Blizzard released two pages featuring the upcoming Echo Isles content and the Darkspear history titled Vol’jin: The Glory of the Darkspear.

There is some PTR character copy activity — still disable — but one of the PTR servers is titled BlizzCon Event (PvE); and Nethaera just announced an unusual service update. There was no description of what this service entails. Could it be related to the PTR servers? We will have to wait and see. The release of this Cataclysm: Echo Isles info might be a sign that things are gearing up in place. The question to ponder is, will it be patch 3.3.5 or will it be Cataclysm Beta?

Blizzard Quote:
We will be releasing a service update shortly. If you are unable to log into the system, it means the upgrade process has begun. We’re working to limit the downtime, so please try again soon!

Blizzard Quote:
As the Darkspear trolls prepare to invade the Echo Isles and reclaim the land bestowed upon them by Thrall, we bring you a first look at these islands as they will exist in Cataclysm. After Zalazane’s fall, a dramatic discord within the Horde leadership will usher in a new era for the Darkspears as they will once again call the Echo Isles home. And this time Vol’jin refuses to run. Read more about the new introductory questing experience for trolls in Cataclysm here

After years in exile, the Darkspear trolls are preparing to invade the Echo Isles and reclaim the land once bestowed to them by Thrall. Led by Vol’jin, a wise and highly regarded Darkspear, the tribe’s bravest warriors will set out from Orgrimmar and Sen’jin Village, seeking to bring about Zalazane’s fall and begin the process of rebuilding their homes and villages on the Echo Isles. In World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, new troll adventurers will begin their journey on these tiny islands off the coast of Durotar, where they’ll be able to experience this time of trial and transition firsthand.

Though the Darkspears may once again have their land, the tribe’s turmoil is far from over. The impending cataclysm will spark rivalry among the Horde leadership, and after years of running from a seemingly endless string of conflicts to preserve the Darkspear nation, Vol’jin is done fleeing. The Darkspears have reclaimed their islands and have no intention of settling elsewhere. Of course, as an untested member of the tribe, you’ll have some training to do before tackling the Darkspears’ larger matters.

Every great hero starts somewhere. As a troll of the Echo Isles, the journey begins with safeguarding your people’s well-being. Early in your adventures, you’ll be charged with protecting the local Bloodtalon raptors and hatchlings from the sorcery of a nearby sea witch, slaying the beasts that feast upon the Darkspears’ primary food sources, and assaulting the naga who’ve overrun the northern isle. But it won’t be long before Vol’jin trusts you with vital — and potentially dangerous — information about the political struggles plaguing the Horde and, ultimately, the fellow members of your tribe.

In World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, you’ll face these trials and more in the trolls’ new and enhanced introductory questing experience (level 1 to 5). Be steadfast and honorable, and your actions will help usher in a new era of Darkspear perseverance in a time of ultimate peril.