Blizzard’s popular multiplayer online battle arena, Heroes of the Storm, continues to grow as they just announced a new hero and a new map, Yrel and the Alterac Pass.  Fans of the Warcraft series will recognize Yrel as the Paladin from Draenor who becomes the leader of all Draenei as well, and she is an important figure in the Alliance during the Warlords of Draenor expansion in World of Warcraft.  Speaking of that game, the new map will also feature a major stalwart of the series, the Alterac Pass, also known as Alterac Valley, a leveling area which gives players some of the largest Honor points in the game.

You can check out both trailers here:

Yrel is described as a “melee warrior whose heavyweight abilities reward premeditation and commitment.”  Yrel’s Primary abilities Vindication, Righteous Hammer, and Avenging Wrath are dependent on how much you charge them up before unleashing them upon your enemies.  The higher the charge, the more damage you do.  This is where her Trait ability, Divine Purpose, comes into play.  This ability allows Yrel two choices. If used passively, Divine Purpose will charge up Yrel’s basic ability over 1.5 seconds, but will also reduce her movement speed by 25%.  If she activates Divine Purpose remotely, then her basic ability will have a full charge and wont require mana when using it.  Yrel’s Heroic Abilities, Ardent Defender and Sacred Ground, give her a huge boost of defense.  Ardent Defender produces a large barrier around her for three seconds and if anyone attacks her, she will heal for 50% of the damage taken.  Sacred Ground surrounds her with a circle that gives 40 armor that lasts until she leaves the area.  It should also be noted that their is no time limit for this Heroic ability, something that will definitely earn the ire of her enemies.

The overview of Alterac Pass is a battleground in the snowy mountains of Alterac.  The objectives will include capturing enemy prison camps and summoning a Cavalry to help your team push across the map.  The Calvary increases the attack and speed of any nearby hero who is pushing alongside them.  The usual Core that is present in every map of the game has been replaced with something brand new.  Alterac Pass will instead feature a General who will fight against attacking enemies when threatened.  Destroying enemy keeps will reduce the armor and damage of the General making it easier to win.

This will all coincide with the new event, Echoes of Alterac, where you will actually have to choose between the Alliance and the Horde.  Regardless whoever you side with, you will then be presented with quests to complete for rewards that pertain to the event.  The event starts on Tuesday, June 12, and knowing Blizzard, they are hard at work on making it ready for everyone.  A lot of players (myself included) are already excited and can’t wait to battle it out.