I don't see why we can't make the assumption that from Nehr Zul -> Arthas -> Sylvanus -> Anduin he wouldn't have learned more about how to control strong-willed individuals. Assuming wouldn't have figured out some improvements along the way seems less likely than the alternative, to me. Plus, as far as we know, Anduin is the only one with a complete soul that he has been able to control DIRECTLY from the Shadowlands.
His approach changed, as well. Part of why he assumed full control over Anduin was that the whole Lich King thing wasn't working, and none of them did what he wanted them to.
Given that he has only been doing this particular thing for about 20 years now, that seems perfectly reasonable, yes.
With Blizzconline isn't happening now, When do you think they will announce the next expansion?
An Karanir Thanagor
Thank you, I wanted to write something similar.
Pretty sure Blizzard back when the Arthas novel was written didn’t even think about Zovaal or the existence of a higher being behind the Lich King.
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So basically today during normal Blizzcon…
MAGA - Make Alliance Great Again
I think we might just get a Lich King 2.0 Expansion next, using a revamped Northrend and a Lich King Anduin. I think the most realistic path forward from here is:
1. Zovaal is defeated and banished from the Shadowlands - ends up on Azeroth using Anduin as a vessel and operating as the Lich King.
2. Sylvanas becomes the new Arbiter and is left behind in the Shadowlands. Written out of the plot, essentially.
3. Zovaal basically picks up where Arthas left off and tries to conquer Azeroth.
4. The Kyrian and Night Fae join the Alliance and the Venthyr and Necrolords join the Horde, in the continued war against Zovaal.
5. Zovaal will probably resurrect Galakrond. Maybe all the dead Drakkari Loa too. A resurrected Loki would be epic.
Turalyon in this scenario would be 100% good guy, basically replacing Tirion as the leader of the Paladins against the Scourge.
Everything else falls into place nicely, first we have a reason for the covenant races sticking around. Pretty much everyone is invested in rescuing Anduin and stopping the invasion. From Wrathion to Calia to Thrall/Jaina/Baine basically everyone will be motivated to save the King. Alleria contains the power of a Void Naaru, wouldn't it be awesome if she used her Void Power to take control of the braindead corpse of Yogg Saron?
It could be but outside of one site nobody has suggested "surprise 10.0 reveal this month."
Most everyone agrees they'll drop 9.2 news to combat Endwalker.
And besides I'm on the "Spring 2023" train for 10.0 so the usual one year from announce to launch would then say 9.2 reveal and launch first.
FFXIV - Maduin (Dynamis DC)