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It has now been a while since the release of the beta for Activision Blizzard Entertainments upcoming expansion for the MMORPG World of Warcraft – Wrath of the Lich King. As anticipation for the pending release of this expansion has proven to be very high, the requirements and expectations for the beta release have risen exponentially with it. In the midst of all the new features and upcoming changes to the game that we all love one thing is for sure, it will deliver. The waiting was like a slamming headache, each surge of blood pumping through the veins to an almost bursting degree. Then finally, relief. The mail arrives. Acquiring the installer however proves to be an even more horrifying ordeal. Hours of waiting and anticipation drives the mind somewhat insane. After finally having finished installing and updating the time comes to enter the new world, or more specifically, the new continent – Northrend. Here's how, through an unnamed observers point of view, the new continent seems.
Adventures in NorthrendPart one : The Borean Tundra
Something feels different, something isn’t right…
Orgrimmar seems docile and calmer than usual, almost abandoned. Riding through the gates of Orgrimmar alone almost gives the impression that there is no evil left in this world, no need for guards or walls, no need for war any longer. That all this fighting maybe finally has come to an end. A moment of pondering before having to accept that there is still a presence of evil, ever so distinct even though one can tell it watches from a great distance. It never sleeps.
When boarding the zeppelin to Warsong Hold new feelings are awoken – anxiety, curiosity… fear. What lies ahead? What will the future have in store for this weary explorer and hero of the olden days? What should one expect to encounter? No one knows for certain. But the questions keep asking. Leaving a scalloping echo of past experiences trailing behind.
 After what seems like an eternity of philosophizing we finally arrive at our destination, Warsong Hold, in the Borean Tundra. Fierce battle drums and mighty horns greet us, the withered heroes of Azeroth, to this place.
Hellscream stands tall and proud, giving a sinister stare to those who enter the grand hall. Here he and his High Warlord Saurfang grant valuable time to direct new heroes and explorers to aid and protect their efforts in the Borean Tundra. Time they should be spending anticipating the scourge army’s movements. There is no time for honorable salutes or sharing of past experiences, there is work to be done.
The Mightstone Quarry engulfing the mighty hold also serves as a trench, limiting the accessibility to the entrance. It is however, not an ordinary trench. For in it the Nerubians have, literally, dug in deep.
The surroundings outside the hold are not familiar in any way. It is a harsh terrain with withered plants and scarce vegetation. They call it the Bloodspore Plains, a name most assuredly with a story to tell.
The first few missions involve securing the hold and prove not to pose a challenge. As time passes by trust is slowly gained with Hellscream and Saurfang. With this trust there are also larger responsibilities. Missions of graver importance are entrusted requiring sacrifices to be made. But, the greater the sacrifice – the greater the reward.
Sooner than expected the time comes to aid the horde effort elsewhere and the Kirin Tor mages at Amber Ledge are fast to answer the call. The missions here seem to be more investigatory of nature, not requiring as much killing. The mages are curious in nature and are determined that learning everything before lunging into battle is the best thing to do.
After having proved one’s worth to the mages they are no longer so secretive to mention their "hidden" outpost. The terrain proves that getting to the secret mage base is impossible without flying. Luckily the mages have trained dragons for just that purpose. The drakes set course for the snow covered plains of Coldarra and the secret Kirin Tor base that is called the Transitus Shield. This base, protected by a magical shield, not only keeps unwanted creatures out, also hides the structures to the naked eye and even to the eye of Malygos.
Venturing outside the shield is not for the feint hearted. The surrounding terrain is rough, biting cold and overrun with various creatures. In the midst of all this lies an ice fortress with a magical energy beam shooting into the sky from its centre. Surrounding the energy beam is levitating rings of stone. Below this vulgar display of magic there are caverns of ice to be found. As a whole it is called The Nexus.
Who knows what sleeps within?
Written by
Zarx of Shattered Hand EU |
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