World of Warcraft Adding Heartfelt Tribute NPC in Patch 11.1
World of Warcraft Patch 11.1: A Tribute to Mats Steen and Undermine's New Content
World of Warcraft's upcoming Patch 11.1 is shaping up to be a significant update, featuring both new content in Undermine and a touching tribute to the late Mats Steen, whose life was documented in The Remarkable Life of Ibelin.
The patch, tentatively slated for release around February 25th, introduces a new NPC: Lord Ibelin Redmoore. This character is a direct homage to Steen's beloved World of Warcraft avatar, complete with the same name and appearance. Interestingly, the NPC's title is "Private Investigator," a nod to Steen's popular roleplaying persona as a detective in Stormwind.
Undermine Expansion and Ibelin's Role:
While Undermine, the Goblin capital city, will be the focus of much of Patch 11.1's new content, Lord Ibelin Redmoore represents a separate, yet equally significant addition. His inclusion serves as a heartfelt memorial to Steen, who tragically passed away in 2014. The high-fidelity character model used in the documentary is replicated in the game, making the tribute even more poignant.
The Private Investigator's Mystery:
The exact nature of Ibelin's in-game role remains a mystery. Speculation suggests he might be found in Stormwind's taverns, his former haunts, or perhaps patrolling the route Steen famously traversed daily. The possibility of his appearance on the Public Test Realm (PTR) before the official release offers players a chance to uncover his story early.
A Multifaceted Memorial:
This isn't the first time World of Warcraft has honored Steen's memory. A replica of his real-life grave exists in Elwynn Forest, and the Reven fox pet and backpack were recently sold as part of a charity bundle benefiting CureDuchenne. The addition of Lord Ibelin Redmoore further underscores the profound impact Steen had on the World of Warcraft community. Patch 11.1 promises a compelling blend of new adventures and heartfelt remembrance.