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Comment by Contay

When first glancing Putress, I am immediately reminded of the 'God of Death' from the game GuildWars, named Grenth.

An image so you can see what I mean...

http://guildwars.wikia.com/wiki/Image:Avatar_of_Grenth_concept_art.jpg

I'm not saying it to go "Oh, Blizzard ripped off ArenaNet", quite the contrary... I find it a very fitting tribute and as they say, imitation is the best form of flattery. Just cross your fingers to hope they don't re-use the model endlessly. <_<;;

Either way, this is the man in charge of the Royal Apothecary Society it seems, and believe me, the name is going to be incredibly important for all players to remember -- especially Horde players, who get to ... welll.... let's just say it's an incredibly epic spoiler. But if you're interested in seeing what Putress will be responsible for, follow this link (blizzplanet.com). But I cannot impress on you how incredibly epic this spoiler is. As in, it changes the entire face of the Horde and the Horde/Alliance dynamic.

I will personally recommend that it is worth rolling an opposite-faction alt just to experience this event from both Horde and Alliance perspectives, to see Putress' full "legacy".

edit: thank you Suzaku, I didn't realize there was an alliance side to this! I should go digging to see if someone filmed the quest chain from their perspective. =)

edit 2: As of the evening of October 26th, 2008, Grand Apothecary Putress has spawned in the city of Shattrath by the base of the Aldor teir. He stands there with several of his Apothecary Researchers, busily working on the cure of the Plague currently decimating Horde and Alliance cities. Horde players have quests associated with him in assisting with the research/dissipating information concerning it (I really don't know, I don't have a Horde alt high enough level to find out).

Fun stuff!

Comment by Isilvara

The questchain leading up to the cutscene is not Horde exclusive. Infact, the alliance version of the chain is much longer.

Comment by 164918

The Wrath Gate, the final stand of the Lich King is assaulted by both the Alliance and the Horde, the Lich King's demise is near! The Alliance soldiers yell "For Lordaeron!" as they prepare to avenge their fallen brethren, while the Horde prepare for the glory of battle.

Bolvar Fordragon, paladin and former (Unofficial) leader of Stormwind leads the Alliance soldiers into battle charging head first into the legions of the undead, they appear to be easily winning but the Vrykul come and put up a fight.

Highlord Saurfang (Younger, not Senior) leads the Horde forces into the battle and helps the Alliance slay the Vrykul, he even takes after his father doing the trademarked "Cleave" of his slaying three Vrykul at once.

The fight is finished, the Alliance and Horde appear victor over the Lich King's forces, the Alliance call out Arthas on his betrayals and acts of evil, the gates open and out comes the Lich King wielding Frostmourne, without much discussion after Saurfang assaults Arthas and gets one shot - Arthas then drains his soul.

Right before the going gets good, Arthas and both the Horde + Alliance are distracted by a large explosion in the back, confusion is set upon everybody and then a voice speaks out, that of Putress - he gives a short (but very cool) speech to Arthas and then blows up everybody unlucky to be in the battle.

Bolvar orders the forces to retreat (or they'll die, but that's obvious) and we see glimpses of people melting, Arthas himself is weakened by the plague and he retreats. Bolvar says his final words as he looks around as people are dying, he collapses and coughs before rolling on his back (Presumed dead at this moment, as you hear his death rattle).

The dragons arrive and burn up the field of bodies so they may not rise into the forces of the Scourge, you regain control of your character and it's suggested you participated in the above battle but got away.

Horde Prespective:
You survived but at what cost?
Saurfang is dead, the Forsaken betrayed the Horde - what next?

The dragons place Saurfang's armor infront of you, time to tell his pops and we know he isn't going to happy. After reaching Warsong Hold you find Saurfang there with Garrosh, once you talk with Saurfang he's sad but proud his son died a Warrior and in battle - he mentions how Thrall needs you and opens a portal to Orgrimmar for you.

Upon arrival, caravans filled with Forsaken Refugees enter Orgrimmar, all scared (They should use WOTF) and curious to what's going on, you find out Orgrimmar is now in a state of Martial Law.

--
From Wikipedia:

Martial law is the system of rules that takes effect when the military takes control of the normal administration of justice.

Martial law is sometimes imposed during wars or occupations in the absence of any other civil government. Examples of this form of military rule include Germany and Japan after World War II or the American South during the early stages of Reconstruction. In addition it is used by governments to enforce their rule, for example after a coup d'état (Thailand 2006), when threatened by popular protests (Tiananmen Square protests of 1989), or to crack down on the opposition (Poland 1981). Martial law can also be declared in cases of major natural disasters; however most countries use a different legal construct, such as a "state of emergency".

--

Upon entering Grommash Hold you find Sylvanas and Thrall discussing important matters about what the hell is going on - Thrall explains everything to you:
Putress and his Royal Apothecary sided with Varimathris, they betrayed the Horde and took over the Undercity - it's now under legion and RAS control.

Jaina appears and talks with Thrall trying to keep the peace, Varian is very angry and ready to declare war against the Horde because Bolvar was like a brother to him and was slain because of the Horde, they discuss a little bit and Thrall pretty much says to Jaina to tell Varian "We'll handle it, sit back and relax".

Thrall opens a portal to the Undercity and orders you to go through, upon arrival you find yourself infront of the Undercity being attacked by Vol'jin and countless Horde Siege Vehicles - You, Thrall and Sylvanas are going inside to deal with the traitors.

(Sylvanas starts singing Lament of the Highbourne)

Varimathris stops you everywhere, but the spirits (Guided by Thrall) help you pass his traps until you eventually arrive into the Throneroom where he summons his master, you fight him and stop the summoning and eventually defeat him.

"Lok'tar, Ogar!"

Everything's looking good now, time to go grab Putress and finish this fig-

Loud alliance horns shake through the Undercity, Varian arrives with an Alliance army and says that he's going to kill Thrall, but Jaina arrives and before letting it go any further out of hand she freezes the entire army of both alliance and horde and teleports herself and the Alliance army back to Stormwind.

A portal to Orgrimmar is opened, the fight is ended but the fourth war has begun.

--
Alliance prespective:
What in the light just happened?
The Lich King's defeat was within grasp! What happened!

The dragons lay Bolvar Fordragon's shield infront of you, the sheer horror of the world is suddenly thrust upon you. The Dragon queen tells you that you must tell Varian Wyrnn and important message, he'll no doubt be angered but the dragons tell you:

"All is not lost. From the ashes of the fallen will rise a force that will unite nations and purge the evil from this world."

He mustn't lose faith. Go now, <name>. Your people need a hero. They need you.

You wander into the the Throne Room of Stormwind, horrified of what you just experienced and you give the Shield to Varian, his anger / rage is obvious and you know bad things are about to happen for both the Horde and the Alliance. Jaina Proudmoore opens a portal to Orgrimmar, Varian orders you and Jaina to go to Orgrimmar and find out what in the light is going on.

Upon arrival you find yourself in the middle of Orgrimmar's Grommash Hold, Thrall and Sylvanas are discussing important matters when suddenly you and Jaina interrupt the discussion - Thrall tells you that the Horde had nothing to do with the Wrath Gate and he'll deal with it, but if provoked he will fight back. You have free roam of Orgrimmar and can do what you like, but to further the quest you need to go into the Stormwind Portal and leave back and give the grim news to King Varian.

King Varian doesn't listen to reason, he sent alliance armies to the Undercity even before you were sent into Orgrimmar on the diplomatic mission, the fool! A portal to the Undercity is opened, it's time for good ol' fashioned manhunt, Varian and Jaina task you with heading into the Undercity and avenging Bolvar by slaying Putress, something everybody can agree on.

(Continued below)

Comment by 88229

Putress is now making an appearence in Shattrath City, inside a tent by the Aldor Rise Elevator. Phase 5 (?) of the Scourage Invasion event.

Comment by anonymousSnowman

Also of note, he is using a generic Forsaken voice at the moment. I was really hoping to hear the epic that was his voice actor but alas...

Comment by 178827

A lot of stuff behind this guy. Off topic, I couldn't help noticing that the -ess ending in his name should point out to a female character, not a male.

Comment by 198988

While I certainly won't discredit Putress' uncanny resemblance to Grenth from Guild Wars, I will mention a post on the forums by one Hapiness of Laughing Skull that compared the mask both Grenth and Putress wear as a reference to the garb of doctors during the Bubonic Plague.

"A primitive gas mask in the shape of a bird's beak. A common belief at the time was that the plague was spread by birds. There may have been a belief that by dressing in a bird-like mask, the wearer could draw the plague away from the patient and onto the garment the plague doctor wore."

The text was quoted from another source but uncited, so I can't prove it as fact. I didn't study the Bubonic Plague, or anything. Regardless, the origin of that mask and it being repeated here seems intriguing. If anyone recognizes that quote feel free to respond with its source.

Comment by Mumpley

The mask looks literally like a Crow or Raven's Beak. It was called Doktor Schnabel von Rom,or Doctor Beak of Rome in translation. Wikipedia describes the mask like this:

A primitive gas mask in the shape of a bird's beak. A common belief at the time was that the plague was spread by birds. There may have been a belief that by dressing in a bird-like mask, the wearer could draw the plague away from the patient and onto the garment the plague doctor wore. The mask also included red glass eyepieces, which were thought to make the wearer impervious to evil. The beak of the mask was often filled with strongly aromatic herbs and spices to overpower the miasmas or "bad air" which was also thought to carry the plague.

Together the mask would look something like this. Although it is missing a few features to call it a direct rip-off of the Bubonic Plague,Putress' Garb would have to lean over imitation to Guild Wars. However with Putress related to the creation of Plagues this is a two-pronged sword and touches both imitations accordinglly. Blizzard of course added a more primeval look to it giving a torn shroud covering wooden prongs as a Doctor Beak. Unsirprisingly the Bubonic Plague resembles that of the "08 Zombie Infection" which has been recently cured.

Tie it all in one masterpiece and you have a World of Warcraft version of the Bubonic Plague.

However to evaluate some stuff,Putress' Hood is directly indentical to Grenth's Hood. Like the Romans did to the Greeks,Blizzard "imitated" the look to give Putress a more Deathly State. Some may also argue that Putress is an Undead,wearing the Garb of Grenth,God of Death. Although observative,Putress is only Undead due to Wow Lore and relation to Plagues. On the contrary of Plague's Putress focues on the creation and curing of Plagues,giving him the impression of a Bubonic Plague Doctor playing "Mad Scientist" with alchemical Ingredients. To clear it up,Putress is the brainchild of the Bubonic Plague,Grenth and Blizzard.

Comment by whitedragon254

Putress can be interacted with by horde. This is before the betrayal. During the scourge invasion he is the one who ends the phase 6 quest for the horde.

Comment by Junblat

He is wearing Tier 8 Warlock \ o /

Comment by Lordsoze44

He appear in Shattrath with his Royal Apothecary Society
servant set a small camp in city same as Alliance camp in city during :Echoes of Doom Scourge Invasion:

he give a quest name :Desperate Research: for lv70(Horde side)

that will explain about New Plague that Royal Apothecary Society was working on now.

Comment by 164918

Undead Monsters and Demons hinder the path to the Apothecary, the Alliance are defeating every enemy from the Sewers and more - you stumble upon a dead squadron of dead Horde soldiers but shrug it off and head further into the bowls of the once-proud Lordaeron. Putress starts freaking out, he knows the Alliance are here for his head and everything he worked for is in ruin - the enemy forces try to overwhelm you and the Alliance, but with the combined forces you finally enter the Apothecary and there stands Putress.

His end draws near, end Putress and Bolvar will have been avenged! This is the end!

King Varian Wrynn yells: And justice is served!

The Alliance is victorious, the bastard Putress has been slain! Now we need to deal with Varima-

Thrall's orcish yells are heard from the throne room, there he stands with Sylvanas and heroes of the Horde victorious over Varimathras when you and your king barge in (Jaina remained behind, she won't deal with seeing Thrall), Varian orders the fight to be finished now - once and for all and just before the clash of forces happen - Jaina appears and freezes both armies, she teleports the Alliance forces to Stormwind.

Upon arrival in Stormwind, King Varian tells you to go conquer Northrend for the Alliance. Putress has been slain, but his legacy remains - the fourth war has begun.

Conclusion:
Once you arrive to Northrend, Alliance and Horde aren't fighting side by side but are fighting each other as the Lich King destroys them both and raises them into undeath, all neutral factions /facepalm as the world's fate is being gambled by this pointless war.

EDIT: Alliance version completed, and thank you Avandas but i'll not update the information because your info is pretty much spot on. :D

Comment by Bongo2k

I have many questions regarding Putress:

Was he a puppet of whoever conceived the treachery involving the Undercity and Varimathras, or was it entirely his own choice to betray everyone?
Does anyone think we will see any more of him, or is he gone forever?

Comment by Vorph

Nothing is so certain at this point before the release but I'll express my opinions, they are just opinions, not facts.

He can be a puppet, but it's been known for a long time that, most of the Forsaken are allies of the Horde because they have no other choice against the Alliance. Since those Forsaken care for nobody except themselves, Putress can be one of them and bade his time that he will no longer need the aid of the Horde with the newly devised plague which even weakened Arthas himself.

First of all, he has just started and all out Fourth War between the Horde and the Alliance and that makes him important enough in the Warcraft history. Also don't forget that two facts that he's an undead and Blizzard's love to pop up the characters that died lore-wise more than once. One retcon, and he can be back just like Illidan, Kael'thas, Balnazzar and the others.

My opinion is, we will see him again. He's too cool to be expendable that easily.

And one side note: Arthas is scared &*!@less of Sylvanas. He always calls her name when something bad is going to happen =).
edit: Why is this downrated? I said beforehand "these are my opinions not facts". Stating your thoughts deserve downranking?

Comment by domacleod

Ugh.. what was this guy when he was alive? :O

Comment by 116979

Am I the only one who likes Putress? Sure he's misguided but he's the only one who's put a dent in Arthas so far. Arthas is such a $%^.

Comment by domacleod

Well if you like all characters who wan'a kill Arthas and almost even do, example : Tirion Fordring with Ashbringer... he brought Arthas to 30% like twice (okay maybe first time not 30% but still he was almost dead, second time he did do him to 30% by ONE HIT)

Comment by Glows

Defenitly my new favorite character in the entire world of Azeroth.

Comment by 137927

The armor that he is wearing is going to be the new T8 Warlock set. Undead have a sneak peak at what they can expect.

I don't believe it's a beak either, more likely a piece of cloth that is covering the face.

Comment by 288482

In a Warcraft book there was mention of a undead race on islands near the Maelstrom, unfortunately you cant get there in WoW. However they description of the undead were quite similar to this. Rhonin thought he found a dead body with a skull that looked like "it had been dipped in wax and let the wax slowly drip away and hardened" thats how it was described. Though later, the same skeleton-wax monster attacks Rhonin and when Krasus (or Korialstraz as we all know him) destroyed him, Rhonin asked what was it. Krasus said it was a ancient evil, greater then the scourge (im not sure about the last part, this book was about the time anomaly that lead to the 1st Burning Legion invasion on Kalimdor)
When i saw this guy my first thought was "Maybe one decided to go find a meaning, or just wreak havoc on everything and everyone".....it ended up being the latter

Comment by 184400

hmm, odd to see my comment on his armor being Tier 8 got purged for being false, and now it actually is going to be...

Comment by 293841

the warlock T8 is gonna look exactly like this guy's armour. just FYI

Comment by 222376

Warlocks, your new T8... is Putresses armor.
Good cause this guy is badass, though evil

Comment by Zhawq

I'm confused.

I have received a "special" quest named "Desperate Search", where I am told to find Putress in "The New Apothecary Camp" at the Terrace of Light in Shattrath.

But I can't find him. And I can't find any Apothecary Camp either.

When I ask in general chat if anyone can point me towards him, noone answers.

If anybody knows what this is all about, I'd be real glad for a comment.

Also, I play on Magtheridon-eu, so if any of you play there as well and know where I can find Putress in Shattrath, I'll be very happy for a short tell (chars: Thundrz, Chayzr, Runestreaker or Zauil).
I thank you in advance!

Comment by keiji

it would be immense if we could perhaps have an instance dedicated to him in the caverns of time thats one way we can easily see him again. For we know the infinite dragons try and alter any part so why not the birth or "unbirth" of putress. because with his time line affected that woudl have a critical effect on the story

Comment by Jebomnis

When I first saw him, all I could think of was the Zealot Tier 4 armor from WAR. Both sets look wicked, which fits perfectly for the two classes that use them (Supposedly Warlocks t8 in WotLK).

Comment by KlokworkKro

I don't suppose there is anyone out there that has data-mined his sound file /script commands, is there?
Or rather I suppose the proper question is, is there anyone willing/able to post said /script commands?
(Seeing as how I'm sure that someone, somewhere, has done it...)

Comment by 310134

Anyone have voice clips? id like to get the "Did you think we had forgotten, Did you think we had forgiven?" part.

Comment by 330185

you stumble upon a dead squadron of dead Horde soldiers but shrug it off

Repetitive much?

Comment by Xrystal

For alliance - when fighting this guy as a ranged dps, you can stand on the bookshelf that is the same height as the ledge to avoid getting hit all the time by the Failed Experiments.

Stand on the ledge for them to go round and up the stairs, then move to the front of the bookshelf for them to go back round to the ground! :)

Comment by Alzu

Have you noticed that he's a very bad alchemist/scientist/what ever. Because when you fight him in the quest The Battle For The Undercity, he summons literaly hundreds of Failed Experiments. Hope there's a school for bad alchemists after death!

Comment by Dwarfiesgosquish

Who does the voice acting for this guy in the cinematic?

Comment by 421112

you guys are forgetting that...
He never forgives... he never forgets.

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Grand Apothecary Putress

This NPC can be found in Undercity (47).

Grand Apothecary Putress

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