[IMG2=right]http://www.azzor.com/gallery/img_one.php?pid=424&t=1[/IMG2] The following preview of the upcoming World of Warcraft event, the Lunar New Year, was an exclusive fansite preview sent to WoW.Azzor.com by Blizzard Europe. Festivities begin on January 27th Festivities end on February 14th Some events of interest:

[LI]On January 29th (the date of the actual lunar new year). Celebrations occur in Stormwind, Thunder Bluff, Booty Bay and Moonglade.[/LI][LI]On February 13th, one last firework show will be held in Moonglade. This parallels the Chinese ?Festival of Lanterns?; extra lanterns are spawned around Lake Elune?ara (the firework show occurs over the lake).[/LI]

Decorations will be placed in every capital as well as in the regions of Nighthaven and Moonglade. Revelers celebrating the Lunar New Year will be spread throughout the world (the revelers are concentrated in Moonglade, except for those that show up for the fireworks shows in Stormwind/Thunder Bluff/Booty Bay); the lunar festival specific NPCs can be found in each capital and in Moonglade. There are also other NPCs - spread throughout the world ? which are ghost-like elders that players must find and honor, as noted below. The World of Warcraft Lunar New Year events will focus on the celebration of the inhabitants of Azeroth?s ancestors. Quests can be found throughout the world offering holiday-related items such as fireworks and other memorabilia to celebrate one?s elders and ancestors. A number of Elder Ghosts can also be found throughout the world of Azeroth and each time a player finds a new Elder, he or she will receive a token that can be redeemed for special holiday related items Some holiday Items that players may recognize from the real world?s Chinese New Year include:

[LI]A variety of rockets and fireworks[/LI][LI]Festival Dumplings[/LI][LI]Costumes that depict festive Lunar holiday dresses and suits in a variety of colors besides red[/LI][LI]Recipes that will allow players to create red Lunar holiday clothing[/LI][LI]A special red lockbox with a surprise inside (Inspired by the ?Hong Bao? that is given during Chinese New Year)[/LI][LI]And much more! [/LI]

Finally, there will be a large raid encounter boss that only appears during this time of year named Omen. Omen?s appearance is closely liked to the Lunar New Year and new players will be excited to hear that this will be the only raid encounter where newbies will be able to participate fighting a raid style boss! Omen is inspired by the tale of ?Nian? from Chinese lore. In the Chinese version of WoW the boss? name will be left as Nian. [CLASS=Headline]Lunar Festival - History[/CLASS] The Lunar Festival is a time of celebration. The people of Azeroth celebrate their triumph of many thousands of years ago, when an alliance of good races (Night Elves, Tauren, and Earthen ? a proto-Dwarven race) defeated a terrible evil. It is also a time of remembrance for the valor and wisdom of that ancient age. The demi-god Omen was a being of great strength and knowledge. Blessed by Elune, Omen wandered primordial Kalimdor, guiding hunters and gatherers and offering luck and advice to all he met. When the Burning Legion launched their attack, Omen allied with Azeroth?s defenders. Omen fought bravely, but after many battles, his wounds from demonic forces plunged him into a deep, dreaming sleep? where fel-inspired nightmares slowly consumed him. When he finally awoke, centuries later, he had fallen to madness. The transformed Omen rampaged. No longer a creature of wisdom - but still possessing the strengh of Elune?s blessing - he tore through the land, killing and devouring. Terror rode before him, and death trailed in his wake. Omen?s spree of horror ended when a coterie of ancient heroes gathered in the village of Nighthaven and faced the beast. They called down the moon?s wrath and Omen, blinded and stunned by the power of the moon goddess, fled into the deep waters of Lake Elune?ara. That day marked the end of his rampage, and symbolized a new beginning for the people of Azeroth, and the followers of Elune. Today, the Lunar Festival is held by the druids of Nighthaven. Both the Horde and Alliance are welcomed to celebrate and shoot fireworks ? a symbol of Elune?s power. Ancient heroes of the past also appear throughout the land, offering gifts to those who find and honor them. It is a time of happiness, fortune and celebration, but it has a deeper motive as well? Omen, defeated so many centuries ago, yet remains in Lake Elune?ara. Although driven insane by the Burning Legion, the demi-god still possesses Elune?s blessing and is, hence, immortal. During the Lunar Festival, he stirs? and heroes of the land are called to defeat him once again. [random_images=3,yes][/random_images]Just three of the 17 exclusive screenshots sent to us by Blizzard Europe. View the entire Lunar New Year gallery here. Discuss the Lunar Festival in our forums!