by JR Cook - 10 years ago     show comments

Exploring Draenor delves into the hidden places of the world that will one day become Outland. From the volcanic landscape of Frostfire to the gloomy dells of Shadowmoon, these articles are your guide to events that are off the beaten path.

Location: Frostfire Ridge, east of Stonefang Outpost
Task: Wave battle
Rewards: Frostwolf Veteran’s Keepsake and Faded Note

North of the Horde garrison and just east of Stonefang Outpost, you’ll come upon a lone shack. Nestled in the rocks above Stonefang and protected from the harsh elements of Frostfire, the hut is inhabited by one stubborn old Frostwolf orc – and surrounded by corpses.

This orc, known only as the Grizzled Frostwolf Veteran, has killed a group of Thundermaw – presumably trying to oust him from his home. If you talk to him, he’ll complain about the other Frostwolves urging him to fall back to the village. He asks if you, like him, are willing to stand your ground and fight.

Agreeing will begin a short wave-style battle, where you defend the Veteran’s house against several groups of Thundermaw. I was expecting three groups or more, maybe with a mini boss at the end, but unfortunately you’re only asked to put down two groups of three orcs. Following their defeat, the elder thanks you for your help. In return, he tells you take the contents of a dusty chest inside the hut.

Inside the chest, you’ll find a trinket and a note from the Veteran’s father, congratulating him on becoming a warrior, and lamenting the loss of his mother.

The Frostwolf Veteran’s hut isn’t one of the longest vignettes that Draenor has to offer, but is a particularly poignant one. It is one of the events that help to populate the world, to help us as players realise that Draenor has its own history, battles and rivalries that are completely separate from those of Azeroth.