The Tauren & The Goblin – Warcraft Story & Lore

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#69: On Safe Haven May 22, 2019

Show notes

We start with a quick skit/parody of Safe Haven, and then Nick and Katie can't wait so they immediately jump in to talking about the new cinematic. Nick finally reins the conversation in so Katie can talk about her experience leveling her Zandalari druid and her enjoyment of War Mode. Nick, meanwhile, unlocked the Dark Iron Dwarves and he talks a little about how their questchain sent him to the Motherlode dungeon.
Sky, who is partaking on a 2600 mile trip on the PCT, wrote in asking about what we thought might happen in patch 8.3 and beyond. Katie couldn't speculate too much because she's avoiding 8.2 spoilers, but she and Nick agreed that The Black Empire would make sense for 9.0 as the theme for the new expansion. This lead to a discussion of how Blizzard should revamp the old world zones again, and they shouldn't be afraid it would be wasted effort.
Finally, Nick and Katie dig into Safe Haven properly. Nick makes some comments about Thrall's hair. They debate whether Sylvanas really did send assassins to kill Thrall or if there's something else going on. They talk about the whereabouts of Thrall's family and why he would be so hesitant to share that information with Saurfang. Nick also looks at the story of Saurfang as its been presented across the cinematics, and starts to predict where this might be going. They also admire how Thrall is growing into looking like Durotan. And they appreciate Saurfang's ability to break a rogue out of stealth by snapping their neck. They both agree they are glad to have Thrall back in the Horde.
Thank you for listening to The Tauren & the Goblin! Please send any comments or questions to taurengoblin@mashthosebuttons.com or @taurengoblin on twitter. Our next live show is scheduled for 5/29 at 10:30 pm E at twitch.tv/mashthosebuttons. Come join us!

Episode URL: https://mtb.gg/25k
Show Twitter: twitter.com/TaurenGoblin

Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Katie Grace
twitter.com/hyrulemaster77

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com
Twitter: twitter.com/themashnetwork
Discord: mash.gg/discord

#68: Just the Tauren III May 10, 2019

Show notes

Stage 2 playoffs are here! In Episode 7, Ramses and Lobosco cover the big outcomes from week 5's matches. They talk about the notable upsets and surges from playoff hopefuls, and some big wins from low level teams. They cover the San Francisco Shock's undefeated stage, and undefeated map record, and whether they can ride this momentum into the Stage 2 playoffs.
The hosts cover the Stage 2 playoffs, including bracket standings and potential upsets. They make their playoff matchup predictions, and speculate on the eventual Stage 2 Playoff winners.
Next, they discuss recent rumours from Benchmob surrounding a potential academy team requirement for all OWL teams. They discuss the pro's and cons of these possible changes, and their potential impact on both contenders and OWL.
Lastly, the hosts give some F's in the Chat for the Houston Outlaws and their winless Stage 2. They cover the troubles surrounding their parent Optic, the recent Immortals bid, and Lobosco makes an impassioned plea for a Chicago OWL team.

Episode URL: https://mtb.gg/25d
Show Twitter: twitter.com/TaurenGoblin

Host:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com
Twitter: twitter.com/themashnetwork
Discord: mash.gg/discord

#67: On the Horde War Campaign (Part II) Apr 23, 2019

Show notes

Nick and Katie are back to continue their discussion of the Horde War Campaign! But first, Katie talks a little about raiding Dazar'Alor. Nick meanwhile brings up the Alliance storyline quests and talks about the amazing quests on Thresher's Wharf. This leads to a discussion of all-time great quests like The Day Deathwing Came and Welcome to the Machine. Nick laments that they weren't around to do an April Fool's episode but gives a shoutout to The Unshackled Fury podcast this year for their prank.
Finally, the duo continue with their review of the Horde War Campaign. Rexxar and Zelling lead an incursion against Northington Estate in Tiragarde Sound to steal some Azerite Weapons from the Alliance and trash the place. Lillian Voss shows her noble side when she takes care of Zelling's family.
Katie is excited about working with Gallywix again, as we fly with him and his G.M.O.D. against Mekkatorque. Mekkatorque wins the first battle, and after repairing the G.M.O.D., we blow up an alliance airship while Mekkatorque escapes. His fate in Battle for Azeroth is discussed along with questions about if the Mechagnomes in Mechagon will be able to help him. This leads to Nick talking about a reddit post comparing the story of BfA to Bioncle, and speculation about throwing Xal'atath into space. They decide there is no good place to keep the dagger.
Next, Rexxar and Arcanist Valtrois help free Lady Ashvane from Tol'Dagor. Nick gives a quick recap of Ashvane's role in the Alliance story, and then laughs with Katie about Rexxar's use of the Wookiee Prisoner trick. When Sylvanas and Ashvane abandon Rexxar, Valtois, and the player on the docks, Katie expresses her anger. Nick speculates about Ashvane's role going forward.
Finally, they reach the finale of the War Campaign in Patch 8.1. The Alliance stages an assault on Zuldazar from Nazmir, so Princess Talanji leads a force to repel it. After defeating the Alliance holed up in Hireek's lair, the Abyssal sceptre is recovered and the Alliance's treachery is revealed. Nazmir was a decoy. The Alliance blows up the Zandalar navy and attacks Dazar'Alor. Rastakhan, left defenseless with his forces in Nazmir, faces the Alliance in a losing battle.
Thank you for listening to The Tauren & the Goblin! Please send any comments or questions to taurengoblin@mashthosebuttons.com or @taurengoblin on twitter. Our next live show is scheduled for 5/1 at 10:30 pm E at https://mtb.gg/253
Show Twitter: twitter.com/TaurenGoblin

Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Katie Grace
twitter.com/hyrulemaster77

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com
Twitter: twitter.com/themashnetwork
Discord: mash.gg/discord

#66: On the Horde War Campaign (Part I) Apr 10, 2019

Show notes

Nick and Katie are back to talk all about WoW lore! But first, Nick mentions that they were on Azeroth Book Club #4 with Brittza from The Geeks of Azeroth. Katie mentions she's been playing her Zandalari and hasn't had time to check out the Before the Storm related quests in Tanaris. She also reveals she just got her Loremaster achievement so Nick taunts her.
Nick talks about the misconception that Bwonsamdi wants Sylvanas dead, and says that it sounds to him like he just wants a powerful head, which she has. He then talks about how by Talanji making herself equal to the Warchief, she may also have a powerful head, and how this could be setting up conflict to come.
Katie discusses a BlizzardWatch article that says the Alliance needs to do something bad to keep the story interesting. They both agree and Nick complains that the story is moving too slow that leads to people having time to complain about it.
Alisaunder sent an email suggesting WoW have relationships like a Bioware game. Everyone agrees this doesn't sound like something Blizzard would do, but it would be cool if they did. They talk a little about the follower mechanics from Warlords and Legion.
Finally, the get into the War Campaign. They talk about the initial quests to set up bases in Kul Tiras, and then the quests at max level to find and raise a notable Kul Tiran hero. This leads to the discovery of Derek Proudmoore, and Nick wonders if he wasn't intentionally left there for us to find by some other force. Next time, Nick and Katie will finish the Horde War Campaign in patches 8.1 and 8.1.5.
Our next live show is scheduled for April 17th at 10:30 pm E on twitch.tvmashthosebuttons. Please follow us on twitter @taurengoblin for any updates to the schedule, and please send any feedback or questions to taurengoblin@mashthosebuttons.com. Thank you for listening to The Tauren & the Goblin!

Episode URL: https://mtb.gg/24r
Show Twitter: twitter.com/TaurenGoblin

Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Katie Grace
twitter.com/hyrulemaster77

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com
Twitter: twitter.com/themashnetwork
Discord: mash.gg/discord

#65: Mailbag: Vol'jin, Baine, and Bolvar's Shampoo Mar 26, 2019

Show notes

Katie and Nick are back to answer some of your questions about what's going on in WoW! First, Katie talks about leveling her Zandalari Paladin, while Nick finally did the Jaina fight on LFR.
They talk about the recent Vol'jin quest to chat with Bwonsamdi, Bolvar, and Eyir. They try to speculate who brought Vol'jin back, and Nick throws out a theory where the Lightforged Garrosh referenced in the Mag'har scenario is behind it all.
@RyanKohler10 asks about the Horde reaction to Baine's arrest. Nick and Katie review the events leading up to that and talk about how most of the leaders were upset by what happened, with the exception of Geyarah of the Mag'har, who was too new to understand the situation. They expect that now is the time that the Horde leaders will unite to move against Sylvanas. They also debate whether Derek is or is not "the bomb," as Jaina describes it, and try to consider how the Alliance and Horde could come together against the threat that is Sylvanas. Nick points out that the members of the Uncrowned from the rogue class hall have played a huge role in this expansion and we might see them unite the factions before all is said and done. The duo then goes off on a tangent about how much they love the Jaina fight in Dazar'Alor.
Alisaunder sent in several emails that needed to be addressed. First, she talks about Alex Afrasiabi's comments about how Everquest should have ended, and consider if a WoW+ type mode would work when the game is done. Then they talk about portals and mounts. Next, Alisaunder asks about warlocks replacing portals which leads to Nick and Katie scheming for a guild to replicate an Uber-style model of fast-travel with a network of warlocks wandering Azeroth. Finally, Alisaunder asks about the player replacing the Lich King, which gets Nick and Katie's approval, and leads to a discussion of how uncomfortable the Helm of Domination must be.
Thank you for listening to The Tauren & the Goblin! For information about our next live show, please follow us on twitter @taurengoblin. Send any emails about your thoughts on Vol'jin, Baine, or the Lich King to taurengoblin@mashthosebuttons.com.

Episode URL: https://mtb.gg/24d
Show Twitter: twitter.com/TaurenGoblin

Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Katie Grace
twitter.com/hyrulemaster77

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com
Twitter: twitter.com/themashnetwork
Discord: mash.gg/discord

#64: Endgame Mar 12, 2019

Show notes

Nick and Katie are back to talk about the World of Warcraft story! First, Katie is excited about the coming Zandalari Trolls and Kul Tirans! Nick is excited too, but laments that the coolest classes for both races are druids, and he doesn't care to play a druid. Katie is also excited for the Two Sides to Every Story achievement which grants the Alliance-skinned wolf and the Horde-skinned Horse mounts. Katie shares her love of bareback mounts and Nick wants his hunter pets to have barding. They debate how many horses and wolves Horde and Alliance players currently have access to.
Instead of looking at a specific part of the lore, Nick and Katie discuss the state of the game going on fifteen years old. They talk about how systems like the original world design and the leveling system were implemented with little concern to how they would scale over the years. Nick also brings up how writers need to know when they need to wrap up a story and compares the WoW story to Lost. They start to question what the endgame of WoW might look like, if it were time to wrap it up.
They talk about how Blizzard has brought all story elements to the table but leaves some characters on the shelf, at the risk of ignoring them. Katie mentions wanting to make the old world relevant again, and Nick posits they should bring back quests that take the player all around, ceding that this is similar to what they are doing with the Vol'jin questlines now. They talk about how the narrative flow from expansion to expansion has changed over the years, and Nick wonders if the next expansion won't just be BfA 2.0.
Thank you for listening to The Tauren & the Goblin! Please send any feedback to taurengoblin@mashthosebuttons.com, or @taurengoblin on twitter. Our next show is scheduled for 3/20 at 10:30 pm E at twitch.tvmashthosebuttons. Come join us!

Episode URL: https://mtb.gg/246
Show Twitter: twitter.com/TaurenGoblin

Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Katie Grace
twitter.com/hyrulemaster77

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com
Twitter: twitter.com/themashnetwork
Discord: mash.gg/discord

#63: On Vol'dun, Home of the Goldtusk Gang! Feb 27, 2019

Show notes

Nick and Katie are back and while Nick is struggling through a raspy voice, they are here to talk about the storyline in Vol'dun! But first, check out their recent appearance on The Training Dummies, where they discuss the Horde side of the story in Battle for Azeroth.
Before getting into the story, Nick and Katie fawn over the environments and marvel at how Blizzard made Vol'dun feel like a desert with massive ruins. Nick commends the sound design, and Katie commends the music. The zone is an achievement in art.
Nick and Katie go over the main storyline in Vol'dun, as you track some exiles into the desert with suspicions about the loyalties of General Jakrazet. Players team up with the Vulpera and track Bladeguard Rakera to the Temple of Akunda, where all is not as it seems. After gaining Rakera's aid, they discuss the history of Vol'dun, and how Mythrax came to destroy it, but was defeated by the sacrifice of the snake loa, Sethraliss, and then entombed under the Temple of Atul'Aman. The sethrakk posssessed the three keystones to release Mythrax, and now Korthek, working with Jakrazet, is trying to release the monstronsity. When you go to confront Korthek and get his keystone, he reveals he already sent Jakrazet to steal the other two. You find Jakrazet under the Temple of Atul'aman with the keystones mid-ritual, and while you defeat him, he is able to unleash Mythrax, who has a role to play in the Zandalar finale before becoming the penultimate boss in the Uldir raid.
They also discuss other questhubs in the zone, including the gang wars amidst the ruins. They talk about the Zem'lan pirates and their cursed treasure. And they fawn over the Goldtusk Gang, which was a highlight of this zone.
Thank you for listening to The Tauren & the Goblin. Please send any feedback to taurengoblin@mashthosebuttons.com or via twitter at @taurengoblin. Our next episode recording is 3/6 at 10:30 pm E at twitch.tvmashthosebuttons. Come join us!

Episode URL: https://mtb.gg/23u
Show Twitter: twitter.com/TaurenGoblin

Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Katie Grace
twitter.com/hyrulemaster77

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com
Twitter: twitter.com/themashnetwork
Discord: mash.gg/discord

#62: What If the Orcs Never Came to Azeroth? Feb 12, 2019

Show notes

Nick and Katie take another hypothetical trip through Azeroth's history as Katie brings up the idea of what would Azeroth look like if the Orcs never came over from Draenor?
First they discuss how most of the human alliances were dependent on the orcs coming over in the first place, and how the humans were quite isolationist if not outright hostile before the threat of the orcs. The elves also had sparse relations with the humans.
Nick wonders whether the Legion would send something else or if there's no First War entirely. Without Llane being killed, Stormwind is protected. Deathwing lurks in Alterac. They discuss if Deathwing would lead the humans to keep warring amongst themselves.
A standing Stormwind leads to Anduin growing up with a full family. The gnomes still lose Gnomeregan as that was its own event. They consider the Dwarven lineage and how that plays out. Katie would like a good Dwarven timeline for her research.
They ponder how Onyxia might try to interfere in events. Could she supplant Tiffin and marry Varian herself? Would that make their son more Anduin or Wrathion? Would Onyxia kill Varian once she had secured her access to the throne?
Jaina would still be in the Eastern Kingdoms, not having been urged to go to Kalimdor. They wonder if Deathwing would try to claim the Elven Kingdoms, which might be difficult since elves tend to keep themselves removed from society. Lireesa would still be Ranger General in Silvermoon.
Paladins are not created, so Turalyon remains a priest. Deathwing would work with the goblins to foment war.
Without the Horde to help Vol'jin and Cairne, the Darkspear and Bloofhoof Tauren fall to the naga and centaurs. Magatha has an easier time uniting the tribes with the Grimtotem. She could take them to Silithus where she could be corrupted by C'Thun.
The Twilight Hammer is doing well in this timeline. Deathwing is running rampant but there is no Cataclysm. The Emerald Nightmare still exists.
Sargeras sends his avatar to find Aegwynn, and implants himself in Medivh. Could Khadgar stop Medivh?
Either the Old Gods run rampant or the Legion and Old Gods battle. The Titan Soul would be corrupted or lost for all time.
They talk about Night Warrior Tyrande hooking up with Illidan and the comment just how wrong the whole timeline is.
Thank you for listening to The Tauren & the Goblin #62. Please send any questions or comments to @taurengoblin on twitter or taurengoblin@mashthosebuttons.com... Visit website for full summary.

Episode URL: https://mtb.gg/23m
Show Twitter: twitter.com/TaurenGoblin

Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Katie Grace
twitter.com/hyrulemaster77

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com
Twitter: twitter.com/themashnetwork
Discord: mash.gg/discord

#61: THE MOTHERLODE!! (feat. Aliandras) Jan 31, 2019

Show notes

Ali from Dungeon Fables and All Things Azeroth is here to talk with Nick and Katie about THE MOTHERLODE!! But first, she talks about recently doing the Alliance War Campaign, and her opportunity to see Grong, the gorilla boss from the upcoming Battle of Dazar'Alor, ahead of the raid. Katie hasn't been playing much lately, and Nick complains about how he waited an hour and a half to run a dungeon. They also talk about how it seems everyone with an alliance character is leveling a Dark Iron Dwarf.
Nick then takes the opportunity to talk about his theory that Sylvanas killed Vol'jin. He goes over the cinematics from the Broken Shore, and admits that he remembers them differently. He points out that Vol'jin never says what name he was told by the spirits, although he is clearly addressing Sylvanas. He also notes that Sylvanas has demonstrated she understands how her actions can be interpreted in a public setting, and alleges that she knew she would be named Warchief and faked her shocked reaction. He then asserts that Blizzard is setting up the players choice with Zekhan to be framed around supporting the Warchief or Saurfang, and that once Sylvanas is revealed to be an illegitimate Warchief, players will be free to no longer support her. He compares the player to Nazgrim in Mists of Pandaria.
Finally, the trio gets into discussing THE MOTHERLODE!! They start with the end, and focus on how Mogul Razdunk is the final boss of the dungeon. He is also the head of the Venture Company, who have been pestering players since early levels in vanilla. Nick points out that he remembers killing them early on in Mulgore. Katie and Ali speculate about why Gallywix would work with Razdunk since its only to be expected that he would betray him. Then they talk about going back to Kezan, and the other bosses in the dungeon. Ali likes kicking footballs at the Coin-Operated Crowd Pummeler. Nick thinks Azerokk is reminiscent of Tectus. And Rixxa Fluxflame is not too noteworthy. Katie of course loves everything about the dungeon.
Thank you for listening to The Tauren & the Goblin #61. Please send any feedback to @taurengoblin on twitter or taurengoblin@mashthosebuttons.com. Our next live show is scheduled for 1/23 at 10:30 pm E at twitch.tv/mashthosebuttons. Come join us!

Episode URL: https://mtb.gg/39i
Show Twitter: twitter.com/TaurenGoblin

Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Katie Grace
twitter.com/hyrulemaster77

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com
Twitter: twitter.com/themashnetwork
Discord: mash.gg/discord

#60: A Cabin in Azshara Jan 15, 2019

Show notes

Nick and Katie are so full of wishes for 2019 that they got a whole other episode out of it! First, they start by talking about Turalyon and hoping he gets some time with Alleria. Nick suggests that Turalyon would get the Tirion role in any sort of Wrath of the Lich King sequel.
Katie wants to see Turalyon reconnect with paladins of all races.
For Azeroth, Katie wants the planet to survive, and talks about how it needs to have a larger role in Battle for Azeroth. Nick wants Azeroth to appear as a Titan, especially since its better to hear from Azeroth directly rather than having to go through Magni.
For Magni, Katie wants him to continue doing what he's doing, as he is protecting the planet. Nick wants Azeroth to give Magni a hug and reward him by letting him go to Ironforge to hang out with his grandkid.
For Tyrande, Katie talks about her recent transition to being the Night Warrior. Katie doesn't know how long the aggression will continue, but she's interested to see where the character goes. She doesn't want her to die. Nick admits that Tyrande is righteous is seeking her vengeance. Nick wonders if she will show up in Dazar'Alor. Katie is glad that the Night Elves are being more aggressive and returning to their Warcraft III roots. Nick points out that they've been critical of Genn and Jaina for their hostility, but he and Katie are welcoming the Night Elves anger.
For Malfurion, Katie is glad he's not crying for Tyrande. She's glad to see him being more aggressive as well. She does want them to return to being peaceful after getting their vengeance. Nick wants to see him rip up more people in bear form.
For Vol'jin, Katie is just excited to have him return. They talk about the possibility of Saurfang and Vol'jin merging and how awesome the hair would be. Katie wants Vol'jin to continue to be a strong part of the story and wants him to be the Royal Family's loa, or a righteous loa. Nick wants Vol'jin to be the loa of the Horde, and to serve in an advisory role to prevent further warchiefs from acting like Sylvanas or Garrosh. Nick then wonders if it is possible that Sylvanas is actually responsible for Vol'jin's death. Katie wonders if he could become the loa of Justice.
For Xal'atath, Nick wants it to find someone who can offer it riddles and be stymied as much as it stymies us. Katie suggests giving the blade to the Goldtusk Gang. They debate if the Goldtusk Gang can be corrupted.
For Azshara, they debate if she should get a re... Visit website for full summary.

Episode URL: https://mtb.gg/23e
Show Twitter: twitter.com/TaurenGoblin

Hosts:
Nick Zielenkievicz
twitter.com/WookieeBH
Katie Grace
twitter.com/hyrulemaster77

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

Website: mashthosebuttons.com
Twitter: twitter.com/themashnetwork
Discord: mash.gg/discord

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