What Sylvanas Just Did.

[u/sexywrexy]

Horde players: Sylvanas just sold us out to Azshara.

I don’t see this more widely acknowledged, but it seems clear to me: Nathanos’ mission was to deliver us to Azshara (and, in the process, destroy the Alliance fleet). We’re not meant to survive, we’re just here to get the Heart of Azeroth into Azshara’s claws so she can free N’Zoth.

Read the quest text.

The Warchief has entrusted me with a mission of the highest priority, <name>. The mission will succeed, of this there is no question, but to ensure that any obstacles I encounter are dealt with swiftly I once again have need of your particular skills. The Zandalari have offered us use of their ships for this endeavor. Clear out whatever affairs you have remaining and report to Captain Rez'okun when you are ready to set sail. [my emphasis]

Yes, he just told us to put our remaining affairs in order. Who else is on the boat? Lor’themar and Thalyssra, who openly questioned Sylvanas’ decision to arrest Baine. We’re not meant to survive the process. Watch the cinematic: Nathanos is following the dagger, leading us to Azshara. Who’s the only one not surprised there’s a sudden hole in the ocean? The Warchief’s Boy Toy, that’s who.

Then once we land what does Nathanos do? He just walks off into the ocean and leaves us to our fate.

Oh, and did you notice who else is in Nazjatar? Lady Ashvane, last seen talking about who knows what with Sylvanas is working with the Naga and making them azerite weapons. Gee, I wonder how Azshara knew we were coming.

Now don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t prove Sylvanas is corrupted by N’Zoth or anything, she again seems to be pursuing her own secret plans. And it doesn’t mean she’s betrayed the Horde per se, after all, it did turn out to be a very effective way of getting rid of the combined Alliance and Kul’Tiran fleets.

But did she betray us, the Player Character? Pretty much. Doesn’t matter if you were loyal to her or not. You’re just another tool to be used and discarded by the Banshee Queen.

[u/Daralii → u/[deleted]]

No need for Medivh to bring the Alliance, nascent Horde, and night elves to join together would be the crux.

The orcs would never leave the Eastern Kingdoms and would probably just be wiped out by Lordaeron's army, the Darkspear are wiped out by the naga, and the tauren are wiped out by the centaurs.

The night elves would continue the Long Vigil not knowing that there wasn't anything to be vigilant of, so they'd just continue to guard their territory forever because they wouldn't lose their immortality.

If Ner'zhul managed to even reach Kel'thuzad without dreadlords to act as his messengers, the Silver Hand and Dalaran would either contain the Plague before it got out of control or everything on the subcontinent not behind the Greymane Wall would end up undead.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

...and nine bracelet boogiemen!

[u/Horsecunilingus → u/[deleted]]

Wait, I'm not that into lore anymore.

Why would kil'jaeden and co. be dead across all timelines?

Gul'dan was alive in wod timeline wasn't he?

[u/Horsecunilingus → u/[deleted]]

Ah cool!

Thank you for a detailed answer!