A world at war.

Prologue:

"My son, the day you born, the very forests in Lordaeron whispered the name. Arthas."

-Terenas Menethil

Last human king of Lordaeron, father to Prince Arthas Menethil of Lordaeron.

A world, at war.

We have faced many conflicts on many fronts.

We fought boldly against the grasp of fire and death, the skittering fleets in the ancient places of the world. and slayed dragons deep within the heart of a fiery mountain.

We ventured deep into the dark portal, overcame old adversaries, and stopped the legions invasion into our world once more.

We fought defiantly against the mad dragon aspect in Northrend, faced an image of the spectre of death, and at long last brought the jailer of the damned to heel.

We overcame an ancient terror within the skies that shattered the foundations of the world.

We explored new continents unknown to Azeroth hidden in the mists, fought valiantly against the old gods, and brought a tyrant warchief to his knees.

We went back in time, and overcame a renewed metallic old adversary, while facing the legion once more.

We at long last, defeated the burning legion, reunited and said farewell to old friends, and brought an ancient titan to heel.

We struggled with the bitterness of past transgressions and betrayals, sought out new allies, united together and against all odds, caused the banshee queen to flee.

Much that once was about my favorite story, has changed. Much that now is, is but a mere shadow of the past. And much that will be for the world of Azeroth, has yet to be seen. For in warfare, the landscape, the very nature of how the conflict is fought and how the hostility between the noble Alliance and mighty Horde continues to resurface from the wounds and betrayals of the past, is constantly changing. Soon enough, the drums of war will sound as heroes from both the Alliance and the Horde will either fight against or stand together, against the enemies of the world, and the darkness within the void that comes to consume the world. For when the gap between life and death, the bindings that keeps creation in check are shattered to be remade, who, I ask, will take up the fight? Who will take up the battle against the Jailer?

When I started.

From a very young age since I watched my elders play, I have played World of Warcraft. I've seen the molding and shaping of the story, the rise and fall of various protagonists and antagonists, the constant changes within the metagame, watched the rise and fall of powerful archetypes and playstyles, and seen players rise to power to claim dominance in a professional setting. I remember playing back in the days of mid vanilla, and I can recall just the excitement, the complexity, and the competition of exploring a world at war. Being able to go out and start a character, and learning how to play an mmorpg. I remember watching members of my family play and how much it inspired me to, and how much I wanted to play with them. I sometimes wish some of them would get back on so we could play again.

Why I really got into it.

I've always loved in depth and complex stories, with multiple layered characters with versatile capabilities, all in a game setting that requires immense amounts of strategy and practice. What really kept me going with World of Warcraft, was the competition. When I found out about blizzcon, and competing in actual tournament settings, its something that's always inspired me. Even now as I play hearthstone, the collectible card game inspired by World of Warcraft, I aspire to inevitably compete in tournament settings. World of Warcraft has helped me develop stronger characters of greater complexity, and even inspired some of my own pieces and help me become a better writer. Despite blizzard entertainment's recent fall, I do believe that the company needs a boost of morale, and a reprioritization of what they're doing. They should focus on making great games not trying to appease what others say or bully them into doing. I'm not fond of the constant transactions, because I always believed blizzard didn't need that. What it needs to be doing, is going back to what its always done. Making amazing games and stories. If blizzard can focus on that, I believe they would be the quality company they've always been.

Why World of Warcraft is the best fantasy title.

From a writer's standpoint, one of the things I enjoy about World of Warcraft's style of mmorpg and its story, is the prodigy and hero archetype that fits so well with its gameplay. Prodigies are people of extraordinary and exceptional quality, almost unnaturally so. From Arthas Menethil being the most talented paladin and prince to Lordaeron, to Jaina Proudmoore daughter of Admiral Daelin Proudmoore of the Kul Tiran fleet and the most talented sorceress in the land, to Sylvanas Windrunner most capable hunter and ranger general of Quel'Thalas and regrettably, the dark lady of the forsaken, to Malfurion and Illidan Stormrage, characters and brothers of tremendous potential, the archdruid and first demon hunter of Azeroth. All of these characters have one character trait in common, all had renowned and exceptional capabilities in what they did, and were noticed for it. All of them had a major impact on their world and the story.

I think this is something that is true even in real life. I believe remarkable talent, admirable qualities, and exceptional capabilities stand out in society, no matter how much others may either approve or disapprove. Talent, skill, capability, potential, ingenuity, openness, and opportunity cannot restrain itself from flowing, being used, and noticed. Eventually it will spring forth at the right time and right place and will make itself known.

I also truly enjoy how the characters have to learn to settle their differences for the greater good of their people. As leaders, they are charged with leading their people to a better future, even one in a world constantly engaged in war. Thus, the heroes of the Alliance and the Horde not only have to at times learn to stop striving, but work together for the greater good of their people. Such quality leadership requires restraint, discipline, patience, wisdom, mercy, strength, and faith. It is interesting to see certain characters struggle with their past mistakes, traumas, or even reunite or face off against old enemies, and how they have to learn to overcome.

Would I recommend wow to others?

Yes! For those who enjoy the fantasy genre alongside a rich and in depth gameplay of competitive and epic battles, I would recommend it! This fantasy world is a vast, rich, and beloved story that is not only well written, but also provides a rich in-game experience. I would encourage you to try it out and to pick up the novels that go with it!

Conclusion:

Azeroth has been set by conflict. It is a constant push and pull power struggle between the Alliance and the Horde from without and within, and from the enemies circling around them. So I ask you, hero, when the messenger calls for your aid, what say you? Will you take up the call to arms as a stalwart defender of the Alliance, or a mighty conqueror of the Horde? Where does your path lead? Choose your side today!