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 Expansion

World of Warcraft's upcoming Patch 11.1 is shaping up to be a significant update, featuring both new content within Undermine and a touching tribute to the late Mats Steen, the subject of the documentary The Remarkable Life of Ibelin.

Lord Ibelin Redmoore: A Heartfelt Homage

Dataminers have uncovered a new NPC, Lord Ibelin Redmoore, bearing a striking resemblance to Steen's in-game avatar. This NPC, titled "Private Investigator," is a clear nod to Steen's renowned roleplaying career as a detective in Stormwind. While the specifics of his in-game role remain unclear, it promises a poignant memorial to a beloved community member. The inclusion of this character is particularly noteworthy given Steen's passing in 2014, predating the Warlords of Draenor character model update. His avatar's appearance in the game reflects the higher-fidelity model featured in the documentary.

Undermine Expansion and Release Date Speculation

Patch 11.1, the first major content update for World of Warcraft: The War Within, will introduce new adventures centered around the Goblin city of Undermine. While an official release date remains unannounced, the timing of the ongoing Turbulent Timeways event suggests a potential launch around February 25th.

Multiple Tributes to Ibelin

This isn't the first time World of Warcraft has honored Ibelin's legacy. A recreation of his real-life grave exists in Elwynn Forest, and a Reven fox pet and backpack were recently sold as part of a charity bundle benefiting CureDuchenne. The inclusion of Lord Ibelin Redmoore further underscores the profound impact Steen had on the World of Warcraft community. His story continues to resonate, making this in-game tribute a fitting and emotional addition to the game. Players speculate on potential locations for Ibelin's appearances, ranging from Stormwind taverns to a recreation of his well-known daily route. His appearance on the Public Test Realm (PTR) may offer early glimpses before the official patch release.