What is To Come...

One of the things I love about the datamined information from MMO is the chance it gives people like me to speculate on what may be coming in game. In amongst the first slew of information we got from the PTR was the addition of a new model: Terenas Menethil. Those of you paying attention will know this is the father of Arthas, the voice we hear in the Lich King cinematic:

My Son... the day you were born, the very forests of Lordaeron whispered the name... Arthas.

My child, I watched with pride as you grew into a weapon... of righteousness. Remember, our line has always ruled with wisdom, and strength. And I know you will show restraint when exercising your great power.

But the truest victory, my son, is stirring the hearts of your people.

I tell you all this, for when my days have come to an end, you shall be King...

It is no surprise therefore to see Arthas' father appear in game as we approach Icecrown, especially if you take a look at the video above which is by far the best representation of an in-game event I have ever seen. Ashbringer depicts the events around the Epic Death Knight quest 'The Battle for Light's Hope Chapel' and I cannot help but think the parallels between Mograine and Arthas will be played on to the full. In fact, I'd put money on seeing a similar scene with Arthas and his father as we witness at Light's Hope with the Mograines.

What is most satisfying for me from a Lore Nerd's point of view is the foreshadowing we've had of the events leading to Icecrown. The sword in the ice, Quel'delar, so close to the spot where Sindragosa was raised, has been sitting quietly for a long time, and now we also have the potential of an epic questline to reforge it and use it in the batttle ahead. We have a man in Tirion Fordring who understands Arthas, but who also understands what it is like to lose a son. The questline in EPL/WPL that starts with Fordring and helps you escort his son ultimately to his death (and ultimately pushes Fordring to retake his place as the Head of the Order of the Silver Hand) is the start of a long journey with this Paladin, a man driven by a need to see justice prevail and the Light win over the Darkness. We have two factions almost at war, their men looking only to conquest and their women left to aid us in what could well be Azeroth's darkest hour. I have never been a great fain of Jaina Proudmoore but I feel it's right that it's her who will be leading the Alliance in the first part of our journey in the 5 mans. Considering how badly the Sons of Azeroth have done...

Considering the changes Blizzard have made to the game with Wrath, I cannot help but feel a sense of anticipation at what is to come. Part of me thinks that another Wrathgate Cutscene is coming, and I hope I'm right, because to have those added to the game at this point would be pretty much the icing on the cake of an expansion that has delivered the dramatic, and more. I'd expect to see Bolvar back too, in one form or another, but in the end I'm hoping that Blizzard can deliver an end to this Expansion that justifies all that we have come through, that ties up the Hero Class storyline and that finally sees us taking centre stage with Azeroth's heroes of past, present and future.

Roll on 3.3 :D