As those of you who listen to the Mashcast may know, I play WoW, and play it enough that I’m not allowed to talk about it. These are my thoughts for this week in WoW…
As much as I’m in favor of a rehabilitated Garrosh as Warchief, Blizzard’s been pretty clear that he will be removed from power as the result of the Siege of Orgrimmar. So who will replace him? Varok Saurfang? Baine Bloodhoof? Gamon? There are many accomplished characters with storied resumes, but there is only one person with achievements far greater than any other. There is only one person who was there for Illidan’s demise and Kael’thas’ setback. There is only one person who had a hand in the defeat of both the Lich King and Deathwing. For every threat that’s arisen against Azeroth, this person has answered every clarion call with unwavering bravery and a dedication to the Horde, and this person will no doubt have a hand in slaying Garrosh.
This person is you.
By level 85 most players, leveling through questing and dungeons, have already encountered most of the major Horde characters. In doing so we’ve earned their respect (if not a wedding invitation). Even grunts are aware of your character’s record; in Warsong Hold I was surprised the first time a guard cheered at me, but after I thought about all I had done for the Horde to that point I realized it made sense. By level 85 players should at least have an honored reputation with each of the Horde races, if not revered or exalted status. Using the reputation system as shorthand, most of the Horde is aware of and appreciates the player and would have minimal objection to the appointment.
The possibilities for a player Warchief are endless. Since this transition would be the conclusion of Mists of Pandaria, Blizzard could design the subsequent expansion around the concept that we are actively leading the Horde on our travels throughout Azeroth. Quests could be designed to give us the sense that the combined force of six races are at our command, and we could be forced to wrestle with the competing interests and political intrigue that all leaders face. If Blizzard can give us control over a parcel of farmland in Mists, they can give us control over entire zones in the future.
But if we’re serving as a globe-trotting Warchief, who would remain in Grommash Hold waiting for Alliance PVP raids? Although each race has a leader, the orc leader has always doubled as faction leader. If we’re to ascend the throne, these roles will need to split. The empty throne in Orgrimmar would be a perfect place for an Orc regent. This job would be perfect for a reformed Garrosh. It would allow him to remain in the valley of Strength, where all players could interact with him throughout the stories of Cataclysm, Mists, and beyond. In this fashion, none of the quests are broken, and we get a major change in power that has been eight years in the making.
At the end of Cataclysm, Alexstraza proclaims, “the dawning of the age of mortals has begun.” When a player claims control over the Horde, the age of mortals will truly be here.
WoW! Blurbs!
Annual Pass offer expires 4/30!!! Free Diablo III just for subscribing to WoW! Pay two six month subscriptions and you come out ahead of a month-to-month subscription after about seven months. HURRY UP!!! http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/5202417
If you did get the Annual Pass, go join the mobs swarming the Wandering Isle quest givers! http://us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/4496520835
New Item Restoration system! Cuz maybe you did want to use that belt for ‘mogging! http://us.battle.net/support/en/blog/5245471
