Blizzard has released two free World of Warcraft Battle for Azeroth short stories ahead of the expansion’s launch next week.

　　The lore of World of Warcraft is quite extensive and for those interested in some brushing up before the game’s seventh expansion lands, Blizzard has released two tales – the ‘Elegy’ Alliance short story by Christie Golden and the ‘A Good War’ Horde story by Robert Brooks.

　　Both tales are downloadable in PDF format, and we’ve included the links down below:

　　Alliance – ‘Elegy’ by Christie Golden

　　Horde – ‘A Good War’ by Robert Brooks

　　Blizzard recently released the ‘Old Soldier’ Battle for Azeroth cinematic featuring legendary Orc warrior Saurfang and the young troll shaman ‘Zappyboi’. The trailer was released warmly by World of Warcraft fans, and Blizzard commented on the trailer’s release timing yesterday.

　　World of Warcraft Battle for Azeroth releases next week for PC on August 14.

　　Blizzard officially announced the expansion at BlizzCon 2017.

　　In Battle for Azeroth, the fall of the Burning Legion has set off a series of disastrous incidents that reignites the furious rivalry between the noble Alliance and the mighty Horde. As a new age of warfare begins, Azeroth's heroes must set out on a harrowing journey in search of new allies, race to claim the world’s mightiest resources to turn the tides of war, and fight on several fronts to determine which side will lead Azeroth into its uncertain future.

　　"Conflict is at the heart of the Warcraft saga, and in Battle for Azeroth, tensions that have been simmering for a long time escalate into all-out war,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “World of Warcraftplayers are incredibly passionate about the characters and factions they identify with in the game, and this expansion will make them prouder than ever to declare their allegiance to the Horde or to the Alliance."