Observation Paper topics

Dungeon review

Describe in detail the narrative experience of running through a dungeon. For example, Waycrest Manor could be in exercise in describing a haunted house setting. I could describe the unnatural darkness, the ghosts, ghouls and goblins running around, the smell or rotten meat coming from the kitchen, etc. I could also describe the narrative, specifically the relationship between my ally Lady Waycrest and her now-undead parents.


Arena tournament

There are many archived arena tournaments online. I've never been into them, but that means I can observe with fresh, impartial eyes. I could describe the room, the players, the commentators and the crowd. I can illustrate the passion and excitement as tension builds until it climaxes as one team comes out on top. I could describe team composition by talking about class structure. Each class presents itself uniquely by the kind of armor it wears and the weapons it uses. I could describe the aesthetics of the in-game arenas.


Moving on to a new questing zone

Contrast the tranquil, verdant Elwynn Forest to the dying farmland of Westfall. Take the time to describe the settings of both areas to drive home how depressing Westfall is. Run through the plot of the zone, starting with the murder investigations and culminating in the reveal of the party responsible: notorious slain bandit Edwin VanCleef's daughter, Vanessa VanCleef. In addition to the yellow farmland and dilapidated villages, I can describe the bandits of the Defias Syndicate and their allies.


Zone description

Rather than focus on a zone with a questing narrative, examine one with only backstory. Establish the history of the Mage's class hall: The Hall of the Guardian. Compare it to a library if it were owned by Mickey Mouse's master from Fantasia. Discuss the sights, sounds and sensations associated with mages practicing magic: the blue, icy shattering of frost, crackling and explosive fire, and the powerful, ethereal blasts of arcane magic. Describe the clothes worn by mages and the weapons they wield. Paint the scene by describing things like enchanted books flying overhead as magical scholars share their research with one another.

Another zone worth discussing is the human capital of Stormwind. It draws inspiration from medieval European cities so there is ample material for comparison. Talk about the conveniently color-coded districts and the sorts of things you can expect to sense in each one. Talk about the massive gate and the bridge of heroes with its massive statues commemorating champions of the past. Talk about the massive castle and cathedral and their associated wings. Describe the throne room of King Anduin Wrynn, and the king himself.


Blizzcon Announcement

Find footage of a Blizzcon announcement where they first reveal the premise of a new expansion or something to that effect. Describe the video they show and what the presenter talks about. Describe the presenter and the crowd. Observe how the crowd reacts: positive, negative, uninterested?