The Legend of Stalvan

Last night a horrible disturbance rippled through my veins. I sensed that my granddaughter, Alyssa, was in great danger. I consulted the cards and Death stared up at me from the table. After taking a long journey through a dark trance I was able to uncover a clue to this terrifying mystery. A name came to me, the name of Stalvan. Seek out the Clerk in the Town Hall and see if you can find out more about this character. I fear for us all.

Ah so Madame Eva sent you. . . .

Stalvan, eh? Let me check the town registry. Stalvan. . .Stalvan. . .let's see. Ah, here we go! I have a record of a Mr. Stalvan Mistmantle. The last recorded address is the Moonbrook Schoolhouse. My, talk about outdated! Do me a favor will you, friend? If you happen to go out to Moonbrook, let me know if you get any update on this fellow. I like to keep the records clean.

The old footlocker creaks open. . . .

You find a Dusty Unsent Letter in the old footlocker.

Interesting. So the chap did spend some time in Moonbrook after all. It is rather odd the letter never got delivered. Nonetheless, I shall update the registry.

Oh my! Must have missed this the first time. In the registry, right beneath the first address for Stalvan there's another one listed, only partially scratched out. Looks like he was headed to The Lion's Pride Inn over in Goldshire. Might want to check there, <name>.

Stalvan? Sure sounds familiar.

The name Stalvan rings a bell. I remember now. Many years back, on a stormy night, a messenger came in, seeking refuge for the night. Near the stroke of midnight, the man ran down the stairs screaming, his face pale with fear. Still wearing his bedclothes, he disappeared into the downpour. In his haste he forgot his letters in the chest upstairs. He never returned for them. One remains from that Stalvan fellow, intended for the Canal District in Stormwind. Help yourself to it.

You've got some nerve bringing this here.

My father was the caretaker of the estate long before I was. He had to mop the blood up after the massacre. But that's neither here nor there. The last funds of the Flintridge trust have dried up. Now the last of the family possessions are headed for auction. Blame the tax vultures. I guess if you're really itching to learn more you're free to look through this junk. Who knows what you might find.

You slowly slide the lid of the crate off. . . .

Inside the crate you find various objects: musty heirlooms, a family portrait, a few hunting trophies and some old books. Near the bottom, underneath a ceramic vase, you uncover A Torn Journal Page.

I can barely make out those letters. But that writing style reminds me of something I once saw before my vision became so poor.

There was a bundle of parchments in the chest upstairs when I moved into this place. I looked at them once when I first arrived but I gave up once the fog hazed over my peepers. Do an old, nearly-blind man a favor and check the chest upstairs for anything that might help you in your quest to discover more about this Stalvan character. I'm pretty sure there's a faded journal page that might be of interest to you. Bring it to me and I'll help in anyway I can.

You found it!

I know of someone who might be able to assist you. Back when I was leading the Stormwind Guard, we used to get drinks at the Scarlet Raven Tavern in Darkshire. The Innkeeper there, Smitts, was quite an expert on the local lore. Show him this page and see what he has to say about it.

By the Light! You bet I recognize that handwriting.

I followed the legend of that Stalvan character for years. When those visiting nobles were slaughtered a few years back I went with Haggard to investigate. I found these muddy pages but we were never able to link the handwriting to that crazy man in the woods. Your trail of evidence proves his guilt. Take this to Commander Ebonlocke immediately and fill her in on what you've discovered!

My, you have proved yourself to be quite a detective, <class>.

I have had my eye on that creep, Stalvan, for quite sometime. But if this page was written by the same hand it proves his guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt. In all his days keeping the Town Registry, Clerk Daltry has become an expert at identifying handwriting. Show him this page and see if the writing matches that of the registry signature.

Why yes! The writing on this page does in fact match that of the registry signatures.

Let Commander Ebonlocke know immediately that the handwriting matched, <name>! Her suspicions were correct!

I knew it! Fine work, <name>.

Stalvan Mistmantle led a life of depravity. Innocent victims died by his hand. Undoubtedly he is guilty of countless crimes. Now the lunatic threatens Darkshire. The Light only knows what sordid acts he is plotting. Travel to his cottage just north of town, <class>, and execute Stalvan, once and for all. When the deed is done, travel to Madame Eva's and show her his family ring. After all, it was her premonition that led to this gruesome discovery. But Darkshire is safer because of her.

I know, <name>: Stalvan is dead. I sensed a wave of hope ripple through the tainted forest. Once and for all, Duskwood is free from his blood thirst. My joy is hampered by thoughts of those who fell prey to the horrible beast. Nonetheless, you are a brave and cunning <class>.