This was further enforced by the actions of the Jailer, the villain responsible for the creation of the Lich King, and who uses at least one of the Lich King’s abilities in his own encounter later in the raid. Players have speculated an appearance or connection to Arthas since Shadowlands was announced, especially due to his appearance in Uther the Lightbringer’s Shadowlands: Afterlives cinematic. The intermission phase is also called “Remnant of a Fallen King.” In this phase, this Remnant emerges to battle alongside or instead of Anduin, using two more spells used by the Lich King–Soul Reaper and Remorseless Winter.

The first phase of the battle against Anduin in the Sepulcher of the First Ones is called “Kingsmourne Hungers,” which is a direct reference to one of the Lich King’s most iconic lines, “Frostmourne Hungers.” Anduin’s eponymous ability banishes a player’s soul in a similar way to the Lich King’s Harvest Soul ability back in his own battle. RELATED: World of Warcraft Dataminers Discover the Jailer is Literally Gunning for Azeroth

Abilities, lines, and enemies discovered from the encounter not only invoke the Lich King boss from Wrath of the Lich King, but pull abilities and mechanics directly from it. World of Warcraft will take players into the First Ones realm of Zerith Mortis in Eternity’s End, where they will confront Anduin Wrynn in the Sepulcher of the First Ones raid.

Spoilers and speculation for World of Warcraft: Shadowlands to follow.

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