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Dragon Dilemma: Who Deserves to be the Black Dragon Aspect - Wrathion or Sabellian?
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Опубликовано
31.12.2022 в 14:58
DiscordianKitty
A major theme of Dragonflight is the leadership contest between Wrathion and Sabellian, with each black dragon claiming to be the natural heir who should be made the next Black Dragon Aspect. Ultimately, players are able to support and gain renown with both. However, only one can eventually take the position. We've had some time to fully get to know both sides, so who should be the next leader of the Black Dragonflight?
Wrathion's History
Wrathion is a young black dragon who hatched during the events of Cataclysm, after the Red Dragonflight arranged to use an ancient titan device to purge his egg of its Old God corruption. While Wrathion refused to be a pawn for the Red Dragonflight, he took his role as a Black Dragon, and therefore a guardian of the earth, seriously, and set about performing his duties to the best of his abilities.
First, Wrathion organized for every corrupted Black Dragon that he knew of to be hunted down and destroyed, hoping to cleanse his flight of the Old God influence that had plagued it for so long. By the time of the events of
Mists of Pandaria
, Wrathion's attention had turned to the protection of Azeroth. He had foreseen a great threat building - the coming of the Burning Legion - and decided that the only way for Azeroth to be prepared for such a threat was for it to be united. Wrathion believed that the best way for this to happen was for one faction to win the war and unite all of Azeroth under one, strong leader, choosing Varian Wrynn of the Alliance for this purpose.
During this time, Wrathion also developed a strong friendship with Anduin Wrynn - and while their relationship has since been tested, the two seem to still care deeply for each other to this day.
When Varian Wrynn did not use the outcome of the Siege of Orgrimmar as an opportunity to seize control over the Horde, Wrathion changed his plans, now believing only Garrosh Hellscream was strong enough to take complete control over both factions. With the help of the Infinite Dragonflight and the Bronze Dragon Kairozdormu, Wrathion arranged for the events of Warlords of Draenor, where Garrosh fled to an alternative timeline of Draenor in order to prevent the Orcs from becoming corrupted by the Legion and to build a new Iron Horde to sweep over Azeroth and bring it under his control.
Ultimately, not only did Wrathion's plans fail, he inadvertently helped bring about the coming of the Legion, as it was alternate Draenor's Gul'dan who managed to open the portal that allowed the Burning Legion's invasion of Azeroth. Wrathion seems to have spent some time after that soul searching. He encountered the spirit of Medivh, who encouraged him to look to the future rather than dwell on his past.
Torn Journal Page #58
But Medivh also spoke of his spirit's return to the mortal realm, and how it guided Azeroth's champions in the fight against the very forces that once corrupted him. He said something on which I ruminate even now: "I can never change the actions of my past," he told me, "but I can forge a new legacy to leave behind."
A new legacy. In the end, perhaps that is what I am truly after. A way to make amends for my father's failings... as well as my own. A legacy worthy of the black dragonflight's original sacred charge: the defense of Azeroth. The end of the Old Gods.
During the events of Legion, Highmountain's Spiritwalker Ebonhorn revealed himself to be an uncorrupted Black Dragon named Ebyssian. By
Battle for Azeroth
, the Old Gods had begun to corrupt Ebyssian, and Wrathion helped to save him, telling him that as uncorrupted Black Dragons, they were brothers. Wrathion also played a pivotal role in helping to defeat N'Zoth, particularly helping with resistance against the whispers of N'Zoth's attacks on sanity.
Wrathion has a large network of loyal agents to help him with what he believes to be his duties - the defense of Azeroth against any and all threats. Some of these agents have been witnessed seeking information about the Dragon Isles. Others helped Wrathion keep tabs on Ebyssian, warning him early about the Old Gods' attempts to corrupt him.
Like all other dragons, Wrathion felt the call of the Dragon Isles. He has returned more determined than ever to unite the Black Dragonflight and lead them into a new future, free of the legacy that Deathwing left behind.
Though Wrathion has sometimes referred to Deathwing as his father, that generally seems to have to do with the idea that, as the Black Dragon Aspect, Deathwing is his father in the way that Deathwing is the "father" of all the Black Dragonflight. Wrathion is most likely Deathwing's grandson.
Sabellian's History
Sabellian is a much older dragon than Wrathion. Deathwing's own son, he served as a lieutenant under him. During the events of Warcraft II, Deathwing decided to store away black dragon eggs on Draenor, entrusting Sabellian to safeguard the eggs and the Black Dragonflight there.
Sabellian has remained in Draenor ever since, even after its transformation into Outland, taking up residence in Blade's Edge Mountains. During the events of
Burning Crusade
, Sabellian, under the guise of his visage form of Baron Sablemane, worked with players to defeat gronn giants who also inhabited the zone. At some point, Sabellian became friends with the half-ogre, half-orc Horde champion Rexxar, though it's unclear if Rexxar knows his friend is a dragon.
According to his followers, Sabellian found a way to cleanse the Black Dragons on Draenor/Outland of their corruption rather than kill them. He has also successfully taken full control over Blade's Edge Mountains, and has been successfully ruling those members of the Black Dragonflight who live in Outland for many years.
Sabellian, too, felt the call of the Dragon Isles, and has returned with the assumption that he will rule - viewing his age, experience, relationship with Deathwing, and proven leadership as more than enough evidence that he deserves the role.
The Case for Wrathion
Wrathion argues that, since Sabellian spent so much of his time on Outland, he can't claim to have devoted himself to the guardianship of Azeroth the way Wrathion has. He also cites his own history with the player - Wrathion has played a major role in many expansions, often helping players directly.
Wrathion: My friend, our history together is illustrious. Surely you'll lend me your support here at the citadel?
--
Wrathion: Why do you only show your face now, after all the difficult work has been taken care of... by me?
Wrathion: While you tucked your tail in Outland, I united the warring factions of Azeroth against the Burning Legion's return!
Wrathion: Even in my youngest years, I worked to protect and safeguard this world... where were you hiding, Sabellian?
Wrathion: I am trusted and respected by all of Azeroth, they know that I look out for them... you, they fear.
Wrathion: When the last Old God threatened to end this world, I was there to stop it. Where were you?
Wrathion: Everything I have done, I have done for the future of this world--what have you accomplished?
Supporting arguments for Wrathion also highlights Wrathion's presence on Azeroth as well as his willingness to take action, even when it's difficult.
Right: Wrathion's able to make hard choices, the choices no one else will, all for the greater good.
Left: Setting Garrosh free started a war, but we needed that war to prepare for the Legion.
Talonstalker Kavia: He does what needs to be done. Honor and glory didn't help defeat the Sha or rid the world of mad dragons, Wrathion did.
Archivist Edress: Despite some questionable methods, it is hard to deny Wrathion's results. He has worked tirelessly to protect all creatures of Azeroth from numerous threats.
The Case for Sabellian
Sabellian's arguments are founded in his proven leadership, and in his claim that he has found a way to cleanse members of the Black Dragonflight of corruption.
Sabellian: I bring the future generation of a new, uncorrupted Black Dragonflight. Surely, you'll lend me your efforts to settle here on Azeroth.
--
Sabellian: I have the support of a full flight of dragons. Tell me, little one, where are the rest of your kin?
Sabellian: How do you expect to lead a Black Dragonflight that doesn't exist? I lead the next generation, and I have brought them here.
Sabellian: I have been battle tested and hardened from years of battle against Gruul and his offspring.
Sabellian: I do not need to claim this throne. It is mine! I am next in the line of succession. I do not even know your lineage.
Sabellian: Father entrusted me with the future of the Black Dragonflight. And I succeeded, by delivering the eggs I have so carefully protected.
Supporting arguments for Sabellian echo the same ideas - that Sabellian's leadership ability has been tried and tested, and that he saved the Black Dragonflight on Outland from corruption.
Forgemaster Bazentus: A leader is like a finely forged sword, they must be balanced, strong, and of pure metal.
Forgemaster Bazentus: Though I like Wrathion, he is untempered. Sabellian has been forged in fire, I believe he is what we need in a leader.
Baskilan: Sabellian rallied us in Outland, not only saving us from death, but from the corruption that befell our kin.
Baskilan: All the rest--the other flights, glory-starved mortals, even that pretentious "prince"--chose to murder the afflicted rather than aid us.
Archivist Edress: Where an Aspect failed, Sabellian succeeded. Despite Deathwing's madness, despite the rage of the Gronn, Sabellian and his kin survived, allowing us to achieve this moment.
Sabellian's cool-headed and experienced leadership style is reinforced in the main questline, where his plan to transport the uncorrupted black eggs to the Ruby Life Pools works flawlessly in a way that makes Wrathion seem inexperienced and childishly impatient.
The Black Dragonflight in the Waking Shores (Story Spoilers)
However, the same questline also reminds us that Sabellian's history includes a direct role in Deathwing's crimes - a legacy that cannot simply be ignored.
Alexstrasza, for her part, seems to have accepted the lesson once learned from the Red Dragonflight's attempts at meddling in the Black Dragonflight with the creation of Wrathion. She accepts that it's up to the Black Dragonflight to make the final decision.
Alexstrasza: What is the meaning of this, Sabellian? Where are the eggs?
Wrathion: Yes, why don't you explain how your ridiculous plan destroyed the future of an entire flight?
Sabellian: I apologize for any misunderstandings, Life-Binder. But any report of our extinction is premature.
Sabellian: The eggs were never in danger. The cart, and my presence, were merely to draw the attention of our foes and allow my flight to move unobserved.
Sabellian: I have spent millennia rebuilding my flight. As Neltharion's heir, I pledge it, and myself, to you.
Wrathion: What are you--
Alexstrasza: These eggs are most welcome here, Sabellian. But your part in your father's twisted legacy has earned you no such right.
Alexstrasza: I will ensure the eggs are cared for, but I will not be involved in your bickering. That is for the black, not the red, to decide.
The Case for Ebyssian
There is one other potential contestant for leadership worth mentioning: Ebyssian.
The oldest uncorrupted Black Dragon alive, Ebyssian's egg was cleansed by the Highmountain Tauren champion Huln Highmountain ten thousand years ago. Ebyssian has since watched over the Highmountain Tauren under his visage form, Spiritwalker Ebonhorn.
Since he has spent so much time helping to lead Huln's descendants, Ebonhorn has proven his leadership ability - though it must be said he has served in an advisory capacity rather than as a leader, and that his focus has been tauren - not dragons. Unlike Wrathion, Ebonhorn has never helped cause wars or accidentally bring about an invasion of the Legion, and unlike Sabellian, Ebonhorn has never been guilty of taking part in Deathwing's crimes. Ebonhorn also isn't actively seeking power - often a good quality in any leader.
When the dragonflights empowered the Heart of Azeroth in a ceremony similar to the one that created the Dragon Soul, Ebyssian represented the Black Dragonflight. Although it should be noted that, Chromie, rather than Nozdormu, represented the Bronze Dragonflight in the same ceremony.
Conclusion: It's Wrathion
Ultimately, everyone's choice of leader is their own, and we will have to wait and see who becomes the next Black Dragon Aspect. Personally, I believe it will be
Wrathion
, for the following reasons.
Wrathion has already addressed his biggest flaws.
While Wrathion has made mistakes in the past, he has shown himself able to learn and grow from those mistakes. Wrathion's approach has changed over time specifically as a result of learning from his failures, a far more important quality in a leader than simply never making a mistake at all.
Sabellian's victory against corruption might not be all that impressive.
We have seen how, while Ebyssian was cleansed of corruption before he was even born, he became vulnerable to the Old Gods' whispers after he left Highmountain. In the same way, it's possible that it was just easier to cleanse the Black Dragonflight of Old God corruption on Outland than it might have been if they were all on Azeroth. In contrast, Wrathion did manage to save Ebonhorn from falling to corruption, even before the defeat of N'Zoth.
Ebyssian is a bit more about Highmountain Tauren than about the Black Dragonflight.
Despite being the oldest uncorrupted Black Dragon alive, Ebyssian has spent most of his time looking after the Tauren of Highmountain. Even now, though he has done a little more outside of Highmountain in more recent times, he shows no particular interest in leading the Black Dragonflight. Though it's possible he would do a fine job, it seems best to just leave him to the people and culture he seems happiest with.
Wrathion is on all the cover art.
In a way that's impossible to ignore, Wrathion is very much the face of the Black Dragonflight in all of Blizzard's Dragonflight merchandising.
Sabellian's legacy is impossible to ignore.
Whatever good Sabellian may have done since, the fact is that he must have been complicit, and even actively participated in, some of Deathwing's biggest crimes. When the Black Dragonflight so desperately needs to look to a new future, and a new legacy free of Deathwing, the last thing it needs is a leader that Deathwing himself might have chosen as his heir.
Sabellian already has a role.
Ultimately, since you can support both aspiring Aspects at the same time with even the NPC Archivist Edress providing arguments for both, the competition doesn't really feel like you're supposed to come away believing neither have anything to offer. However, Wrathion is young, and he's mostly had to raise himself. He's never really had an older mentor within the Black Dragonflight itself to learn from - Ebyssian, again, too detached from the rest of the flight to really suit this role. With Sabellian already showing Wrathion the virtue of patient strategy, he seems to already be playing a mentorship role that Wrathion can learn from.
Last but not least, Wrathion has been present.
The Black Dragon Aspect's role is not just to lead the Black Dragonflight, but also to safeguard Azeroth. Sabellian has only proven himself in the first role. There's also the simple fact that, as players, we have spent a lot more time with Wrathion than Sabellian. We have quested with him, he's given us very important rewards like legendary cloaks. We know him, and from the start have viewed him as a representation of what the Black Dragonflight can be without Deathwing's influence. While it might be fun to see some sort of reunion between Sabellian and Rexxar, we don't really know Sabellian.
I can't help but feel that, after all that time we've spent with Wrathion, watching him learn and grow, seeing him win the leadership position would just be more satisfying at the end of the day.
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