#wrapeople

[the-royal-courier]

Azeroth Works: With a Heart

By Sky Stoneseat

With all the love based holiday stuff about to start, I sat back and took stock of just how I would be spending the holidays. As always I will be mostly in doors with a book, but I know that is not true for many of you my dear readers. Many of you will be out and about holding hands and taking boat rides. Some will take the chance to look for love. The question is where does one even start the search? Do you go out to a pub? Hang about in a coffee shop or hope that you just bump into the one?

There is of course a better way and I sat down with Sikona Emberlight, owner of "Heart's Haven" and holder of the job title Queen Matchmaker. She has been in this line of work for the last three years and while she is yet to set up an office, she lets me know that by mail is the best way to reach her. I was lucky to get a sit down with her before what is sure to be a busy time for her gets started.

Sum up your job in three sentences

Match making is a professional service for those that are looking for love but have no time, or no clue how to do it. We take applications and match folk that way in the beginning, chauffeur the first date and end things if they get awkward. If a match is not made on the first attempt, the applicant is put back into the beginning of the process and matched until the light flicks and things work out.

Was this what you always wanted to do?

I’ve always been the person for someone to come to, be it relationship advice or anything else. I can sense when people hit it off and see when it is not a match. I’ve been rather successful in my profession.

What is something that people may not know about your job?

Most will ask if I’m a pimp. This is not true, a matchmaking service takes the personal legwork out of dating by outsourcing “the search” for interesting, like-minded individuals to a team of professionals. Just as you might use a fitness trainer to get in shape or a financial planner to improve your financial situation, busy single professionals outsource their dating lives to Heart’s Haven matchmakers.

What advice would you give someone coming into this line of work?

Networking, it’s all about networking. If you have a business like this, they there is many potentials that we can work together and make matches happen. Anyone that adores the thought of romance and helping others live happy lives would realize that the right couple may not be using the same service. Priority is to the applicants, we are here to help them, not ourselves. So, if another business like this pops-up… I’m more than happy to work side by side with them.

So there you have it folks. If you think you would like to give romance drop her a line.

@queenmatchmaker @skystoneseat

[the-royal-courier]

People of Azeroth: Rufaic Snowsteel, The Light for the Next Generation

By Risri Elthron

The air in Ironforge is always filled with a tinge of metal. The great forge making the city always feel warm. The welcome by the people who fill the city’s halls is always cheerful. It was no exception when I met with Rufaic Snowsteell.

The stalwart Dwarf is a leader of the Bouldershoulder Brigade, a paladin and a man focused upon insuring the next generation of Dwarves has it better than he did. Growing up in Thelsamar, Rufaic thought his life would be one of smithing. Then the Horde attacked and his path changed.

Now a paladin, Rufaic is quick to say everything he does is for the children. “After all the struggles that my brother and I went through growing up, just to reach adulthood and find ourselves faced with the Horde? I want to see my friends and my fellow Dwarves survive to see a peaceful world. To have a life at least as nice as I had growing up. But that won't happen if I just decide to retire, to stop fighting. I've been blessed by the Light, and I'd be disgracing both myself and the Light to give up on that struggle for a better world."

His prowess has seen him through the years and kept him fighting for all of Azeroth. As a member of Bouldershould Brigade, Rufaic has been involved heavily in the defense of Khaz Modan during the recent Legion invasions. Even coming up with a plan and helping to execute a dreaded Fel Reaver set loose in Twilight Highlands a few months back. He shared the tale with enthusiasm.

“I gathered what Dwarves I could, mostly fellow Bouldershoulders here, and asked Tyrman Bladebreaker, of the Steelgrasp Brigade, to gather his best Gnomes and explosives. I had a wonderful, terrible, plan. I got my folks mounted, and prepared to play the role of bait. The lot of us rode all the way to Firebeard's Patrol, where we shouted obscenities and threw whatever we could to get the machine's attention. Once it was nice and pissed, making that sound that Reavers do, we turned tail and baited it along all the way to the Crucible of Carnage. I may have made a bad decision by not checking to see if my fellow Dwarves knew how to stay in the saddle, but not one got stepped on. That's the important part! Once the Reaver stepped inside the arena, the plan went off without a hitch. Tyrman's crew got a mage ta teleport them inside the machine, to plant explosives among its innards. All the while, my folks and I played "who can dodge a giant metal foot" and "who can yell for a medic loudest." It all worked out in the end. We had to manually disarm the fel machine, but it went down with no casualties!”

He added humbly, “I would put a disclaimer that only a Bouldershoulder is dumb enough to use that plan, though. Some folk might've called me insane or suicidal for going through with it, but I proved them wrong. Apparently pissing off a gigantic death machine ain't what folk would call sound military tactics.” His unorthodox plan, however, saw the Fel Reaver downed and Twilight Highlands safe once again.

His unique and brave strategies have played a big part of his military career. He joked there was no fun to be had by just straight up attacking, “In all seriousness, we try to keep our foes on their toes. There's no fun in just beating things senseless with our Dwarven martial ability.”

Unmarried, the paladin does hope to settle down one day and carry on his family’s name. His legacy is assured, however, in his work with the younger generations of Dwarves. “If it would inspire some of the younger adventurers out there to fight with your head, instead of your fist, absolutely. Be unpredictable. Maybe drink a bit. Never do what your foe's expecting.” He stated if all the wars were over he would channel his energy into opening a proper smithy and teaching, “I'd likely try to open my own proper smithy. Of course, I'd also like ta teach younger folk the ways of the Light.”

When asked about the most challenging thing he’s encountered in his life so far, his answer brought a somber reminder of all we have lost, “The most difficult thing to overcome, for me, was the initial Legion invasion. There's a part of me that wants to defend everyone, but I couldn't do it. On the Broken Shore, I failed. I'm certain everyone's heard of what happened to the Argent Crusade there. And while I was gone, my brother was obliterated back here during a Legion attack on the airfield. Further on top of that, I lost my best friends in a damn little cave during that scouting mission in Suramar. Perhaps there's a reason the Order sent me back home. I had to have time to recover from all of this, and find a new family.”

The final question of the interview, had him answering as a true paladin, “ I like to believe that people are basically good. There's a light within every heart, and a shadow as well. If the shadow was stronger, than I don't think we'd still be sitting here. The Light within us all outweighs our sins, and our hatreds. Even in the worst criminal's heart, the Light still shines. It's just a matter if folk will give it a chance to shine.”

Rufaic Snowsteel is a Dwarf worthy of his order and offered only one final word, “BOULDERSHOULDER!”

(Art by @theshadowborn)

[the-royal-courier]

Azeroth Works: A little bit of Magic

By Sky Stoneseat

With the war we are currently in ramping up, we owe a great deal to the men and women that are working to keep us safe.  Battle Mages have always been an integral part to keeping us safe and sound. I spoke with Sarahni Rennith who at only 31 is a very accomplished magic wielder. It's a complex line of work and she struggled to sum up her job in a few short sentences.  "To sum up my job in only three sentences is no easy task. To put it as simply as I could, I would say it gives you the opportunity to advance yourself physically and mentally. You then use what you learned in real everyday situations, most recently in terms of the fight against the Legion."

It came as no surprise that most of her work is not out of an office.

"My work is mostly out on the field these days. The campaign to Argus rages on, and I plan on seeing every second of it. Other than that, I keep my work localised to my own home, where I keep my Alchemical equipment and personal notes, and Dalaran’s many libraries."

As with many in the magical arts her training started at a young age, though under tragic circumstances.

"I began my studies at the age of ten. My parents had been killed on our farm in the Foothills, and a Magus who knew me somewhat took me in. She started my studies and training immediately. It wasn’t what I always wanted to do, this work. When I was a child, I assumed I would follow in my parent’s footsteps by tending to the farm and trading with the port town of Southshore. That obviously changed. Now, I would not change my profession for a second."

She did want it to be made clear that this sort of work was very hands on.

"I think something that people don’t know about my line of work is exactly how hands on it is. When people think of Dalaran and the Magisters who frequent it, they think of dusty old tomes, and dustier men and women reading them. While that may be partially true, we are mostly out and about practicing what we have studied. People like me especially, who have chosen to devote our lives to combining our teachings of the Arcane with physical combat, are out there everyday to ensure that order is kept. With portal lines being secured to Argus, we have made huge advancements against the Legion."

As I thanked her for her time she left me with this, and I think that it really speaks to the fact that magic is not really out of reach.

"My advice for someone coming into this line of work would be to ask questions. Let your curiosity show itself, and dare to let yourself make mistakes. Every great Magus in Dalaran started exactly where you are now. An Apprentice. A simple worker. Or maybe even a regular farm girl."

@sarahnirennith

Editor Note: Do you have an interesting job? Is your work something out of the ordinary? Do you simply take great pride in what you do?  Columnist Sky Stoneseat wants to interview you!

Reach out today and be a part of this exciting column. We want to highlight you and your line of work!

(OOC Note: We are looking for individuals who want to share the ins and outs of their RP job. These interviews will be conducted solely over tumblr.  You’ll be sent a set of questions and asked to reply in private to Sky. Once she has your responses, you may get a few follow up question over Tumblr chat. The responses will be used to write up short and sweet profiles of interesting jobs around Azeroth. Contact @skystoneseat today to schedule your profile!)

[the-royal-courier]

A Different Kind of Healing

By Risri Elthron

There are many healing methods in our world, from bandages and doctors to holy or nature magic, to a combination of those treatments. Even shadow magic and, dare I say, blood magic have been known to provide beneficial results to those the Light burns. Many trust only one type of magic or only mundane methods to care for themselves or their loved ones. Others seek any method to heal pain or suffering they are experiencing. It is a personal preference and a right to choose the method and degree of healing you feel comfortable with. I will admit when I began the interview with Miss Sharaliana Shimmerleaf I was shocked. But as I spoke with her I gained insight and as I wrote this interview, I decided there might be someone who will read this and seek out her unusual healing method for something that plagues them.

A Kaldorei from Ashenvale, Miss Shimmerleaf uses a magic that many would see as heresy. “My life was one of quiet study, knowledge collection and calm understanding of the world. That is, until the orcs burned my home to the ground, and captured several of my very young siblings, making them fight for their own twisted amusement.” Her mission now is to see that no one suffers from such cruelty dealt by circumstances, it is why she chose this particular line of study. To help people.

She described her knowledge seeking started early, ancient texts and a master were her aids in learning the controversial art of flesh-shaping. “I am able to practice flesh-shaping because I sought out the knowledge to do so. I event went so far as to befriend one of the mogu. That I live in Northrend, away from people also aids my ability to practice my chosen field of the arcane. When properly used, it is intensely potent for healing injuries, replacing body parts, growing organs in a laboratory, among other wondrous things.”

“Flesh-shaping isn't evil, it isn't particularly dark in nature, that I know of. It's a little gross sometimes, but it is intensely potent, and should be worthy of study in it's own right, and understanding, as I believe it can help so many people recover from otherwise crippling injuries.” Miss Shimmerleaf has healed several in her days of practicing, “I've used flesh-shaping to spare people from death via mortal injuries, I've healed children, adults, the old, the sick, I've also given amputee's their limbs back.” This is what drew my attention to her, I had heard tell of a healer giving a fellow Kaldorei her eyesight back. It turns out Miss Shimmerleaf had used her flesh-shaping to give a new eye to the elf. “I less healed her eye, more replaced it. Her old eye would've taken too long to heal, so I just removed it, and installed a replacement eye I had on my person, in a special alchemical mixture which kept it alive.”

There are downsides, of course, to this type of healing, “Flesh-shaping is the most excruciatingly agonizing thing you can experience in terms of physical pain. However...this agony can be negated entirely by using anima, the reagent needed for all flesh shaping, to disable the body's pain receptors, and essentially numb someone up. Once they're numb, flesh-shaping is entirely painless, you may feel a bit sore afterwards however. Once the receptors come back to full working order.” Side effects have also been known to happen, such as unexpected growths in the healed area.

“I would say, that, thus far, I have seen no evidence in all my years to indicate flesh-shaping is dangerous. I mean sure, if you're a complete idiot who doesn't understand the physiology of your patient, then yes flesh-shaping is horribly dangerous. But, that's the same with herbal tinctures, pharmaceuticals, potions, etc. If you're knowledgeable, and know what you're doing, then flesh-shaping is perfectly safe.” She added, “Just be sure to keep your anima in a cold dark location. Anima get's pissed off if it's left at room temperature for too long, and in bright light. It likes nice dark icy cold holding tanks. Similarly to storing blood, actually.”

Miss Shimmerleaf only wants to help people, those who are in pain and looking for an alternative that will give them a chance at a normal life again. For special cases, she does not even charge. “If it is an amputee, war veteran, or someone in need, it is usually free, I gain much joy from seeing their overjoyed faces as I fix them up, and give them a new lease on life. It makes me happy.”

She was passionate about her practice and while many, myself included, may find what she does somewhat unsettling or worse, the magic does seem another way to gain healing when other options are not working or not possible.

If Miss Shimmerleaf’s method of healing is something you or a loved one might benefit from, you can reach her via post in Stormwind or Darnassus at S. Shimmerleaf  (Sharaliana in game) to discuss if you are a good candidate for this different method of healing.

[the-royal-courier]

Associations of Azeroth: Harboson Company, Investing in Others for Success

By Risri Elthron

Tucked into a corner on the canal side of the Trade District is the Medical Supply store “The Vital Spice” owned and operated by Harboson Company. The Royal Courier spent some time with the owner Elstine Harboson and members of his organization to learn more about the growing business that is looking to aid with economic growth throughout the Alliance.

Entering The Vital Spice, one can see the meticulous care and detail put into organizing and maintaining the medical supply shop. The store itself is covered in plants hanging from the ceiling in various stages of the drying process - the air being influenced by the sage, mint, thyme, basil, and dozens of other herbs and flowers. The counter wielding small boxes, opened to reveal different quality bandages and medical supplies. Operated by three of Harboson Company’s employees, the store open on Saturday evenings selling and taking orders for supplies from individuals and other organizations.

Employing approximately twenty-five individuals, Harboson Company is more than just the proprietor of a shop. The company is a legal fighting force for hire, contracting out to any who wish the support of their elite team. In addition to the contract work, Harboson Company is an investment and trading organization. They look for business opportunities to help support and grow the Alliance economy.  Owner Elstine Harboson detailed their interest in investment as looking for opportunities to support new or struggling businesses. “Someone that is just interested in owning their own business, or just wants to sell products. We're very liberal and freeing; our newest client for example only provides us with ten percent of their income and some various trading restrictions when and where necessary; otherwise the store is theirs and we just help promote them and better their business.”

The well-structured family-owned company has both a merchant and soldier branch, with individuals encouraged to develop in their own skills and follow the path suited best for their interests. “The Soldiering Branch is fairly standard, a Bloodsworn acts as a General of sorts, below that is the Captains of a squad, and within that squad are members of the professional paid soldiers. -- On the other spectrum we have the Viceroy who's one simple purpose is to keep the coin flowing and expanding. Below that we have the store owners, merchants, entrepreneurs and so forth - then their employees,” Harboson explained.

 Moving up within the organization is based on merit, as Mr. Harboson explained, “We promote based on ambition and willingness to better oneself, learn, and of course lead. Everyone we have in a leadership position has been with us for a long time and served in the field - battlefield or otherwise. I can't say we really have a checklist; it's more we present the need for 'blank' position to be filled and see who steps up; we don't hold hands.”

The individuals best suited to working with the company are those who are not only hard workers but also, as Mr. Harboson described “ambitious, curious - rather than loyal, and dormant. Our end goal is to create leaders that in turn expand the business - we do well when our employees do well. So they need to have a desire to grow and better themselves, really just that burning passion to be something more.”

New employees are given a trial period to find their way within the organization. Once the trial is successfully passed, the individual is given the Harboson Contract to cement their employment within the organization, “The contract is there in favor of the employee rather than the employer; we provided monthly pay, plus a signing bonus to last you to the first pay check. Training for the work place was given for free, health insurance to pay for any medical bills within reason and that happened in service, and then of course life insurance that provided a severance pay to your family should the worse come. As we've grown and adapted into much more than just a Company that works primarily with professional mercenaries however, we've looked recently to editing the contract with updated terms.”

Joining in the discussion were Elstine’s wife Scassira, Varro Balisteri and Jarisleif, members of the Soldiering branch, and Ms. Caeliam Flamboisia. Each of the members described an organization that was professional, yet full of camaraderie that gives each of them a sense of purpose larger than themselves.

Scassira shared her thoughts on the organization, “Best, I would say is the way we do approach the other organizations such as the Guard or the like. Offering donations of product, securing business trades and deals. Ensuring our military is supplied and well nourished with medicinal items. It is a feel-good thing, I would say. As for worst, the chaos that can accompany such things as securing those deals. That includes many meetings and a long paper trail, but none of which cannot be managed. Simply tedious work, you see."

Caeliam Flamboisia who joined the company in late January spoke of her role and her thoughts in a kind voice that reiterated her words, “I help the other when they need help of a mage for anything... and because I did want to be stronger for everyone. The best part is to work with a nice company, I must say that we do have many good person here and kind people.”

Jarisleif, another longer term member and main herald for the shop, complained good-naturedly about the lack of permission to swear but that it was made up for in his opportunities to bash heads when an employee was in trouble, “ I usually just clobber things and yell in the streets to keep people coming in the shop. Best part is that Employees always get in trouble somehow so you always have an excuse to fight. Worst part is that I cannot swear whenever I want.”

Varro Balisteri, a new member, shared his specialty and his thoughts on being a part of the company, “I have a heavy hammer that tends to land on the heads of those that disrupt business ordeals. I am looking forward to my signing-on bonus. The worst bits would be...we have an -awful- time 'camping.'”

While not all the employees were available, the sense of the spirit of the organization could be felt in the room as we spoke for more than an hour. A strong proponent of working hard and achieving your potential, Harboson Company is an organization serving all of the Alliance with integrity and honor. Stop by the shop next Wednesday evening for your medical supply needs and if you’re interested in a job, speak with one of the employees for your opportunity!

(OOC:  The group is focused on realistic roleplay.  A lore friendly, and heavy roleplay guild, Harboson Company does not discriminate on roleplay experience. Elstine expressed his passion for helping new roleplayers “I also really want to stress a huge passion of mine is working with new RPers; so you don't necessarily have to be highly skilled to join; I've also taught several ESL folks, like Deccius the Brazilian; and of course. I've helped Cae out a little too - she's French, but I've dozens of RP students, a few in the guild with us.”  

Caeliam a non-native English speaker reiterated that love of the guild and its guild leader, “El is a really good teacher and I have improve a lot with him helping me!”

Elstine shared what he looks for with new members “I'm very particular with my members; we do very extensive interviews OOCly - personally I think it's way more important to have decent people OOCly than anything else. We want a family in guild, we wall want to be close, and to have a good time - and I think we have that, especially now. I think we're all really inclusive, open-minded, but also willing to work; a guild is a lot of work especially a decent one - it can't be a free ride for everyone. Some things have to be done. In short: patient, ambitious/self-starter, eager, friendly, not vindictive/egotistical.”

Varro added, “I think the major attraction to this guild is the change of pace it provides from the typical 'mercenary' guild.”

Elstine was thoughtful about the type of roleplay that is important to him, “I think it's important, and I try to stress it a lot that a lot of people can take it as... Elitism with our style of RP; and to a degree there are plenty of groups that do kinda turn their noses up. We try to act different in that as mentioned, we help new roleplayers out where we can, and try to offer assistance and just generally be welcoming to new folks on the server; it's our community, our neighborhood - we need to take care of it, not try to scare people out.  really that's kinda our selling point; I think to most of these guys they were looking for that intense, realistic/logical combat, or that non-handholding feeling on the business side. We really want you to go out and take a dive into things, learn things, and expand not only as a character but OOCly. -- I think the combat is a big draw for people though, as well as the general theme and I'd say... Extremism of the guild when it comes to business. Like, we have a legit document for the employee contracts, and business contracts - we have an orientation guide for new members that acts like an orientation guide that you'd get on your first day of work.”

Scassira added, “I have been told the 'selling point' for us is the immersive feel and realism by several people.”

Varro spoke of his experiences, while still new on this particular character, he had been a member previously and rejoined when he found a character that fit better within the structure of Harboson Company, “Well. As Elstine said earlier, there is an emphasis on realism. At least to a degree. That on top of the actual business that is being run in the background? It's nice. Most guilds usually hire 'mercenaries' to beat people up in taverns and get drunk. There is an air of professionalism to Harboson.”

Elstine added, “I think the dedication of the leadership helps out alot too; so many guilds just roll over that have good ideas and concepts, but the leadership isn't there. We've tried and tested leaders, I've been leading guilds since BC - and all our leaders have been in leadership positions, or are just hard workers.”

 The members of Harboson Company were such a pleasure to speak with. Thank you to the members who participated. If you are looking for guild focused on realistic roleplay reach out to Elstine, Scassira or Tideguard to talk about how you could fit.)

@harboson-c @scassira-harboson

[the-royal-courier]

Azeroth Works: A Butler Extraordinaire

By Sky Stoneseat

The apartment I head to for my next interview is simple, tasteful and tidy. Greeted with a few moments of small talk and the offer of tea I settle in with my notepad. Lark Haven sits across from me, a man in later years but still in good shape and a sharp mind. I had mixed feelings on interviewing someone of the serving profession. Many of you know I have a mixed set of feelings regarding the up classes and what it means to work with in a house hold. Mr Haven however seems to have not only picked his profession but has worked in it for over 50 years. Sitting down he very kindly took some of his free time to let me know just what his work was like.

Would you sum up your job in three sentences:

I ensure that House Holt has the best service from its servants. Usually my work involves basic cleaning and attending to the Holts, this can vary of course. I also maintain the grounds and homes of the Holt family.

Where you work out of?

I have a small room on the Holt estate, I live and work there.

How long have you been in your line of work?

52 years, I started as a page at the age of twelve.

Was this what you always wanted to do?

I love my job, and have never enjoyed anything else.

What is something that people may not know about your job?

You spent a lot of time interacting with servants from all walks of life, you hear a lot of things.

What advice would you give someone coming into this type of work?

Prepare to memorize multitudes of worthless information on your clients, you have to know their every single desire, many times before they do!

A man who has made out well for himself now working for one of the best known families in Duskwood. Perhaps working for a house is not such a bad job after all. 

Editor Note: Do you have an interesting job? Is your work something out of the ordinary? Do you simply take great pride in what you do?  Columnist Sky Stoneseat wants to interview you!

Reach out today and be a part of this exciting new column. We want to highlight you and your line of work!

(OOC Note: We are looking for individuals who want to share the ins and outs of their RP job. These interviews will be conducted solely over tumblr.  You’ll be sent a set of questions and asked to reply in private to Sky. Once she has your responses, you may get a few follow up question over Tumblr chat. The responses will be used to write up short and sweet profiles of interesting jobs around Azeroth. Contact @skystoneseat today to schedule your profile!)

[the-royal-courier]

People of Azeroth: Jeannette Lane, former horse jumping champion.

By Kankor Williams

A recent photo of the Jeannette Lane. [source]

“What’s your career path ever since you retired from jumping?"  "Well, I didn’t go to school after my recovery, the scholarship was gone, so as you know, I was a waitress for about a year at the Ship In'A Bottle, I was a book putter-awayer, I guess? For this library in the mage quarter. Uh, let’s see. I’m a courier for now… Looking for something new at the moment.” “I see, I see. What advice would you give to someone considering entering equestrianism?”

“Pick the right horse. Sabel, my, uh, old show horse, she was difficult with others but melded well with me. You’re supposed to be a team out there, it’s not just you, and it’s not just the horse. It’s a balance. And uh, wear a helmet, and never ride alone. You can kiss your dreams goodbye if you do something stupid…”

“You said in a local newspaper interview when you were fifteen that your advice to anyone starting out in horse sports was to check the girth, never ride alone, and wear a helmet. Since your accident, has your advice changed?”

“No, not at all. In fact, my mistake should be a lesson to up-and-coming riders, and a reminder to seasoned professionals. Wearing a helmet would’ve saved my health and career. My tale should be a cautionary one.”

“Your words are wise, that’s for certain… ah… Do you see yourself returning to show jumping?”

“Do I see myself returning..? For -performing- the sport? I’m not sure. Perhaps as a coach, like I used to have. I haven’t ridden a horse or even been near once since, so it’s hard to say I’ll jump again… but to say I never thought about dusting off the saddle would be a lie. Those were the good ol’ days, Kankor! … I made my parents very proud. My peak, so far.”

“Aye… Your peek, so far. But, anyway, high hopes for you there. Ahem. Where have you been hiding out ever since you retired? Do people recognize you still?”

A photo of Jean riding Sabel as a young girl. [source]

“Thank you, Kankor. Well, Stormwind, honestly. My family moved here because traveling from deep into Elwynn to the city was time consuming, and we were running out of money. We sold everything and moved here and I’ve been living in the same place ever since. Up until recently, I’m in the process of moving to a new apartment, out of my par- my mom’s house, sorry. “ “As for the recognizing part? No, at least not like I used to, obviously, but there are times someone will recognize me. For example, I went out to get drinks with this guy some few nights ago, like a date, I guess, and he asked for an autograph halfway through. I obliged, of course,  but it’s funny in hindsight.”

“Very exciting to hear. You’ve got a bright path ahead of you, Miss Lane. But, anyway, tell about your recovery process!

"The only doctors who were specialists worked in Stormwind. And I lived on the opposite side of Elwynn, and traveling back and forth at first was very hard. And, uh, my parents didn’t have my brother to take care of anymore, so they just… packed up and sold everything. Moved to where we’re sitting right now actually. But because of that, there was a lot of financial problems, which ultimately ended in my parent’s divorce. After my spinal surgery and after my depressed skull fracture was healed, I had to learn a lot of basic function again. I had a really lovely nurse, her name is escaping me at the moment… But she helped me get used to my back brace. Taught me plenty of exercises to strengthen my core and back muscles. It was annoying. I was very upset to be there for as long as I was, several months. But figured when I got out I would ride again, but I now have chronic back pain. Horse sports sort of got taken away from me. I take medication every day now, and probably will for the rest of my life. And it’s something I’m currently working to get over.”

“Very tough times, it sounds. You must be a tough one, Miss Lane! Ahem, could you tell me what you’ve been pursuing after your recovery?”

“Right after my recovery, I was in just this pit of anger and sadness. I kept to myself for many years. Only until recently have I opened up just a bit more. I’ve made new friends. I dated, which, at the time, was unheard of. I traveled a lot. I was employed. I’m currently just trying to find a new place to live in the city and going back to school. Since my scholarship is now invalid, I guess, I’ll have to pay out of pocket. But I guess, to put it in a nutshell, I’m pursuing bettering myself right now. I think it’s about time I get out of this pit I’ve been in for five years.”

“That’s admirable of you! To better yourself is to better not only your own life, but all those around you as well! What was your biggest source of support during the recovery time?”

“My mother and father. They came and visited every day until they had to go. My grandmother visited me as well. My auntie and cousins… Pretty much my family and my nurse. As much as I resented their help and pity at the time, in hindsight, I do appreciate it.”

A younger Jean aged 14. A candid at a contest [source]

“Ah, that’s good to hear. Help in a time of need is something to truly be cherished, if not in the moment, then in the future. But, we’re coming to a close! Have you had any recent achievements?”

"Well, let’s see. Aside from my epiphany to better myself, I’ve signed a lease for my first home myself, I’m employed now, I’m a godmother to two beautiful babies. And I’m going to be another to one of my own. I am… I’m pregnant!”

“Congratulations! When is your due date?”

“Mid January. The 15th.”

Jeannette Lane was a former horse jumping champion in her younger years, earning many a title. She had to discontinue due to her injuries, but life is looking up for the retired horse jumper! The Royal Courier congratulates Ms. Lane on her pregnancy and thanks her for allowing us to catch up with the former champion.

@jeannette-lane

[the-royal-courier]

Azeroth Works: The Doctor Will See You Now

By Sky Stoneseat

In a world that is under constant threat of the unknown and that can't go a year without some sort of new peril, unsung heros frequently pop up in our midst. For all our reliance on the Light or Nature based healing, some things must be looked at through the careful eyes of a doctor. We see them on the front lines offering up skills in hazardous conditions, running clinics for folks in need, and also researching ways to make life better in general. I recently got the opportunity to talk with one about about his work and he shared some insight to the profession.

Professor Reveramon Venator is fifty, but moves like a much younger man. He speaks in a short, clipped manner and he stayed in his Worgen form for the entirety of the interview. I am told that he prefers this shape and seems more at ease in it than any other Worgen I have ever met.  He's been in the field since he was sixteen, starting as an army medic and becoming a certified doctor not long after the Gilnean wall went up.

He described his time in the profession, stating "About thirty four years and counting.. long time for creatures not starting off as ageless." He fell into this line of work by knowing more about biology then the folks around him which allowed him to aid in saving lives. Over time he found he liked the work and the opportunities to learn new things on the job.

His official titles are General Practitioner and Surgeon and he currently has an office in the Mystic District in Ironforge. His home is attached to it, allowing him to deal with emergencies at all hours.

He was more than happy to answer a few questions about just what it means to him to be a doctor.

Can you sum up your work in three sentences?

Three sentences? Well, you first off do diagnosis of people, seeing if anything is wrong with them...You give them treatment, [the] pain of it depends on what's wrong and how difficult they've been during diagnosis... can range from requiring surgery or simple advice... most times it's about diet and not to do dumb things. Surgery...That's [the] messy part and for serious issues or required to properly heal a bone…[it] is [the] hardest, longest, and messiest part of job because that's when you're going into body to find and fix [the] issue.

Would you mind sharing something that people may not know about being a Doctor?

Oh where to begin on misconceptions?  No, mothers’ cures [do] not work most of [the] time...  Also [you may] not realize just how fast [the] field of medicine evolves; so much so as being out of [the] loop for five years can make you out of date to be honest. Requires constant study. People [do] not realize how many chemicals, drugs, and potions I deal with.. which means memorizing their names, colours, scents and how they might be made lethal on accident. Note... Don't pick a fight with an army doctor, [who] can name every bone in your body as they break it.

What advice would you offer someone looking to go into medicine?

Learn to survive off five hours of sleep, then learn to stay awake for thirty plus hours on five hours of sleep. Be willing to constantly have to learn.. new treatments, recipes, and techniques. It is a fast changing field with new discoveries. Learn to be okay with all bodily fluids and those that don't naturally occur in body. Learn to be fine with seeing naked bodies of all species, both genders... before thinking its all models...no...and they're typically in poor condition. If [you] want to be successful? Learn to love traveling...because [one] can be most successful when willing to go to war zones and other places that will require your presence to save lives. Grow a thick skin...during treatments, especially those that cause pain because [you] will get hit and have harsh words thrown at you. Being physically fit is a plus... long hours on feet and people are heavy. Build immunities! You'll be dealing with sick people and lots of chemicals... get used to accidentally numbing self with anesthetics...Apprentice with an experienced doctor to get practical experience or join [the] army and be a medic, lots of practice.

After thanking him for his time, I made note of just where his office is located. For those of us who prefer more traditional medicine over magic, a good Doctor can be hard to find.

@engineeroutsider

Editor Note: Do you have an interesting job? Is your work something out of the ordinary? Do you simply take great pride in what you do?  Columnist Sky Stoneseat wants to interview you!

Reach out today and be a part of this exciting new column. We want to highlight you and your line of work!

(OOC Note: We are looking for individuals who want to share the ins and outs of their RP job. These interviews will be conducted solely over tumblr.  You’ll be sent a set of questions and asked to reply in private to Sky. Once she has your responses, you may get a few follow up question over Tumblr chat. The responses will be used to write up short and sweet profiles of interesting jobs around Azeroth. Contact @skystoneseat today to schedule your profile!)