Some quotes from Bashiok on the complaints som gloombuggers have had regarding the barbarian character being to “magical”:

I don’t get that feeling while playing one. I think the Hammer of the Ancients ability is definitely magical to some extent, he’s effectively summoning a giant hammer to smash an enemy.

I kind of fill in my own blanks as to where it’s coming from and it feels very natural to me and the Barbarian “kit”. I kind of see it as - and like the idea of - the barbarian … I guess drawing upon the power of his ancestors. It feels very Norse, very mythological, and somehow tied to a family bloodline of great and powerful warriors. Summoning the power of a giant hammer? Hell yeah! If a barb is going to do anything magical, it’s going to be so he can use a big *** ethereal hammer.

Someone responded “But if you have the magical ability to hit so hard you break the rock beneath you, WHY ARE YOU HITTING A ROCK?”" to which Bashiok unleased his response:

Because it looks cool, and it’s a very physical and apparent way to get the basic mechanic of a “crowd control” skill across.

I don’t see anything “magical” about it either. Is it realistic? No, but why should it be? Immersion and reality aren’t intrinsically tied.

I doubt that will be the last we will hear about this, the gloombuggers tend to go on for ever with their nags…

Diablofans.com are quick with the latest Diablo 3 news as always. This time they report about a first view of the Diablo 3 collectible series! Here is what they report:

Sideshow Collectibles and Blizzard Entertainment are proud to introduce the Diablo III Collectible series with this epic first release. The Barbarian Statue depicts the warrior class in fine form, wielding dual-axes in the heat of battle. Each piece is hand-cast in high quality polystone, individually finished and hand-painted to exacting standards, complete with individually assigned edition numbers on the bottom side of the base. Don’t miss this opportunity to begin your Diablo III collection with the limited edition Barbarian Statue.

There will be two editions: The normal one and the Exclusive. The Sideshow Exclusive version of the Diablo III Overthrown Polystone Diorama includes a unique feature available nowhere else: Interchangeable helmeted head for alternate display!

Within the world of Sanctuary in the Kingdom of Khanduras, barbarians are an ancient class of legendary warriors. Barbarians are known for their immense size, relentless fury and two-weapon fighting techniques and dwell upon their sacred Mount Arreat. Though once misunderstood to be simple and aggressive invaders, they are a noble, proud people, upholding great tradition - protecting Mount Arreat and the mysterious artifact it holds.

License: Diablo III
Product Type: Polystone Diorama
Product Size: 18″ H (457.2mm) x 12.5″ W (317.5mm) x 13″ D (330.2mm)*
Product Weight: 15.00 lbs (6.8 kg)*

From behind the camp from the woods movement is suddenly observed. Fearing yet another attack the babrarians and the Amazons try to organise in this direction. The woods is silent and only the cries of the wounded when they are tended by the healers are heard.

Then a man comes out of the woods.
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Seeing Harrogath besieged, battered and scorched a tear wells up in Mortekai’s eye. Standing high above Harrogath, surrounded by the mighty hills he call home he starts to sing. One by one his comrades join in until a hundred barbarians stand above Harrogath, watching their enemies, singing calmly. It unites them and the land itself appears to listen as the soft song flows down to Harrogath where soon voices join in, few at first, then more and more voices join in until it drowns out the sound from the battlefield…

In these mountains I was born
under these clouds I drew my first breath
no matter where I end up
no matter what fate I suffer
I am bound to you

(more…)

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