Cortyn has fallen in love with the Venthyr. But with the new WoW cinematic, that’s really not possible …
When Blizzard introduced the covenants of the upcoming expansion Shadowlands almost a year ago, I inevitably rolled my eyes. Maybe as a role-player I’m a bit jaded because I’ve seen too many crazy “mana vampires”. Accordingly, I was not too thrilled about the idea of only encountering vampires in Revendreth.
The whole area seemed so “edgy” at first glance that probably Reaper from Overwatch and Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII could also be hanging around there.
However, the cinematic “Afterlife: Revendreth” has completely changed my opinion.
Everything about the video is consistent.
Beautiful Contrasts with Great Images
It all begins within seconds, as the screams of an Orc can be heard. For fans, the voice of Garrosh, who is apparently being tortured, is immediately recognizable. Since I already had a rough idea of what was happening in Revendreth, I felt a little sadistic joy about it – after all, Garrosh worked hard for this fate.
The harsh cut, followed by the rather cheerful music when Sire Denathrius’s announcement is made, immediately captivated me.
I love it when music and spoken words contrast starkly with the images shown. While Denathrius explains that they would continue to fulfill the “sacred task” to prepare the souls for a good life, we are shown how souls are tortured and stripped of their life force.
While Denathrius speaks of maintaining a system of “rationalization” to burden the rich and the poor equally, the camera shows that the nobility continues to live in a blissful state of anima while the common people literally bleed out.
Even as he boasts that he will lead the Venthyr people to a “better future,” the images are disturbing. One of his subjects is literally dragged into the light and withers – just like a vampire exposed to sunlight.
Afterlife: Revendreth Gets Everything Right
I love these arrogant, noble, and scheming characters who can handle words well while oppressing the people and exploiting them for their own pleasure.
Although for me the Bastion cinematic remains the best of the series, Afterlife: Revendreth does a much better job of showcasing the grim atmosphere and the problems of the Shadowlands. It is solely because of the cinematics that I am more excited about no other area as much as I am about Revendreth.
Additionally, of course, the leader of Revendreth is embroiled in one of the biggest conspiracies of World of Warcraft …
Damn, if this continues, I might actually join the Edgelord vampires. At least one of my characters definitely has to make this choice now …
Do you already know which covenant you will choose?
