Who Won Wrathgate?
By Bricu | September 30, 2009
Yesterday, Shizukera (from the Earthern Ring (us) Server) and I had a discussion on “who won Wrathgate,” specifically the Battle for Undercity. Shizukera said, over twitter, “We lost Bolvar and got to watch Varian mouth off. That’s about it. Horde? Rebels gone, they’re stronger.”
I am hesitant to say that one particular faction won or lost a particular event. The brief Forsaken Civil war was ended in no small part by the Alliance’s invasion and subsequent killing of Putress. The Horde did get to put down Varimathras and eliminated a significant chunk of the traitors members of the Royal Apothecary. On the Alliance side, we get to how blood thirsty Wrynn is after his stint as a slave-gladiator; Horde wise we see how an insurgency grew underneath Thrall’s nose. This is not an ideal situation for a warchief. But did the Horde really emerge stronger?
I don’t think they did. True, the Alliance lost Bolvar and according to my horde sources, the Forsaken were not blamed for Putress’ insurgency; however, the horde has taken a hit in terms of their Apothecary and it has show how Thrall and Sylvannus were duped. This event provides more evidence for Garrosh’s rise to power within the Horde–an event that may end up fracturing the horde if certain rumors are true. While the Horde reclaimed the Undercity, it was the Alliance who got to kill Putress. And the Horde have to address the fact that one of their capitals was retaken due to Alliance “help.”
I would say the event was a wash. Neither side won or lost. In fact, what we witnessed was some fracturing among the horde races. This fracturing may continue in Cataclysm. Please share your opinions with us! Who “won” Wrathgate/Undercity?
4 Comments
Arrens on September 30, 2009 at 9:17 am.
I agree, there was no winner or loser. And I don’t believe there was meant to be one. I think it was a way for the Horde to get a glimpse at Varian and his attitude and for the Alliance to see Garrosh and how hot-headed he can be, even with Thrall at his side. I honestly think it’s a precursor to events coming in Cataclysm.
That said, you’re right. The Horde as a whole doesn’t blame the Forsaken for what a few key members of the Roayl Apothecarian Society did. But what little trust there was for the Forsaken has been lessened even more. What I’m surprised at is how little backlash there was at Sylvanas for even allowing a new strain of the plague to be made. I mean, it’s not like she didn’t know what Varimithas was making. She just didn’t know how or when he was going to use it.
Pike on September 30, 2009 at 9:22 am.
I agree, no winner. Sure, Alliance got to see how one of “theirs” was a jerk, but Horde also got to see one of “theirs” was a traitor. Internal fracturing and treachery of that sort is rather scary…
Itanya Blade on September 30, 2009 at 11:58 am.
The conversation between Saurfang and the Warchief for the Horde part of that is rather telling. Thrall is more than shaken, he is disheartened.
Kyraine on September 30, 2009 at 3:03 pm.
Agree, no winner. But Wrathgate is going to have repercussions for a long time to come, more so for the Horde than the Alliance. The only reason I say that is if the rumors turn out to be true and Garrosh takes over, things are going to be a lot more interesting. Thrall’s a good leader. But what happened with Wrathgate shook him, and I think it shook the faith that a large part of the Horde had in him. There’s some cases where a leader can’t afford to be wrong, whether he/she was fooled or not at fault period, and I think Thrall is one of those cases.