User:Jacob Finn/wow
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Instances, also known as instance dungeons or simply "dungeons", are special areas in World of Warcraft of which many copies can exist at once. "Instance" can also refer to a particular copy of such an area. These areas allow many groups of players to traverse the same geography and battle the same enemies at the same time, without interfering with each other. All instances are accessible by a swirling portal, sometimes blocked by a locked door (and thus requiring a key).
Instances were first proposed by Richard Garriott in the late 1990s as a way to solve a set of related problems which had become obvious in Ultima Online. The problem is simple to state: everyone wants to be "The Hero" and slay "The Monster", rescue "The Princess" and obtain "The Magic Sword". When there are 2,000 and more players all playing the same game, clearly not everyone can be the hero. The problem of everyone wanting to kill the same monster and gain the best treasure was terribly obvious in the game EverQuest. The creation of instances largely solves this set of problems. There are few examples of boss camping and kill stealing in World of Warcraft - because a copy of the dungeon (instance) is always created on demand for you or your party.
[edit] List of instances
Ragefire Chasm is a location set in Blizzard Entertainment's video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Location
Located inside Orgrimmar in the Cleft of Shadow, Ragefire Chasm is one of the first instances a typical Horde player will enter. Since it is located inside the Horde city of Orgrimmar, few Alliance characters will ever enter this instance.
[edit] Background
Ragefire Chasm currently serves as a refuge for several extremist groups in the orcish race still loyal to the Burning Legion. Led by the demon Taragaman the Hungerer, the orcish warlock Jergosh the Invoker and the satyr Bazzalan, the Searing Blade populates the deepest parts of this cavern. The part first entered is guarded by elementals and earth-boring worms, and a large population of trogg.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to the Ragefire Chasm is "RFC".
The Deadmines is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
The Deadmines is located in Westfall within Azeroth. Due to the perils within the Deadmines, it has always acted as refuge for bandits such as the Brigand before the First Great War, and then as a dwelling for the Ogres when they came through the Dark Portal. Over the years, many treasures have been hidden within its tunnels. During the First Great War, Lord Anduin Lothar (then only a Knight), led an expedition to collect the Lost Tome of Divinity within the mine. However, after 20 months with no word and a vision had by the Abbot of Northshire Abbey King Llane sent in a rescue team to bring out the badly wounded Lothar and his unit.
After the events of the Third Great War with the majority of the Horde united under Thrall's leadership, the Deadmines became under the control of the rogue Defias Brotherhood, led by Edwin VanCleef, an architect for the newly rebuilt Stormwind who had grown disillusioned with the Alliance after not being paid. The Defias Brotherhood have dug a tunnel from within the mine to the cellar of a barn within the Southern Village of Westfall, Moonbrook.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortforms referring to the Deadmines are "DM" and "VC" (which refers to Edwin VanCleef, the final boss of the Deadmines). It should be noted, however, that "VC" is arguably a more proper shortform for the Deadmines due to the potential confusion of the short form "DM", which could also refer to the instance Dire Maul.
[edit] Instance zone
The Deadmines are a series of tunnels that eventually lead to a bay with a pirate ship. In total there are seven boss encounters in the Deadmines, almost all are highly scripted, and are an alliance player's first encounter to such scripted content. Many upper level characters still enter the Deadmines to farm for loot to sell, or simply for fun.
The Deadmines also contains many of the first set items with the Defias Leather Set (a good set for melee classes) [1], and many of the first rare items that a player may encounter. Van Cleef also drops the Cloak of the Brotherhood, a must have for low level Hunters and Rogues. He sometimes drops Cruel Barbs, a popular twink weapon. The Deadmines are rated for level 17-26 characters to get the most experience and appropriate loot out of the instance.
[edit] Other Info
The Deadmines are regarded by the Blizzard development team as being some of their best work, and the point at which World of Warcraft really started to come together. For first-time players, the instance is incredibly long, and for their level, very rewarding and "epic." The whole Defias storyline leading up to the fight with Van Cleef is one of the deepest and most cohesive stories in the game.
The Defias pirate ship docked inside the Deadmines is actually a Juggernaut which was the Orc battleship in Warcraft II. These ships were designed by goblin engineers who sold technology to both the Horde and Alliance. Also of interesting note, the gigantic doors of the cave lead to the Vile Reef of Stranglethorn Vale. These doors can be seen from the opposite side in Stranglethorn, with some swimming.
Oddly enough, although players enter the instance from Moonbrook and continue going downwards all through the instance, the exit from the dungeon is actually above the town, in the Dagger Hills.
[edit] External links
Wailing Caverns is a location set in Blizzard Entertainment's video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
Near one of the pools in the Barrens, the druid Naralex entered a cave that reputedly was the source of the magical properties that the pools of the Barrens possessed. In an attempt to seek the source, Naralex was trapped in the Emerald Dream, and the nightmares that he has now manifest themselves in the caves now known as the Wailing Caverns.
Four reptilian druids (The Fang Lords) now guard the cave, preventing Naralex from awakening, whom they commonly refer to as 'The Dreamer'. Whether or not this is a reference to the Emerald Dragon Queen, Ysera is unconfirmed.
This dungeon is usually thought as the equivalent of The Deadmines for the Horde. Higher levels will often run "Twinks" through the dungeon to get quests and loot from there.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to the Wailing Caverns is "WC".
Shadowfang Keep is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
In his fortress in the Silverpine Forest the dark wizard Arugal's machinations are concocting a devious scheme.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to Shadowfang Keep is "SFK" or alternatively, "Shadowfang".
The Stockade is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
Located within the Canal District of the Human city of Stormwind, The Stockades are an underground penitentiary complex that serves as a medium-low level instance dungeon for the Alliance. The entrance is north of the bank near the Mage District. The cells below contain many arrested members of the Defias Brotherhood as well as many noted criminals from surrounding regions sent here for execution. The nobles have so far refused to carry out their sentences and now, the prisoners have rioted. Warden Thelwater and his men have barricaded the stairway that leads down into the cell area so no one has escaped yet. Thelwater wants this fact kept quiet because if word gets out that he has lost control, he believes he will lose his job.
Due to the location of this instance, it is highly unlikely any Horde players will explore this area. Though a very sneaky rogue or stealthed shaman might make their way down if they are careful. The Horde have no quests here however.
[edit] Nomenclature
There are no common shortforms for The Stockades. It should be noted, however, that shortforms are highly variable, and two of the more common abbreviations is the "stocks" and "SDes", though many players may abbreviate the name as they wish.
Blackfathom Deeps is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
Blackfathom Deeps is located in the Zoram Strand area in Ashenvale on the continent of Kalimdor. Once a glorious temple dedicated to the Night Elves' moon-goddess, Elune, the great Sundering shattered the temple - sinking it beneath the waves of the Veiled Sea. There it remained untouched until, drawn by its ancient power, the Naga and Satyr emerged to plumb its secrets. Legends hold that an ancient Hydra, Aku'mai, a favored pet of the primordial Old Gods, is sealed within the temple's ruins. Drawn to Aku'mai's presence, the cult known as the Twilight's Hammer has also come to open the doors of Aku'mai's prison and loose him upon the world.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to the Blackfathom Deeps is "BFD."
Gnomeregan is a location set in Blizzard Entertainment's video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world. Gnomeregan also served as the Gnomish capital city before the Trogg invasion.
[edit] Background
Gnomeregan (pronounced Nome-ree-gahn) is the underground capital city of the Gnomes. While the gnomes sent technology and supplies to the Alliance during the Second War, the Gnomes themselves did not participate. After the battle at Mt. Hyjal, it was revealed that the Gnomes were fighting off an invasion of Troggs that had broke through the surface inside the city. Under advisement from Mekgineer Thermaplugg, the High Tinker Mekkatorque unleashed radiation on the city in an attempt to kill the Troggs. The maneuver backfired and nearly 80% of the gnomish population died with many others being driven insane. The Troggs themselves absorbed the radiation and became stronger. The High Tinker ordered an evacuation and the remaining Gnomes fled to Ironforge. Thermaplugg quickly disappeared back into the depths of the city, the entire tragedy part of a scheme to take over Gnomeregan.
Due to the radiation, the Gnomes now live within the Dwarven capital city of Ironforge in a small district called Tinker Town. A few healthy gnomes remain inside Gnomeregan itself defending an area dubbed The Clean Zone that is both Trogg- and Leper-free. The entrance to Gnomeregan is located at the western mountain ridges of Dun Morogh. It is populated mainly by Troggs, Leper Gnomes and Gnomish technology run amok. Mekgineer Thermaplugg, having betrayed his people now rules the radioactive city in an explosive-laden chamber at the heart of Gnomeregan.
The Horde can gain access to the city via a teleport device designed by the Goblins in Booty Bay. As can anyone with the Engineering skill.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to Gnomeregan is "Gnomer". Alternate shortforms may include references to boss(es) within the instance, such as Mekgineer Thermaplugg (who is commonly referred to simply as "Thermaplugg").
Razorfen Kraul is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] History
Ten thousand years ago, during the War of the Ancients, the mighty demigod, Agamaggan, came forth to battle the Burning Legion. Though the colossal boar fell in combat, his actions helped save Azeroth from ruin. Yet over time, in the areas where his blood fell, massive thorn-ridden vines sprouted from the earth. The quillboar, believed to be the mortal offspring of the mighty god, came to occupy these regions and hold them sacred. The heart of these thorn-colonies was known as the Razorfen. The great mass of Razorfen Kraul was conquered by the old crone, Charlga Razorflank. Under her rule, the shamanistic quillboar stage attacks on rival tribes as well as Horde villages. Some speculate that Charlga has even been negotiating with agents of the Scourge, aligning her unsuspecting tribe with the ranks of the Undead for some insidious purpose.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to Razorfen Kraul is "RFK".
The Scarlet Monastery is an instance dungeon in the MMORPG World of Warcraft.
[edit] Background
The Scarlet Monastery is situated in the northeast of the Tirisfal Glades, and acts as a stronghold from which the members of the Scarlet Crusade launch their attacks upon the Scourge and Forsaken alike. The Scarlet Crusade are an order of zealots formed by citizens of the fallen kingdom of Lordaeron, with the original aim of reclaiming their homes from the undead. Their purpose now has altered from being a resistance movement to waging a war to eradicate the entire undead populace, and any infected by them, from the green earth. In this, they are very similar to how Prince Arthas was before his fall; he razed entire towns, believing that his cause was just, but when it was all said and done it was still considered cold-blooded murder. Members of the Scarlet Crusade are to be found throughout the Tirisfal Glades and the Plaguelands, but also may be found recruiting as far away as Desolace, in Kalimdor. The Scarlet Monastery also boasts a library more extensive than anywhere else in Azeroth, save for perhaps the fallen city of Dalaran. There is some mystery surrounding the monastery in recent times. The graveyard teems with Scourge troops and a powerful Bloodmage guards the lower crypts, despite the sects' fanatical devotion to killing the undead and the mysterious High Inquisitor who can be found in a hidden room at the back of the Cathedral by, in true old fashioned style, pulling on a torch bracket. He was the leader of the scarlet monsatery until he himself (ironically) fell victim of the scourge and is now locked away. His appearance is common to a lot of Forsaken but he is hostile to all factions so it is assumed he is an agent of Kel'Thuzad. This brings further speculation about the single minded devotion of the Crusade who live in such close proximity to Kel'Thuzad in Stratholme; it is almost miraculous they are not affected by the Plague. Is their devotion nothing more than Plague induced madness, or is Kel'Thuzad merely projecting the illusion of a fanatical force of Undead slayers to distract away from his own dark designs?
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortforms referring to the Scarlet Monastery are "SM" and "Scarlet". Subareas of Scarlet Monastery are also commonly included when referencing the instance. For example, "SM Library" refers to the Library subsection of Scarlet Monastery. Finally, subareas of the instance can be referred to by the name(s) of bosses in each area.
Razorfen Downs is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
A pocket of gullies, hidden amongst desolate hills just east of the Southern Gold Road in the Barrens, Razorfen Downs' name originates from the monstrous briar that twists through its ravines. Its thorn-ridden nooks and crannies hide many Quillboar villages; its deepest depths, guarded by a cave mouth carved into the head of a dragon, hide a darker secret - the shadowy murk of the undead.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortforms referring to Razorfen Downs is "RFD".
Uldaman is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
Uldaman is located in the northernmost part of the Badlands in the Eastern Kingdoms of Azeroth. A site of considerable historical and archaeological importance, Uldaman contains numerous ancient secrets about Azeroth and its inhabitants. A treasure seeker's dream, Uldaman is of particular interest to the dwarven Explorer's League of Ironforge. Uldaman varies from ancient ruins, to recent excavation, to unearthed cave formations.
Most commonly accessed through The Makers' Terrace, an alternate "back door" is located in the northeastern Badlands through a small cave.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to Uldaman is "Ulda", a somewhat rare abbreviation. It is common to find the full name used in reference to the instance.
Though Uldaman is disliked for its length and cavernous, non-linear progression, the fight with Archaedas is noted as one of the best fights of the early game.
Maraudon is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
The once beautiful site of Maraudon is now overrun with corrupted vile satyrs and corrupted elementals. It is situated in the Valley of Spears in western Desolace in Kalimdor. Legend has it that the son of the demigod Cenarius, Zaetar had offspring with Princess Theradras and begat the Centaur race. Now Zaetar's grave lies within Maraudon.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to Maraudon is "Mara". The sub-parts of the instance are often referred to as "Mara Orange" or "Mara One" for the first part, "Mara Purple" or "Mara Two" for the second part, and simply "Princess Run" for the third part. (See below.)
Zul'Farrak is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
From Blizzard:
"This sun-blasted city is home to the Sandfury trolls, known for their particular ruthlessness and dark mysticism. Troll legends tell of a powerful sword called Sul'thraze the Lasher, a weapon capable of instilling fear and weakness in even the most formidable of foes. Long ago, the weapon was split in half. However, rumors have circulated that the two halves may be found somewhere within Zul'Farrak's walls. Reports have also suggested that a band of mercenaries fleeing Gadgetzan wandered into the city and became trapped. Their fate remains unknown. But perhaps most disturbing of all are the hushed whispers of an ancient creature sleeping within a sacred pool at the city's heart - a mighty demigod who will wreak untold destruction upon any adventurer foolish enough to awaken him."
Zul'Farrak is located in the northwestern part of Tanaris in Kalimdor.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to Zul'Farrak is "ZF".
The Sunken Temple or The Temple of Atal'Hakkar is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
The Temple of Atal'Hakkar is located on an island in the Swamp of Sorrows in Azeroth.
The strongest tribes rose up against Hakkar and his followers, and a terrible war ensued. The budding empire was devastated by the magic unleashed by the angry god and his rebel children. However, the trolls succeeded in destroying Hakkar's physical manifestation and banishing his followers -- the Atal'ai -- from their kingdom. The Atal'ai were forced into the uncharted Swamp of Sorrows to the north. There, they built a great temple to their fallen god -- Atal'Hakkar -- where they could continue to do their master's work. However, Ysera of the Green Dragonflight discovered their plans and smashed the temple beneath the waves where it remains to this day partially submerged and guarded by green dragonkin.
In the World of Warcraft the descendants of the Atal'ai led by the Prophet Jammal'an is attempting to resurrect the God and is responsible for the summoning.
Blackrock Depths is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon.
[edit] Background
While Blackrock Spire has been claimed by the black dragon Nefarian and his allies, the Depths are currently ruled by Emperor Thaurissian and the Dark Iron Dwarves descendants of the original inhabitants of Blackrock Spire, under the influence of the firelord Ragnaros.
In World of Warcraft the daughter of the king of the dwarves, King Magni Bronzebeard, was kidnapped by the Emperor.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortforms referring to Blackrock Depths is "BRD". Alternatively, the instance (and parts of the instance) may be referenced by the names of bosses within the instance or specific missions/quests within the instance (for example, "Jail Break!").
Blackrock Spire is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft, it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
Blackrock Spire is the peak of molten earth in the mountain range between the Searing Gorge and Burning Steppes located in northern Azeroth. Blackrock Mountain is where, in a desperate bid to turn the tide of an ancient Dwarven civil war, Emperor Thaurissan summoned the elemental Firelord, Ragnaros, into the world. It is believed that his elemental minions command the Dark Iron Dwarves, who are in the midst of creating armies out of living stone.
Blackrock Spire was originally constructed by the Blackrock Clan prior to the First Great War and acted as the Hordes base of operations by Blackhand the Destroyer until he was slain by his successor Orgrim Doomhammer. After Blackhand's murder, his two sons, Rend Blackhand and Maim Blackhand, left the Blackrock Clan to form and become joint Warchiefs of the Black Tooth Grin Clan. However, after the defeat of the Horde after the Second Great War, the Dark Iron Dwarves used Blackrock Spire as a base of operations. As a result Blackrock Spire has become a refuge for evil, and Nefarian, the son of the great dragon Deathwing, has become ruler of the Upper spire.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortforms referring to the Blackrock Spire are "UBRS" ("Upper Blackrock Spire") and "LBRS" ("Lower Blackrock Spire"). It is important to note that these refer to separate subdivisions of the instance (see below).
Druids and Rogues of both factions can participate in LBRS "stealth runs" where these invisible characters are able to bypass most of the groups in the instance and proceed directly to the bosses in a short amount of time.
[edit] Other Info
Also, the famed Leeroy World of Warcraft video occurs in Blackrock Spire, in The Rookery area.
The spawned gnome, "Finkle Einhorn", can be related to the movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, where Ace is determining the identity of Snowflake's kidnapper, and repeats to himself "Finkle, Einhorn, Finkle, Einhorn, Einhorn and Finkle, Finkle and Einhorn" for several minutes.
Stratholme is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
In Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, Stratholme was noted for having abundant natural resources in the form of oil, which the Alliance and Horde navies required for shipbuilding. Both factions fought at least one major battle for control of the city. It was one of the most prosperous cities of northern Lordaeron before Prince Arthas, ignoring the counsel of his mentor, Uther Lightbringer, slaughtered its inhabitants to stop the spread of the plague of undeath in Warcraft III: The Reign of Chaos. The city succumbed nonetheless. In World of Warcraft, Stratholme is a high-level instance located in the Eastern Plaguelands. Both the undead Scourge and the Scarlet Crusade contest the region.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to Stratholme is "Strat", or alternatively, "Strath". Stratholme is also generally divided into two sections by players based on two possible entrances to the instance:
- Scarlet Crusade Side - Variously referred to as Scarlet Strat, Strat SC, Human Strat, HU Strat, Live Strat, Strat SM or SM2 (referring to the Scarlet Monastery theme), and FD Strat (referring to the entrance taken for that part of the instance is the "front" door of Stratholme)
- Scourge Side - Referred to as Undead, or UD Strat, Strat UD, Strat Dead, BD Strat (referring to the entrance taken being the back door, as it is labeled the "Service Entrance"), or more commonly a "Baron run" which refers to the final boss Baron Rivendare who can only be reached by clearing all of this area of Stratholme.
[edit] Trivia
- Many players have pointed out that, after four years since it was destroyed and started burning, the city would have burnt to the ground, but it still remains standing and burning. This is possibly due to its "abundant natural resources in the form of oil".
Dire Maul is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
Dire Maul is located at the center of Feralas in Southern Kalimdor.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortforms referring to Dire Maul is "DM". It should be noted that this can often be confused with a shortform for The Deadmines. DM is usually followed by North, East, or West, to designate the instance being attempted. For example: DM East refers to the Eastern Dire Maul entrance.
Of special note is the North instance which features a mechanic known as a "Tribute." DM North contains King Gordok, the ruler of the Ogres as a final boss. The way to the King is blocked by several Guards who can either be killed, or bypassed using various tricks including an Ogre disguise. When the King is defeated, a tribute chest appears with various rewards inside. If you have left the Guards alive, each one will contribute an item to the chest, thus making Tribute runs extremely profitable.
This type of run is generally known as a Tribute Run or DM Tribute.
[edit] The Maul
In the center of Dire Maul, outside of any instance, is an Arena. Inside this Arena the rules of PvP become Free-For-All. Only members of your own group will appear friendly. Every so often, a random monster spawns within the Maul. This is announced by an observer NPC to the entire zone. Players from any faction can compete to see who kills the monster first and gets the loots; usually some kind of rare world drop of Blue (superior) quality or two. Prepare to be backstabbed by your own faction if you enter the Maul to conquer the monster!
Scholomance is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
Scholomance (pronounced SKOH-loh-mance) is located on the island of Caer Darrow in Darrowmere Lake, in the Western Plaguelands.
The human fortification on Caer Darrow dates back to the days of the empire of Arathor. Several years prior to the coming of the Scourge, the owners of the island were the Barov family of Alterac. Caer Darrow represented just one part of their vast holdings, which also included Brill, Southshore, and Tarren Mill.
Not content with their enormous wealth, the Barovs entered into a deal with the human mage Kel'Thuzad, leader of the Cult of the Damned. In exchange for establishing a school of necromantic arts inside Caer Darrow, the Barovs were granted immortality through undeath. The once opulent House of Barov became the horrific Scholomance. The residents of Caer Darrow were tortured and murdered in grotesque manners by order of the Barovs. Of the Barovs, two were not absorbed into the Scourge: Alexi Barov who was infected by the Plague but freed by Sylvanas Windrunner, and Weldon Barov, who escaped from the Plague's ravages.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to Scholomance is "Scholo". Also, an ongoing debate on the Blizzard forums is the proper pronunciation of the instance but it was revealed by many official posters including Eyonix and Caydiem as being properly prounced as "SKOH-loh-mance." It is also worth noting that Scholomance is the name of a mythical school of necromancy, run by Satan.
[edit] Current Residents
Scholomance is ruled by the Lich Ras Frostwhisper in the name of the Scourge, while the mortal necromancer Gandling serves as headmaster. Three of the undead Barovs remain: Lord Alexei Barov, Lady Illucia Barov, and Jandice Barov. Other notable inhabitants include Kirtonos the Herald, Rattlegore, Deathknight Darkreaver, Vectus, Marduk Blackpool, Instructor Malicia, the Ravenian, Doctor Theolen Krastinov ("the Butcher"), and Lorekeeper Polkelt.
The school is populated by various forms of undead, including skeletons, ghouls, zombies, and ghosts, as well as humanoid necromancers and other magic users.
Onyxia's Lair is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
Onyxia, and all the dragons, are shapeshifters (another example of a shapeshifter would be Nefarian). So far, Onyxia is seen in two guises. The first is Lady Katrana Prestor, through which Onyxia influences the politics of Stormwind and has tremendous influence over the Human's leader. The other form she has is that of her true form, a dragon the size of a small town. While residing in her "Lair" she usually must transform in order to feed - but a doomed group of players attempting to kill her will do just as well. Onyxia's Lair is located at the south-west corner of Dustwallow Marsh in Kalimdor. For the Alliance, Dustwallow Marsh can be accessed easily by a ship that leaves from Menethil Harbor in Wetlands and for the Horde, the quickest way is to enter Dustwallow from the Barrens.
Onyxia's Lair contains eggs that hatch into dragons, very similar to the ones in Blackrock Spire and in the Leeroy Jenkins video. It is most easily accessible, for Alliance players, by swimming south after coming out of Theramore, even for players with epic mounts. For Horde players, a swift mounted ride East from Brackenwall Village gets you to her lair.
[edit] Onyxia's Influence
Onyxia is the Brood Mother of the Black Dragonflight. While only experienced players can face her, in-depth observation leads to seeing the extent of her influence over all gameplay on the Alliance side.
One of the first encounters most players have with an obvious Onyxia-related quest is the Missing Diplomat chain. During that chain, you investigate the disappearance of a diplomat, with the trail ending in Dustwallow Marsh, with the conclusion that a more powerful force than simple bandits were involved.
Also, during the quest to gain access to Onyxia's Lair, you learn the identity of her alter ego in Stormwind. This information sheds a new light on the Stockades situation and why some criminals were not executed as planned by their trials. Most of these criminals were in fact part of the Defias organization, which is a direct link to the Defias quests available starting at level 14. The same Defias organization was involved in the kidnapping of the diplomat.
Presumably though, the extent of Onyxia's influence goes beyond Stormwind's internal feud, as Onyxia has worked to intensify the conflict between the Alliance and Horde, and the Black Dragonflight is also the main enemy in Blackrock Spire, and in Blackwing Lair.
Ahn'Qiraj is a fictional prison-kingdom in the computer game World of Warcraft. It is the realm of the Qiraji and the Silithid, located in the Southwest corner of Silithus on the continent of Kalimdor. It is surrounded on all sides by a massive, enchanted barrier known as the Scarab Wall, which was erected at the end of the first war against the Silithid over a thousand years before the events of the Warcraft Universe.
[edit] History
Fandral Staghelm, with the assistance of Anachronos of the bronze dragonflight and countless Night Elf druids, erected the magical barrier as a drastic measure to contain the Silithid and Qiraji until a more decisive strategy toward victory could be devised. The gate to the Scarab Wall can only be opened by striking the "Scepter of the Shifting Sands" against the Scarab Gong, which were both created by Anachronos; however, the scepter was destroyed by Fandral upon the closure of the gates, and it is an epic task to gather the various pieces and re-create the scepter from them. Once the scepter is crafted and the gong sounded, the magical gates will open, allowing access inside Ahn'Qiraj. As of recently the races of Azeroth have renewed their war against the Silithid and the Qiraji, and players in World of Warcraft can now take part in a series of epic, world-wide events that will ultimately open up two new instanced raid dungeons to explore.
[edit] Opening the Gates
In order to unlock the gates to the Scarab wall and gain access to Ahn'Qiraj, each server in World of Warcraft must complete two epic series of quests. The first is the Ahn'Qiraj war effort, the second is the re-creation of the Scepter of the Shifting Sands.
The war effort is a collaborative quest involving both Horde and Alliance, in which members of each faction must turn in massive amounts of resources to aid the ongoing struggle against the Silithid. These include hundreds of thousands of metal bars, cooked items, crafted bandages, etc. on each side, with each faction donating different items. Because each faction is responsible for donating different items, the participation of both factions is required to turn in the requisite amount of resources and satisfy the requirements. While the war effort requirements can be met by players, the NPCs will constantly contribute a certain amount themselves, and it is reported that the NPCs will get the job done in roughly 2-3 months with no assistance from players; thus, servers with low populations or participation in the war effort will eventually meet the war effort requirements.
However, the Scepter of the Shifting Sands must also be crafted in order to open the gates. This is a massive quest that involves the participation of hundreds of people, even though only one player will be crafting the item and actually opening the gates. Once the scepter is crafted and the gates are open they will remain open from then on, allowing all players access to Ahn'Qiraj. The quest to gather the various shards of the scepter and put them together is extremely intricate and long, involving trips across the entire map, the involvement of dragons from each flight, and even reach the gates. After the five days have passed, the player with the Scepter of the Shifting Sands rings the gong and begins a ten-hour event in which the Silithid invade Kalimdor.
Zul'Gurub is a fictional location set in Blizzard Entertainment's video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it is an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
Zul'Gurub was the capital of the ancient Troll Gurubashi Empire and is located in the northeastern portion of Stranglethorn Vale within Azeroth.
The ancient Gurubashi trolls, driven to desperate measures during a civil war, sought the aid of the darkest god from the trolls' collective pantheon of primitive deities: Hakkar the Soulflayer. Hakkar was a vile and bloodthirsty spirit who exulted in blood sacrifice. Though he aided the Gurubashi trolls in greatly expanding their civilization throughout all of Stranglethorn and the islands of the South Seas, he demanded a great price. The bloodthirsty god demanded blood sacrifices every day. The trolls soon realized what a terrible mistake they had made by consorting with such an evil force.
The strongest tribes rose up against Hakkar and his followers, and a terrible war ensued. The budding empire was devastated by the magic unleashed by the angry god and his rebel children. However, the trolls succeeded in destroying Hakkar's physical manifestation and banishing his followers -- the Atal'ai -- from their kingdom. The Atal'ai were forced into the uncharted Swamp of Sorrows to the north. There, they built a great temple to their fallen god -- Atal'Hakkar -- where they could continue to do their master's work.
In the World of Warcraft the descendants of the Atal'ai led by the Prophet Jammal'an are attempting to resurrect the God at their temple in the swamps, even after it was sunken by the green dragonflight. But that is another story.
Hakkar IS back with the help of his bolder followers returning to their city, giving him form again in the world of Azeroth, and threatening the planet.
The wise yet somewhat fledgling tribe of jungle trolls, the Zandalar, have sounded the call to arms to the Horde and Alliance alike to return to Zul'Gurub for them and defeat the Blood God once and for all. They offer great rewards of all shapes and sizes to those that can serve their cause.
[edit] Nomenclature
Zul'Gurub is commonly abbreviated to ZG.
[edit] Hakkar's Corrupted Blood Buffer
Hakkar was the cause of a large-scale virtual plague dubbed Corrupted Blood. It is also known as the WoW Plague, Hakkar's SARS, and AIDS.
Quoted From Shack News:
"Heres the skinny: Blizzard adds in a new instance, Zul'Gurub. Inside is the god of blood, Hakkar. Well, when you fight him he has a debuff called Corrupted Blood. It does like 250-350 damage to players and affects nearby players. The amazing thing is SOME PLAYERS have brought this disease (and it is a disease) back to the towns, outside of the instance. It starts spreading amongst the general population including npcs, who can out generate the damage. Some servers have gotten so bad that you can't go into the major cities without getting the plague (anyone less than level 50 will quickly die)."
Blizzard fixed this problem by restarting the servers that were affected.
Molten Core is a location set in Blizzard Entertainment's video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
Molten Core lies at the very bottom of Blackrock Depths in Azeroth. It is the heart of Blackrock Mountain and the exact spot where, long ago in a desperate bid to turn the tide of the dwarven civil war, Emperor Thaurissan summoned the elemental Firelord, Ragnaros, into the world. Though the fire lord is incapable of straying far from the blazing Core, it is believed that his elemental minions command the Dark Iron dwarves, who are in the midst of creating armies out of living stone. The burning lake where Ragnaros lies sleeping acts as a rift connecting to the plane of fire, allowing the malicious elementals to pass through. Chief among Ragnaros' agents is Majordomo Executus - for this cunning servant is the only one capable of calling the Firelord from his slumber.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to the Molten Core is "MC".
Blackwing Lair is an end game instance dungeon in World of Warcraft. The area is designed to present a challenge to players who have already defeated most, if not all, of the other end-game content already available. Located in Blackrock Spire, the Lair is home to extremely powerful dragonkin, and ruled by the dragon Nefarian, son of the legendary Deathwing.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to Blackwing Lair is "BWL".
[edit] Player Reaction
The general reaction to Blackwing Lair has been mixed; while some players enjoy the difficult challenges the bosses provide, others feel the area is too much work for too little reward. Many players also complain of numerous bugs, and Blizzard has issued hotfixes that alter, sometimes drastically, the specifics of the boss fights, requiring players to essentially relearn the encounters. Also, the vast majority of casual players are unable to even attempt the first boss of Blackwing Lair. The newest raid instances, The Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj and Zul'Gurub have tried to provide an outlet for casual gamers to have access to raiding content without the demanding requisites of being successful in advanced 40-person instances such as Blackwing Lair.
Naxxramas is a location set in Blizzard Entertainment's video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
In the Warcraft universe, the Necropolis "Naxxramas" is the citadel of the lich overlord Kel'Thuzad, and a current instance dungeon in World of WarCraft. The instance was released June 20, 2006 in patch 1.11, as previously confirmed by Blizzard Entertainment. It is believed that this will be the second to last patch before the release of World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade.
Kel'Thuzad's personal citadel is a floating undead Necropolis that hovers above the undead city of Stratholme in the fallen kingdom of Lordaeron, in the northern region now known as the Eastern Plaguelands. From here Kel'Thuzad wages a war against the Scarlet Crusade, the Alliance, and the Horde. Currently, Naxxramas is visible from outside Stratholme as a gigantic, floating Necropolis.
Inside the Undead held part of Stratholme, just past Baron Rivendare's slaughterhouse, there is a gated Raid portal which does not lead to the Necropolis. Instead, entrance to Naxxramas is through a portal from the outside of Stratholme. As with the teleport entrances to Molten Core and Blackwing Lair, gaining access to the Naxxramas portal requires players to complete an "attunement". The attunement for Naxxramas is done via the Argent Dawn at Light's Hope Chappel, and requires a different amount of materials based on your reputation with Argent Dawn. At honored, attunement costs 1x Righteous Orb, 5x Arcane Crystal, 2x Nexus Crystal and 60 gold. Those at Revered reputation must turn in 2x Arcane Crystal, 1x Nexus Crystal, and 30 gold. Exalted individuals can obtain attunement free. Coinciding with the release of patch 1.11, a world event was started in which the scourge have mounted an invasion. During this event, scourge necropolises appear at many locations around the world and groups of undead congregate around crystal structures. Players can kill these undead to get rewards from the argent dawn.
[edit] Nomenclature
While geographical short forms are highly varied in any MMORPG, the most common shortform referring to Naxxramas is "Naxx".
Warsong Gulch (WG, WSG or just Warsong) is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon in the virtual world.
[edit] Instance
Warsong Gulch was one of two battleground instances introduced in patch 1.5 of the MMORPG World of Warcraft. Located in the southern region of the Ashenvale forest near the northern entrance to the Barrens, and each entrance guarded by many NPCs. The entrances to the battleground is either through Silverwing Outpost for Alliance or Warsong Lumber camp for Horde.
[edit] Exploits
Until 1.9, all players were able to use a terrain glitch to climb the cliff where the horde graveyard is located. This forced the pursuers to take a longer route. This was viewed with harsh criticism as most players could not perform this feat.
In early level games, Shamans and Druids tend to have an advantage as each acquires a travel form that is more efficient and faster than other classes. Druids become even more powerful in the late-game, when PvP equipment allows them to travel faster than a base mount. They are also able to instantly enter travel form while in combat and use transform out of slowing and stopping effects.
Alliance rogues exploited a bug in the game where by if they vanished, an act which should drop the flag, they where teleported around 50 yards forward with the flag still in their possesion.
There is a bug in Warsong Gulch where Fear effects and spells could put players through solid objects or even imbed them inside a wall. This appears to have been lessened significantly with patch 1.11
As of 1.11, there exists an exploit where players can climb up into the wall in the Alliance base. Although it is still possible to target and attack players, when the flag carrier and a healer secrete themselves there, it is often difficult for Horde players to dislodge and defeat them.
As of 1.11, there is an exploit to get past the log perimeter barrier on the roof of the horde base and move along the top wall at the back of the base. In this case, it is impossible to attack a player on the wall. Unless the Alliance players know the method of getting past the barrier, a horde flag carrier can wait indefinitely on the wall above his flag base until his allies kill the Alliance flag carrier, at which point he can drop directly down on to the pedestal and return the flag with no risk.
Arathi Basin is a Battlegrounds instance dungeon in the MMORPG World of Warcraft. The dungeon was included in the version 1.7 patch to the game.
[edit] Gameplay
Arathi Basin is a capture-and-hold game, where the more buildings controlled results in the faster generation of team resources. The first team to get 2,000 resources wins. It is a 30 player Instance, 15 v 15. There are 5 resource buildings: the Stables, the Gold Mine, the Lumber Mill, the Blacksmith, and the Farm.
AB (as it's commonly known) has grown, on many servers, to be the premier battleground due to the brevity of its games. It is currently the only battleground with any sort of "timer." Where Alterac Valley can literally last days, and Warsong Gulch can stalemate for hours, once a resource has been captured it's only a matter of time until one team hits 2000. Arathi Basin games typically last about a half hour but some attrition-style matches can push the hour mark, while "shock-and-awe" games can be over within five or six minutes.
Arathi Basin is one of the best ways to improve your ranking in the honor system. Each winning game awards at least 1000 bonus honor. Even losing games can reward very high amounts of honor if it was a close match. A team must collect at least 2000 resources before bonus honor is awarded, however, and many organized teams have become proficient at rushing the opposing force and capturing all five resource nodes very quickly (referred to as a "5-cap"). Having all five nodes captured is a 99% assured win as the collected resources accumulate at a startling rate. Depending on which server you play, Arathi Basin is often overshadowed by Alterac Valley once players reach level 51. Players may experience long wait times between games or uneven sided matches.
[edit] Exploits
Up until patch 1.10 it was possible for Horde players to leave the starting compound before the game officially began. Although most players refrained from using this terrain exploit on the grounds of fair gamesmanship, it did give an unfair advantage to those players willing to take advantage of the glitch. This exploit was supposed to be fixed in 1.10, but it is still possible to abuse this.
Alterac Valley (AV or just Alterac) is a location set in Blizzard Entertainments video game and book series, Warcraft. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft it acts as an instance dungeon (Although it's a PvP environment in the virtual world.
[edit] Background
Before the First Great War, the warlock Gul'dan exiled the Frostwolf clan to Lordaeron. After the clan leader Durotan's death, the clan settled in the Alterac Valley developing a rapport with the native Frostwolves and continuing a semblance of their former shamanistic lives. Thrall, son of Duratan and the true leader of the Frostwolf Clan, united all the clans under one banner but the Frostwolves decided to remain in the valley led by the shaman, Drek'thar. In the World of Warcraft, the introduction of the Dwarven Stormpike Expedition into the valley in search of ancient relics has sparked conflict between the two encampments. Both sides feel the other are interlopers and rage a perpetual battle for control.
[edit] Instance
Alterac Valley was one of 2 battleground instances introduced in patch 1.5 of the MMORPG World of Warcraft. It contains Dun Baldar, the Dwarven Stormpike Expedition base and Frostwolf Keep, home of the Frostwolf Orcs.
[edit] Exploits and Updates
Up until patch 1.10, it was possible to destroy an opponents towers without entering the flag room by "capping" the tower flag through the wall. After the most recent patch this exploit was removed.
Currently, the Horde tactic for destroying the North Baldur Bunker involves running onto a ledge behind the bunker and jumping into the top level. Contrary to popular belief, this tactic does not enable the Horde to bypass tower NPCs, as they will rush the top chamber regardless. Its only advantage for the Horde is in the fact that they can start the tower destruction timer about five minutes before they would otherwise be able to.
Currently, the Alliance tactic for capturing the Horde Relief Hut involves bypassing both Frostwolf Towers by climbing up the Frostwolf Village Waterfall. This enables the Alliance to capture their final offensive graveyard (Horde's final defensive graveyard) by killing approximately 5 NPCs, as opposed to the 50+ NPCs necessary that would otherwise need to be killed.
Alterac Valley underwent a significant change with patch 1.11. Many NPCs were removed including most of the tower guards. Now, only bowmen guard the towers for both sides and they possess no melee skills. Prior to the patch, most NPCs, including the Troggs and Kobolds that guard the mines, were elite and dropped treasure when defeated. Now, they are not. Another significant change is players can now loot an increased number of supplies off of player corpses. This allows for faster accumulation of elite troops or armor bonuses. Games can now be won in less then an hour and even in the thirty minute range using the "race" strategy. Some players feel that Alterac Valley has now lost it's "epic" quality but others welcome the change, happy that they do not have to endure two or three hour games that they do not have time to complete.
A future battleground in Azshara in the World of Warcraft. It will most likely be in southern Azshara, in the Forlorn Ridge. It is intended to work in a similar fashion to Alterac Valley.
Battleground Entrances have already been placed within the zone, with the Alliance entrance on the south side of Forlorn Ridge, and the Horde entrance on the north side of Forlorn Ridge. They are currently inactive, as the Battleground itself has not been implemented.
[edit] Rumors
It is rumored that Azshara Crater was put on hold because of difficulties balancing Alterac Valley and how Alterac Valley did not turn out exactly as they intended. Now that Alterac Valley appears to be at a point that the developers are more or less happy with, Azshara Crater may be worked on once again.
Rumor Breaker!
- Caydiem says: (2006-01-20) We're not making any new Battlegrounds in the near future. We naturally need to be careful about spreading the PvP community thin. That isn't to say we're not thinking about what we could do with a new Battleground, but I wouldn't expect anything anytime soon, no.
