Seeing links and patterns between various things can be an enlightening experience. Speaking of which, did you know that there is a connection between the Fury of the Sunwell update, World of Warcraft lore, and the Wrath of the Lich King expansion?

J. Allen Brack and Chris Robinson of Blizzard talked a little bit about it in a recent interview. According to Brack and Robinson, the Fury of the Sunwell is all about giving closure to the major story arcs of The Burning Crusade.

These involve the new races that Blizzard introduced in TBC - the Blood Elves and the Draenei, as well as the dark triumvirate of Illidan, Lady Vashj, and Kael'thas Sunstrider.

Brack and Robinson also admitted to having picked up a few lessons from The Burning Crusade - lessons which will bear fruit in Wrath of the Lich King. For one thing, they lamented the main bad guys' previous lack of visibility, so WoW players will find themselves at odds with Arthas from the very beginning of the next expansion.

On top of that, Blizzard will also offer players a choice of two starting areas next time around: the Borean Tundra of the Howling Fjord. Finally, Brack and Robinson also mentioned that Blizzard has learned the value of taking chances.

Proof of this principle will be reflected in the next expansion's departure of the visual style of The Burning Crusade.