Well, being at fanfaire means I got to talk to Cronyn. He's a pretty awesome guy.
That is correct that Cristanos Thex is not the Original, however she is the same Cristanos that was in EQlive/EQ1.
Tarant Thex is the person you say he is, and he hinted at a bit of strife between Cristanos and Tarant due to the fact that he is Naythox's son and is still alive. It is entirely possible that he may attempt to make a run at the throne and all of that.
And no, he wouldn't tell me why Cristanos has that cool evil voice and is all super evil. 