What's eight feet tall, transforms into a wolf, bear, snow leopard, or raven, is unafraid of anything, and can drink you under even the shortest of tables? Meet the Norn, the biggest, baddest, and loudest race in Guild Wars 2.
The shamanic barbarians of the North, the Norn are the most outgoing player character race in all of Tyria. These larger-than-life characters spend their large lives trying to make themselves even larger still, constantly seeking out dangerous adventures in order to grow their own legend. In their downtime they enjoy drinking, carousing, and getting into bar fights. Or town square fights. They're big on fighting.
Hell, they're big on everything.
They're also very attuned with nature. They call on the spirits of the bear, the wolf, the snow leopard, and the raven to help guide them in their work, gaining the ability to transform into these animals in times of need. Wild animals are their opponents, their sustenance, and their constant companions. They respect the natural order of things, though they aren't above punching it in the face if it crosses them.
I've read two Guild Wars 2 novels now, Ghosts of Ascalon by Matt Forbeck and Jeff Grubb and more recently Edge of Destiny by J. Robert King. In both novels the Norn consistently rank as the second most interesting characters.
I'm sure ArenaNet will get to showcasing the most interesting eventually. Until then, enjoy the images and the trailer, and stay tuned to the Guild Wars 2 website for more Norn goodness.