When constructs like Gargoyles, Stone Golems, Iron Golems, Gold Golems, Diamond Golems, Giants, and Titans—as well as various elemental bodies—are attacked by Psychic Elementals, their damage is halved. Conversely, the attack power of Stone, Iron, Gold, and Diamond Golems plummets against them.
"What a miraculous elemental form. I've never heard their name in all of Azerothian history," Capurnia said, a look of skepticism still lingering. "'Magic Element' is a bold name to claim total immunity to magical attacks. Rhodes, are you absolutely certain it can resist everything?"
To be honest, she was already among the highest-ranking mages of the Blood Elves, second only to the Prince and Grand Astromancer Solarian. If her attacks were useless, it was unlikely anyone else's would fare much better—though she wondered if mages of Medivh's or Aegwynn's caliber could pierce that defense.
"I'm not entirely sure about the extremes, but conventional spells cast by masters have no effect on them. Plus, their method of attack is quite unique," Rhodes said, snapping his fingers.
The Magic Element immediately flung open its red robe. A burst of prismatic, kaleidoscopic light flooded the area, creating a terrifying zone of destruction centered on the creature.
"Is that area-of-effect melee damage? Truly impressive," the elf noted, stroking her chin. "I would have expected a 'Magic Element' to be a ranged attacker. Staying in melee feels almost beneath a name like that."
"Haha, I wish they had ranged capabilities, but alas, they don't," Rhodes laughed. "But don't underestimate them. Their durability exceeds that of Diamond Golems; they are second only to my Archangels and Phoenixes."
The melee prowess of Magic Elementals was indeed fearsome. In his past life, he'd seen tests where equal numbers of Magic Elementals and Dread Knights went head-to-head. In a straight 1v1, the Dread Knight won easily. But when split into seven stacks, the Magic Elementals won two out of three tests, losing only when the Dread Knight got a lucky "handful of pepper" (a morale/initiative edge) to strike first. Under a player's control, they were even more terrifying; unlike Black Dragons who hit two hexes in a line, Magic Elementals hit everything surrounding them, similar to a Hydra.
"Between these special Elementals and the Phoenixes, Rhodes, I'm starting to suspect you're trying to propose to me," Capurnia teased. These gifts were simply too valuable. Since she'd met him, the stream of treasures he produced seemed bottomless.
Jaina rolled her eyes. Proposing to two ladies at once? You bold scoundrel. She briefly considered if an Ice Bolt to his face—or perhaps a full Blizzard—would be more satisfying.
"If you ever leave me or go looking for another man, I'm taking them back. I can be very petty," Rhodes said with a mischievous grin.
"Oh, and here I was getting excited. So these two powerful creatures are just temporary bodyguards? You still hold the master override," Capurnia noted. It seemed any male with this level of power wanted to keep his "territory" exclusive.
"You'll have to handle my father first, Rhodes. I'm looking forward to that meeting," Jaina added, narrowing her eyes. She was genuinely curious to see how he'd handle the Admiral. She also wondered if she should sabotage his chances with Princess Calia. Women are possessive, after all. Capurnia might just be "playing," but Calia was a real threat.
"Don't worry, I'll handle him. You're staying with me," Rhodes said confidently. Between his spatial magic ship (which would make an Admiral drool), his infinite-firing Ballistas, and an escort of Magic Elementals and Phoenixes, he was sure he could negotiate a "mutually beneficial" arrangement with Proudmoore.
Rhodes stationed a Magic Element and a Phoenix with both Jaina and Capurnia. With these two unique elemental units as protection, getting close to either lady would be a nightmare for any conventional warrior.
The next morning, a Goblin airship docked outside the human city.
"Greetings, Lord Rhodes. I am here by order of the Trade Prince of the Steamwheedle Cartel. We have prepared a special airship for you, and your spatial magic ship has been secured aboard. How many High Elves are we transporting, and what is our destination?" the Goblin representative asked.
Rhodes had already paid the commission in advance—several tons of rare anti-magic metals that the Trade Prince coveted.
"We have about two thousand Blood Elf mages. And a quick update: the High Elves have formally renamed themselves 'Blood Elves.' Don't get it wrong," Rhodes noted.
"No problem, sir. A name is just a name. And your destination?"
"It's a bit specific. Do you know the Broken Isles?" Rhodes asked.
"I know of them. South of the Maelstrom in the Great Sea. It's home to... let's say, 'unfriendly' lifeforms. We usually steer clear," the Goblin replied. The Isles were infamous for the Vrykul and their Storm Dragons, the Nightborne (an offshoot of the Night Elves), and some local Tauren. Goblins usually avoided the area to escape being hunted by dragon-riders.
"Perfect. Our target is the Broken Isles, specifically near the Tomb of Sargeras," Rhodes declared.
Flying straight to Dalaran was out of the question. The Tomb of Sargeras was a goldmine for experience—crawling with Burning Legion remnants and even Pit Lords. Furthermore, Maiev Shadowsong and Illidan were destined to clash there, and Rhodes had to intervene. He couldn't allow Illidan to use the Eye of Sargeras to shatter Northrend; while killing the Lich King early sounded great, sinking a continent would cause sea levels to rise and drown half the Eastern Kingdoms. Plus, he wanted to meet Maiev, the elite Night Elf Warden who was officially stated to be a match for Illidan in a 1v1.
The Goblin's face went pale. Jaina and Capurnia were equally stunned.
"Rhodes, our goal is to return to Quel'Thalas! Why are we going to the Broken Isles?" Capurnia demanded.
"Lord Rhodes, I must officially state that is a terrible place. It's not safe for our airship to even approach," the Goblin added.
"It is a new mission from the Titan Watcher. I must go to the Tomb of Sargeras," Rhodes insisted.
"Is there something in there you need?" Jaina asked.
"Something the Watchers care about. If I don't go, a continent might sink. Capurnia, I know you're in a hurry. Once we reach the Isles, Jaina and I will take flying mounts and move separately. You can continue to Quel'Thalas without waiting for us."
"And how will you rejoin us? I thought you needed to see Prince Kael'thas?"
"I'll catch up. I can teleport to you once I'm done," Rhodes said. While trans-continental teleportation was beyond him normally, he had received Medivh's legacy. With his Knowledge stat boosted to 14, and Jaina's assistance, a teleport from the Broken Isles to the Eastern Kingdoms was well within his reach.