5. Surwich (Blasted Lands)

Welcome to Surwich, a little town in southwestern Blasted Lands that I found while exploring the new, old world. Though this little town isn't especially convenient to get to (it's just a tad bit far from Stormwind and in a higher-level zone), I think it may be worth it to make the trip, since the buildings here have some of the most inviting living spaces I've seen in the game yet.

As you can see, the interiors are warm, stocked with food, and furnished with seating, bedding and other rustic furniture. There are three buildings like this in total, all inhabited by few, if any, NPCs. I think there is a lot of potential for some story to play out here, though it definitely won't be a hub.

Just take note that the town is Alliance-favored, though at level 80, none of the NPCs attacked me as a Hordie.

4. Ruins of Lordaeron (Undercity)

With flying mounts, you'll now be able to fly over Undercity, meaning you can now fly over the entire ruins of the city of Lordaeron. The whole area is quite cool, with lots of towers, walkways, stairwells, terraces and more. Sadly, the whole place is in ruins and there isn't much in the way of seating or living space, but it's still pretty cool nonetheless.

Admittedly, I'm not sure how much use this new space will get. I know on my old server, the existing courtyard above Undercity got sporadic use by Forsaken and blood elves. The new space might encourage its further use, though I don't expect the ruins to necessarily become a new hang-out. Instead, the new space should offer more meeting areas for players who need to get together for a specific purpose, possibly in secret.

I should note that Brill has changed quite a bit in the new expansion, though -- it no longer has the feel of a town -- so I think some of the Forsaken RPers who frequented there may relocate here.

3. Stormwind: Green spaces

With the Park demolished, the moonwell-gazers of Stormwind will need to find themselves a new spot to look stoic and forlorn. Fortunately, Blizzard has created a ton of new green space in the north end of Stormwind. I expect these areas to be quite popular, as they've quite expansive but still have a few cottages for players to fight over as "their house." I even noticed a strange little shrine off in a corner, looking quite nefarious.

Also, while not technically in Stormwind proper, our new flying mounts have finally allowed us access to the beautiful multi-tier waterfalls that you see whenever you fly into Stormwind from certain directions. You'll now be able to enjoy that campsite as your own, if you're some sort of recluse or hunter RPer.

2. Bilgewater Grotto (Azshara)

There has never been a lot of RP in Orgrimmar. Up until the expansion, the city wasn't particularly RP-friendly, due both to the clash of non-RPers going about their business and the overall lack of interesting space for congregation. But now, thanks to the new back door of Orgrimmar, Horde RPers will have a quick and easy RP escape just a short walk from the major city.

Introducing: Bilgewater Grotto. Bilgewater Grotto is a newly constructed goblin city with lantern-lined streets, restaurants and shops. It's got the ambiance of the Midgar slums (from Final Fantasy 7) and is the perfect getaway for Horde RPers who feel out of place in Silvermoon City. If you're into any sort of brothers-in-arms RP, it seems like a great place for soldiers on leave wanting to spend a little gold before they return to Warsong Gulch.

Did I mention there is "Chinese" food?

1. Stormwind: Wedding Gazebo

Ah, the RP wedding. The happy union of two characters in love, who may or may not have just met last week in IRL time. OK, I'll admit that was a low blow, but can you blame me? RP weddings are such easy targets for ridicule, both from non-RPers and RPers. That's why I find it particularly amusing that Blizzard saw fit to add this little wedding gazebo to the game in Cataclysm. It's just so appropriate, absurd and somehow sweet, like a gift from Blizzard to the RP community.

Anyway, the gazebo sits just behind the Church of the Holy Light in Stormwind. As you can see from the picture, there is ample seating and a large fountain nearby. Perfect for taking photos by with your goblin picture box. The gazebo also overlooks a lake, which you can't quite see in the picture above.

Unlike all my other picks, I'm absolutely certain this spot will get use. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if on higher-population servers, there was a reservation thread on the realm forums to schedule usage of the space, especially in the summer months when lots of players are on vacation and the RP weddings are in full swing. Perhaps a group of priest RPers will coordinate the ceremonies? We'll have to wait and see.

So what do you think of my picks? If there are any others that you can think of be sure to leave a comment! Mr. Gray should be back next week, and if he's not ... we'll see. Dawn taps her finger tips together.

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Filed under: RP, All the World's a Stage (Roleplaying)