Should I Pledge Your Allegiance to Wrathion or Sabellian? A Dragonflight Dilemma
The question of whether to pledge your allegiance to Wrathion or Sabellian in World of Warcraft: Dragonflight is a common one, and thankfully, the answer is quite straightforward: it doesn’t truly matter for quest progression. You will receive the same quests regardless of which dragon you choose to side with. However, the rewards you can obtain from each faction will differ, and this is where your decision truly lies. You are not locked into your choice; you can switch your allegiance each week without losing reputation with your previous choice. This allows players to effectively explore both sides and obtain the desired rewards. So, the short answer is, allegiance doesn’t impact your core questline, but it does impact your rewards and offers a dynamic way to engage with the Black Dragonflight story.
Understanding Your Choices: Wrathion vs. Sabellian
Wrathion: The Visionary
Wrathion, the grandson of Deathwing, is a complex character driven by a fervent desire to protect Azeroth. He believes he has seen a future where the planet falls and is ruthless in his pursuit of what he perceives as the greater good. Known for his involvement in past events, particularly his efforts in empowering heroes with legendary items, Wrathion’s methods are often controversial. Despite this, he views himself as a protector of Azeroth, making bold and sometimes morally ambiguous choices. His youthful perspective, however, is often contrasted with the more experienced and traditionally-minded dragons.
Sabellian: The Traditionalist
Sabellian, on the other hand, is a more experienced and traditionally-minded dragon. He is Wrathion’s uncle and a lieutenant who served under Deathwing. Having survived the cataclysmic events and being entrusted to safeguard black dragon eggs on Draenor, Sabellian considers himself the rightful heir to the Black Dragonflight leadership. Unlike the largely Azeroth-centric focus of Wrathion, Sabellian offers a perspective rooted in the past and tradition of the Black Dragonflight. He carries the weight of his experiences and a desire to restore the flight.
The Core Difference: Ideology and Approach
The fundamental difference between Wrathion and Sabellian lies in their approach and ideologies. Wrathion’s vision is forward-looking and often utilizes unconventional means, sometimes with little regard for collateral damage. In contrast, Sabellian’s perspective is more steeped in traditional power structures and the responsibilities that come with lineage. This dynamic creates a fascinating narrative where the two leaders offer contrasting, yet compelling reasons for followers to join their cause. The key is not which path is the “correct” one, but rather which one aligns best with your character’s narrative and your gameplay goals.
Making Your Decision: Rewards and Reputations
Reputation Gains and Flexibility
As mentioned before, you can gain reputation with both Wrathion and Sabellian. Upon reaching level 70 and unlocking World Quests, you will find a quest near the Obsidian Throne called “Allegiance to One.” This will initiate the process of gaining reputation with either Wrathion or Sabellian each week. The crucial aspect here is that you are not permanently locked into a single choice. You can switch your allegiance each week without any penalty, enabling you to accumulate reputation with both factions and obtain unique rewards from each.
Understanding the Reward System
The rewards from each faction are distinct, offering different types of gear, cosmetics, and crafting materials. Wrathion’s faction tends to offer more technologically advanced and innovative rewards, reflecting his forward-thinking approach. Sabellian’s faction leans towards more traditional dragon-themed rewards and items that align with the Black Dragonflight’s historical roots. Carefully examine the items and decide which rewards best complement your character’s gameplay, aesthetic preferences, and crafting needs. The flexibility to switch weekly allows you to pursue the rewards you want without being tied to a single faction.
Weekly Quests and Keys of Loyalty
After making your initial choice through the “Allegiance to One” quest, you gain access to a weekly quest called “Keys of Loyalty.” This quest involves gathering “Key Fragments” and “Key Framing” from mobs to create a “Restored Obsidian Key”. Completing this weekly quest not only advances your reputation with the chosen faction but also unlocks the ability to acquire some of the most desired rewards. Remember to use the Looking For Group (LFG) tool to speed up your key farming. This weekly task keeps the reputation grind engaging and provides continuous access to faction-specific rewards.
Conclusion: Embracing Choice and Flexibility
Choosing between Wrathion and Sabellian in Dragonflight is less about choosing a side and more about leveraging the game’s flexible system to maximize your rewards and engage with the fascinating lore surrounding the Black Dragonflight. Since your choice doesn’t affect the main questline, focus on which rewards and narrative you find more appealing. The game allows you to explore both factions without penalty, so feel free to experiment and choose the best rewards for your character each week. The true benefit lies in actively engaging with the story, interacting with the characters, and choosing rewards that best benefit your gameplay experience. Your allegiance can, and should, shift as the game evolves and your needs change. This is a choice, and the game empowers you to make it without limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I max out reputation with both Wrathion and Sabellian?
Yes, you can eventually max out your reputation with both Wrathion and Sabellian by switching allegiances weekly and completing their respective weekly quests.
2. Does choosing one over the other affect the main story quest?
No, choosing either Wrathion or Sabellian does not affect the main story quest. The quests are identical regardless of your choice.
3. What kind of rewards can I expect from Wrathion?
Wrathion’s rewards tend to be more technologically advanced and innovative, often including unique gear, cosmetics, and crafting materials with a futuristic edge.
4. What kind of rewards can I expect from Sabellian?
Sabellian’s rewards are generally more traditional, with gear, cosmetics, and materials that reflect the historical aesthetic and themes of the Black Dragonflight.
5. Who is Wrathion’s mother?
Wrathion’s mother is Nyxondra, who is also the sister of Onyxia and daughter of Neltharion (Deathwing).
6. Who is Sabellian’s mother?
Initially stated to be Sintharia/Sinestra, Sabellian’s mother is now considered unknown, with Onyxia, Nyxondra, and Nefarian being his half-siblings rather than full siblings.
7. How old is Wrathion in Dragonflight?
Wrathion is approximately 15 years old in Dragonflight, given his age of 6 during the Pandaria expansion and the time skip in between.
8. How old is Sabellian in comparison to Wrathion?
Sabellian is much older than Wrathion, having served as a lieutenant under Deathwing.
9. What is the weekly quest, “Keys of Loyalty” and how do I complete it?
The “Keys of Loyalty” weekly quest requires you to collect Key Fragments and Key Framing from mobs. Combine them to create a Restored Obsidian Key and complete the quest. You can use the LFG tool to form a group to complete it quicker.
10. Is Wrathion a ‘good guy’?
Wrathion views himself as a protector of Azeroth, but he is ruthless in achieving his goals, often acting with little regard for morals and collateral damage. This makes his alignment complex and debatable.
11. Who is the current leader of the Black Dragonflight?
The current Aspect of the Black Dragonflight is Ebyssian, though Wrathion and Sabellian both seek to lead the dragonflight.
12. How did Sabellian escape corruption?
The volatile energy of the Twisting Nether and Outland likely aided in purifying Sabellian and his whelplings from the Old God corruption, essentially protecting them from the Old Gods influence.
13. Why did Wrathion free Garrosh?
Wrathion freed Garrosh believing it would create a stronger force against the coming Legion, albeit with controversial means and outcomes.
14. Are Wrathion and Anduin friends?
The official stance is that Anduin and Wrathion are just friends, according to Blizzard and the lore given by Christie Golden.
15. How can I quickly gain reputation with Wrathion or Sabellian?
The fastest way to gain reputation is to focus on completing the weekly “Keys of Loyalty” quest and by completing world quests. Switching your allegiance weekly to farm reputation on each side is essential to maxing out both sides.