Welcome to a new feature, Pure Speculation , we'd like to bring you, from the most ornery gamer east of the Pecos, Ignignokt. A bit of rumor, a bit of buzz, and 100% one man's opinion. If you believe what he says, you're more foolish then him. He's doing this as hard as he can, in the hope's that you can see it. -Ed's note: shameless self promotion, ftw?

The latest news being "reported" is that there is a "leaked FAQ" for Blizzard's next expansion, due to be announced at Blizzcon this weekend.  In the interest of professional journalism, here is the link, so you can draw your on conclusions.  However, I will mention that the site is in German and none of the "leaked" info matches anything that we have received at Wowcentral.  This column is all rumor, no facts allowed, so we just won't know officially until this weekend.  Obviously, we are all pretty hyped about XPAC2, but at Pure Speculation we like keeping our readers on the scent, not throw them off the trail.  We here at Wowcentral do not think we are gonna see the "Wrath of the Lich King." just yet.  I think players will be allowed to catch up to the, shall we say, epic'ness that is required to take out the leader of the Scourge.  However, here is the information that was gleaned from this "FAQ."

• Level cap raised to 80
  
• A new tradeskill: "Inscription allows the player to create items that are infused with the character's spells and abilities that they can trade or sell."
• New and existing characters will be able to customize dances and hairstyle.
• Northrend will be about as big as Outland and will take about as long to complete.
• Players will fight Arthas himself

Speaking of which, have you seen this story on IGN?  Once again, this column is not for facts, but if you were to ask me my opinion, I would say that this story matches some of the information we were given, moreso then our first item.  While it does not seem entirely accurate, there is a good bit of information that sounds credible.  Whether Blizz Guy is leaking information that is somewhat false to throw us off, we here at Wowcentral will keep you posted as the story unfolds.  If you are curious what Blizz Guy says, here is a quick rundown.

• That expansion pack is called World of Warcraft: Into the Maelstrom
• The Maelstrom area of Azeroth will be opened up for play. Will consist of various islands and Undermine will have a new neutral city.
• The islands will include questing zones, raid dungeons, that city, and a new arena.
• The level cap is being raised to 80 with the expansion but there will be no new talents.
• Advancement after level 70 will be through Hero Classes rather than talents. Hero classes will function as subclasses and each existing class will have 3 of these hero classes to choose from. These hero classes will not be limited by talent choices. Players will be able to choose these new subclasses at trainers when ItM goes live.
• Currently the Priest and Druid hero classes are complete and the Warrior and Mage are close to completion.
• Hero classes will be demonstrated at BlizzCon

Blizzard is a tight lipped bunch on their side, but I think seeing this information leaked, may be the best news of the day.  However, the official word on this specific subject of the Maelstrom and upcoming Hero Classes is silent.  According to Blizzard reps, "We haven't announced any details on a second expansion. We also can't comment on rumors or speculation." [IGN]  Hmmm, I won't label this story, but if you did ask me --- I would say, "This can't all be true, but I sure hope it is."  And you can quote that.

PS, that's all the buzz that's fit to print today.  Both stories seem to have some good information interspersed with a little untruth.  We don't know exactly where Blizz is taking HMS WoW, but lets hope its in the right direction!

"YARRRR."  - Fleet Master Firallon