Now thatExploring Azeroth: Northrendis out, players have discovered a few references to secrets and mysteries found inWorld of Warcraft. The mysteries these players discovered could hint at futureWorld of Warcraftexpansions.
Exploring Azeroth: Northrendis thelatest installment ofWorld of Warcraft’sfield journal-like lore booksthat expand upon the various corners of the game’s world. This volume is told from the perspective of Magni, Muradin, and Brann Bronzebeard as they return to the frozen continent to see what’s changed. During their explorations, they uncover several mysteries, including an ancient familial connection between their clan and the Northrend-native Frostborn dwarves.
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One of the more interesting mysteries from the book surrounds the Old God, Yogg-Saron.World of Warcraftplayers may remember the many-mawed monster as the final boss of the Ulduarraid inWrath of the Lich King. In the section pertaining to Westguard Keep, Muradin talks about expedition members who were driven mad by exposure to saronite–a metal originating from the Old God’s blood. Though the Old God has been defeated, saronite’s madness is still as potent as ever, seemingly hinting that the Old God may not be truly defeated, and could return in the future. The book also makes reference to the Puzzle Box of Yogg-Saron–a mysterious toy that speaks to players who use it.
Exploring Azeroth: Northrendalso makes playful reference to a fewin-gameWorld of Warcraftlocationsthat had drawn player attention in the past. One example is Zeramas, a necropolis completely devoid of undead inhabitants located in Zul’Drak. While players assumed the floating pyramid was a simple set decoration, Muradin confirms the eerie stronghold is canonically empty and speculates as to why. Another example can be found in the Sholazar Basin section, where Brann confirms the mysterious disappearing windows from the Makers’ Perch exist in canon as well.
Players were immediately invested in the secrets hidden withinExploring Azeroth: Northrend. The Old Gods have always been fan-favorite villains inWorld of Warcraft, so players are excited at the prospect of Yogg-Saron’s return. They immediately speculated if he wouldmake a return inDragonflight, possibly to play a role in the inevitable fate of Nozdormu to become Murozond.
On the other hand, some players were disappointed inExploring Azeroth: Northrend. While there were some gems hidden within the book, players were dismayed to find most of the zones were largely unchanged from their appearance inWrath of the Lich King. Many wondered what the purpose of the book was if it was just regurgitating mostly-known information. Nevertheless, reviews of the book are mostly positive, as it seems to avoidthe problemsWorld of Warcraftplayers had with its predecessor,Exploring Azeroth: Kalimdor.
