Walking up to the great elevators leading to Thunder Bluff, the very
same elevators that many WoW players have found themselves dead at the
base of due to some PvP or clumsiness on their own part, players will
find that happily these familiar beacons stand just the same as they
did pre-Cataclysm.
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/87722">
Reaching the first level of Thunder Bluff players will once again be
greeted with a familiar sight. It seems that the first tier of Thunder
Bluff has escaped change. The only noticeable difference is the female
level 75 Bluff Watcher guarding the elevators has been replaced with a
much buffer looking level 85 male.
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/87721">
If it’s change you’re looking for, Hunter Rise will
be another huge disappointment. The domed tent, Hunter’s
Hall, still remains, containing the Hunter and Warrior
trainers. The other buildings and NPCs at a glance also appear to
remain unchanged.
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/87720">
Upon closer inspection of Hunter Rise, however, players will notice
that it has gained at least a few new residents. In the a small tent on
the eastern side of the rise near Hunter’s Hall that once
contained Saern Priderunner, three Paladin trainers are now available
for the fresh new Tauren Paladins making their way up in levels.
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/87727">
Moving up the giant totem pole to the second level of Thunder Bluff
players again will be faced with a landscape that they know very well.
Kuna Thunderhorn is still the first Tauren NPC greeting players as they
enter this level, and even the sign post directing visitors
and clay fire pit in the middle are still standing firmly in place.
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/87728">
Heading across the bridge to Spirit Rise I can’t help but
wonder if here at last I will finally see some change. But alas change
could not be found here, as Spirit Rise like the rest of Thunder Bluff
appears to remain in a time warp, making one question whether they even
have Cataclysm installed. The windmill still spins tranquilly and the
teepee like tent that dominates the scenery here still stands as it did
in days of old.
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/87726">
Inside the earth of Spirit Rise, otherwise known as the Pools of
Reflection, subtle changes have taken place. Undead Warlock trainers
have finally taken up residence here, alongside the Priest and Mage
trainers that were already available. One can only wonder how the
Tauren feel about Warlocks taking up residence in their fair city, even
if it is in the Undead dominated section underground. Other than this
new addition, this section of Thunder Bluff remains the same.
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/87725">
Elder Rise, preferred location of the Druids of Thunder Bluff, appears
to have escaped the ravages of Cataclysm as well. The rather old
Bashana Runetotem has not yet kicked the proverbial bucket, and the
huge tent dominating this rise containing Druid trainers galore still
proudly stands.
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/87724">
Inside though, like the Pools of Reflection, some subtle changes have
taken place. Tahu Sagewind, and his companion Aponi Brightmane have
vanished from next to the fireside, but to where no one can really
say. Upon closer inspection players will also notice that
Elder Rise is no longer only home to Druid trainers, as several Priest
trainers have also taken up residence in the great tent celebrating the
Tauren’s induction into this class.
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/87723">
Finally it’s time to take the last journey up the totem pole
to the highest level of Thunder Bluff. Will it too have escaped
untouched by the ravages of Deathwing? Upon first inspection it appears
that nothing has changed. The tents with their orange roofs still stand
with NPCs inside selling their wares. In the background the huge tent
dedicated to Thunder Bluff’s fearless leader remains and
while the fire in the center of the level is no longer burning (perhaps
a glitch) all appears normal here.
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/87730">
Normal though is sometimes just an illusion. Walking closer to the main
tent players will find Cairne Bloodhoof, proud leader of the Tauren is
no longer standing proudly in the doorway. After losing battle against
Garrosh Hellscream, Cairne was greatly weakened and the Grimtotems took
the opportunity to wipe out the honorable Tauren leader. Upon
Cairne’s death his son, Baine, has taken over leadership of
the Tauren. Hopefully he will be able to fill his father’s
shoes, or hooves if you will.
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/87729">
While the changes to scenery to Thunder Bluff are far and few between,
the loss of Cairne is a
devastating blow to the Tauren, and one can only wonder what will
become of the Tauren race and homeland even with Baine’s
leadership. However things are definatly looking up. Especially
concerning relations with Garrosh, as the Tauren have been allowed to
increase their presence greatly in Orgrimmar and basically make the
Valley of Wisdom their own. To view pictures of the Tauren’s
remodeling of the Valley of Wisdom visit our
href="http://www.tentonhammer.com/wow/editorials/orgrimmar_makeover"
target="_blank">WoW Cataclysm - Orgrimmar Preview.
Have something on your mind? Join us on our forums to share your
opinions on the changes to Thunder Bluff.
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