Introduction

The outcome of a devastating battle between Illidan Stormrage and the Lich King Arthas Menethil in World of Warcraft (WoW) would reshape the entire landscape of the lore. This hypothetical scenario would introduce a chain of events that would impact every faction and character within the Warcraft universe. This article explores the immediate, mid-term, and long-term implications such an event would have on the game’s story and mechanics.

Immediate Consequences

The Death of the Lich King

The Lich King’s Elimination: If Illidan successfully dealt a final blow to the Frozen Throne, the Lich King—a fusion of Arthas Menethil and the spirit of Nerzhul—would be defeated. This direct blow would eliminate the immediate threat of the Scourge and the overwhelming presence of undead forces terrorizing Azeroth.

Scourge Collapses without the Lich King

Scourge Disintegration: Freed from the Lich King’s control, the Scourge would likely collapse. Some undead might be liberated from their servitude, while others could turn rogue. This would create a power vacuum in the Eastern Plaguelands, leading to potential chaos as various factions vie for control. The collapse of the Scourge would eradicate the direct enemies of the Alliance and Horde, drastically altering the immediate landscape of the game.

Mid-Term Effects

The Burning Legion’s Exploitation of the Situation

Invading the Realm: Without the Lich King as a buffer, the Burning Legion might perceive this as an opportunity to launch an invasion without the Scourge serving as a significant obstacle. As a former servant of the Legion, Illidan's role could complicate matters, leading to suspicion from other factions. This could result in a scramble for alliances and a renewed sense of urgency in dealing with the Legion’s threat.

Factions’ Divergent Reactions

Ally or Rival? The Alliance and the Horde would likely react differently to Illidan’s rise. The Alliance might view him as a potential threat and unite to counteract any perceived malicious intentions. Conversely, the Horde could either ally with him or see him as a rival, depending on their situation and motivations. Illidan himself would become a major player, regardless of the faction's stance, marking a significant shift in power dynamics.

Potential for New Alliances

Seeking Unity: Illidan’s victory could lead to the formation of new alliances or conflicts. He might seek to ally with factions such as the Night Elves or others opposing the Legion. However, his history and methods might alienate potential allies, complicating any attempts to form lasting bonds.

Long-Term Changes

The Redemption of Arthas

Arthas’s Character Arc: Arthas’s story would come to an end if he did not become the Lich King. This would change the narrative focus of many storylines involving him, such as his relationships with Jaina Proudmoore and Uther the Lightbringer. The absence of Arthas as a character would shift the entire narrative focus of the ongoing conflicts within the game.

New Threats Emerge

Resurgence of Untold Horrors: Without the Lich King, new threats would likely emerge. The remnants of the Scourge could rise again, leading to the formation of new undead factions or even new villains seeking to exploit the power vacuum left behind. This would introduce unpredictable challenges for the players and characters in the game world.

Changes in World Events

Rewriting the Canon: The destruction of the Lich King would significantly alter the storyline of the Wrath of the Lich King expansion. Characters, dungeons, and raids tied to that narrative would either need to be rewritten or replaced, reshaping the core experiences for players.

Quest for Redemption

Illidan’s Evolution: After achieving his goal, Illidan might seek redemption for his past actions. His character could evolve from an anti-hero to a more nuanced figure, potentially leading to new conflicts and resolutions in later expansions. This would add complexity to the game’s storytelling and player interactions.

Conclusion

Overall, Illidan’s success in destroying the Lich King would create a dramatically different narrative landscape in the Warcraft universe. The absence of the Lich King would shift the focus of ongoing conflicts, introduce new characters and factions, and potentially lead to a more chaotic world as various power players emerge. The themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the struggle against the Burning Legion would still be present but would take on new meanings and contexts in this altered storyline. This hypothetical scenario would not only change the game mechanics but also deeply impact the emotional and narrative journeys of the game’s players.