Heads up, we’ll be discussing the new World of Warcraft: Shadowlands short story, “We Ride Forth,” here! If you haven’t read it yet, or if you want to avoid spoilers, turn away!
Blizzard recently released a new short story helping to set the tone and lore for the upcoming World of Warcraft: Shadowlands expansion! This story takes place just before the original cinematic in which we see Sylvanas challenge Bolvar Fordragon for the Helm of Domination and break open the veil to the Shadowlands.
The story is told from the point of view from the Four Horsemen – Sally Whitemane, General Nazgrim, Thoras Trollbane, and Highlord Darion Mograine. In the service of Lich King Bolvar Fordragon, Mograine (easily) convinces the Horsemen to help him kill Fordragon.
This isn’t quite betrayal, but rather a fulfilling of a promise. Mograine fears that, due to some strange behaviors from Fordragon, he’s beginning to lose his will to the Helm of Domination and become the same monster that Arthas Menethil became in the events of Wrath of the Lich King.
The story hops between the point of views of several characters, jumping between the recent past and the present as the Four Horsemen move the stronghold of Acherus to Icecrown in order to kill Fordragon. Throughout, we’re given glimpses into the thoughts and motivations of each of the Horsemen.
All in all, the story provides a wonderful look into the morality of the Ebon Blade and the Scourge, as well as how the concept of free will is dealt with when one’s mind can be immediately taken over by another being with little to no resistance.
Best of all, we also see a few threads get pulled together that those that have kept up with stories and cinematics may recognize. With the Four Horsemen interacting, we can see how these individuals handled their new lives as Death Knights and what challenges it brought.
The story ends at the same place that the announcing cinematic does, but from the point of view of the Horsemen aboard Acherus. We’re given the sight of the sky splitting open as Sylvanas breaks the Helm of Domination and see why Whitemane and Nazgrim were the ones carrying Fordragon to safety.
It’s a riveting look into a side that we weren’t able to see through gameplay, providing a glance into how the Ebon Blade has interacted and what the rule of Bolvar Fordragon as the Lich King has surmounted to. It’s also wonderful to see Fordragon finally getting some screen time.
With Shadowlands now only five days away, it won’t be long until we’re at Fordragon’s side helping to combat the new threat of the Maw. We’re almost at the finish line, so make sure you’re ready for launch!
