After trying to figure out what today’s blog about, I realized that the news depressed me and all I can whine about here is how our beautiful television met its end after 5 years. It was a good run, though the picture quality on this new one is quite beautiful, I must say. Back to the main point. So I decided to focus on another gaming topic this week, making this entire week’s worth of blogs about gaming. I could hit a popular topic in Overwatch right now (Sigma, obviously), but I think I’ll hold that off until Thursday’s blog. My gut is telling me there will be a Developer Update released probably between 11:00am and 3pm Eastern to announce Sigma will be on the PTR today. I’d rather save my love of this new character and anticipation when I can talk about his gameplay.

Instead, I’d like to think about my predictions for the next expansion of World of Warcraft. I admit, I haven’t completed the latest raid yet. I like the new loner world of not having to deal with other people in WoW, saving my socializing skills for when Classic is released next month. I may be completely wrong about these predictions, but I was right about the demon hunters, Pandaren, and Nightborne. Just sayin’.

My theories come from what I’ve seen in the game and from the “Before the Storm” prequel novel. So spoilers ahead if you haven’t read it yet.

At the end of the novel, Calia Menethil wanted to save her people (the residents of Lordaeron, aka “The Forsaken”) from Sylvanas’ attack. A cause that led to her death at the hands of Sylvanas herself. Calia was later risen in the same manner as the other Forsaken, only she was raised by the light. While in the book she said she wasn’t ready to lead her people, that doesn’t mean that she won’t now with all of the other events that have taken place since then. After Sylvanas is inevitably overthrown from power, I think that Calia will become the new leader of the Forsaken. It makes sense since most of the Horde is against her and while I’m not sure of the Forsaken’s reaction to Sylvanas slaughtering her own, I have a feeling that they aren’t even on her side right now.

The story is heading towards a fight against Sylvanas for the end of the expansion, with her losing it. But since she’s such a fan favorite, I have a hard time believing that they will just kill her. Instead, we’re due for a new hero class. Which could very likely be a Dark Ranger. Which would be very very cool. Sylvanas will lead the Dark Rangers, with Nathanos by her side as usual. She won’t go the way of the Garrosh, but I don’t think most people will want to be associated with her insanity right now.

So, who will lead the Horde then? The two logical choices would be to have Thrall regain the title of Warchief or have Saurfang in charge. My feelings are causing me to lean towards Thrall. Let’s be realistic here: things really started going downhill for the Horde when Thrall left. Vol’jin was a good course correction from the failure of Garrosh, but obviously that’s not an ideal choice anymore. Saurfang is a seasoned veteran who seems to more enjoy his place on the battlefield than leading, but he has been shown to be an honorable and compassionate character. Him and Zappyboi could be a great team leading the Horde.

These are just my thoughts. I think most people are in agreement that the next expansion is going to be focused on the Old Gods, which will be really cool if done well. But feel free to let me know your thoughts on the future of these characters.