Quote Originally Posted by StormChase View Post
I'll add some more examples so it's more clear why I think there's patterns. Also not all of these examples are necessarily bad writing, but I do think they show a reluctance to kill characters the players and writers are more attached to, for better or worse.
The Fake Out
  • 2.55 shocked me because they really made it look like Nanamo died. Heavensward revealed she just went to sleep, which kinda took away some of the impact. Maybe they were worried that would be too bleak.
  • Y'shtola's had close calls multiple times. I don't think they should kill her off but I wish she had higher stakes as a character. She might have the most plot armor out of any Scion besides the WOL.
  • The Crystal Exarch died at the end of 5.3 and his soul was transferred to the present G'raha Tia. IMO that was a more satisfying conclusion than him just dying.
  • Most of the major Scions sacrificed themselves at Ultima Thule, and were then recreated with the last of Hydaelyn's magic. But their deaths were mostly symbolic, so I don't have much of an issue.

Some Exceptions
  • Haurchefant was more of a joke character in A Realm Reborn, but he was genuinely loved by a lot of players, and the writers made sure his death stuck with them.
  • Tesleen's death (well, the thing that might as well have been her death) left a big impact by being at the very beginning of Shadowbringers. And it played a big part in Alisaie's story by leading to her curing tempering.
  • The only issue I have with Hydaelyn dying was her soul dissipating. Other than that it was emotionally resonant, made a lot of narrative sense, and helped close the main story arc.