The War Within 11.X Patches & World Soul Saga Speculation Thread

[Cheezits]

Ethereals are generally desert-themed: they have Arabic names, camels in the TCG, and they are mummies. I'm going to guess that the newest take on Karesh is going to be a kitbash of many different desert vibes.

Their new armor looks pretty eastern so I bet they are diversifying them a bit, but also crocodiles are very Egyptian, so I would see a golden armored croc being a nod to that. I also bet there will be some importance in cats- not only because Brokers seem to like cats, and the couple of cat mounts we have gotten, but because again the Egyptian vibe and their cultural importance with cats.

Actually if the cats were a hint towards Brokers being directly related to Karesh we deserve a big ol' apology for Danuser.

[Hitei]

I agree, no idea where the Egyptian idea came from. They're vaguely Arabian and Persian, mostly Arabian.

EDIT: Oh, I guess because they're wrapped in bandages? That's kinda fair, but nothing else about them is particularly Egyptian.

I've never really equated Ethereals as Egyptian themed. Ramkahen sort of own that. Ethereals always seemed far more Middle Eastern, not certain the direct reference but not Egyptian.

Like any other real world proxy, you can expect that Blizzard blends regional cultures, but their primary aesthetic source is Egyptian. Their names and trade prince shtick are more Arabic.

[huth]

[IMG]

Like any other real world proxy, you can expect that Blizzard blends regional cultures, but their primary aesthetic source is Egyptian. Their names and trade prince shtick are more Arabic.

Eh, that's really pushing it. Especially the comparison between the hat and the crown.

[Viridiel]

Eh, that's really pushing it. Especially the comparison between the hat and the crown.

The hats and skirts definitely just look Persian and Bedouin to me, but I think the usekh comparison is fairly convincing. I agree with the reading that they're just a vague blend of desert-dwelling cultures, absolutely not primarily Egyptian.

[Limayria]

Ethereals are generally desert-themed: they have Arabic names, camels in the TCG, and they are mummies. I'm going to guess that the newest take on Karesh is going to be a kitbash of many different desert vibes.

Their new armor looks pretty eastern so I bet they are diversifying them a bit, but also crocodiles are very Egyptian, so I would see a golden armored croc being a nod to that. I also bet there will be some importance in cats- not only because Brokers seem to like cats, and the couple of cat mounts we have gotten, but because again the Egyptian vibe and their cultural importance with cats.

Actually if the cats were a hint towards Brokers being directly related to Karesh we deserve a big ol' apology for Danuser.

I think the Etherals are gonna end up with a "fantasy silk road" vibe drawing in inspiration from asian steepes, china and arab cultures

[Nibelheimy]

I personally think the pet is more than likely tied to cata classic with uldum over amani. They're not really known for crocs to my knowledge.

One thing I will say is the headwear is three pronged and the data mined ethereal models with armour, some of them have a three pronged helmet. A very flimsy connection at best, but entirely possible.

Saw the points about sand on the models too. A ecodome preserving wildlife is plausible.

[Enrif]

the pets "yellow" stuff doesn't look like sand though. Don't see where others see that as sand. It strikes me more are some energy like the Light, or even stuff like we saw on iridikron. So at best it is earth elemental energy, but with the gold ornaments, it just looks too fitting with the whole zandalari thing. Heck, it kinda looks like a baby form of a loa.

And we don't have a dragon loa so far, do we? And considering that dragons are among the oldest and most powerful creature on azeroth, it is strange that there is no dragon loa, while trolls are not above having loa of all kinds, from common animals, to dinosaurs to the strange ones from the darkspear heritage quest and Muhe'zala and Bwonsamdi.

So, perhaps a new loa for the Amani? Dragon crocolisk?

[Khaza-R]

Eh, that's really pushing it. Especially the comparison between the hat and the crown.

I don't think anyone is arguing their primary motiff is egyptian. But it can still be vaguely pre-Islamic Arabian with some Egyptian elements thrown in. Especially if we're mostly talking about fauna. The Arabian peninsula is a bit lacking in terms of inspiration in that aspect.

I wouldn't describe Nerubians as an Egyptian culture either. But there are elements, like their naming conventions and the headresses that Cryptlords wear.

[Etmir]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399594248
I wonder what this novel will be about.

[Enrif]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399594248
I wonder what this novel will be about.

likely the tie in novel for midnight or end of TWW into Midnight

[Joshuaj]

likely the tie in novel for midnight or end of TWW into Midnight

Probably. Technically exists somewhat already with the new Crossroads book:

"After witnessing the fall of Dalaran and braving the depths beneath Khaz Algar, the heroes of Azeroth face an uncertain future. Across the world, old hatreds are rising and Xal’atath remains at large, at work on her own machinations. But even amidst a tide of chaos and fear, hope remains.
Join Thrall, Jaina Proudmoore, Renzik the Shiv, Faerin Lothar, Alleria Windrunner, and the Locus-Walker in this new collection of novellas and short stories that provide deeper insight into the powers at play and the battles still to fight following The War Within. These tales serve as a reminder that Azeroth’s fate is shaped by the sacrifices and struggles of all, and that even small, quiet actions can echo large throughout history."

- - - Updated - - -

A book focused on the stuff leading the Void's invasion on Azeroth would be peak tho.

[Enrif]

Probably. Technically exists somewhat already with the new Crossroads book:

"After witnessing the fall of Dalaran and braving the depths beneath Khaz Algar, the heroes of Azeroth face an uncertain future. Across the world, old hatreds are rising and Xal’atath remains at large, at work on her own machinations. But even amidst a tide of chaos and fear, hope remains.
Join Thrall, Jaina Proudmoore, Renzik the Shiv, Faerin Lothar, Alleria Windrunner, and the Locus-Walker in this new collection of novellas and short stories that provide deeper insight into the powers at play and the battles still to fight following The War Within. These tales serve as a reminder that Azeroth’s fate is shaped by the sacrifices and struggles of all, and that even small, quiet actions can echo large throughout history."

- - - Updated - - -

A book focused on the stuff leading the Void's invasion on Azeroth would be peak tho.

hmm... interestinly. no Orweyna, but Locus-Walker

Wasn't there a description of this book in the past that had orweyna here?

[Cheezits]

hmm... interestinly. no Orweyna, but Locus-Walker

Wasn't there a description of this book in the past that had orweyna here?

I checked but I didn't find anything with Orweyna.

[huth]

hmm... interestinly. no Orweyna, but Locus-Walker

Wasn't there a description of this book in the past that had orweyna here?

More confusing is Renzik. How are we supposed to follow him?

[Enrif]

I checked but I didn't find anything with Orweyna.

i was thinking of this book

https://www.amazon.com/World-Warcraf.../dp/1956916547

it had a similar lineup of characters

Alleria Windrunner, Anduin Wrynn, Monte Gazlowe, Moira Thaurissan, Thrall, Faerin Lothar

With Anduin instead of Jaina, Gazlowe instead of Renzik, and Moira instead of Locus Walker.

And still, none of 2 books have anything on Orweyna, but Faerin is twice in it, and Locus-Walker.

Edit: BTW, does does anyone know about Faerins story of the Voices Within Collection? All other were published for free.

[Cheezits]

More confusing is Renzik. How are we supposed to follow him?

It is probably that short story they published, which technically takes place before and during 11.1 (which is the timeframe of the book)

Definitely a coinflip on if Orweyna got ditched at this point. It would make sense if the last patch hadn't been completed before Metzen got on board, so they could shuffle things around.

[Enrif]

More confusing is Renzik. How are we supposed to follow him?

it is likely the short story we had with him recently. I think this book will be like The voices within, a collection of 6 different stories.

Also the Heartlands story about Thrall and Jaina in the Arathi Highlands is likely part of that book.

[Cheezits]

One of the ethereal armor variants has a golden orb color similar to the one on the croc's tail and armor.



This color variant (brown and gold) also has sand on all their models. The other colors do not.

[Nightshade711]

One of the ethereal armor variants has a golden orb color similar to the one on the croc's tail and armor.



This color variant (brown and gold) also has sand on all their models. The other colors do not.

Oh damn nice catch - I didn’t notice that.

Wonder if this means K’aresh would still have an uncorrupted area like Argus did with Eredath and/or if there’s still a significant portion under a biodome.

[Cheezits]

Oh damn nice catch - I didn’t notice that.

Wonder if this means K’aresh would still have an uncorrupted area like Argus did with Eredath and/or if there’s still a significant portion under a biodome.

It would also explain why Karesh is an area in The War WITHIN- technically its in a bubble.