WoW Cataclysm - New Zone Gilneas
The human kingdom of Gilneas, a land of stern pride and resilience, lies on a rocky peninsula southwest of Silverpine Forest. Ruled by the cunning and proud patriarch of the Greymane family, Genn Greymane, Gilneas joined the Alliance during the Second War. However, after the war, Greymane withdrew from the Alliance, convinced that Gilnean taxes were being squandered. Determined to protect his realm from external influences, he ordered the construction of the imposing Greymane Wall, isolating Gilneas from the rest of the world.
The Third War brought new challenges. To defend against the Scourge, King Greymane enlisted the Archmage Arugal, who summoned the feral worgen beyond the Wall. However, these cursed creatures turned against Gilneas, becoming an internal threat. Historically shielded from seaborne invasions by a treacherous coral reef, Gilneas’s shores suffered a devastating blow when Deathwing's Shattering tore the reef apart. This breach left Gilneas vulnerable, allowing the Forsaken to exploit the newfound passage to launch assaults on the kingdom, plunging the proud nation into even deeper conflict.
What to Do in Gilneas
Gilneas offers a unique starting experience, unfolding through a series of instanced phases as players progress through the storyline. As the fate of Gilneas unravels, players will receive the Worgen curse and later master it, allowing them to transition into Worgen form at will. Here are some key activities and locations to explore in Gilneas:
1. Progress Through Instanced Phases: Experience the unfolding story of Gilneas as you advance through various phases, each bringing new challenges and quests.
2. Class Trainers: Find class trainers in key locations such as Duskhaven, Stormglen Village, and the Livery Outpost to help you develop your skills.
3. Primary Profession Training:
- Jack "All-Trades" Derrington: This versatile trainer can be found in Duskhaven, Stormglen Village, and the Livery Outpost, depending on your phase progress. He offers training in primary professions up to level 150.
4. Secondary Profession Training:
- Fielding Chesterhill: The Cooking trainer located in Duskhaven.
- Amelia Atherton: The First Aid trainer also located in Duskhaven.
- Whilsey Bottomtooth: The Fishing trainer found in Stormglen Village.
Characters in Gilneas
- Genn Greymane: King of Gilneas, Genn Greymane, is a pivotal figure in the kingdom's history and the player's journey. Following the events of the Second War, Greymane withdrew Gilneas from the Alliance and erected the Grey Wall to isolate and protect his realm. His decisions and leadership play a central role in the events surrounding the player's transformation into a Worgen.
- Liam Greymane: Prince of Gilneas and son of Genn Greymane, Prince Liam opposed his father's isolationist policies, especially the secession from the Alliance and the construction of the Grey Wall. Liam's differing views from his father highlight the internal conflicts within the royal family and the broader societal divisions in Gilneas.
- Darius Crowley: A nobleman of Gilneas and former advisor to Genn Greymane, Darius Crowley was deeply affected by the construction of the Grey Wall through his lands. An outspoken critic of Gilneas's secession from the Alliance, Crowley gathered like-minded dissidents and formed the Northgate Rebellion, igniting a civil war that ultimately led to his imprisonment. Despite the deep rift with the king, Crowley and Greymane later set aside their differences to confront greater threats.
- Sylvanas Windrunner: The Banshee Queen of the Forsaken, Sylvanas Windrunner, is the main antagonist in the story of Gilneas. Seeking a strategic port in northern Lordaeron, the Horde commanded Sylvanas to invade Gilneas. She exploited a breach in the kingdom's protective reef caused by Deathwing during the Shattering, leading her forces in a relentless assault on the beleaguered kingdom.
Reputation Factions
Gaining reputation with Gilneas involves completing various questlines across Azeroth. As players progress and increase their standing with Gilneas, they unlock certain rewards and achievements.
1. Gilneas Tabard: The Gilneas Tabard becomes available once players reach Friendly status with the faction. This tabard allows players to champion Gilneas in dungeons, earning additional reputation points. It can be purchased from Lord Candren in Darnassus.
2. Achievements: While there are no specific item rewards for reaching Exalted reputation with Gilneas, achieving this status contributes to broader accomplishments. Notably, it counts towards multi-reputation achievements such as:
- Ambassador of the Alliance: This achievement awards the Ambassador title, signifying a player's high standing with all major Alliance factions.
- United Nations: This achievement further recognizes a player's efforts in building reputations across multiple factions.