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Q: Why did you choose a death knight as the game's first Hero class?
A: One of the things we knew very early on during development of Wrath of the Lich King was that we wanted to add an entirely new class. We actually considered several other class candidates before we decided on the death knight, but we felt that this was the perfect fit for the theme of Wrath of the Lich King. Since the expansion is set in Northrend and focuses on the war against the Lich King, it made sense to add a class directly connected to that conflict.
The death knights that players will be able to play begin allied with the Lich King but later break free from his grasp and join forces with the Horde or the Alliance to fight against Arthas. Players who choose to be a death knight will be engaged in the story of Wrath of the Lich King right from the start.
Q: What role will the death knight play in groups and raids? How is the death knight Hero class different from other tanking classes?
A: We're designing the death knight to be able to fill either a tanking or DPS role in groups. When deciding which type of class we would add to World of Warcraft, we took a very careful look at the current state of the game. Tanks play a critical role in any group, and adding another class capable of filling that role makes it easier for players to form viable groups for dungeons and raids.
Our goal is to make the death knight a viable, fun tank that coexists with the current tanking classes without replacing them. One interesting difference between the death knight and other tanks is that death knights don't use shields. We're aiming to make all tank classes equally good at tanking in general so that players can use whatever tank they wish for dungeon and raid encounters.
Q: What is the story background of the expansion?
A: Players last visited Northrend in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, in which Arthas Menethil fused with the spirit of Ner'zhul to become the Lich King, one of the most powerful entities in the Warcraft universe. He now sits atop the Frozen Throne deep within Icecrown Citadel, clutching the rune blade Frostmourne and marshaling the undead armies of the Scourge.
Players will skirmish with the minions of Arthas from the moment they set foot on the continent of Northrend. Arthas will be a constant presence as players progress through the expansion content, which will culminate in a showdown with the dread Lich King himself.
Q: Are flying mounts allowed in Northrend?
A: Yes, although a character will need to reach level 77 and purchase an ability called "Cold Weather Flying" to be able to use flying mounts in Northrend. Some high-level zones such as Storm Peaks and Icecrown Glacier are designed with flying mounts in mind.
Q: What can you reveal about the new profession, Inscription?
A: The Inscription profession allows players to create glyphs and scrolls for themselves and others. Glyphs permanently enhance a character's spells and abilities. Scrolls allow you to cast temporary buffs.
Q: What can players expect with regard to player-vs.-player combat in the expansion?
A: Players can battle each other in Wintergrasp, a new outdoor zone completely designed for world PvP. Players will be able to take control of siege vehicles in Wintergrasp and the new Battleground, Strand of the Ancients, and use them to destroy opposing buildings, adding a new layer of complexity to PvP battles. Players will also be able to battle each other in two new Arenas.
