There is a disturbance at the Great Trees. A new threat menaces these secluded areas found in Ashenvale, Duskwood, Feralas, and Hinterlands. Four great guardians of the Green Dragonflight have arrived from the Dream.

To learn more about this upcoming outdoor raid encounter, click here.

We thank Intel, NVIDIA, and Microsoft for helping us make BlizzCon a reality. Without their generous support, it would have been that much more of a challenge for us to entertain the thousands of gamers who make the trip to Anaheim to attend our inaugural gaming convention. We also thank our many partners for providing the exclusive prizes that attendees will have the opportunity to win in the various contests and tournaments at BlizzCon. Click here for pictures of many of those prizes, which will include cutting-edge gaming hardware and peripherals, books, posters, and more!

Thanks again to our sponsors and partners, and good luck to all of the contestants and tournament participants at BlizzCon!

The Public Test Realms are live! Players can now experience, and help us test, all the changes and additions coming in patch 1.8, including four outdoor raid dragons, completely revamped Silithus, Druid talent improvements, and many other exciting features. Click here to view the patch 1.8 test-realm patch notes to learn more!

Players can participate in the test realms by creating a character or by copying their characters from existing realms to the test realms. Those who have previously copied their characters to the test realms will need to do so again, as all previous characters have been removed from the previous test realms. To copy your character, visit our Test Realm Character Copy page. The test build is available to download for the PC and Mac. During the first week of testing, only players who created their accounts before August 2 will be able to login to the public test realms. Also, players will not be able to log in to the public test realms if they have changed their password since August 16. All players will be able to access the test realms after next week's maintenance.

Please be aware that the test realms are there to allow us to test major content patches before the patch goes public. Therefore, some changes may be introduced to the public test realms before a patch goes live, and some changes may be introduced to the patch after the test realms have closed. To read more about the test realms, please review the Test Realm FAQ. We truly appreciate our players taking the time to help us test the latest changes to the game; thank you all!

Our friend Tristan Pope is back with another movie! Some of you might remember his work with a Murloc at E3. This time, he brings us the truth behind battlegrounds with an exclusive documentary called "For Honor". Enjoy!

• "For Honor" by Tristan Pope of Craftingworlds.com

Have you made or seen something that you think deserves to be on the World of Warcraft Community Watch? Send us a link at: wowcommwatch@blizzard.com.

*Links on this news post may expire over time and are created by other companies/individuals that are neither affiliated with nor supported by Blizzard Entertainment.

Blizzard is proud to announce that the closing-night concert at BlizzCon will feature multi-platinum recording artists The Offspring! The band established itself internationally with the hit singles "Come Out and Play (Keep 'Em Separated)," "Self Esteem," and "Gotta Get Away" from their 1994 album Smash, which went on to become the most successful independent release of all time. Most recently, The Offspring released Greatest Hits, a career-spanning compilation of their most memorable songs.

We look forward to putting on a great two-day show for the thousands of gamers and journalists attending BlizzCon, and we're excited that The Offspring will help us end with a bang. Visit the BlizzCon site to learn more about the event, scheduled for October 28 and 29 in Anaheim, CA, and check out the press release for more information about the closing-night The Offspring concert.

Since the beginning of recorded history, Azeroth has seen the most terrible conflicts imaginable. The War of the Ancients and the Sundering of the World. The coming of the Tides of Darkness. The return of the Burning Legion, the Scourge of Lordaeron and the rise of the Lich King. Yet all this time, deep beneath the shifting sands of Silithus, an unspeakable horror has been lying in wait, ever patient, and ever enduring...

To learn more about the changes coming to Silithus, take a moment to read the Introduction to Silithus and check out the new Silithus map.

We have just updated our World of Warcraft Wallpapers section with a new wallpaper featuring Silithus.

New World of Warcraft Fan Art

The Blizzard Fan Art Section has been updated with three new pieces of artwork.

Explore the misty eaves of the Silverpine Forest, the hills of the Hinterlands, or the rotten corruption of the Plaguelands... and do it on your tabletop, with your friends all around you.

World of Warcraft: the Board Game has over 135 gorgeous plastic models and other components to bring Azeroth to life in a way never before seen. Play as one of 16 different characters drawn from all classes and races, and progress to the apex of power in a single evening's play.

Be sure to check out the official website and keep your eyes peeled for a special pre-order promotion!

We have just updated our World of Warcraft Wallpapers section with a new wallpaper featuring the Orc Racial Shield.

New World of Warcraft Fan Art

The Blizzard Fan Art Section has been updated with three new pieces of artwork.

Moonkin dancing?! Strange things are afoot -- it must mean the Druid Talent Preview is available! Check out the 1.8 updates for the Druid's talents here.

The World of Warcraft team has released patch 1.7.1, which fixes a possible exploit in Arathi Basin. The patch notes are available here.

Have you ever heard of Bombar the Dwarven Hunter? No? After reading "Moonlit Escape", spotlighted today, you'll be hard pressed to forget him! The story, about a hunter's escape from battle, is written by Arco from the Guardians of Azeroth. Enjoy!

• "Moonlit Escape" by Arco

Have you made or seen something that you think deserves to be on the World of Warcraft Community Watch? Send us a link at: wowcommwatch@blizzard.com.

*Links on this news post may expire over time and are created by other companies/individuals that are neither affiliated with nor supported by Blizzard Entertainment.

We're proud to announce our official BlizzCon Original Song Contest, sponsored by Creative Labs and FilePlanet! We're looking for some talented musicians to create an original song based on Diablo, Starcraft, or Warcraft. The five most-talented bards will receive a Sound Blaster Platinum X-Fi Sound Card, a free year of World of Warcraft, and much more. Interested? Click here for more information!

Have you ever wondered what kinds of cool pets there are to tame in the world of Azeroth, but don't have the drive to go exploring? Well, Petopia solved that problem by bringing them all together on one website. The web site has pictures next to each creature, as well as some basic stats. Happy hunting!

• Petopia: A picture guide to hunter companions

Have you made or seen something that you think deserves to be on the World of Warcraft Community Watch? Send us a link at: wowcommwatch@blizzard.com.

*Links on this news post may expire over time and are created by other companies/individuals that are neither affiliated with nor supported by Blizzard Entertainment.

Have you ever wished you could use your character's powers in real life? Neepa did, and she captured it on video for all of us to enjoy!

• Sheepin' the boyfriend...

Have you made or seen something that you think deserves to be on the World of Warcraft Community Watch? Send us a link at: wowcommwatch@blizzard.com.

*Links on this news post may expire over time and are created by other companies/individuals that are neither affiliated with nor supported by Blizzard Entertainment.

Blizzard invites you to come out and meet Tycho and Gabe, Scott, and Woody -- the respective creators of Penny Arcade, PvP, and GUComics -- as they discuss their experiences on their own BlizzCon panel. For a complete list of the panel topics that will be presented at BlizzCon, please visit the BlizzCon Q&A Panels page.

These hyperlinks will take you to websites that are not affiliated with Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., and the destination websites may contain content that may be unsuitable for minors and therefore parental discretion is advised. Additionally, the opinions expressed on the destination sites are not endorsed by Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Greetings, fellow Azerothians. We here at the RPSA bring you news of the direst nature. Criminals, ninja-looters, and raid wipers have been showing up in increased numbers all over the world. It's time someone did something about it, and we charge you, the adventurers of Azeroth, with that task! What we need are talented artists to create Wanted posters depicting their arch nemeses, kodo thieves, two-headed ninja-looters, or any monster or character that has otherwise gotten on their last nerve.

This contest is presented by The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and five winners will receive a fantastic prize package. Read more.

Blizzard Europe has made some fantastic changes to our realm type's page. Click here to check them out!

We have just updated our World of Warcraft Wallpapers section with a new wallpaper featuring the Night Elf Racial Shield.

New World of Warcraft Fan Art

The Blizzard Fan Art Section has been updated with two new pieces of artwork.

Due to strong demand for more realms with the RP-PvP rule set, we are pleased to announce the release of the Twisting Nether realm. We are excited to provide this realm in addition to our current RP-PvP realms, Maelstrom and Emerald Dream.

"Salutations! I, Bokkle, humble tinker and Gnomeregan exile, have come to you with wondrous news! My fellow lovers of lore and spinners of stories, we need wait no longer to find a new home; the path is open to a grand new experience not yet seen in Azeroth! Come, my friends, and rejoice! Let us celebr-eeeeerk!" The troll set his spear aside and looked down upon the tiny, prone body. "Heh. Dat gnome be chattin' so loud, he not see us comin'."
"Heh." A cold smirk came to the Orc's scarred face. "The little chatterbox forgot to watch his back. No magic protects the foolish in these lands. Be on your guard -- enemies could be anywhere!"

The RP-PvP realms are live and available for play! Are you a loremonger seeking gameplay with a little more bite? Look no further! Join Emerald Dream or Maelstrom and defend the realm against your enemies!

If you're not a role player and are still looking for a good home for PvP action, we suggest Gurubashi and Smolderthorn. Charge into the fray and battle; make your mark on Azeroth!

Ninja-looters beware; the Grunts are coming for you! The Grunts are an in-game task force who are dedicated to ridding the lands of evil doers, and they've offered up a preview of things to come. Enjoy!

• http://www.saturnvalley.net/

Have you made or seen something that you think deserves to be on the World of Warcraft Community Watch? Send us a link at: wowcommwatch@blizzard.com.

*Links on this news post may expire over time and are created by other companies/individuals that are neither affiliated with nor supported by Blizzard Entertainment.

Our Under Development page has just been updated! It now contains features we are planning for World of Warcraft's next content patch and beyond! To see some of the cool additions we're implementing, please visit this link.

The World of Warcraft team is happy to announce the release of the new 1.7 content patch!

Highlights of patch 1.7:

• Zul'Gurub - The new 20-man high level raid dungeon, located in Stranglethorn Vale.
• Arathi Basin - The new 15 on 15 capture and defend battleground.
• Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza - Weekly fishing contest along the coast of Stranglethorn.
• Hunter talent update
• And much more!

You can read the entire patch notes here.

The official Fansite of Matt the Gnome - Azeroth's most lovable character may just be getting started, but already it tells the tale of Matt the Gnome's powerful sense of compassion and forgiveness. Its creator promises official "Matt the Gnome" Merchandise in the months to come!. To check out the site, follow this link:

• http://modsrus.com/MattTheGnome/

Have you made or seen something that you think deserves to be on the World of Warcraft Community Watch? Send us a link at: wowcommwatch@blizzard.com.

*Links on this news post may expire over time and are created by other companies/individuals that are neither affiliated with nor supported by Blizzard Entertainment.

Blizzard Entertainment is pleased to announce our official BlizzCon Costume Contest, co-sponsored by Intel and Alienware. Show up to BlizzCon on Friday, October 28th as your favorite Blizzard Entertainment character and enter to compete with others for prizes and great fun! Interested?

Click here to learn more.

We have just updated our World of Warcraft Wallpapers section with a new wallpaper featuring Desolace.

New World of Warcraft Fan Art

The Blizzard Fan Art Section has been updated with two new pieces of artwork.

One lucky World of Warcraft player received a special gift from his mom for his birthday: a World of Warcraft themed cake! Check it out here.

No matter where you are, you'll always find that one person who is impossible to please. Azeroth is no exception, as shown in today's comic, brought to you by Actiontrip.com. Enjoy!

• Comic

Have you made or seen something that you think deserves to be on the World of Warcraft Community Watch? Send us a link at: wowcommwatch@blizzard.com.

*Links on this news post may expire over time and are created by other companies/individuals that are neither affiliated with nor supported by Blizzard Entertainment.

Welcome back from the long weekend! Have you mistakenly sold any in-game items over the past few days? If you did, this comic is for you. Warning! It hits close to home for some of us... Enjoy!

• Matters of the Heart and Head

Have you made or seen something that you think deserves to be on the World of Warcraft Community Watch? Send us a link at: wowcommwatch@blizzard.com.

*Links on this news post may expire over time and are created by other companies/individuals that are neither affiliated with nor supported by Blizzard Entertainment.

We hope you all had an enjoyable week and are looking to get lots of play time in over the long weekend. Today's comic discusses the finer points of both fashion and protection. Enjoy!

• Ding! by Cascade Failure

Have you made or seen something that you think deserves to be on the World of Warcraft Community Watch? Send us a link at: wowcommwatch@blizzard.com.

*Links on this news post may expire over time and are created by other companies/individuals that are neither affiliated with nor supported by Blizzard Entertainment.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the individuals and families affected by Hurricane Katrina. We encourage everyone to assist the federal, state, and local organizations doing vital work on the ground by making a donation to the relief efforts. The Department of Homeland Security has asked that donations be made in the form of financial contributions, rather than supplies, which are difficult to get into the affected areas at this time. If you would like to make a donation to the relief efforts, please contact the American Red Cross: www.redcross.org; 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-4357-669).

Make sure that you keep up to date on all the latest in the World of Warcraft August, 2005 News Archive.