This week we look at the latest Warcraft novel, War Crimes. We also check out the new crash course videos and welcome a brief Valor Point buff!
War Crimes
A lot of players are beginning to enter starvation mode as new World of Warcraft content is potentially still months away. With the expansion still slated to release this fall and Patch 6.0 presumably launching just weeks before, we have a ways to go before anything fresh comes our way. Luckily for fans of the game lore there’s some new hearty story to chew on thanks to author Christie Golden’s new novel, War Crimes. The story takes place just after the Siege of Orgrimmar raid, the last to be added to the game, where Garrosh Hellscream will be put to trial for his crimes. The new book begins to bridge the gap to Warlords of Draenor giving us a taste of what’s to come.
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Author Christie Golden is no stranger to Warcraft - she’s written numerous other Warcraft novels including Tides of War, The Shattering and Arthas. She has also spent some time in the StarCraft universe with Flash Point and Devils’ Due. Here’s a small preview of War Crimes:
“The brutal siege of Orgrimmar may be over, but Garrosh Hellscream, the most infamous orc on Azeroth, has yet to face justice. Bound in chains by his enemies, the deposed tyrant of the Horde must now answer for his crimes. Alongside renowned leaders from across Azeroth, you will bear witness to his long-awaited trial.
Visions of Garrosh’s past atrocities are presented in vivid detail for all to see. But as history is revisited, old grievances and bitter memories come to light, and those in attendance begin to wonder if anyone among them is truly innocent. Mounting tensions and rising enmity steer the court to the brink of chaos . . . as the world waits with bated breath for the verdict on the war crimes of Garrosh Hellscream.”
This novel serves as an insightful continuation of the Mists of Pandaria storyline as events leading up to Warlords of Draenor begin to take shape.
Training Day
Blizzard has released several new “crash course” videos detailing how to play the DPS spec of each class in World of Warcraft. Clearly aimed at players learning a new class for the first time these video serve as a good introduction to the basic mechanics and spell rotations of each class’ DPS spec. Similar to what you’ll find in a character's spell book, these videos offer a bit more clarity on how these specs are designed to perform. Here is the video detailing the Arms Warrior:
Obviously these videos are aimed at players unfamiliar with a particular class and they serve as a good introduction for those who are new. Hopefully Blizzard will continue to produce these videos for additional class specializations especially once all the new class changes take effect in Patch 6.0. Returning players who have been out of the loop could be left scratching their heads and these videos could be a great tool for getting up to speed on all the changes. For a list of all the class crash course videos, visit the official site here.
Heart of the Valorous
So now that you have a basic idea of how to play that fresh new boosted character or recent ding’er of 90, Blizzard has temporarily made it easier for you to earn Valor Points for new gear or to upgrade existing items. Starting last Friday and lasting through 9:00AM realm-time on June 10, all players will receive the Heart of the Valorous buff which increases all Valor Point gains by 100%. This is great news for players looking to take advantage of the recent ilevel upgrade increase last patch.
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It’s too bad however that this isn’t a more permanent change as most players seem to be playing across multiple alts biding time and preparing for the Warlords expansion. Perhaps this buff will follow in the footsteps of the recent Diablo III anniversary legendary buff that became permanent due to popular feedback from the community. Either way, it’s time for a little more post-90 progression!
That’s a Wrap
I never thought I would say this, or type it, but the Warcraft film from Legendary Pictures has officially wrapped principal photography! The film is still on track for a March 11, 2016 release. I would expect to see footage at this years Comic-Con and hopefully at this years Blizzcon. After all, they need to make up for leaving the most diehard Warcraft fans high and dry at last years Blizzcon when they failed to show the test footage seen by Comic-Con attendees months before. Can’t wait!
If you’ve read any of the Warcraft books let us know what you think of them in the comments below!
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Reza Lackey / Reza is a giant nerd who loves video games, board games, film and way too many other things. Works in the film industry, on some startups and thinks science is cool. Also launches rockets.
