The story of WoW: Battle for Azeroth is confusing. Who is actually attacking whom first? Do important heroes die?
At BlizzCon last weekend, the new expansion for World of Warcraft was presented. Battle for Azeroth focuses heavily on the ancient conflict between Horde and Alliance, bringing the enmity between both factions to the forefront of WoW.
The impressive intro cinematic of Battle for Azeroth shows the siege of Undercity. Sylvanas and the rest of the Horde are fighting against the attackers, which include King Anduin and Genn Greymane.
From the “feature trailer,” we know that the Alliance must bleed as well – Teldrassil and thus the capital Darnassus will be burned down.
But how does the entire conflict actually arise? Who made the first attack? What was the action and what was the reaction?
Spoiler alert: The following contains some details about the story of Battle for Azeroth and discusses theories from the community.
The Burning of Teldrassil
During the various panels at BlizzCon, it was explained that Teldrassil was burned and that Undercity would also be largely destroyed. But what was the first attack?
John Hight revealed in an interview with Gamespot: Teldrassil burned first. The subsequent siege of Lordaeron is, therefore, a reaction to an aggressive act by Sylvanas and the Horde.
How exactly this first attack takes place, we will probably only learn in the summer when the book “Before the Storm” is released, which is supposed to tell the backstory of Battle for Azeroth.
Speculation: The Death of Vereesa Windrunner
Blizzard has already released some artworks for Battle for Azeroth, and there are plenty of exciting details to discern. When looking at the burning of Teldrassil, one can clearly see Sylvanas observing the inferno. However, to her right lies a wounded or possibly dead High Elf in typical Alliance blue – just like we know it from Vereesa!
It is possible that Sylvanas has slain her sister, after all, the two have not been particularly friendly to each other since the novel “War Crimes.” It would be interesting if Sylvanas does not simply let her sister die, but turns her into a Forsaken…
Leaders Missing from the War Council
Further food for speculation comes from insights from the “Red Shirt Guy” Ian Bates, who already tried out the demo of Battle for Azeroth during BlizzCon. He was in Orgrimmar and Stormwind. There are new buildings there, namely the embassies. In those, a war council is currently taking place, with many leaders present.
- Alliance: Anduin, Turalyon, Alleria, Tyrande, Muradin, Mekkatorque, Genn, Velen, Aysa and as a guest Furorion
- Horde: Sylvanas, Baine, Liadrin, Rokhan, Lor’themar, Gallywix, Saurfang, Eitrigg, Nathanos, and Ji
This list shows that Vereesa is missing. The probability of her death or at least her “Horde storage” is thus increasing.
It is also interesting that other leaders, such as Moira or Falstad, are also not present at the discussions. Perhaps Blizzard considers them not significant enough for the war council, or they have already departed. Moira could start the questline that makes the Dark Irons into an “Allied Race” and thus playable.
Also, Malfurion is glaringly absent – and that, even though he has been constantly shouting for his Tyrande throughout a whole expansion.
What role Furorion plays in all of this is also still unclear. It is ironic that it is again a black dragon interfering in the affairs of Stormwind.
What do you think of these little lore tidbits? Are you looking forward to the expansion? Or is the topic too boring for you?
All information about the new expansion can be found in our extensive overview article on World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth.
