We've known that something big is being planned to build up to the launch of the new World of Warcraft expansion, Cataclysm, which is arriving on December 7. At Blizzcon, Blizzard even dropped some hints that the impending world event could shut down some zones for extended periods of time. Now we've got a better idea of what's going on, and current WOW players should probably prepare for some unexpected deaths.

The story behind Cataclysm involves the powerful dragon Deathwing (pictured above) bursting from the earth and messing up the lands of Azeroth. In-game, this will be represented by whole zones dying at once. According to an official Blizzard post on the World of Warcraft forums:

"Once free to terrorize the world, Deathwing will randomly choose territories in Azeroth to attack each day until his ruinous reign is brought to an end. A blackened sky will be the only warning before every living creature caught in his approach is consumed by his terrible fire. The unfortunate victims of his malice will receive a rare Feat of Strength... as well as a repair bill and corpse run."

Each player will need to decide for him or herself whether or not the Achievement is worth the hassle, but you've got to admit, this sounds like a pretty awesome and ballsy way to show how powerful and scary Deathwing is. One thing's for sure, though: Andy probably hates it.