Patch 5.3 interview with Ghostcrawler
Mystery of the Unborn Val'kyr
The latest patch 5.3 news
All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsRound 2 of Ask CDev questions answered
by Mathew McCurley 
Jun 23rd 2011 at 3:00PM
We've got some pretty good answers this time around, and the questions range from serious and heavy lore discussion to some of the more fun or interesting, like, "where do the Forsaken get their ships?" Some key things to take away are that the "there must always be a Lich King" mantra is specifically talking about how the scourge would run rampant otherwise; that death knight characters have an addiction to causing others pain, and that Elune is definitely not a naaru (to the night elves, at least). Super lore nerds might take particular interest in the fact that Blizzard does not consider all of the expanded universe and the RPG books canon. Hit the jump for the full set of questions and answers.
Ask CDev Round 2 questions answered
The moon recently sent some irate emails to our Creative Development team, threatening to vacate Earth's orbit if we didn't divulge the answers to the "Ask CDev #2" thread soon. Rather than calling the moon's bluff, the CDev team stepped up its timetable and is now ready to present the answers to your questions!
In an effort to efficiently disseminate as much information as possible, many of these questions are amalgamations of several slight variations asked by the US, EU, Korean, and Chinese player bases. In addition, a few unanswered questions from "Ask CDev #1" are included as well. Enjoy!
In an effort to efficiently disseminate as much information as possible, many of these questions are amalgamations of several slight variations asked by the US, EU, Korean, and Chinese player bases. In addition, a few unanswered questions from "Ask CDev #1" are included as well. Enjoy!
Quote:
Q: Are the Warcraft and World of Warcraft RPG books considered canon?
Q: Are the Warcraft and World of Warcraft RPG books considered canon?
A: No. The RPG books were created to provide an engaging table-top role-playing experience, which sometimes required diverging from the established video game canon. Blizzard helped generate a great deal of the content within the RPG books, so there will be times when ideas from the RPG will make their way into the game and official lore, but you are much better off considering the RPG books non-canonical unless otherwise stated.
Quote:
Q: Where is X? (X = Calia Menethil, Turalyon, Alleria Windrunner, Med'an, Gallywix, etc.)
Q: Where is X? (X = Calia Menethil, Turalyon, Alleria Windrunner, Med'an, Gallywix, etc.)
A: There are several "missing" characters in the Warcraft universe, but they are not forgotten! While we'd love to talk about these characters, doing so would spoil a number of the plots we have for Cataclysm and beyond. Believe us when we say that you will definitely hear about these characters when we're ready to talk about them!
Quote:
Q: Why isn't there a(n) X Archaeology branch? (X = Tauren, Aqir, Faceless One, Furbolg, Murloc, etc.)
Q: Why isn't there a(n) X Archaeology branch? (X = Tauren, Aqir, Faceless One, Furbolg, Murloc, etc.)
A: This is more of a game design question than a CDev one, but it was asked enough that we wanted to at least point out the following: just because a race doesn't have an Archaeology branch now doesn't mean there aren't artifacts for that race, nor does it mean that the race isn't a candidate for possible future additions to the profession.
Quote:
Q: Are night elves related to trolls in some way?
Q: Are night elves related to trolls in some way?
A: See issue #5 of the World of Warcraft Official Magazine!
Quote:
Q: What is the relationship between the Ancients of the Emerald Dream and the loa?
Q: What is the relationship between the Ancients of the Emerald Dream and the loa?
A: Troll druids visiting the Moonglade have been overheard calling the wisps who reside there loa, just as they refer to Goldrinn, Aviana, and the other returned Ancients as loa. Night elves and tauren have tried to counsel these trolls on "correct" druidic nomenclature, but the trolls thus far have been stuck in their ways.
Quote:
Q: If trolls are able to regenerate their limbs, why didn't Zul'jin's arm grow back?
Q: If trolls are able to regenerate their limbs, why didn't Zul'jin's arm grow back?
A: For the most part, it is the speed at which trolls regenerate that makes them formidable foes. When in balance with the loa of their tribe, they are also able to regrow digits (fingers and toes). Tales abound in troll culture, however, of those blessed by the loa with extraordinary regenerative abilities, such as the ability to regrow limbs and even vital organs lost in battle. The tale of Vula'jin the Void speaks of how he regrew almost his entire body after standing in a pool of shadowflame. But just as the loa can bless, they can also curse; troll children are taught legends of those cursed by the loa, unable to heal even flesh wounds, to instill the proper respect for their patron spirits.
Quote:
Q: What races were on Azeroth before the coming of the titans?
Q: What races were on Azeroth before the coming of the titans?
A: Besides the elementals, the only known sentient races on Azeroth when the titans' forces arrived to subdue the Old Gods were the trolls, the race known as "faceless ones," and the aqir. Due to the Old Gods' war against the titans, as well as the extensive terraforming that followed the war's conclusion, records of what races existed before even the Old Gods' arrival have likely been lost forever.
Quote:
Q: What contact, if any, have the tol'vir in Uldum had with the rest of Azeroth over the course of their existence?
Q: What contact, if any, have the tol'vir in Uldum had with the rest of Azeroth over the course of their existence?
A: Although the systems keeping Uldum hidden from the rest of the world worked flawlessly from the ordering of Azeroth up until the Cataclysm, the tol'vir inside did have some knowledge of what was going on outside their home: many of the titans' security devices in Uldum were in communication with the other titanic cities (Ulduar, Uldaman, etc.). The Halls of Origination were actually the system that Algalon the Observer intended to activate upon his arrival in Ulduar... which the players prevented from automatically triggering when they sent the "Reply-Code Alpha" signal from Dalaran.
Quote:
Q: The "There must always be a Lich King" mantra seemed awfully suspicious, coming from ghosts trapped in Frostmourne. Was there something else going on there?
Q: The "There must always be a Lich King" mantra seemed awfully suspicious, coming from ghosts trapped in Frostmourne. Was there something else going on there?
A: To save people from generating elaborate conspiracy theories, we'll be serious for a moment and say, definitively, no. The ghosts of Uther and Terenas understood that the Scourge would run rampant without someone to keep them in check. Yes, that does also mean that Arthas and Ner'zhul were not unleashing the full force of the Scourge during their respective reigns: you are welcome to speculate on the reasons for that.
Quote:
Q: What is the Argent Crusade's relationship with the Forsaken, in light of Sylvanas's recent actions?
Q: What is the Argent Crusade's relationship with the Forsaken, in light of Sylvanas's recent actions?
A: Although the members of the Argent Crusade still stand by the Forsaken heroes who joined them in the battle against the Scourge, Sylvanas's actions since the slaying of Arthas have deeply concerned the crusaders. They, along with certain members of the Ebon Blade, are now watching Sylvanas and the Forsaken very closely, as similarities between her and the Lich King are increasing in number by the day.
Quote:
Q: The Forsaken don't have a harbor or any dry docks: how do they create their ships?
Q: The Forsaken don't have a harbor or any dry docks: how do they create their ships?
A: The Forsaken navy is composed of ships dredged up from the bottom of the ocean. Most of them were once among Lordaeron's fleets.
Quote:
Q: When undead use or are healed by the Holy Light, does it cause them any actual damage or harm, or does it only cause them pain (in addition to the intended effects of the spell)?
Q: When undead use or are healed by the Holy Light, does it cause them any actual damage or harm, or does it only cause them pain (in addition to the intended effects of the spell)?
A: Channeling the Light in any way, or receiving healing from the Light, only causes pain. Forsaken priests do not disintegrate or explode from channeling the Light for an extended period of time... though they may wish they would.
Quote:
Q: Are there long-term effects on an undead who is in regular contact with the Holy Light in a positive way?
Q: Are there long-term effects on an undead who is in regular contact with the Holy Light in a positive way?
A: It is difficult to say, as there are no known records of undead wielding the Holy Light before the Third War. There are reports, however, that some Forsaken have slowly experienced a sharpening of their dulled senses of touch, smell, etc., as well as an increase in the flashes of positive emotions that have otherwise become so rare since their fall into undeath. Unfortunately, this may be the cause of the Forsaken priesthood's increased attempts at self-destruction; regaining these senses would force the priests to smell their own rotting flesh, taste the decay in their mouths and throats, and even feel the maggots burrowing within their bodies.
Quote:
Q: Why are humans who drink the blood of worgen unable to be raised as Forsaken?
Q: Why are humans who drink the blood of worgen unable to be raised as Forsaken?
A: Not only are the Val'kyr less powerful than the Lich King when it comes to raising the undead, but the worgen curse also makes raising them into undeath far more difficult than it is for normal humans. The worgen curse has roots in both the Emerald Dream (through the wolf Ancient, Goldrinn) and the holy power of the goddess Elune. In addition, those worgen who imbibe the waters of Tal'doren-through the ritual they undergo to maintain balance between the worgen curse and their humanity-have a further resistance to the corruption of undeath.
Quote:
Q: Are blood elf death knights still afflicted by their racial addiction to magic?
Q: Are blood elf death knights still afflicted by their racial addiction to magic?
A: No, though their new addiction, the one all Ebon Blade death knights possess, is arguably worse: the need to inflict pain. If death knights do not regularly inflict agony upon another creature, they begin to suffer wracking pains that could drive them into a mindless, blood-seeking hysteria-a far worse fate than that of those who suffer from arcane withdrawal.
Quote:
Q: What has become of the blood elf Spellbreakers?
Q: What has become of the blood elf Spellbreakers?
A: While they were already few in number to begin with, the ranks of this formidable fighting force were thinned drastically when their headquarters on the Isle of Quel'Danas was overwhelmed by Kael'thas and his Burning Legion forces. The lone squad that remains now exists as a relic of a bygone era, as the Spellbreakers have refrained from training any new recruits since Kael'thas's betrayal.
Quote:
Q: How have the blood elves reacted to the Highborne's return to night elf society, heralding the return of kaldorei magi?
Q: How have the blood elves reacted to the Highborne's return to night elf society, heralding the return of kaldorei magi?
A: Because their expulsion from night elf society after the War of the Ancients was due to their use of arcane magic, the blood elves were outraged to hear that the kaldorei had welcomed the Highborne back and were tolerating the practice of arcane magic again. After witnessing the "rookie" mistakes made by the new kaldorei magi, however, the blood elves are anxiously awaiting whatever mess the kaldorei are going to put themselves in. What's more, some sin'dorei have been able to exploit the kaldorei's inexperience in order to rout Alliance forces, as seen in the "Amberwind's Journal" quest series in Azshara.
Quote:
Q: Why do blood elves still have green eyes?
Q: Why do blood elves still have green eyes?
A: Corruption from fel energies takes a long time to wear off. It's why most orcs are still green even though Mannoroth is dead.
Quote:
Q: How did Sinestra survive the events of Night of the Dragon?
Q: How did Sinestra survive the events of Night of the Dragon?
A: For all intents and purposes, she didn't; when players encounter Sinestra in the Bastion of Twilight raid, she is a husk of her former self, pieced together and reanimated by the powers of Deathwing's Old God master.
Quote:
Q: What are the origins of stone and storm drakes?
Q: What are the origins of stone and storm drakes?
A: Brann Bronzebeard recently uncovered evidence, corroborated by reports from adventurers in Deepholm, that proto-dragons and dragons may have origins in these-and other-elemental drakes. The inhabitants of Deepholm, the Skywall, the Firelands, and the Abyssal Maw are less than talkative on these matters, however, and most of them were not around when the elemental prisons were created.
Quote:
Q: Were there ever different elemental lords before the current four?
Q: Were there ever different elemental lords before the current four?
A: Ragnaros, Al'Akir, Therazane, and Neptulon are the only elemental rulers Azeroth has had in its existence. What this will mean for the elements of fire and air with the deaths of their elemental lords is unknown, but it most certainly is not good.
Quote:
Q: Why do Kvaldir disintegrate into seaweed when they die?
Q: Why do Kvaldir disintegrate into seaweed when they die?
A: The Kvaldir typically reside deep in the ocean, where their corporeal forms would be crushed if their mistweaving magics didn't hold off the ravages of the depths. Although they remain flesh and blood in life, their deaths result in a backlash of mistweaving energies, dissolving the Kvaldir into mist over time. All that remains are patches of sea growth that had accumulated on their bodies and, of course, any loot they were carrying.
Quote:
Q: Why are gnomes suddenly interested in the Light?
Q: Why are gnomes suddenly interested in the Light?
A: The gnomes have had an interest in the Light since they joined the Alliance, but they were so focused on technology and, later, the retaking of Gnomeregan that studying the Light didn't feel necessary to them; the dwarven priests and paladins of Ironforge served as the only connection to the Light they needed. Now that the gnomes have reclaimed a foothold in Gnomeregan and begun rebuilding their culture outside of Ironforge, however, they've recognized the importance of having followers of the Light in their own ranks. In addition, researching new methods of purifying irradiated gnomes has led to radical advances in Light-based technology!
Quote:
Q: Does the Wildhammer area that was called Northeron appear in WoW?
Q: Does the Wildhammer area that was called Northeron appear in WoW?
A: Prior to the Cataclysm, the northernmost part of the Twilight Highlands was called Northeron. The rapid melting of its famed icy cliffs due to the catastrophic climate shift from the Cataclysm, the incursion of Twilight's Hammer forces, and the appearance of the creature known as Iso'rath all served to put an end to Northeron and many of the independent dwarves who lived there. Some of the wreckage is still visible along the northern coast. Fortunately, the nearby spiritual center of Kirthaven remains intact.
Quote:
Q: Is Elune a naaru?
Q: Is Elune a naaru?
A: During a recent visit to Darnassus by Velen, he explained that the kaldorei's description of Elune, as well as the demonstrated powers of the goddess, matched his experiences with powerful naaru. He began to offer advice regarding how to commune with powerful naaru, but Tyrande thanked him for his opinion, then cordially requested that he refrain from making such outlandish claims when in Darnassus or in the presence of Elune's priesthood.
The news is already rolling out for the upcoming WoW Patch 4.2! Preview the new Firelands raid, marvel at the new legendary staff, and get the inside scoop on new quest hubs -- plus new Tier 12 armor!
Reader Comments (Page 4 of 5)
llcjay2003 Jun 23rd 2011 5:06PM
Indeed. In terms of general knowledge about the game, I learned more from this than all of the Ask the Devs put together.
Eike Jun 23rd 2011 5:09PM
Wait, since when did they retcon tauren out of being an original race?
loop_not_defined Jun 23rd 2011 5:47PM
As one of the other commenters pointed out, they used the word "sentient". It's possible the Tauren existed, but were simply not sentient.
Please refrain from throwing the word "retcon" around like it's candy.
Ringo Flinthammer Jun 23rd 2011 6:03PM
Mmm, candy.
Skarn Jun 23rd 2011 10:09PM
I don't remember Tauren in Warcraft I or Warcraft II!
Since we did Blizzard retcon them into an original race?
Artificial Jun 24th 2011 1:21AM
You can't retcon out something you never put in to begin with. There's been plenty of speculation, and they're certainly a *very old* race, but at no point in the past has Blizzard said the Tauren were around before the Titans came to Azeroth.
Ves Jun 23rd 2011 5:41PM
1: Assemble Raid of 40 Priests
2: Spam Flash Heal on Sylvanas
3: ???
4: Profit!
Xantenise Jun 23rd 2011 5:50PM
So basically, once Bolvar is done killing Scourge his job is done?
And he'll be on fire, still fighting Ner'zhul's spirit, and stuck alone on top of Icecrown Citadel.
Huh. Poor bastard.
Artificial Jun 24th 2011 1:24AM
Don't worry, I'm sure Tal Rasha... err... I mean Bolvar will remain perfectly sane and happy to do his job. ;)
razion Jun 23rd 2011 6:10PM
I left this read feeling extremely giddy and excited for more lore information. I can't wait to see where all of this leads--particularly the bits about the Forsaken and the Light. Do want Forsaken Paladins.
Elmo Jun 23rd 2011 6:18PM
Where can I find Ask a Cdev round 1?
Nawaf Jun 23rd 2011 6:21PM
"The Forsaken navy is composed of ships dredged up from the bottom of the ocean"
OMG Davy Jones is a forsaken
Skarlette Jun 24th 2011 2:38AM
Going with his appearance in Pirates of the Caribbean, I'd say he's more closely allied with the Old Gods. ;)
Nawaf Jun 24th 2011 3:05AM
He was allied with the old gods. He betrayed them. Calypso is an old god
Thereone Jun 23rd 2011 6:25PM
Why do Forsaken character models have the shredded-at-the-joints appearance on ALL of the armor they wear, as well as the protruding bare spine on the back? You'd think, especially in the post-WotLK world, that any new armor/robes they happen across would cover up those bits. Having heavy plate armor have that ragged-cloth look is a bit...odd. Unless the Forsaken as a whole have decided that this particular look is their "thing", and religiously adhere to it. Or perhaps Sylvanas decreed it so, therefore ensuring no one could be better-looking than her in her faction.
OOC, I know that it's part of the features that distinguish the Forsaken race (the hunched-over posture being common to many other races as well). And the character models probably have the texture map hard-coded to be that way or something. I'm just interested to know if there can be an in-lore explanation for that.
Pow Jun 23rd 2011 6:51PM
Yeaahhhh... that really has nothing to do with lore and is instead a question of game design/mechanics, rather than one trumping the other. Your question could also be extended to other areas: How can Forsaken with no jaws speak? Why are all [gender] members of [race] the same height? Why don't npcs that look like your character get mistaken for you, and vice versa? Why am I being called "Azeroth's greatest hero" when that other guy running away was just told the same thing?
For all intents and purposes lore-wise, your character is unique; there has never been and will never be a Forsaken who looks like you or accomplishes what you have. In the lore, you ARE that special snowflake. :)
Artificial Jun 24th 2011 1:27AM
There can't be an in-lore explanation for that, since the lore already contradicts it. Unlike in the game, in the lore, not all undead look alike.
Adegan Jun 23rd 2011 7:22PM
Calia Menethil isn't missing, she's in Thermore Keep under her married name Hastings, working for SI:7. Good to hear that they're planning to use her again in the future though!
Anteia Jun 24th 2011 5:27AM
All Theory:
Well, we don't know that Hastings is her married name if that IS her. I mean. Is there another Hastings in Theramore to indicate it's a married name? I kinda always thought it could be her, and Jaina would be one of the view people over in Theramore who WOULD recognize her, so she gave her a new name to go by. It'd make since for her to turn to Jaina in theory since everyone thought Jaina and Arthas were going to wind up married. It says she works for S1:7, but she herself never seems to do anything particularly dangerous. Changing some name on pamphlets and keeping information up, things that Jaina probably would let her do without risking her life. Jaina would probably have enough of a grasp of the politics of the Horde to know that going "No, the princess of Lodaeron is still alive" is a BAD IDEA, considering the Forsaken might respond with "No she's not. Anymore."
Possum Jun 23rd 2011 8:17PM
A: The Forsaken navy is composed of ships dredged up from the bottom of the ocean. Most of them were once among Lordaeron's fleets.
I love this. Seems very thematically appropriate for Forsaken! Also the question about the light and it's affects on the Forsaken is very interesting. Maybe if you blasted a Forsaken with enough light they'd heal? Or explode? Either way the Alliance should look into that as a WoMD when attacking the Undercity.