WARNING: Patch 10.1 Embers of Neltharion spoilers ahead!
This chapter starts after Sarkareth is defeated and we need to venture into Aberrus to deal with the aftermath.
The questline starts near the entrance to Aberrus with Ebyssian – We’re required to Aberrus with the members of the Black Dragonflight and see the fruits of Deathwing’s experiments. As we enter the raid, Emberthal expresses her emotions on Sarkareth.
Emberthal: Sarkareth…
Ebyssian: I am sorry for the friend you lost.
Emberthal: As you said, he chose his path. And yet… though he was deeply misguided, Sarkareth deserves a farewell that befits the dracthyr he once was.
Ebyssian: Of course. I will go with you to the place he fell.
Sabellian: There are still dangers remaining in Aberrus. We should not let them travel alone.
Wrathion: Agreed. Champion, will you join us? This is a path best walked together.
As we enter Aberrus, Wrathion and Sabellian talk it out about the legacy of Neltharion.
Wrathion: I knew of Deathwing’s corruptipn when I was still in the shell. But I had no idea how deeply it ran.
Sabellian: Father… pursued his goals with relentless conviction. He was never fond of half measures.
Wrathion: A trait you admired?
Sabellian: In some ways, yes. But now, seeing what i can lead to, I am… less certain.
After this talk, we receive two quests to go deeper into the Experiments wing of Aberrus with Wrathion and Sabellian, where Neltharion loyalists are holding up. As we clear the loyalists and destroy remaining Neltharion experiments, Wrathion and Sabellian continue exchanging conversations about experiences. As we enter the experiments wing, we find a dead djaradin, and the black dragons decide to free them, even though they are sworn enemies.
Sabellian: Such twisted malevolence… the air is thick with it.
Wrathion: This ends here. This is the final culling.
Sabellian: Was it like this when you hatched? Were the others truly so far gone?
Wrathion: They weren’t haunted echoes he’d left behind. They were devoted followers of the bleak future he’d led them to.
—
Sabellian: The djaradin are ruthless adversaries of our flight. But to be imprisoned and have their life siphoned away… it is too cruel of a fate, even for our enemies.
Wrathion: How long have they been here?
Sabellian: Long enough.
—
Sabellian: These pitiful creatures… did father truly hold so little regard for life?
Wrathion: He cared only about forging a future in which the black dragonflight would be dominant.
Sabellian: As… as I have done.
Wrathion: You are not him, Sabellian. You wish to see our kind thrive, not dominate. It is an admirable pursuit.
Sabellian: Thank you, Wrathion. But I must do better.
As we clear to the end of the Experiments wing, Wrathion and Sabellian enter another argument – Once again, about the Slitherdrakes, and Wrathion’s creation — And now neither of them had a choice in the circumstances surrounding their creation.
Sabellian: Disgusting creatures. Unnatural aberrations!
Wrathion: There are some serpent drakes stationed at the top of the Experiments Wing for us, champion.
Wrathion: They had no choice or agency in their creation. Neither did I.
Wrathion: They should see us safely to the lower platform.
Sabellian: Wrathion, I did not mean–
Wrathion: Do I disgust you as well?
Sabellian: We have not known each other long, but I can see that you are every bit the dragon I am. If I have ever made you feel otherwise, I am truly sorry.
Wrathion: Well, I… Thank you, Sabellian.
We ride the slitherdrakes to the Edge of Oblivion, the arena in which the final showdown with Sarkareth happens. As we arrive there, what was initially unclear in the Aberrus raid is now confirmed – Scalecommander Sarkareth is dead. We collect the pieces of Sarkareth’s commander signet, and after turning that quest in, in-game cinematic plays, where Emberthal mourns Sarkareth’s death – Even though he did the things he did, he was still dracthyr in the end of the day.
And with this, we return to Valdrakken to report to Alexstrasza on the success of the mission from Aberrus, and a newly named Black Dragon aspect – Ebyssian.
Ebyssian: Ah, there you are. We did not wish to begin without you, <player>.
Alexstrasza: Welcome home, my friends. What news from Aberrus?
Ebyssian: Neltharion’s abominations have been eradicated. Sadly, not before Sarkareth succumbed to corruption and had to be struck down.
Alexstrasza: A heavy price to pay, but a reminder of the cost of seeking power.
Sabellian: That is a lesson each of us has had to learn.
Wrathion: Indeed, my brother. And by confronting the darkness of our flight’s past, we have found its future.
Alexstrasza: As I had hoped you would. Tell me.
Sabellian: We believe Ebyssian is the right choice to lead us.
Wrathion: His wisdom and compassion will pave a new path forward for us all.
Alexstrasza: I agree. And do you accept this charge, Ebyssian?
Ebyssian: I am honored to do so. But I will require my general and my diplomat at my side.
Alexstrasza: Then let it be so. Come, take your place among our council… Earth-Warder.
Alexstrasza yells: Citizens of Valdrakken, hear me! From this day forth, Ebyssian shall serve his people as Earth-Warder and Aspect of the black dragonflight!
After this, we get a final in-game cutscene from Alexstraza – Talking about the success of the Aberrus mission.
