Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and Battle of Friedlingen: Difference between pages

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{{Infobox VG
{{Infobox Military Conflict
|conflict=Battle of Friedlingen
|title=Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
|image=
|image=[[Image:WarcraftIII.jpg|250px|]]
|caption=North American box art
|caption=
|partof=the [[War of the Spanish Succession]]
|developer = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]
|date=14 October 1702
|publisher = {{flagicon|US}} [[Blizzard Entertainment]] <br /> {{flagicon|EU}} [[Sierra Entertainment]] <br /> {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Capcom]]
|place= near [[Freiburg]], present-day [[Germany]]
|designer = [[Rob Pardo]]
|result=French victory
|engine =
|combatant1={{flagicon|France|restauration}}<ref>George Ripley, Charles Anderson Dana, ''The American Cyclopaedia'', New York, 1874, p. 250, "...the standard of France was white, sprinkled with golden fleur de lis...". *[http://www.anyflag.com/history/fleur23.htm]The original Banner of France was strewn with fleurs-de-lis. *[http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/dgdisplaylargemeta.cfm?strucID=585779&imageID=1236061&parent_id=585395&word=&s=&notword=&d=&c=&f=&sScope=&sLevel=&sLabel=&lword=&lfield=&num=0&imgs=12&total=98&pos=1&snum=]:on the reverse of this plate it says: "Le pavillon royal était véritablement le drapeau national au dix-huitième siecle...Vue du chateau d'arrière d'un vaisseau de guerre de haut rang portant le pavillon royal (blanc, avec les armes de France)."[http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Flag] from the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica: "The oriflamme and the Chape de St Martin were succeeded at the end of the 16th century, when Henry III., the last of the house of Valois, came to the throne, by the white standard powdered with fleurs-de-lis. This in turn gave place to the famous tricolour."</ref> [[Kingdom of France]]
|version = 1.22a ([[2008-06-30]])
|combatant2={{flagicon|Holy Roman Empire}} [[Holy Roman Empire]]
|released = {{flagicon|US}} [[July 3]] [[2002]] <br /> {{flagicon|EU}} [[July 5]] [[2002]] <br /> {{flagicon|Japan}} [[2003]]
|commander1=[[Claude Louis Hector de Villars]]
|genre = [[Real-time strategy]]
|commander2=[[Louis William, Margrave of Baden-Baden]]
|modes = [[Single player]], [[Multiplayer]]
|strength1=17,000 men,<ref name=Lynn276>Lynn (1999), p. 276.</ref>33 cannons
|ratings = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: T (Teen) <br /> [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|OFLC]]: G8+
|strength2=14,000 men<ref name=Lynn276/>
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Mac OS]] and [[Mac OS X]]
|casualties1=1703 killed, 2601 wounded
|media = [[CD-ROM|CD]] (1)
|casualties2=355 killed, 742 wounded
|requirements = '''Recommended''':<br />600 MHz processor, 256 MB of RAM, 32 MB 3D video card, DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card (Windows)
|input = [[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]] and [[Mouse (computing)|Mouse]]
}}
}}
{{Campaignbox War of the Spanish Succession}}
The '''Battle of Friedlingen''' was fought in 1702 between [[France]] and the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. The Imperial forces were led by [[Louis William, Margrave of Baden-Baden]], while the French were led by [[Claude Louis Hector de Villars]]. The French were victorious.


== Prelude ==
'''''Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos''''' ('''''War3''''' or '''''WC3''''' or '''''RoC''''') is a [[real-time strategy]] [[computer game]] released by [[Blizzard Entertainment]] in [[July 2002]]. It is the second sequel to ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]'', and it is the third game set in the [[Warcraft Universe]]. An expansion pack, [[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne|''The Frozen Throne'']], was released in july [[2003]].
The French were seeking to expand their influence on the eastern bank of the river [[Rhine]]. In the autumn of 1702, Villars received orders from [[Louis XIV]] to attack [[Swabia]].
The French forces needed to join their [[Bavaria]]n allies and defeat the Imperial troops that stood between them.
''Warcraft III'' contains four playable races:<ref name=races/> Humans and Orcs, which had previously appeared in ''Warcraft: Orcs & Humans'' and ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'', and the Night Elves and [[Undead]], which are new to the ''Warcraft'' mythos.<ref name=faq/> ''Warcraft III''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s single-player campaign is laid out similarly to that of ''[[StarCraft]]'', being told through all four of the game's races in a progressive manner. Multiplayer mode allows for play against other people, via the internet, instead of playing against computer-controlled characters as is done in the single-player custom game mode.


== Battle ==
The game proved to be one of the most anticipated and popular computer game releases ever, with 4.5 million units shipped to retail stores and over one million units sold within a month.<ref>{{cite web|author=Cieniawa, Lee|date=2002-09-08|url=http://www.armchairempire.com/Reviews/PC%20Games/warcraft-iii-reign-chaos.htm|title=Armchair Empire - Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos|work=The Armchair Empire|accessdate=2007-08-29}}</ref> ''Warcraft III'' won many awards including "Game of the Year" from more than six different publications.<ref name=awards>{{cite web|url=http://www.blizzard.com/inblizz/awards.shtml|title=Blizzard Entertainment - Awards|work=blizzard.com|accessdate=2007-08-01}}</ref>
The French crossed the Rhine at [[Weil am Rhein]], just north of [[Basle]] on 14 October 1702. Villars attacked the Imperial army at [[Friedlingen]]. The future field marshal Louis William entrenched his army and managed to hold the French for some time. He then retreated in good order to the North.


==Gameplay==
== Aftermath ==
It was a [[Pyrrhic victory]] for Villars. French losses were high: 1,703 dead and 2,601 wounded, whereas the Imperial forces lost 355 dead and 742 wounded. Villars was also prevented from joining the Bavarians.<ref>[http://www.spanishsuccession.nl/1702.html The Spanish Succession 1702]</ref>
[[Image:WarcraftIII orcshumans.png|thumb|left|150px|A small Human army (red) attacking an Orcish base (blue).]]
A game of ''Warcraft III'' takes place on a map of varying size, such as large plains and fields, with [[terrain]] features like rivers, mountains, seas, or cliffs. In Campaign mode, the map is initially covered with the Black Mask, a dark layer which obscures the landscape beneath until it is explored. The Black Mask, once gone, is permanently removed.<ref name="p22" /> Areas that have been explored but no longer are within sight range of an allied unit or building are covered with the [[fog of war]]. Though terrain remains visible, changes such as enemy troop movements and building construction are unseen.<ref name="p22">{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''[[Warcraft III]]'' Instruction Manual: Fog of War | pages=22| language=English}}</ref> During a game, players must establish settlements to gain resources, defend against other players, and train units to explore the map and attack enemies. There are three main resources that are managed in ''Warcraft III'': [[gold]], [[lumber]], and [[food]].<ref>{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''[[Warcraft III]]'' Instruction Manual: Economy | pages=21| language=English}}</ref> The first two are required to construct units and buildings, while food restricts the maximum number of units the player may control at one time.<ref>{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''[[Warcraft III]]'' Instruction Manual: Upkeep | pages=22 | language=English}}</ref>


The villages on the eastern bank of the Rhine suffered much damage, especially Weil am Rhein.
[[Image:Forest troll fight.png|thumb|right|150px|Creeps are often found in groups, such as these Trolls.]]
The game also introduces creeps, computer controlled units that are hostile to all players.<ref name="p28">{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''[[Warcraft III]]'' Instruction Manual: Wandering Monsters and Wildlife | pages=28| language=English}}</ref> Creeps guard key areas such as gold mines or neutral buildings and, when killed, provide experience points, gold, and special items to a player's hero.<ref name="p28"/> This encourages players to be aggressive instead of [[Turtle (game term)#Real-time strategy games|turtling]]. ''Warcraft III'' also introduced a day/night cycle to the series.<ref name="p21">{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''[[Warcraft III]]'' Instruction Manual: Day/Night Cycle | pages=21| language=English}}</ref> Besides having advantages or disadvantages for certain races, at night most creeps fall asleep, making nighttime scouting safer; however, the [[Line of sight (gaming)|line of sight]] for most units is also reduced. Other minor changes to the gameplay were due to the [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[terrain]]. For instance, units on a cliff have an attack bonus when attacking units at lower elevations.<ref name=faq>{{cite web|author=Blizzard|url=http://www.battle.net/war3/faq/features.shtml|title=Warcraft III FAQ|work=battle.net|accessdate=Feb 25|accessyear=2007}}</ref>


==Notes==
In previous ''Warcraft'' games, there were only two playable races, Orcs and Humans, which had more similarities than differences. Barring cosmetic changes, most Orc units were identical to their Human counterparts. In ''Warcraft III'', the Night Elves and Undead are added as playable races.<ref name=races>{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''[[Warcraft III]]'' Instruction Manual : The Single Player Game | pages=10| language=English}}</ref> Additionally, as in ''[[StarCraft]]'', each race has a unique set of units, structures, technologies, and base-building methodology.
{{reflist}}

''Warcraft III'' adds powerful units called '''heroes'''. For each enemy killed, heroes gain [[experience point]]s, progressing in levels and gaining new [[Magic (game)|spell]] options (bringing [[computer role-playing game|RPG]] elements to the series).<ref>{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''[[Warcraft III]]'' Instruction Manual: Heroes - Experience and Level| pages=26| language=English}}</ref> Certain heroes can also apply beneficial [[Status effect#Auras|aura]]s to allied units. Heroes can equip items to increase skills, defense, and other abilities. The highest attainable level in a normal game is ten. At level six, the hero can obtain an "ultimate" skill that is more powerful than the other spells. Heroes can also utilize the various natural resources found throughout the map, such as controllable non-player characters, and shops containing usable items.<ref>{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''Warcraft III'' Instruction Manual: Items | pages=29| language=English}}</ref>

===Campaign===
[[Image:Orcishhorde.jpg|thumb|right|An Orcish army.]]
''Warcraft III''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s campaign mode is broken up into four campaigns, each featuring a different race, which are themselves divided into chapters. Unlike previous Blizzard titles, such as ''Warcraft II'' or ''StarCraft'', players are not directed to mission briefings in which plot exposition occurs and objectives are announced; rather, ''Warcraft III'' uses a system of "seamless [[quests]]."<ref>{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''Warcraft III'' Instruction Manual: Starting a Campaign | pages=10| language=English}}</ref> Some plot development happens in occasional cinematics, but most occurs in-game with [[cutscenes]]. Objectives, known as quests, are revealed to the player during the progress of the map. Main quests are those that the player must complete to proceed to the next chapter, but there are also optional quests which are not initially revealed, but can be discovered and completed alongside the main objectives.

Through each race's campaign, the player retains control of one or more heroes, which slowly grow in experience as the levels progress. This experience is carried over to subsequent missions, allowing the hero to grow throughout the course of the campaign.

While different in terms of storyline and precise gameplay, all of the different races' campaigns are structured similarly. Each begins with a level involving simple mechanics to introduce the player to the race and the basic elements of their hero and units. After one or two such levels the player's first "building mission" occurs, requiring them to build and maintain a base while competing with one or more enemy forces. The only campaign that breaks this pattern is the Night Elf campaign, whose first mission involves building a limited base. The last level of each race's campaign is an "epic battle".

===Multiplayer===
[[Image:WC3Menu.JPG|thumb|left|''Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne'' [[Battle.net]] lobby.]]
While campaign games can have many different objectives, the sole objective in melee games is to destroy the opposition's buildings. In default melee matches, players can pick their own heroes, and losing one will not end the game. To make the game proceed more quickly, by default the map is covered in fog of war instead of the Black Mask.<ref name=faq /> ''Warcraft III'', like Blizzard's previous title ''[[StarCraft]]'', allows for single and multiplayer replays to be recorded and viewed, allowing a game to be played at slower and faster speeds and viewed from the perspective of all players.<ref>{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''The Single-Player Game: Viewing a Replay'' | pages=11| language=English}}</ref>
Like all previous Blizzard titles since ''[[Diablo (video game)|Diablo]]'', ''Warcraft III'' uses the [[Battle.net]] multiplayer network. Players can create free accounts in regional "gateways," which helps reduce [[latency|lag]]; these are [http://www.battle.net/war3/ladder/w3xp-ladders.aspx?Gateway=Azeroth Azeroth] (U.S. East), [http://www.battle.net/war3/ladder/w3xp-ladders.aspx?Gateway=Lordaeron Lordaeron] (U.S. West), [http://www.battle.net/war3/ladder/w3xp-ladders.aspx?Gateway=Northrend Northrend] (Europe), and [http://www.battle.net/war3/ladder/w3xp-ladders.aspx?Gateway=Kalimdor Kalimdor] (Asia).<ref>{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''Battle.net: Gateway Selection'' | pages=12| language=English}}</ref>
One should note that at this point in time the U.S. East Gateway / [[Azeroth]] has become the [[de facto]] standard for online play. Most competitive play is held on this [[gateway]] as well as most public play in general. As the game has aged the players have condensed for this reason. Unlike previous Battle.net-enabled games, ''Warcraft III'' introduced anonymous [[matchmaking]], automatically pairing players for games based on their skill level and game type preferences, preventing players from cheating and inflating their records artificially.<ref name="pg13">{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''Battle.net: Anonymous Matchmaking & Arranged Team Games'' | pages=13| language=English}}</ref> If players want to play with a friend in ranked matches, ''Warcraft III'' offers "Arranged Team Games", where a team joins a lobby and Battle.net will search for another team; as with anonymous matchmaking, the enemy team is not known beforehand.<ref name="pg13"/> Players can also host custom games, using maps created in the [[#Modding|Warcraft III World Editor]]. The game also offers Friends Lists and Channels for chatting, where players can create custom channels or join Blizzard-approved ones.<ref>{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''Battle.net: Channel'' | pages=14| language=English}}</ref> ''Warcraft III'' also allows players to band together to form "clans", which can participate in tournaments or offer a recreational aspect to ''Warcraft III''. Global scores and standings in matchmaking games are kept on a "[http://www.battle.net/war3/ladder/gateway-select.aspx?Game=WAR3 ladder]".<ref name=ladders>{{cite web|author=Blizzard|url=http://www.battle.net/war3/files/amm.shtml|title=Matchmaking and Ladder Explanation|work=[[Battle.net]]|accessdate=2008-01-23}}</ref> These rankings can be checked online without the need of the game.

==Synopsis==
===Setting===
''Warcraft III'' takes place in the fictional world of Azeroth. Several years before the events of the games, a demon army known as the Burning Legion intent on Azeroth's destruction corrupted a race called the Orcs, and sent them through a portal to attack Azeroth. After many years of fighting, the Orcs were defeated by a coalition of humans, dwarves and elves known as the Alliance; the surviving combatants were herded into internment camps, where they seemed to lose their lust for battle. With no common enemy, a period of peace followed, but the Alliance began to fracture. The events of ''Warcraft III'' occur after a [[timeskip]] from ''Warcraft II''. This period was originally intended to have been documented in ''[[Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans|Warcraft Adventures]]'', but that game was canceled in mid-development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.answers.com/topic/warcraft-iii-reign-of-chaos|title=Warcraft III Answers|work=answers.com|accessdate=February 20|accessyear=2007}}</ref>

===Characters===

'''The Prophet, aka, Medivh, The Last Guardian:''' Medivh was a wizard given enormous power in order to keep the demons from Azeroth by the magi of Dalaran, who make him a Guardian of the Tristfal Order. He was, however, possessed from birth by Sargeras, of the Burning Legion, and used to bring the Orcs through as a precursor to a full invasion. He returns in Warcraft Three to ensure the Legion is defeated.

'''Thrall:''' The son of an Orcish chieftain who had refused the demonic corruption, Thrall was brought up in slavery by the humans after his parents were betrayed and killed. Having escaped from his human masters, he freed his people, imprisoned in the internment camps after their loss of the Second war. He became overall ruler "Warchief" after the death of the previous leader in battle. He is an honorable and idealistic leader.<ref>''Game Informer'' provides information on who the character is, why the character is important, and what is next for the character in "Faces of ''Warcraft'': The Essential Introduction to Characters," ''Game Informer'' 183 (July 2008): 101.</ref>

'''Grom Hellscream:''' The chieftain of the Warsong clan, Grom willingly acquiesced in the corruption, but as it left him fought the lethargy that was usually an inevitable result. His clan were the first free orcs which Thrall found after his escape from slavery, and they became friends: they address each other as brother. Grom briefly fell again to demonic corruption after the legion's invasion, but was rescued and freed by Thrall and Jaina. Grom was killed by the action of killing Mannoroth.

'''Terenas Menethil II, King of Lordaeron:''' Terenas is a very old man by this time. He rules Lordearon, a kingdom involved in almost all the Campaigns, but never appears in game. He is killed by his son, Arthas, who has been corrupted by the Lich King(known to many for some time as "the dark lord"), the master of the undead scourge.

'''Uther the Lightbringer:''' Uther is the founder of an order of knights, the Paladins, that fight and heal by the power of the light. Although he is the mentor of Arthas, not even he can prevent his eventual corruption. In the end, he is killed by Arthas as well.

'''Arthas Menethil, Prince of Lordaeron, Son of King Terenas:''' Arthas, as seen at the beginning of the story, is an honorable paladin, a pupil of Uther's, who fights with enormous devotion to save his people. Driven to madness by the battle against the plague, he seeks to end the scourge forever by journeying to Northrend, the roof of the world. However, once there, he comes across his old friend, Muradin Bronzebeard. Although Muradin is able to slow his decent into paranoia for some time, eventually Arthas kills him by freeing the runeblade, Frostmourne, which finally corrupts him fully. He turns on his father and slays him, putting him on the path to join the Lich King.<ref>''Game Informer'' provides information on who the character is, why the character is important, and what is next for the character in "Faces of ''Warcraft'': The Essential Introduction to Characters," ''Game Informer'' 183 (July 2008): 100.</ref>

'''Antonidas:''' An archmage in Dalaran, seen only briefly. He sends Jaina to deal with the plague and is at the forefront of the defense of Dalaran from the Scourge. He lead the forces of Dalaran during its siege, however was murdered by the mad prince when the scourge stormed parts of the city. During the battle, a tome, known as the Book of Medivh, is stolen from Dalaran. Although the remnants of his forces succeed in breaking the siege, and almost kill both Arthas and his majordomo, Kel'thuzad, just in time Archimonde, a demon lord and leader of the Burning Legion arrives in Azeroth, and destroys the city state.

'''Jaina Proudmoore:''' A young Archmage, the daughter of Admiral Proudmoore, taught by Antonidas. She is an old flame of Arthas' and still his close friend when we first see her. She alone of the human leaders listens to the prophet, and journeys to Kalimdor. She then joins up with Thralll, Malfurion, Cairne and Tyrande Whisperwind and they defeat the burning legion, and the scourge.<ref>''Game Informer'' provides information on who the character is, why the character is important, and what is next for the character in "Faces of ''Warcraft'': The Essential Introduction to Characters," ''Game Informer'' 183 (July 2008): 101.</ref>

'''Kel'thuzad:''' We first see him living. He was thrown out of Dalaran for Necromancy, and submitted to the Lich King. Arthas kills him before his fall, and later raises him as a Lich. In this form he summons Archimonde, field commander of the burning legion, to Azeroth.<ref>''Game Informer'' provides information on who the character is, why the character is important, and what is next for the character in "Faces of ''Warcraft'': The Essential Introduction to Characters," ''Game Informer'' 183 (July 2008): 101.</ref>

'''Mal'ganis:''' Demon and dreadlord. He is responsible for much of the plan that leads Arthas to the Lich King, and to corruption. Killed by Arthas (seemingly on the direct orders of the Lich King, which surprises the dreadlord).

'''Muradin Bronzebeard:''' A brother of one of the dwarvish kings. He was one of Arthas's mentors. Believed to be killed by the shattering of the ice when Arthas picked up Frostmourne.

'''The Lich King (aka Ner'zhul):''' Ner'zhul was an orc, who, in their old homeland was deceived by the demons and served them, later trying to escape. He was caught, and his body preserved and tortured. His spirit has been frozen in a block of ice in Northrend, and his mind greatly enlarged. He controls all the vast armies of undead by his mental power. He is not an ally of the Legion when he can avoid it (thus why he kills Mal'Ganis).

'''Tichondrius:''' Demon and dreadlord. First seen overlooking Arthas's work for the Scourge/Burning Legion, later direct commander of the undead. Killed by Illidan in Felwood.

'''Sylvanas Windrunner:''' Ranger general of the High Elves. She attempts to defend her country against the scourge. Killed by Arthas, but then raised as undead, and becomes a major character in the sequel.<ref>''Game Informer'' provides information on who the character is, why the character is important, and what is next for the character in "Faces of ''Warcraft'': The Essential Introduction to Characters," ''Game Informer'' 183 (July 2008): 101.</ref>

'''Archimonde:''' The field commander of the burning legion, at this time second in command only to Kil'jaeden. His summoning is the final object of the undead campaign, and his death the final object of the game. Killed by the ancestral spirits of the night elves on the command of Malfurion Stormrage.

'''Cairne Bloodhoof:''' The chieftain of a group of Tauren. Almost defeated by the Centaur, Thrall befriends him and aids his people to retreat. He then joins and aids Thrall.

'''Mannoroth:''' Demon and pit lord. Responsible for both the original corruption of the orcs and the attempted recorruption. Killed by Grom Hellscream in a canyon near Ashenvale.

'''Cenarius:''' Son of Elune (the moon goddess of the night elves), Cenarius has dwelt in Ashenvale for ten thousand years with his people. Killed by Grom in his brief demonic recorruption.

'''Tyrande Whisperwind:''' Priestess of Elune and greatly favoured by her, lover of Malfurion Stormrage. She fought in the original defeat of the Legion ten thousand years before. Until she awakens the druids, she is the sole leader of the night elves after Cenarius's death.

'''Malfurion Stormrage:''' Leader of the Druids. Woken by Tyrande to fight the legion.<ref>''Game Informer'' provides information on who the character is, why the character is important, and what is next for the character in "Faces of ''Warcraft'': The Essential Introduction to Characters," ''Game Informer'' 183 (July 2008): 101.</ref>

'''Illidan Stormrage, The Betrayer:''' Illidan is the brother of Malfurion. He too fought against the demons in their first invasion, though by unconventional means that others (possibly rightly) distrusted. He was imprisoned for recreating the Well of Eternity on the summit of Mount Hyjal, an action which the Night Elves believed would cause the demons to return.
He was cursed by sargeras which left him "blind" but thereafter able to see all magical properties around living or non-living objects. After being released from his prison 10,000 years later by Tyrande Whisperwind, he consumes enormous power with the skull of Gul'dan, and transforms into a demon (later in the game series he is half demon, half night elf, but can transform into a demon at will).<ref>''Game Informer'' provides information on who the character is, why the character is important, and what is next for the character in "Faces of ''Warcraft'': The Essential Introduction to Characters," ''Game Informer'' 183 (July 2008): 100.</ref>

===Plot===
The game's plot is told entirely through cinematics and [[cutscenes]], with additional information found in the ''Warcraft III'' manual. The campaign itself is divided into five sections, with the first acting as a [[tutorial]], and the others telling the story from the point of view of the humans of [[Lordaeron]], the Undead Scourge, the Orcs, and the Night Elves.

The game opens with the orc leader Thrall waking from a nightmare warning him that the return of the Burning Legion is imminent.<ref>'''Thrall''': What kind of nightmare was that? / '''The Prophet''': It was not a nightmare, young warchief, but a vision. Follow me, and I will reveal what your future holds. - {{cite video game| title = Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos| developer = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]| date= 2002| platform =[[Apple Macintosh]]| version = | level = Prologue: "Chasing Visions"| language = English }}</ref> After a brief encounter with a man called "the Prophet", and fearing that his dream was more of a vision than a nightmare, he leads his forces in an exodus from Lordaeron to the forgotten lands of Kalimdor.<ref>'''The Prophet''': Now, go, young Thrall. Sail west to the lands of Kalimdor. It is there that you will find your destiny. It is there that your people's salvation will be assured. - {{cite video game| title = Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos| developer = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]| date= 2002| platform =[[Apple Macintosh]]| version = | level = Prologue: "Departures"| language = English }}</ref>

Meanwhile, Arthas defends the village of Strahnbrad from demon-controlled orcs<ref>'''Arthas''': Look, here's where we stand. Our scouts have confirmed that there is an orc encampment hidden somewhere over the next ridge. [...] It gets worse. They're preparing to attack the nearby village of Strahnbrad. As far as we know, the village is completely defenseless. / '''Uther the Lightbringer''': I need to move against the Orcs' base immediately. Can you handle Strahnbrad's defense on your own? / '''Arthas''': Of course, Uther. Don't worry about me.. - {{cite video game| title = Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos| developer = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]| date= 2002| platform =[[Apple Macintosh]]| version = | level = Human Campaign: "The Defense of Strahnbrad"| language = English }}</ref>. He then joins Archmage Jaina Proudmoore, who aids him in investigating a rapidly-spreading plague which kills and turns human victims into the undead. Arthas kills the plague's originator, Kel'Thuzad, and then resolves to purge the infected city of Stratholme. Jaina parts ways with him, unwilling to commit genocide. The Prophet, after previously trying to convince other human leaders to flee west, begs Jaina to go to Kalimdor as well.<ref>'''The Prophet''':[...] It falls to you now, young sorceress. You must lead your people to the west to the ancient lands of Kalimdor. Only there can you combat the shadow and save this world from the flame. - {{cite video game| title = Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos| developer = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]| date= 2002| platform =[[Apple Macintosh]]| version = | level = Human Campaign: "The Culling"| language = English }}</ref> Arthas pursues the dreadlord Mal'Ganis to the icy continent of Northrend, where he helps his old dwarf friend Muradin Bronzebeard find a powerful sword called Frostmourne. Upon discovering the blade, Muradin learns that the sword is cursed;<ref>'''Muradin Bronzebeard''': Hold, lad. There's an inscription on the dais. It's a warning. It says, "Whomsoever takes up this blade shall wield power eternal. Just as the blade rends flesh, so must power scar the spirit." Oh, I should've known. The blade is cursed! Let's get the hell out of here! / '''Arthas''': I would gladly bear any curse to save my homeland. - {{cite video game| title = Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos| developer = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]| date= 2002| platform =[[Apple Macintosh]]| version = | level = Human Campaign: "Frostmourne"| language = English }}</ref> Arthas disregards the warning and offers his soul to gain the sword, which then knocks Muradin unconscious. Arthas kills Mal'Ganis with the sword before abandoning his men in the frozen north as his soul is stolen by the blade. Some time later, Arthas returns to Lordaeron and kills his father, the king.

Now a Death Knight, Arthas meets with the leader of the dreadlords, Tichondrius, who assigns him a series of "tests". First, Arthas exhumes the remains of Kel'Thuzad. He then attacks the kingdom of the high elves and destroys their capital of Silvermoon, corrupting their sacred sunwell and reviving Kel'Thuzad as a [[Lich]]. The Lich informs him of the Burning Legion, a vast demonic army who are coming to consume the world. Kel'Thuzad's true master is the Lich King, who was created to aid the Legion with his Undead Scourge, but in truth he wishes for the Legion to be destroyed. Arthas and Kel'Thuzad open a dimensional portal and summon the demon Archimonde and the Burning Legion, who begin to destroy Lordaeron.

Thrall arrives on Kalimdor, meeting Cairne Bloodhoof and the tauren, and clashes with a human expedition on the way to find an Oracle. Meanwhile, the Warsong clan are left behind in Ashenvale to build a permanent settlement, but anger the Night Elves and their [[demigod]] Cenarius by cutting down the forests. To defeat them, the Warsong leader Grom drinks the pit lord Mannoroth's blood, binding his clan to the Legion's control. Thrall manages to reach the Oracle, in fact the Prophet, who tells him of Grom's doings. Following the Prophet's directions, Thrall and the humans join forces to purge Grom of demonic influence. Grom turns on Mannoroth and kills him, dying to release the orcs from the pit lord's control.

In order to oppose the Burning Legion, the Night Elf Tyrande Whisperwind reawakens the sleeping Elf Druids, starting with her lover, Malfurion Stormrage, and frees his brother Illidan from prison. Illidan meets Arthas, who tells him about the powerful "Skull of Gul'dan". Consuming the Skull and becoming a demon-elf hybrid, Illidan uses its power to kill Tichondrius. Meanwhile, the Prophet reveals that he used to be Medivh, the betrayer from ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]''. The humans, Orcs, and Night Elves unite to spring a trap on the Burning Legion, and many ancestral spirits destroy Archimonde at Mount Hyjal. Peace once again comes to Kalimdor as the Burning Legion's forces wither away in defeat.<ref>'''The Prophet/Medivh''': The roots will heal in time, as will the entire world. The sacrifices have been made. Just as the Orcs, Humans and Night Elves discarded their old hatreds and stood united against a common foe. So did nature herself rise up, to banish the shadow forever. As for me, I came back to ensure that there would be a future, to teach the world it no longer needed guardians. The hope for future generations has always resided in mortal hands. And now that my task is done, I will take my place amongst the legends... of the past. - {{cite video game| title = Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos| developer = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]| date= 2002| platform =[[Apple Macintosh]]| version = | level = Twilight of the Gods| language = English }}</ref>

==Sound==
{{wikiquote|Warcraft#Warcraft III|Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos}}
Most of the music within Warcraft III was composed by [[Tracy W. Bush]], Derek Duke, [[Jason Hayes]], and [[Glenn Stafford]].<ref name="credits">{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''Warcraft III manual: Credits'' | pages=13| language=English}}</ref> The Limited Edition of ''Reign of Chaos'' came with much of the orchestral music on a separate soundtrack. Each of the four playable races has different music: [[monastic]] music for the humans; [[ambient music|ambient]] and [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]]-sounding music for the Night Elves; warlike African-sounding music for the Orcs; and fast, haunting music for the Undead. New musical themes were added in the expansion.

One of the signatures of Blizzard games are the unit quotes. If a single unit is clicked four or more times in a row, the unit's voice samples become more and more comical. The unit may start getting angry at the player, or make allusions and references to other games, movies, or jokes. Movies quoted include ''[[Blade Runner]]'', ''Star Wars Episodes IV & V: [[Star Wars]] & [[The Empire Strikes Back]]'', [[Army Of Darkness]], and ''[[Toy Story]]''.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} Games like ''[[Mortal Kombat (video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'', ''[[Monty Python]]'' {{Fact|date=April 2008}}, ''[[Warhammer 40,000]]'', and ''[[Banjo-Kazooie]]'' are paid homage,{{Fact|date=April 2008}} in addition to shows such as ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'',
''[[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|The Twilight Zone]]'', and ''[[Beavis and Butthead]]''.{{Fact|date=April 2008}}
For example, the Humans in particular do the [[Monty Python]] impressions. Click on a peasant character enough, and he'll say things like "We found a witch! May we burn her?" or "YOU'RE the king? Well ''I'' didn't vote for you."
Or click on a knight, he may say "I NEVER say 'ni'!" or "My favourite colour is blue... No, YELLOW!"

== Modding ==
As did ''[[Warcraft II]]'' and ''[[Starcraft]]'' before it, ''Warcraft III'' ships with a "World Editor" program that allows players to create their own custom scenarios and maps. The World Editor has features such as unit editing and event triggers. Through Battle.net, players can download and play peers' custom maps. To facilitate modding, third-party developers released tools for spell editing through SLK spreadsheets, customizing skins with [[.BLP#Converters|.BLP converters]], [[JASS]] editing, and a file importer that opened up [[.MPQ]]s. The World Editor was expanded and improved for ''The Frozen Throne'' expansion. Though the editor has received updates through game patches, it is not officially supported as a product.<ref>{{cite book | year=2002 | editor=Blizzard Entertainment | title=''Warcraft III'' World Editor | pages=16| language=English}}</ref>

Some custom maps have enjoyed great success, with [[Defense of the Ancients]] (DotA) being a tournament item at [[Blizzcon]] 2005 and other tournaments around the world.{{Fact|date=August 2007}}

==Development==
{{Expand|date=April 2008}}

===Other versions===
[[Image:Warcraft 3 battlechest.JPG|thumb|left|145px|The Battle Chest box and contents.]]
In addition to the regular game, there also exists a limited [[special edition|Collector's Edition]] ''Warcraft III'' bundle. The collector's edition box contained a ''Warcraft III'' cinematic [[DVD]], including behind-the-scenes features and the cinematics of all prior ''Warcraft'' games; a Collector's Edition [[Soundtrack]]; a Collector's Edition [[Instruction manual (computer and video games)|instruction manual]]; ''The Art of Warcraft'' book; and [[Lithography|lithographic]] prints.

Blizzard Entertainment also released the ''Warcraft III Battle Chest'', which contains ''Reign of Chaos'' bundled with ''The Frozen Throne'' in one box, along with guides from [[BradyGames]].

Another version, the Exclusive Gift Set, came bundled with the cinematic DVD, official BradyGames strategy guide, and Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition.

==Reception==
<div style="font-size: 90%; float:right; border-left:1em solid white; text-align:center">
{| class="wikitable"
<!-- |+'''Reviews and awards''' -->
!Publication
!Score
!Notes
|-
|''[[IGN]]''
|9.3/10<ref name=IGN />
|"Outstanding"
|-
|[[GamePro]]
|4.6/5<ref name=gamepro />
|Editor's Choice
|-
|[[GameSpot]]
|9.3/10<ref name=gamespot />
|Editor's Choice
|-
|[[Game Rankings]]
|91% (22 reviews)<ref name=gamerankings />
| [None]
|-
|[[PC Gamer]]
|90%
|Editor's Choice
|}
</div>

Reception of ''Warcraft III'' was extremely positive; the game averages a 91% at GameRankings.com,<ref name=gamerankings>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/256222.asp?q=warcraft%20III|title=Warcraft III Rankings|work=gamerankings.com|accessdate=February 21|accessyear=2007}}</ref> and "Universal Acclaim" at MetaCritic, based on dozens of reviews.<ref name=meta>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/warcraft3reignofchaos?q=warcraft%20III|title=Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos: Reviews|work=metacritic.com|accessdate=February 21|accessyear=2007}}</ref> While GamePro noted that "''WarCraft III'' doesn’t revolutionize the RTS genre", they still praised Blizzard for delivering a title with "a well-executed story, drum-tight game-play and a long shelf life as a multi-player title."<ref name=gamepro>{{cite web|date=2002-07-17|author=Modifter|url=http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/25079.shtml|title=Warcraft III (PC) Review|work=gamepro.com|accessdate=February 21|accessyear=2007}}</ref> GameSpot noted that as with ''[[StarCraft]]'', the ability to experience the action from all sides "is of great appeal." The reviewer also noted that ''Warcraft III'' made the early stages of the game more interesting and less formulaic; in most RTS games, he noted, "the initial build-up period in such games is merely a race to get to the best units first."<ref name=gamespot>{{cite web|date=2002-07-03|author=Kasavin, Greg|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/warcraft3reignofchaos/review.html|title=Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos|work=gamespot.com|accessdate=February 21|accessyear=2007}}</ref> Most reviewers noted that Blizzard had finally fleshed out the storyline of the first two ''Warcraft'' titles, finally giving each side its own motivations and differences beyond cosmetics.<ref name=gamecritics>{{cite web|date=2003-06-04|author=Bell, Erin|url=http://www.gamecritics.com/review/warcraft3/main.php|title=Warcraft III on Gamecritics|work=gamecritics.com|accessdate=February 21|accessyear=2007}}</ref> [[IGN]] noted that "There's not a ton that's new to [[Real-time strategy|RTS]] buffs out there, but it's done well enough that you either won't notice or won't care."<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|date=2002-07-17|author=Adams, Dan|url=http://mac.ign.com/articles/365/365131p1.html|title=Warcraft III Review at IGN|work=mac.ign.com|accessdate=February 21|accessyear=2007}}</ref>

However, criticism included the inability of the player to change the fate of Arthas' "turn to the dark side." Instead, Gamecritics.com noted, the player "has to sit by as Arthas slides into insanity."<ref name=gamecritics /> Other reviewers noted that the character models were of mediocre quality, especially when viewed up close during in-game cinematics. <ref name=gamespot />


==References==
==References==
*{{citation|last= Lynn |first= John A. |title= The Wars of Louis XIV 1667-1714|publisher=Longman |year= 1999|isbn= 978-0-582-05629-9 }}
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.blizzard.com/war3/ The official ''Warcraft III'' website]
* [http://www.battle.net/war3/ The official ''Warcraft III'' strategy guide, ladder, patches, and map downloads]
* [http://www.battle.net/war3/files/amm.shtml Matchmaking and Ladder Explanation]
* {{wowwiki|Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos|''Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos''}}
* ''[http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/warcraft-iii-reign-of-chaos Warcraft III]'' on [[MobyGames]]


==External link==
{{Blizzard Entertainment}}
*[http://www.spanishsuccession.nl/friedlingen.html Villars writes about the battle of Friedlingen]
{{WarcraftBGame}}


[[Category:2002 video games|Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos]]
[[Category:Battles of the War of the Spanish Succession|Friedlingen]]
[[Category:Warcraft games|Reign of Chaos]]
[[Category:Battles involving France|Friedlingen]]
[[Category:Blizzard games|Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos]]
[[Category:Battles involving the Holy Roman Empire|Friedlingen]]
[[Category:Windows games|Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1702]]
[[Category:Mac OS games|Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos]]
[[Category:1702 in France]]
[[Category:Mac OS X games|Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos]]
[[Category:Electronic sports games|Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos]]
[[Category:Real-time strategy video games|Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos]]
[[Category:Video games with expansion packs|Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos]]
[[Category:Multiplayer online games|Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos]]
[[Category:Video game sequels|Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos]]
[[Category:Interactive Achievement Award winners]]


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Revision as of 13:43, 11 October 2008

Battle of Friedlingen
Part of the War of the Spanish Succession
Date14 October 1702
Location
near Freiburg, present-day Germany
Result French victory
Belligerents
France[1] Kingdom of France Holy Roman Empire Holy Roman Empire
Commanders and leaders
Claude Louis Hector de Villars Louis William, Margrave of Baden-Baden
Strength
17,000 men,[2]33 cannons 14,000 men[2]
Casualties and losses
1703 killed, 2601 wounded 355 killed, 742 wounded

The Battle of Friedlingen was fought in 1702 between France and the Holy Roman Empire. The Imperial forces were led by Louis William, Margrave of Baden-Baden, while the French were led by Claude Louis Hector de Villars. The French were victorious.

Prelude

The French were seeking to expand their influence on the eastern bank of the river Rhine. In the autumn of 1702, Villars received orders from Louis XIV to attack Swabia. The French forces needed to join their Bavarian allies and defeat the Imperial troops that stood between them.

Battle

The French crossed the Rhine at Weil am Rhein, just north of Basle on 14 October 1702. Villars attacked the Imperial army at Friedlingen. The future field marshal Louis William entrenched his army and managed to hold the French for some time. He then retreated in good order to the North.

Aftermath

It was a Pyrrhic victory for Villars. French losses were high: 1,703 dead and 2,601 wounded, whereas the Imperial forces lost 355 dead and 742 wounded. Villars was also prevented from joining the Bavarians.[3]

The villages on the eastern bank of the Rhine suffered much damage, especially Weil am Rhein.

Notes

  1. ^ George Ripley, Charles Anderson Dana, The American Cyclopaedia, New York, 1874, p. 250, "...the standard of France was white, sprinkled with golden fleur de lis...". *[1]The original Banner of France was strewn with fleurs-de-lis. *[2]:on the reverse of this plate it says: "Le pavillon royal était véritablement le drapeau national au dix-huitième siecle...Vue du chateau d'arrière d'un vaisseau de guerre de haut rang portant le pavillon royal (blanc, avec les armes de France)."[3] from the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica: "The oriflamme and the Chape de St Martin were succeeded at the end of the 16th century, when Henry III., the last of the house of Valois, came to the throne, by the white standard powdered with fleurs-de-lis. This in turn gave place to the famous tricolour."
  2. ^ a b Lynn (1999), p. 276.
  3. ^ The Spanish Succession 1702

References

  • Lynn, John A. (1999), The Wars of Louis XIV 1667-1714, Longman, ISBN 978-0-582-05629-9

External link

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