Major World of Warcraft Leader Gets an Unexpected Makeover in The War Within

Warning: Spoilers for World of Warcraft: The War Within below.

During the events of World of Warcraft: The War Within, Magni Bronzebeard, the former king of the Dwarves and current Speaker of Azeroth, is turned back into flesh and blood. This major event happens during the World of Warcraft story campaign in the Ringing Deeps, the second zone of The War Within.

The War Within is the first installment of The Worldsoul Saga, a new multi-expansion storyline World of Warcraft is beginning in a few months. In addition to introducing tons of new characters, World of Warcraft is giving several major characters a facelift, with new models coming for Alleria, Anduin, and Xal’atath.

However, another major character from World of Warcraft's history is undergoing a major change as well. As the diamond-skinned Speaker of Azeroth, Magni Bronzebeard plays a major role in The War Within, alongside his daughter Moira and his grandson Dagran. During the Ringing Deeps zone story, Magni helps the Earthen confront one of their leaders, who has been deceived into working with Xal’atath, the main villain of WoW: The War Within. At its climax, Magni nearly dies to purge the corruption of an ancient Titan machine, saving the day, but transforming Magni into flesh and blood in the process.

Throughout the early parts of The War Within, it becomes clear that Magni has had a rough time during World of Warcraft’s time skip in Dragonflight. Azeroth has stopped talking to him, and he has grown to resent his role as Speaker. That said, some fans wonder if Azeroth might have felt sorry for imposing the role on Magni and taking him from his family, and surmise that she began distancing herself to let him reconnect with his family – something he can do more easily now that he is flesh and blood again.

So far, World of Warcraft has tested two of its four zones in The War Within alpha, giving players a glimpse at a decent portion of the expansion’s story. Fans will have to see what else is in store for