Interview with Anne Stickney and Katherine Bankson - Exploring Patch 10.2's Narrative and Lore

Looking forward to the highly anticipated Dragonflight Patch 10.2, French gaming website Millenium recently had the opportunity to interview Lead Narrative Designer Anne Stickney and Assistant Lead Quest Designer Katherine Bankson. In this enlightening interview, they addressed some burning lore questions in Guardians of the Dream. Rather than focusing on gameplay or technical aspects, these questions delved into lore inconsistencies and raised questions about recent events. As fans eagerly await the release of the new patch, let's take a closer look at the insights shared by Stickney and Bankson.

How did Alexstrasza figure out Fyrakk was coming for Amirdrassil?

One of the intriguing questions raised in the interview was about how Alexstrasza knew that Fyrakk was planning to attack Amidrassil. Stickney explained that there was a cutscene at the end of the Dungeon of the Dawn of the Infinite questline, during which Nozdormu communicated with Alexstrasza. Nozdormu mentioned seeing "fiery clouds," which led Alexstrasza to deduce that Fyrakk was responsible and that he would likely target the tree. This explains why she believed it was crucial to warn Merithra about the impending attack.

Blue-eyed Blood Elves are now canon. Man'ari Paladins might be.

With the addition of new customizations for playable races in Dragonflight, the interview addressed concerns about potential inconsistencies with NPCs in the game. Bankson clarified that blue-eyed Blood Elves are not just a customization available to players; the passing of time has caused some Blood Elves to return to their original blue eye color. Regarding the possibility of Man'ari Paladins being mistakenly visible, Stickney stated that if such a character were to be introduced, it would be a deliberate choice by a developer to add an interesting element to the game's lore. As demonstrated by past examples like Lothraxion in Legion, characters infused with Fel can change sides and embrace the Light.

Evolving the narrative arc from Cataclysm to Dragonflight.

A noteworthy observation made during the interview was the parallel between Dragonflight Patch 10.2 and Cataclysm Patch 4.2. Stickney clarified that rather than simply reproducing the past, the intention is to bring a fresh perspective and evolve the narrative arc. The defeat of Fandral in Cataclysm did not eradicate the Druids of the Flame; instead, they dispersed and were unable to find anyone who would listen to them. However, after the burning of Teldrassil, the Night Elves became more receptive to the Druids' message. By reintroducing these antagonists and exploring their journey since their last appearance, the story moves forward while staying connected to the Night Elves and the Emerald Dream.

A gradual reveal as the Dragon Isles continue to awaken over time.

The interview also addressed the perceived lack of context for the awakening of the Dragon Isles. Bankson pointed out that the awakening was indeed shown in the Dragonflight Pre-Patch, including an introductory cinematic that showcases the moment when the islands awaken. This awakening is an ongoing process, with the islands continuing to awaken as players explore them. Stickney added that the purpose of the prologue-like cinematic was to set the stage without revealing all the details upfront, allowing the story to gradually unfold and surprise players.

An alliance of convenience between the Primalists and Druids of the Flame.

One question raised concerns the sudden appearance of the Primalists in the Dragonflight Pre-Patch without proper context. Stickney explained that the Primalists were a significant force at the start of the expansion but had diminished by the current point in the story. On the other hand, the Druids of the Flame have a vested interest in the Emerald Dream and Amidrassil. The alliance between the Druids and Fyrakk does not imply that they are working towards freeing the "big bads." Rather, it is a temporary alliance of convenience based on shared goals and expertise. The Druids of the Flame's affiliation as Druids is what makes them valuable allies for Fyrakk's plans.

Humor offers breaks in the narrative.

Another topic discussed in the interview was the balance between humor and serious storytelling. Bankson emphasized that humor has always been a part of World of Warcraft, providing a breather for players amidst serious storylines. By allowing moments of levity, the narrative gains depth and contrast, enabling players to appreciate the weight of significant events. Both Stickney and Bankson highlighted that Dragonflight was a joy to work on, resulting in a cheerful and lighthearted approach to quest design. The humor in the expansion reflects the passion and enthusiasm of the development team while still incorporating sincere and deep moments into the narrative.

Exploring Tyr's purpose in Dragonflight.

The resurrection of Tyr and the focus on heritage in Dragonflight raised questions about the purpose of this storyline. Stickney mentioned that Tyr has a deep connection with the Dragonflights since their inception, and his involvement extends beyond the current expansion. Tyr played a crucial role in the creation of the Silver Hand and even had a hand in the infusion of power within the Aspects. Bringing back Tyr is a logical choice given his influence throughout the Dragon Isles. His presence opens up opportunities for characters like Vyranoth to ask long-held questions, providing valuable insights and potential revelations.

Inconsistencies and narrative errors can be opportunities.

The interview also explored the topic of narrative errors and inconsistencies. Bankson highlighted that they often evaluate whether an element is truly an error or an unreliable narrator's perspective. WoW's world has multiple perspectives, including those written by the Titans or individuals who have only heard part of the story. This diversity of viewpoints allows for a more vibrant and engaging world. Stickney added that what may be perceived as mistakes can often be seen as opportunities to create coherence and provide fresh storytelling. When faced with inconsistencies, the team collaborates to find the most suitable solution, sometimes transforming them into vital elements of the narrative.

Final Thoughts

As the release of Dragonflight Patch 10.2 approaches, the insightful interview with Anne Stickney and Katherine Bankson offers a glimpse into the thought processes and creative decisions behind the lore of the expansion. The narrative team's dedication to evolving the story, introducing new perspectives, and embracing opportunities for vibrant storytelling is evident. With Dragonflight promising exciting developments and a rich narrative experience, players can look forward to immersing themselves in the latest chapter of World of Warcraft's lore.