Nautilus News [Issue #1]
Posted: Fri May 29, 2026 8:40 pm
Nautilus News Network Issue #1
A Letter From the Editor
Greetings Octos! As we head into our second month as a community, I wanted to give something back to all of you. This is where Nautilus News Network comes from! This will be a community focused Newsletter that will speak of the happenings across our wonderful little world. I look forward to seeing you for each iteration and hope to grow this Newsletter into something the community looks forward to! As I work on structuring this, it will be a bit more experimental until I can figure out articles that best represent and get information back to the community.
DARK WHISPERS IN THE CITY: REPORTS OF SWINE CULT OPERATING WITHIN STORMWIND
By Staff Correspondent: Curlie Tail
Stormwind City - 29th Day of Late Spring
Concern spreads throughout Stormwind following a growing number of eyewitness reports alleging the presence of a clandestine organization operating beneath the city’s streets and canals. Described by several frightened citizens as “hooded swine” or “walking pigs,” the group is rumored to practice forbidden shadow magics upon both willing and unwilling humanoid subjects.
City guards have yet to issue a formal statement, though patrol activity within the Mage Quarter and Old Town has visibly increased over recent nights.
According to testimony gathered by the Nautilus News, multiple disappearances have been linked to sewer entrances, abandoned storehouses, and derelict basements near the canals. Witnesses describe hearing animalistic squeals accompanied by chanting in unknown tongues, often followed by flickering violet lights and the smell of burning incense.
One dockworker, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, claimed to have seen “three pig-faced figures dragging a bound man through a drainage tunnel beneath the Trade District.”
“I thought they were wearing masks at first,” the man stated. “But then one turned toward the torchlight. Those weren’t masks.”
Rumors intensified after several citizens appeared in Cathedral Square suffering from violent fits, delirium, and strange mutterings regarding “the Hollow Trough” and “the feast beneath the city.” Priests of the Holy Light attending to the afflicted have privately expressed concern over traces of shadow corruption lingering upon the victims.
Though many dismiss the claims as hysteria or tavern exaggeration, certain members of Stormwind’s scholarly and magical communities warn against underestimating cult activity. One unnamed associate within the Mage Quarter suggested the group may possess knowledge tied to old rites predating the First War.
Others fear a connection to the growing instability seen across Azeroth in recent years — necromantic movements in Lordaeron, cultist activity tied to the Twilight’s Hammer, and increasing reports of forbidden magic trafficking through Blackrock agents and pirate channels.
Particularly troubling are allegations that several city officials may already be compromised. While no evidence has surfaced publicly, whispers throughout Old Town accuse certain bureaucrats of obstructing investigations and redirecting guard patrols away from suspected gathering sites.
Captain Harland Greaves of the City Watch denied such accusations when approached by the Nautilus News.
“Stormwind remains secure,” Greaves stated. “Citizens are advised not to indulge panic or spread dangerous rumors. Any credible information should be brought directly to the Guard.”
Nevertheless, fear continues to spread among merchants and laborers alike. Some inns now bar entry after dusk, while canal traffic near the city’s lower districts has sharply declined.
At press time, reports emerged of strange markings discovered along the canal walls beneath Old Town — crude symbols painted in what investigators initially believed to be mud, though later examinations suggest otherwise.
The Nautilus News will continue to monitor developments as this disturbing story unfolds.
COWARDICE ABOVE THE GATES: ALLIANCE RAIDERS CONTINUE ATTACKS ON ORGRIMMAR FLIGHT MASTER
By War Correspondent Chris P. Bacon
Orgrimmar - Valley of Strength
Outrage spreads throughout the Horde following yet another unprovoked assault upon Orgrimmar’s flight master by roaming bands of Alliance adventurers seeking glory through dishonorable means.
Witnesses report that shortly after nightfall, a coordinated Alliance strike force descended upon the Valley of Strength, bypassing civilian quarters before focusing their attack upon the city’s wyvern roosts. The assault left several handlers injured, interrupted vital travel routes across Kalimdor, and once again forced Horde defenders into prolonged street fighting within the capital itself.
Veterans of the city guard condemned the repeated attacks as acts of desperation from an Alliance increasingly incapable of securing meaningful victories upon legitimate battlefields.
“They strike at flight masters because they fear warriors,” stated Kor’gash Bloodfury of the Orgrimmar Grunts. “A coward cannot conquer Orgrimmar, so instead he hides behind rooftops and murders stablekeepers.”
Citizens describe the attackers employing familiar tactics: ambushes launched from elevated structures, coordinated magical bombardments from hidden positions, and rapid retreats once organized Horde resistance formed. Several eyewitnesses noted that the raiders repeatedly ignored military targets in favor of disrupting civilian transport and provoking chaos among newer adventurers arriving within the city.
Trade officials estimate the attacks have delayed supply caravans and disrupted communications between Horde territories for several days this month alone.
SHELLCOIN SOARS AS MARKETS LOSE THEIR MINDS
Booty Bay - Shellcoin prices exploded overnight, sending goblin brokers and adventurers alike into a buying frenzy across Azeroth.
Once dismissed as a niche goblin currency experiment, Shellcoin now trades at values rivaling rare mounts and epic weaponry on several neutral exchanges. Trade hubs in Booty Bay and Gadgetzan reportedly remained packed through the night as investors scrambled to buy before prices climbed even higher.
“I made 400 gold while sleeping,” claimed one ecstatic Orc trader outside the auction house.
Not everyone is celebrating.
Stormwind economists warned the market shows signs of dangerous speculation, while rumors spread that goblin cartels may be artificially driving prices upward behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, taverns across Azeroth are flooded with adventurers shouting the rally cry:
“TO THE MOONWELL!”
Whether Shellcoin becomes the future of trade or Azeroth’s next financial disaster remains to be seen.
Pig’s Pen
Penned from the bustling corners of Azeroth, Pig’s Pen is the Nautilus News’ trusted source for tales from the realm’s adventurers, guilds, and wandering heroes. Through interviews, reports, and eyewitness accounts, the column chronicles the victories, feuds, discoveries, and scandals unfolding across kingdoms both Horde and Alliance. No rumor is too small, no battle too grand. If it stirs the people of Azeroth, you’ll read about it here first.
Techno-witchery with Sofia
[Pig]: So! How have things been for you since coming to OctoWoW?
[Sofia]: It's been a wild ride tbh, honestly didn't expect all the drama on the discord side, but things have calmed down it seems. Game side, it's been alright I haven't had a ton of time to play but I'm starting to play more now, hopefully I don't run into bugs, but if I do I'll make sure to report them!
[Pig]: Haha that's great! Lets start off with a little bit about yourself Sofia! What kind of warlock finds themselves in your position?
[Sofia]: Oh I'm a witch with expertise in techno-magic, I basically wanted to use my abilities to create a space where players could get the most info from the devs as possible while keeping the discord player-ran, so I set up ways for us to get that info :p
[Pig]: Thats so amazing! I love techno-magic. Legend has it, that's how us Octopedes got here!
You had mentioned things had calmed down. What was it like taking over something like that and how did you help to steer it back on to proper course?
[Sofia]: If I'm being honest, I think I could have went better about it, I really didn't want for the restructuring to cause so much drama and backlash; but I also expected the ex-mods to want to still contribute to the community even without their moderations perms.. Either way, things have been getting better now that we are in the process of selecting new community mods
[Pig]: I'm sorry to hear that it was tough to do the restructuring, but it sounds like the community is in good hands!
In regards to your previous comment, do you have your eye on some community leaders already? And how can a dedicated Octo player show you they are capable of getting into a role like this?
[Sofia]: Anyone can discuss the applicants or recommendees and we can gauge how the community feel about them. I don't want to be giving perms to people on my decision alone. Of course, in the end of the day, the final decision is mine as the Discord owner, but I do want to involve the community in the process
[Pig]: That's very transparent of you! I'm sure the community loves having a voice too. What are your long term plans for the community discord as well as the community in general? Do you plan to use your unique position to arrange in game events or something to that effect?
[Sofia]: My plan is to harbor a hub for players. We have a discord forum for suggestions where anyone can suggest anything. Having in-game events is a really cool idea and we already have channels were they can be organized. I do think most people are focused on leveling right now ahah. We could definitely create roles that aren't about moderation but about organizing fun things for the community to do together
[Pig]: Understandably! Well since we're on the topic I'd just like to remind you and all players, us GMs are here to assist in anyway we can and that goes for community and RP events.
[Pig]: Well Sofia! You sound like you have the community in great hands. This interview was really insightful into the life of a techno-witch!
[Sofia]: I hope that's how people feel about it as well, but honestly if they don't, I'm open to all feedback!
[Pig]: Why don't we finish with something a bit more fun so the community can learn a little bit more about you? Tell us your favorite things about Azeroth!
[Sofia]: Well people are gonna call me an Alliance Andy for this but I really like the overarching story on the alliance side starting with the Defias and ending with Onyxia. Van Cleef did nothing wrong btw! I also really like Duskwood as a zone, the ambience is really top tier and having to be aware of Stiches is also really cool, not so cool in HC though ahah
Thank you Sofia for this wonderful interview!
Dragons, Firelords and Monsters; oh my! With Lopp of <Levia>
[Pig]: Hello Lopp! Thank you for being with me today. I think the community would love to hear your story.
[Lopp]: It's a pleasure! and a privilege to speak for everyone in Levia
[Pig]: Before we get into my questions, please tell us a little about yourself.
[Lopp]: Sure, I'm a engineer here in Canada in the energy sector and I'm a diehard classic fan. Just looking to have fun and play the game i grew up with!
[Pig]: That's awesome! I too have grown up with Azeroth! Did you always find yourself drawn to progression raiding? Especially pushing realm/server firsts? If not how did you find yourself in this play style?
[Lopp]: Umm, I just saw a opportunity to do something I have personally never done before and took the chance! And I love to be always pushing towards a goal or a objective of some sorts, and found a lot of likeminded people to help!
[Pig]: I'm happy you were able to create a community that shares your goals.
[Lopp]: haha, It wasn't hard many people were 60 before me and soon after me, all looking to make "history" of some kind.
[Pig]: Tell us a little about Levia. Did you come to OctoWoW with the intention to form a guild and push content Levia did?
[Lopp]: No I actually didn't, I came from turtle (Nord) in a K40 guild and was just looking to see what happened.
Levia is a guild I use to be in in another MMO (Mortal Online 2) and after reaching 60 I didn't want to wait for everyone in my previous guild to catch up
So we decided to form a guild to push content. Everyone in this guild that was there for the first MC put in 22 hour days of rep, material and dungeon grinding.
[Pig]: You guys earned it!
[Lopp]: Soap, Darkshado, Clown, Blacky, Himi, Warkeeper, Elwynn and everyone. We earned it together!
[Pig]: Do you plan to grow Levia further in the future?
[Lopp]: I think the right people will find their way here organically through playing with us, or just wanting to be on the cutting edge; and there will always be a space for them. We dont advertise or spam, we just play the game
[Pig]: That leads in to my next question. What sort of player would fit into Levia? Do you have room for more casual players who dont seek to raid but be part of a growing community?
[Lopp]: Anyone is welcome, but we have only a few guild rules: -There is no loot council -Everyone is equal -Take problems to DMs
[Pig]: Sounds pretty reasonable to a Pig like me!
[Lopp]: haha Farm animals too Pig!
[Pig]: How about your long term goals for the server? This can include progression, personal goals, what you hope to see from us.
[Lopp]: For progression i know everyone in this guild wants to be first on everything we can, so that's a group goal. For me personally, if I can ring the gong for AQ40 release, I could retire happy.
[Pig]: Awesome. Now my final question. If you could use one word or sentence to sum up Levia and their mission, what would it be?
[Lopp]: Our mission is simple, have fun be on top and to ask the residents of Orgrimmar "Where is your flight-master".
[Pig]: The denizens of Orgrimmar shall tremble when they read that line!
[Pig]: Well that concludes our interview. Thank you so much for speaking to Nautilus News and the OctoWoW community!
[Lopp]: Thank you for having me, and I hope to see you again!
TOOLBOX TALK: ENGINEERS HAMMER OUT MASSIVE CLASS REPAIRS
Adventurers Report Improved Stability Following Latest Development Push
By Senior Correspondent Halric Mournwell
Booty Bay Engineering Wire
The latest round of adjustments has arrived with enough repairs, recalibrations, and emergency field fixes to keep goblin engineers employed through the next harvest season.
(The devlog has been removed this week due to a communication error on my part. We will return with accurate changelogs next week!)
A Letter From the Editor
Greetings Octos! As we head into our second month as a community, I wanted to give something back to all of you. This is where Nautilus News Network comes from! This will be a community focused Newsletter that will speak of the happenings across our wonderful little world. I look forward to seeing you for each iteration and hope to grow this Newsletter into something the community looks forward to! As I work on structuring this, it will be a bit more experimental until I can figure out articles that best represent and get information back to the community.
DARK WHISPERS IN THE CITY: REPORTS OF SWINE CULT OPERATING WITHIN STORMWIND
By Staff Correspondent: Curlie Tail
Stormwind City - 29th Day of Late Spring
Concern spreads throughout Stormwind following a growing number of eyewitness reports alleging the presence of a clandestine organization operating beneath the city’s streets and canals. Described by several frightened citizens as “hooded swine” or “walking pigs,” the group is rumored to practice forbidden shadow magics upon both willing and unwilling humanoid subjects.
City guards have yet to issue a formal statement, though patrol activity within the Mage Quarter and Old Town has visibly increased over recent nights.
According to testimony gathered by the Nautilus News, multiple disappearances have been linked to sewer entrances, abandoned storehouses, and derelict basements near the canals. Witnesses describe hearing animalistic squeals accompanied by chanting in unknown tongues, often followed by flickering violet lights and the smell of burning incense.
One dockworker, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, claimed to have seen “three pig-faced figures dragging a bound man through a drainage tunnel beneath the Trade District.”
“I thought they were wearing masks at first,” the man stated. “But then one turned toward the torchlight. Those weren’t masks.”
Rumors intensified after several citizens appeared in Cathedral Square suffering from violent fits, delirium, and strange mutterings regarding “the Hollow Trough” and “the feast beneath the city.” Priests of the Holy Light attending to the afflicted have privately expressed concern over traces of shadow corruption lingering upon the victims.
Though many dismiss the claims as hysteria or tavern exaggeration, certain members of Stormwind’s scholarly and magical communities warn against underestimating cult activity. One unnamed associate within the Mage Quarter suggested the group may possess knowledge tied to old rites predating the First War.
Others fear a connection to the growing instability seen across Azeroth in recent years — necromantic movements in Lordaeron, cultist activity tied to the Twilight’s Hammer, and increasing reports of forbidden magic trafficking through Blackrock agents and pirate channels.
Particularly troubling are allegations that several city officials may already be compromised. While no evidence has surfaced publicly, whispers throughout Old Town accuse certain bureaucrats of obstructing investigations and redirecting guard patrols away from suspected gathering sites.
Captain Harland Greaves of the City Watch denied such accusations when approached by the Nautilus News.
“Stormwind remains secure,” Greaves stated. “Citizens are advised not to indulge panic or spread dangerous rumors. Any credible information should be brought directly to the Guard.”
Nevertheless, fear continues to spread among merchants and laborers alike. Some inns now bar entry after dusk, while canal traffic near the city’s lower districts has sharply declined.
At press time, reports emerged of strange markings discovered along the canal walls beneath Old Town — crude symbols painted in what investigators initially believed to be mud, though later examinations suggest otherwise.
The Nautilus News will continue to monitor developments as this disturbing story unfolds.
COWARDICE ABOVE THE GATES: ALLIANCE RAIDERS CONTINUE ATTACKS ON ORGRIMMAR FLIGHT MASTER
By War Correspondent Chris P. Bacon
Orgrimmar - Valley of Strength
Outrage spreads throughout the Horde following yet another unprovoked assault upon Orgrimmar’s flight master by roaming bands of Alliance adventurers seeking glory through dishonorable means.
Witnesses report that shortly after nightfall, a coordinated Alliance strike force descended upon the Valley of Strength, bypassing civilian quarters before focusing their attack upon the city’s wyvern roosts. The assault left several handlers injured, interrupted vital travel routes across Kalimdor, and once again forced Horde defenders into prolonged street fighting within the capital itself.
Veterans of the city guard condemned the repeated attacks as acts of desperation from an Alliance increasingly incapable of securing meaningful victories upon legitimate battlefields.
“They strike at flight masters because they fear warriors,” stated Kor’gash Bloodfury of the Orgrimmar Grunts. “A coward cannot conquer Orgrimmar, so instead he hides behind rooftops and murders stablekeepers.”
Citizens describe the attackers employing familiar tactics: ambushes launched from elevated structures, coordinated magical bombardments from hidden positions, and rapid retreats once organized Horde resistance formed. Several eyewitnesses noted that the raiders repeatedly ignored military targets in favor of disrupting civilian transport and provoking chaos among newer adventurers arriving within the city.
Trade officials estimate the attacks have delayed supply caravans and disrupted communications between Horde territories for several days this month alone.
SHELLCOIN SOARS AS MARKETS LOSE THEIR MINDS
Booty Bay - Shellcoin prices exploded overnight, sending goblin brokers and adventurers alike into a buying frenzy across Azeroth.
Once dismissed as a niche goblin currency experiment, Shellcoin now trades at values rivaling rare mounts and epic weaponry on several neutral exchanges. Trade hubs in Booty Bay and Gadgetzan reportedly remained packed through the night as investors scrambled to buy before prices climbed even higher.
“I made 400 gold while sleeping,” claimed one ecstatic Orc trader outside the auction house.
Not everyone is celebrating.
Stormwind economists warned the market shows signs of dangerous speculation, while rumors spread that goblin cartels may be artificially driving prices upward behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, taverns across Azeroth are flooded with adventurers shouting the rally cry:
“TO THE MOONWELL!”
Whether Shellcoin becomes the future of trade or Azeroth’s next financial disaster remains to be seen.
Pig’s Pen
Penned from the bustling corners of Azeroth, Pig’s Pen is the Nautilus News’ trusted source for tales from the realm’s adventurers, guilds, and wandering heroes. Through interviews, reports, and eyewitness accounts, the column chronicles the victories, feuds, discoveries, and scandals unfolding across kingdoms both Horde and Alliance. No rumor is too small, no battle too grand. If it stirs the people of Azeroth, you’ll read about it here first.
Techno-witchery with Sofia
[Pig]: So! How have things been for you since coming to OctoWoW?
[Sofia]: It's been a wild ride tbh, honestly didn't expect all the drama on the discord side, but things have calmed down it seems. Game side, it's been alright I haven't had a ton of time to play but I'm starting to play more now, hopefully I don't run into bugs, but if I do I'll make sure to report them!
[Pig]: Haha that's great! Lets start off with a little bit about yourself Sofia! What kind of warlock finds themselves in your position?
[Sofia]: Oh I'm a witch with expertise in techno-magic, I basically wanted to use my abilities to create a space where players could get the most info from the devs as possible while keeping the discord player-ran, so I set up ways for us to get that info :p
[Pig]: Thats so amazing! I love techno-magic. Legend has it, that's how us Octopedes got here!
You had mentioned things had calmed down. What was it like taking over something like that and how did you help to steer it back on to proper course?
[Sofia]: If I'm being honest, I think I could have went better about it, I really didn't want for the restructuring to cause so much drama and backlash; but I also expected the ex-mods to want to still contribute to the community even without their moderations perms.. Either way, things have been getting better now that we are in the process of selecting new community mods
[Pig]: I'm sorry to hear that it was tough to do the restructuring, but it sounds like the community is in good hands!
In regards to your previous comment, do you have your eye on some community leaders already? And how can a dedicated Octo player show you they are capable of getting into a role like this?
[Sofia]: Anyone can discuss the applicants or recommendees and we can gauge how the community feel about them. I don't want to be giving perms to people on my decision alone. Of course, in the end of the day, the final decision is mine as the Discord owner, but I do want to involve the community in the process
[Pig]: That's very transparent of you! I'm sure the community loves having a voice too. What are your long term plans for the community discord as well as the community in general? Do you plan to use your unique position to arrange in game events or something to that effect?
[Sofia]: My plan is to harbor a hub for players. We have a discord forum for suggestions where anyone can suggest anything. Having in-game events is a really cool idea and we already have channels were they can be organized. I do think most people are focused on leveling right now ahah. We could definitely create roles that aren't about moderation but about organizing fun things for the community to do together
[Pig]: Understandably! Well since we're on the topic I'd just like to remind you and all players, us GMs are here to assist in anyway we can and that goes for community and RP events.
[Pig]: Well Sofia! You sound like you have the community in great hands. This interview was really insightful into the life of a techno-witch!
[Sofia]: I hope that's how people feel about it as well, but honestly if they don't, I'm open to all feedback!
[Pig]: Why don't we finish with something a bit more fun so the community can learn a little bit more about you? Tell us your favorite things about Azeroth!
[Sofia]: Well people are gonna call me an Alliance Andy for this but I really like the overarching story on the alliance side starting with the Defias and ending with Onyxia. Van Cleef did nothing wrong btw! I also really like Duskwood as a zone, the ambience is really top tier and having to be aware of Stiches is also really cool, not so cool in HC though ahah
Thank you Sofia for this wonderful interview!
Dragons, Firelords and Monsters; oh my! With Lopp of <Levia>
[Pig]: Hello Lopp! Thank you for being with me today. I think the community would love to hear your story.
[Lopp]: It's a pleasure! and a privilege to speak for everyone in Levia
[Pig]: Before we get into my questions, please tell us a little about yourself.
[Lopp]: Sure, I'm a engineer here in Canada in the energy sector and I'm a diehard classic fan. Just looking to have fun and play the game i grew up with!
[Pig]: That's awesome! I too have grown up with Azeroth! Did you always find yourself drawn to progression raiding? Especially pushing realm/server firsts? If not how did you find yourself in this play style?
[Lopp]: Umm, I just saw a opportunity to do something I have personally never done before and took the chance! And I love to be always pushing towards a goal or a objective of some sorts, and found a lot of likeminded people to help!
[Pig]: I'm happy you were able to create a community that shares your goals.
[Lopp]: haha, It wasn't hard many people were 60 before me and soon after me, all looking to make "history" of some kind.
[Pig]: Tell us a little about Levia. Did you come to OctoWoW with the intention to form a guild and push content Levia did?
[Lopp]: No I actually didn't, I came from turtle (Nord) in a K40 guild and was just looking to see what happened.
Levia is a guild I use to be in in another MMO (Mortal Online 2) and after reaching 60 I didn't want to wait for everyone in my previous guild to catch up
So we decided to form a guild to push content. Everyone in this guild that was there for the first MC put in 22 hour days of rep, material and dungeon grinding.
[Pig]: You guys earned it!
[Lopp]: Soap, Darkshado, Clown, Blacky, Himi, Warkeeper, Elwynn and everyone. We earned it together!
[Pig]: Do you plan to grow Levia further in the future?
[Lopp]: I think the right people will find their way here organically through playing with us, or just wanting to be on the cutting edge; and there will always be a space for them. We dont advertise or spam, we just play the game
[Pig]: That leads in to my next question. What sort of player would fit into Levia? Do you have room for more casual players who dont seek to raid but be part of a growing community?
[Lopp]: Anyone is welcome, but we have only a few guild rules: -There is no loot council -Everyone is equal -Take problems to DMs
[Pig]: Sounds pretty reasonable to a Pig like me!
[Lopp]: haha Farm animals too Pig!
[Pig]: How about your long term goals for the server? This can include progression, personal goals, what you hope to see from us.
[Lopp]: For progression i know everyone in this guild wants to be first on everything we can, so that's a group goal. For me personally, if I can ring the gong for AQ40 release, I could retire happy.
[Pig]: Awesome. Now my final question. If you could use one word or sentence to sum up Levia and their mission, what would it be?
[Lopp]: Our mission is simple, have fun be on top and to ask the residents of Orgrimmar "Where is your flight-master".
[Pig]: The denizens of Orgrimmar shall tremble when they read that line!
[Pig]: Well that concludes our interview. Thank you so much for speaking to Nautilus News and the OctoWoW community!
[Lopp]: Thank you for having me, and I hope to see you again!
TOOLBOX TALK: ENGINEERS HAMMER OUT MASSIVE CLASS REPAIRS
Adventurers Report Improved Stability Following Latest Development Push
By Senior Correspondent Halric Mournwell
Booty Bay Engineering Wire
The latest round of adjustments has arrived with enough repairs, recalibrations, and emergency field fixes to keep goblin engineers employed through the next harvest season.
(The devlog has been removed this week due to a communication error on my part. We will return with accurate changelogs next week!)