third war were prompted by his elder brother Magni. Brann took to this well and even began writing books on the subjects of his findings about both the land and its people. So far he’s written four books: his journal, Lands of Conflict, Lands of Mystery, and notes for a book which is found in the RPG books which has been sent to King Magni and the Explorers’ League.

Brann appears in several instances and provides a lot of key lore information to the players. As such… I will not be telling you any of the details here, but I will suggest that you check out the following areas:
Halls of Stone
Ulduar
South Silithus

Brann is a fascinating tool that Blizzard seems to use to give historical information to the players, along with the Explorers’ League. I can’t wait to see him in the next expansion, especially as he might be in Uldum!

This week, I have a special Horde guest, Archdruid Hamuul Runetotem. He is the highest ranked Tauren druid within the Cenarion Circle. Fandral Staghelm does not agree with this, since he believes that only Night Elves can be druids, however, Hamuul was taught by Malfurion Stormrage himself.

Hamuul met and became friends with Malfurion during the invasion of the Burning Legion. He listened and learned many things from the Night Elf, including how to connect with nature. Tauren druids had died out about 20 generations ago, but Hamuul restored the tradition. He is now one of the main teachers of druidism in Thunder Bluff. He has even taught his daughter, Bashana, who is also a member of the Cenarion Circle.

The now elderly, Hamuul, knew Naralex from years back. Naralex is a Night Elf in Wailing Caverns who intends to use them to restore the Barrens. However, when he went into Emerald Dream and the caverns and druids about him changed into something terrible… corrupted. He lies sleeping waiting for his last disciple to awaken him. However, Hamuul, is now too old to leave the city and check on his friend, so he waits. It is too dangerous to even use magic to get to his friend.

Hamuul is greatly respected and a staunch supporter of Cairne Bloodhoof, the current chieftan. He is also considered one of the most honorable druids by many for his is dedicated to both the Cenarion Circle and to nature. He is truly an example to many, whether or not they follow the druidic path.

In Cataclysm, we have heard that parts of the Barrens will become lush and green, implying that Naralex has been successful. Will Hamuul be able to see his old friend once more? What will happen to Hamuul? It is emphasized that he is elderly; perhaps he won’t survive the Cataclysm. Only time will tell…

A satyr that the Night Elves won’t kill? It may be hard to believe but it’s true. Nestled deep in the woods of Teldrassil and to the east of Dolanaar is a satyr. Surprisingly, he’s treated much as a human even in game mechanics. This NPC fascinated me when I realized that a ‘monster’ was a friendly NPC. This is a case of not everything being black and white even in WoW. The satyr’s name is Zenn Foulhoof. Despite being friendly, he’s still a bit of a trouble maker. He tempts you with power to collect items for him and asks you to keep it a secret. It makes me wonder that perhaps some Satyr aren’t as far gone as others. Perhaps they retain more of themselves, but this is the only example of this I know of in game. Unfortunately for you, the Council of the Forest find out that you gave in to temptation by completing this quest. Luckily, they give you a chance to redeem yourself. You’re to pick up Fel Cones which are corrupted seeds from trees. I find it interesting that you’re going to give these to Zenn as Satyr’s are a corruption of felmagic. He believes that you’ve brought him a harmless snack and eats one. He then turns into a frog. This quest makes me laugh, but this is the only time I’ve seen a harmless application of anything fel let alone a friendly Satyr. I would suggest checking him out for his uniqueness at the very least.