Meanwhile, the first alpha builds of the new expansion of World of Warcraft are available, and data miners are starting to extract them. They have even discovered something: some supposedly dead NPCs seem to be returning with Shadowlands.
What data is this? Since it was announced on April 6 that the first alpha invitations for Shadowlands are being sent out, the first versions of the alpha are slowly appearing. Data miners are using these to extract game files and mine new information.
In doing so, they have come across new models showing old characters who had died in earlier expansions, completely revamped and in some cases in entirely new forms.
Where do they come from? The files were discovered by data miners at wowhead, who are usually quite reliable when it comes to showcasing new content in advance. However, we still do not know how exactly the characters will be introduced in the new expansion Shadowlands.
The images used are from wowhead.
6 dead NPCs that could return with Shadowlands
What NPCs are these? In the files found, there are five characters who should actually be dead:
- Uther, the Lightbringer and former mentor of Arthas’
- The former green dragon aspect Ysera
- The Loa god Hakkar
- Kael’thas, the former leader of the blood elves
- Kel’Thuzad, the lich and advisor to the Lich King Arthas Menethil
- Lady Vashj, the final boss in the Serpent Shrine Cavern
Click on the images to enlarge them.
Each of these characters has been dead for quite some time. Hakkar was already defeated in WoW Classic, Lady Vashj and Kael’thas met their end in Burning Crusade, Kel’Thuzad was last killed in Wrath of the Lich King, and Ysera died in Legion. Uther was even slain before the time of WoW, during Warcraft 3.
How do they return? So far, we don’t know exactly in what form or why the characters are returning. Only the new models are known. However, the Shadowlands are the realm of the dead – where else should you meet them?
At least Ysera, Uther, Kel’Thuzad, and Kael’thas seem to belong to one of the new covenants that you can join in Shadowlands. It is quite possible that they are targets for the special soul bonds you can connect with.
Story Spoilers
Kel’Thuzad and Lady Vashj reportedly appear quite early in a scenario according to game files and serve as helpers or NPCs in a quest with Tyrande (via mmo-champion).
However, new timewalking events or even dungeons in the Caverns of Time are also possible. Only with the god Hakkar is everything a bit murky. If gods can even truly die, the question remains whether the same rules apply to them in Shadowlands.
New models for important characters
These characters are getting a redesign: Besides the five beloved characters, there are also new models for Sylvanas Windrunner and the new Lich King Bolvar Fordragon, as well as a first model for the main antagonist: The Jailer.
Sylvanas now wears even more armor and gets a new face. The red glow in her eyes, which often accompanies her, is missing in these pictures, however. After all, she betrays us all before Shadowlands anyway, it is still uncertain what will happen to her.
Bolvar, on the other hand, gets an impressive plate armor that strongly resembles that of his predecessor Arthas, along with his royal blue cloak. Only his breastplate and his helmet is missing – of course.
The Jailer, at least in this form, looks quite different than in an initial leak. Although he still wears his chains and archaic armor, he now has a gaping hole in his chest instead of a bushy beard.
What else was found: In addition to all the renowned characters, data miners also found models for new NPCs that could serve both as allies and enemies. You can find the list of models on wowhead.
Among the new models are also pets and mounts as well as representations of the Kyrian, the first covenant that Blizzard has already presented. Some of these will probably serve as reputation rewards or companions, in accordance with the covenant abilities. However, we do not yet know exactly where most of them will be used. What do you think?
