Shadow Priests have a reason to rejoice. They can cuddle with their “Knaifu” once again – Xal’atath was found in the game data of World of Warcraft.
What is Xal’atath? Xal’atath was the artifact weapon of Shadow Priests in Legion. Like few other artifact weapons, Xal’atath had its own personality and occasionally spoke to players.
These whispers often spoke of great calamity and were delivered by a lascivious voice. It didn’t take long for Shadow Priests to name the blade “Knaifu” – a mix of “Waifu” and “Knife” – a dagger to fall in love with.
With the end of Legion, the blade was lost, unfortunately without much farewell.
Xal’atath may even have tainted the Titans.
Xal’atath in the game data: In the game data of Patch 8.1, the epic item Xal’atath, Blade of the Black Empire, was found again. It is apparently a quest item. Thematically, this would fit the raid Crucible of Storms, which takes place beneath the Shrine of Storms and is related to the Old Gods.
New spells suggest a questline: Wowhead has now extracted further spells from the game files and constructed a possible storyline from them. Please note that this is still only speculation.
- It seems that Xal’atath is currently in a “sleeping” state, after all, the blade was used to cleanse Sargeras’ corruption.
- Players can penetrate the blade and talk to Xal’atath there.
- They must convince her and then feed her with souls of Naga to restore her to her former strength. Afterwards, “Xal” leaves the blade and is considered freed.
- Whether this is really a good thing or if it is a grave mistake remains to be seen.
Quest still incomplete: The hints suggest that the questline will be accessible for all classes – not just Priests. However, the data is still incomplete. There are still no “broadcast” texts, i.e., spoken words that NPCs say. The quest appears to be in a very early state.
Whether Xal’atath will indeed return with Patch 8.1 or if Blizzard plans that for a later date is uncertain. It will definitely be exciting to see what happens with the beloved Shadow Priest blade. Maybe we will get to see its true form…
In this sense: No Knaifu, No Laifu.
What happens to the other artifact weapons, such as Hati, whom some players wanted to save, or Aluneth, is still uncertain.
What else Patch 8.1 Tides of Vengeance brings, we reveal in our comprehensive overview article.
