Hearthstonerecently released a sizable press release containing information of changes to the game occurring over thenext month until the release ofVoyage to the Sunken City, its next expansion. One of the new features added to the game alongside the patch notes was the final entry of theBook of Mercenaries.
Varden Dawngrasp is a Blood Elf magister hailing from the city of Silvermoon, first introduced during theForged in the Barrensexpansion last year. They are also the first non-binary character to be introduced in eitherHearthstoneorWarcraft.
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TheBook of Mercenariesstory features 10 new characters–1 for each ofHearthstone’sclass decks, half for the Alliance and the other half for the Horde. Dawngrasp is the mercenary representing the Mage class, and as a blood elf, is a member of the Horde. However, various circumstances throughout the tale leadthe Alliance and the Horde to work together. Dawngrasp themself is integral in creating and maintaining this partnership, and now must lead the mercenaries from both sides against a common enemy: the black dragon broodmother, Onyxia.
The Varden Dawngrasp chapter is free for allHearthstoneplayers, and is completed with pre-made decks so new players can participate. Completing it rewards a pack with 5 Mage class cards from Standard.
Dawngrasp’s introduction last year was a win for LGBTQ+ fans ofWarcraftandHearthstone. Though it has been slow-going, Blizzard has been slowly including more representation in theWarcraftuniverse. In addition to Dawngrasp, it added itsfirst trans character with the kyrian Pelagos inShadowlands, and made spymaster Mathias Shaw and swashbuckler Flynn Fairwind an official couple in theShadows Risingbook andTerror by Torchlightshort story.
Fans were hyped to see Dawngrasp as the focal character for the conclusion chapter of theBook of Mercenaries. Though all the mercenaries were well-liked, Dawngrasp’s compassion, level-head, and keen mind made them a favorite of many. Having a non-binary character become the team’s leader is also greatrepresentation many would like to see elsewhere in theWarcraftuniverseand beyond.
Some fans are less enthusiastic about Dawngrasp’s chapter inBook of Mercenaries. They believe Hearthstone is becoming too political by including a non-binary character in the roster, and that they are pandering to the ‘woke’ crowd by making them the leader of the mercenaries. However, Dawngrasp’s gender identity is handled perfectly in the story–it is not a feature of their struggles or goals, nor is it even brought up beyond the pronouns they are referred to. They simply exist–just like the players they act as representation for.
Hearthstoneis currently available for Mobile and PC. Voyage to the Sunken City releases on April 12.
