The Burning Crusade

World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

This weekend, Blizzard released new info for the upcoming expansion pack for World of Warcraft. And although it doesn't involve anything around my favorite character (Arthas), there's a lot of amazing stuff coming out that will make the expansion more than worth buying. There's a couple new things here, both from what was announced and from guildmembers at Blizzcon. First things first.

New Horde Race: The Blood Elves.
The Blood Elves on Azeroth are the last remnant of a remnant of the destruction of the elvish race. A short time ago, the Scourge destroyed Quel'thalas, essentially wiping it off the map in one fell swoop. The survivors, led by Prince Kael'Thas, renamed themselves the Blood Elves in memory of their fallen homeland. They were shunned by the Alliance when they came looking for aid for their magic addiction, and many turned to the Night Elf Demon Hunter, Illidan, who led a group to Outland to feed their addiction. A small amount were left behind, unable to follow, and these Blood Elves eventually allied themselves to the Horde, unwilling to join the Alliance that had turned their back on them.

From what I've been seeing, the Blood Elves have 2 racial abilities. They can siphon mana from an enemy, and then use that mana to build up arcane energy for wild magical bursts around themselves, silencing enemies and restoring mana/rage/energy to allies around them. Their starting area is the reconstructed Quel'thalas, north of the Plaguelands.

New Continent: The Outlands
The Outlands is all that remains of the Orc homeworld of Draenor. Reached via the Dark Portal, it was destroyed in a massive explosion at the end of the second war. It became a hiding place for Illidan and his naga and Blood Elves after the attack on the Frozen Throne failed.

The Outlands is Blizzard's attempt to create a series of zones that are an entirely new experience. PvP is enabled in every single zone; it's not for those who fear ganking. There is a new area (Achindoun) that can either be treated as cities or instances depending on your reputation with them. A whole bevy of instances as well.

New Instances:
Karazhan - Medivh's Tower, located in Deadwind Pass. The Last Guardian's stronghold in Azeroth, abandoned since he left the world after the war with the Burning Legion. No one knows what awaits inside.
Zul'Jaman - Generic Troll Raid Dungeon #3. Located in Quel'Thalas.
Tempest Keep - A series of 5-man dungeons followed by a raid dungeon. The stronghold of Kael'Thas, the leader of the Blood Elves sworn to Illidan. Located overlooking the Netherstorm in Outlands.
Lady Vashj's Keep - A clearcut raid boss dungeon, in the manner of Onyxia. Lady Vashj is the Queen of the Naga, and Illidan's right hand in his war against the Legion.
The Black Citadel - THE endgame dungeon par excellance. Extremely difficult, and waiting at the end is none other than Illidan himself, the fallen Night Elf Demon Hunter.
The Caverns of Time - Located in Tanaris, there is a gateway to the events of Azeroth's past that you can participate in firsthand. Nothing concrete, but possible scenarios included the rescue of Warchief Thrall from Durnholde Keep, the creation of the Dark Portal alongside Medivh, and the Battle of Mount Hyjal, where Archimonde was defeated.

Other
There is, of course, a whole lot of other stuff.
Flying mounts (in Outland only).
Raised level cap to 70.
New profession: Jewelcrafting - Affix jewels to socketed items to give them greater powers.
More zones opening up on the mainland of Azeroth.
New quests and lore concerning the destruction of the Orc homeland of Draenor, as well as the fate of the Great Heroes after the sealing of the Dark Portal at the end of the second war. To quote a developer: "They're still alive, and they're kicking ass. "
The end of the saga of Illidan and Malfurion Stormrage.