Lore Insights from the War of the Scaleborn (Spoilers)

War of the Scaleborn: A Tale of Ancient Conflict and Betrayal in the World of Warcraft Universe

The Origins of the War

Set shortly after the defeat of Galakrond, the novel War of the Scaleborn, written by Courtney Alameda, delves into the story of an epic war that ensues between the Dragon Aspects and the Primalist Incarnates. Following their victory over Galakrond, the Dragon Aspects and their loyal followers are granted new powers by the Titans, transforming them into the ordered Dragons we know today. However, not all proto-drakes accepted this transformation, sparking a rebellion led by the Primalist Incarnates who considered the Titan influence to be an abomination.

• The Leaders of the Rebellion

One of the key figures in this rebellion is Fyrakk, who becomes the first Primalist Incarnate to speak out against Alexstrasza and the Dragon Aspects. Iridikron later claims leadership, much to Fyrakk's displeasure, followed by Raszageth and Vyranoth. The novel doesn't provide much information about how the Primalist Incarnates gained their powers, but it is mentioned that a ritual involving the sacrifice of primal dragons was part of the process.

• A Personal Vendetta

As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Fyrakk and Alexstrasza are actually cousins. Fyrakk was the one to teach Alexstrasza the art of hunting and fighting, but their once-close relationship hangs by a thread as Fyrakk develops an intense hatred towards her. This animosity extends to Ysera as well, making Fyrakk her cousin too.

• A Shocking Revelation

One of the major grievances of the Primalists is the practice of forcefully transforming Proto-Dragon eggs by immersing them in Order-infused water. Vyranoth confronts Alexstrasza about this, accusing her of allowing the Titans to warp their children while promising not to do so. Alexstrasza admits that it was indeed an "abhorrent act" and expresses regret for her role in it, attributing the decision to Keeper Tyr's suggestion.

Although Alexstrasza initially justifies the practice as a means to bolster the Dragonflights and combat the growing threat of war, she later realizes the consequences and personally apologizes to the affected dragons.

• The Deadly Dracthyr

Neltharion, later known as Deathwing, creates the Dracthyr to counter the threat posed by the Primalists. These formidable creatures are specifically designed for dragon-slaying and are kept under Neltharion's exclusive command. Despite their effectiveness against dragons, the battle against Raszageth proves to be their first and final encounter due to the traumatic events they witness.

• Dabbling with Dark Magic

The novel reveals that the imprisonment of Raszageth marks the first time Neltharion succumbs to the whispers of the Old Gods and utilizes Void magic. He had already been hearing these whispers even before becoming an Aspect, and throughout the story, he struggles to resist them. Neltharion's actions during the capture of Raszageth lead him down a dark path, as he conceals his use of Void magic from the other Aspects, particularly Alexstrasza.

• Visage Forms and Mistrust Amongst the Dragonflights

The novel introduces the concept of visage forms, which were first developed by the Dragon Aspects after the appearance of early Trolls in Azeroth. These forms evolve over time, leading to the Aspects resembling younger mortal races. The Primalist Incarnates, though disgusted by the Aspects adopting mortal-like forms, recognize the utility of smaller, mortal-looking forms for certain situations, albeit representing elemental forces rather than specific races.

• A Centuries-Long Conflict

When the novel commences, more than ten years have passed since Galakrond's demise, and the Dragon Aspects have settled in Valdrakken. Initially, the conflict between the two factions remains mostly as a cold war, with preparations being made on both sides for an inevitable outbreak of violence. Throughout the passage of time, which sometimes skips over fifty years, familiar events such as the death of Tyr and the Winterskorn War occur, further fueling the tensions. Vyranoth only joins the Primalist Incarnates after Raszageth's capture by Neltharion sends shockwaves throughout the conflict. According to Neltharion, the war has lasted for around five hundred years leading up to this climactic confrontation.

Conclusion

War of the Scaleborn presents readers with an intricate and captivating account of the War of the Scaleborn, shedding light on the animosity and betrayal that plagued the Dragon Aspects and the Primalist Incarnates. Alameda skillfully weaves together a narrative rich with lore, exploring the deep-rooted conflicts that shaped the World of Warcraft universe. With shocking revelations, heartbreaking personal vendettas, and centuries of warfare, this novel is a must-read for any fan of the franchise.

Prepare for the upcoming Guardians of the Dream patch as you learn more about the Dragon Aspects and their enemies.