Underdev/Escalation
This article is a copy of "Escalation", an official article by Blizzard Entertainment. It's about the Escalation Patch implemented in the game.
The original article, formerly located at http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/patch-notes/5-3, did not survive the overhaul of the World of Warcraft Official Website.
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The battle for Pandaria is approaching a fever pitch. Her resources are plundered. Her earth is scoured. The Alliance and the Horde are at each other's throats – but great dangers lurk within their own ranks.
While Warchief Garrosh Hellscream's excavation squads bore deep into Pandaria's Vale of Eternal Blossoms in search of chthonic power, Taran Zhu, lord of the Shado-Pan, grows increasingly concerned about the presence of outsiders in his homeland. Meanwhile, in search of new soldiers to shore up his war in Pandaria, King Varian Wrynn has been forced to turn to the Dark Iron Dwarf Princess Moira for aid.
The struggle for Pandaria threatens to engulf all Azeroth, and you're at the forefront of the conflict.
World
Battlefield: Barrens
Garrosh Hellscream has declared martial law in Orgrimmar, expelling the Darkspear trolls from the city and sending his elite Kor'kron Guard throughout Durotar and the Barrens to supply his war in Pandaria.
In response, the Darkspear chieftain Vol'jin has begun an insurrection against the Warchief, and both the Alliance and Horde have a vested interest in its success. As part of an ongoing series of story quests in Kalimdor's Barrens, you can test yourself in battle against the mighty Kor'kron, defend supply caravans from attacks, and swipe Hellscream's supplies to ignite the flames of revolution. How hot they'll burn – and how far they'll spread – falls to you.
Player vs. Environment
New Scenarios
Several new, story-driven scenarios emerge in patch 5.3, each with ‘heroic' modes – more challenging versions of their ‘standard' objectives that promise unique achievements and distinct loot. To gain perspective on the battles taking place in Escalation, you can participate in your enemy faction's scenarios, too!
Both Factions
Battle on the High Seas: Protect your faction's ships from enemy raids on the open ocean; deflect boarders and scuttle your enemies' watercraft.
The Secrets of Ragefire: Infiltrate Ragefire chasm alongside the mighty Gob Squad – and steel yourself against the onrushing tide of foes from beneath.
Alliance
Blood in the Snow: Engage in a behind-enemy-lines mission to stop an uprising of the Frostmane trolls among the bitter, windy ridges of Dun Morogh.
Horde
Dark Heart of Pandaria: Defend a pivotal excavation taking place in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms…with the eyes of Warchief Garrosh Hellscream upon you.
In addition, two existing scenarios (Crypt of Forgotten Kings and A Brewing Storm) have also been bolstered with heroic modes.
Brawler's Guild
The ranks of the Brawler's Guild are surging, with two new tiers of bosses and the addition of challenge cards to the loot tables of fallen foes. If you're lucky enough to find a challenge card, you can use it to summon unique bosses to fight.
Player vs Player
New Battleground: Deepwind Gorge
As part of a 15-player group, you'll descend into the lush fields of the Valley of the Four Winds, battling the enemy faction to plunder the resources of Deepwind Gorge in a gold rush-style race. With fellow level 90 players at your side, you'll fight to maintain your hold on three of the Gorge's mines, using carts to accelerate your rate of harvesting, and your trusty swords and spells to keep your enemies from doing the same. The dead stake no claims.
New Arena: The Tiger's Peak
For generations, raw recruits have been tempered into fearsome Shado-Pan amidst the awe-inspiring Kun-lai mountains. The training grounds of the Tiger's Peak are rimmed by massive tiger statues and raised daises that can provide cover and elevation. Here, on the snow-covered cobblestones, members of the Alliance and Horde who hope to master the principles of the arena can now test their mettle against each other in pure, undiluted combat.
And More!
Escalation brings the battle between Horde and Alliance to a boil like never before, but there are plenty of other additions accompanying patch 5.3, among them the continuation of Wrathion's legendary quest, which will see you travelling to the four corners of Pandaria to commune with the August Celestials. Check out the latest patch notes here, then go forth and win glory for your faction!