The path to vengeance is still open to Tyrande and the Night Elves as she becomes the only hero to repel Sylvanas’ agents in the new Shadowlands cinematic.
Blizzard has officially launched the pre-patch for World of Warcraft: Shadowlands and it comes with a new cinematic that gives fans what to expect when the new expansion arrives.
Bolvar Fordring survives in new Shadowlands pre-patch cinematic
When Arthas was defeated in the Wrath of the Lich King, it was Bolvar who took in the helm of domination to rein in the undead. Without a Lich King, the Undead Scourge would wreak havoc on the living. For this reason, Bolvar chose to become the Lich King and proclaiming himself as the “Jailer of the Damned.”
While for many expansions, Bolvar managed to rule over the dead effectively, he had this lingering feeling that Sylvanas would come for him. In Battle for Azeroth, this feeling turned out to be true.
At the end of Battle for Azeroth, Blizzard treated World of Warcraft fans to an epic fight between Sylvanas and Bolvar. Sylvanas had just left the horde and her people. And Bolvar believed that she wanted the Scourge for herself. But this then turned out to be false.
After defeating Bolvar, Sylvanas proceeded to tear the helm of domination apart much to Bolvar’s surprise. This culminated with the destruction of the veil separating the mortal realm and the Shadowlands, disrupting the balance between life and death in the process.
Many assumed that this was the last they would see of Bolvar. But that doesn’t seem to be the case. The new pre-patch cinematic reveals that Bolvar did survive and is now aboard the Acheron necropolis.
Abduction of Jaina, Thrall, Anduin, Baine, and more
As Nazgrim and Whitemane take Bolvar inside the Acherus, the Highlord of the Knights of the Ebon Blade remarked how Sylvanas had done the unthinkable, letting out a warning saying:
“Now, she will come for them all to finish what she started, then break all who opposed her – those who held Azeroth together will be in her sights.”
As he is saying this, scenes depicting dark clouds spreading over Azeroth particularly Nordrassil, Kul Tiras, Orgrimmar, Thunderbluff, and Stormwind, were shown. Tyrande Whisperwind, Jaina Proudmoore, Thrall, and Baine Bloodhoof were each shown looking ominously towards the spreading darkness.
In Stormwind, Anduin Wrynn and Genn Graymane were visiting the tomb of Anduin’s father Varian when the dark clouds came. Soon after, two-winged beings flew out of the dark clouds. They quickly shot tendrils of power towards Anduin which then turned into chains. Genn could only scream as the winged beings helplessly dragged the young king with them.
The game later reveals that Anduin, Thrall, Jaina, and Baine were all captured by the winged beings. Of course, at the behest of Sylvanas Windrunner.
Tyrande evades capture
Out of all the Azerothian leaders that were targeted, Tyrande was the only one who managed to defeat Sylvanas’ agents. Lor’Themar Theron remarked astonishingly at how Tyrande was able to neutralize beings that not even Jaina could defeat.
Of course, this is all thanks to Tyrande’s Night Warrior powers. The burning of Teldrassil and the massacre of her people had left Tyrande no choice but to call upon the Night Warrior. This also left her in a vengeful state. Maiev explains that the Night Warrior is the embodiment of Elune’s wrath. With this power, the Night Elves could at least seek vengeance on the Horde, particularly Sylvanas.
Will the Night Elves finally get their revenge in Shadowlands?
The war between the Alliance and the Horde is technically over. With Sylvanas out of the picture and a new treaty signed, there is no longer a reason to fight. But it’s a situation that does not favor the Night Elves. And Tyrande has no qualms about expressing her ire towards the Horde.
The Night Elves suffered the most at the hands of the Horde. And it is understandable when Tyrande exclaimed: “we will sign no treaty unless it is written in the Banshee’s blood!” Of course, that remains to be seen. Anduin will not hold the Horde accountable because he’s worked hard to achieve their fragile peace.
However, Sylvanas wouldn’t have been able to invade and destroy the Night Elves’ home without the Horde. Even if they were only following orders, one cannot deny the lives that were lost at their hands.
With Tyrande vanquishing Sylvanas’ winged agents and evading capture, does this mean that the Night Elves will finally get their revenge? Fans now know that Tyrande will travel to the Shadowlands to seek out the realm of Ardenweald.
With the power of the moon goddess behind her back, will she play a pivotal role in Shadowlands? Or will she be sidelined once again by Blizzard?
Featured image courtesy of World of Warcraft/Blizzard