With The War Within’s launch drawing closer, Blizzard is keeping fans engaged. As with previous expansions, they are releasing animatics that go over the expansion’s main characters. The first of these, entitled “Threads of Destiny,” shows us a major antagonist. We see the queen of the Nerubians, Ansurek, and learn of her dark bargain. This sets up the first raid of the expansion and its background lore.

Spooky, Scary Spider-People

This is not the first expansion to feature Nerubians as major players in WoW’s story. However, it has been some time since they took on a central role. In Wrath of the Lich King, the Nerubians of Northrend featured prominently. Almost destroyed by the Lich King and his mastery of undeath, the Nerubians were faltering. With the players’ help, the Nerubian kingdom of the north gained a new hope for the future. However, there was concern over the Nerubians being long-term allies. They had a past association with The Old Gods, some of WoW’s scariest villains. While they had thrown off the control of their Old God masters, that past haunted them.

Nerubians of the South

We had been told that the Nerubians of Northrend were not alone in the world. Somewhere else in the world was Azj-Kahet, the last bastion of the Nerubians. When The War Within was announced, this was cited as a major new faction. We knew they were allied with the Harbinger Xal’atath but not much else. With this new animated story, we have some more details. In it, we see Queen Neferess, leader of the Nerubians. As her ancestors did during the first Black Empire, she denied the Old Gods. During the plot of Battle for Azeroth, the Old God N’zoth tried to rise once more. Queen Neferess rejected an offer to join him.

A New Void Entity

However, the players also made a big mistake in Battle for Azeroth. Xal’atath, a Void entity bound to a dagger, was able to escape into a new body. We knew not the true extent of her power or ambition. She has returned in The War Within, seemingly in pursuit of Azeroth’s world soul. Xal’atath is seen in the “Threads of Destiny” animation recruiting Queen Neferess’ daughter, Ansurek. Convincing her to betray and kill her mother, Ansurek accepts Xal’atath’s promise of power. Ansurek seems to believe that this will allow her people to reclaim ancient glory long denied them. However, she may be in for more than she bargained for.

Preparations for War Within

We don’t yet fully know how the Nerubian plotline will play out. We know the Nerubians seem to have largely fallen in line under Ansurek. We have been told some dislike the return of subservience to the Void. Perhaps they will serve as allies against Ansurek and Xal’atath. Regardless, Ansurek is poised to be the final boss of our first raid, Nerub-ar Palace. As she works under Xal’atath, her form and that of her underlings have shifted. The animation shows us her new power, enhanced by Xal’atath and the blood of the Old Gods. What is Xal’atath’s purpose, however? Surely, the Nerubians are pawns in her greater game, right?

Conclusion

This animation was a good teaser for what’s coming up soon in the new expansion. Ansurek is only our first major raid antagonist, so more must be coming. Xal’atath has empowered an army of Nerubians, possibly to help her get to the world’s soul. Alternatively, it’s all a distraction for us while she takes another route. One way or another, the Nerubians are frightening in their new ascended state. They will make excellent enemies in the early parts of this expansion’s story. Hopefully, those who reject Xal’atath will become our allies and perhaps even a playable race. Time will tell, but Blizzard is sure to give us more animations soon.

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