So I've started to write an over the top expansion fan-concept for my blog just because I'm so tired of all the talk about fake leaks. I made everything up in one go, in order for it to be even more ridiculous.
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The shock wave from the closure of the Tomb of Sargeras echoed across all of Azeroth. The shackled evil lurking within its twisted prison had waited for this moment for so long. The energy of the Pillars of Creation was the last key to its freedom. Soon, the world will tremble, for it will see the fate of his prison. Soon, the denizens of Azeroth will cover in fear, for they are going to understand just how exactly it was freed.
Soon, all creation will embrace the inevitable - the completion of the circle… The God of the Deep, N’Zoth, has returned.
Swarms of aqiri warriors crawled back to the surface from their secret hideouts. The naga, the faceless and countless other horrors rose from the ocean depths. And while the gaze of the people of Azeroth was turned to the sky, to Argus, while their greatest heroes fought against the horrid demonic army within its lair, there was no one who could stop this new invasion. Make haste, return to the shores of Azeroth and stop the invasion of the Black Empire!
Key feature - personal ship
Your main objectives are to reach Nazjatar and stop queen Azshara from sinking the world to the bottom of the sea, and to find Ny’alotha - for N’Zoth is holding Azeroth’s world-soul in his firm grasp and wishes to erase the border between the Shadowlands and material world. That’s why you need your own fleet, led by your personal flagship. This vessel is your main way of traveling between the islands, also its your main base of operations, where you can send your followers and other ships on different missions.
New continent - the Islands of Azeroth
Kul Tiras - Alliance capital. Join Jaina to save Kul Tiras from the sect of N'Zoth worshippers that threaten to turn this kingdom to their horrid religion and defeat an invasion of underwater monstrosities.
Venice, Italy
Kezan - Horde capital. Follow the path of Trade Prince Gallywix who recently started a secret expedition to Kezan. They say, that an evil power started to mine kajamite and use goblin technology to create a new race of powerful and cunning monsters.
Zandalar - decide the fate of the Zandalari. Can you trust Zul, whose forces attacked your fleet? Or perhaps, you should help king Rastakhan to save his city in the exchange for a powerful loa relic?
official artwork for the Chronicle, vol. 1 by Peter Lee
Plunder Isle - Bloodsail Pirates had lost their stronghold. Dare to find out who managed to conquer the capital of newly found Great Pirate Confederation. Dare to steal their treasure.
a strip from the fourth issue of the Legends manga
Tel'Abim - there was no word from the trading ships that usually visit Tel'Abim in order to find rare fruits and toxic bananas. Our scouts report that the island is... colonized. The Vrykul tend to speak of the return of an ancient bear-like race that is eager to conquer the world. But if it's indeed the jaglar... where they've been hiding all this time?
The lands beyond known continents hold their own empires and kingdoms. It is the realm free of Old God corruption, Fel, undead plague and even Titan influence. They saw the Emerald Star in the sky, they felt the power of the Fallen over their heads and now they are battling against the faceless legions. The corrupted part of the world has been plagued for far too long. They will put it on a leash.
Crestfall. The mages of Tol Barad that had vanished into thin air... they are supposed to be here. And for some reason they alone know the hidden passage that leads to Ny'alotha. Both the Horde and the Alliance try hard to find these mages. Yet Jaina sees the approach of the Horde fleet to her homeland as an act of war. The war between the Alliance and the Horde will spark once more.
Toledo, Spain
Zul'Dare. Trolls of Zul'Aman made their way to this island, and they are lead by a mysterious ambassador of Zul. Now the trolls are trying to wake up ancient horrors that were buried by their ancestors in order to conduct a horrid ritual in the main ziggurat of Zul'Aman.
official artwork from the Lands of Conflict
Sylvanas leads a secret expedition of her elite guard to Zul'Dare... somehow it's related to the late Vol'jin. The forest trolls of the Horde insisted on joining her - they want to avoid a new war between the Horde and Zul'Aman.
The Alliance is here as well. A tirassian city had been destroyed during the recent battle between the Aqir and the Forsaken, and the Alliance is ready to avenge the fallen. They are joined by the Silver Covenant: the high elven magi are disturbed by the fact that their runestones on Crestfall were destroyed. Something stirs beneath the island…
Five new playable races
8.0. Rebirth of the Black Empire / Terror from the Depth
Furbolgs for the Alliance - furbolgs unite to fight the jaglar invasion because they deem it their sacred responsibility. They join the Alliance, since their most active tribes are allied with the night elves and draenei.
The jaglar retained their old warlike habits and were building an empire on Azeroth's second continent. It's free of Old Gods, Scourge, Fel magic and even titan machinery. Argus over their heads and the recent N'Zoth's worldwide effort on the oceans forced them to make an invasion on the rest of the planet. They vowed to get everything under their control as soon as possible!
official artwork from the Alliance Player's Guide
Ogres for the Horde - Vol'jin agreed to spare an underdog faction of Gorian ogres to bolster the ranks of the Horde ogres. Since then, the Gorians secretly worked on plans to unite the Horde ogres under their banner and made a trip to Outland to learn more about the Apexis crystals and their usage. Now they set their eyes on Kezan and its kajamite mines.
8.2 - Nazjatar Rises
Alliance - Daybreak Drakonids. Wrathion created a new species of chromatic drakonids to fend off the Legion onslaught on the dragon shrines. This race was made from Kul Tiras soldiers that were too injured in the war against N'Zoth's forces to fight on - they agreed to become monsters in order to get another chance to save their homeland. Later, they've abandoned Wrathion because of his questionable actions near Ny'alotha.
Horde - Naga. Azshara's plans will become reality soon enough - she will reign supreme over the flooded world. She can't afford to have weak and reluctant forces. And she no longer needs them with all the power of stolen titan tech and legions of faceless ones. All naga that are suspected to be followers of Neptulon, supporters of the Vashj family and the Illidari are to be executed.
Illidari asked for help to save these naga, but only lady Liadrin and Voren'thal the seer agreed to help them. Moreover, Wrathion managed to attack the camp of these rebel naga and kidnapped lots of them for his experiments to create his daybreak drakonids. Now, the Naga and their newfound allies want vengeance against them.
8.4 - Gambit of N'Zoth
New neutral race - Ethereals. N'Zoth's plan included everything - every fight of the new island world war, every trickery of Azshara's ilk and even the siege of his main keep. Now he can finally tear away the barrier that separated the real world from the Void corrupted part of the Shadowlands. Nor living, nor dead will escape the hungering Void.
All universe will tremble when N'Zoth shall ascend as the one true God. Locus Walker sensed this and made a cunning plan to lure the Protectorate to Azeroth. Now the reluctant ethereals understand that they cannot hide from the Void forever and join forces with the races of Azeroth to stop it.
official artwork for WoW TCG by Michael Kormarck
New factions
The Legion of Ashes. Dalaran was under attack by demon forces during the siege of Antorus. The city had no hope of winning: there were no heroes to save it, no Pillars of Creation to blast the demons away. Yet, there was a miracle that saved everyone. A group of powerful demons simply walked away from the fight, and without them the Legion lost.
Since then, these demons tend to appear in different corners of the world - they help mortals to fight against the Aqir and the Faceless. It's speculated that these demons are the very few who were forced to fight under the banner of the Legion by force and magic. It's said that they retained their hearts in the inferno of Fel inside their souls.
concept art for Might & Magic: Heroes 6
Great Pirate Confederacy. The Bloodsails managed to unite a large amount of pirate crews under a single banner. They want to live. And they saw the heroes of Azeroth in action. So they would stick with the winning side. For now. And perhaps, in the end of the day the scum of the seas will claim the war torn world as its own.
The Union of the Oceans. N'Zoth's fury brings terror to the hearts of land dwellers. But under the seas... it is unstoppable. All underwater races are doomed. Yet, they are inspired by the unity in which the land dwellers saved them from the Legion. And now, makrura, murlocs, sea giants, gilgoblins and the host of as of yet unknown underwater races join forces to deny the fiends of the deep their homes. For the ocean belongs to Neptulon.
The Order of the Faceted Crystal. The veterans of Draenor often ask, why the people of Draenor had abandoned them. They promised to help in the upcoming battle against the Legion, yet they didn't show up. The reason is simple - Legion forces attacked not just Azeroth, but Outland and Draenor as well. Yrel, Durotan and Grommash had no choice but to defend their homes.
But now it's time to repay the debt to the people of Azeroth. A new order is forged to help the saviours of Draenor - and now the united force of the Iron Horde, draenei army, Free Clans and the arakkoa is marching towards the Dark Portal.
The Zandalari Conclave. The artisans and scholars of the Zandalari Tribe refused the idea of a violent attempt to restore their old empire. They have their own problems to worry about. Not just N'Zoth's army and Zuldazar's catastrophe - Hakkar returns. And he is not alone.
New class - Tinker
Technomage - ranged caster that uses technological devices to enhance their spells.
Sharpshooter - marksman that uses only highly advanced guns, pistols and various grenades.
official artwork for Alliance & Horde Compendium by Samwise Didier
Steam warrior - melee fighter with an arsenal of traps, turrets and robots. They use a set of two mechanical arms connected to their backpacks that can quickly change itself into a full suit of power armor.
Dungeons
Cathedral of the Abyssal Light. The battle for Kul Tiras draws to its conclusion. Lady Jaina Proudmoore and her allies managed to force the cultists back to their lair within the Cathedral of the Light in the center of the city. Once the sacred place of worship, it's been warped into unholy bastion of Twilight. The false Admiral, Tandred Proudmoore, anticipated the loss of his army and now he drives his men into even greater zealousness.
“So, you’ve managed to uncover my little secret... Tandred Proudmoore doesn't exist, he is merely a phantom of my simple scheme. As for my own identity, it doesn't really matter. Suffice to say, that I'm a member of the Twilight Council. Soon, the Black Empire will cover this world in eternal darkness. It'll be a brave new world, where lies and dreams will turn into reality. And your humble servant will be reborn as the son of Great Admiral Proudmoore and the brother of fair Jaina. I shall seat on the throne of Kul Tiras, surrounded by towers of sacrifice and temples of great N'Zoth. I shall bring salvation to this world.
Brothers and sisters, we must not allow these invaders to ruin our bright future. Remember the three virtues of the Light that were bestowed upon us from the depths of the sea. Respect - the will of N’Zoth eclipses the desires of any individual, and we will execute his great plan at any cost. Tenacity - death of flesh and soul mean nothing for the true believers, for something that don’t live can’t die. Compassion - all denizens of Azeroth are our siblings and we love them with all our hearts, thus it’s our duty to ascend them upon the altar of the True God.
So let us gather the skulls of our enemies and place them upon the base of His writhing throne. In the name of the Abyssal Light!” - Twilight Prince Tandred Proudmoore
Mines of Kezan. The trail of Gallywix and his expedition leads to the abandoned mining complex of Kezan. There goblins mined Kajamite and experimented with it in their factory.
screenshot from Fallout 3
“Are you trying to say that MY mining facility actually became some sort of secret lab? So it’s all true. They are trying to create a new race of monsters using our tech. And there are some creepy death beings that are not in league with the cultists.
Well… I thought as much. New scientific equipment and fixed mining carts - they made me a huge favour. All that is left - is to kill them all. Let’s get going.” - Trade Prince Gallywix
Zundrak, Palace of Zuldazar. The ancient harbinger of N’Zoth, the Festering Emperor, has risen from the ocean floor to destroy the Zandalari tribe. Prophet Zul is preparing his darkest spell in order to annihilate this monstrosity. Yet at the same time, King Rastakhan gathers loa spirits for one last attempt to banish the faceless giant and stop the sinking of his homeland.
official artwork of “the Ancient One” from Hearthstone by Wei Wang
“Zul, I beg you - this madness has to stop! You won’t save our kind with something like this, it’ll only damn our souls. We can still banish this monster. Spirits of the loa stand by our side.” - King Rastakhan
Bloodied Manor. Battle with the forces responsible for the tragedy of the Plunder Isle has led our heroes to the Bloodsail Manor. Now this place is occupied by the forces of Ogrezonia, mythic tribe of ogre amazons. They came here to avenge the deaths of their sisters who were killed by pirate invaders. This fight will lead adventurers to the shores of Ogrezonia. Here the amazons had hidden the last relics of Highmaul, and one of this relics has drawn a shadowy figure from hiding.
“Our cause is righteous. This is vengeance. After the creation of this so-called “Confederacy”, these damned pirates became way too insolent. They tried to pillage our island! Well, from now on you can call this wretches “Bloodied Buccaneers”. We preserved the last legacy of Highmaul for decades, and we won’t let anyone tarnish it!” - Centurion Artak, Shield of Ogrezonia
“I could’ve never imagined that you would be able to conquer Antorus. And this new Legion of Ashes… Disgusting. But don’t get me wrong, I didn’t make my way here for something like this: the zealous shivarra and the eredar court of Kil’jaeden are the ones who want revenge. Do you remember our last talk? I told you, you won’t be able to destroy him without me. So… till next time, in Icecrown. Our next reunion will come soon enough.” - Mal’ganis
The Jaglar Stronghold. We must siege the jaglar base in order to liberate Tel’Abim. Jaglar invasion must be stopped.
“The jaglar empire is the greatest country of the Sacred Land. And we’ll prove our superiority once more, when we’ll force your pathetic Horde and Alliance to kneel before us. You will all serve the great emperor Urs’elune!” - general Blackpaw
Crestfall Catacombs. It would seem that this is the place where the Tol Barad magi were hiding all this time.
Basilica Cistern, Constantinople
“Crooked serpent with no eyes showed us the truth. We couldn’t withstand such knowledge. The fall of Tol Barad is our horrid sin. The serpent must not be allowed to come down here from the endless sky.” - Archmage of Tol Barad
Ziggurat of Zul’Dare. Allies of Zul couldn’t finish their binding ritual due to the efforts of both the Horde and the Alliance. Yet, the spirit of mighty Kith’ix was resurrected nevertheless. And since the ritual wasn’t finished, the faceless general wasn’t subdued by his summoners. Now the ziggurat has become a four-way clash between the Horde, the Alliance, the troll expedition and faceless abominations.
official artwork of Lustria from Warhammer Fantasy franchise
“Today Zul’Dare returned my soul to the living world. Tomorrow all Zul’Aman, all its denizens will become my flesh. And once again, I shall rise the twisted flesh-banners of N’Zoth above the fly-blown corpse of this world!” - Kith’ix
Return to Uldum. New dungeon which takes place in the updated layout of two Cataclysm dungeons: the Lost City of Tol’vir and Halls of Origination. The tol’vir learned that someone tries to rebuild the doomsday machine within the Halls of Origination. Yet they don’t know who or what is behind this scheme. Only one being on Azeroth knows this - Algalon the Observer.
“The Constellar High Council made its decision. The reorigination of this world must be started immediately. And your opinion doesn’t mean anything on the matter, Algalon.” - the constellar ambassador
Uldveran. Uldveran is the underwater capital of sea giants, sieged by the forces of N’Zoth. An ancient secret portal within the caves of Balor leads to this city. The portal was built by the giants eons ago for some unknown purpose. It’s the fastest way to reach Uldveran.
Highkeeper Ra leads the defense of Uldveran, yet even he cannot stop the black tide alone. Another force made its way towards this city in order to help Ra - the Naglfar, boarded with the Valarjar, the Kvaldir and Odyn himself. Second part of the instance is a shore of one of the Broken Isles that wasn’t visited by players during Legion. It holds another secret hideout of skroggs who allied themselves with Azshara.
“You are right, Odyn. Your aid was necessary. And it’s true that your… sea ghosts were helpful. But you are mistaken in one crucial point - your return to Ulduar won’t be celebrated. You have much to answer before the Final Titan.” - Ra
Shadowmoon Caves. Hand of an unknown benefactor cleared the path towards the secret shrine of the Shadowmoon Clan. Rulkan thinks that this strange sign is connected with the coming of the God of the Deep, and perhaps, holds the key to its defeat.
concept artwork of the Moon Caves for Warlords of Draenor by Jimmy Lo
“I heard the voice calling for me from the depth of our necropolis. And yet… it wasn’t the voice of darkness that corrupted Ner’zhul… and it didn’t belong to the stars or our ancestors. It was the moon itself. She opened me a way towards the ancient caves of my people, that were barred from us by the Void. I don’t know who she really is, but I believe that we must meet her in person.” - Rulkan
Raids
Chase for the Emperor. N’Zoth slowly regains his lost powers. Now he is able to resurrect his old lieutenants, including the mighty Festering Emperor, the patriarch of all faceless. Eons ago, this harbinger of N’Zoth had lead the armies of his master into the battle for Katanth. And while his armies were defeated, the Festering Emperor managed to save his lord from being eaten by the God of Seven Heads. Still, the battle was lost and Y’Shaarj personally killed the Emperor and hanged up his crucified corpse above its greatest temple.
The ancient faceless has returned. What is worse, he is evolving. The Festering Emperor started to eat corpses of various minions of other Old Gods and all other magical creatures. And while the joined force of Zandalari and the allied fleet managed to banish this n’raqi from Zuldazar, it was merely a first page of long struggle, for the faceless managed to absorb the spell that banished him and became even more powerful.
In this raid players will try to thwart second siege of Zuldazar and then fight against the Emperor, his allies and even his enemies on various islands. It’ll be a chase for the ancient god-like being, that will bring you to ancient ruins, glorious temples and far corners of Azeroth islands - all of these places will be first encountered in this raid. And of course, this adventure will end with an epic final battle against the emperor… on an island, where Krasus and Rhonin fought a very strange breed of undead horrors.
“The pawns have finally arrived. Servants of the lying usurper. My nightmare spreads through the Shadowlands, and soon it will reach the Dream and even the Elemental Plane. All of these new places uncover new truths to me. When I shall absorb, you too will embrace my truth. You will be blessed by obtaining new creator.” - the Festering Emperor
An’Aqir, the First Kingdom. An’Aqir was the first real city of the aqir, which is located somewhere beneath the ruined tunnel system from the times of the Black Empire. This city was built when Vek’zir Anub made a bargain with N’Zoth. Vek’zir Anub was a brave and renowned aqir hero, who wished freedom for his people. He agreed to serve the God of the Deep in exchange for his tribe being forever free from the faceless. N’Zoth held his promise - no faceless have ever walked the halls of the hidden city of An’Aqir. It was the only aqir settlement where their kind managed to build a powerful and cultured civilization.
And yet, it was ravaged during the war against the Keepers - just as all other temple cities of the Black Empire. But in his final act of sacrifice Vek’zir Anub shielded his city by spending all his power. It was enough, yet the proud emperor was reduced to a mere shadow of his former glory. And when n’raqi rallied aqir to the war against the trolls, the forgotten emperor could only subtly influence nations of Azj’Aqir. Yet the n’raqi didn’t know about it, thus his survival was still a secret for everyone except N’Zoth.
And now N’Zoth rejuvenated his servant - and the aqir legions have risen once more.
concept art of Azjol-Nerub for WotLK by Peter Lee
“You must excuse me for all this mess. My city decayed over the long millennia. But when I’ll be done with you, I will immediately start the restoration of my home. I truly regret the fact, that you won’t see it in its former glory.
There’s so much to be done. The Black Empire will achieve total victory in just a few days. And I must ensure that all of my children will have a place in the shadow of my master: the mantid of Y’Shaarj, qiraji of C’Thun and even the godless nerubians. I can’t abandon them.
Oh, one more thing. I thank you for disposing of the Festering Emperor. Now everything will be different. No n’raqi shall ever rise his scourge upon the flesh of aqiri!” - Vek’zir Anub
PvP
New battleground: Crestfall Estate. Even now forces of the Alliance and the Horde continue to fight over Crestfall. And this conflict became even more impactful, when it was revealed that the magi of Tol Barad weren’t able to take some of their most important writings from the estate during their flight into catacombs. The writings that contain knowledge about the Void Lords.
First part of the fight in this new battleground is siege of the gates. One team defends the gates, while the other one tries to reach the gate with their battering ram. If the attacking team will manage to break the gates, the fight will go into the second stage - attacking team will have to steal the scrolls from the defenders.
screenshot from Overwatch
New arena: Dire Maul Arena. Fight on the behalf of various factions of Dire Maul in order to obtain new powers and items.
World PvP: Zul’Dare Plato. A huge part of Zul’Dare will become a world PvP zone after the completion of the zone storyline. Alliance forces here are lead by Kul Tiras marines, high elves and furbolgs. Horde forces are led by goblins, ogres and forest trolls.
Kronborg, Denmark
8.1 Children of Tortolla
New dungeon: Tomera, prisoner of the mist. The Venture Co. captured Tomera, a giant turtle and one of the sons of Tortolla. They had built a huge factory on Tomera’s back.
At first glance, one might think that it’s just another oil refining factory of the Venture Co.. Yet, within the halls of this strange facility you will understand that someone secretly manipulates members of the company. And the strange machinery within the factory has nothing to do with oil refinement - it serves a darker, sinister purpose. You must free Tomera and destroy the unholy mationery.
official artwork from Lands of Conflict by Twincruiser
“This failure of ours was something to be expected. You are force to be reckoned with. Oh, don’t look at us like this. We don’t deserve to be hated. Life and Death must exist in the balance. You can’t even imagine how the birth of Argus the Unmaker ravaged the Shadowlands, and how your false ally from the crown of the world exploits this tragedy. This ritual could’ve preserved the balance. But do not worry, we will reap something else to make things right once more.” - Baron of the Sinful Plains
New raid: Un’Toroldar. There was a time when the Darkspear exiles found their second home on a distant island near the Maelstrom. They sensed a powerful source of tranquil loa energy and decided to settle here, in the place which is now called Darkspear Island. Yet, the trolls weren’t able to find the source of energy that had drawn them here.
Deep below the island lies a secret passage to the place with an enormous amount of Spirit energy - Un’Toroldar, a refuge of life near the planet’s core. In the age of ordering, Keeper Freya descended into the core of Azeroth in order to heal some the internal wounds of the planet. Thus, was born a place akin to Un’Goro. In time, Un’Toroldar has become home for the race of humanoid turtles, the tortollans.
The spawns of N’Zoth threaten the children of Tortolla all over the world, and after the incident with Tomera the tortollans started to view all seafaring nations as their enemies.
You must find a way to enter this mythic land, in order to stop tortollans from sacrificing your comrades to the maw of volcano. Your other objective is to recruit the turtle people in your crusade against N’Zoth.
from the trailer of Hearthstone: Journey to Un'Goro
“The heartbeat of the world slows down. It’s your fault. We will rejuvenate the heart of the world with your blood! We will save the Earth Mother!” - high priestess Umbar
8.2 Nazjatar Rises
New zones:
Nazjatar. The time has come. We must infiltrate the Naga capital and stop queen Azshara.
Beetle Island. In times immemorial, when this world was ruled by the Elements, a powerful earth elemental walked over the jagged land. It looked like a beetle, yet it was bigger than an island. When the horrid Old Gods descended upon Azeroth, the beetle charged at the most powerful of these beings. And while he fought bravely, he couldn’t best Y’Shaarj. They say, that the sheer tenacity of the beetle impressed the Old Gods so much, that they based some of their aqiri species on his visage. And yet, even the the seven headed devourer couldn’t break the beetle, thus, he survived the reign of the Old Gods. In time, his body made of earth and rock became flesh.
It was at this time, when he was found by Freya, who helped him to start a new life in a new ordered world. Freya blessed the beetle and had given a name to this once nameless being - the Emerald Scarab. The tol’vir were impressed by the history of the Scarab and used his visage as a symbol of courage and tenacity within their facilities. The Scarab had slept for countless ages within the Emerald Dream, yet during the Second War he was awakened by the battle of the Alliance and the Horde on his own back, which became an island over the course of time. The sheer chaos of the battlefield, the bloodlust and dark rage of both armies didn’t simply awaken him - they’ve driven him mad. But the temporary union of Kirin Tor magi and death knights managed to stop the beast with one incredibly powerful spell, that combined all of their Arcane and Death magics. The Emerald Scarab was stopped before he could bring disaster to all Eastern Kingdoms. Yet the spell didn’t kill him, it merely returned him to slumber. And over time, his rage was soothed…
The Twilight’s Hammer managed to find the Beetle Island… or so they thought. The Emerald Scarab is moving once again.
New world boss: Vek’zir Anub. The aqiri emperor survived his last battle against mortals, and now he’s trying to merge himself with the Emerald Scarab in order to start a new age of prosperity for his people.
“Perhaps, you will defeat me once more. Perhaps, the Black Empire won’t liberate this world from your grasp. And yet… my legacy shall remain. My kin will continue to live on this planet. And if my death will become a lesson for them, then I shall embrace it. Gladly.
But still… I must fight till the very end. For I’m not just a father and emperor, I’m also a faithful servant and son. Son of the god. Whatever the outcome, let’s fight to our fullest, my noble rivals!” - Vek’zir Anub
New dungeon: Mak’aru. The Makrura managed to strike a serious blow against the Naga army, which delayed all of Azshara’s plans for months. And now, vengeance comes to their capital of Mak’aru - Ozumath has returned and he leads a swarm of dark horrors. Neptulon believes that his old pet can be saved from the firm grip of the Twilight’s Hammer. Who knows, if it’s possible… but whatever the case, the only hope for Mak’aru lies in the claws of Kril’sondar. According to the legends, it’s the Ancient who birthed the makrura, but others say that it’s a weapon of destruction created by the titan Pantheon.
“Ozumath is destroying the palace. Release Kril’sondar! His divine claws will save our proud city!” - king Lobsterion
New raid: Azshardrassil. The crown of Azshara, the palace of the naga queen. In some sort of twisted irony, Azshara ordered to build a giant marble statue of a world tree atop the main spire of her palace.
The naga are finishing their preparations - they are going to send all continents to the bottom of the sea. And at the same time, Azshardrassil starts to rise up from the depths…
concept artwork for Trine 2
“I’ve waited for the hour of my revenge for ten thousand years. Soon, this ugly world that dared to defy me shall finally pay with blood for its insolence. Soon, all the centuries of my work on the perfect kingdom will pay off.
Today, my dreams will become reality. I hold powers of the Tidestone of Golganneth and the Abyssal Maw in my hands - every single drop of water in this world belongs to me. With such power, I shall finally sink this planet - soon, only the spire of my palace will pierce the endless ocean. A tragic end for you lot... and a beautiful start of my new kingdom.
Or did you really think that I’ll stop at something like this? N’Zoth wishes to reshape all reality and change it beyond your comprehension. Thus, he will stand as the new Maker of All Things. But I will be the one to rule this perfect kingdom.
There was a time, when people called me the Light of Thousand Moons… placing me above Elune herself. Maybe I will start my reign by killing this upstart goddess. And then I will become the Light of Thousand Moons… literally.” - Queen Azshara
8.3 Light’s Rage
New questline
The demons of the Legion of Ashes tell of strange attacks on their outposts. It would seem, that an unknown sect of Light users is responsible for that. Strangely, at the same time you get a message from A’dal:
“It’s been years since we last met. It’s a shame that our reunion is marked by such painful event.
The Lightforged draenei of Xenedar continue their struggle against the servants of Sargeras and agents of the Void Lords. Yet, members of the Army of the Light from other races, people who were saved by Xe’ra from the destroyed worlds, they were broken by her death. They want justice…
They want to punish everyone who was responsible for the prime naaru’s death. Not just Illdari, you too, are blamed for inaction. But more than anyone else, they believe that I and my followers are the main sinners here. In ages past, we refused to follow Xe’ra, for we believe that Light and Shadow must coexist in balance. Yet she always thought the opposite: she would never tolerate darkness. And we made the move against her chosen one in Black Temple, for his reign of terror in Outland had to be stopped.
The followers of Xe’ra, the Golden Judges, wish to kill us all. Or even worse… I will meet you in Shattrath. We must save the city from these zealots!” - A’dal
8.4 - Gambit of N’Zoth
New zones:
Dragon Islands: Wild Gods of Azeroth were born in the enclaves of Freya. But not all of them walked the lands or flew in the skies. Some of them were creatures of the sea. And among them was Raliel the Wise, great guardian of the ocean. He was the progenitor of octopus, nautilus and squids, and in a way, he looked like a mixture of the three species - albeit mountain-sized. Raliel protected the shores of Azeroth from the aqir during their war against trolls. And he was widely respected for disposing of Old God spawns that always tried to gain foothold within dark corners of the ocean. Moreover, he was a friend of both Ysera and Alexstrasza. Thanks to him, dragons knew how things went within the seas.
When the first night elven colonists made their homes in the far shores of Kalimdor, they were approached by Raliel. Just as Cenarius, this Wild God saw great potential for good in this race. He teached them the ways of water and ice and spoke the secrets of underwater. In time, Raliel became one of the key figures of lore and culture for these elves. It was at that time, when queen Azshara prohibited all elves to visit Hyjal, for she wished to isolate her kind from the Wild Gods. But she couldn’t do anything about this denizen of the sea. He was a living creature that could appear and vanish in any time, it was a different issue from simply banning ventures to a distant mountain. The port city itself was also way too important to start a military conflict over a mythic octopus.
Then came War of the Ancients. Raliel protected his elven friends with all his might and made everything in his power to halt the Legion forces. And at that time Azshara finally made her move against the Wild God. She and her eredar allies conjured a horrid spell that turned Raliel into stone. And that stone had fallen to the bottom of the sea. Magi of the port city were enraged by this betrayal: they amassed all their power to teleport themselves and their best warriors to Zin-Azshari. Yet before they were able to exact their vengeance, the palace sinked, and all of its denizens were turned into naga - including the invaders.
Those naga returned to the body of their old friend and built a temple atop his shell - in the memory of his valor and kindness. When Azshara learned about this idol, she raised it from the sea floor. She thought to banish the idol from her kingdom, yet she only made a favour for Raliel’s allies. The naga continued their watch over this new isle. Moreover, now this place was open for green and red dragons as well. They swore to protect Raliel’s rest.
Thus the Dragon Islands were born.
concept artwork from the Art of World of Warcraft
Now, the warring daybreak drakonids of the Alliance and naga of the Hode are here as well, for they were summoned by Raliel’s followers. They feel that the Ancient Guardian can be resurrected in the Emerald Dream.
Ny’alotha. The city of the titan-forged that lays upon the bottom of the ocean since the Sundering. The city ruled by madness and the frozen heart of an ancient god. Here, titan ruins stand a few steps away from sacrificial towers of n’raqi and abandoned villages of underwater species. Here, the Shadowlands seep into reality, together with the new Nightmare created by N’Zoth.
New dungeon: Halls of Anima. The Keepers used anima in their quest to order Azeroth after the Scouring. The Black Prince found this ancient and forgotten facility and wishes to use it in his own quest. He seeks to reshape Azeroth’s world-soul. Thunder has come to the halls.
“The Legion had returned, just as I anticipated… yet I imagined everything differently. And unfortunately, my plan failed as well. Kairozdormu betrayed me, and Garrosh in turn betrayed the bronze wyrm. And in the end, it… well, it ended up with a Legion invasion and prior to that, a war against a new orcish Horde. It’s all my fault.
But it’s not like you managed to achieve true victory. Billions upon billions of demons are still free to run rampant across the universe, and their dark overlord is merely imprisoned. As far as I know, prisoners tend to escape from their cells. Just as that Old God did the other day. The worst timing for us, don’t you think?
But this time… I was so close to success! If only those daybreak drakonids didn’t betray me! But it’s not yet over. We are in the Halls of Anima, and with them, I shall reshape Azeroth into the weapon that will destroy all demons and then the Void itself.
Urgh, and I really need to get rid of the visions from that annoying thunder summoner!” - Wrathion
New raid: Keep of the Speechless Cry. The prison of the God of the Deep has become its new throne. Soon, this place shall become the cradle of new reality.
Raid wings:
Garden of the Thousand Knives. The halls that once served as the mighty bastion of Order were twisted into a sick reflection of their former glory.
Calm Desolace. The Shadowlands are the only way to reach N’Zoth. It is the world of the dead, and the presence of the living here won’t be tolerated.
New Nightmare. The Nightmare was banished from the Emerald Dream. Yet its new terrifying incarnation plagues the land of the dead.
Crucible of Creation. In the beginning of time itself, the Great Dark was born in this very place. It is the final stage of N’Zoth’s gambit. Only the emerald star, the titan of Death and Decay, can stop the birth of new reality.
“My children, the circle is now complete. I thank you for your invaluable aid in my escape and impeding rebirth. Azeroth is a truly unique world. Thanks to it, thanks to all of you - I’m no longer an Old God, I’m something more now - I’ve surpassed even my own creators. The realm of Death will be reborn in the Void, and then, I shall merge it with physical universe. It’ll be a new reality, and I shall be its One and Only God.
Azeroth is the bane of the Void Lords - the usurpers were right all along. Yet you have nothing to fear, each of you shall stand by my side in the new world - as one my apostles.” - N’Zoth
8.4.5 Radiant Tracks
Pre-expansion event for 9.0
Repercussions of the final battle against the God of the Deep may prove to be as disastrous as its last attempt to unravel creation. The fabric of reality is still weak and can be easily pierced by those who seek to change the ways of the universe. In time, the primal forces that shape reality will return to the state of balance. Yet, before this window into the unknown will be closed, one can change the laws of nature. But such an event brings something more than just another threat, it’s also a door for new bright possibilities. A rare opportunity to see uncharted corners of new dimensions and learn the mysteries of the cosmos.
The Ethereals of both Consortium and the Protectorate understand that they can use this opportunity to obtain great wealth. They are eager to open new realms and find their riches. And after everything they’ve been through with the champions of Azeroth, they invite them to a new joyous adventure. The Winds of the Nether are waiting...
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