1.26.2009

old school screenshot of the week: january 26

[Stranglethorn Vale, Eastern Kingdoms]

1.19.2009

old school screenshot of the week: january 19

[Deeprun Tram, Eastern Kingdoms]

1.12.2009

1.11.2009

veteran of the wrathgate

When I first heard about this chain back in the beta days of Wrath, I was uber-excited. Since then, I've been looking forward to completing this questline for myself, and last December I finally did. What did I think?

Most. Epic. Questline. EVER.

If you haven't already done this questline and you hate spoilers, please skip this post because it's going to be HELLA spoiler-heavy. Yes, I just said "hella." AND WHAT?

Right before the joint Alliance-Horde assault on the Wrathgate, Illythia had to report to Saurfang the Younger, who would lead the charge. This was the last she saw of him:



And then: EPIC IN-GAME CINEMATIC OF EPIC-NESS!



(I apologize for the tiny video. If I left it at full size it would have eaten up my layout. Here is the link to the video on YouTube.)

Saurfang the Younger and Highlord Bolvar Fordragon gave their lives heroically along with the good men and women of the Horde and the Alliance, leaving my poor priest distraught at this tragic turn of events.


But there was still hope...Dragonqueen Alexstrasza and her consort, Korialstrasz, were there to survey the damage.


Alexstrasza then sent Illy to High Overlord Saurfang to deliver the news of his son. R.I.P., Saurfang the Younger.

And then Illythia learned that Orgrimmar was in a state of lockdown. When she got there, there were large groups of Forsaken refugees hanging around the entrance to the city.


From them, Illythia got an inkling of what was unfolding:


Sylvanas was in trouble? She mounted up and rushed for Grommash Hold, but paused when someone in the crowd caught her eye...


Oh, Gamon, you hapless Tauren, you.

When Illythia got to Thrall's chambers, Lady Sylvanas Windrunner was already there, asking for his aid.


And then someone else showed up:


Illy hoped that no one told Lady Jaina Proudmoore about her escapades at last Hallow's End. Otherwise, this would shape up to be a pretty awkward meeting.

In any case, this was no time for awkwardness! The Undercity was under siege by the traitorous forces of Grand Apothecary Putress and Varimathras. Illythia was asked to help Thrall and Sylvanas exact a quick and terrible vengeance.

And so the Battle for Undercity began.


It was really the first time that she had seen Thrall and Sylvanas fight. It was quite spectacular. Sometime during the battle it occurred to her that she was very, very glad that she was on their side.


And of course, there was much fangirling over Lady Sylvanas herself. How could she not? Sylvanas is one badass lady.


Those who betrayed her would soon regret their decision.


No obstacle was too much for Thrall, who destroyed everything that the Legion threw at them.


Boulders? HA! They are but pebbles in the eyes of the Warchief!

Now it was time to face the traitorous dreadlord himself.


Oh, Varimathras. You thought you could get away with this? The Dark Lady does not know forgiveness. By the end of it, he was begging for his measly life.

We thought that the battle was over, but then - Alliance! Thousands of them!


Wait, did Varian just - NO. HE DID NOT JUST CALL SYLVANAS A "WITCH." HE DID NOT JUST CALL THRALL A "GREEN-SKINNED ABERRATION."

It's time to lay the smackdown --


And it was about then that Jaina swooped in, froze everyone, and sent Varian back to his room with no dessert. ILY, Jaina.


The Undercity was now safe, Sylvanas was back in her seat of power, and Thrall and Saurfang were left to ponder what was left of their fragile pact with the Alliance.
Thrall : It ends like it began...All that we have fought for in this world is lost. The hopes and dreams carried by my father and mother... by Doomhammer... Gone...If only you were here right now, old friend. You would know what to do.

Overlord Saurfang: I know what he would do. He would say to you what I am about to say to you: Thrall. Lead your people. Let's go home, old friend.

Thrall nods.
Thus ends the account of the Battle of the Undercity. It's easily the best questline in the game, and I think anyone who sets foot in Northrend should be required to complete this. Seriously.

Next post: how speccing shadow is working out for me!

1.06.2009

old school screenshot of the week: january 6

(Supposed to be for yesterday, but I forgot. Drat.)

[Sylvanas before her makeover. Undercity, Eastern Kingdoms]