With millions of World of Warcraft fans out there chomping at the bit to get their hands on the latest expansion pack, Wrath of the Lich King, I thought that along with some of the preview articles I have done over the Death Knights and such, that a couple of preview articles over the two new dungeons would only be fitting. So, this article will give you a preview of what Utgarde (pronounced oot-guard) Keep will have to offer players.
Located in the icy region of Howling Fjord on the shore of Lake Cauldros, Utgarde Keep is the first dungeon that players will hit when they go into Northrend. The keep itself is the home of the Vrykul who is led by King Ymiron. The Vrykul are a Viking-like race of people that are desperately trying to prove their devotion and abilities to the Lich King. To do this, they will raise any of their warriors that they deem able to serve him, even those that are beyond the grave. They do remain loyal to their slumbering King Ymiron, and have become very dark and vampire-link in their many years lost.
The history of the Vrykul tells of their past as giant warriors that have lived in the Howling Fjord forever. The game lore says that the race lived in this region for ages, and that in ancient times they had a vast and thriving civilization. At the height of their civilization, out of nowhere, they suddenly vanished, leaving everything behind. And no one knows where they have been for thousands of years.
But, when the Valgarde resettled their territory and their ancient homes, the Vrykul have now returned to reclaim their lands. For this reason, you can expect that the Vrykul will attack both Horde and Alliance players and cities without warning and they will be in a constant stream out of Utgarde as well, which is not far from the city of Valgarde.
There are actually two parts to Utgarde Keep – the first is simply known as Utgarde Keep and the second is Utgarde Pinnacle. The keep is for a 5-man party that is level 70-72 and the pinnacle will be for a 5-man level 80 party. This means that unsuspecting level 70 players who wander into the Pinnacle might get more than they bargained for. Inside the Keep, the Vrykul clan Dragonflayer built massive war machines and proto-dragons that they used for their raids – so players need to be aware that these machines and dragons are still there as well.
So, there you have it... a short look into the dungeon and the history and lore behind the mobs that lay in wait for players when the Wrath of the Lich King expansion pack comes out. I know that I can't wait to play it... can you?