In the upcoming patch 8.1.5 of World of Warcraft, the story takes a dark turn. An old god completely captivates us.
With patch 8.1.5 of World of Warcraft, the story of Battle for Azeroth is slowly but surely changing. The conflict between Horde and Alliance takes a back seat, while players and the Old Gods gain attention. Currently, everything suggests that players will become servants of the Old God N’Zoth …
The colleagues from wowhead have compiled a lot of information about this, which we want to address here.
Spoiler Warning: This article contains a lot of spoilers about the contents of the upcoming patch 8.1.5 and the resulting speculation. You have been warned.
We create our own danger
In patch 8.1.5, there is a small mini-raid consisting of only two bosses. In the Crucible of Storms, players face servants of N’zoth to secure some relics from the Crucible.
The absurdity of it is that we, as players, brought these relics into the Crucible ourselves. In a questline with Xal’atath, the former Blade of the Shadow Priests, we collect three powerful relics and bring them to N’Zoth as an offering. At least this is what Xal’atath tells us.
In fact, Xal’atath explains to the Old God N’Zoth that she has brought something entirely different: the players.
„Listen to me, God from the Depths! I have brought you the opener… the bringer of truths… the beacon that illuminates the way!”
Xal’atath
Subsequently, players receive “The Gift of N’Zoth” and are corrupted by the Old God in a way that we do not yet fully understand. The fact is, however, that we have been corrupted.
Return to the raid
Shortly afterwards, players receive an order from the leaders of the Horde and Alliance to return to the Crucible of Storms to retrieve the three relics that we had previously brought there. At first glance, none of the artifacts seem powerful enough to pose a truly devastating threat.
It is no more than a simple reason to return to the Crucible once again. The three relics are what one would refer to in stories as a “plot device”. Objects that serve only to advance a story. Here, they were introduced quite bluntly, but not by supposedly bad writers at Blizzard, but as part of N’Zoth’s plan.
We brought the relics into the raid ourselves, only to have to retrieve them later. Just as N’Zoth wanted.
The significance of the Crucible of Storms
The name of the raid already gives a small hint that something is happening with the players. Because a Crucible is actually a vessel in which a material is heated and then formed into another shape. This material seems to be the player characters, and the shape is exactly what N’Zoth wants to make of us.
A servant for his plans, which are still difficult to assess.
This is not just a theory, but is almost confirmed by the bosses in the raid. The two bosses do not aim to kill the players, but only to test them.
The bosses’ trials
The first boss, “The Restless Cabal,” was actually tasked with searching for the three relics for N’Zoth, which the player has taken from him. There is actually no reason for the Cabal to remain in this place anymore – except as part of a test for the players. They repeatedly mock the players and declare that they are “not worthy.” However, it is this worthiness that is currently being tested.
With the second boss, “Uu’nat, Harbinger of the Void,” this task is even clearer. He speaks during the fight with N’Zoth, and it becomes clear that the players are being tested and shaped.
Uu’nat: „These lowly mortals desecrate your shrine, Master. Let us drown them and wash away their disrespect!”
N’Zoth: „Patience… Patience. They may still prove worthy of my gift. I will taste their dreams … their flesh.”
Uu’nat: „As you command! They will serve … or they will die!”
Especially revealing is the phrase Uu’nat utters when the entire raid dies. He then says:
„They were not the ones you searched for, Master. We will find others who will open the way.”
However, even after a successful battle against Uu’nat, there is a short dialogue.
Uu’nat: Master … they are … worthy …
Uu’nat: Everything … shall… awaken …
N’Zoth: Yes… You are truly the ones I seek. Those who will turn the tides. [see note below]
N’Zoth: Now receive the greatest of all gifts. My dream has become yours. The circle of stars formed of flesh.
N’Zoth: She will guide you the way. Come … Come. The hour is near when all eyes will be opened.
It is also important to note that a few things may have been lost in translation. Because in English, N’Zoth does not say “turn the tides” but “Turn the Tides”, which can bluntly mean “turn the floods” or also “overcome the current.” This would fit well with the upcoming raid in which we fight Azshara – the Mistress of the Sea. Perhaps her death is just another step in N’Zoth’s plan.
Who is “she”? Who will guide the way?
The sayings of the Old Gods have always sparked speculation. Especially N’Zoth’s last statement prompts thought. “She will guide you the way” allows for multiple interpretations and also fits with a saying from another boss, Il’gynoth. He said, “At the hour of her third death, she heralds our appearance”.
Back then, it was thought that this could refer to Azeroth, Alleria, or Sylvanas. Now, another person seems more likely: Azshara.
For she has metaphorically already died twice. Once with the fall of her kingdom and a second time with her transformation into the Queen of the Naga (both experienced in Cinematic Warbringer: Azshara).
We know that in patch 8.2 we will travel to Naz’jatar, which is somehow “raised from the depths.” This gives us access to the depths of the seas. And what exactly could she show us in the depths of the seas? – Correct, the further path into the depths, to the sunken city of the Old Gods, Ny’alotha.
So far, all of this is, of course, just vague theory with many hints and should therefore be taken with caution.
It seems clear that we, as players, have become the chess piece of N’Zoth. Even if this currently has no visible effects, it appears that players are independently bringing about the next major problem of Azeroth by being instrumentalized by the Old God.
What do you think of these story developments? Is it cool that players are being exploited and thus becoming somewhat “evil”? Or do you think that players can “still turn the tide” and N’Zoth’s plan will fail?
By the way, these little puzzle pieces fit very well with other theories from fans that we have explained in recent days and weeks:
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