WoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gifWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comen-usCopyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/WoW Insider ShowEvery week, the WoW Insider Show brings you news and views from the World of Warcraft and the site that covers it all, WoW Insider. We introduce a panel of rotating guests, including bloggers from WoW Insider and other WoW blogs, and many popular personalities from around the WoW community. From the live listener chat and polls during the show, to the emails direct from listeners (reach us at theshow@wow.com), right on to the "meat" of the show -- in-depth discussion of the most popular news and posts on WoW Insider -- the WoW Insider Show is a terrific source of news and entertainment about what's going on with Blizzard and their World of Warcraft. Listen live every Saturday at 3:30 pm Eastern on our Ustream page (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wow-insider-show) or subscribe to the feed and let us know what you think by reviewing the show right here in iTunes.Are you happy with Patch 5.3's story progression?http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/are-you-happy-with-patch-5-3s-story-progression/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/are-you-happy-with-patch-5-3s-story-progression/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/are-you-happy-with-patch-5-3s-story-progression/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Are you happy with Patch 53's story progression
Frankly, as a solidly Alliance player right now, I find patch 5.3 satisfying. I get why some players don't, but frankly I don't mind spending some time exploring the Horde from an Alliance perspective, without having to faction switch or roll a new character. In fact, I hope it's something they hold onto for future content - I'd love to see a storyline where a group of Horde had to infiltrate Ironforge and work alongside some Dark Irons, or even a story that pit blood elf agents against their forsaken allies by using the worgen as catspaws. My point is, getting to directly interact with Vol'jin was pretty fun, getting to bring the war to the Horde itself while setting up the Darkspear to do the heavy lifting made sense to me, and in general I enjoyed all of the scenarios and quests I've done this patch.

But just because I like something it doesn't follow that you all feel the same way. This patch's story is unfolding in interesting new ways - there's no reputation faction to unlock via daily quests, there are scenarios but no dungeons, and quests that don't repeat. It's quite possible to see much, if not all, of the storyline in one day. It's definitely a departure from what we've seen in previous Mists of Pandaria patches.

Continue reading Are you happy with Patch 5.3's story progression?

WoW InsiderAre you happy with Patch 5.3's story progression? originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>mists-of-pandariapatch-5.3patch-5.3-storyprogressionstorystory-progressionMatthew RossiThu, 23 May 2013 16:00:00 ESTThe top ten most desolate spots in WoWhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/the-top-ten-most-desolate-spots-in-wow/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/the-top-ten-most-desolate-spots-in-wow/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/the-top-ten-most-desolate-spots-in-wow/#commentsFiled under: ,

map header
A little while ago, we did a "Top ten most beautiful spots in WoW" post, and many commenters had an interesting request: a companion post of the ten most desolate places in WoW. We thought it was a great idea, so we're taking the suggestion to heart. This was an interesting topic to think about, because the desolate spots in WoW are the ones I tend to avoid. For the most part, I don't want to spend my fun WoW time in virtual wastelands! Then again, sometimes those deserted, eerie places have a haunting beauty all their own. Check out our list, and tell us your own favorite desolate places in World of Warcraft!

Continue reading The top ten most desolate spots in WoW

WoW InsiderThe top ten most desolate spots in WoW originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 22 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>blasted-landsbleak-places-in-wowborean-tundraburning-steppesdeadwind-passdesolacedragonblighteastern-plaguelandsnetherstormscreenshotssilithusthousand-needleszonesSarah PineWed, 22 May 2013 14:00:00 ESTKnow Your Lore: Gul'dan, Doomhammer, and the nature of the Hordehttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/know-your-lore-guldan-doomhammer-and-the-nature-of-the-horde/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/know-your-lore-guldan-doomhammer-and-the-nature-of-the-horde/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/know-your-lore-guldan-doomhammer-and-the-nature-of-the-horde/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft.

Garrosh Hellscream is many things. He's brash, headstrong, arrogant, concerned for his people, determined to deliver the whole of Azeroth into their dominion no matter what anyone thinks about it, but one thing is clear. He's not Gul'dan. For all the grief I like to give Horde players (mainly because it's easy to rile Horde players up, I know, I raided as Horde for all of Cataclysm and a good chunk of Mists) It's true that on the surface, the Horde of today has changed greatly from the Horde Gul'dan created.

The Horde as it exists today is the spiritual successor of the Horde that Orgrim Doomhammer created when he seized power. Was Doomhammer a kindly, soft spoken orc who loved kittens and rainbows? No. No he was not. He was an orc who had come to power as the right hand of Blackhand the Destroyer, a hunter and a warrior who had spent his entire life in combat. He was strong, devoted to his people, and absolutely committed to an orc victory no matter the odds. In a way, minus Garrosh's bluster and bravado, the orc he most resembles from the history of the old Horde is Orgrim Doomhammer.

Continue reading Know Your Lore: Gul'dan, Doomhammer, and the nature of the Horde

WoW InsiderKnow Your Lore: Gul'dan, Doomhammer, and the nature of the Horde originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>DoomhammerfeaturedGaronaGarona-Halforcenguideguide-to-loreGuldanHordeKiljaedenlorelore-guideNerzhulOrgrim-Doomhammerrole-playrole-playing-guiderp-guideworld-of-warcraft-lorewow-guidewow-lorewow-role-playingwow-role-playing-guidewow-rpwow-rp-guidewow-rpingMatthew RossiTue, 21 May 2013 14:00:00 ESTKnow Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition: Celestials, Ancients and Aspectshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/know-your-lore-tinfoil-hat-edition-celestials-ancients-and-as/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/know-your-lore-tinfoil-hat-edition-celestials-ancients-and-as/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/know-your-lore-tinfoil-hat-edition-celestials-ancients-and-as/#commentsFiled under: ,

Know Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition Celestials, Ancients and Aspects
The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft.

Last week, we took a tinfoil-hat look at the Curse of Flesh and why, exactly, that strange curse came to be. We also took a look at theories behind why the Titans didn't simply wipe the Old Gods out of existence -- and in what order Azeroth's creation took place. If you haven't read last week's offering, I'd suggest doing so now, because the theories I'm going to present today tie into that material. While the Old Gods have been pointed out time and again as being on Azeroth since the dawn of time, there are other creatures with just as lengthy a history.

The Ancients are, as their name suggests, ancient -- and the Celestials of Pandaria seem to be just as ancient and wise. These creatures are all there to supposedly help the mortals of Azeroth and protect the world from harm. In the War of the Ancients, many of these odd demigods helped the kaldorei fight off the Burning Legion, and with a great deal of success. In Pandaria, the Celestials have their own curious methods of helping out the world -- after all, it was the Jade Serpent who told Emperor Shaohao of the sha, albeit indirectly.

So who are the Celestials? Who are the Ancients? And how do they tie into that weird mystery that is Azeroth?

Today's Know Your Lore is a Tinfoil Hat edition, meaning the following is a look into what has gone before with pure speculation on what is to come as a result. These speculations are merely theories and shouldn't be taken as fact or official lore.

Continue reading Know Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition: Celestials, Ancients and Aspects

WoW InsiderKnow Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition: Celestials, Ancients and Aspects originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 19 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>aessinaalexstraszaancientsaspectsaugust-celestialsavianaazerothcataclysmcelestialscenariuschi-jifeaturedgoldrinnguideguide-to-lorelorelore-guidemalornemalygosneltharionniuzaonozdormuold-godsrole-playrole-playing-guiderp-guidetitansworld-of-warcraft-lorewow-guidewow-lorewow-role-playingwow-role-playing-guidewow-rpwow-rp-guidewow-rpingxuenyserayulonAnne StickneySun, 19 May 2013 20:00:00 ESTDawn of the Aspects Part IV previewhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/dawn-of-the-aspects-part-iv-preview/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/dawn-of-the-aspects-part-iv-preview/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/dawn-of-the-aspects-part-iv-preview/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aspects
For all you lore fans out there, Dawn of the Aspects Part IV will be available in five days, on May 20th. To tide us over, community manager Bashiok has posted a preview on the story forum, featuring our fearless dragon quintet facing an undead menace. I don't want to spoil too much for those who are waiting to read the whole thing once it's all finished, but as the penultimate addition to the story, there's some name dropping that might come as a surprise if you haven't been following along. The excerpt hints at some tense situations for the soon-to-be Aspects, and Ysera, in particular, plays an important part in this scene. There are even a few hints that she might have some kind of hidden, unexpected power, but we all know that's because Ysera is the best Aspect anyway. The position of my druid as my perpetual main has in no way influenced my opinion on this matter.

Make sure to check out WoW Insiders' reviews of the previous parts of Dawn of the Aspects. The full part four preview is the break, and keep your eyes peeled for Dawn of the Aspects Part IV.

Continue reading Dawn of the Aspects Part IV preview

WoW InsiderDawn of the Aspects Part IV preview originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 15 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dawn-of-the-aspectsday-of-the-dragondragon-aspectsdragonflightsdragonskalecgosrichard-knaakwow-loreSarah PineWed, 15 May 2013 19:00:00 ESTCatching up with the lore for patch 5.3http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/catching-up-with-the-lore-for-patch-5-3/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/catching-up-with-the-lore-for-patch-5-3/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/catching-up-with-the-lore-for-patch-5-3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Okay, so let's assume for the moment you're interested in the advancing storyline for the Mists of Pandaria expansion as we head into patch 5.3, but are wondering if you missed anything or have just started leveling to 90 and want to make sure you get caught up with what's happening. Why is the Horde in such a tizzy? What's the Alliance planning to do? Who are the major players, and why are they doing what they're doing? Don't worry. We here at WoW Insider have been covering this all expansion, and we can help you get up to speed.

Continue reading Catching up with the lore for patch 5.3

WoW InsiderCatching up with the lore for patch 5.3 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>catching-uplorepatch-5.3Patch-5.3-lorestorystory-so-farMatthew RossiWed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 ESTKnow Your Lore: Of Wolves and Mageshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/know-your-lore-of-wolves-and-mages/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/know-your-lore-of-wolves-and-mages/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/know-your-lore-of-wolves-and-mages/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft.

You probably don't know who Ur was, and even if you do, you don't know much about him because there's not much to know. We know the following - Ur was a mage who lived in Dalaran before the coming of the Scourge to the Eastern Kingdoms, who apparently died during the invasion Arthas led to retrieve the Book of Medivh so that Kel'Thuzad could use it to summon Archimonde the Defiler. It's possible that Ur, being a remarkably skilled and knowledgeable wizard, was one of the three archmages slain by Arthas while maintaining auras that protected Dalaran from the undead.

What's interesting about Ur isn't what he himself actually did, however, but what was done with the work he left behind. Ur was the author of two tomes (that we know of), The Book of Ur and Ur's Treatise on Shadow Magic. Ur's knowledge of other planes of existence was significant, if faulty - while in practical terms his understanding was great enough that it was possible for Archmage Arugal of Silverpine to use the Book of Ur to summon worgen forth from their prison in the Emerald Dream, it's notable that Ur didn't actually understand what the worgen really were, or what druid magic was - he simply saw the worgen as monsters from another world. Still, without Ur, it is unlikely that Arugal would have been able to bring forth the worgen he did.

Amazingly, despite knowing nothing of druidism and only having a hazy understanding of the worgen origin Ur's research allowed Arugal to pull Alpha Prime and other ancient members of the Druids of the Scythe to Azeroth. Considering it was Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage who placed Ralaar Fangfire and the other druids who'd helped create the Scythe of Elune under Daral'nir (the great tree in the Emerald Dream for which Tal'Doren is a mirror) in the first place, the fact that Arugal managed to draw them forth is astonishing. Yet manage it he did, with Ur's book.

Continue reading Know Your Lore: Of Wolves and Mages

WoW InsiderKnow Your Lore: Of Wolves and Mages originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 15 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredguideguide-to-lorelorelore-guiderole-playrole-playing-guiderp-guideUrworld-of-warcraft-lorewow-guidewow-lorewow-role-playingwow-role-playing-guidewow-rpwow-rp-guidewow-rpingMatthew RossiWed, 15 May 2013 09:00:00 ESTKnow Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition: The Curse of Fleshhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/know-your-lore-tinfoil-hat-edition-the-curse-of-flesh/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/know-your-lore-tinfoil-hat-edition-the-curse-of-flesh/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/know-your-lore-tinfoil-hat-edition-the-curse-of-flesh/#commentsFiled under: ,

Know Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition The Curse of Flesh
The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft.
Abedneum: Accessing. In the early stages of its development cycle Azeroth suffered infection by parasitic, necrophotic symbiotes. Designation: Old Gods. Old Gods rendered all systems, including Earthen defenseless in order to facilitate assimilation. This matrix destabilization has been termed the Curse of Flesh. Effects of destabilization increased over time.
Brann Bronzebeard yells: Old Gods eh? So they zapped the Earthen with this Curse of Flesh. And then what?
Kaddrak: Accessing. Creators arrived to extirpate symbiotic infection. Assessment revealed that Old God infestation had grown malignant. Excising parasites would result in loss of host--
The early days of Azeroth's creation are a puzzle that has yet to be completely solved. The issue of Azeroth's creation lies in the order of events as they've been presented; we have two very different orders of events depending on where you're looking for reference. In one, the Titans arrived on Azeroth to find the Old Gods, put the world in order, then left for parts unknown. In another, it's implied that the Titans arrived, put the world to order, and left. At some point after this, the Old Gods arrived and wreaked havoc, prompting the return of the Titans and the imprisonment of the Old Gods.

So ... which one is correct? Well, there's an interesting part in the middle of all of this that can be used to try and unravel that particular puzzle. It's called the Curse of Flesh, and its shaped far more of Azeroth as we know it today than you'd think.

Today's Know Your Lore is a Tinfoil Hat edition, meaning the following is a look into what has gone before with pure speculation on what is to come as a result. These speculations are merely theories and shouldn't be taken as fact or official lore.

Continue reading Know Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition: The Curse of Flesh

WoW InsiderKnow Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition: The Curse of Flesh originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 12 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alliancecurse-of-fleshdwarvesearthenevolutionfeaturedgnomesguideguide-to-lorehordehumansklaxxilorelore-guidemantidmatrix-destabilizationmechagnomesmoguold-godspandarenrole-playrole-playing-guiderp-guidetitanstroggsvrykulworld-of-warcraft-lorewow-guidewow-lorewow-role-playingwow-role-playing-guidewow-rpwow-rp-guidewow-rpingAnne StickneySun, 12 May 2013 20:00:00 ESTReview of World of Warcraft: Dark Ridershttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/review-of-world-of-warcraft-dark-riders/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/review-of-world-of-warcraft-dark-riders/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/review-of-world-of-warcraft-dark-riders/#commentsFiled under: ,

Review of World of Warcraft Dark Riders
Before I even begin, I'm going to state the one thing that's been on my mind, and likely the mind of anyone else waiting for this particular title: It's about time. World of Warcraft: Dark Riders is the offshoot of the World of Warcraft comic series, specifically, the characters introduced in the 2009 special issue of the series written by Mike Costa. Yes, we have been waiting for this graphic novel for four years now. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely.

Costa continues the tale started in that special issue and takes the reins of Dark Riders, skillfully weaving together one of those stories that isn't so much dependent on current game lore. In fact, it really doesn't address current game events at all. Instead, it takes the bold step of filling the gap between events that played out in WoW itself -- the disappearance of the Scythe of Elune from Duskwood and its sudden reappearance in Gilneas. And if that weren't enough, there's a wild trip through Karazhan and the questionable origin of the Dark Riders themselves, explained for the first time.

But that's really just the tip of the iceberg here.

Continue reading Review of World of Warcraft: Dark Riders

WoW InsiderReview of World of Warcraft: Dark Riders originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 12 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>althea-ebonlockebrinkdark-ridersdark-riders-of-deadwind-passdarkshiredeadwind-passduskwoodjitterskarazhankarazhan-cryptkarlainloremardiganmike-costaneil-googerevilsven-yorgenupside-down-sinnerswarcraft-comicwarcraft-comicsworld-of-warcraft-loreAnne StickneySun, 12 May 2013 18:00:00 ESTDark Riders graphic novel hits virtual store shelves todayhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/dark-riders-graphic-novel-hits-virtual-store-shelves-today/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/dark-riders-graphic-novel-hits-virtual-store-shelves-today/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/dark-riders-graphic-novel-hits-virtual-store-shelves-today/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dark Riders comic
If you're itching for a good World of Warcraft story and patch 5.3 is too long to wait for new story content, Blizzard is happy to oblige with the just-released World of Warcraft: Dark Riders graphic novel. Unfortunately, Blizzard's own description of the comic -- talking about an "enigmatic destiny" and "hidden dangers" -- is too vague and generic to grab our interest. But fortunately we've heard about Dark Riders before and expect good things from writer Mike Costa and artist Neil Googe. So what can you expect to find in this tome of lore? More about the mysterious Dark Riders of Deadwind Pass, who have only been alluded to in the game, the secretive wolf cult, and the Scythe of Elune. But if you're not a lore hound, you'll just have to be tempted by the promise of a good World of Warcraft story in graphic novel form.

World of Warcraft: Dark Riders is available today. You can take a sneak peak at the art or buy it directly form Amazon or Barnes & Noble for $16.01 -- though if you prefer digital, it's $12.99 for Kindle and $13.74 for Nook.

WoW InsiderDark Riders graphic novel hits virtual store shelves today originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>costadark-ridersdark-riders-comicdeadwind-passduskwoodgoogemike-costaneil-googewolf-cultworld-of-warcraft-dark-riderswowwow-comicwow-comicswow-dark-riderswow-dark-riders-comicElizabeth HarperThu, 09 May 2013 17:00:00 ESTKnow Your Lore: Karazhan and why we went therehttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/know-your-lore-karazhan-and-why-we-went-there/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/know-your-lore-karazhan-and-why-we-went-there/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/know-your-lore-karazhan-and-why-we-went-there/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft.

So the other day on Twitter someone asked me "Why were we in Karazhan, anyway" and since it's a question I've been asked before, I thought I'd address it. The primary reason we went to Karazhan was to kill a whole lot of guilds that were trying to transition to 25 man raiding from the 40 man of Classic by forcing them to run a 10 man instance and two 25 man instances at the same time. Ha. I kid, because I'm still bitter.

The question can actually be answered in several ways. We went to Karazhan because the Kirin Tor were investigating the tower and asked Khadgar for help. They had noticed that, decades after Medivh's death, some new malevolent force was infesting the tower (and since it sits on a ley line nexus, that concerned them) and as we investigated we discover the horrible truth. The Burning Legion has infested Karazhan and seeks control over the powerful arcane secrets held within, and they must be stopped.

But why did Prince Malchezaar lead his Legion forces to Karazhan in the first place? Well, for that, we have to talk about Medivh.

Continue reading Know Your Lore: Karazhan and why we went there

WoW InsiderKnow Your Lore: Karazhan and why we went there originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredguideguide-to-loreKarazhanlorelore-guideMalchezaarrole-playrole-playing-guiderp-guideworld-of-warcraft-lorewow-guidewow-lorewow-role-playingwow-role-playing-guidewow-rpwow-rp-guidewow-rpingMatthew RossiWed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 ESTKnow Your Lore: Anveena Teague and the Sunwellhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/know-your-lore-anveena-teague-and-the-sunwell/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/know-your-lore-anveena-teague-and-the-sunwell/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/know-your-lore-anveena-teague-and-the-sunwell/#commentsFiled under: ,

Know Your Lore Anveena Teague and the Sunwell
The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft.

Those who travel to Sunwell Plateau may have seen her -- the inexplicable human girl trapped in a bubble above the Sunwell itself, even as demons channel dark energies below. Her story is a sad one, one of the more poignant tales in Warcraft's history, but it's by and large unknown to many who play. Which is kind of a pity, when you think about it -- Anveena Teague is one of those clear in-game representations of when written material and game content collide with little success. Despite her story being told in the manga series The Sunwell Trilogy, that story never really made it into the game in any capacity.

It also means that every time myself, one of my guildmates, or simply random people that follow me over on Twitter head into Sunwell Plateau, I'm asked who that girl the bubble is, where she came from, and why she's there. And since we have yet to address Anveena's full story in Know Your Lore, I thought it was high time she was featured in a column of her own. So we're taking a break from Pandaria this week, and instead turning our attention back in time to the days of Lordaeron's fall, the days when draconic intervention was a far more common occurrence, the days when the Scourge marched en masse over the land, to a quiet little hamlet known as Tarren Mill.

Continue reading Know Your Lore: Anveena Teague and the Sunwell

WoW InsiderKnow Your Lore: Anveena Teague and the Sunwell originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 05 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>anveenaanveena-teaguefeaturedguideguide-to-lorekaelthaskaelthas-sunstriderkalecgoskiljaedenkorialstraszlorelore-guidemagisters-terracemalygosrole-playrole-playing-guiderp-guidesunwellsunwell-plateausunwell-trilogythe-sunwell-trilogytyrygosaworld-of-warcraft-lorewow-guidewow-lorewow-role-playingwow-role-playing-guidewow-rpwow-rp-guidewow-rpingAnne StickneySun, 05 May 2013 18:00:00 ESTFaction short story Bleeding Sun now availablehttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/faction-short-story-bleeding-sun-now-available/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/faction-short-story-bleeding-sun-now-available/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/faction-short-story-bleeding-sun-now-available/#commentsFiled under: ,

Faction short story Bleeding Sun now available
A new short story is available on the official Blizzard website for lore fans. Bleeding Sun, written by Matt Burns, sheds some light on the Golden Lotus and the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. Although there have been small bits of story about the Vale and its guardians, there wasn't a lot of clarification on the process itself. We knew that the Vale had guardians, that those guardians had been there before the August Celestials chose to open the gate, but how those guardians were chosen, or what that choice entailed was still a mystery.

Matt Burns, also the author of Charge of the Aspects from last year, tackles this subject with flair -- but it's a dark flair, one that was entirely unexpected. I'd mentioned before that Trial of the Red Blossoms, Blizzard's first foray into Pandaria's many factions, was a little dark. Bleeding Sun beats it, hands down -- and all by using a character who is entirely devoted to the Light of An'she's sun. Sunwalker Dezco makes a unexpected return in Bleeding Sun, along with his twin sons, now named Redhorn and Cloudhoof. Dezco has been trying to to come to terms with the death of his wife Leza and the result of their grand journey across Pandaria. He and his followers found the Vale ... but what now?

And that's where it gets really grim.

Continue reading Faction short story Bleeding Sun now available

WoW InsiderFaction short story Bleeding Sun now available originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 03 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chi-jidezcofaction-short-storiesfactionsgolden-lotusleader-short-storiesmists-of-pandariamists-of-pandaria-factionsmists-of-pandaria-lorepandarenshort-storiessunwalker-dezcovale-of-eternal-blossomsworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-loreAnne StickneyFri, 03 May 2013 17:00:00 ESTA fresh look at World of Warcraft lore resourceshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/a-fresh-look-at-world-of-warcraft-lore-resources/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/a-fresh-look-at-world-of-warcraft-lore-resources/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/a-fresh-look-at-world-of-warcraft-lore-resources/#commentsFiled under:

WoW lore header
Mists of Pandaria is chock full of WoW lore, much of it building directly upon events that were set in motion a while ago. Patches 5.1 and 5.2 in particular have been heavy on the story , so if you're either new to the game or haven't paid attention to the lore before, you may be wondering just what in the heck is going on and why! Here at WoW Insider we talk about lore quite a bit, but there are lots of resources out there for the interested player, and it can get overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Hopefully this compilation will serve as a handy springboard for fellow WoW enthusiasts who are looking to dive headlong into the lore.

Continue reading A fresh look at World of Warcraft lore resources

WoW InsiderA fresh look at World of Warcraft lore resources originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 02 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>wow-lore-resourcesSarah PineThu, 02 May 2013 12:00:00 ESTKnow Your Lore: The Lessons of the Lich Kinghttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/know-your-lore-the-lessons-of-the-lich-king/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/know-your-lore-the-lessons-of-the-lich-king/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/know-your-lore-the-lessons-of-the-lich-king/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft.

Thinking again about the Lich King, specifically when Arthas Menethil wore the Helm of Domination, always brings me to speculate on his seeming need to prove something. Everything we experienced in Wrath of the Lich King seemed calculated towards that end. From the encounter with him in Howling Fjord through the complicated Drak'tharon Keep and Zul'Drak storylines to the final showdown atop Icecrown Citadel, Arthas always had a plan, and that plan was in part simply to cause his own enemies to provide him with a cadre of such power that he could turn and use against the world, yes. But more than that, Arthas seemed obsessed with proving that he was right.

Again and again Arthas as the Lich King put mortal heroes through situations that served to illustrate his own fall - again and again, he sought not just to torment and inspire hatred and anger just as he had been tormented by Mal'Ganis and grew to be consumed by hatred, but to show by so doing how his own actions had been correct. That the only possible response to what he'd undergone was to become as he had. Even merged with Ner'zhul in the form of the Lich King, Arthas' mind and personality came to shape the entity, and when all roads converged atop Icecrown, it was Arthas' desire to show Azeroth how right he was that shone through.

Continue reading Know Your Lore: The Lessons of the Lich King

WoW InsiderKnow Your Lore: The Lessons of the Lich King originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ArthasfeaturedGarroshgarrosh-hellscreamguideguide-to-loreLich-Kinglorelore-guideNerzhulrole-playrole-playing-guiderp-guideworld-of-warcraft-lorewow-guidewow-lorewow-role-playingwow-role-playing-guidewow-rpwow-rp-guidewow-rpingMatthew RossiTue, 30 Apr 2013 15:00:00 ESTKnow Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition: The curious neutrality of Anduin Wrynnhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/know-your-lore-tinfoil-hat-edition-the-curious-neutrality-of-a/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/know-your-lore-tinfoil-hat-edition-the-curious-neutrality-of-a/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/know-your-lore-tinfoil-hat-edition-the-curious-neutrality-of-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

Know Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition The curious neutrality of Anduin Wrynn
The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft.

Prince Anduin Llane Wrynn is the sole heir to Stormwind's throne. Named after Varian's father, the beloved King Llane, and the hero of all heroes, Anduin Lothar, he's got two major figures to live up to. Yet rather than turn down the path of Lothar's heroics, he seems to be gravitating towards the direction that King Llane ultimately followed: A beloved leader, one who treated all in his kingdom with kindness and respect, up to and including Garona -- a member of the Old Horde who by all rights, despite her background as a half-breed, was still the face of the enemy.

And in the end, that spelled King Llane's undoing. His trust was his weakness, and it resulted in his assassination. King Llane died in part because of the machinations of the Shadow Council, but in even larger part because he simply didn't exercise caution like he should. King Llane's death is a cautionary tale that his son Varian took to heart -- but Varian's son is a different story altogether. Anduin Wrynn presents a peculiar puzzle that has yet to be fully explained.

Today's Know Your Lore is a Tinfoil Hat edition, meaning the following is a look into what has gone before with pure speculation on what is to come as a result. These speculations are merely theories and shouldn't be taken as fact or official lore.

Continue reading Know Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition: The curious neutrality of Anduin Wrynn

WoW InsiderKnow Your Lore, Tinfoil Hat Edition: The curious neutrality of Anduin Wrynn originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>allianceanduin-wrynnbolvar-fordragonfeaturedguideguide-to-lorehordekatrana-prestorlady-katrana-prestorlorelore-guideonyxiapatch-5.1patch-5.2prince-anduin-wrynnrole-playrole-playing-guiderp-guidethrallvarian-wrynnworld-of-warcraft-lorewow-guidewow-lorewow-role-playingwow-role-playing-guidewow-rpwow-rp-guidewow-rpingwrathionwrathion-the-purifiedAnne StickneySun, 28 Apr 2013 20:00:00 ESTThe case of the next Warchief, revisitedhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/the-case-of-the-next-warchief-revisited/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/the-case-of-the-next-warchief-revisited/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/the-case-of-the-next-warchief-revisited/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Saurfang
My first post on this topic garnered a lot of really interesting comments, and a lot of puzzled folks scratching their heads over why certain other candidates weren't considered. My intention with the last post was to examine the other Horde racial leaders (and Thrall, who was formerly the racial leader of the orcs), but I recognize that I didn't clearly state that. Furthermore, I love character analysis, so I'm always looking for an excuse to do more of it. This follow-up is in the spirit of continuing speculation.

I do want to say right off the bat that I personally don't think any of the folks discussed in this post really have a chance, but more unexpected things have happened in the course of WoW's plot development!

Continue reading The case of the next Warchief, revisited

WoW InsiderThe case of the next Warchief, revisited originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dranosh-saurfangeitriggsassy-hardwrenchsaurfangsaurfang-the-youngervarok-saurfangwarchiefwarchief-garroshwarchief-thrallwarchiefswarlord-zaelazaela-2013Sarah PineWed, 24 Apr 2013 19:00:00 ESTKnow Your Lore: Where is the rest of the Alliance?http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/know-your-lore-where-is-the-rest-of-the-alliance/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/know-your-lore-where-is-the-rest-of-the-alliance/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/know-your-lore-where-is-the-rest-of-the-alliance/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Know Your Lore Where is the rest of the Alliance Wed
The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft.

This, for me, is the real disappointment of the past few Mists of Pandaria patches. We've seen what Lor'themar, Baine and Vol'jin are up to in regards to Garrosh's plans for the Horde. While Sylvanas has taken a more circumspect path in this expansion, we're getting a sense of what the Horde's other leaders think about what the Horde is becoming.

What we haven't seen, aside from Jaina Proudmoore's returning the Kirin Tor to the Alliance fold, is any sense of what leaders who aren't Varian are up to. Now, 5.3 shows us what's going on with the Council of Three Hammers in Ironforge, and we've seen Tyrande's brief appearance in the A Little Patience scenario (where she gets to be her old, impetuous self in order that Varian can look statesmanlike) but where's Velen? You'd think that the Sha menace would interest him. Where's Genn Greymane, who has literally done nothing since he installed himself in Stormwind two years ago? I know it's probably expecting too much that Gelbin Mekkatorque might spare time away from doing nothing outside of Gnomeregan, but still, there's been a surprising lack of involvement for these Alliance figures over the years, and it's getting worrisome.

I've mentioned before that I don't want the Alliance turning into The Adventures of Varian Wrynn and his Amazing Friends, not even with Jaina playing both Iceman and Firestar lately. I want an Alliance that's more like a Justice League, where there's room for every faction to take part.

Continue reading Know Your Lore: Where is the rest of the Alliance?

WoW InsiderKnow Your Lore: Where is the rest of the Alliance? originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Council-of-Three-Hammersfeaturedguideguide-to-lorelorelore-guideNobundorole-playrole-playing-guiderp-guideTyrandeworld-of-warcraft-lorewow-guidewow-lorewow-role-playingwow-role-playing-guidewow-rpwow-rp-guidewow-rpingMatthew RossiWed, 24 Apr 2013 13:00:00 ESTReview of Dawn of the Aspects, part three by Richard A. Knaakhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/review-of-dawn-of-the-aspects-part-three-by-richard-a-knaak/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/review-of-dawn-of-the-aspects-part-three-by-richard-a-knaak/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/review-of-dawn-of-the-aspects-part-three-by-richard-a-knaak/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Review of Dawn of the Aspects, part three by Richard A Knaak
The action in Dawn of the Aspects heated up exponentially in part two of the series by Richard A. Knaak -- and part three only continues to both clarify and confuse in the most brain-bending, delightful way.

The third installment of Dawn of the Aspects, released Monday, continues to explore the purpose of the mysterious artifact Kalegos uncovered back in part one. It seems as though the visions Kalec has been experiencing are growing far more intense, enough to make the former Aspect question the reality of the future we're currently living in. More importantly, there are some important and thoroughly bizarre revelations that may actually shed some light on the Aspects as they turned out in present day.

Although the installments continue to be slightly confusing, we're beginning to get a grasp on just what this story is all about. And as mentioned in our last review, it's becoming far more clear that what happened in the past is apparently not only relevant, but incredibly important to the events of present day. Dawn of the Aspects is, so far, proving to be a delightful mystery of a book, not quite like anything we've seen come before.

Continue reading Review of Dawn of the Aspects, part three by Richard A. Knaak

WoW InsiderReview of Dawn of the Aspects, part three by Richard A. Knaak originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alexstraszaaspectsblizzard-novelsdawn-of-the-aspectsday-of-the-dragondragon-aspectsdragon-souldragonflightsgalakrondkalecgosmalygosneltharionnozdormuproto-drakerichard-knaakwarcraft-lorewarcraft-novelsworld-of-warcraftwyrmrest-accordwyrmrest-templeyseraAnne StickneyTue, 23 Apr 2013 15:00:00 ESTThe case of the next Warchiefhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/the-case-of-the-next-warchief/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/the-case-of-the-next-warchief/http://wow.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/the-case-of-the-next-warchief/#commentsFiled under: ,

The case of the next Warchief
Patch 5.3 is a-coming, and the Siege of Orgrimmar is drawing nearer and nearer every day. One question that I know is on everyone's mind is, who will be the next warchief? We know Garrosh is getting deposed - we don't yet know if he's going to die - and someone will have to take his place.

So who should it be? The obvious choice is one of the racial leaders, though exactly which one is up for debate. I thought it would be fun to analyze some of the potential candidates and tease out what might make them a reasonable choice of warchief both inside and outside the story. Let's start with some of the easily dismissible, for brevity's sake.

This post contains some minor spoilers for patch 5.3, so be warned!

Continue reading The case of the next Warchief

WoW InsiderThe case of the next Warchief originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bainebaine-bloodhoofbaine-son-of-cairnegallywixguessing-the-new-warchiefhorde-rebellionji-firepawlorthemarlorthemar-theronnew-warchiefnew-warchief-analysispatch-5.3patch-5.3-scenariospredicting-the-new-warchiefPredictionssylvanassylvanas-windrunnerthrallvoljinvoljin-shadows-of-the-hordewarchiefwarchief-garroshwarchief-thrallSarah PineTue, 23 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST