I haven't felt like this for a questline since WotLK's Crusader Bridenbrad chain. Daresay, it might be my favorite since. To say I teared up would be an understatement.
It's very apparent that someone (or multiple people) at Blizzard had the genuinely brilliant idea to model this around the slow decline of an elderly loved one to the effects of memory loss and cognitive failure, gradual at first, but progressive. To anyone who has sadly experienced those moments with someone close, the allusions found here are very pointed, in the most heartbreaking way. In those affected, there are fleeting moments of clarity and wit, but ultimately the disease wins battle after battle.
The breakaway success here, and what makes this an absolutely legendary story, is the way Urtago shows boundless patience and kindness towards Korgran, forgiving every moment he forgets places they've been, things that meant so much, and even her name time and time again. She continually offers grace, knowing it's never personal, and is merely the way this story goes with the cards life dealt them. Urtago shows love and compassion 'til the finish, wanting only the best close to Korgran's long and storied life. He couldn't have asked for a better companion to walk him towards his end.
I'm so so glad this is part of the Earthen unlock, because all the more people will be "forced," in a way, to share in this wonderfully-written and touching series of quests that prove once again one of the many reasons WoW has enjoyed the longevity it has: because it's not afraid to step away from the poop quests to tell a meaningful allegory.
(To anyone who felt things because of this quest, especially if the pain is recent, others share that same hurt. Don't beat yourself up. You're not alone, and you're doing the best you can.)
TheWoWDB
Spell: Earthen Allied Race
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