Stonebull Lake, a vast natural body of water, lies at the heart of Mulgore — a glistening jewel set in the sweeping plains. Originally unnamed, the lake earned its title after the Tauren settled the region and chose the name "Stonebull" to honor their heritage.
Shaped like a crescent, the lake cradles the southern foot of Thunder Bluff. Anyone traveling into Thunder Bluff from Mulgore's entrance must first pass by Stonebull Lake. For this strategic reason, and at Cairne's suggestion, the Tauren constructed Bloodhoof Village on its southern shore — a vital forward base and defensive outpost, akin to Goldshire near Stormwind or Refuge Pointe in the Arathi Highlands.
As Mulgore's sole major water source, Stonebull Lake is fed by plentiful rainfall. Thanks to the region's frequent showers, groundwater reserves are also abundant, allowing the Tauren to dig numerous wells across the plains.
After more than ten hours of marching, Galen's three legions finally reached the southern outskirts of Bloodhoof Village. Night had begun to fall, and the soldiers made camp with their backs to the lake, facing Red Cloud Mesa.
By the lakeside, Galen and Gandalf were preparing a hearty bonfire meal.
Galen had no idea during his days as a player, but now, standing beside Stonebull Lake in person — he spotted crawfish.
Stonebull Lake crawfish!
Who could resist such a delicacy?
No one!
Answering Galen's call, Gandalf summoned a towering twenty-foot Water Elemental to fish crawfish from the lake. How the wizard did it remained a mystery, but before long, a large basket of squirming crawfish lay ready by the fire.
Inspired by the feast, Dezco set out on a quick hunt, returning with prairie wolves, mountain lions, and striders. With the bounty gathered, Galen decided to throw a spontaneous lakeside bonfire party.
The feast wasn't limited to Galen, Gandalf, Dezco, and Hogger — several key Tauren leaders had also been invited: Unyah Hawkwind, the matriarch of the Hawkwind tribe; Grimtotem Seer; Harken Windtotem, a shaman; and Maine Bloodhoof, an elder of the Bloodhoof tribe.
These four oversaw the southern defense of Mulgore and were trusted allies of Cairne. Tasked with the construction of Bloodhoof Village and Narache Camp, they had been forced to temporarily combine their forces due to frequent raids from quilboars and gnolls.
True to their nature, the Tauren were not a loud or boisterous people, so the party remained calm — but once the food was served, it turned into a quiet celebration of savory flavor.
Alongside roasted lion, wolf ribs, and strider steaks, Galen proudly unveiled his specialties: garlic crawfish and spicy crawfish!
Moved nearly to tears by the taste of home, Galen made a decision on the spot — he would build an outpost near Stonebull Lake so he could teleport back whenever he wanted to indulge.
While peeling crawfish, he turned to Matriarch Un'yah Hawkwind for a tactical update on Bloodhoof Village.
"Two months ago, I paused work on Narache Camp and brought everyone back here," she explained. "We've focused on building Bloodhoof Village first, using it as a defensive anchor before pushing south again. Construction is nearly finished… but that's only drawn more quilboar raids."
Galen remembered Un'yah well — a key figure in the Tauren's early quests. Back then, she gave a simple piece of advice that stayed with him: "Even the smallest deeds, if done well, will earn respect." She'd once handed players a water jug for a seemingly minor quest — yet even then, players patiently queued up to take their turn.
In the old timeline, she later passed leadership to her son. But when the Cataclysm struck and Deathwing's tremors shattered the land, countless quilboars surged from their collapsed caves and overran Narache Camp. The elderly Un'yah died a hero, defending her people.
But now, she was still in her prime — and holding a small Tauren child, likely the future Hawkwind Chieftain.
Galen turned to strategy. "Do we have any estimates on the quilboar numbers?"
Un'yah glanced at Harken Windtotem, the shaman. Judging by his name and presence, Galen guessed correctly that he was of the Windtotem clan.
Harken took a moment to chew — and awkwardly spit out an unpeeled crawfish. "You're supposed to peel them?" he muttered.
Then he answered, "The spirits of the wind and earth tell me… there are over 50,000 quilboars in the caves. Meanwhile, our combined forces barely exceed ten thousand. We've been stuck on defense."
The oldest Tauren present, Elder Maine Bloodhoof, now spoke. Tasked with security during the village's construction, he looked weary. "We've failed to complete our duties in time. We let Chieftain Cairne down."
"Don't blame yourself, Maine ," said the Grimtotem Seer. "We simply lack the numbers. Gnolls are stirring in the west, too."
"After their last failed attack three days ago, the quilboars have gone quiet. Bloodhoof Village's walls are nearly finished. I fear they're plotting something," Maine added.
Strategically, Bloodhoof Village was well placed — flanked on three sides by the lake, with land access only to the south. A sturdy drawbridge linked it to Thunder Bluff, the same bridge Galen had crossed earlier.
"I'll reinforce the defenses," Galen assured them. "And tomorrow at dawn, I'll personally investigate their movements."
The gears in his mind were turning. The quilboars, known for their preference for damp caves and shadowed lairs, would only fall if their warriors were broken in open combat.
It was time to stop reacting.
It was time to strike.
It was time to show the true art of war.