World of Warcraft just released Patch 9.2.5, which is likely the final content patch before Dragonflight. The patch introduced included several questlines to World of Warcraft, including several questlines and three new in-game cutscenes
Patch 9.2.5 brought many balance improvements and quality-of-life updates, as well as cross-faction play for the first time in World of Warcraft history. However, several epilogue scenarios play out in the patch as well, three of which pertain to Tyrande Whisperwind and the Night elves, Calia Menethil and the Forsaken, and Anduin Wrynn and Sylvanas Windrunner.
The sequence with Tyrande features her, Ysera, and Shandris Feathermoon meeting with the Winter Queen. There, the ruler of the Shadowlands realm of Ardenweald gifts Tyrande with a wildseed. This seed, empowered by the spirits of those who died during the Burning of Teldrassil, will probably be used to grow a new World Tree in World of Warcraft's future. After the cutscene, Ysera also asks Tyrande to seek her daughter Merithra–the current leader of the green dragons–to help protect the seed as it germinates, hinting at what will likely be a plot point in Dragonflight.
The Calia cutscene in WoW Patch 9.2.5 takes place after she helps Lillian Voss, Belmont, and several other Forsaken leaders remove the plague from Lordaeron with the help of characters from Maldraxxus. During the cutscene, Lillian tries to relate to Calia, who seems uncertain as to her own future. This story ends with Calia formally joining the Forsaken as a member of its newly-formed Desolate Council, alongside Lillian and the others. Though many of the other leaders mistrust her–most notably Deathstalker Commander Belmont–it seems Lillian is intent on helping her acclimate to her new unlife as a Forsaken diplomat.
The final cutscene is a direct continuation of the final chapter of the World of Warcraft: Sylvanas novel. In the scene, Sylvanas hears a sound she recognizes as Anduin follow her into the Maw. The cutscene itself features a soulful discussion between the two about the nature of free will and identity. Sylvanas is able to provide insight to Anduin, who has only recently escaped the Jailer’s domination, due to her own time as the thrall of Arthas and the Lich King. The cutscene ends with an uncertain Anduin departing the Maw to do some soul-searching.
Overall, all three cutscenes are brilliant, both in content and quality. Many fans loved the new direction of the story so far–even those critical of the unpopular narrative of Shadowlands. While the story quests were not perfect, many agreed it was the best it could possibly be given the current story situation. Though it is too early to say what will happen next, or which of these characters or plot threads will be continued in Dragonflight, the quality of this patch has lead some World of Warcraft fans to be optimistic for the first time in years.
World of Warcraft is available on PC.