Today’s the last day of Warlords of Draenor, although with the content Blizzard’s provided in the pre-patch, it feels like we’re already in Legion. I enjoyed Warlords, and now the pre-expansion content has me excited for Legion.
The Broken Shore scenario and accompanying cinematics were awesome content. If this is what’s in store for us now, what will the expansion bring? Quests given to us weekly to slowly give us more content leading into Legion was a great idea as well. It reminds me of the Garrison Campaign in some ways. I wish more content was released like this.
I took care of everything I wanted. I got all the pamphlets from the Doomsayers, and I terrorized Orgrimmar as a Dreadlord. I managed to unlock every reward from the invasions – all the weapons, all the armor, and the pet. Illuminnae, my paladin, doesn’t even seem to care about the invasion itself. Here she herbalizes while demons attack in the background. And I managed to hit 100 with her, which is only my second character to ever reach a level cap. I did some LFR on her as well to experience more max level content.
With the awesome XP from the invasions, I couldn’t stop at Illuminnae. Logrus, my Death Knight, also hit 100 with the invasions, ran some LFR, and even got the Pocket Fel Spreader on his first Dread Infiltrator kill.
I’ll leave you with a stuffed dinosaur I found in Dalaran!
A group of my friends have started playing WoW together casually on Friday nights. They invited me to join. It’s been years since I’d done anything group content like that – dungeons and the like. It’s a different feeling to play as a group while leveling compared to endgame where the goal is to plow through content for valor points. They had already started, so I decided to catch up. They play Alliance, and I’ve never spent much time on that side of the game. I was looking forward to seeing the Alliance story.
I decided to roll a pandaren monk. His name is Sleepypaw. You can see him sleeping with his bear cub watching him.
The starting experience on the Wandering Isle was pretty fun, but nothing too amazing really. I enjoyed it, but the worgen starting experience was so much better. I did like getting the chance to talk to Shen-zin Su, the turtle known as the Wandering Isle. I also particularly liked Ji Firepaw, a Huojin follower, Aysa Cloudsinger, a Tushui follower, and their relationship. It was interesting to see them get close and then see that relationship strained. Of course, I chose to follow Aysa into the Alliance.
After fighting Varian at his request, I became a full member of the Alliance! Stormwind itself is a beautiful city, and I enjoyed running around it. While Orgrimmar and Thunder Bluff have natural beauty, and I do particularly like the view of Orgrimmar from above mostly because I think of it as my city, Stormwind and Ironforge have a really heroic and powerful feel. I spent a couple hours one evening just running around Stormwind. I ignored the map so I could try to learn the city, looking around and using Stormwind Keep as a point of reference.
After questing through Elwynn Forest, I headed into Westfall, which had a really interesting story. It did a good job of showing me how different the Alliance is. First, I helped a detective who was looking for clues to solve a murder. He even had little alarmbots circling the crime scene. I can’t imagine the Horde taking such a modern approach to murder. Yet on the other hand, I can’t fathom the idea of homeless members of the Horde – orcs unable to afford to live in Orgrimmar, starving and begging for food. That’s what we see in Westfall though. Well, homeless humans, not orcs. We learn that while the Alliance spent time and money winning the war in Northrend, they neglected things at home. Guards are posted to keep them out of cities, with signs warning transients to stay out of the area.
This is probably one of my favorite screenshots now. It wasn’t a rare angle or anything like that, but it was a powerful moment in the story.
After Westfall, I moved into the Redridge Mountains, where I joined Bravo Company and defended Lakeshire against Blackrock orcs. The most important thing that happened was meeting this girl who loves rabbits. I love rabbits too!
The zone was quite idyllic when there wasn’t killing or war. Here’s a nice screenshot. I suppose the skeleton undermines my position on the zone though.
The Bravo Company storyline was fun mostly because they tag along with you and say funny things. There’s a paladin who complains about the Light, saying that one day he feels like all his abilities are weaker.
Also, yes, Rambo references.
I’ve now made it to Duskwood and am level 30. I have full heirlooms for all three spec, so if my friends need me to tank or heal, I’ll have the gear for it (even if I don’t know how to play those specs). They might be a little higher than 30 now, but I think I’ve matched them approximately! I’ve had a lot of fun experiencing the Alliance side of things and am looking forward to more.
The war against Hellscream is coming. The die has been cast. This is a fantastic piece of the importance of this event. It could be a big turning point for the Alliance as well as the Horde.
This post is more a “journal” type entry, but I found it very interesting to hear about the effect severe latency and bandwidth limitations has on playing MMOs.
Patch 5.3 Escalation brought four new scenarios with it, two of which are required to progress into the Darkspear Rebellion quests. None of them involves the actual player characters; they’re stories told about others on Azeroth through Lorewalker Cho and his dream brew. This is a very cool way of telling stories about other characters while still allowing all players to see them.
Please note that this post will contain spoilers!
The first scenario, Blood in the Snow, is about the Alliance. The Zandalari have instigated the Frostmane trolls in Dun Morogh to lead an attack on Ironforge. When Varian asks the dwarves to send troops to help him fight off the trolls, the Bronzebeard and Wildhammer both refuse. The two clans are scared to turn their backs on the Dark Iron. Meanwhile Moira Thaurissan, Queen-Regent of the Dark Iron clan, shows that she’s willing to contribute to the Alliance and defend Ironforge by leading her troops into battle alongside Varian Wrynn. (Why does Varian have to lead the effort? Why aren’t the dwarves taking the initiative to defend their own city?)
Mechanically there was nothing special about Blood in the Snow. However, I really enjoyed it. In fact, I think it might have been my favorite scenario. Now, do consider that I only played each scenario once. It’s fairly likely that I won’t play any of them again for a long time. While some of the other scenarios had awesome things happen, it’s not every day that I get to see character progression of Alliance faction leaders. Moira’s a cool character, and it’s exciting to see her step up. I hope they three clans don’t unite any time soon. I’d like to see Moira turn into the more honorable one while the other two bicker.
The Dark Heart of Pandaria puts you in the shoes of goblin engineers excavating the Vale of Eternal Blossoms under orders of Garrosh Hellscream who hopes to find an ancient power. The goblins find a large chest, but when they open it, Norushen, a Titan construct of a Mogu yells, “Containment failure. Active defense matrix enabled.” A goblin is transformed by sha energy into the Echo of Y’Shaarj, and the other goblins defeat him.
Grizzle Gearslip, Malkorok, and Kor’kron enter the room, claiming this is exactly what they wanted to find. Malkorok pays Grizzle Gearslip, but Grizzle Gearslip replies that it wasn’t the full amount. Malkorok says that Grizzle Gearslip is only paid for the workers present, not the ones who died. He grabs him by the neck and proceeds with a racist tirade about the weakness of the lesser races before leaving.
This is another very fascinating scenario. Of course, we get some nice progression about the Old God Y’Shaarj. Not only did we discover this presence, but we find that Garrosh not only knew of it but also wanted it. I think everyone on Azeroth who isn’t part of Garrosh’s ideal Horde thinks harnessing the power of an Old God is a bad idea. Lastly, this scenario seems to act as a tipping point for the goblins. It’s obvious what the orcs think of the goblins as well.
I actually ran through Battle on the High Seas last, but as it was my least favorite scenario of the four, I didn’t want to end this post with it. Horde and Alliance ships meet in the ocean en route to Pandaria and open fire on each other. You’re tasked with boarding the other ships both by swinging over with ropes and by shooting yourself with a cannon. Besides killing enemy sailors, you also place explosives to destroy the ships.
I thought this scenario was rather boring although it did have its moments. Swinging from the ropes and using the cannons was fun, but the instructions weren’t always clear. The third person in my group at one point jumped overboard and swam to the other ship, not realizing we needed to do something on the previous ship before being able to swing to the next. We also got caught on an enemy ship when the explosives went off, killing us. It told us to get off the ship, but we weren’t sure exactly what we were supposed to do.
The biggest problem with the scenario is that it doesn’t progress the story. Yes, yes, I realize the Horde and Alliance are at war. I guess they just wanted some scenario, any scenario, to show that conflict. What we get here is some random sailors dying. Was there anyone important on either side? No. Did we learn anything new (like we do in all three of the other scenarios)? No! I’m sure Blizzard could have reinforced the Horde-Alliance conflict while actually using some characters that mattered.
Lastly we have the Secrets of Ragefire. Citizens in Durotar have been disappearing, and the Gob Squad believes it has something to do with Ragefire Chasm. You’re placed in the roles of the Gob Squad, who previously had adventures in Azshara and the Twilight Highlands, to learn what’s happening. The Gob Squad works to create a bomb to blow open a door. The Dark Shaman Xorenth tries to stop them, but the Gob Squad defeats them. They find a large number of proto-drake eggs as well as Kor’kron supply crates, making them think Garrosh plans an invasion, including orcs mounted on proto-drakes. They also find discarded Pandaria artifacts. These are likely discarded because they’re not the source of power of Y’shaarj for which Garrosh was searching. The Gob Squad creates another bomb to blow open the next door.
Yes, that’s the bomb in the upper-left of that picture. Why yes, that is a pool pony, and no, we don’t know why it’s needed. The bomb detonates early, hurting some members of the Gob Squad. Soon after, Overseer Elaglo enters, claiming “The true horde, the pure horde, cannot be stopped!” While Grit sets up a teleporter, the other goblins defend him and defeat the racist Overseer Elaglo before escaping through the teleporter.
This is another great scenario. It’s a ton of fun to explore an area that Horde players explored for the first time so long ago. In true goblin fashion, the Gob Squad is a bit silly but still manage to kick butt! The scenario shows the pride and arrogance of Garrosh Hellscream’s Horde. I love the line about the true Horde. I also like the usage of Dark Shaman. An expansion ago, I hadn’t heard of the idea of Dark Shaman. I believe the first I heard of them was in Tides of War. With the release of Mists of Pandaria, Ragefire Chasm was updated. Gone was the concept of warlocks; in its place were the Dark Shaman, and the Secrets of Ragefire brings the problem to a head. It’s time we do something about the Old God harnessing, shamanic arts-abusing, “true Horde” led by Garrosh Hellscream! Maybe it’s time for a rebellion, and maybe I’ll be posting about the Darkspear Rebellion next time!
Devee here! There’s a lot happening lately, mon, and I wish I could be more places at once. (Yes, I’m a troll who can speak correctly!) First, Nana Mudclaw asked Farmer Yoon to take over her spot in the Tiller’s Union. Not having time for both, Farmer Yoon gifted his farm to me! As I had just harvested enough pink turnips to make Jogu the Drunk his Mad Brewer’s Breakfast, I wondered what to plant next. However, I began to receive work orders! I wonder why organizations never did this before I owned the farm? Regardless, I accepted work orders from the Shado-pan and the August Celestials because I’m still trying to prove myself to them.
Having proved myself valorous, dominating in Krasarang Wilds, and victorious in the Silvershard Mines and Temple of Kotmogu to Wrathion the previous week, I followed his next direction by slaying High Marshal Twinbraid in Lion’s Landing. With the help of my fellow champions of Carpe Flux Capacitor, I managed to slay him. Meeting with Wrathion again, he reminded Mooglegem and me that he had previously asked us what the soul of the Horde was. He wondered if it was an instrument of vengeance, showing us Garrosh, a refuge for those who need shelter, showing us Thrall, or an alliance of convenience, showing us Sylvanas. Well, it appears he has his answer. He told Mooglegem and me that it was us! Maybe he meant all heroes, but I’d like to believe he meant us specifically. You can see Mooglegem above with visions of the Horde leaders (exclusing Ji Firepaw, Master of Houjin). Some other Horde hero decided to get in the picture with Mooglegem, but oh well. He then gave each of us what we’re calling an Eye of the Black Prince, which allows us to fashion an additional gem to our sha-touched weapons or Armaments of the Thunder King, whatever those are.
We went upstairs to talk with Wrathion and his guest, Prince Anduin Wrynn of Stormwind. I was excited to see Sunwalker Dezco as well. Wrathion seems to be putting together quite the exclusive group, as I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Prince Anduin and Sunwalker Dezco before and am quite fond of them. I’m happy to learn that Prince Anduin is recovering after the tragedy at the hands of Warchief Hellscream. Wrathion feels he might be too soft to lead the Alliance, but I disagree. Prince Anduin would do what needs to be done.
Of course, almost every time I meet with Wrathion, he seems to have a task for us. He wants Mooglegem and me to travel to the Isle of Thunder and prove ourselves by fighting the mogu, Zandalari, saurok, and Alliance there. I found it very disrespectful that Wrathion would ask me to slay Alliance in the company of Prince Anduin, but Prince Anduin held his tongue. Wrathion also asked us to collect tablets with the history of the mogu from the Throne of Thunder.
We then spoke with Lorewalker Cho who told us a story called A Little Patience. Apparently it happened when war first broke in Krasarang Wilds. The Lorewalker told the story from the perspective of the Alliance, and it seemed so real that it felt like we were experiencing it. Varian and Tyrande disagreed about how to fight the Horde occupying the Temple of the Red Crane. Tyrande wanted to assault it directly, but Varian wanted to think more strategically and set traps, avoiding a direct fight. He sent heroes to help set up camps filled with traps. With that complete. he taunted the Horde forces, causing them to rush to fight. Most died in the traps. This allowed the heroes to kill the Kor’kron bodyguards and fight Commander Scargash, leader of the Horde forces at the Temple of the Red Crane. The Commander fell, and Varian proved to Tyrande that a little patience can indeed be valuable. It was interesting to hear things from the Alliance perspective, but I also found it odd that as a hero of the Horde, I didn’t know about our occupation of the Temple of the Red Crane. Sometimes I think that true Horde heroes have seen too much and that our Warchief likes to use lesser soldiers for tasks that heroes would question.
Mooglegem and I learned that the Shado-pan are leading an attack as the Shado-pan Assault on the mogu forces on the Isle of Thunder. Lor’themar is also on the Isle of Thunder leading the Sunreaver Onslaught. He informed me that Jaina Proudmoore and her forces, the Kirin Tor Offensive, are also on the island. Lor’themar said that Mooglegem and I “have served the Horde nobly across many campaigns,” and that he feels he “can take [us] into confidence.” I believe I can take you, readers, into confidence as well. Please don’t repeat this. He said, “Our Warchief’s campaign across Kalimdor and Pandaria is pulling the Horde apart at the seams. We are here to fight the Thunder King. Justice demands it, and Hellscream is too preoccupied at Domination Point to pay attention here. Bun, in defeating him, we must seek out the source of his great power. We must claim it for ourselves, as leverage against our ‘Warchief.’ In the event of an uprising, we must be prepared.” He took a break from his speech here to shoot down an approaching flying dinosaur of some sort. It was an impressive show of archery skills considering he has only one eye.
We ventured to the island itself and found three bases of sorts. There are a multitude of dangerous enemies here – the mogu, the Zandalari, the saurok, and the Alliance. The Alliance seems to be the most dangerous of the four. It’s too bad we can’t work together. There’s much more work to be done. I want to continue securing the Isle of Thunder, assault the Throne of Thunder, and explore the mysterious Isle of Giants. There’s only so much two heroes like Mooglegem and me can do, but I look forward to a future in which we can eliminate the threats to our life and happiness. I just worry that one of those threats is our own Warchief.
I’m not sure how it would kill twinking, but I think scaling players levels to the highest level of their PvP bracket is pretty cool! (And scaling in PvP works well in TOR.)
Valor converts to Justice, and Conquest converts to Honor. That’s normal. What’s different is that current Valor gear will still cost Valor. Rewards from 5.0 factions will be at a 75% discount and rewards from 5.1 factions will be at a 50% discount. That’s great, but then why take all of our Valor away? I understand the predicament in wanting to ensure people don’t get ahead, but that sucks a little.
After running through the Theramore’s Fall scenario last night, I can say that I was pretty disappointed. I like the concept, but Theramore’s Fall was not very interesting. I hope it isn’t indicative of the other scenarios. Obviously, I’ll be spoiling the scenario in this post. At the end, in a separate section, I’m going to be spoiling the novel. It’s worth noting that without being familiar with the novel, the scenario makes no sense at all.
My first complaint is about how the scenario is integrated. What are we doing? Why are we here? How would I even know about this scenario if I didn’t read blogs? There’s nothing in the actual world. There should have been something on the Warchief’s Command Board along with guards barking out instructions. “All able-bodied members of the Horde are to report for war immediately!” Of course, you’re not going off to the main battle for Theramore. When you talk to the guard, he could say something like, “Warchief Hellscream has requested the best of the best for the special mission. You look like you have what it takes. Report to him at once.” Garrosh could have some dialogue before queuing you for the scenario. But no. There was nothing.
Instructions are displayed on the screen. I actually like this because it makes it clear. However, there was no explanation for why we were doing these tasks. I would have liked an NPC to tell us the instructions. I started on a Horde ship docked at Theramore and was tasked with rigging explosives on six Alliance ships. Why were there explosives on those ships? I don’t know. Who’s telling us to do this? I don’t know. Stage two tasked me with informing a goblin that the explosives were set, allowing him to blow the ships. There are Horde NPCs along the docks but not much real fighting. In Stage three I had to defeat some guards and the flightmaster. He was a simple boss. It was time to defeat a siege engine in stage four. Fun little enemy. It was nothing compared to actual bosses, but when you think of scenarios more as quests (possibly without tanks or healers), it seemed decent. It’s worth noting that there don’t seem to be armies anywhere. Where’s the Horde? Where’s the Alliance? It doesn’t make a lot of sense.
In the final stage, I had to slay the Captain of the Guard and rescue someone named Thalen Songweaver. No explanation was given as to who he was or why I had to save him.
At that point a cutscene is played showing an airship stationed by goblins dropping a huge mana bomb on Theramore. Where did they get the mana bomb? Was there an actual battle or just the bomb? Without the novel, this isn’t answered.
I received a bag at the end of the scenario that contained five Horde symbol fireworks. You can kind of see the symbol in my screenshot. It didn’t actually look much better in the game. I suppose this is kind of realistic. Fireworks usually look almost how they’re supposed to look.
Thalen Songweaver also mailed me a Mini Mana Bomb. It’s an item on a three-minute cooldown that gives you an AOE target and causes a small arcane explosion. It’s pretty cool.
Returning to Theramore, I find nothing but the ruins of a city along with a large, magically-charged crater. Once you do the scenario, Theramore will be phased, leaving you to see the destruction.
Zidormi, the NPC that usually stands in front of the portal to the Caverns of Time in the Violet Citadel, now stands near the western bridge leading to Theramore. She’ll temporarily phase you back if you want to see Theramore in its previous glory. I don’t know if she’ll be here permanently, but I really hope so. I like being able to see the old content.
Spoilers time.
Here’s a quick bullet-pointed summary of the novel that helps explain the scenario.
The blue dragonflight is slowly disbanding.
The Focusing Iris is stolen from the blues as they move it. They were hiding it because the mortals know about the Eye of Eternity.
Kalecgos sees if Jaina might have some insight.
Kalecgos and Jaina slowly fall in love.
Jaina gets an apprentice named Kinndy Sparkshine, daughter of Windle Sparkshine, the Dalaran gnome who lights the street lights.
Garrosh declares that Kalimdor should belong only to the Horde and orders all Horde races to amass an army.
Malkorok is a former Blackrock orc and is now Garrosh’s right-hand man and personal bodyguard.
The Kor’kron Guard are now acting like enforcers and secret police, led by Malkorok.
People who speak out against Garrosh are either never seen again or return from visits from the Kor’kron severely hurt.
The Horde destroys Northwatch Hold and plans to march on Theramore.
Garrosh is using dark shaman to create elemental giants to use in war.
Baine and Vol’jin vocally oppose Garrosh.
Baine sends a messenger to Theramore warning Jaina that an attack is coming. He feels bad that he must be part of it but says that it would be bad for the tauren to openly oppose Garrosh.
Baine also returns Fearbreaker to Jaina, instructing her to return it to Anduin. He doesn’t feel like it’s right to keep it.
Garrosh holds army for a long time rather than marching on Theramore.
Jaina convinces the Kirin Tor to help her.
Almost all high-ranking generals of the Alliance along with the Kirin Tor come to Theramore to defend it.
Garrosh waits until the Alliance’s forces are all gathered in one spot before leading an attack.
There is an all out war between the armies of the Alliance and the Horde. Yes, there are many people involved although it’s not shown in the scenario.
The Kirin Tor mages are magically reinforcing the walls. One Sunreaver mage, Thalen Songweaver, actually weakens the walls to allow the Horde into the city. He’s caught by Jaina and jailed.
The Alliance and Horde both lose a number of soldiers before the Horde is pushed out of the city.
A small number of Horde rescue Thalen Songweaver from Theramore. This is what the scenario is about.
Garrosh reveals that he had the Focusing Iris stolen from the Blue Dragonflight. He used it to create the largest mana bomb ever built and then orders it dropped on Theramore.
This explains why Garrosh waited until Theramore was reinforced. The reason why he battled on the ground at all was simply for the glory of war.
Rhonin claims that Jaina should be the future of the Kirin Tor and teleports her to safety as he attempts to suck the mana bomb explosion to him and contain it as much as possible.
Most Alliance generals are killed as was her apprentice, Kinndy. Rhonin is, of course, dead.
Jaina returns to Theramore physically altered by the arcane exposure. She steals the Focusing Iris herself.
The Horde naval fleet creates a blockade around Kalimdor.
Jaina decides that the time for peace has ended. She vows to flatten Orgrimmar, including all children, herself.
Varian and Anduin are appalled at the change in Jaina and do not like the idea of destroying an entire Horde city.
Varian believes they must come up with an intelligent plan. He rebuilds the Alliance fleet and decides to make a feint for Darkshore, hoping the Horde navy responds. The bulk of his ships will sail for Orgrimmar so that Alliance forces can enter and kill Garrosh Hellscream.
Varian tells Anduin how a true king must be responsible for both the good and the bad. He tells Anduin he’s proud of him and knows that Anduin will make a good king if he (Varian) doesn’t return.
Anduin gives a speech to the people of the Alliance, blessing them and causing them to glow with the holy Light.
Thrall returns to Kalimdor after the elements’ new unrest at the elemental giants being used by the Horde.
Thrall confronts Jaina who is no longer willing to call him a friend. She attempts to kill him.
Kalecgos talks Jaina down from using water elementals as a giant tidal wave against Orgrimmar, and Thrall leaves.
Garrosh somehow summons krakens to use against the Alliance navy.
Jaina uses the elementals to defeat the kraken.
Garrosh pulls his forces in to defend Orgrimmar, the Alliance navy sail to release the Alliance’s other ports from Horde control.
Jaina, not knowing what to do with herself, goes to Dalaran. She requests to formally join the Kirin Tor.
Kalecgos, no longer an Aspect after the battle against Deathwing and with no blue dragons left following him, decides to join the Kirin Tor as well.
Jaina returns the Focusing Iris to Kalecgos.
The Kirin Tor, following a prophecy written by Antonidas, not only accept Jaina but also put her in charge of the Kirin Tor.
The Kirin Tor also accept Kalecgos.
Kalecgos declares that mortals are very capable and hands the Focusing Iris over to the Kirin Tor.
Pretty much none of this is explained in the scenario. Some of the details are likely not needed, but the scenario needed a lot more lore than what was in it (none). The book, while excellent, is missing a couple things as well. Most notably, I’d like to know more about Malkorok and how the Horde obtained the Focusing Iris.
Character development was excellent for the most part. I can see how Jaina would snap even if it seemed a little extreme. Garrosh has gone all out war-crazy. It seems odd that he was against the Forsaken’s use of the blight but is okay with the huge mana bomb. I suppose you could assume that he’s decided that enough is enough and is now willing to go to more extreme tactics; However, we don’t really get in his head enough. It’s just not explained.
Varian is becoming a wonderful character. He’s war-crazy side seems fully integrated with his logical side. I love that he’s proud and accepting of Anduin now. Varian seems like the kind of noble king that the Alliance deserve. I’m starting to wish my character could look up to him.
Rohan examines the idea catering to women, whether or not it’s what women actually want, usually brings about changes to make game easier and to include things like pet battles over PVP. As a consequence, Rohan thinks some companies objectify women or put them in provocative clothing to prove they’re not catering to women and therefore won’t make it easy and will continue to support things like PVP.
Rossi believes we need an evil that lasts longer than a patch or two. He also discusses how the Horde went from evil in RTS games to morally ambiguous in the MMO, forcing the Alliance to become ambiguous as well.
This wasn’t the original topic I was planning on discussing today, but then I noticed something. I had 99 published articles on Kor’kron 501st. I think the 100th post should be a little more reflective.
World of Warcraft is a great game, and I love it and the universe in which it takes place. Of course, it’s not without its flaws, but I keep coming back to it. I’m also a Star Wars fan. I’ve played a lot of the games, I’ve read a lot of the novels, and The Old Republic seems fantastic; but TOR just doesn’t suck me in like WoW does.
It might the idea of becoming a powerful, heroic character. I want to overcome great evil, wield the legendary weapon such-and-such (I suppose it would be Val’anyr.) When I first started, I wanted to imagine myself jumping into a group of enemies, swinging my two blades. Now, I want to imagine myself a guiding light, helping my friends and faction overcome adversary.
I love the number of interesting characters. I love Thrall, and I love that they removed him from his position as War Chief when he became too loved. I love Garorsh Hellscream’s rise to power and am excited to see his story unfold in Mists of Pandaria. I might not love noble Cairne’s tragic death, but it does give me an emotional investment in the story seeing his death and Baine’s rise as the young High Chieftain of the Tauren. The interaction between him and Anduin Wrynn is a happy bit of piece in a story of turmoil. Anduin (as well as Jaina) also make excellent juxtapositions to Varian.
The world feels large and alive, at least at first. Over time one learns that the world isn’t really quite so large (especially with the more linear zones introduced in Cataclysm), but I still love the overwhelming feeling I had when I first began to play. When I first saw Ironforge on my Alliance character, my jaw dropped. When my Horde character first left Durotar for the Barrens, it felt like I was actually helping the Horde army. (I had no idea how bad life was going to get once I had to play through the Barrens.) How about the Wrathgate cinematic and the Battle for the Undercity? It felt so epic, and I watched that video over and over the few days after first reaching it (and I still do sometimes).
This doesn’t even discuss the major gameplay aspects. Seeing dungeons for the first time is always an amazing feeling for me, which is why I avoid doing it in a rush. I loved first exploring the Frozen Halls dungeons introduced in 3.3 with Icecrown Citadel. The feeling of improving and overcoming new raid bosses in a team feels wonderful. Clean kills? Those are boring. The first kills during which I feel like I did everything in my power and skill set to succeed, the ones in which only a handful of raid members are left standing, are the good ones. Likewise, battlegrounds can be so much fun. Nothing in gaming (uh, besides Portal) can compete with Moogle and me surviving and winning an outnumbered fight in a battleground! Of course, raiding (and sometimes battlegrounds) add another part – socializing. I’ve met a lot of really amazing people in WoW.
I suppose it all comes down to investment. There’s time and money, but mostly it’s the emotional investment. I’ve learned so much about the universe. I love many of the characters and factions in Warcraft. I’m excited by the dramatic tension between individuals and groups, even if one I like comes out worse. I understand how my character thinks. He’s an extension of myself. Most of all, I just love exploring and experiencing this wonderful universe with Mooglegem. It would take a lot to break the emotional attachment. In fact, I doubt it could break. Sometimes I begin to play less. Yes, I’m sure I’ll quit someday. But even when I step back, I still care about what’s happening. Just like how I’ve always had a soft spot for Mario and Sonic, I don’t think my attachment to Warcraft will ever fully go away. And hopefully my investment continues to pay off for a long time.
earthwormgem
Peter (Devee)
