Stoutmantle—Some nerve sending a total stranger to discuss the Defias Gang. Once you saved my life and now you put it in great peril. But I owe you. The Defias Brotherhood is larger than you think. Every mine from Westfall to Elwynn Forest is under their control. Kobolds and Gnolls have been enlisted to do their dirty work. they have goblins crafting metal monsters to place in the Westfall fields to prey on the superstitions of the local residents.
They have a vast underground network built. Bigger than you know Stoutmantle. From Booty Bay right to Stormwind Keep. You may be a brave Paladin but you are a fool if you think you can shut them down. They are working on a weapon of mass destruction. After all, if there’s one thing Stonemasons know, it’s how to build big. You didn’t think this was about pumpkin farms and vineyards. Now did you? I repaid your favor. Now leave me be!
—Wiley
Gryan Stoutmantle: “I wonder what Wiley meant when he mentioned the Stonemasons. Perhaps that was a slip of tongue. Could the Defias gang be related to the Stonemasons? Only one man would know for sure: Mathias Shaw, head of SI:7 Show him Wiley’s Note and see if he has anything to add to this growing mystery. If you have trouble finding Shaw, check the Barracks in Old Town.”
Mathias Shaw: “This matter might be more complex than Stoutmantle realizes. The Stonemason’s Guild was run by a man named Edwin VanCleef. VanCleef was responsible for rebuilding Stormwind after the orcs razed it in the First War. Apparently, VanCleef and his men were unhappy with their treatment by the King after the reconstruction was complete. That just might explain a thing or two.
I have written a more detailed account for your Master in Westfall. Take this to him at once!”
Shaw’s Report
Lord Stoutmantle, led by Edwin VanCleef, the Stonemason’s Guild was composed of the most skilled builders among men. The Stonemasons helped to rebuild the broken city of Stormwind that was razed by the orcs during the First War. VanCleef and his tradesmen were peerless builders and their work and artistry was evident in the edifices of the Cathedral of Light and Stormwind Keep itself. However, the nobles of Stormwind ran up a huge debt by expanding the kingdom’s military presence thorugh Elwynn and into Stranglethorn. The massive debt crippled the Kingdom’s economy and stripped VanCleef and his stonemasons of their promised rewards. After spending years toiling to rebuild the glorious city, the Stonemasons were left broke. Forgotten by the City’s corrupt officials.
Having personally known Edwin VanCleeff my entire life, I can tell you that facing him as a foe is quite a daunting task. You see, he was my childhood friend, and personally trained him in the ways of the shadows thinking that one day he might consider a career alongside me. If VanCleef is heading up the Defias Brotherhood, may the Light have mercy of our souls.
—Master Mathias Shaw
Stormwind Assassin’s Guild
Gryan Stoutmantle: “Edwin VanCleef … I know the name well. To think that a man so industrious and talented could turn into such a scoundrel unnerves me. I’ll need further proof before I believe this. We need to discover the location of the Defias hideout. My scout reports that a Defias messenger has been seen on the roads between Moonbrook, the Gold Coast Quarry and the Jangolode Mine. I want you to capture him. If he resists, kill him and bring me whatever he is carrying.”
“This is indeed firm proof that VanCleef is in charge. Now all we need to know is where the Defias gang is hiding out. We’ve had a stroke of luck while you were gone. We captured a thief trying to steal Saldean’s wagon. He has promised to lead us to the hideout in exchange for his life. I want you to defend the traitor so he can reveal the hideout. Return to me once you have uncovered the location.”
“There is but one task left for you to complete. Edwin VanCleef must be assassinated. While it saddens me to condemn any man to a death sentence, it is for the greater good of the people of Westfall that VanCleef is laid to rest once and for all. Bring me the villain’s head once the deed is done.”
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