Farseer Nobundo

Farseer Nobundo is a Broken shaman farseer. One of the most tragic heroes among the Broken of Outland, Nobundo was formerly a draenei vindicator but lost the ability to call upon the Light during the fall of Shattrath City and was deformed by the fel energies released. Shunned by his people, Nobundo took up the calling of the shaman while wandering the wilds of Outland, and introduced it to his people with the blessing of the wise Prophet Velen. He would accompany his people to Azeroth onboard the Exodar, and guide new draenei shaman as they began on their path.

In the wake of the Cataclysm, Nobundo has lent his services to the Earthen Ring to help calm the raging elements of Azeroth.

Unbroken
When the orcs betrayed the draenei, slowly but surely, the draenei cities such as Karabor and Farahlon were destroyed by the orcs, and Shattrath City became their last holdout.

When Velen wanted to completely abandon Shattrath, his lieutenant Exarch Larohir convinced him against it. Larohir knew enough draenei had to stay behind to be slaughtered to protect the rest, because if the orcs (and Kil'jaeden) weren't convinced they had wiped out the draenei they would never stop hunting them down. Velen reluctantly agreed, and so it was that as Velen and many other draenei fled, volunteer Vindicators under Larohir's command and even civilians (some with families) of Shattrath stayed behind to fight the orcs and buy the rest some time. Nobundo was one of the brave paladins who stayed behind to fight in the Siege of Shattrath.

During the battle, there was an odd explosion and red mist filled the air. From his defensive position on the wall, Nobundo could see this mist sickening the draenei, stinging their eyes, burning their lungs, causing retching, horrible migraines and bloody vomiting. The mist rose up to Nobundo's position and afflicted him as well. It was then that he was confronted by an orc, whose description could only have been Grom Hellscream holding Gorehowl. He leaned back as Grom charged, Gorehowl slashing his chest through his armor instead of cleaving him in two and numbing his left side, while his Hammer of the Naaru, a Light-blessed crystalline weapon, crushed the fingers of Grom's right hand; Grom only smiled. Unable to use Gorehowl, Grom grabbed hold of Nobundo with his left and when Nobundo tried to call on his powers of the Holy Light, he found that he could no longer use them. Unable to hold back any longer, he vomited thick blood onto Grom. Grom bellowed, headbutted him in the face and let him fall from the wall, an ogre below breaking his fall. The wall then collapsed, and he was covered with debris.

Hours passed, and he was awoken by the screams of draenei women. As he dragged himself out of the rubble, he was horrified to see the Lower City as a dumping ground for the slaughtered draenei... including women and children. From the upper ledges such as Aldor Rise, they were being systematically tortured and murdered by the celebrating orcs, who then tossed the corpses down. Although he desperately wanted to help those captives, he was forced to admit that deep inside, he knew that the battle was over: Besides the fact that he was greatly outnumbered, his left leg was broken in the fall and he now had no Light powers to heal it with. He also could feel something inside him urging him to escape, to survive for a greater purpose, a greater destiny and someday make a difference once again. He managed to crawl out of Shattrath into Terokkar Forest, only to pass out and be awakened in Zangarmarsh.

He was supposedly found by the draenei who fled, as were other draenei who survived the battle, Akama (who was in a coma), Korin, Herac, and Estes. The other four who could walk were eventually banished, due to the red mist which in the end deformed them. The "unaffected" draenei called them "Krokul" — "Broken", and for that they could never be in contact with one of the draenei again. In one final act of adding insult to injury, Nobundo's Hammer of the Naaru was confiscated by a former friend named Rolc, the last remaining piece of his past, and of who he once was.

Years passed, with some Broken devolving further into the madness of the Lost Ones, or even committing suicide when this change was apparent. As for Nobundo, at night his sleep was always haunted by dreams of the slaughter at Shattrath City, the corpses of the dead women accusing him of cowardice and of abandoning them, and every day he would walk to the peak of a mountain and sit, praying, hoping, to somehow regain his mastery over the Light and that his nightmares would finally end.

Countless times he did this, but would always go back to the Broken camps disappointed. Though one day, when his prayer was finally answered, no heavenly voice told him what to do, nor did a naaru descend from on high to aid him. No, Nobundo's prayers were answered by the Wind.

As with generations of tauren, orcs, trolls, and countless other races, the wind revealed to Nobundo the delicate balance of nature, the powers and truth of the Five Elements and the path of the shaman. Guided to the mountains peaks of Nagrand (perhaps it was the Elemental Plateau), he began his training, taught by the elements themselves. He listened eagerly, and over the years, came to understand and follow this path.

Invigorated by this new power, Nobundo set out to inform the draenei of his discovery, only to find that most draenei wouldn't listen to a broken. However, one draenei did listen to him: Velen.

The leader of the draenei realized that the way of the shaman, as well as the Light, was a path worth treading, and Nobundo became one of his inner circle. Velen also helped Nobundo to confirm to himself that his leaving Shattrath was not an act of cowardice, but was so that his survival would ensure that he would be able to embrace a destiny greater than he could of ever imagined. Despite everything that had happened to him, he had not given up, not even once, which is why the elements had contacted him, and why Velen himself had chosen him. His understanding of this made the elements proud, and from then on, Nobundo would no longer have the nightmares.

With Velen's support and encouragement, Noubundo met up with him at Telredor in Zangarmarsh and introduced the shaman's path to the draenei, teaching all who were willing to listen. The shaman would eventually accompany Velen in the raid to retake the Exodar, and survived the crash on Azeroth. He remains there today, ready to share his knowledge with aspiring shamans in the service of the draenei — and now the Alliance.



The Burning Crusade
Farseer Nobundo is a level 70 shaman trainer located in the Crystal Hall in the draenei capital city of the Exodar, where he told his story.

He is also part of the Alliance version of Children's Week, where the Draenei Orphan Dornaa shows Nobundo her shamanistic powers. He asked the orphan matron to allow Dornaa to study with him at the Exodar.

The Cataclysm era
Muln Earthfury asked Krelna to send a runner to inform Nobundo and the other draenei shaman about Shotoa.

Velen sent Nobundo to represent the draenei at Magni Bronzebeard's memorial and honor Magni's goal of trying to heal the earth and understand the elements. It is here that Anduin Wrynn sees him for the first time.

In addition to his role as the draenei race's primary shaman trainer, Nobundo assists Thrall in maintaining the rift at the Maelstrom. During the battle with Deathwing in the nightmare caused by Iso'rath, Nobundo uses the element of water to fight off Deathwing until he is ultimately killed.

He and many others see that Thrall is not able to help them, so instead Nobundo tried to help Thrall, but he is interrupted by a vivid Rehgar Earthfury. After Thrall returned from his trip, Nobundo welcomed him.

Nobundo later traveled to Mount Hyjal, and is present to witness Thrall and Aggra become life-mates.

Later, when the Aspects were planning their battle against Deathwing, Thrall in earthen form was being tortured by Deathwing. After discovering this Nobundo, Muln, and Aggra tried to rescue him.

Tides of War
When an orc courier for Thrall sent by Eitrigg arrived at the Maelstrom the members of the Earthen Ring learned Northwatch Hold and Theramore have fallen to the Horde. Nobundo also learned that in the battle against Northwatch Molten Giants were enslaved and used in the attack and that a mana bomb was used to destroy Theramore both done on Warchief Hellscream's orders. Nobundo then informed Thrall that the Earthen Ring would understand if he were to leave and that they would continue to heal the land. When Thrall told him that nothing was greater than healing the world, Nobundo understood how much the admission costs the former Warchief.

Later on, Thrall informed Nobundo and the others that he had received a vision of water elementals being enslaved and used to destroy Orgrimmar. Upon learning that the culprit would be at Fray Island, Muln Earthfury suggested that everyone help out. However, Nobundo disagreed, reasoning that since only Thrall received the vision, only Thrall should go.

Landfall
Nobundo represented the draenei of the Alliance in the Shrine of Seven Stars summit, where the Alliance dignitaries and allies discuss the pros and cons of using Sha power. He agreed with Tyrande Whisperwind's proposal in destroying the Sha.

Legion
Nobundo is one of the few surviving members of the Earthen Ring following the catastrophic battle at the Broken Shore.

When the demons attacked the Maelstrom he helps to fight them off, and after the retrieval of an artifact of great power he moves in to the Heart of Azeroth, an ancient cave located at the Maelstrom. When the Burning Legion attacked the Exodar, Nobundo alongside his fellow shaman - Fister Rockfist, Liani the Lifegiver and Da'kesh the Elementalist - helped to evacuate the civilians from the Crystal Hall but were cornered into a shaft. He was prepared to make his final stand but with the arrival of the champions from the Class Orders, he successfully defended himself.

A ritual was conducted to call upon the Elemental Lord of Water: Neptulon. The Tide Hunter already knows the threat and comments to have what the time is given. Nobundo says to him that all hope is not lost. He remarks that if the Elemental Lords unite alongside the Earthen Ring, there's a chance of intercepting the Burning Legion attacks across Azeroth.

In Skywall, Nobundo helps to revive Thunderaan and make him the new Elemental Lord of Air. Walking in the domain, he ponders if there is a place that exists beyond Azeroth.

Therazane is battling the Twilight's Hammer again and Nobundo is obliged to help take care of this renewed conflict in order to recruit the Elemental Lord of Earth. After the situation is resolved, The Stonemother was pleased and will return the favor and always pays her debts to the Earthen Ring. Nobundo is deeply grateful on that remark.

Though Nobundo didn't venture into the Firelands to see the new elemental to take up the mantle of the Elemental Lord of Fire, he awaited the Farseer back at the Heart of Azeroth. He announces that we gather together to commemorate a newly forged alliance; a fulfillment of prophecy.

Legionfall
Nobundo was one of the order hall champions who met Khadgar and Velen at Krasus' Landing to discuss the Pillars of Creation.

When Magatha Grimtotem came to the Earthen Ring for help against the Legion, the Farseer chose to bring the Doomstone to Nobundo for safekeeping, deciding it would be unwise for it to be in the Elder Crone's control. He also convinced an angered Muln Earthfury that it was best to keep Magatha under close watch in the Heart of Azeroth.

Battle for Azeroth
Nobundo was in the Maelstrom when a grievous wound, caused Azerite elementals to come forth in order to claim the newly formed Azerite. Despite the onslaught, Nobundo was able to secure the Doomstone, and reported as such to the Farseer. He welcomed the aid of Magni and his ally in quelling the rampaging elements.

Quests

 * A Ring Reforged
 * The Maelstrom Beckons
 * Azeroth Needs You
 * Aggra's Guidance
 * Nobundo Awaits
 * The Ritual of Tides
 * Rise, Champions (shaman)
 * Champion: Nobundo (quest)
 * A Hero's Weapon (shaman)
 * Nobundo's Last Stand
 * Against Magatha's Will
 * Demonic Disruption
 * Conflagration (quest)
 * The Calm After the Storm


 * Call of Air (Draenei)
 * Call of Air (Draenei 2)
 * Call of Air (Draenei 4)
 * Call of Water (Exodar)
 * Call of Water (Exodar, 2)
 * Call of Water (Exodar, 6)
 * Call of Fire (Draenei, 7)


 * Traversing the Heavens

Leadership
Currently, Farseer Nobundo leads the draenei shaman brotherhood.

The Exodar
Greetings,.

My story? It is kind of you to ask. Very well.

Long ago on the planet Draenor - the remains of which are now known as the Outland - all of the draenei lived in peace. But then the Burning Legion came, and they corrupted the orcs with their fel magics.

With no other option we fought to survive, but exposure to these fel energies had horrible effects upon some of us, over time transforming us into the Broken like me, or worse, the seemingly mindless Lost Ones.

Shall I go on?

The fel energies also had the side-effect on the Broken and the Lost Ones of cutting us off from the Light. At the time I did not know exactly why, but as a vindicator I insisted on finding out. I decided to make a pilgrimage to do just that.

And so it was that after the war came to its fateful end, I journeyed into the desert of the fragmented planet, beseeching the Light to return to us. But decades passed, and the Light never answered my prayers.

Is this something that you wish to hear more of?

I had been fortunate to find an oasis and made the decision to stay there until I received an answer. So there I sat, moving only when absolutely necessary, living off of the creatures that would come near the pool. Such was my pride.

As I said, decades passed without an answer. But I can remember a particularly beautiful sunset one evening. A warm zephyr blew across the land and I was sure that I heard a voice, but no one was around.

As you can imagine, I thought that I was finally losing my mind.

There was something strange about that wind; it didn't stop. For weeks it blew across the land, waxing and waning, but never ceasing. And all the time the voice continued, though I could not understand it, nor did I know where it was coming from.

My time in solitude had taught me how to calm myself and look inward. This I did in order to keep my sanity. And that is when I began to understand the voice. It was coming from the wind itself and it had much to say!

It spoke to me of secrets and power, and also of truths. The Light had not forsaken the Broken! The fel energies that the orcs had wielded long ago against the draenei had infused us, causing a break in our ability to be heard by, or perhaps to hear, the Light. The same that had been responsible for the degradation of our bodies.

But our spirits were not broken, and the air offered to me another path, through which I might deliver my people.

It taught me the path of shamanism, which in a way is just another facet of the Light. Joining the wind was the water of the oasis, the fire from my camp and the earth upon which I sat. All had something to say.

Over the next few years they taught me what it was to call upon and be one with the elements of the world. And they told me that the worlds of all of the stars in the sky, even this one, are made up of these elements.

But the day came when I felt that I had learned enough to leave.

I returned to my people and was greeted with smiling faces and outstretched arms, mostly from the Broken. The prejudices against us from many draenei had continued in my absence. But it was as if they knew that I was coming, and I soon found out why.

Velen, the prophet and leader of all of the draenei, had seen my return in one of his visions and was there to greet me as well. He asked to speak with me in private and as I related my story to him, he nodded and smiled, for this too he had foreseen.

Velen urged me to take a leadership role amongst the Broken. But more importantly, he asked me to teach shamanism to all; Broken and draenei alike. I accepted.

We knew then that given the prejudices of some that this would be a difficult proposition at best. There are those that despise the Broken because we are a frightening reminder of the past. And there are others who believe the way of the shaman to be a blasphemy against the Light.

In any case, that is my tale.

Legion

 * Quest text
 * Your leadership during this time of crisis has been inspiring, Farseer . It was truly an honor to journey with you through Skywall. Although there are many matters here that require my attention, it would be an honor to fight at your side once again. Should you have need of my aid once again, I will be yours to command.

Gossip
There is great power in the Heart of Azeroth. There may be no closer place to all of the elements on Azeroth, than where we now stand.
 * Heart of Azeroth

Skywall is truly a wondrous place,. I have seen nothing like it in all my life.
 * Vortex Pinnacle

On-click

 * Greeting
 * Come closer and speak.
 * I am listening.
 * Do not give up.
 * I will do my best to guide you.


 * Farewell
 * We must never forget.
 * The elements will never forsake us.
 * With faith there is a way.
 * Remember.

Dialogue

 * Combat ally
 * say
 * say
 * say

Battle for Azeroth
Never have I felt the world to be in so much turmoil. I can only imagine what Magni, who feels everything that Azeroth feels, is going through.
 * Gossip

I hope that these efforts are not too late.

Notes and trivia

 * Another ID for Vindicator Nobundo was added to the database for patch 7.3.0 but was unused. It could be intended to be for a flashback.
 * During Nobundo's training as a shaman, he unknowingly inspired Akama to become a shaman, but the last time he saw Nobundo, Nobundo gave him something even more important: hope for the future.
 * Nobundo, in many ways, plays the exact same role as Lady Liadrin. Both became the first of their class, not only in their race but also in their faction, and both are the leaders of their class in their respective races; Lady Liadrin leads blood elf paladins, and Nobundo leads draenei shamans. Both have also played their part in Children's Week (though Liadrin no longer appears in person, Salandria does mention her in the farewell letter to players). Similarly, Alliance Shaman Tier 9 sets are named after Nobundo, like Horde Paladin Tier 9 sets are named after Liadrin. Furthermore, both have lent their aid to important factions with ties to their classes: the Light-revering Shattered Sun Offensive and the shaman-based Earthen Ring. Nobundo was the main character of the short story which introduced his order of draenei shaman, (Unbroken), while Liadrin is a major character in Blood of the Highborne, focusing on the creation of her own paladin order. Both were authored by Micky Neilson.
 * Ironically enough, it wouldn't be until five expansions after The Burning Crusade that they finally interacted with each other, first seen standing next to each other when the Armies of Legionfall were assembled in Dalaran.
 * Nobundo learned shamanism in year 10.
 * Nobundo is voiced by Neil Kaplan in Legion.