Now those ancient secrets are being uncovered for all to see as, with her demise, the storm placed upon the Forbidden Reach by Razsageth has disappeared. We managed to bring her down, but not before her siblings were released from their prisons…
Return to the Forbidden Reach
There’s a gap in the story when it comes to Neltharion. We know that he became the Aspect of Earth when turned into a Dragon Aspect, and we know that he would eventually fall to the madness of the Old Gods, bringing about a legacy of death and shadow. But there was a road that lead him there – the transformation was not instant, and those details – those secrets – are slowly being revealed, but will mainly play a part in the next major patch. This one is a smaller, in-between one, and instead focuses on building up where we’re going to go next – which is hot on the trail of the Primalists – to where ever Aberrus might be.
But for our Dracthyr, this is the first time they get to go back to their creches after rudely waking up to a world completely transformed. With our new allies at our side, we go to work to secure the reach against threats like pirates, naga, leftover guards, and the elements themselves, until we’re ready to move further in with Ebyssian and Scalecommander Emberthal.
Scalecommander Emberthal and Ebyssian Quest:
Scalecommander Emberthal says: This isle is the closest thing we dracthyr have to a home. Raszageth is gone. It is time to claim what is ours!
Ebyssian says: You speak as though you are going into battle, Emberthal. If you assume a war footing, there will be war.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: Spoken like one who spent millennia cowering in a cave.
Ebyssian says: We have all been through trials. We have all suffered.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: Indeed. Some more than others.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: Well met, Damos. It’s good to see an old friend.
Talon Damos says: It’s an honor to serve by your side once again, Scalecommander.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: Talon Damos will be my second-in-command for this mission. He’s a fine soldier. One of the best.
Talon Damos says: We’re going back into the Reach. That place was our prison for ten thousand years. It’s time we made it our home.
Ebyssian of the Black Dragonflight
So far we’ve seen Wrathion and Sabellian fight over who gets to lead the Black Dragonflight into the future, but there is another option so far unexplored. Ebyssian has been uncorrupted for millennia now thanks to Huln Highmountain and the Hammer of Khaz’goroth. He’s guided generations of Highmountain leaders while the world kept turning, and we wouldn’t find out about him until the expansion Legion. He hasn’t had a major role in the story yet, but at the same time, he also didn’t nearly destroy the world – nor did he follow the orders of Deathwing and then got stuck on Outland…
Talon Damos says: There’s beauty in these ruins.
Talon Damos says: Maybe our past is worth saving.
We help them out by securing the runes at the Lost Atheneum, but we’re not the only ones in search of history, as some of the tomes have their ‘A’ sections ripped out – knowledge on Abberus. Soon enough our competition reveals themselves…
Sarkareth and the Sundered Flame
Not just the incarnates are on the hunt for information, there’s also Sarkareth and the Sundered Flame. They’re dracthyr that decided not to ally with either the Alliance or the Horde – they broke away entirely, not wanting to follow the orders of another Aspect. They see anything regarding Neltharion as their legacy, theirs to own, so it’s no surprise that they stand in the way of Ebyssian and Scalecommander Emberthal…
Scalecommander Emberthal says: Do you? How many black dragons have you lost?
Ebyssian says: I helped bury generations of the Highmountain tribe… but never my own.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: I… see.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: We have both lost many who were close to us. Yet there are others who may yet be saved.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: This place, Ebyssian. It feels… familiar.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: I sense a great power within it.
Ebyssian says: Who is this?
Ebyssian says: This is an ancient work of magic. I sense Neltharion’s handiwork. This construct should have run out of essence long ago.
Ebyssian says: The collectors… they are saturated with black dragon essence, far more than what you would detect in any one dragon. It’s almost as if…
Ebyssian says: The symbols are conduits of power. If I understand correctly, it is drawing that power from the creches… from the dracthyr themselves.
Ebyssian says: Neltharion was drawing the essence of the black dragonflight from dracthyr in stasis. This… siphon must have been empowering his dark enchantment while denying that power to the dracthyr.
Ebyssian says: Whoever this dragon is, she has been trapped in torment for a very long time. We should learn more before attempting to destroy her oubliette.
Adamanthea
Across the Reach we find communication between Neltharion and a black dragon named Adamanthea. In greek mythology, that name belongs to a goat-nymph who managed to foster Zeus, even though his father Cronus swallowed all of his children in response to a prophecy from his mother Gaia that his own offspring would overthrow his supreme position in the Pantheon.
One can imagine Neltharion having a similar mindset when it comes to the dracthyr.
He was able to fully control them using the gauntlet as seen in the legacy episode, but with the gauntlet destroyed, he decided to lock them away. It’s up for interpretation as to why.
Some have suggested that he locked them away so that the corruption of the Old Gods couldn’t take them, while others – and especially when keeping an eye on this mythos, others believe it had to do with trust. He could no longer fully control them and so he worried that they might overthrow him or turn against him. Let alone those whispers of the old gods floating around his head. The decision was made to lock them away and the communications tell us why Adamanthea has been suffering here for millennia…
At the time of this translation, I can confirm that neither I nor any dracthyr I have spoken to or are able to fully remember Adamanthia. We have only fragments. Her origins and identity are mysterious. Yet we feel drawn to her for reasons beyond recollection.
It is as if she holds a part of us in her, sustained in more than just memory.
Now you may peruse her words in this humble volume. May this transcription help spark memories for worthy dracthyr who read it.
— Zazulithan Dracthyr Archivist
Transcription of Sending Stone: The Prisoner
Lord Neltharion, I bring news. The Reach quaked today with the wrath of Raszageth!
Yet I am happy to report that the seals over her makeshift prison in your vault have held. The enchantments Malygos placed there should remain intact for many ages of this world, even without magical maintenance.
Our prisoner is still able to exert her influence over the weather on this island. I am worried that she might get a message out, given enough time.
For now, however, our only cause for concern should be what would happen if the other Incarnates learned of her presence here. I will once again remind my lackwit servants to destroy my sending stones after their messages have been sent.
Transcription of Sending Stone: Initial Report
My Aspect, I have made a discovery.
You were correct in presuming that Order magic may not be enough to re-establish control over the dracthyr. However, I have learned over my countless experiments that this may not be necessary.
I have confirmed that the dracthyr are not “broken.”
Dracthyr with free will are powerful, dangerously so. Yet they are not mindless cretins. Their hearts and minds can be won over just as any free thinking mortal might.
With your permission, I would like to awaken more of the weyrns so that we might explore this assertion further.
Transcription of Receiving Stone: Final Warning
This is your final warning, Adamanthia. If you continue in your defiance, you will become an example to all any foolishly entertain such asinine aspirations.
Your suffering will span millennia. Even death will not release you. Any who look upon you will gaze upon your torment and despair. Cease this folly, or retribution awaits you.
Transcription of Sending Stone: Protest
My Aspect.
I thought I was doing everything you asked and more. The extraction of black dragonflight essence from the dracthyr has gone smoothly, though I worry it may permanently cripple their abilities. Yet you commanded, and I obey.
You ordered the sealing of the creches, and so I worked with the wyrms of Malygos, as commanded.
Today, I received word that you have ordered my awakened dracthyr to Aberrus, as if they were expendable for some esoteric experiment.
I must know why. I demand their release. You can see for yourself they are awake and aware, creatures capable of independent thought.
Their trust must be cultivated, not forced. In the strongest possible terms, I must protest. Trusting to your genius, I entrust these words to the careful consideration of your sagacious intellect.
Nice details added, like the reason why the dracthyr don’t use powers related to the black dragons – or that while locked away, Razsageth was still able to communicate – at least a hint of an explanation as to why the Primalists were able to find her – and then, of course, another mention of Aberrus, another hint at what the next patch is going to bring. Despite her protests and trying to reason with Neltharion, the Aspect had warned her already, and goes through with his own plans.
Legacy
Fast forward a few millennia and here we are. Some of the dracthyr desperately clinging to what they know from the past while others can see that the world and their purpose has changed…
Ebyssian says: Patience, young one. Do not let your thirst for vengeance…
Scalecommander Emberthal says: Vengeance? This is justice! Sarkareth must be stopped!
Ebyssian says: We should be cautious.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: You spent too long sulking in your cave, old dragon. If you won’t help me, I’ll claim justice myself.
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: Here we are… at long last.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: Sarkareth! You’ll pay for the dracthyr blood you’ve spilled!
Memory of Neltharion says: Hear now the words of the Earth Warder. The voice of your creator.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: I remember this place. Neltharion told us it would hone our minds.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: We marched through these caves for hours. Days.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: The echoes of his voice overwhelmed everything… even our own thoughts.
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: Here, we culled the weak from our ranks. The unworthy perished.
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: Have you forgotten this place? The lessons Neltharion taught us?
Scalecommander Emberthal says: I remember. But we will never find our future until we let go of the past! There is nothing for us here.
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: The power in these caves is timeless. As is the failure of those whose bones litter its floor.
Memory of Neltharion says: Deep within the halls of Aberrus, I forged you. My ideal soldiers. My dracthyr.
Memory of Neltharion says: Bound by unfaltering unity to fight the wars others could not.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: He was our general once. He trained us. Watched over us.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: What changed? When did we become mere tools to be discarded?
Memory of Neltharion says: You are my talons, honed to strike at the very hearts of my enemies.
Memory of Neltharion says: That is your purpose… the destiny that lies before you.
Memory of Neltharion says: Your obedience, your loyalty, must never falter.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: No. Your legacy is nothing but death!
Memory of Neltharion says: My legacy lies deep within the earth. In the darkness, you will find strength.
Memory of Neltharion says: Serve my will, and one day the world will tremble before your might.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: I… I need to leave this place. Before I lose myself to the darkness.
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: This is our inheritance. The strength that Neltharion gave us… the power that is ours by right!
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: Yet you would throw it all away.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: He betrayed us! He betrayed the Aspects! He betrayed Azeroth!
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: The Earth Warder had the strength to see his vision made manifest. I will claim that strength and use it to lead our people to victory!
Scalecommander Emberthal says: You do not seek to lead. You seek to dominate. Just like Neltharion before you.
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: Do you see now, Emberthal? We are Neltharion’s ultimate vision. His masterpiece..
Scalecommander Emberthal says: Yet you would throw dracthyr lives away for power? What could we be owed that demands so bloody a price?
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: Purpose, Emberthal. We are owed a purpose.
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: Neltharion’s secrets are hidden somewhere in the Dragon Isles. And when I find them, his legacy will be mine.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: I won’t let you lead our people to ruin, Sarkareth.
Ebyssian says: Emberthal…
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: You would heed the command of a dragon rather than face me in battle? Pitiful! You have forgotten what it means to be dracthyr.
Scalecommander Emberthal says: I… I don’t want to fight you.
Scalecommander Sarkareth says: Better that your soldiers died in stasis rather than live to see what you’ve become. Stay here with your new master. Follow me, and I will end you.
This sets the stage for the next big patch. Emberthal has made her choice and Ebyssian will be at her side as we track down and the Primalists and this mysterious Aberrus we’ve been hearing so much about. More history of the dracthyr, more of the Black Dragonflight legacy awaits to be discovered, and I personally can’t wait.
Lore Books of the Forbidden Reach
That does leave one small thing before we wrap up for today. Across the Reach and in Neltharion’s Vaults we can find upgrades, of course – gear and rings and all kinds of stuff to empower our efforts – but there are also lore bits to be found.
There are the journal entries of Adamanthia, speaking about how they tried to regain control on the dracthyr, but failed time and time again. Not even the hammer of Khaz’goroth was able to do it. Each time the dracthyr regained all memory and none of their former mental conditioning. There was no going back for them, no going back to how things used to be and to Neltharion… that was a problem.
Then a whole achievement dedicated to becoming Librarian of the Reach.
The Burden of Lapisagos – The blue dragons taking up the charges of not only guarding the dracthyr but also keeping them a secret from the others until the Spellweaver gives them further orders. A day that would never come…
Lost Expedition Notes simply speak about finding sending notes and the idea that perhaps they were meant to be destroyed after use.
Living Book, which has been perfectly named:
Oh… it’s like someone grabbed the sides of my ribcage and tore it open!
Oooh, my spine!
Wait, someone’s looking at me.
Someone has torn me open and is looking inside me.
Can they hear what I’m thinking? And how did I get here?
Hey! Hey you!
What are you looking at? Gods, why are you scrying my innards?
Oh, the pain!
How did you do that? Did you… turn something?
Maybe you shouldn’t do that again. Please don’t.
OW.
Please, I beg of you, close me. Close me! Just walk away!
I don’t know how this happened, but I can feel… my life force… fading away.
Please don’t do that weird thing you just did. Don’t…
YOU DID IT AGAIN.
Oh, gods… my skin… my… cover?
Wait… I’m a book?
And I’m dying… and I am….
the denouement…
and demise….
i blame you
<The rest of the pages are blank>
The Old Gods and the Ordering of Azeroth (Annotated) – This is a very old book that has been in the game for a very long time and sparked quite a lot of questions when it first came to the surface as the number of Old Gods mentioned is five rather than the four that we know from the Chronicles. This had some wonder if there’s perhaps an unknown Old God hidden away somewhere, and while anything goes, I’d say that the number has always been fluid and more recent lore puts it at four. For example, the War of the Ancients trilogy had that number at the three, this book has it at five and then the Chronicles puts it 4.
Regardless, I don’t think the number of Old Gods is the point, rather it’s the annotations – the notes mentioning that this is nonsense, that the Titans, the victors, dedicated the story told through history – and I think that’s what this item is supposed to convey.
A Soldiers Journal reveals that there was more to the dracthyr even when Neltharion possessed his glove, the ‘Oathbinder’. Dracthyr could think for themselves and want more in life then just:
Train, Eat and Sleep.
Return of the Nightsquall deserves your time to be read fully, the legends and adventures of the good captain Nightsquall.
Words of the Wyrmslayer are the boasts of Wyrmslayer Angvardi as they’ve come to the Reach to claim it, any treasures left behind belonging to him and any dragons foolish enough to get in his way will be struck down. They don’t call him Wyrmslayer for nothing.
Opera of the Aspects:
A heroic figure stands at the top of a cliff, the wind catching his cape around him heroically. It is Neltharion, savior of dragonkind.
Malygos – Neltharion, thank you for saving us all. You are so brave.
Ysera – And heroic.
Alexstrasza – And handsome.
Neltharion – Thank you, you are too kind.
Nozdormu – And humble.
Neltharion – Now that we have defeated…
And finally, one that hints at potential things for the future – A Song of the Depths – The Naga with harbingers and prophecies. Their queen Azshara simply walked out of Ny’alotha after causing a whole lot of trouble and hasn’t been seen since.
Apparently, she calls to them “from beyond the Umbral Veil” having “transcended the Circle of Stars” and now “basks in her eternal grandeur”! “A hunger lost to the ages will be reclaimed” – perhaps the mutation of Galakrond or Galakrond himself.
When these things come to pass, the Harbinger will fulfill the final prophecy and complete the awakening.
Only then shall our Queen return to reign over sea and sky and earth. We must make ready.
Rise, rise! Soon all that was hidden will be revealed.
Exciting times await! Not just potentially, with Azshara, but after testing it a little bit, 10.1 is shaping up to be one heck of a chapter as well. For now, you’re up to speed on the major story of what goes down in 10.0.7!
