#1 - Sept. 16, 2012, 5:28 p.m.
After the Best Buy developer chat, we have the following teasers:
It sounds like Garrosh will attempt to use the Sha as a weapon in future patches. Not specifically stated, but hinted with their wording.
Wrathion is looking ahead, beyond the war of Horde/Alliance. Suggests Wrathion is preparing for the Burning Legion (we mostly already had this indicated)
Q: The reddit AMA gave some teasers that Sylvanas, Vol'jin, and Thrall (specifically in 5.1) would be integral parts to the story. Rexxar and Koltira were also mentioned. On the Alliance side, other than Varian, Anduin, and Jaina are there any notable leaders/lore figures we can expect to see active through the Pandaria storyline?
A: Great question! Many of the Alliance leaders will come into play. Tyrande has a couple of moments in 5.1. We also want to do more with the dwarven storyline (we're still kicking around ideas of how best to do that.) The trick is making sure those characters have meaningful moments. We'll definitely spend a lot of time with Jaina and King Wrynn.
Don't expect to see Magni's storyline expanded in Mists of Pandaria, but if they do continue with his story, expect it to be in-game.
Blood Elves' story is picked up and propelled forward in 5.1 including interactions with Lor'themar.
Re:Trials of the High King
Varian Wrynn's first trial will happen in 5.1. But to set expectations, the development of Varian's character happens across the entire patch cycle and beyond - it doesn't all happen in one event or one scenario. His trials are many.
Jaina's story will continue in 5.1 and they'll try to catch players up from the book, then move on from there.
Turalyon and Alleria are confirmed to NOT return in Mists of Pandaria ;)
Patch 5.1 and 5.2 are already in development.
Q: What exactly has turned Garrosh Hellscream into the monster we all hate now?
A: Garrosh is not a monster. He has a very clear vision of the Horde, and the future of the orcs, and he gives very little thought to anyone who stands between him and that future. As he gets more powerful, he gets away with more, his vision becomes clearer. This has put him in conflict with the Alliance and ultimately will cause problems within the Horde.
Original Post
After the reddit AMA, we got some insight to the lore figures that will help shape the story of Mists of Pandaria.
Jaina - Leading the Kirin Tor, but seeing the group as a beacon for the world after the war ends. She's apparently all supportive in removing Garrosh and Blizzard keeps insisting she's not going to be neutral, but all they've revealed still seems dubious at best.
Anduin - They like him and want to develop him, but it sounds like that's down the road.
Sylvanas will play a part in the story in Mists of Pandaria.
Koltira is not in good shape right now, but won't be explored further in MoP.
Thrall will be coming back as a Horde only side for questlines in 5.1
Vol'jin will be taking a roll and is the focus of the next novel
Rexxar was mentioned, but only in response to someone calling for him as Warchief (a red herring reference only most likely)
So with 2 Alliance figures even slightly mentioned and some insight to more Horde lore figures, I have to ask....
What are we supposed to be expecting, Blizzard? Who of our leaders are we supposed to see involved in MoP? One assumes Varian is a key figure, but we've not heard a whisper of the Trials of the High King since it was first mentioned (btw, please reconsider that. Make it Varian taking on the role of High General in succession to Anduin Lothar. It would be far more fitting for the Alliance and to Varian personally).
Does Tryande and Malfurion have any involvement? The night elves know the pandaren from 10,000 years ago. Is Shandris Feathermoon going to be leading forces in Pandaria (she would be an awesome prominent figure).
Will the Council of Three Hammers develop? Metzen suggested they had plans for them, and Magni, way back at 2011 SDCC, but nothing has been said since.
I'm hoping the Alliance lore gets a little more teaser material this Tuesday with the Best Buy chat. I particularly want to know who we might expect to see get involved and when we should start seeing some rumblings.