POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR THE 11.0 WOW EXPANSION. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Khaz Algar – Sector AR-938
Breaking down the first half of the new mount’s name, Algarian, likely refers to someone from Khaz Algar, a new location we recently learned about in Dragonflight from the Observational Report: Earthen found within the Uldaman dungeon.
In the report, Titan Watchers dispatched a contingent of Earthen to investigate a fissure for geological anomalies in Sector AR-938. However, these Earthen fell under the influence of flesh and began displaying behaviors and transformations similar to the dwarves currently known in-game today. These flesh-cursed Earthen began calling the sector Khaz Algar, similar to the dwarven kingdom we’re familiar with Khaz Modan or Ironforge.
Earthen Variations in WoW
The exact nature of what this new subset of dwarf-like people looks like remains a mystery, especially with the limited knowledge of the area as well as the diverse nature of Earthen in general.
Be sure to check out our breakdown of all the new lore books mysteries in the updated Uldaman.
Updated Uldaman Lore Book Mysteries
Stormriders
Now that we know we might be looking at a dwarven civilization, let’s look at the potential for what a stormrider might be. Looking at the database of WoW NPCs named Stormrider, there’s only a handful of options and even fewer that seem relevant.
Storm Elementals
If looking for the literal name only one NPC shows up, Stormrider, a storm elemental found in the Storm Peaks of Northrend relatively close to the titan complex of Ulduar and prison of the Old God Yogg-Saron. This titan complex is home to many Earthen constructs that have been corrupted by the Old God as well as Algalon the Observe, a constellar who was charged by the titan Pantheon to watch over the planet of Azeroth.
While an elemental might feel like a longshot as a reference to an undiscovered dwarven civilization, remember that the Wildhammer Dwarves have a long history as elemental shaman, especially to storm and lightning via their gryphonriders. These riders would sling storm bolts from their stormhammers to stun and devastate their foes from above.
In addition we recently previewed the Blizzcon 2023 In-Game Goodies & Swag and a new elemental mount was teased with the tagline “AND MORE TO BE REVEALED”.
Blizzcon 2023 Mount Teaser
The Heroic edition mount and the one given away for Blizzcon attendees are unlikely to be the same, but it is possible that both mounts will have similar looks and could represent different elements or even just have different tints.
Blizzcon 2023 In-Game Goodies & Swag
Wildhammer Dwarves
One specific NPC with a similar title is Stormrider Telmin, a Wildhammer Dwarf found on the Howling Isles of Stormsong Valley close to the Shrine of the Storm in Battle for Azeroth. Telmin is calling a Slumbering Tempest with his gryphon’s Stormflash and Sparkbeak nearby.
Stormrider Telmin
While not a particularly prominent NPC as a simple objective for the In the Shadow of the Kraken world quest, the NPC does give a dwarven example of a Wildhammer Stormrider. Could it be as simple as translating this NPC for the dwarves of Khaz Algar?
Wildhammer Gryphonrider – Falstad
Dwarven Cosmetics Datamined
The coincidences of Storm-related dwarves continue to stack up as we datamined several Dwarven-themed items in this week’s build; new cosmetics not only for the Trading Post, but also some account-bound cosmetic appearances with some interesting names.
The Dwarven Crown Splitter will likely be a future Trading Post offering due to it’s associated Trader’s Tender cost. Arsenal: Stormrider’s Stormhammers, Wildhammer Scout’s Headgear, and Regal Gryphon Rider’s Headgear account-bound appearances have also been datamined, though we don’t currently have previews of these items.
Dwarven-Themed Items in Latest 10.2 PTR Build
Iridikron & the Old Gods
While this should all be taken as complete speculation, the evidence does seem to be mounting that we could be visiting the dwarves of Khaz Algar. How would this relate to the current narrative of Dragonflight?
When last we saw Iridikron in the Dawn of the Infinite mega-dungeon, he had absconded through a void portal with the essence of Galakrond he siphoned into a Dragon Soul-like relic. But to what end?
Dragon Soul-like Relic (Left) & Iridikron’s Escape (Right)
Dawn of the Infinite Story Analysis
Iridikron seeks to unmake the creations of the Titans and pry Azeroth away from the Titan’s grasp. An alliance with the Old Gods could prove fruitful where Iridikron locates Khaz Algar and the Old Gods mutate the curse of flesh to unmake the denizens of Azeroth or steal away the sleeping titan for the Void prompting a return of the Titans and a chance at revenge.
Okay all of this might be a bit of a stretch, but it’s not impossible either, right?
Sword of Sargeras in Silithus
Could we finally be dealing with the Sword of Sargeras in Silithus? What secrets does the dwarven kingdom of Khaz Algar hold? We’ll just have to wait and see with Blizzcon on the horizon with just over a month to go.
