REACTION: Azshara Warbringers Cinematic Gamescom 2018| TradeChat

[@WutangToft]

The wave was the result of the well of eternity imploding after Malfurion, Tyrande and Illidan turned it's energy on the portal where Sargeras was trying to manifest in the world.

[@WutangToft]

Also Azshara didn't make the deal with N-zoth out of a wish to save her people. But born out of her own greed to rule and conquer. She was originally approached by Sargeras and seduced by the power he offered. To rule Azeroth for the burning legion as Sargeras marched on. All of Azshara's decisions has root in her own ambition and greed. She wants to rule. She wants power. And anyone who can offer that and more, she approaches in order to accomplish her goals. The opening scene is more her trying to protect the empire she spent over a 1000 years to built. Not the people within it. Only the investment she spent.

[@garytaylor3880]

@@WutangToft True. And also what's a queen without people to worship and adore her? She didn't try to save them out of affection but out of vanity

[@jasmeetsingh1401]

Thomas Toft ah yes ,but the people are also part of her "investment" *that* is the reason she tried saving them because she knew without subjects, there is no empire to rule *or* she just wanted to save herself and the rest were just lucky (even for a few moments) to be behind her.

[@adrianbozdog9702]

The event is known as the Sundering the portal ment to bring Sargheras inmploded and split the land into the 4 continents Nothend Kalimdor Easter Kingdoms and Pandaria and where the Well of Eternety was the Maelstorm remained but yeah pretty much what u said

[@herbertluppi6909]

Indeed she wants power, but I think that in a way, she was trying to protect her people (at least the ones showing in the video) since they were all residents of Zin-Azshari, and its residents were almost 100% highborne night elfs, and they composed the queen's court and favorite indivuduals.

[@Alex_Johnson_]

We are shown things from the perspective of Azshara, making it look (on the surface) that she was in control. But we can see subtle hints of N'zoth's manipulation all throughout the animation. In the beginning, we see Azshara struggling to hold back the waves from submerging her empire. Laying at her feet is a fish (N’zoth’s eyes), telling her to give in. It has a soothing, female voice, and In it’s eye, we see the reflection of Azshara. She’s scared but unwilling to let go of her power and status as queen to the tides. But they soon overcome her and she is plunged into despair, losing everything. We then see another fish with a male voice this time, telling Azshara that it’s all over, but he can save her if she chooses to serve him. We, again, see Azshara’s reflection in the fish’s eye. She’s skeptical, but there is a glimmer of hope. What’s really important here is that he also tells her that he has been trapped under the seas and has been watching her for 1000 years, which is important for later. After Azshara questions N’zoth’s power, his voice becomes much louder and booming, and he shows his true power. He tells her to serve him again, to which she refuses. But she then says that he has been watching her for 1000 years, so he should know what she wants. This is true. N’zoth knows everything about her. This is highlighted by showing Azshara’s reflection again in N’zoth’s many different eyes. He knows her every thought and desire. Most of all, he knows that she is arrogant and would never willingly be a slave. Telling her that he was imprisoned made her feel like he needed her and that she was in control. She tried to use that as leverage in order to become a queen, to which N’zoth “reluctantly” agrees. The ending is most important, as we see how small Azshara is compared to N’zoth’s actual eye. It’s much easier to control someone when they believe that they are making their own decisions. N’zoth uses many different voices and appearances in order to be what a person needs most in order to easily manipulate them. Azshara believes that she has power, but she’s just a slave that was given a false crown, and in the process, N’zoth gained an army to do his bidding in the sea and on land.

[@LerRhann]

Perfectly written my good sir.

[@MrFox-xr9cc]

Magni is a Pawn, Aszhara is a Queen and N'zoth is Player 1

[@Sunny-zf1cm]

Alex Johnson I completely agree with most of what you said, old gods are best at manipulation after all. Imo I feel as if this type of manipulation is the only type that would work on Azshara, because she’s too strong headed to just give into someone. However, I believe that she’s smart enough to know he’s going to backstab her and I feel as if she has to have a plan. I’m pretty sure just about everyone who’s important on Azeroth is aware of how old gods work; they want to destroy the world and corrupt the titan within. Azshara has to be a lot more dumb than we’ve been told to not realize, huh if this old god wants to destroy the world, he’s probably going to destroy me once I’ve destroyed everyone else for him. You see what I’m getting at? Plus even if she didn’t know he was an old god, the way he gets angry and talks about his empire would just kinda hint at her, oh this guy likes to be in control. Really hope she has a plan to defeat n’zoth. I wonder just how involved Azshara is with N’zoth. Are they like pals that make plans together or does Azshara have no idea what he’s corrupted so far? Only way to find out is the wait for more story I guess.

[@Diluted_Potato]

Also I noticed the gasps of the dying fish match perfectly with Ashara's gasps as she struggles to hold back the waves, I see it as N'Zoth trying to ingrain in her that what she's clinging on to is futile, the fish can cling onto life but with no water around around it'll die eventually, Ashara can hold the barrier for the time being, but she'll crack eventually.

[@PrinceVega]

Love your analysis. Great job!

[@a.j.davenport2383]

"That's a really mad fish" - greatest Panser quote EVER!

[@Pandahashira]

Hahaha ikr

[@senateop9680]

i want such an emote or a sticker

[@Carl5156]

Proper belly laughs when she said that. 😂😂

[@tonycortez7555]

A.J. Davenport lol hell yeah, i was feeling g super emotional then that brought a huge smile to my face

[@Eruanne]

Azshara looking at Sargeras; Magnificent...take my people as slaves and make me queen! Azshara looking at crazy old god, Magnificent...take my people as slaves and make me queen! *Azshara continues to be Azshara.*

[@MSnow-pu4qs]

*Azshara being Azshara for 10K years*

[@grumpydinosaur2347]

Theyre not so much slaves as just loyals more or less. There was sone Nagas who left Azshara

[@dances4980]

I thought this video was... Magnificent

[@geekofgames9191]

Eh, I thought it moved pretty slow and the graphics were weak for Blizzard. Guess I don't like the style.

[@garytaylor3880]

I like how he made her wait for it at the end. Look at her expression change from that smug look to worry near the end when nothing was happening. Made her sweat lol

[@SoulHuN7eR]

Sweat, even though being underwater... :P

[@Fir3Fury88]

couldve been her running out of air also lol

[@garytaylor3880]

@@SoulHuN7eR xD

[@Mutzart]

[SPOILER] The only one who can beat N'zoth.... NAT PAGLE !!!

[@roughnegg6615]

I CAN FISH ALL DAY!

[@alittlebirdi]

I CAN FHTAGN ALL DAY!

[@connman8d617]

Not true. There are plenty of powerful lore characters capable of defeating N'zoth. My money is on you Captain Placeholder...wherever you are sweet prince.

[@RagnasDarkside]

HAH! CAUGHT ONE!

[@kazuya9288]

It's always Fuckin Malfurion because he's so swag

[@Bagal92]

Nzoth manipulated her perfectly, letting her think she got the upperhand of the deal when in reality she's just called a queen instead of a slave now, but it doesn't make her look any less of a badass, not cowering in front of an old god holy shit!

[@jorgefelipa2648]

Bagal92 for an old god, a pawn or a queen are still a chess piece. also i dont think nzoth had the upperhand because he could not risk waiting for another being as powerful as aszhara to reach the gates of his prison.

[@NoobsUnited9000]

I dont know she looks like a fool in over her head to me. She doesnt quite understand what shes dealing with.

[@SoulHuN7eR]

I like the fact that at least someone gets it. And for everyone else like tradechat who is wondering why we get the 6:00 scene, its exactly that. Azshara thinks she got him but instead she is drowning and the light around her is fading. And by the time she is about to reach her limit and possibly die, N'Zoth seals the deal, reminding her and all of us who really has the upper hand. Pretty "magnificent" if you give it a little thought. ;)

[@Spacetauren]

It's an agreement, not a fight. No one has the upper hand, they just decided on the terms. N'zoth saves her life and grants her new power, as well as people to adore her, and she destroys his enemies in his name and restores the Black Empire, as long as she becomes the subject of the world's adoration and not just his Dragon. As long as their plan is successful, they BOTH have exactly what they want.

[@SoulHuN7eR]

She couldn't care less about "her people". all she cares is "her empire". Azshara is the epitomy of narcissism.

[@AlValentyn]

I love the imagery of N'Zoth as a little fish, whispering, and making bargains.

[@AlValentyn]

He possessed the little fishy!

[@stephenhirt1883]

The fish know the secrets, or something.

[@NoahWeisbrod]

@Scar it seems to be a fragment or avatar of N'zoth

[@Aronim1980]

Whats Crazy is that the Old God is Voiced by Reinhardts Voice Actor Darin De Paul.^^

[@TradeChat]

LOVE HIM!

[@Briansgate]

Emporer Valkorion

[@bauscheusse]

My mind first went to Ardyn Izunia since it sounds closer to that but hell yeah

[@alittlebirdi]

I knew that voice sounded familiar! Ardyn Izunia, chancellor of Nifelheim!

[@Metalcommand04]

WAVE DOWN! BRING ME ANOTHER EMPIRE!!!

[@Korium84]

Brings a whole new meaning to wicked tuna

[@yonokhanman654]

With that audio work, no wonder something smells fishy. giggity

[@Shiirow]

Charlie the Tuna is far more malicious than one would first believe.

[@Glenner359]

idk bout Tuna..but Magikarp sure looked angry..and didn't even have to turn into Gyrados to get his way!! :P

[@BRWednesday]

The wave was from the well of eternity explosion ( The Sundering) brought on by the Legion and herself. Azshara, being Azshara, was most likely more upset by losing her Empire Vs. Saving her people. She's the epitome of a narcissistic, ego driven Queen. Good to see you over on Origin today!

[@elizabethrobin8932]

Agree.I wish people would read the lore ,I am surprise she did not. I love the lores.

[@EvileyeV]

Wasn't it her fault?! LMFAO

[@BRWednesday]

@@EvileyeV Yep

[@dingodyno9016]

that or at least watch a Nobbel video lolz there are heavy lore characrters and Nobbels videos are also a blast to watch and very informational

[@Arnorian3320]

Even if N'zoth's transformation was reversed, Azshara was an awful, AWFUL person beforehand. She willingly sold out all of Azeroth, including her own empire and citizens, to the Burning Legion in exchange for Sargeras making her his queen. There were no tricks by the Legion or her being corrupted. She's just really terrible. I kind of love her.

[@fallofcamelot]

Lexx4815162342 It’s difficult for someone to be bought back to the good side when they were never there in the first place.

[@SoulHuN7eR]

N'Zoth: I am a GOD you dull creature... and I shall not be bullied by... Azshara: NO! N'Zoth: "monkaS"

[@rigelcummins1460]

While the evil goat battle pet is creepy and cool, I now want an evil fish battle pet.

[@TradeChat]

YES

[@ricardoi.3275]

Do you want a... Magikarp?

[@rigelcummins1460]

I was thinking more like a re-skin of one of the current battle pet fishes with black skin and red eyes.

[@vampirematter9786]

I absolutely love Azshara's smirk at 6:06, and how quickly it fades.

[@Maldanil]

"The god of nothing" was arguably the best thing said in this whole clip.

[@saikonakoshi4334]

Hentai offers a unique perspective on an otherwise taboo side of life

[@TradeChat]

lmaoooo

[@simonlarsen6059]

The wave was from the sundering - when the well of eternity got broken and the landmasses split. cool story :)

[@numark79]

ZIN-AZSHARI!!!

[@magnuschristianssen8999]

numark79 cool, so where did they get the term "naga" from and is their Queen still alive or been dead for eons?

[@juliansmit3770]

Magnus Christianssen Azshara is more alive than ever bro. She’s gonna play a big role in BFA

[@Vhailor_Mithras]

If I recall from the books correctly; The selfish person that she is, she didn't shield anyone else but herself. She left everyone to their own fates while sitting in her room in the Palace when the waves struck.

[@AraxielPussycat]

She also shield other highbornes, it is mentioned :) She couldn't save all, but she was doing all she could at that moment

[@anaalicia2750]

I remembered that she managed to shield only a handful of highborne.

[@syl5500]

She shielded her throne room in Zin-Azshari alongside her handmaidens and some highborne

[@idontknow-yg3sb]

Poor N'Zoth just wanted to make a friend. FeelsBadMan

[@Azrael79a]

Azshara was always evil AF lol. All she ever cared about was power and control. Which is fine, whatever, but the Naga weren't and really aren't inherently evil lol. They were originally just people, who go transformed into snakes and fish, while also getting manipulated by asshats like Azshara, N'Zoth, Illidan, ect. Ultimately though, there's a huge amount of Naga that have been 'freed' in a sense. They served Illidan as slaves, but they worked with the Demon Hunters during Legion to fight against the enemies of Azeroth. Even though most of them are from Outlands, they could totally become a neutral faction in the future if Blizz doesn't just forget about their existence entirely lmao. I've wanted playable Naga since BC btw...

[@sjkdsfsdf52]

nagas would have have a disadvantage on land which is difficult considering that 99.9% of wow's content is on land

[@AnikaJarlsdottr]

even back then, Azshara was a SERIOUSLY powerful sorceress. she held back the entire weight of the sea, the billions of trillions of tons of ocean water for 68 seconds.... thats seriously badass.

[@adamwilliams3336]

Azshara had made a deal with Sargeras to bring in the Legion and him, sacrificing many of her people in the process. She wanted to be his queen. That tidal wave was from the original Sundering, when Illidan, Malfurion and all our friends destroyed the Well of Eternity that was acting as a portal to bring in the Legion 10000 years ago. That Sundering shaped the world as we play it, beforehand the world was a Pangaea, with her city basically in the middle. With the explosion, Kalimdor and Eastern Kingdoms were forever separated, along with all the islands we've seen along the way (Northrend, Pandaria, etc...). You can see that event in the Cata dungeon, Well of Eternity, which puts you just before it happens.

[@jasmeetsingh1401]

At 1:31 do note that the fish is N'zoth mocking Azshara, struggling to survive, to live and at 1:36 she realized it and you can see the twitch in her eye and at 1:41 you can see that breathing is in sync with Azshara's again symbolising her as a struggling fish. At 2:52 you can see that she gone kind of unconscious and the next scene is just N'zoth twisting her vision making her say what he wants her to say.

[@GrimFelArt]

I WAS REFRESHING YOUR UPLOADS FOR YOUR REACTION LOL This is *definitely* my favourite of the Warbringers shorts. Not just because Azshara is my favourite lore character, but because they *nailed* the suspense and the struggle, and her haughty, queenly, conniving nature. *AND* we got to see a glimpse of *NYALOTHA* the city of the Old Gods! *AND N'ZOTH*

[@pavelplsek2000]

Her story before this video in a nutshell. She was a nightelf queen of pre sundering nightelf empire. She was also part of upper caste called highborne (still nightelfs, just called themselves fancy.) Sargeras then contacted her and told her that if she helped his Legion bring him to Azeroth she would become his queen (wife of a god sounded great to her.) So then War of the Ancients happened - long story short - shit went bad for her and Legion thx to Brox, Illidan, Tyrande and fucking Malfurion. Well of eternity exploded when these people turned its energy (previously focused on creating portal to bring Sargeras here) backwards and thats what caused the sundering - the Azeroth how we know it began to exist. This explosion created the wave you see at the beginning and the rest is here, in war3 and wow ;)

[@MysticMindAnalysis]

I love how invested Panser gets into all of these reaction videos. A mark of true passion which many share! I was a little confused at first due to knowing Azshara's transformation mostly from the War of the Ancients novels. But the ominous presence of the old god and Azshara's opportunistic grab for power? Magnificent!

[@Arxareon]

Yes, the waves was ultimately caused by the Legion. Sargeras offered Queen Azshara power and to rule at his side over the world. He ashed her to open a portal to Azeroth - the Well of Eternity was to be used for that. All Sargeras wanted of course, was a shortcut to Azeroth so he could come here quickly and easily to destroy it. The well, however, became very unstable after the portal was shut and imploded causing The Sundering - the main landmass broke and this happened.

[@nobah8131]

You do not win in bargains with old gods. She was, at no point in this exchange, in power. N'Zoth got a whole Army for the price of one narcissistic Queen. Don't mess with elder gods, kids.

[@Vladimir_Fedorov27]

In general - obviously, but you know, between sinking dead or being a mermaid for no less then 10k more years... This deal's kinda good?

[@twilightgryphon]

Here's your context for you: the opening to the video was the Sundering, the end of the War of the Ancients, the first war Azeroth had with the Burning Legion 10,000 years to the modern game. When the original Well of Eternity was destroyed, it caused the first cataclysm which split the land of Azeroth into the two main continents we know today, along with the smaller ones like Northrend, Pandaria, and now the Zandalari and Kul Tiran island groups. Since Azshara's capital city was that the heart of the disaster, when the land split apart it split apart from there, so the land sank into the sea where the Maelstrom exists today. The Maelstrom is the aftermath of the well's destruction and marks where the war ended, where Azshara fell, and what you see happening is happening deep below the waves.

[@KindredSoul268]

N'zoth was pissed af lol but i do hope we don't fight him untill next expansion maybe he will free the other old gods or wake them up it's time for school or some shit would be awsome if we have an expansion about old gods :D

[@Arie25th]

Old gods are enemies. Tho there might be a chance of us using titans to force old god vs old god real soon.

[@MrRainbowblast]

No, we're definitely fighting N'Zoth this expansion. Plus, a side from G'huun (who technically isn't a real Old God), N'Zoth is the last remaining Old God on Azeroth. There are no others he can turn to.

[@moret25]

G'huun is just the Pantheon's Frankenstein

[@DrGameLord]

No there are others. Its not clear if C'Thun is dead or not but Yogg is definitely alive.

[@paulstealcry]

Neither C'Thun, nor Yogg are dead. They're imprisoned and kinda fully charged. What we fought were just avatars, puppets and idols used to enslave their servitors, but they're alive and oooh boy, powerful, and oooh boyx2, they're just about the get awaken by their little brother. Something dark is coming for us!

[@franchised1]

Worth noting, this is the chick who originally brought the burning legion into Azeroth. She was literally going to try and become Sargaras's mate/consort and was using the original well of eternity to try and summon Halloween into Azeroth way too soon, there's a whole dungeon based on this I believe. She sold out the world for power, and when that plan was ruined she made a new deal with adark fish god there and now we have naga.

[@FluffyMousse]

From what i know , she was the one helping for the portal to be opened and bringed The Burning Crusade and Sargeras in the world , so yeah ... she wanted a perfection , but i guess everything that come to extreme power or whatever become destructional , like we see in her lore :/ Loved your reaction , Panser

[@Le7emeChat]

She made a deal with the Legion. Lead to the even in the raid of well of eternity. Now what is important to remember is: when the titan reorganized the word, they moved all the piece of land into one giant continent with a giant inside sea of power call the well of eternity (The continent was call Kalimdor). When the ritual (she was leading) to summon Sargeras to Azeroth exploded (thanks to Malfurion, Tyrande and Illidan, and some others...) the feedback effect of such power disruption destroyed half of Azeroth, literally sinking it. What we know today as Kalimdon, Easter Kingdom, Northrend, Pandaria, and other are only the remaining land which didn't sink back then: the outside border of the old Kalimdor, if you will. Azshara was the Queen of the Night-elves, and she lived surrounded by the N-E nobility, calling themselves Highborn. They were the ones whom sided with her (and the legion) during the war of the ancient. They were with here when the sundering (giant sinking) happened. They are those we see in that video, they are those who became Naga (well those who didn't decide to become Satyr first... Oh yeah, you know that Satyrs are also Highborn who choose to embrace the power of the legion even more deeply). About Azshara: She was recognized to be as powerful as one of the top generals of Sageras.

[@kiro6479]

Azhara has some balls making deals with the old gods. Awesome reaction panzer!

[@Kiwicrack]

Hey Panser - If you're interested in Azshara: It is a hefty read (GoT volume lengths) but the events preceding the first bit of this Warbringers is detailed quite a bit in War of the Ancients (it's actually 3 books in one) - I read it right before Legion, and found that it tied incredibly well with that expansion.

[@OmarK-art]

Was waiting for your reaction! :D

[@sayukoeiren1077]

me too

[@lukasino145]

Thats pretty sad

[@jfletcher12]

I cannot believe you haven't read The War of the Ancients series. Literally every question you asked in that video is answered in those books. Well, now you have homework!

[@leosabat4636]

i didnt read it and idont play since mop.... and still i know tat malfurion make reverse the well and cause the flood. dam man whaiting since warcraft 3 to see real naga suff

[@AbyssalZones]

I suppose this cinematic suggests there are just unlucky civilians caught up in everything, but most of the Naga were already evil beforehand. They were Azshara's Highborne, who had fought on the side of the Legion during the War of the Ancients. There were Highborne who eventually refused to side with Sargares, but they had already abandoned Azshara by this point.

[@vangoghsnight4268]

Also, I like the idea that the video gave a hint on how powerful Azshara really is. The tsunami wasn't just made out of normal water, but the water from the Well of Eternity itself.

[@LeozMixzeR]

I can just imagine how satisfying it must be watching these reaction videos as the director/artist/sound designer of these warbringers seeing peoples jaws literally drop

[@vickieturner1983]

Your reaction videos are awesome Panser. I watched your reaction to the Dva video and seriously watching you nearly had me in tears. I don't play Overwatch I must admit, but I have watched all the cinematics and they are amazing. My fav is Mei and I was in tears watching her cinematic.

[@wadeperry4294]

The thing with Azshara is that, in her mind, she is Queen. She is immortal Empress of all Azeroth, meaning that to her, when she said "I built this Empire" looking at her people, there is no difference. Her People are her Empire, are Herself. The literal translation of Letat c'est moi. The lore in Dominions game series probably has the best explanation of her mind-state: she is a god, and the world has yet to acknowledge this reality, so she will make it so. To (sane) mortals, there is no way to comprehend that world view. We are raised, by anyone, to know that we cannot mold the world like clay. She wasn't, and she could, so she did. Ooh, some people have asked why male naga look like dinosaurs and female like snake women, aside from the obvious? Vanity. Azshara's vanity formed the women to glorify her. The males to be beneath her.

[@nari_the_corpse6681]

N'zoth crept into her mind as she fell into a dream state, so to speak. Then, he communicated with her from wherever he was. Hence the glowing city, and the orange Light in the abyss. When she awoke, she was physically changed by N'zoth. Pretty cool.

[@Grimzilla32]

Basically, she's the reason Sargeras found Azeroth and even the upper Legion leadership considered her to be a straight up boss. Mannaroth was afraid of her, let that sink in.

[@NeilsonBuntowa]

Yup mannoroth sees her as an equal to sargeras and his two generals

[@Ultimaton100]

You know the cinematic/animated short will be good when you have chills less than 5 seconds in. Indeed, Azshara has always believed all exist either to serve her or be cast aside as nothing. Even her consorts, advisors, and handmaidens were nothing but “possessions” to her. As others have pointed out, she saves them and their families not out of a sense of duty as their ruler, but because, in her vanity, her greatest fear isn’t death, but instead holding dominion over nothing, as she chided N’zoth for. Her exchange with N’zoth also perfectly conveys why she is such a compelling villain. She’s the only one we’ve seen wind up face-to-face with an Old God, and match their twisted selfishness and arrogance perfectly.

[@UghieYucky]

This is when the world was sundered, you can see it at Thalyssra's Suramar intro too. Azshara was entranced by the power Sargeras offered and tried to summon him and the Legion through the well. Malfurion closed this portal which caused the Well to implode, breaking the landmass. The sea then rushed to fill the "hole" that was left. Also, is N'zoth's voice Darin DePaul? That laugh sounds like him when he voiced Valkorion in SWTOR.

[@justine8398]

What's the saying "an elf born with golden eyes is destined for greatness" funny thing is Illidan and Ashara were both born with golden eyes and look at them now ……..MAGNIFICENT!!! =D

[@LexussDaines]

Her reaction! "IT IS N'Zoth!" She looked like a scared child! Hahaha priceless!

[@mathewcole7848]

OK, Panzer. In some order: -> The massive "tidal" wave was caused by the implosion of the Well of Eternity and the way it SANK the centre of the continent of Kalimdor (then Azeroth's only continent). The location shown is most likely Zin-Azshari, the capital of the kal'dorei Empire - Azshara's capital city, and what we are seeing is the city sinking to the bottom of the brand new Great Sea. Approximately between the four continents. -> Yes, Azshara held up a magical shield over it to protect it and herself (and, incidentally, her people) as the Well imploded. Yes, this is what Suramar also did, with the Eye of Aman'Thul, to survive the millennia. And yes, Azshara was able to do it through an act of sheer will. Because... -> YES, Azshara is explicitly stated to be the most powerful mortal mage to have EVER lived (although she is no longer mortal). -> The being speaking with Azshara is definitely N'Zoth, perhaps the weakest among the Old Gods - but also the most cunning and intelligent. Anything he(?) is involved with is Bad News. -> Azshara doesn't care about her Empire, her people or her ANYthing, and never has - except insofar as it's *hers*. Her possession of these things - the loyalty and love of her people, the vast, world-spanning Empire, the many magical artifacts she owns - reflects upon her. And that's the sole extent to which she gives a damn about any of them. And, finally, -> Yes, the dynamics between her and N'Zoth will be complex - I hope that's shown in later content patches. Technically, N'Zoth is calling the shots - but as always, Azshara plays her own game... Hope this helps with your questions!

[@Superdummy803]

Jaina was my favorite, so haunting and beautiful but beyond that, and great job on Blizzard's part. The Warbringers and the Old Soldier with it were the best cinematics they've ever done IMO.

[@TheDannyschoofs]

The moment N-Zoth allmost ragequit, when Azshara said 'Or let me die, &you will remain here, a prisoner, the God of nothing'... XD . Nice, turning the bales like that, on an old god :p Also the sight of Nya'lotha, the dark city of the untold horrors... Nicely done :)

[@ezambium1]

She was a villain before she became a Naga. It was her who was bringing the legion into Azeroth and the strange thing was, she was SO powerful that the demons were becoming more loyal to her than the legion. Manaroth (don't know the spelling) the pit Lord came up against her and immediately realised that she was far more powerful than people realised. She was going to make Sargares her husband. That was the deal originally. So this new deal is totally in character for her.

[@blacklord3212]

we have to level fishing guys N'Zoth is a fish lol :D

[@hlb117]

"Horrible Flood" was her deal with Sargeras going side-wise, thanks to Malf, Ty and the sundering. She was bad before this-- but even then, motivated by her people and need for power. Much like a certain Banshee Queen we know.... and a Frost Mage (maybe, have not played Ally side yet). Panser-- love your content and your videos. Thanks for all the hard work :D

[@WyattTriplett]

Tentacles a plenty in the near future. They're gonna be everywhere. Also cool that at first it was N'Zoth speaking through a fish, I'm fairly certain it goes back to the puzzle box of yogg-saron where the box has a chance to say, "The fish know all the secrets. They know the cold. They know the dark."

[@arachnidsgrip9205]

I've loved Azshara ever since reading the books, and this Warbringers just reignited my passion for her story. My only issue is that her appearance is different in the game/animatics as how she was originally written, (dark hair instead of silver, dark violet skin instead of this like lavender, pupilless golden eyes) but omg I've watched this like 8 times and I can't get over how incredibly they displayed her magical prowess (by literally stopping the ocean from crashing around her Highborne).

[@dasdeke]

Had just watched and searched for your reaction. 15 mins later after a refresh, it came up :D. The title wave is from the destruction of the well of eternity. I do agree that was N'zoth. I've been waiting for this warbringers and her coming into WoW since the start (loved the breadcrumbs they left throughout the expansions). Like you, my personal fav, the horror elements were a nice touch. LOVE the foreboding of the Old God portion too.

[@ink3478]

Omg I need that shirt!! Much love!

[@BarbaraMorozova]

Azshara is awesome. She's been my favorite character forever.

[@buldren0101]

Azshara's pretty much always been a power-hungry egomaniac, she basically started the War of the Ancients and sided with the Legion. With the Well of Eternity imploding and causing the ocean to swallow her and her city, N'zoth becomes interested in her because she's mega-powerful (for context, Mannoroth sensed part of it and realized she was just as, if not more powerful than Archimonde and he knew not to fuck with her). Azshara realizes that N'zoth needs her power to have any hope of breaking out of his prison so that's why she's able to have the balls to stand up to him and command that she be Queen of the revived Black Empire (the Empire of the Old Gods before the Titans came to Azeroth and killed/imprisoned them). That long moment of her looking back and forth underwater I interpreted as her expecting N'zoth to give her the power to survive being underwater right away, but it seemed like it was taking N'zoth his time to do so which caused her to panic thinking she was about to drown.

[@Hardcore6166]

N'zoth: "Only i can save you" Panser: "A fish...." Lmao.. No one makes me laugh like that..

[@k_bot1824]

I agree with her completely on the idea that its more interesting to learn the motivation of villains since its more complex, she put it into words i couldn't quite articulate but it's so simple, loved it.

[@MirageGSM]

Others already said the wave was the sundering brought on by Illidan, Malfurion and Tyrande exploding the Well of Eternity. As for Aszahra's possible redemtion... I find that highly unlikely. She was corrupted and evil long before N'Zoth took her in...

[@epiccthulu]

Peace is a lie, there is only Passion. Not wanting peace shouldn't make someone the villain by default. At the beginning of the BFA cinematic, the words chosen were "We had forgotten what made us strong." What made us strong? Fighting each other continuously and without end.

[@littlebrogaymer3475]

*cracks fingers* In regards to characters turning evil... Azshara was already evil at this point. The reason the Well of Eternity exploded is due to Malfurion and friends at the end of the War of the Ancients destroying it. Azshara had made a deal with the Legion to use the WoE to summon in Sargeras, and hence why it needed to be destroyed.

[@UnwrittenNoise]

Azshara was a baddie even before this. She wanted power, she helped the legion in return for that power. Just Illidan and Malfurion and Tyrande managed to stop the legion and cause the sundering, which in turn caused the wave. So no, I don't think we could un-corrupt azshara, or if we did, she would just be an immensely powerful (way more so than Jaina or Khadgar etc.), ancient and power-hungry mage again.

[@ThePhoenixQueen1124]

I also always side with the Villains in stories! It's so easy to side with the good guys and their quest for [Insert good trait here]. But villains are always so interesting to see, especially their past. It's so amazing to see why a villain became who they are and I can connect better with villains in that way because in their situation I would probably have done the same. Azshara has been my favorite every since i started in BC and began learning more about WoW lore and I'm so so so SO excited to see more of her, we only got a taste in Legion but I know she is coming at us full throttle!

[@ZitaRocks]

Thats a really mad fish... LMAO! I love watching your reaction videos.

[@AndrejTelisman]

Sylvanas Windrunner did break with Lich King, Allura Windrunner with Void, Illidan did with Legion, now Azshara is determent elf who can do same with Old gods ... Elfs are purified elevated form of Trolls, and they still have that troll spiritual strength and courage to make bold deals with Higher spiritual forces and stay independent somehow. When Azeroth wakes up ... he will make a new Parthenon surly.

[@Grimzilla32]

The BALLS on this Queen She TWISTED a deal with a devil into here favor!

[@Blondie42]

"That's a really mad fish." 🐟 lmao that was great. 🤣😂

[@PAHCxGasket]

holy crap Panzer, I watched it for the first time with you. Azshara is a badass!

[@johntomsakjr.8071]

I absolutely loved this warbringers. I'm a fan myself of some of the villains in stories too. But particularly, as a mage main of 6 years, I get SUPER interested in the powerful wielders of the arcane in the lore of WoW. Azshara is awesome! Also, was a killer outro! Lol

[@chloedarbyshire-brown2938]

See, I think she looks smug for all of about 3 seconds. then I get the hint that shes not sure if what happened was real. you see her let out that first breath to see if she can breath, then she cant. then her eyes dark and the screen fades as she starts to panic. then N'zoth steps in and changes her just as she begins to drown. i think its an amazing depiction.

[@H240909]

Full story: Azshara made a deal with the legion to help them conquer the world and in return she could rule everything and remake the world in her image. But there was a resistance, the Well of Eternity became unstable, and then imploded and the Sundering split the land apart. From there, you've basically seen the rest. Nzoth makes a deal with Azshara and she and her people become the Naga. However, they've apparently retconned it slightly to make so that Azshara was the one setting the terms of their deal and generally being a badass. They also seem to be making it more about Azshara trying to save her people as well as serving her own ends. But at the end of the day, she's still entirely self centered with her actions. All in all, I love this episode!

[@pjy6713]

I think N'Zoth did'nt corrupt Azshara, but it gave her more power. She was originally queen who had will to domination and obsession to power.

[@LadyMireille]

I like how she never loses her pride, she was ready to die. She will either rule as Queen or die as a Queen. N'Zoth strikes me as to prefer putting the strings as puppetmaster and true power behind the throne type anyways, so why care if she wants to be a figurehead to the mortals

[@Fenix1861]

I am pretty sure they are using Azshara as an analogy for Sylvanas. I think Sylvanas will be brought to a similar point, having accepted his "deal," but ultimately will reject N'Zoth and sacrifice herself to save her people. Then Saa'ra (the Naa'ru that brought back Calia Menethil) or Calia herself will raise Sylvanas as one of the Lightborn Forsaken so she can serve penance.

[@veroleshtheinsane6556]

Your shirt is an accurate depiction of how I spend the last 2 weeks during my holiday x"D

[@nekromanta2444]

After I watched Warbringers: Azshara I was just waiting for you making a reaction for it ❤

[@GrimFelArt]

Also watch nobbel87's Azshara video, it gives the best summary of her lore up until Legion The wave was a result of the Sundering, when the Well of Eternity was destroyed to prevent Azshara from bringing Sargeras into Azeroth (because she saw him as the perfect mate for her). Then as she was dying N'zoth came to her and *poof* naga

[@SwedetasticGames]

"That's a really mad fish!" I just spit water all over my keyboard, thank you. X'D

[@emrahi.2169]

Azshara is not corrupted, that's the beauty of her. She is who she is, she likes power and she wants to be the most powerful of all. So she seeks it whereever she can, without being a slave for it. When you put corruption into characters actions, it nullifies everything they do. (The same comment applies to Sylvanas and Jaina... hope none of them are corrupted!!! Plz Bliz!)

[@thedarkone9552]

You may call her uncorrupted but she was a horrible person and miserably idiotic from the start, before her transformation occurred. Corruption or not, it's evil

[@theobazinga8555]

She has golden eyes just like Illidan which according to their people both of them have a great destiny in their future and they are unique! Both of them ''trade'' their golden eyes or the light in their eyes for something else!!!

[@BlazikenYoshi]

Azshara sold her people out to the Legion for power. She did it again here, to N'Zoth, turning them into naga, for power again. This was all done, the first deal that is, when she was already pretty much the QUEEN OF THE WORLD. Basically, she had everything, and she wanted more. I pray to Elune that there isn't a redemption story for her. This woman basically brought uncountable deaths and irreparable damage to the world for more power when she already had it all. This is someone who needs to be put down, like Arthas, like Deathwing, like Sargeras. And it's gonna be fun. :D

[@Sapphicbee]

I agree so much! She could either let herself and all of her people die, or she could become the slave of a god. And she chose to turn it in her favour by being a, if not outright ally, at least have a lot more power than a slave would have, and saved her people, albeit into a cursed life. Definitely my favourite warbringers, with Jaina's a close second (because I am nothing if not a disaster lesbian for badass ladies and old gods)

[@TT-nk3ho]

I got Atlantis vibes when Azshara put up a barrier using her magic to hold back impending tsunami doom. Also watching this I really want to know how the other races survived such a huge blast and the sundering in general.

[@SneakyArtillery]

She bargained for her people there but don't forget she was the one who was at fault for the destruction to begin with.

[@TheRealAb216]

She didn't bargain for her people she bargained for power. She said take my people as your slaves with me to rule over them.

[@SneakyArtillery]

@@TheRealAb216 yup!! She did basically the same thing with sargeras. I'm really looking forward for this blizzcon to see what happens next with this.

[@Alex-dn5ns]

She didn't really bargain for her people. All she cared about was the fact that the empire she built had been destroyed, so she just wanted a new one to rule over.

[@delilahmills7192]

I love watching your reactions, you are so emotive, so genuine, so intuitive, bravo!

[@happyninja42]

"That's a really mad fish!" .....lol! Ok that got a genuine snort out of me xD

[@Lexiy76]

It was the sundering and even if Azshara and her people are freed from the corruption of the old god, they were never good. We'd still be left with a power hungry queen who never truly cared for her people beyond what they could do for her.

[@shehran6936]

She was the wueen of Night Elves. She created the great Night Elven empire when every race feared the Night Elves. All her people and her are Night Elves (Kaldorei). Her chosen were the Highbourne because they practised magic after the sundering. The rest of the Kaldorei turned their back on her. Then the Night Elves exiled the remaining Highbourne and they are what turned into High Elves.

[@marvinalnashi]

"That was the intro. That was just the intro!" Yep, had the same thoughts when I watched it the first time.

[@jimboa20]

Also, there is no redeeming Azshara. She was evil before N'zoth approached her. She willingly let the Legion into her kingdom and willingly let them slaughter her people. She watched as the demons swept the streets and killed off the Night Elves by the hundreds, and approved of it. To her, they were "cleansing" the kingdom of the unworthy. All those people who became Naga? They were her personal council and attendants. Also complicit in the slaughter of the NE's, every last one of them.

[@aspect3190]

i love the DRUMS IN THE BACKGROUND IT SOUNDED LIKE THE DRUMS OF WAR........

[@thofus]

Azshara realy is a badass. And I love how the storyteling of the Old Gods and Azshara's relations with them (it?, him?) began. So N'Zoth was aware of the events taking place with the legion and the fight against it. And thus they could easily "recruit" Azshara and her people by manipulation. I believe that Azshara is too corrupt to be "saved" from N'Zoth's influence/magic. We have to kill her, just like we had to kill the corrupted Ysera in the Legion expansion, to free her soul.

[@juvygenius]

While the war between the Horde and Alliance is a big factor in this expansion. The game is literally called "Battle for Azeroth". This is likely a war between three factions rather than Horde and Alliance coming together to take on Queen Azshara/N'Zoth. The fate of Azeroth will literally be determined by the victor. And I have a feeling that the Alliance are gonna be the victors, though not necessarily setting Horde up with a bad deal. Saurfang would be put into place as the Warchief of the Horde to create peace between the two factions.