aNewDomain — When the developers of World of Warcraft released the Warlords of Draenor expansion, they made it abundantly clear that players would not be allowed to fly in the new zone. Flying had been an integral part of World of Warcraft for years in the past. There were some good reasons for the decision, but the player-base was insistent that flying be reinstated in the game somehow.
After much debate, Blizzard Entertainment relented and put flying mounts back into the game for Draenor with one condition — players would have to earn the right to fly by completing a rather substantial set of quests. The quests comprise the Draenor Pathfinder Achievement.
With a flying mount, players can reach some interesting places they could never reach before.
Here’s my elaborate — and I hope you think stunning — flying gallery of Draenor. Enjoy.
This a view of my garrison in Frostfire Ridge.
I wanted a good shot of the Colossus in Frostfire Ridge. This angle is only possible with a flying mount.
Potential desktop wallpaper.
On the ground you have be careful where you travel in Gorgrond.
This is Gorgrond from its highest peak.
That is a boss monster and he is not happy. I don’t know if he’s ever happy …
Your story takes a decisive turn in this harbor in Talador.
It’s hard to tell from this distance, but Shattrath City is under siege.
Everyone wants to control the power of Auchindoun.
A good look at the Spires of Arak.
You can see why flying is important to everyone in this zone.
This is the entrance to Nagrand.
The peak of this mountain in Nagrand is only reachable by flying mount. That is Shattrath City from a different angle.
Figuring out how to get to certain spots in Nagrand on the ground was a puzzle.
That is Highmaul — the stronghold of the Ogres.
A closer look at Highmaul.
Nagrand is my favorite zone in all the World of Warcraft. My garrison is just across the sea.
We are back at my garrison, only facing north this time.
This is the view from my Alliance garrison in Shadowmoon Valley.
That is Anguish Fortress. You’ll spend some time there trying to save Draenor. And who wouldn’t want to save this place?
Another potential desktop background.
You will have a very disturbing vision here — a vision you cannot allow to come true.
Perspective
The ability to use flying mounts in Draenor changes one’s perspective in the game and provides some opportunities to explore areas inaccessible in the past. If you play World of Warcraft, you should definitely complete the Draenor Pathfinder Achievement. It’s well worth the time investment.
For aNewDomain, I’m Mark Kaelin.
All screenshots: Mark Kaelin
