I think we come across a common issue with the current, and it has to deal with presumed patterns of how the Allied Races function:
- "The Allied Races are Subraces of Core Races"
If this is the case in how Blizzard does future ARs (not counting Vulpera), it would be well assumed that the Forsaken would receive the San’layn and fill in the core remnants of the undead trope through Sylvanas loyalists/needed allies.
The only issue here is Worgen modeled races for an Alliance AR is…limited:
a) Sethrak still have no where near the connections that they have with the Alliance that would be shown off to justify them as an ally. They have shown more as regional allies of the Horde during the scenes of Talanji’s crowning. However, to break said ties would require some storyline to justify it like we have seen sometimes before or just shoehorn it.
The other issue with Sethrak is their models and customization. The models arent the best to work with player armor and arent in tandem with the UPM; as well as lacking key customization that would help define the race.
Its not impossible, but its not in the cards (much like Ankoan)
b) Night elf worgen (Druids of the Pack) would only be the other option without making something out of a hat. With how it seems that Tyrande has gone off a deep end in terms of vengeance and reclamation of her lands, it could be somewhat possible to call upon the Scythe of Elune as a way of vengeance.
HOWEVER, Ralaar is dead, the worgen curse that spread in Val’sharah from the Scythe during Legion was reverted by the druid player, and there is no actual difference in worgen form than those that are playable.
So this may be a large dead end if Blizzard doesnt put forth to make them different or playable.
- "The Vulpera Will Signify that the Allied Races Are More Diverse"
The vulpera not being a true subrace of goblins (but model users) do have some people thinking that the next allied races will be a diverse group not following a formula.
If this is the case and San’layn are announced; it does give Alliance more leeway to get a good allied race. It would allow possible fan favorites in the form of the high elves to show up…yet, I do not believe the first choice for Blizzard would be them.
It would be lightforged undead. Sorry Fallyn.
In this case, Blizzard can freely push the narrative they have hinted at in the end of 8.2.5 with the meeting in Stormsong Valley. Calia has arrived and presented a question for us: “Can the undead citizens of Lordaeron be redeemed to the Alliance?”
We have already seen how Calia is acting as a mentor role for Derek Proudmoore who seems to be taking a secondary, but important role in the scheme of things. Derek serves as a vital position (along so with Calia) as a bridge between those who could be Calia’s followers to Anduin through Jaina’s allowance.
Not only that, it would add a lot more ideas into the Forsaken with a now clear schism without having Calia take the reigns of Lordaeron and the Horde race. You can have those willing to follow the rightful heir of Calia who shares their fate and can lead them down a path of redemption…and those who are willing to stand by their long time allies of the Horde (and those who serve the Dark Lady) while finally allowing the San’layn to come in.
The San’layn could also be in the case of downtrodden who need the Horde, but can offer something in return: a way to find and fight Sylvanas. It would not only develop the Forsaken but also give the Blood elves a unique way to interact (since the void elves dont exactly do that).