New quest texts from Patch 8.1 of World of Warcraft are causing displeasure among the Horde. It is indeed divided – but there is no choice.
With Patch 8.1 Tides of Vengeance, the story of World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth continues to advance. Players will reunite with Varok Saurfang, which not all players are happy about. After all, players are being forced into a clear role, and their choice of what “Horde” truly means to them is taken away.
Spoiler warning: Since this article deals with content from Patch 8.1, there are light spoilers.
Horde players as resistance fighters
In the various comment sections, players are dissatisfied with the course of the story. It is not the storyline itself that bothers them, but rather that they are being forced into a fixed role that may not align with their character or personal beliefs.
This is about the Horde questline where you find Saurfang and are supposed to bring him back to Orgrimmar. He refuses and, together with Zekhan and the player, kills one of Sylvanas’ dark rangers and the soldiers sent after him.
The player is thus, at least based on the current impression, being forced into a clear role: the resistance fighter against Sylvanas and ally of Varok Saurfang.
Two Hordes, but only one player role
This very point bothers many players. While some players are glad to fight alongside Saurfang and “for the honor of the Horde,” other Horde players do not see it that way. Especially Forsaken, but also Blood Elves (whose support for Sylvanas is shown elsewhere), have no reason to stand against the Banshee Queen.
From the perspective of the undead, Sylvanas is as effective as she has never been before. She is implementing the plans she has promised her people for ages. She is cruel, but effective. Other members of the Horde (and their players) also do not see why they should now oppose the Banshee Queen. After all, if her instigated war is successful, it could finally give the Horde a clear, superior position of power. The means used for it are secondary.
If you dig a little into the past, you can even find the old Classic intro of the Forsaken. It clearly shows what plans they are pursuing – and what they are willing to do for it:
These players, who are loyal to Sylvanas, would have liked to have a choice. Should they work for or against Sylvanas? Is Saurfang a “hero” to be protected or a traitor to be eliminated?
Right here, Blizzard’s rigidity in its own world seems to have gotten in the way. Because in the end, there will likely be – as has always been – only one “valid” lore that drives the game’s events forward. And for that to happen, players must be forced into their own fortune.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether the questline will actually be implemented as it is currently planned. After all, Patch 8.1 is only available on the PTR and not yet live.
What is your opinion on this? Do you find it acceptable to be “forced” into the role of the resistance fighter? Or would you prefer to remain loyal to Sylvanas in the story?
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