This article lists the phases of the pre-Cataclysm events. It will start at the release of Patch 4.0.1 and stops at the release of Patch 4.0.3, when the Cataclysm is a fact.
Time table
| Date | Earthquakes | Meeting of the leaders |
|---|---|---|
| 2010-10-13 | Initial Earthquakes | - |
| 2010-10-14 | Meeting | |
| 2010-10-15 | ||
| 2010-10-16 | Heavier Earthquakes | |
| 2010-10-17 | ||
| 2010-10-18 |
Phase 1: Earthquakes
On 13th of October 2010 there are earthquakes in various parts of Kalimdor and Eastern Kingdoms.
Phase 2: Leaders' gatherings
On 14th of October 2010 in Stormwind Keep (Stormwind) and Grommash Hold (Orgrimmar) the leaders discuss the recent earthquakes.
Transcript of the meeting in Stormwind Keep
King Varian Wrynn says: We are ready to proceed. Magni, you have called this meeting. What concerns you?
King Magni Bronzebeard says: You've no doubt noticed the string of earthquakes we've had in the last weeks. Something doesn't feel right about them.
Lady Jaina Proudmoore says: What do you mean?
King Magni Bronzebeard says: We dwarves have a connection to the earth. We can feel her pain. And right now the earth is crying out. These earthquakes... they are both natural and not. I wanted to gather you all together and discuss them.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: Even in Darnassus we have noticed the earth is at odds with something.
King Magni Bronzebeard says: I've received word from my brother Brann in Northrend. In his exploring of Ulduar he came across some unusual tablets... something ancient.
King Varian Wrynn says: Nothing good has come from that dreadful place.
King Magni Bronzebeard says: This might just change your mind. Brann is shipping the tablets to me as we speak. Preliminary reports from the Explorers' League state that they may be able to help us understand what is going on with the earthquakes.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: Our top minds have been looking into the seismic activities... Well, we've mostly been looking at how to secure a building's frame while at the same time simulating tectonic shifts...
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: ...because on the one hand, this could be a handy device, the "Shake-a-Ton 2000." But on the other hand, the last thing we gnomes want to see is the mountains of Dun Morogh collapse and crush Ironforge.
Lady Jaina Proudmoore says: So is that why you have moved out?
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: Ha, not at all! Though it is a striking coincidence. Gnomeregan has been and continues to shame our people. It is long past time we reclaim our homeland.
King Varian Wrynn says: Well, it is good that things have turned out... better for you and your people, High Tinker. But not all of us have the luxury of up and moving our kingdom.
Prophet Velen says: And those that did know how dangerous these earthquakes can be. To this day, the Exodar is still shaking from our rather abrupt arrival.
Lady Jaina Proudmoore says: I'm not certain we could organize our people to move even if we wanted to. We've also received word of hostile elementals appearing randomly across the lands, sometimes in towns, sometimes across the countryside. Moving may not be an option.
King Magni Bronzebeard says: Well, there is at least a wee bit of good news... no offense, Gelbin. The shaking seems to have stirred up The Earthen Ring. Even the Wildhammer shaman have offered their help.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: Perhaps these events are also what have brought forth the Highborne from Shen'dralar.
Prophet Velen says: It seems as if this world is coming apart at the seams. I've seen these symptoms before, on Draenor... We may not be able to stop this. Fleeing may be our best option.
King Varian Wrynn says: Fleeing is not an option I wish to entertain at this point. We will find another way. Perhaps these tablets from Ulduar will shed some light on our situation.
Lady Jaina Proudmoore says: Hopefully we can get these answers quickly. The people are frightened, and cultists are taking advantage of that fear.
King Varian Wrynn says: These cultists only exacerbate the problem. They preach the end of the world, or that the world is having birthing pains... Hyperbole that is hard for the populace to ignore.
Tyrande Whisperwind says: Troubling times indeed. Fear of the unknown makes people do foolish things.
High Tinker Mekkatorque says: And our lack of answers only fuels the confusion.
King Magni Bronzebeard says: All the more reason we need to reach the bottom of this. This tablet from Ulduar will lead us in the right direction. Brann is sure of it. And if Brann is certain, then I am certain.
Lady Jaina Proudmoore says: I've made it a point not to argue with a dwarf when it comes to the earth. If the Bronzebeards are sure this tablet will help solve the earth's problems, then by all means we should support them.
Transcript of the meeting in Grommash Hold
Thrall says: Let us begin.
Garrosh Hellscream says: Are we not going to have more witnesses?
Thrall says: I do not wish to make an event of this. Such frivolities are expensive and merely serve our vanity. But if you wish to have a celebration...
Garrosh Hellscream says: No, Warchief, this is enough.
Thrall says: You know that these are troubling times for the Horde. Our supplies dwindle. Our lands are barren. Our warriors are in need of rest. These are tasks that must be addressed for the good of the Horde.
Vol'jin says: Da people be happy with our success in Northrend.
Garrosh Hellscream says: "Our" success? Troll, you played no part in the Horde's victories in Northrend. While I led our warriors against the Lich King, you merely took back a few scattered islands.
Vol'jin says: Watch yourself, young one. You don't-
Eitrigg says: Garrosh! Vol'jin! Hold your tongues. There are larger issues at stake.
Vol'jin says: Forgive my outburst. Warchief, please, continue.
Thrall says: Despite our success in Northrend, we face serious problems that cannot be solved simply by axe and sword. Earthquakes shake every region. Elementals ravage the countryside. I can hear our land, Azeroth, cry out in pain.
Garrosh Hellscream says: These are the reasons that you must leave.
Thrall says: Yes, I leave for Nagrand to learn from the elements there. They have suffered and seen many of these same symptoms.
Vol'jin says: How long you gonna be gone?
Thrall says: It may take time to learn what I must. I trust I will not be gone too long, but it could be weeks - even months.
Thrall says: In my absence, I am instructing you, Garrosh Hellscream, to lead the Horde. You have the strength and courage that our people need to survive in these trying times.
Garrosh Hellscream says: I am honored, warchief. But I feel unprepared for the life of a ruler.
Thrall says: You will not be alone. You will have advisors: Cairne, Eitrigg, Vol'jin. They will help guide you.
Thrall says: And though I am leaving soon, I can also instruct you.
Vol'jin says: A good first test may be dealin' with dese cultists. Da people be scared. Dey aren't sure what's goin'on.
Garrosh Hellscream says: But even we are not sure of all that is happening. Should we capture these cultists and force their silence? But that may anger the rest of the people... Still, we cannot allow the cult to spread fear and lies...
Eitrigg says: Now you are thinking like a ruler, Garrosh. You must look at all sides of a problem. Consult with your advisors and act with confidence.
Thrall says: They will help you Garrosh. And I will help you. I will find the answers that we need to assuage the fears of the people and soothe the elements.
Garrosh Hellscream says: I will not fail you, Warchief. I will lead as well as I can, and I will consult with the advisors you suggest. I know what a tremendous honor you do me, and I will strive to be worthy of it.
Thrall says: Then it is done.
Thrall says: Let everything you do be done for the Horde.
Vol'jin says: For da Horde!
Eitrigg says: For the Horde!
Garrosh Hellscream says: For the Horde!
Phase 3: Heavier earthquakes
On 16th of October 2010 the earthquakes have longer durations.