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N'Zoth Wants Us to Win - Our Test in the Crucible of Storms (8.1.5 Speculation)
PTR
Pubblicato
27/02/2019 alle 14:16
da
perculia
The Crucible of Storms is a trial, a series of challenges for us to overcome and prove our worth. But who is setting the trial for us, and if it's N'Zoth, why are we being tested as a worthy champion?
8.1.5 Story/Speculation
In our
recent article on the Crucible of Storms
, we explored the implications of retrieving and using the Relics of Power for ourselves. But therein lies a bigger question: What exactly is the Crucible of Storms? The name alone gives us context clues - by definition a Crucible is one of two things, a container or a trial; but while the Old God is present inside the zone, N'Zoth isn't the central focus of the raid - we are.
There's an awkward self-fulfilling prophecy in our retrieving the Relics of Power and bringing them to N'Zoth inside the Crucible, only to return with a raid group in order to take them back. Yet despite fierce resistance from N'Zoth's lieutenants, they seem less concerned with why we're there and more concerned with whether we're
worthy
of being there, of receiving the Gift of N'Zoth. This reminds us of the second definition of crucible: a trial. Although the order to enter the Crucible and retrieve the relics is given by our respective faction leadership, it seems too convenient. We delivered these three supposedly powerful relics, but we never actually did anything with them, nor do the minions of N'Zoth appear to be using them for anything inside the Crucible. Although they certainly possess great power, they don't actually seem to serve any purpose other than fighting us, which is only because we brought them there in the first place! The whole thing feels like a set up, like we're pawns in a bigger game, but can't yet see the board.
We think we're victorious in defeating them, preventing them from returning the relics to their master, but what if instead...N'Zoth tested us to see if we were strong enough to protect the relics?
The Restless Cabal's Trial
Our first challenge within the Crucible is
The Restless Cabal
, servants of N'Zoth who were originally summoned to retrieve the three relics in the first place, although again for unspecified reasons. Upon arrival and throughout the encounter they taunt us, calling us weak and unworthy, all while praising their master's truth and power.
Zaxasj the Speaker
: The scent of mortal filth defiles this chamber.
Fa'thuul the Feared
: They are insolent... unworthy of his gift.
Zaxasj the Speaker
: He has awakened, and they shall slumber in his stead.
Fa'thuul the Feared
: Let their flesh become an offering of atonement.
It's pretty clear that they aren't too impressed with us, but the question remains -
why are they here
? They were summoned to find the relics, but they've already been found. They may be loyal lieutenants of N'Zoth, but it's unclear what purpose they now serve, except to test us.
To the player-adventurers, the Restless Cabal are simply in the way: they're guarding the relics we seek - so we do what we do best, without thinking any further about the larger implications. Xal'atath wryly notes, after we defeat all Legion raids, that "No other wielder has murdered their way across a continent like you have. I admire your endurance." We think we're playing the role of a hero, but from another perspective, we're quite bloodthirsty. Perhaps this power, coupled with our exploitable hubris, is what drew the attention of N'Zoth in the first place.
While they appear quite mad, the Restless Cabal have some interesting quotes, particularly when players die, again stating that we are not worthy. Does defeating them prove them wrong? Are we, in fact, worthy of the Old God's gift, and if so is that even a good thing?
Unworthy!
For the master!
Your flesh is forfeit!
Your dream dies!
When you wipe, they express a similar sentiment:
Their dreams are ended...
...and the world is his to claim.
The remark about dreams is intriguing, as they're a frequent component of Old God whispers, both referring to N'Zoth slumbering in his prison and dreams manifesting desires which the Old Gods often exploit.
Scatola Rompicapo di Yogg-Saron
: Have you had the dream again? A black goat with seven eyes that watches from the outside.
Scatola Rompicapo di Yogg-Saron
: In the sunken city, he lays dreaming.
Scatola Rompicapo di Yogg-Saron
: Do you dream while you sleep or is it an escape from the horrors of reality?
The Sleeping Kingdom
The Restless Cabal, and really the everything involving N'Zoth, also foreshadows the return of the Old Gods - and the players falling into a trap; prison, death... or maybe both? So far in Battle for Azeroth, we've been increasingly subjected to alternating imagery of sleeping and awakening, as mortals take the place of those who once slept.
In the Xal'atath questline, N'Zoth proclaims that those sleeping shall be awakened. This is generally assumed to refer to the Old Gods.
N'Zoth: The hour is close at hand.
N'Zoth: That which was sunken shall rise.
N'Zoth: All that were sleeping... shall be awakened.
N'Zoth: Receive my gift and see all truths before you.
Through the Restless Cabal dialogue, we learn that isn't simply a one-way deal; their phrase "He has awakened, and they shall slumber in his stead" states that not only will something awaken, but their awakening flips the tables, imprisoning others instead. Who is awake currently? Us, the mortals gifted by N'Zoth.
Massa Dimenante
, an 8.0 Island quest, teases a similarly ominous future in which we swapped places with what appears to be Y'shaarj, often represented as a black seven-eyed goat.
<The tendril writhes and pulsates in your hand as your mind is assailed by all manner of vicious thoughts. One vision in particular surfaces in your mind again and again. In your mind's eye, you picture a many-eyed goat laying in a pool of black water. As you approach, its eyes burst open, and in an instant you find yourself looking upward at the goat from deep within the puddle. As you sink into the icy darkness, everything goes black. You pocket the mass and shake the thoughts from your head.
The passing of the black goat through the pool echoes the imagery of
Warbringers: Azshara
, in which the dying fish lies in a puddle of water, staring up at Azshara and her magical protective barrier. Azshara is reflected in the puddle of water, while the fish is reflected in her eyes. As her barrier crumbles, the visuals transform from Azshara reflected in the fish's eye to Azshara framed by the crumbling barrier, fading to black. Later, after the waves crash down around Azshara, she finds herself on the verge of drowning, while N'Zoth, talking to her through the fish, thrives underwater.
The whispers about "sleeping" and "sunken" also echo the
Scatola Rompicapo di Yogg-Saron
's descriptions of Ny'alotha, a land of
only
sleeping creatures.
In the land of Ny'alotha there is only sleep.
In the sleeping city of Ny'alotha walk only mad things.
In the sunken city, he lays dreaming.
Il'gynoth, the wriggling mass that served as the heart of corruption within the Emerald Nightmare, also references this place upon his defeat in the Emerald Nightmare.
Il'gynoth whispers: N'zoth... I journey... to Ny'alotha...
It's very likely that we are the ones who would take the Old God's place, should N'Zoth break free, but the use of the plural - "all" and "they" - imply more than just freeing N'Zoth. There've been frequent references to the Black Empire, the Old God civilization at the height of their power, which was smashed by the Titan Pantheon when the Old Gods were first imprisoned. Those implications could mean to reawaken that ancient power; as we know,
death in Warcraft is rarely the end
. Conveniently, we've also been getting a lot of hints regarding the realms of death, between Bwonsamdi the Loa of Death, Vol'jin traveling through the Shadowlands, and Sylvanas' own quest to master death.
Third Chronicles have information about Old Gods. Every Old God, except N'Zoth, have been beaten, but not "killed". It is true? Are Old Gods like C'Thun or Yogg-Saron still alive?
AA: I would say we should consider them dead. However as with all things in World of Warcraft and the Warcraft's universe dead isn't always dead. If there was a coming of forth of the Old Gods or herald of the Old Gods come down from the great dark-- I can see that easily happening. Not saying that happening, I'm just saying death isn't the end of the line in World of Warcraft, and it really never has been. I think that's kind of been from your character to the world around you. There is a cycle.
If Ny'alotha, the sleeping city, is where the dead remnants of the Black Empire reside, and those beings are assumed to return when the Circle of Stars is complete, with us prophesied to take their place... one potential outcome is us, the heroes, trapped in Ny'alotha. If we don't take the whispers quite so literally, we could still end up in the Shadowlands, the realm of Death, which might not be much better! Coincidentally, Sylvanas' actions since the short story "Edge of Night" have been motivated by a strong desire to avoid death and the Shadowlands at all costs, and with the death of another Val'kyr at the hands of Tyrande in Tides of Vengeance, her means to resurrect and avoid the Shadowlands are running low. The quest
Anello delle Scogliere
also reveals the return of Helya, shouting a similar sentiment: "You cannot kill death!".
Uu'nat's Trial and Gift
The final challenge of the Crucible of Storms is
Uu'nat, the Harbinger of N'Zoth
, standing directly before one of N'Zoth's unsettling eyes. Our goal is clear - harness the power of the relics and defeat Uu'nat, while avoiding N'Zoth's eye beams and insidious whispers, so that we can claim our prize. But more and more that feels like that exactly what N'Zoth wants; to see us fight back, take control of the relics magic and master the storm.
While clearing up to Uu'nat and throughout the encounter, we also hear terrifying whispers of N'Zoth. This isn't just ambient sound - he's speaking directly to us, whispering cryptic clues and dark promises.
Leanne Rasmussen
, an NPC encountered by the Shrine of the Storms during the 8.1.5 Xal'atath questline, titled "God Touched" previously asked if we'd heard whispers:
The whispers come from below. They tell me things. Things of ends and beginnings. Do you hear them?
I still hear them.
Perhaps
Leanne Rasmussen
and marked players are both recipients of the Gift of N'Zoth, allowing us to hear those terrifying dreams and myriad possibilities. Remember, the definition of a Crucible is not just a trial, but also an event that irrevocably transforms one thing into something new. Those who venture into the Crucible of Storms may be permanently altered, touched by N'Zoth, shaped by madness.
We've analyzed the whispers in-detail already, so instead of rehashing all the possible hints and references again, check out
The Old God Whispers Added in 8.1.5 and What The Clues Could Mean (Spoilers)
.
The Light has struck a bargain with the enemy of all.
Six seats at the high table. Six mouths that hunger. One will consume all others.
The veil wanes. His crown will open the way.
The fall of night reveals her true face. She will bring only ruin.
When the arrow finds its mark, the last fetter will fall away.
I alone can save you from what is to come.
It grows hungrier... bolder. Alas, your eyes are closed.
He gave himself to the deep places. He gave himself to me.
She is not the last, but the first. Drown her and you will see.
Ahh... you think you know power.
The storm holds strength... but there is a price to be paid.
Harness your fury... make your hatred a weapon.
Children... the depths are my domain.
Deeper, ever deeper...
Let the tides draw you into my dream...
At last... embrace the truth of shadow.
Yes... you draw closer... ever closer.
With every choice, you become more my servant.
Mere baubles decay beneath the gaze of a god.
Uu'nat and N'Zoth give more insight to our crucible before and during the encounter. Unlike The Restless Cabal, who also felt like unwitting pawns, Uu'nat appears to be fully aware that he is there to test us, denouncing our failure when players die and praising our victory upon his defeat.
Uu'nat
: These lowly mortals desecrate your shrine, master. Let us drown them and wash away the defiance!
N'Zoth
: Patience...patience. They may yet prove worthy of my gift. I will taste their dreams...their flesh.
Uu'nat
: Let it be as you command! They will serve...or they will die!
Each phase represents a different power of N'Zoth. Note how Stage 1 echoes the
Scatola Rompicapo di Yogg-Saron
quote, "Ny'alotha is a city of old, terrible, unnumbered crimes".
Stage One: His All-Seeing Eyes: His eyes behold every truth... every unnumbered crime!
Stage Two: His Dutiful Servants: His devoted outnumber the sands... the stars!
Stage Three: His Unwavering Gaze: His gaze falls upon every path... every dream given form!
Unworthy!
Your dream has ended!
They were tested... and found wanting.
They were not the ones you sought, master. We will find others to open the way.
Uu'nat
: Master... they are... worthy...
Uu'nat
: All... shall be... awakened...
N'Zoth
: Yes... you are indeed the ones I seek. The ones to turn the tide.
N'Zoth
: Receive now the greatest of all gifts. My dream has become your own. The circle of stars made flesh.
N'Zoth
: She will show you the way. Come... come. The hour approaches when all eyes shall be opened.
Upon defeat, again a minion of N'Zoth references an event, some kind of awakening, which can only spell trouble for our world. What's worse is that they seem convinced that
we
are the catalyst for this event, and rather than halting their efforts, defeating N'Zoth's lieutenants appears to work toward that goal! While we might think that killing Uu'nat is a significant blow to N'Zoth, neither he nor N'Zoth appear to mind; does Uu'nat's death
really
matter if all that were sleeping shall be awakened? We should also be cautious of celebrating any victory over N'Zoth, as Xal'atath's has said of past battles: "as was so often the case even defeat ultimately worked in N'zoth's favor".
N'Zoth appears pleased we have passed our trial, bestowing upon us the "greatest of all gifts" with future plans in store for us to "turn the tide." We also end up
looting two of the relics
, which seems questionable, even foolhardy, after seeing the terrible dark magic that the relics are capable of during the previous two encounters, although clearly they've lost some of their potency... which begs the question, were they always that powerful, or was it all simply part of N'Zoth's test?
Based on the quotes, N'Zoth is encouraging, urging us to harness our fury, share its dream, embrace shadow magic, and venture further into the Crucible. N'Zoth sounds downright magnanimous in "I alone can save you from what is to come", which could explain why some players end up keeping N'Zoth's gift from the Xal'atath questline; with the faction war continuing to escalate and the future looking bleak, why not align yourself with a powerful new ally?
Turn the Tide - Preparing for Azshara
The Trial of Valor during Legion served a similar role as the Crucible of Storms - a short transitional raid, bracketed by two larger raids and patches; however, the similarities provide story beyond mid-patch filler content. The Trial of Valor was a test prove to Odyn that we could defeat Helya. In Battle for Azeroth, we think we're going into the Crucible of Storms to protect the relics from N'Zoth... but are in fact doing exactly what he wants, following a clever test designed to take advantage of our typical motives.
This isn't the only time we're tricked in Patch 8.1.5 - the latest
Brawler's Guild story
reveals that Zkohl'krothaa, Consumer of Souls, eats the souls of fallen brawlers and Shadreen, a seemingly-friendly Void Ethereal in Telogrus Rift, orchestrated the murder of the Guild's quartermaster and ordered agents to watch our every move in the Brawler's Guild, from how we fight to how we dress. By understanding how we think and fight, the Void knows exactly how to manipulate us.
The Relics of Power seem all important and powerful, but even that might be a ruse in order to distract us. We find them lying around the world, and while they may have some magic, they don't seem
too
dangerous, as would befit a relic of the Old Gods. While we place them before N'Zoth in our first time inside the Crucible alongside Xal'atath, the relics themselves are quickly forgotten, as she exclaims "Hear me, God of the Deep! I have brought you the Opener... the Bringer of Truths... the Torch That Lights the Way!" and trades us for her freedom - indicating that
we
were the offering all along!
The only reason we think the relics are important is because we're told they are, and that plays right into the standard operating procedure for our factions - find powerful items to tip the balance of war in their favor. But for all we know, it's just a ploy, insignificant trinkets empowered by N'Zoth to tempt us to entering the Crucible... and his service. N'Zoth could simply be testing how well we wield his power, and the fact that we loot two of these relics, reducing them from awe-inspiring engines of magic and destruction to standard trinkets raises more than a few questions. During our fight with Uu'nat, N'Zoth whispers "with every choice, you become more my servant", are we are proclaimed worthy at the end of the Crucible, implying we've successfully passed a challenge prepared by the Old God. But why does N'Zoth need champions, and what's next; is it just to enact this great awakening, or something more?
We know that Azshara's Eternal Palace is the 8.2 raid after the Crucible of Storms, with Azshara as the final boss. While N'Zoth saved Azshara and her people, transforming them into the Naga and granting them power, their pact has been an uneasy one... has N'Zoth decided Azshara is no longer useful? Could passing N'Zoth's test in the Crucible of Storms be demonstrate we are capable of battling Queen Azshara, as Odyn once tested us before facing Helya?
As far as we know, Azshara served N'Zoth faithfully, but their deal was forged on her terms; since then she's been able to roam freely, while N'Zoth has remained imprisoned, and ten thousand years is a long time for that grudge to fester. With N'Zoth's obvious talent for subversion, Azshara may be as much of an unwitting pawn as we are, and should he decide she's is no longer useful, or even a threat to his plans to awaken the Black Empire, her charisma and lust for power could be her undoing. Azshara may be a powerful Queen, but the King is the most important piece in Chess.
The prophetic Il'gynoth whisper "At the hour of her third death, she ushers in our coming." can be applied to many female characters with elaborate backstories, including Azeroth, Alleria, and Sylvanas; yet Azshara has been overlooked. She first lost everything in the Sundering, a Queen without a kingdom. Her drowning relates to another whisper - "To find him, drown yourself in the circle of stars" - she then "dies" again in her transformation into a Naga. What if a third death is needed to help usher the Black Empire, with N'Zoth manipulating us into doing the deed? The entire Crucible could be making sure we're strong enough to defeat her (we covered the possible death of Azshara a few weeks ago, with a more light-hearted angle, in our
article comparing Hearthstone's Old God expansion to BFA
, noting that while Hearthstone introduced canon lore elements for N'Zoth, Azshara curiously had no card. In Hearthstone, the return of the Old Gods takes place without Azshara),
turning the tide
, so to speak.
N'Zoth
: Yes... you are indeed the ones I seek. The ones to turn the tide.
Ultimately, the Crucible of Storms in its current state on the PTR raises more questions than it answers, shifting the narrative away from the faction war towards an even greater threat, which we've been ignoring for several expansions. N'Zoth planned a test for us, and we passed with flying colors, without even realizing the Old God was manipulating us in the first place. We'll have to wait for Patch 8.2 to find out what happens next, but one thing is for certain: N'Zoth has found new champions to carry out his will.
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