Cortyn has been wandering through the Stormsong Valley of WoW: Battle for Azeroth and is sure: This is the most beautiful zone that World of Warcraft has ever had.
The beta of World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth is still in full swing. I took a long look at the last of the three zones of Kul Tiras and concluded: World of Warcraft has never had a more beautiful zone. Please note that there will be some spoilers in this article, although I won’t reveal the story’s resolution – you have been warned.
The Stormsong Valley – The Search for the Fleet
Players are sent to Stormsong Valley to find out what happened to the massive fleet of Kul Tiras, which has vanished without a trace. The Tide Sages, a sort of “sea priests”, might know where the ships have gone. But even upon entering the area, it becomes clear: Something is very wrong here. Soldiers of “Lord Stormsong”, the ruler of the valley, block all trade routes. Has he become a traitor? Or are there valid reasons for the blockades?
The Stormsong Valley is referred to by its inhabitants as “the grain chamber of Kul Tiras“, as almost the entire grain production that supplies the whole island nation takes place here.
The area resembles the “Valley of the Four Winds” from Mists of Pandaria – and in the best ways. Sleepy villages, vast meadows, large fields, and beautiful beaches, but also a few mysterious ruins.
But although everything is idyllically beautiful, there is plenty to do. The area is not only tormented from within by misguided Tide Sages, but the Horde is also on the move. Thus, there are one or two skirmishes with NPCs of the Horde. Even the cities are not spared from the siege.
Influences from the Old Gods can also be found, because if Tide Sages listen too deeply into the sea, they might hear the whispers of a being that surely has other plans than to protect ships from the storm.
Basically, Stormsong Valley feels more like a “starter area” than the other zones of Kul Tiras. The themes are often light-hearted and tell a lot of history about the people of the region. You must help a farmer with his honey harvest or assist an old woman in driving away the rats.
In summary, Stormsong Valley felt like a trip to a recreational area. Green meadows, beautiful fields, apiaries, lovely islands, and plenty of “country bumpkin” feeling. If my character were to seek a new home in RP, he would surely settle in Stormsong Valley.
What do you think of Stormsong Valley and what is your impression of this zone? Suitable and a nice change from the creepiness in Drustvar? Or much too positive and cheerful for an addon called “Battle for Azeroth”?
