The Ritual Bond is an end to the Darkshore quest chain in Cataclysm, and provides a more compelling completion to the zone in comparison to Vanilla where a sentinel runs to your quest giver, and says that Ashenvale is in dire need of help so Darkshore must send their best. This leaves the player feeling that Darkshore was just a stepping point, and that much of what they did here was paltry in comparison in importance to the war to the south. Although it provides a good set up for Ashenvale’s importance and the first battle ground of the game, I believe we can have both featured in Turtle WoW for compelling gameplay.
The three spirits of the forest are the Moonstalker, Thistle Bear, and Great Stag. Each offers a boon, and reputation with the animals you face within Darkshore. By completing the zone, you not only feel recognized by it, but also the zone has changed specifically for you by your own actions. The spirits are ancient, and bound to this land - so their inclusion does not have to wait for the cataclysm! In fact, the Moonstalker remembers when Kaldorei first set foot in Darkshore, many thousands of years ago.
Close to the Grove of the Ancients, their tie in could be found through completing the corruption quests in Darkshore and learning about what has been turning the creatures Wild including the Furbolgs. A Timbermaw Furbolg could be found maimed, but still alive. Wary of you for all his kin in Darkshore had turned on him, he could tell the player of a potential salvation for the zone (much like the salve found in Felwood) if they go to the Grove of the ancients. From there, they speak to the keepers who help them through the phantasimal journey into the land of spirits and dreams, picking who they would champion from then on (as well as to receive the boon of).
This makes going back to Darkshore feel rewarding each time when you see that little boon show up on your mini map, and it could even lead to “return” quests for end game later on where the spirit compels you to do a daily or weekly task. This task could be a fight, quest, or turn in.
Keeper of the Grove
Spirit of the Thistle Bear
For countless ages I have walked these forests and lived in these mountains. Through snow and fire, I have watched civilizations crumble and nature press on. Now, the very earth turns against us, and it becomes very apparent that we must fight if our legacy is to continue.
Your heart is true, and I would choose you as our champion. If you value the thick hide and resilience of my kind, then accept my boon. Know that the other spirits will not accept you once this choice is made, so choose wisely.
- Blessing of the Thistle Bear: Blessed by the Great Thistle Bear Spirit. Physical and magical damage taken is reduced by 10%. Regarded in a friendly manner by the bears of Darkshore.
Spirit of the Great Stag
I am the caretaker for my kind, leading not through force, but through wisdom and swift action. Wisdom is what carries us into the deeper forest when danger beckons and swiftness is what leaves our enemies basking in our absence.
In this wisdom, I see through to your true intentions, and I know that you are deserving of my blessing, the blessing of my swiftness. It can be yours, but know that the other spirits will not welcome you once you proceed - consider this carefully before accepting my boon.
- Blessing of the Stag: Blessed by the Great Stag Spirit. Movement speed increased by 10%. Regarded in a friendly manner by the stag of Darkshore.
Spirit of the Moonstalker
I share these forests willingly, accepting night elf kind into my home, and on occasion calling them friend. Though they have been tainted greatly in recent memory, I can see in you the same strength, honor, and spirit that first endeared them to me.
If you place value in the ferocity necessary to overcome all odds, then I am willing to call you my champion. Know now that if you side with my kind, the other spirits will not accept you, so consider your choice carefully.
- Blessing of the Moonstalker: Blessed by the Great Moonstalker Spirit. Attack and casting speed increased by 10%. Regarded in a friendly manner by the moonstalkers of Darkshore.