Post on 07-Apr-2018
8/6/2019 Stirring Isles
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/stirring-isles 1/4
The Stirring Isles World of Warcraft Concept
By : Randin Lambrecht
8/6/2019 Stirring Isles
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/stirring-isles 2/4
I. Story, Lore, & Teaser
The great sundering of Deathwing’s arrival changed the face of Azeroth forever. Cities fell, mountains rose, and
disasters swept the land. Several islands erupted from the sea near the great maelstrom, bringing with them long-
forgotten shipwrecks and treasures from the depths. However, the maelstrom churned so violently it uprooted the
islands and they are spinning towards their destruction and the ocean depths once again.
There is much to be gained for the brave in this new playfield. Many of the artifacts found on these ‘Stirring Isles’
predate most of the civilizations on Azeroth, as Neptulon has been sinking ships here since his banishment by the Titans.
These antiques may have unforeseen powers, clues to the past, or at the very least, be worth lots of gold. They say that
when the tide is low, you can see gold scattered across the reefs and there are rumors of underwater mounts to take
you to treasure laden shipwrecks out of breath’s reach.
But with strong temptations and great rewards comes fierce consequences and the ocean’s cruelest residents are
taking as much advantage of ambitious travelers as they can. Murloc, Naga, Elementals, and monstrous sea creatures
are only the beginning of trials to come. There may even be evil forces at work keeping the islands from destruction
simply to drag more gold-hungry souls down to their watery graves.
II. Close-up of Horde Island
8/6/2019 Stirring Isles
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/stirring-isles 3/4
III. Gameplay Ideas
First Arrival
Before players have access to the flight paths on the islands, they must first travel by ship. However, traveling by
sea towards the maelstrom is very dangerous and loaded with obstacles. The ship is invaded by pirates, charmed by
muses, and assaulted by the giant Kraken. If our heroes survive the long journey, they will arrive on an island for their
faction, but their troubles and adventures have only just begun
Locals
Nearly every inhabitant here views you as a competitor or a snack. NPCs of your faction are typically full of lies
to lead you off the trail of their treasure. The local Murloc and Naga are stronger than ever seen before. The islands’
proximity to the maelstrom and Neptulon’s effects on them have made them unusually close to the abyssal plane. All
types of elemental creatures abound and often contend with one another.
Tide
The tide is unpredictable and can violently change, sweeping players off their feet. But when the tide is low new
paths are revealed, providing routes to islands, treasures, and shipwrecks.
Kraken and other large sea creatures
The previously encountered Kraken is a servant of Neptulon, but he is not the only creature to fear. The Kraken
and other large sea creatures, such as a giant serpent, a massive shark, a gigantic whale, and possibly others, are on
constant patrol around the islands, looking for any players in their reach. These creatures patrol the reefs, shipwrecks,
and treasures, and can come dangerously close to land during high tide. It would take a team of 50 or more to defeat
the worst of these monsters.
Ship missions and pvp
After their arrival to the islands, players have experienced the basics of ship-to-ship combat. Tactics such as
boarding, cannon fire, flanking, and ramming are essentials for successful ship PVP. The raid/party leader is promoted to
captain and is responsible for maneuvering the ship, while the rest of the crew must protect their captain and assault
their enemy’s ship. The captain elects a first and second mate as his replacement in case of his death. Players not
involved in boarding are usually on cannon duty. Friendly fire is possible from cannons. There are also land mounted
cannons, particularly in cities, to defend from the opposite faction and other forms of attacks.
Underwater Mounts
After an extensive quest, players may earn an underwater mount. This mount will allow them to travel faster
underwater, but is only accessible from the ocean, not in lakes or rivers. These underwater mounts allow access to
shipwrecks, treasures, and quests that were previously out of the players range due to breath constraints. Eventually,
these underwater mounts may be the key to reaching the city of Nazjatar, Azshara’s Imperial Palace, or even Neptulon
himself.
Additional Water Perils
The Maelstrom will suck players down who get too close, crushing them or drowning them. Muses, found on
various islands, will disorient and confuse players. Those who get too distracted are doomed. With earthquakes
happening all over Azeroth, there are also rare chances for destructive tidal waves to crash over the islands.