What has become of the former Warchief of the Horde? The first shaman since the orcs’ fel corruption, the prophesied orc destined to lead his people to a better future, the World Shaman, the one chosen by the Earthen Ring?
It’s been a decade, ten years now, since Thrall lost the Doomhammer and seemingly much of his connection to the elements. While he still calls upon them from time to time, it has never felt the same. I’m genuinely confused about what Blizzard wants to do with his character. Why do they keep teasing him in promotional artwork, expansions like The War Within, and BlizzCon appearances when his story never seems to progress?
Thrall has become incredibly ineffective. Looking at the new leveling experience, why is he even there? He’s portrayed as powerless, helpless, and little more than a token Horde hero. Meanwhile, his counterpart, Jaina, is constantly changing the course of battles almost single-handedly. The sad part is that Thrall used to be portrayed as being at least her equal, if not stronger, and now all he seems to do is stand by and watch.
At this point, I’d rather Blizzard either give him meaningful character development or kill him off entirely instead of reducing him to the role of a glorified grunt.