Xal'atath Confirmed the Harbinger, Anticipates Unique Rivalry with Alleria Windrunner

The War Within, the highly anticipated upcoming expansion for World of Warcraft, is set to bring Xal'atath and Alleria Windrunner to the forefront of the game's narrative. In this new expansion, Xal'atath will finally be revealed as the Harbinger, while Alleria Windrunner, a Void Elf, will become her chief rival. These two powerful characters will play pivotal roles in shaping the events and themes of The War Within.

The Mysterious Xal'atath

Xal'atath, introduced as the Shadow Priest artifact weapon in the previous expansion, Legion, has always been shrouded in mystery. Rumors circulated that the blade was crafted from the claw of Y'Shaarj, an Old God. Some even speculated that Xal'atath was the remains of a forgotten Old God itself. However, the truth is that Xal'atath is an entity trapped within the blade.

To free herself, Xal'atath made a deal with the Old God N'Zoth, who severed her from the dagger and kept it for himself. Ultimately, the blade ended up in the hands of Wrathion, who used it to defeat N'Zoth. Recently, Xal'atath was seen standing with Iridikron before disappearing through a Void portal. Iridikron spoke of "The Harbinger" who would free "our world" from the Titans' grasp.

In The War Within, Xal'atath has enlisted the help of the nerubians of Azj-Kahet. She offers them a new future where they rise from their isolation and become a mighty kingdom once again. The nerubians, deadly survivors of ancient wars, will be granted the means of a dark evolution to become ferocious and terrifying soldiers.

Xal'atath's Dark Legacy

The Black Empire, once ruled by the Old Gods, has fallen. Xal'atath seeks to initiate a new dark legacy that will test the strengths of Azeroth's heroes against a formidable power - the nerubians of Azj-Kahet. Armed with an artifact acquired from the Dawn of the Infinite dungeon, Xal'atath aims to reclaim the soul of their world from the Titans. This artifact bears a resemblance to the Heart of Azeroth but is filled with the power of the Void.

Alleria Windrunner: A Complicated Connection to the Void

Alleria Windrunner, the older sister of Sylvanas Windrunner, holds a unique connection to the Void. Unlike many High Elves who prefer isolation, Alleria sought to explore the world beyond Quel'Thalas and interact with other races. She became an influential leader in the Alliance, fighting against the invading orcs alongside Turalyon and Khadgar. During their adventures, Alleria and Turalyon fell in love and had a child named Arator.

Trapped in the Twisting Nether, the couple joined the Army of the Light, battling the Legion across different realms and enduring thousands of years due to time flowing differently in that realm. Alleria came into contact with the Void, unlocking its powers and receiving visions. This led to her imprisonment by the Naaru leader of the Army of the Light, who disapproved of her connection to the Void.

During the events of Legion, Alleria was freed and further empowered herself by absorbing the dark Naaru L'ura. As a Void Elf, she faces constant internal struggles and the whispers of the Void, which command her to do harm and seize power. Despite this, Alleria believes she can control her powers and reject the Void's manipulations.

Unsettled Whispers

The War Within finds Alleria Windrunner grappling with her connection to the Void and the doubts and challenges it presents. In Shadows Rising, a recent pre-Shadowlands novel, Alleria still struggles with the whispers while utilizing questionable methods. She collaborates with Turalyon to extract information from witnesses through torture, shocking Jaina Proudmoore in the process.

Alleria's quest to prove her ability to master the Void and resist its allure will be central to The War Within. As a void hunter, she must utilize her unique capabilities to hunt down Xal'atath and simultaneously combat the temptations of the Void itself. This rivalry between Alleria and Xal'atath will define the nature of the conflict in this expansion.

Conclusion

The War Within expansion will delve into the complex relationship between Xal'atath and Alleria Windrunner, both key figures with extraordinary powers. Xal'atath, the Harbinger, seeks to usher in a new era of darkness with the assistance of the nerubians of Azj-Kahet. Alleria, a formidable Void Elf, battles against the whispers and temptations of the Void as she fights to maintain control over her own abilities. The clash between these two rivals will drive the narrative and define the challenges faced by Azeroth's heroes in The War Within.