Putting the “War” in Warhammer

Now, this is where the “war” in Warhammer starts to emerge. According to Paul and Jeff during their Sunday panel, the emphasis in Warhammer is not on you as an individual. Instead, it is about the movement of great nations, locked in embittered battle against one another, a struggle that is dynamic and tangible in the Warhammer universe, and one that can ultimately affect your gaming experience, regardless of whether or not you participate in RvR. Points earned in RvR victory are cumulative and, once a realm’s total reaches certain benchmarks, its campaign for domination advances to the next phase. With the changing of the phase comes different environments and different types of encounters for the players of that realm, meant to reflect their advancing army’s physical movement across a map.

The ultimate goal? Your enemy’s capital city, of course. Eliminate the guards, ransack the streets, kill the merchants and kidnap the king and sell him for ransom. According to the Mythic team, all of things should be available if and when a realm successfully campaigns all the way to their opposition’s captial. And the results of such occupation will be felt long after the seige is done.

Based on a concept called the “living city”, a capital will reflect the sustained RvR-success or failure of a realm. According to Jeff, all cities start off the same. They’re dingy, plagued with beggars and leave much to be desired. However, if you and your realm-mates join the war effort and battle your way to several victories in RvR, changes will start to take place. The city will start to evolve, visually reflecting your realm’s success, which means less beggars, prettier buildings, and a more prestigious-looking skyline. The result? Your enemies will be able to take one look at your city and immediately now how well your realm is doing. Essentially, it’s a big, beautiful, glorious way to say, “I dare you. Bring it on!”

Changes won’t only be aesthetic, either. With the added spoils of war comes better items in the shops. More quests will open up amongst the city’s inhabitants, dungeons beneath the city will be opened, and dignitaries will be more likely to visit, baring rare items, quests, and events.