Patch 5.3.0: Escalation is the second non-raid patch of World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria and focuses on the escalating tensions between Garrosh and Vol'jin's Darkspear Rebellion. The patch includes a new world event in the Barrens, the addition of Heroic Scenarios, a brand new Arena and Battleground, new foes to fight in the Brawler's Guild and much more.
Garrosh Hellscream's quest for power in Pandaria leads him to excavate part of the sacred Vale of Eternal Blossoms in search of a sinister artifact, a decision that puts the Horde at odds with the Shado-pan and other influential pandaren. Meanwhile, in the Horde capital of Orgrimmar, Chieftain Vol'jin and the Darkspear trolls are declared traitors and hunted by the Kor'kron, Hellscream's personal guard. Vol'jin's people retreat to Durotar and the Barrens to gather supplies and reinforcements for their counter-strike, relying on the support of their former warchief, Thrall, and a particularly tenuous pact with the Alliance, whose interest in ending Garrosh's rule may not bode entirely well for the Horde...