Dragonflight and now the War Within have had weird moments where the narrative clashes with itself. One great example this expansion is the Arathi.
The Arathi are devout, stoic, and dutiful yet supposedly dogmatic and xenophobic. Faerin explains that the Arathi’s alliance is only because they are desperate for aid. However, desperate doesn’t necessarily translate to friendly, warm, or open. One can still be wary of outsiders and begrudgingly tolerate them.
Yet, the Arathi in Hollowfall seem to genuinely like the company of outsiders. If I didn’t listen to Faerin’s dialogue or the one character you meet when entering, I would have no clue the Arathi Empire was “close-minded”. Religious and principled, yes. But, not dogmatic.
The biggest tonal disconnect is the Lamplighters. One would think for such a religious nation, a good source to understand their beliefs would be their Lamplighters. If the Lamplighters are meant to carry the light of the Sacred Flame, physically and metaphorically, then their beliefs probably better reflect the mainland Arathi’s faith. They serve as the bridge and constant reminder of the “old ways”.
Ironically, the lamplighters have been some of the most open-minded and compassionate people.
-
Faerin preaches hope to all Arathi and self-compassion and forgiveness to Anduin when his faith is shaken.
-
Kaerter mentions it is part of his faith to help all in need, regardless of who or what they are. The purpose of the questline (other than possibly being a pop-culture reference) was to contrast the rigidity of the Earthen’s Edicts (which are also narratively inconsistent). Peacekeeper Leif is so moved by Kaerter that he even desires to become a Lamplighter.
-
Aemyra says one of the things that drew her to her husband was his thoughtfulness and his vision to help others.
-
After confronting the mistakes of his past, Velhan holds that truth and courage will guide his path and people. The Lamplighters clearly value honesty, compassion, and self-sacrifice.
Even some of the “evil” Arathi highlight the importance of these values. The headstrong Sybaestan Braunpyke mentions that his brother Theleon was the more cautious, but wiser brother. Only after Theleon’s death does Sybaestan realize his brother was his moral rock. Theleon “centered” Sybaestan and his loss also means a lack of guidance. Without wisdom, humility, and temperance, Sybaestan falls prey to doubt, despair, and darker forces- eerily similar to the reasons some embrace the void.
I find it hard to reconcile that the Lamplighters and Arathi as a whole come from such a dogmatic empire. A nation of profound zealots wouldn’t have such introspective and compassionate people. Interactions with outsiders would be transactional and reserved, but not altruistic.
Honestly, I prefer this nuanced depiction of the Arathi rather than the Light Zealots and potential villains.
