World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

После длительного перерыва возобновляю написание блогов по WoW для систематизации метафизики и пауэрлевелов этой огромной франшизы, полной внутренних противоречий и нескончаемых ретконов. В этом блоге речь пойдёт про дополнение The Burning Crusade.

Не смотря на определённое возмущение русской локализацией, оставил большинство имён и названий в их версии перевода.

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• Были события (ивент), связанные с открытием Тёмного Портала и появлением в Азероте Верховного Лорда Круула, который затем загадочно исчез в неизвестном направлении на множество аддонов. В разных источниках со ссылкой на старый официальный сайт Близзард пишут, что напрямую Круула не рисковали атаковать даже элитные силы Серебряного Рассвета, но найти сам первоисточник у меня не получилось.
• В предварительных роликах TBC ничего интересного нет.
• Из примечательного разве что прыжок Иллидана куда-то выше облаков за несколько секунд.

World of Warcraft- The Burning Crusade Cinematic Trailer

• Предыстория TBC (Классик). Из более-менее свежего (на самом деле я просто не помню уже старые формулировки их поединка) — это долгая и кровавая битва Артаса с Иллиданом ("After a long, bloody battle, Arthas gained the upper hand and cut down Illidan and left him for dead in the snow.").
• В трейлере Классического БК тоже ничего интересного нет.

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ЗАПРЕДЕЛЬЕ

Полуостров Адского Пламени

• Описание Каззака, взятое со старой версии официального сайта Близзард. На словах он Лев Толстой и один из величайших демонов Легиона. Ещё и с артефактом, хотя я так понимаю, что лично Глефой Каззак не владеет, а где она находится неизвестно..?

“

When the Burning Legion began its second invasion of Azeroth, Lord Kazzak served as one of the unholy army's greatest generals. At that time the Legion possessed a powerful weapon called the Glaive of the Aspects. Forged by demons during the War of the Ancients, the glaive was imbued with the forces of earth, time, dream, magic, and life: powers taken from the mighty dragons. Even so, Archimonde and his champions were defeated during the Battle of Mount Hyjal, and the glaive was shattered. Knowing the Third War had been decided, Kazzak was forced to withdraw. In the war's aftermath, the shards of the glaive were hidden away for safekeeping. Recently Kazzak and his minions reactivated the Dark Portal, and Kazzak went through the portal to take command of the Legion's forces in Outland. In his absence, he entrusted his most powerful lieutenant, Highlord Kruul, with retrieving the Aspect Shards. In time Kruul succeeded, and the mighty glaive was reforged. With the Glaive of the Aspects and the raging desire to scour all life from the universe, the Legion may prove unstoppable.

„

• Квест «The Path of Anguish». Каззак — командир Легиона в Аутленде. Повелители ужаса способны призывать сонм инферналов.
• Квест «Enemy of my Enemy...». Без участия воинов Орды сил одного Альянса будет недостаточно, чтобы оборонять Портал.
• Квест «Overlord»/«Cruel's Intentions». ГГ поверг в бою какого-то лорда Легиона.
• Квесты «Unyielding Souls», «Looking to the Leadership». Рыцари Смерти Орды прокляли души врагов, заперев их между миром живых и миров мёртвых. Что впрочем не мешает ни ГГ, ни всем остальным персонажам воздействовать на эти блуждающие проклятые души/уничтожать их.

“

Near the end of our invasion, the Armory to the south fell under attack by the Horde's insidious Death Knights. Those vile shades cursed the Armory's defenders - and trapped their souls between the realms of the living and the dead.

„

• Квест «Honor the Fallen» (финальный). Занятная альтернативная версия (для Орды) событий в Оружейной.
• Квест «The Path of Glory». Дорога из ЦАП до Портала вымощена костьми убитых дренеев. Учитывая протяжённость "Пути Славы", которая составляет десятки/сотни километров, то на фоне орков нацисты выглядят казуальщиками...
• Квест «The Pools of Aggonar». Кровь/сущность павшего демона Аггонара осквернила священные земли и породила множество монстров.
• Квест «Eradicate the Burning Legion». Битва на Горе Хиджал произошла примерно 5 лет назад.
• Квест «A Spirit Guide». Духовный волк шаманов позволяет находить других существ, ориентируясь не на запах, а на сущность.
• Квест «The Warp Rifts». ГГ занимается исследованиями в зоне, которая находится на краю бездны, где время и пространство истончены.
• Квест «Void Ridge». Твари пустоты обладают душами, так как ГГ собирает их осколки, чтобы открыть портал в глубины бездны.
• Квест «From the Abyss». ГГ побеждает некого принца Бездны — Барона Галаксиса.
• Квест «Arelion's Mistress». Магистр син'дорай не склонна к толерантности и превращает в крысу девку, с которой ей изменял муж.
• Квест «Shizz Work». Квест с ковырянием в экскрементах... Ммм, классика от Близзард.
• Капитан Стражи Крагтар говорит, что орки скверны крупнее любых других орков, что он видел.
• Эльф крови Риатен вещает, что в Запределье есть демоны, которые значительно сильнее, чем все противники, что были до этого!

“

There exist in Outland demonic presences much more powerful than anything we'd ever seen in the old world.

„

• Данат Троллебой рассказывает, что 20 лет назад войска Альянса в ХФП разрушили стены ЦАП и полностью разгромили орков.
• Из разговора с Назгрелом выясняется, что он правая рука Вождя Тралла и что Орда многим рискует, отправив в Аутленд свои силы.
• Квест «An Ambitious Plan». Немного про магическую зависимость эльфов крови, которые дрейнят даже тварей бездны.

Цитадель Адского Пламени:

• Омор — могущественный ученик легендарного Хаккара Псаря и вестник Иллидана (описание из Энциклопедии).
• Все существа, применяющие магию Скверны, хотят они того или нет, постепенно принимают демоническую внешность (описание первого босса Кузни Крови, взятое из Энциклопедии).
• Кели'дан Разрушитель — тюремщик Магтеридона и крайне могущественный орк.
• Каргат — один из бывших величайших героев орков и нынешний правитель Орды Скверны.
• Побеждённый Иллиданом Магтеридон связан физическими и магическими цепями, пребывая на грани жизни и смерти внутри своей темницы. Описание взято со старой версии официального сайта Близзард.

“

After the Legion came to Outland, Magtheridon controlled all but small pockets of Outland. Even so, he was taken largely by surprise when Illidan and his allies conquered the Black Temple. Many believed that Magtheridon had been slain in the attack, but, when Illidan discovered that Magtheridon's blood had a transformative, corrupting effect on orcs, the beaten pit lord was dragged to Hellfire Citadel. Bound by chains both physical and magical, Magtheridon survives, at the brink of death. Each day, Illidan's minions drain his tainted blood, pooling it for a purpose as malevolent as Magtheridon himself: the creation of a new army of barbaric fel orcs.

„

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Зангартопь

• Квест «Disturbance at Umbrafen Lake». Насосы наг постепенно понижают уровень воды в водоёмах Зангармаша.
• Квест «Balance Must Be Preserved». Магия друидов создаёт лозы толщиной с руку, которые прочные как железо.
• Квест «Stinger Venom». Возможно, Сломленные частично утратили предрасположенность к Свету, но зато стали ближе к земле.
• Квест «Spirits of the Feralfen». Уважающие себя тролли Тёмного Копья не стали бы поклоняться духам птиц, ведь те слабы и капризны. Поклоняться духам птиц — удел Амани. А вот духи змей обладают определённой силой! Как это работает, почему птицы слабы... Потому что.
• Квест «The Sharpest Blades». Зубы каких-то местных монстров острее любой стали, устойчивы к ржавчине и долго не портятся.
• Квест «The Orebor Harborage». Русская локализация решила, что 90 % всех дренеев погибло, но в оригинале написано лишь, что "...many of Telredor's inhabitants are refugees from the war that decimated the draenei...".

Резервуар Кривого Клыка:

• Резервуар настолько огромен, что мог бы вместить в себя целую армию (описание из Энциклопедии).
• Сломленные — дренеи, искажённые и преобразованные демонической энергией (из описания Менну Предателя из Энциклопедии) .
• Рокмар — гигантский лангуст, чья мощь и размеры увеличились за счёт энергии, разорвавшей Дренор. Был порабощён нагами, которые затем использовали его для завоевания и подчинения большей части жителей Зангартопи (описание из Энциклопедии).
• Наги подчинили себе даже бывшего правителя грибных великанов, сломав его разум пытками.
• Квест «The Heart of the Matter». Рокмар и Зыбун были двумя могущественными монстрами, которых одними из первых поработали прибывшие наги, чтобы подчинить с их помощью всех остальных жителей Зангартопи.
• Газ'ан — одна из самых ужасных гидр Аутленда. Находится под контролем Вайш.
• Чёрная Охотница — прародительница всех болотоходов.
• Вайш и наги экспериментировали со всякими препаратами для увеличения своей силы. Пример — Варлорд Калитреш (описание из Энциклопедии).
• Леотерас (босс рейда) по идее должен быть достаточно мощным охотником на демонов.
• Леди Вайш — самый доверенный командир Иллидана. Интересный момент про двойственность Вайш, чьей преданности заслуживает не один лишь Иллидан. Описание взято со старой версии официального сайта Близзард.

“

Whoever controls the water controls Outland. These are the words of Lord Illidan Stormrage to his most trusted lieutenant, Lady Vashj. Shortly after the Third War, when Illidan requested the aid of the naga, a group of naga led by Lady Vashj answered his call. Ever since, Vashj has displayed a fierce dedication to Illidan. Now the naga witch carefully monitors Coilfang's operations from her seat of power within Serpentshrine Cavern. Far more at home here among the waters of the reservoir than locked within the cold stone walls of Black Temple, Vashj maintains a close eye on her minions and personally oversees the draining of Zangarmarsh. Whether her loyalties belong to Illidan alone, however, remains to be seen.

„

• Ах да, главный вопрос. С какой целью, собственно, наги масштабно выкачивали воду из Зангармаша? Внятного ответа похоже до сих пор нет. Хотя во время битвы Леди Вайш ещё раз сказала, что вода является редким и ценным ресурсом в Аутленде, а контроль воды позволит нагам занять своё законное место в Запределье, но звучит как-то натянуто, что лишь с этой целью наги проворачивали такой грандиозный план.

“

Water... is life. It has become a rare commodity here in Outland; a commodity that we alone shall control. We are the Highborne, and the time has come at last for us to retake our rightful place in the world!

„

• Перед смертью Вайш всё же упомянула Иллидана, что ей очень жаль, что так всё получилось и она проиграла.

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Лес Террокар

• Квест «The Fallen Exarch» . ГГ победил какого-то падшего экзарха, который не успел воскреснуть в полную мощь.
• Квест «Letting Earthbinder Tavgren Know». Мана-бомбы, созданные эльфами крови, способны уничтожать целые города.

“

A bomb utilizing pure mana that can take out whole towns! But why? Why would the blood elves create such a thing and use it on us? The Cenarion Thicket was a place of peace and repose.

„

• Квест «The Skettis Offensive». ГГ победил аватар Терокка, когда араккоа напали на Шаттрат.
• Квест «World of Shadows». Араккоа Скеттис обитают в неком мире теней.
• Квесты «Countdown to Doom», «Adversarial Blood», «Terokk's Downfall». Терокк — самый сильный и ужасающий король арракоа в истории. Тем не менее, ГГ призвал его в Скеттис и победил. Впрочем, судя по репликам, Терокк был призван лишь с частью своей истинной силы.

Аукидон:

• Описание, взятое со старой версии официального сайта Близзард. Появление Мурмур разрушило поверхность огромной территории и вызвало нестабильность её реальности.

“

For thousands of years, the draenei have been interring their dead in Auchindoun, their most sacred temple. However, it was infiltrated by agents of the Shadow Council bent on summoning a horrifying creature of immense evil. Their vile act of magic resulted in a massive explosion that blew the temple apart and reduced the surrounding area into a charred wasteland. The blast also caused a rift in the Nether itself, drawing the otherworldly Ethereals into Outland. The interred draenei now walk the ruins as restless spirits. Meanwhile, the horrific entity summoned by the Shadow Council threatens to overwhelm their efforts to contain it. You must prevent this evil from being unleashed upon an unsuspecting world.

„

• Гробница Маны:
• Пандемоний из Гробницы Маны (описание из Энциклопедии). Пафосный Войд Лорд, являющийся одним из командиров самого Дименшиуса, совсем не пафосно унижен и порабощён сначала Шаффаром, а затем и Героями.

“

This infamous Void Lord is also known as the Duke of Chaos, the Eater of Nations, and Worldslayer. Pandemonius was one of the commanders serving under Dimensius when the ethereal homeworld of K'aresh was destroyed. He was later bound by Nexus-Prince Shaffar and forced to continue sating his unending hunger in service to the ethereals.

„

• Йор из Гробницы Маны (взято из Энциклопедии). По описанию смотрится не менее опасным, чем этот ваш Герцог Хаоса Пандемоний...

“

A "gift" from Illidan Stormrage to accompany Nexus-Prince Shaffar, Yor is a void hound of unlimited savagery and power. The prince's advisors warned him that Illidan's demonic gift was most likely a ruse set to betray Shaffar once he had met his goals. The prince fed those advisors to Yor... but has since kept the hound in a stasis chamber, just in case.

„

• Главным же боссом в Гробнице Маны является Нексус-Принц Шаффар, который смотрится довольно мощным.
• Аукенайские Гробницы:
• Квест «The Dead Watcher». Просто в очередной раз про 2 мира.

“

A terrifying otherworldly being haunts both the spirit and physical worlds. We call it Shirrak. It can only be harmed in your realm. Please help rid us of this nightmare.

„

• Сетеккские залы:
• Анзу (описание из Энциклопедии). Некое загадочное божество из падшего пантеона богов Запределья.

“

A mysterious avian deity worshipped by some of the more savage arakkoa, Anzu is a being whose origins and powers are unlike any other member of Outland's fallen pantheon. The Naaru are silent regarding this malevolent creature, for Anzu's ways are hidden from even them.

„

• Разговор с Исфар проливает немного света на Сетекк и Терокка. Тут же про некого повелителя, которому служат Сетекк.

“

Who are the Sethekk? The Sethekk believe themselves to be the true and most loyal followers of the master of all arakkoa. Do not ask about the master, as his mysteries are for the feathered people alone. The Sethekk interpreted the destruction of Auchindoun to be the arrival of our master on this planet. They set out for the ruins, taking with them the relics of our greatest hero, Terokk. They still seek the master in the temple's ruins, but I came to see through their lies. I am no longer one of them.

„

“

Who is this Terokk you keep mentioning? He is the greatest hero the arakkoa have ever known. It is said that in ancient times, he built the city of Skettis with his own claws. He was our greatest champion and defender, but he left us when we turned away from the veneration of Rukhmar. We came to worship a new master, one who promised us untold power and status in the cosmos. There are some who say that Terokk and Rukhmar are one, and he withdrew his presence from us when we turned away from him.

„

• Тёмный лабиринт:
• Реплики босса Блэкхарта ("Be ready for Dark One's return" + "All creation must be unmade!" + "So we have place new universe!") достаточно интересны. В том плане, что точно ли он говорит про Мурмур, а не про некоторых тёмных повелителях, например, про Древних Богов или Войд Лордов..?
• Великий мастер Ворпил (описание из Энциклопедии). Хотя вроде бы под "разрушителем миров" тут всё же подразумевается Мурмур.

“

In the early days of the Horde, Grandmaster Vorpil convinced the orc warlock Gul'dan to allow him to investigate the mysteries of Auchindoun, secretly desiring to harness the energy of the frighteningly powerful cosmic essences that permeated the area.

„

“

Keep your minds focused for the days of reckoning are close at hand. Soon, the destroyer of worlds will return to make good on his promise. Soon the destruction of all that is will begin!

„

• Квест «The Codex of Blood».

“

Two years ago the Shadow Council summoned forth a being that shattered Auchindoun in its wake.

„

• А вот история из самого Кодекса Крови. Давным-давно появился Мурмур, который рушил реальность вокруг себя одним присутствием и был сущностью (воплощением) звука. Его шёпот разрушал целые миры. Дальше речь про тщетные попытки призвать и подчинить себя космическую сущность Мурмур.

“

Long ago, in a dimension of the cosmos unfathomable to mortal minds, there was born - if such a term can be used for it - a being of such unbelievable power that its very entrance into existence shattered all reality around it. Known only as Murmur, it was the essence of sound. And to hear it speak was to know death eternal! Existing only for chaos, its slightest whisper meant the destruction of whole worlds! Yet still, there were those that would try to worship this mindless being. There were even those more insane who dared to think to control it! And lo, how the mighty fell trembling at its feet, fearful that it might direct its words upon them. But still did these charlatans, these worshipping pretenders to a non-existent religion, rail against the inevitable in a vain attempt to control their 'god'. Uncaring, and likely not even noticing them, Murmur yawned and they knew oblivion. Yet one somehow managed to survive, and in his insanity found a way to bring Murmur into the world. A mortal possessed of arcane and dark knowledge that none could surpass, he devised a method to enhance his summoning through the capture and use of souls untold. Whole civilizations were brought to extinction through his soul devices to fuel the ritual through which he and his conspirators would bring Murmur into their world. And summon forth Murmur they did. Powerful magics of containment and silencing were employed, held together by the constant supply of souls being fed into them. Yet still they could not control the beast, could not bend it to their will. These mortals began to devise different strategies, and one after the other they all failed. And in so doing, they weakened the rituals, accidentally giving Murmur the slightest modicum of freedom. It was all that was needed. Only this book survived the cataclysm that destroyed their world. Those proud and foolish men who thought to control a cosmic being of untold power. Would you, the possessor of the codex, do the same? Have you devised a foolproof method to summon forth Murmur, or any of the other entities cautiously whispered of in these unhallowed pages? We shall see.

„

• Квест «Into the Heart of the Labyrinth». Ещё про Мурмур.

“

The Shadow Council has lost control of the cosmic being that they summoned here almost two years ago! It is what caused the explosion of Auchindoun, and the creation of the Bone Wastes beyond. Known only as Murmur, it threatens to overrun the Shadow Council and break free into the outside world! With the grandmaster, and the rest of their leadership dead, you are Outland's last hope against this monstrosity!

„

“

Murmur almost broke free?! They've had that thing contained in there for two years... I wonder what they did wrong to lose control over it after all this time? By putting that beast down you've likely saved all of us! I cringe to think what would have happened to all of us here, and the rest of Outland, if that thing had somehow managed to break free!

„

• Квест «The Soul Devices». Про то как Совет Теней вообще мог временно удерживать часть силы Мурмур.

“

Gah! They've been torturing me, trying to get me to tell them everything that I know. I failed - they fed the others to Hellmaw, and I was to be next. But I told them nothing! They're crazy! They're hell-bent on summoning demonic forces that they have no way of controlling! They're using special devices to make their soul shards, and their summoning, more powerful. You must steal these devices!

„

• Квест «WANTED: Murmur's Whisper». Ещё про Мурмур, который опять уничтожил какой-то мир.

“

I have an eccentric client who specializes in the study of dead realities. It is rumored that the being known as Murmur destroyed the last world from which he was summoned. The professor is interested in examining his 'whisper' as he called it to understand how it is that Murmur accomplished such a feat.

„

• Мурмур (описание из Энциклопедии). Является элементалем, разрушающим миры. Призван в Аутленд лишь с частью своей настоящей силы, но со временем он сможет проявить её в полной мере, если его не успеть остановить.

“

"In the beginning"... "So far away"... such phrases cannot begin to describe this elemental's origin. Its existence heralds pure destruction. Worlds shatter and the pieces scatter at its whim. Only the truly mad would think to summon it. Perhaps there is yet time to banish Murmur before it fully enters Outland.

„

Шаттрат:

• Квест «City of Light». Кадгар пиарит А'дал, что (возможно) этот наару является самым могущественным существом из тех, с кем встречался ГГ. Дальше идёт экскурсия по городу, который является бывшей столицей дренеев. Ша'тар, что буквально значит "рождённые из света", являются наару, которые прибыли в Запределье для борьбы с демонами Пылающего Легиона. Жрецы выживших дренеев известны как Алдоры. Провидцы — большая группа эльфов крови во главе с их лидером Ворен'талем, которые отказались от пути Кель'таса и присягнули А'дал. Дезертирство Провидцев нанесло сильнейший удар армии Келя, так как среди отступников было множество лучших и талантливых учёных и магистров. На Шаттрат было совершенно много нападений, но город так и не пал. Наоборот, наару Зи'ри даже смог организовать вторжение в Долину Призрачной Луны.
• Квест «A Cleansing Light». Храм Алдоров в Шаттрате — одно из самых священных мест в Аутленде. Сила Света настолько велика в нём, что даже переполненные скверной предметы очищаются, дезинтегрируются, обращаются из осквернённого металла в святую пыль.
• Разговор с Кадгаром в Шаттрате. Про самого Кадгара, Медива, Сыновей Лотара, Легион, наару.

“

The naaru are wise beyond our understanding. I've learned more from A'dal in the last five months than all the years I spent in the libraries of Dalaran.

„

“

I've heard your name spoken only in whispers, mage. Who are you? I am Khadgar, former apprentice to the fallen Guardian, Medivh. I'm sure you've heard his name before. It was I who discovered that Medivh had been possessed by the Evil One, Sargeras - and that he had opened the Dark Portal between this world and Azeroth. Though I honored my Master, I was forced to slay him and put his tortured soul to rest. I fought alongside Lord Anduin Lothar as we drove the Horde from our lands in Azeroth. As the heir of Medivh's legacy, I could do no less. When the call finally came to invade this grim world - and put an end to the orcs' evil forever - I stepped forward along with my friends Turalyon, Alleria, Danath and Kurdran. My comrades and I called ourselves the Sons of Lothar - in honor of the greatest, most selfless man we ever knew. We gave our all to defeat Ner'zhul and end his madness. As this doomed world fell apart around us, we shattered the Dark Portal to prevent any further harm from befalling our beloved Azeroth. Trapped in this broken wasteland, we did our best to survive. Over time we sensed that a new evil was closing in around us from the Twisting Nether. More foul than the dark orcs - it was the Burning Legion itself that sought to take hold of this... Outland. While my comrades held the line against the encroaching darkness, I used my magic to reach out into the Great Dark Beyond. There, I sensed beings of immense Light - of unfathomable purity. It was A'dal and his naaru I had found. It was nothing short of... a miracle. I convinced A'dal and his brethren to return here with me. I believe that only their power can drive the Legion from this universe. But as you will no doubt find - their power must first live in our hearts. To combat the darkness, we must become beacons of their eternal Light.

„

• В городе есть некий Бартамус, который утверждает, что он был первым драконом пустоты.
• Хранитель мудрости Скосирис рассказывает, что в Шаттрате собрано знаний больше, чем даже в библиотеках Сильвермуна.
• Зефир из рода бронзовых драконов говорит, что Аутленд повреждён настолько многогранно, что многие последствия глазам просто не дано увидеть. Для неё, как для одной из Хранителей Времени, даже течение времени в Запределье воспринимается несколько иначе.

“

This world has been damaged in ways beyond what our eyes can see. Even the passage of time feels different somehow.

„

• Квест «Kael'thas and the Verdant Sphere». Сцена, где выясняется, что Кель выжил, но поехал крышей, а его проекция(?) рассказывает на весь Шаттрат как Иллидан и наару были его марионетками. Не привлекая, видимо, внимания санитаров и самого Иллидана...

---

Награнд:

• Квест «Ortor My Old Friend...». В какой-то деревушке в Награнде жила как минимум тысяча орков, по крайней мере, столько нашли мёртвых.
• Квест «A Visit with the Greatmother». Гаррош в депрессии. Он силён, мудр, пользуется поддержкой всех духов, но не уверен в себе.
• Квест «To Meet Mother Kashur». Какая-то муть, что порой духов можно увидеть только, если они сами этого захотят.
• Квест «When Spirits Speak». К'уре — наару. Ошу'гун — корабль, на котором дренеи прилетели в Дренор сотни лет назад.
• Квест «A Secret Revealed». Веками энергия К'уре иссякала, образуя пустоту, пожирающую все души вокруг неё. Используя аномалию, Легион поставил под свой контроль бесчисленное количество миньонов бездны.
• Квест «Auchindoun...». Д'оре — наару, который был практически полностью истощён аварией. Когда Велен с дренеями нашли наару, то он представлял собою лишь слабую искру энергии бездны. После этого Д'оре почти тысячу лет регенерировал в саркофаге Аукидона.
• Квест «What the Soul Sees». На протяжении нескольких столетий духи Аукидона сливались с темнеющей сущность наару. Многие катастрофы, постигшие Аукидон, являются последствием этого процесса и ослабленного состояния Д'оре. Цикл остановить невозможно. Таков закон наару: без пустоты Свет не может существовать. Дальше мы уничтожаем духов в Награнде, чтобы они не стали тварями бездны.
• Тралл возвращается и рассказывает Гаррошу правду об отце, от чего тот наконец обретает уверенность. Скорее всего это будет единственным полезным действием, которое Тралл сделает за следующие несколько аддонов...
• Квест «The Ring of Blood: Skra'gath». ГГ поверг на арене то ли очередного войд лорда, то ли просто сильную тварь бездны.
• Квест «Muck Diving». В некоторых случаях приходится физически уничтожать даже останки элементалей, так как их ядра (ядра грязи в данном случае) всё равно будут распространяться и загрязнять окружающую среду.
• В разговоре с Дранош Саурфангом вроде как говорится, что в какой-то момент его одолела испепеляющая ярость, словно бы сжигающую сущность, после чего он в таком состоянии победил 30 противников и отключился.
• Из разговора с Алтруисом о некоторых возможностях ДХ и сокрытия от их сенсоринга:

“

The Burning Legion, Demons. I see them as clearly as you can see your own hand in front of your face. That is, I used to be able to see them clearly.With the Legion's return come new machinations. Under normal circumstances, I am able to sense the presence of a demon from a thousand paces. And now? They elude me, I cannot see past their defenses. They have put in place wards to prevent detection. <Altruis points westward.> They fear us because they know that we fear nothing. The cost for such power is great, the sacrifices many.

„

---

Острогорье

• Квест «...and a Time for Action». Гуманисты из "партии зелёных" ака Кенарийская экспедиция не церемонятся с отказывающимися им подчиняться браконьерами и лесорубами. На их отказ прекратить — они отвечают массовыми убийствами. Зелёная повесточка как она есть.
• Квесты «Harvesting the Fel Ammunition», «Fire At Will!». Друиды ничего не могут сделать с варп-вратами Легиона, даже поцарапать их. Тем не менее, похитив ядра из пушек Легиона и наполнив их яростной силой Природы, варп-врата были уничтожены артиллерийскими залпами из собственных орудий Легиона.
• Квест «Vision Guide». Ещё немного про фрагментацию души, превращение тела в пламя и т.д.
• Квест «Pay the Baron a Visit». Барон (он же Сабеллиан) владеет всеми видами экзотической магии.
• Квесты «It's a Trap!», «Gorgrom the Dragon-Eater». Сабеллиан ненавидит Груула и его сыновей за то, что те устроили геноцид чёрных драконов в целом и его детей в частности. Кстати, ловушка созданная из сущности его драконьего пламени достаточна сильна, чтобы шотнуть одного из сыновей Груула.
• Квест «Showdown». Сабеллиан принимает свой истинный облик огромного чёрного дракона и добивает в бою одного из сыновей Груула. В версии квеста для Орды гронна побеждает дуэт, состоящий из ГГ и Рексара.
• Дальше идёт цепочка с убийством сыновей Груула. Как же низко пала некогда могущественная империя огров, которую в нынешние времена кошмарила небольшая семейка Груула, при этом огры боялись даже того гронна, который подмял под себя Гордунни и находится вообще в районе Шаттрата, то есть за сотни/тысячи километров от Острогорья... Один сильный гронн > остатки огров Аутленда. Позор!
• Квест «Into the Soulgrinder. ГГ стал королём всех огров, освободив их от рабства у сыновей Груула, в том числе убив гронна-чернокнижника, который кошмарил души огров и вообще был тем ещё соулфакером.
• Квест «Ogre Heaven». Без покрышки от побеждённых гроннов ограм не выстоять против чёрных драконов, эфириалов и демонов Легиона, которые со временем их либо поработят, либо уничтожат. За дело берётся новый король огров — ГГ.
• Квест «The Crystals». Апекситовые кристаллы (наследие древней погибшей цивилизации арракоа) даруют различные силы, в т.ч. ясность ума.
• Квест «Spirit Calling». Драконы пустоты — это искажённые версии чёрных драконов, которые стали такими под воздействием волны энергии пустоты, которая высвободилась в момент уничтожения Дренора.
• Квест «Dust from the Drakes». При помощи эльфийской магии Альянс быстро построил город и вырастил рощу.
• Квест «What Came First, the Drake or the Egg?». Используя темпоральный фазовый модулятор, разработанный предприимчивыми гномами, ГГ изменяет пространство и время, чтобы модифицировать драконов.
• Квест «Picking Up Some Power Converters». Предполагается, что идёт охота на элементалей, состоящих из реальных электрических зарядов.
• Квест «Show Them Gnome Mercy!». Один из Нексус-Принцев хранил в шариках энергию пустоты и души гномов. За это и был наказан ГГ.
• Реплика Чу'а'лора из Огри'ла про то, что местные огры более развиты за счёт эманаций кристаллов:

“

The ogres here have managed to gain a great mental acuity through the magical emanations of the surrounding crystals. Though we do not fully understand how they work, we have come to appreciate our new home and only want to live in peace.

„

• Один из рарников — проповедник Маргром — хотел объединить всех разрозненных огров против гроннов, но не фартануло.

Логово Груула:

• Гронны во главе с Груулом победили множество чёрных драконов. Груул может стать серьёзной угрозой для сил Альянса и Орды в Запределье, если решит их атаковать. Описание взято со старой версии официального сайта Близзард.

“

When the infamous Dragon Aspect, Deathwing, discovered the Dark Portal and Draenor, he felt sure that few of Draenor's denizens would dare challenge the black dragonflight, so he scattered clutches of his eggs throughout the world. Deathwing made a serious miscalculation when he chose to leave his eggs under meager guardianship in Blade's Edge Mountains. The guardian dragons were torn from the sky by the gronn living in Blade's Edge, and the leader of the gronn, Gruul, impaled the wyrms he fought on the stone spires of the mountains. Today Gruul the Dragonkiller is worshipped as a deity by the ogres of Blade's Edge Mountains. His powerful sons ravage both the spires of their home and the plains of Nagrand. Gruul's unparalleled strength and experience in battle would pose a serious threat if he ever chose to attack Horde or Alliance forces in Outland.

„

---

Пустоверть:

• Квест «Formal Introductions». Появление в сюжете Тиригосы из стаи синих драконов.
• Квест «Securing the Celestial Ridge». Опять несколько слов про то, что чёрные драконы являются предками драконов пустоты.
• Квест «Potential for Brain Damage = High». Эфириум пытается сами стать пустотой, манипулируя в манагорне энергией бездны для того, чтобы соединить собственную энергию с неким существом, известным как ловчий нексуса.
• Квест «Captain Tyralius». В стазис-тюрьмах эфириалов содержатся существа со всей вселенной.
• Квест «A Mission of Mercy». В стазис-тюрьмах Эфириума содержатся тысячи существ из разных миров.

“

Tortured Protectorate Vanguard says: Commander... I am not long for this world... Taken to a holding pen... hundreds... thousands... beings from other worlds... Imprisoned... Imprisoned by Ethereum. Many of them our allies. Must... Must save the others... It... It's not too late...

„

• Квест «A Thousand Worlds». Какая-то муть про то, что тысяча миров уже разрушена, а другой это предстоит. Это воля Нексус-Кинга.
• Квест «Recipe for Destruction». Есть некий разрыв пустоты, через которой в Аутленд прорвался повелитель бездны, которого русского локализация решила величать Пространствусом Всепоглощающим... Связь с пустотой делает войд лорда неуязвимым к физическому урону, за счёт неё он как бы пребывает вне уровня существования, на котором с ним можно сражаться.

“

Atop Manaforge Ultris lies the tear in the nether that the void lord, Dimensius, came through. That tear provides Dimensius with a link to the void, rendering him immune to physical harm. If we can get a lock on the conduit that Dimensius is using to keep himself phased out of this plane of existence, we can destroy it and then destroy Dimensius.

„

• Квест «On Nethery Wings». Разбомбив фазовыми дезинтеграторами Канал Бездны, мы сделали войд лорда уязвимым к физическим и магическим атакам, теперь ему по крайней мере можно будет наносить урон.
• Квест «Dimensius the All-Devouring». Эфириалы охотятся за этим войд лордов уже тысячу лет. Победой над ним мы заслужили "спасибо" от 100 миллионов ныне здравствующих (вроде бы) эфириалов. Пространствус во время боя педалил что-то про то, что он бесконечен и вне времени.
• Квест «Arconus the Insatiable». Победили какого-то войд лорда. Опять.
• Квест «Off To Area 52». ИМХО про то, что энергия пустоты, текущая через Пустоверть, разорвёт всё в клочья всего через несколько месяцев.
• Квест «Krasus's Compendium». Похоже, что Крас владеет большим количеством разных заклинаний.
• Квест «Ar'kelos the Guardian». Кель'тас проклял одного из архимагов Кирин-Тора, запечатав в башне.
• Квест «Searching for Evidence». Чтобы воздействовать на магов Кирин-Тора и их души потребовалась бы могущественная магия.
• Квест «The Unending Invasion». Некая мана-бомба Кель'таса, которую бы не смогли придумать даже лучшие умы Даларана, создала взрыв огромной мощи, который образовал разлом в пустоте, через который начали просачиваться разные твари.
• Квест «Special Delivery to Shattrath City». Песнь Духа — кристалл ата'мал, который Велен оставил дренеям перед тем, как отправился со своей миссией в Экзодар. Кристалл обладает огромной силой (по словам А'дал и Харамада), до этого говорилось в квестах, что аж божественной.
• Квест «High Value Targets». Манагорны поглощают "варп-энергию" и транспортируют её в определённое место.
• Квест «Shutting Down Manaforge B'naar». Манафордж — модифицированные технологии наару из Крепости Бури.
• Квест «Shutting Down Manaforge Duro». Если Крепость Бурь рухнет и взорвётся, то утянет за собою нечто неопределённое. Я так понимаю, что здесь подразумевается уничтожение Пустоверти в целом? В версии квеста за Алдоров речь идёт вообще о цепной реакции в масштабах Аутленда.

“

So Manaforge Duro is under attack and Sunfury forces have lost control? What a dilemma! If Duro goes down, then Tempest Keep goes down. Only drawback is... if Tempest Keep is destroyed, the explosion will probably take what little remains of this forsaken land with it. (версия квеста за Провидцев)

„

“

An explosion at Duro has the potential to cause a chain reaction that would endanger all of Outland. Overseer Athanel is in possession of the access crystal you need to safely disable the manaforge. (версия квеста за Алдоров)

„

• Квест «Damning Evidence». Кель'тас работает теперь в команде с Легионом, кинув впавшего в безумие Иллидана.
• Квест «Turning Point». Вроде бы про то, что оставшийся кусок Дренора является континентом.

“

My frail health prevents me from aiding you in person with this endeavor, but I will offer you an object that will allow me to project my powers across the continent.

„

• Квест «Measuring Warp Energies». Варп-энергия может уничтожить как минимум Пустоверть и является в целом угрозой для всего Аутленда.

“

If our instincts are right and these manaforges have been made using technology from Tempest Keep, then all of Outland could be in grave danger. Tempest Keep's energy-recharging mechanisms were never supposed to be used this close to the land. The warp energies are capable of destroying this very land, even when contained within Kael's pipelines.

„

• Квест «Shutting Down Manaforge B'naar». Хотя вот тут вообще про взрыв, который сотрясёт всё Запределье.

“

We cannot shut down the manaforges by force as we'd risk causing an explosion that would shake Outland to the core. According to your transcription, there is an emergency shutdown that permanently disables the technology - a safety mechanism common in naaru constructs.

„

• Квесты «Sunfury Briefings», «Outside Assistance», «A Dark Pact». Технологии наару невероятно продвинутые и Кель'тасу потребовались бы годы, чтобы начать в них что-то понимать (а эффективно использовать и вообще, возможно, никогда не вышло), если бы он не заручился поддержкой Легиона.
• Квест «Socrethar's Shadow», «Ishanah's Help». Сокретар возглавляет Легион в Пустоверти. Его имя ужасает многих дренеев. В прошлом он был великим паладинов Света, но его одолевала гордыня.
• Квест «Deathblow to the Legion». Зачастую большие армии окажутся бесполезны против эредаров, наделённых огромной мощью, таких как Сокретар. Тут ещё в процессе квеста присутствует забавная чехарда использования "возрождения" в бою от дренеев. И занятно, что одного из них воскресить нельзя из-за мощной магии, которой дренея подверг Сокретар. Кстати, в версии квеста от Провидцев (квест «Turning Point») победить Сокретара нам помогает мощь Ворен'таля Предсказателя, являющегося стареющим лидером Провидцев.

“

When facing eredar of great power, large armies are useless for the most part. Their corruptive powers over mortal souls are such that only the strongest-willed can even stand face to face with them.

„

• Квест «Run a Diagnostic!», «Creatures of the Eco-Domes». Консорциум обладает технологией разворачивания эко-куполов, внутри которых формируется пригодная для жизни контролируемая атмосфера, что позволяет эфириалам работать в любой неблагоприятной среде. И вообще подобная технология может использоваться для восстановления уничтоженных зон Азерота и Запределья.
• Квест «Fel Reavers, No Thanks!». Свкерноботы — самые ужасающие механические создания Легиона.
• Квест «In Search of Farahlite». Пустоверть — земля бывшего Фаралона.
• Из разговора с командиром Амиром из Протектората про эфириалов:

“

What are Ethereum? The Ethereum were the ruling class of ethereal on my homeworld of K'aresh. Tragically, we were forced to evacuate K'aresh shortly before the void lord, Dimensius, unleashed his void armies upon the world and utterly decimated all that stood in his way. For this act, the Ethereum vowed vengeance. They have been tracking Dimensius ever since... The Ethereum have grown dark... twisted. Vengeance has become their only recourse and any that would stand in their way or not join their cause are considered enemies. Many saw that the Ethereum were plummeting into madness and left. Several of the Nexus-Princes of the Ethereum council abandoned the Ethereum to form other groups and factions with different goals. The Consortium are one such example of an off-shoot group. The Protectorate another...

„

• Из разговора со смотрителем Дайвортом про события с нападением эльфов крови на Кирин'Вар:

“

Kirin'var survived 20 long years and countless orc assaults, but it could not withstand the forces of Kael'thas. A man who once called himself a member of the Kirin Tor murdered all of us, save one. Archmage Vargoth survived the attack, so Kael'thas imprisoned him within the Violet Tower, warding it with magic that forbids passage of any of the Kirin Tor.

„

• Из разговора с архимагом Варготом опять же выясняется, что Пустоверть — это Фаралон.
• ГГ в одном из квестов победил Нексус-Кинга Салхадаара, но не совсем понятно насколько это круто.
• Из разговора с надзирателем Сейланной про манагорны:

“

Where did this technology come from? Don't they teach you new recruits anything? These manaforges were built from parts of Tempest Keep designed to siphon energy from the nether. The naaru used this technology to power their vessel during its travels. Some said the technology might not be safe to use on land. They were promptly silenced.

„

Крепость Бурь:

• Описание со старой версии официального сайта Близзард.

“

The mighty Tempest Keep was created by the enigmatic naaru: sentient beings of pure energy and the sworn enemies of the Burning Legion. In addition to serving as a base of operations for the naaru, the structure itself possesses the technology to teleport through alternate dimensions, traveling from one location to another in the blink of an eye. The Eye itself is the inner sanctum of Tempest Keep - the lair of Kael'thas Sunstrider and the heart of the teleporting fortress.

„

• Квест «Unbound Darkness» . Первый босс Аркатраца является войд лордом и он не самый опасный среди узников.

“

We imprisoned the most dangerous beings we came across in our travels. Zereketh is a powerful void lord. If he escapes into Netherstorm, he will feed off of the abundant void energy. Unfortunately, yet more dangerous inmates have escaped. Creatures of the void are naturally chaotic. They are a necessary part of the universe, but they must be kept in check by the Light.

„

• В Аркатраце присутствуют Даллия и Соккорат — могущественные командиры Легиона.

“

Millennia ago, Soccothrates held a position of honor among the Wrathguards, standing at the side of the Burning Legion's top commanders. Confinement did not suit his considerable ego. Neither did his cellmate.

„

“

Before she was imprisoned by the naaru, Dalliah was one of the most vicious and aggressive warriors within the Burning Legion. Spending so much time as a cellmate to Wrath-Scryer Soccothrates did not improve her disposition either.

„

• Квест «WANTED: The Scroll of Skyriss». Скайрисс — слуга Древних Богов.
• Квест «Harbinger of Doom». Ещё про Скайрисса.

“

One in particular, a servant of the Old Gods known as Harbinger Skyriss, seeks to usher in his masters' vision of conquering all of the worlds in the universe. Once again you have proven your mettle. Had Harbinger Skyriss broken free, countless thousands would have perished in the ensuing conflict, just as happened with another servant of the Old Gods, Skeram, on your world of Azeroth.

„

• Сражение со Скайриссом. Силы Древних Богов по его словам не подвластны времени и судьбе. Они могут быть даже опаснее Легиона. В момент поражения Предвестник говорит, что это ничего не поменяет, ведь он лишь один из бесконечного множества таких же.

“

It is a small matter to control the mind of the weak... for I bear allegiance to powers untouched by time, unmoved by fate. No force on this world or beyond harbors the strength to bend our knee... not even the mighty Legion!

„

• Что забавно, перед появлением Скайрисса начальник тюрьмы педалил, что сейчас будет освобождать самых опасных существ из существующих, а появились какие-то клоуны... Впрочем, он был явно не в себе, так что можно этот бред даже не учитывать.

---

Долина Призрачной Луны:

• Квест «Enraged Spirits of Air». В ШЛЛ бушует обезумевший повелитель огня. Тут же про некие загадочные слова.

“

Scorned Spirit of Water says: Wisdom? It was your people that caused the insufferable wrath of Cyrukh. Scorned Spirit of Air says: Why should we help you? The world is ruined. Destroyed. Earthmender Torlok nods. Earthmender Torlok says: You are right, spirit. It was my people that did that to you. Allow us to make it right. Please tell us this: Who or what is Cyrukh? Scorned Spirit of Earth says: Fool! Cyrukh the fire lord! When the tie was severed, Cyrukh awoke. It is the tears of Cyrukh that fill this land with molten rock. Earthmender Torlok says: The... The fire lord? An elemental lord was unearthed? Of course... Gul'dan you were a damned fool! Scorned Spirit of Fire says: He is insane now. Driven mad during the shattering. There is no rest for the elements.<brEarthmender Torlok: There must be a way. Scorned Spirit of Water says: Yes, a way. Destroy Cyrukh. Destroy an elemental lord. Earthmender Torlok says: Do not doubt my comrades and I, spirit. Tell us how to conjure the fire lord. My allies will destroy him. Scorned Spirit of Air says: You must utter the words... Scorned Spirit of Earth says: Yes... Yes... the words. The words of damnation. The words spoken by the dark one. Your master. Scorned Spirit of Fire says: Yes... Gul'dan... Earthmender Torlok says: We will find these words. We will summon your master and we will destroy him. Scorned Spirit of Earth says: Talk. More talk... Now release us, mortal. Earthmender Torlok nods. Earthmender Torlok says: Now to recover the lost words!

„

• Квест «The Cipher of Damnation - Truth and History». При помощи Кода Проклятия Гул'дан разорвал Дренор. История Оронока, являющегося в прошлом одним из главных сподвижников Гул'дана.

“

Very well. The words you seek have a name. They are known as the Cipher of Damnation: The words uttered by Gul'dan himself to shatter this land. The very spell that severed the last remaining ties the orcs had with the elements of Draenor.

„

“

How do I find the cipher? The Cipher of Damnation was kept in Gul'dan's private quarters inside Karabor for twenty years. Ah, that's right, you have no idea what Karabor is, do you? The Black Temple... Aye, now home to Illidan Stormrage. When Illidan took control of the Black Temple, he discovered the Cipher. He recognised that the damage to this world had already been done but thought it wise to keep the cipher secure for later use.

„

“

How do you know all this? When you stand at the Altar of Damnation and see the spirits of the damned, kneeling in prayer, what you do not see is me, standing next to Gul'dan. I told you that I was a lot of things, did i not? One of those 'things' was a lieutenant of Gul'dan. I have done many terrible things in my life. I have slaughtered man, woman and child alike. Danced in the blood of innocent draenei... yet... <Oronok chokes on his words> I will never forget that day. Never. Even though I had long since abandoned shamanism in favor of shadow magic, I felt the cut. A sense of loss so profound... I could not explain it to you with mere words. When the tie to the elements was severed, all orcs on Draenor changed. If there was ever any doubt in the power of the shadows, it was washed away with the cresting of the molten lava over the shattered earth. A wave of sickness rushed through me. After the ritual was over, I ran home to my children. I gathered what belongings I could carry in my arms and left with my boys. We ran to the hills and hid. There really was no other option... Not a day goes by that I don't think of the cut. It has taken 20 years to reconnect with the elements. It has taken 20 years for the elements to even begin to heal.

„

• Квест «The Cipher of Damnation - Ar'tor's Charge». Даже охотник-орк может отделять от себя часть души, чтобы отправить её на помощь ГГ.
• Квест «The Cipher of Damnation». ГГ с Ороноком и его сыновьями побеждает местного повелителя огня. Дальше один из появившихся элементалей говорит, что если Кодом Проклятия воспользуются, то Азерот может быть тоже уничтожен.
• Квест «A Necessary Distraction». Бойцы Иллидана держат запечатанным пит лорда, так как он слишком опасен, чтобы на нём было можно тренироваться. Вырвавшись на свободу пит лорд начинает крушить всё вокруг, пока не приходит Аландиен (одна из сильнейших ДХ) и без шансов его не сливает.
• Квест «Altruis». Летим в Награнд, чтобы встретиться с тем, кого (как говорят) демоны боятся больше, чем любую армию воздаятелей Алдоров.
• Квест «Against the Illidari». Алтруис всё ещё уважает Иллидана, но он осуждает за то, что он превратился в того, кого поклялся уничтожить. Ах да, в процессе квеста ГГ победил какого-то элитного нетрезима.
• Квест «Against the Legion». Ух, Алтруис испытывал сложности с какой-то демонессой из-за её нематериальности...
• Квест «Illidan's Pupil». История про то как Кель послал Иллидану пятерых эльфов крови, чтобы обучить их на охотников на демонов. Трое погибли во время испытаний, один сошёл с ума, а последний (Варедис) выжил и продемонстрировал огромный потенциал. В дальнейшем его обучали трое лучших мастеров-ДХ, которых он смог превзойти всего за год. Так же Варедис тайно читал Книгу Имен Скверны. Тут же говорится, что по слухам знание истинного имени демона даёт определённую власть над демоном, а Книга Имён Скверны содержат информацию про истинные имена всех существовавших демонов. Выучив наизусть отрывки Книги Варедис нашёл для себя источник силы, способный соперничать с тем, который получил Иллидан от Черепа Гул'дана. Такой высокий потенциал эльфов крови объясняется ещё тем, что они не имеют естественного отвращения к демонический магии как те же ночные эльфы.
• Квест «The Book of Fel Names». Против Варедиса у ГГ по словам Алтруиса не будет ни единого шанса, пока тот владеет силой Книги.
• Квест «Varedis Must Be Stopped». Варедис и три сильнейших мастера-ДХ убиты. Все они способны были превращаться в демона во время боя, но чтобы победить Варедиса потребовалось эксплуатировать КИС.
• Квест «Tablets of Baa'ri». В прошлом Гул'дан поднял вулкан прямо посреди ШМВ.
• Квест «The Ashtongue Tribe». Пеплоусты — что-то типа элитных бойцов Сломленных под руководством Акамы. Их свирепость и жестокость не уступает любым нагам, демонам, эльфам крови из армии Иллидана.
• Квест «Reclaiming Holy Grounds». Забавно, что самой устрашающей частью армии Иллидана Алдоры посчитали орков скверны. Впрочем, в версии квеста для Провидцев такого нет, просто есть пиар орков ШМВ как очень опасных противников, которых и одного победить не так и просто.
• Квест «Akama». Акама последовал за Иллиданом из-за своих видений будущего. За Акамой присматривает один из элитных нетрезимов. За спиной Акамы, кстати, в темнице находится Майев, которая всё такая же импульсивная и яростная.
• Квест «The Ata'mal Terrace». Тёмной магией можно скрывать присутствие. Сердце Ярости (бывший артефакт Велена) по трипам Акамы мог бы позволить победить Иллидана и стать новыми владыками Запределья, но Акама отказывается от таких мыслей, ведь это не то будущее, которое он видел/хотел.
• Квест «Akama's Promise». Акама не так силён (духовно, видимо) как раньше из-за долгого пребывания рядом со злом. Артефакт отнесён А'дал, которая показывает ГГ видение будущего, где он вместе с Акамой и Майев штурмует Чёрный Храм.
• Квест «Neltharaku's Tale». Драконы пустоты бессильны против Зулухеда, который когда-то поработал саму Алекстразу.
• Квест «Zuluhed the Whacked». Зулухед — древний орк с неизвестными способностями, который ещё был и усилен Иллиданом. Тем не менее, это никак не помешало ГГ его победить.
• Квест «Disrupting the Twilight Portal». Орки Иллидана говорят, что одна из их задач — ставить на место Легион в Запределье. Хм, это забавно в том смысле, что войска Иллидана в целом всё ещё противодействуют Легиону.
• Квест «The Soul Cannon of Reth'hedron». У Иллидари сейчас нет лишних ресурсов, чтобы загнать под шконку какого-то мощного эредара в Награнде. Приходится ГГ при помощи девайса брать дело в свои руки.
• Квест «Commander Hobb». Орки Драконьей Пасти могут уничтожить заставы Алдоров/Провидцев только тогда, когда те не готовы к атаке.
• Квест «Lord Illidan Stormrage». Иллидан создаёт свою проекцию, которая сразу же распознаёт маскировку ГГ и обездвиживает его.
• Всякие проходные квесты про статистов, в том числе монстров, способных купаться в лаве.
• Квест «Spectrecles». Легенда про Терона бросает в дрожь даже Отрёкшихся. Терон при жизни был могущественным чернокнижником. Душа Терона, поверженная Оргримом, была перенесена Гул'даном в павшего рыцаря Штормграда. Так родился первый рыцарь смерти Орды.
• Квест «Capture the Weapons». Речь про некое анти-демоническое оружие, созданное Легионом. ГГ побеждает 2 пит лордов тем временем.
• Квест «Quenching the Blade». При помощи ГГ создано мощное анти-демоническое оружие, которое эффективно как против Легиона, так и против слуг Иллидана. Этим оружием владеет теперь ГГ.
• Квест «Blast the Infernals!». Бомба из ядра сквернобота может разом уничтожить/вывести из строя огромное количество инферналов Легиона.
• Квест «Divination: Gorefiend's Armor». Терон в прошлом победил огромного чёрного дракона. Правда, русская локализация почему-то посчитала, что это наоборот отпрыск Смертокрыла победил Терона в бою...
• По квестам ещё Гул'дан уничтожил местных арракоа, исказил их души.
• Квест «Thwart the Dark Conclave». Тёмный конклав мёртвых арракоа пытался призвать нечто, похожее на Древнего Бога, но их убили раньше.
• Квест «The Journal of Val'zareq: Portends of War». Кровавая Печать — элитная элита Иллидана из сил вне Чёрного Храма.
• Квест «Battle of the Crimson Watch». Проявляется (через кристалл) Иллидан. ГГ (возможно, с командой) побеждает Кровавую Печать. Иллидан пиарит Артаса с таким апломбом, что чуть ли не считает одним из сильнейших противников в своей жизни. Как же могуч Артас-ДК!

“

Lord Illidan Stormrage yells: So you have defeated the Crimson Sigil. You now seek to challenge my rule? Not even Arthas could defeat me, yet you dare to even harbor such thoughts? Then I say to you, come! Come! The Black Temple awaits...

„

• Из разговора со служителем Земли Торлоком:

“

It is here that Gul'dan severed the tie between orcs and the elemental spirits. His unquenchable thirst for power could not be satiated with the complete annihilation of the draenei. He had to also destroy Draenor, razing the land and siphoning all of its energies for use in his war.

„

• Есть занятный диалог Мор'гора (лидера Драконьей Пасти), который в своё время был в Грим Батол, с Леди Синестрой, которая рассказывает, что повелитель, то есть Смертокрыл, жив. Орки ДП служат одновременно Иллидану и чёрным драконам.
• Кстати говоря, тех самых троих лучших мастеров-ДХ тренировал лично Иллидан.
• Квест «The Secret Compromised». Акама и его последователи владели техникой медитации, позволяющей справляться с болью. Но это было бы бесполезно против самого Иллидана, способного узреть самые сокровенные тайны души. Иллидан, кстати, совсем не удивлён, что Кель спелся с Легионом и планирует стать новым Владыкой Запределья вместо Иллидана.
• Квест «Ruse of the Ashtongue». Иллидан приказывает Акаме убить Ал'ара Келя в назидание.
• Квест «The Hostage Soul». Самая сущность Акамы — его душа — находится в заточении в Чёрном Храме.
• Квест «A Distraction for Akama». ГГ получает в руки Медальон Карабора, усиленный наару. Начинается отвлекающий внимание штурм Чёрного Храма, в котором принимают участие Алдоры, Провидцы, наару Зи'ри, ГГ, Акама со своими бойцами, Майев. В процессе боя побеждены многие нетрезимы Иллидана.
• Майев опять куда-то потерялась одна во время штурма... Необучаемая просто дамочка.

Чёрный Храм:

• Ролик. Ничего интересного.
• Описание, взятое со старой версии официального сайта Близзард.

“

Long ago on Draenor, the Temple of Karabor was the center of draenei worship. But the devout priests who prayed there are long dead, slaughtered by marauding, demonically corrupted orcs. In the massacre's aftermath the warlocks of the Shadow Council seized the structure and bestowed upon it a new name: the Black Temple. When Illidan the Betrayer fled to Draenor (now called Outland), he ousted the Temple's ruler - the pit lord Magtheridon - and claimed his throne as the lord of the blasted world. Despite the bitter retribution of his enemies, Illidan has begun to tighten his grip on Outland from within the profaned sanctum, where he awaits any and all who would challenge his rule.

„

• Ещё одно описание.

“

Long ago on Draenor, the Temple of Karabor was the center of draenei worship. But the devout priests who prayed there are long dead, slaughtered by marauding, demonically corrupted orcs. In the massacre's aftermath the warlocks of the Shadow Council seized the structure and bestowed upon it a new name: the Black Temple. For years the Shadow Council bloodied the Black Temple with foul demonic rituals, but after the Second War the dark spellcasters fell to the Alliance's devastating invasion of Draenor. The shaman Ner'zhul hastily opened several dimensional portals in order to stage a retreat, and the resulting magical backlash ripped the world apart. In what had become the fractured realm of Outland, Ner'zhul's portals were a strategic advantage that appealed to the demon general Magtheridon, who quickly seized the Black Temple as his seat of power. Magtheridon commanded many of the orcs remaining in Outland and bolstered his army with Legion forces streaming in through the portals. The pit lord's might remained unchallenged until Illidan the Betrayer decided to claim the Black Temple for himself. Illidan and Magtheridon fought a desperate battle on the temple walls, but in the end the pit lord proved no match for the wielder of the Twin Blades of Azzinoth. Illidan battered Magtheridon to the point of death, but the thrill of victory was short-lived.... The skies of Outland darkened as Kil'jaeden himself appeared before Illidan, furious at Illidan's failure to destroy the Lich King. The Betrayer was forced back to Azeroth for a disastrous attack on Icecrown Glacier. Bloodied by the death knight Arthas but not fully beaten, Illidan returned to Outland and established his throne within the Black Temple. And yet, despite Illidan's efforts to seal Ner'zhul's portals, Kil'jaeden's wrath will not be denied. Even now the merciless Doomwalker batters at the temple gates.

„

• Надж'ентус — гигантский полководец наг, являющийся чемпионом Вайш (текст итема Naj'entus's Vertebrae).
• Финальный бой с Иллиданом. Дверь перед Иллиданом Акама смог открыть только с помощью духов своего народа. Победить самого Иллидана нам так и не удалось. Каким-то образом появившаяся Майев меняет ход сражения... Майев опять уходит неизвестно куда, победив Иллидана.
• Описание скверноботов и Судьболома, взятое со старой версии официального сайта Близзард.

“

The cunning mo'arg engineers of the Burning Legion pushed their gan'arg workers for weeks in the construction of the first fel reaver, a massive construct that could easily raze fortified towers or tear the wings off an airborne gryphon. Though pleased by the success of their construct, the engineers quickly realized that they could improve upon the design. While the forge camps began to mass-produce these fel reavers to smash the mortal forces of Outland, all the manpower of the mighty Legion Hold in Shadowmoon Valley was dedicated to the creation of a superior machine. Now unleashed, Doomwalker rages throughout Shadowmoon Valley, annihilating everything in its path. Infused with the captured souls of martyred draenei, the Doomwalker is empowered with unparalleled fury and might. With the fortified strength of its gargantuan body and the unbridled power of countless tortured souls, this newest fel reaver is among the most powerful weapons of the Burning Legion.

„

• А фан-ролик по БТ так-то и неплох...

Black Temple Trailer 2020

---

Каражан

• Главный босс — некий принц Легиона Малчезар без внятного бэкграунда. Судя по цитатам из боя, Малчезар командует легионам демонов и является принцем эредаров. На этом всё. Ах да, примечательна фраза "All realities, all dimensions are open to me!", в которой авторы видят это как разные понятия(?).
• Квест «Contact from Dalaran». Аметистовое Око — группа магов Кирин Тора, присматривающая за Медивом и Каражаном на случай ЧС.
• Квест «A Demonic Presence». Каражан является стратегически важным объектов, который может со временем стать точкой вторжения сил Легиона.

“

Karazhan is a very important place. It is a portal into the nether, a beacon shining into other worlds. The possible repercussions of it falling into the wrong hands are unthinkable. The demonic intrusion must be stopped. And you are the only one with the key.

„

• Разговор с Архимагом Альтуром о важности Каражана:

“

Karazhan is more than a mere building. If you traced the ley-lines traversing Azeroth you would find that they all converge right about there.

„

“

Archmage Alvareaux once wrote a treatise exploring a fascinating theory. He proposed the existence of an exact copy of Karazhan in a world other than our own and that both somehow shared the same space. He went mad soon after. A real pity.

„

• Квест «The Master's Terrace». Некий синий дракон прилетел в Каражан в прошлом вразумить Медива, но тот уничтожил его изнутри могущественным заклинанием. Особый интерес представляет здесь то, что Медив выжил после попадания (отражённого драконом) своего собственного огненного заклинания, хотя и получив ранения.
• Тут ещё что-то про то, что в заклинание Медив вложил часть своей сущности.
• Квест «Eminence Among the Violet Eye». ГГ получает от Аметистового Ока перстень, чья сила не уступает Архимагам Совета.

“

The signet you now hold is as powerful as that of any Archmage of the Council. Wear it wherever you go so that the initiated may recognize your allegiance. Wear it wherever you go so its power may serve you as you've served us!

„

---

Остров Кель'Данас

• Ролик. Ничего интересного.
• Квест «Enter, the Deceiver...». Кил'джеден пытается прорваться в Азерот через Солнечный Колодец.
• Забавное пояснение арки битвы за Кель'Данас от сержанта Бадуума:

“

ATTENTION! Alright, quiet down. We have a lot of work to do and very little time to do it in, people. I've stood with some of you draenei before at Skettis, and others in Shadowmoon Valley. But now we're on Azeroth, and the situation looks grim. First though, you sin'dorei listen up. I run a tight ship... this isn't going to be like what you're used to with the Scryers. Pull your weight, or get back on the boat! Now that that's out of the way, welcome to the Isle of Quel'Danas. The Sunwell's on the plateau to the south, and Prince Kael'thas is holed up in the Magisters' Terrace to the east. We're here as support for the so-called 'adventurers' that the brass called in. We'll help them hold the key points on the island, and keep the heat off so that they can do their jobs. If none of you ladies have any questions, you can get further instruction and assignments from your squad leaders. That's it. Good luck!

„

“

ATTENTION! Welcome to the Sunwell. Despite the mild temperatures and scenic vistas, you're not on vacation, ladies and gentlemen! The current situation looks like this: we're holding what we can while those with more experience and better equipment are moving against Prince Kael'thas. I know, we thought he was dead too, but that's not the case. He's trying to use the Sunwell to bring the master of the Burning Legion, Kil'jaeden, into this world. Let me assure you people that if he's successful, this world will suffer far worse than Outland ever did! So let's make sure that doesn't come to pass. Warriors will be deployed to hold key positions, while you marksmen will be assigned to keep the enemy fliers at bay. I'm awaiting orders on your specific assignments. In the meantime, stay here and be ready to move at a moment's notice!

„

“

ATTENTION! Hello to you new recruits. I'm Drill Sergeant Bahduum. For the next few days, you're going to receive orientation. The Isle of Quel'Danas has been overrun by the forces of Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider. Intel had him pegged as deceased. Intel was wrong. Up on the plateau, he and his demon friends are trying to reignite the Sunwell and open a rift to bring their head-honcho, Kil'Jaeden back into the world. Our job is to clear out as much of the fodder as we can, while supporting the specialists that the powers-that-be are having brought in. Needless to say, a lot of us won't be going home. But if you remember your training and keep your wits about you, you'll greatly increase your chances. That's all I have to say for now. Stay focused, boys and girls.

„

• В целом в локалках рассказывается как сложно отбивать у Легиона регионы острова и что зачастую приходится идти на хитрость. Одним из важнейших залогов победы является нежить (квест «Distraction at the Dead Scar»), которая атакует силы Легиона на юге острова, хотя "1 на 1" против демонов она долго и не продержится. Кстати, занятно весьма, что против нежити сражаются даже огромные пит лорды.
• Квест «Taking the Harbor». Клинки Рассвета — элитные бойцы Келя.
• Квест «Gaining the Advantage». В целом про то, что для бойцов массово штампуют усиливающие оружие и доспехи субстанции.
• Ценой больших потерь остров освобождён от силы Келя и Легиона (квест «A Charitable Donation»).

Терраса Магистров:

• Описание, взятое со старой версии официального сайта Близзард.

“

After his defeat in Tempest Keep, Kael'thas Sunstrider publicly revealed his alliance with the ruthless Burning Legion. Intent upon summoning the demon lord Kil'jaeden, Kael'thas has returned to the Isle of Quel'Danas to make the final preparations for his master's arrival. Situated on a ridge in northeastern Quel'Danas, Magisters' Terrace serves as a convenient base for Kael'thas and his underlings as they assist the proceedings in the Sunwell Plateau. Kael'thas stands poised to desecrate the ancient lands of his people with an incomparable evil. Should he succeed, the Legion's darkness will rapidly spread to all corners of Azeroth, extinguishing everything in its path.

„

• Шиварра жрица Делрисса была тем демоном, который спас Келя и теперь стережёт/охраняет его.
• Кель'тас (описание из Энциклопедии). Ещё и усилен магией скверны. ЧСВ из него так и прёт, судя по его комментарию про Иллидана.

“

Once a true champion to the blood elf people, and a defender of the race's ancient heritage, Kael'thas Sunstrider has fallen prey to the dark influences of the demon Kil'jaeden while sojourning in Outland. At the bidding of his new master, the wayward prince returned to Azeroth and seized the Sunwell, hoping to use the fount as a means to open a doorway for the demon to this new and verdant world. Kael'thas is a brilliant tactician, a powerful warrior, and his veins burn with limitless fel magic.

„

“

Don't look so smug! I know what you're thinking, but Tempest Keep was merely a set back[sic]. Did you honestly believe I would trust the future to some blind, half-night elf mongrel? Oh no, he was merely an instrument, a stepping stone to a much larger plan! It has all led to this... and this time you will not interfere!

„

Плато Солнечного Колодца:

• Описание, взятое со старой версии официального сайта Близзард.

“

For millennia the mystical pool of energy known as the Sunwell fueled the potent magic of the exiled high elves. Now, the remnants of this ancient fountain have become the Burning Legion's latest target as the demons prepare to summon their commander, Kil'jaeden, with the Sunwell's energy. Heroes from Shattrath City have joined under the banner of the Shattered Sun Offensive, endeavoring to crush the Legion's invasion before it becomes insurmountable. More combatants join the Offensive every day, but the might of the Legion cannot be easily suppressed. Fierce demonic servants guard the Sunwell Plateau, attacking anyone who interferes with their proceedings. As the time of Kil'jaeden's arrival draws near, Azeroth's heroes have one final chance to save their world from blistering devastation.

„

• Разговор с капитаном Селаной вводит нас в курс событий.

“

Give me a situation report, Captain. The Shattered Sun Offensive has made great progress in the outer areas of the Isle of Quel'Danas. Kil'jaeden's forces are being pushed back, and in the chaos I was able to lead a small scouting force here inside the Sunwell Plateau. My troops proceeded through Parhelion Plaza, spotted a group of Sunblade elves, and we engaged the enemy. That fight quickly turned into a disaster.

„

“

What went wrong? Kil'jaeden's defenders here on the Sunwell Plateau are much stronger than anything we faced on the Island. The Legion have even twisted our Arcane Guardian technology with fel energy to create something much more sinister. Just one of those Mob Sunblade Protectors decimated my troops, and I ordered a swift retreat. I expected my squad to be pushed completely off the plateau, but the enemy surprised me by calling off the pursuit.

„

“

Why did they stop? I don't know, but I'm glad they did. The respite has allowed Neutral Anchorite Elbadon to save many of the men and women under my command. I've sent a few of my stealthiest scouts forward and they're reported back something interesting. Nearly all of the Sunblade Protectors are powered down! Kil'jaeden's forces appear to be conserving their energy, and seem content to merely contain us with one active Protector. If you and your companions want to force your way inside, allow me to suggest a plan of attack.

„

“

Your insight is appreciated. Take advantage of their deactivated Sunblade Protectors. If one of their Mob Sunblade Scouts spot you, I'm sure the elf will try to reactivate a nearby Sunwell Protector. Kill him quickly to prevent this. With the blood elves eliminated, as long as you do not trigger the Protector's proximity sensors you should be able to move past them without a fight. That will save you both time and resources.

„

• В ходе штурма мы освобождаем Калесгоса от влияния на него одного из повелителей ужаса.
• Бой между синим драконом Мадригосой и пит лордов Бруталлом. Мадригоса обращает в лёд тело Бруталлуса, но тот вырывается изо льда и убивает Мадригосу, говоря что было весело, но этот не тот бой, которого он жаждет.
• Кровь побеждённого Бруталла просачивается в труп Мадригосы, возрождая её как нежить — дракона скверны, служащего Легиону.
• Дальше побеждаем развратных эредарских сестёр-близнецов. Видимо, это были какие-то могущественные маги Легиона.
• Настал черёд М'уру — захваченного Келем наару, который во время боя деградирует в Энтропия — бога пустоты.
• Финальный бой с ГЗ аддона — Кил'джеденом. Как-то не чувствуется в речах уважения к Саргерасу... Кил'джеден, который проявился в Санвеле только с частью своей истинной силы, был остановлен лишь за счёт противодействия сил Расколотого Солнца, Калесгоса и жертвы Анвины.

“

Kil'jaeden yells: The expendable have perished... So be it! Now I shall succeed where Sargeras could not! I will bleed this wretched world and secure my place as the true master of the Burning Legion. The end has come! Let the unraveling of this world commence

„

“

Kalecgos yells: Anveena, I love you! Focus on my voice, come back for me now! Only you can cleanse the Sunwell! Anveena says: Kalec...? Kalec? Kalecgos yells: Yes, Anveena! Let fate embrace you now! Anveena says: The nightmare is over, the spell is broken! Goodbye, Kalec, my love! Kil'jaeden yells: Aggghh! The powers of the Sunwell... turn... against me! What have you done? What have you done??? Kalecgos yells: I have channeled all I can! The power is in your hands! Kalecgos yells: Strike now, heroes, while he is weakened! Vanquish the Deceiver!

„

“

Kalecgos says: Goodbye, Anveena, my love. Few will remember your name, yet this day you change the course of destiny. What was once corrupt is now pure. Heroes, do not let her sacrifice be in vain.

„

• Эпилог.

“

Prophet Velen says: Mortal heroes, your victory here today was foretold long ago. My brother's anguished cry of defeat will echo across the universe, bringing renewed hope to all those who still stand against the Burning Crusade. Prophet Velen says: As the Legion's final defeat draws ever-nearer, stand proud in the knowledge that you have saved worlds without number from the flame. Just as this day marks an ending, so too does it herald a new beginning... Prophet Velen summons a large crystal from the sky. The crystal hovers above the Sunwell. Prophet Velen says: The creature Entropius, whom you were forced to destroy, was once the noble naaru, M'uru. In life, M'uru channeled vast energies of LIGHT and HOPE. For a time, a misguided few sought to steal those energies... Enter Lady Liadrin. Lady Liadrin says: Our arrogance was unpardonable. We damned one of the most noble beings of all. We may never atone for this sin. Prophet Velen says: Then fortunate it is, that I have reclaimed the noble naaru's spark from where it fell! Where faith dwells, hope is never lost, young blood elf. Lady Liadrin says: Can it be? Prophet Velen says: Gaze now, mortals - upon the HEART OF M'URU! Unblemished. Bathed by the light of Creation - just as it was at the Dawn. The heart of M'uru disintegrates and flows into the Sunwell. The Sunwell reignites in a fount of blinding light. Prophet Velen says: In time, the light and hope held within - will rebirth more than this mere fount of power... Mayhap, they will rebirth the soul of a nation. Lady Liadrin says: Blessed ancestors! I feel it... so much love... so much grace... there are... no words... impossible to describe... Prophet Velen says: Salvation, young one. It waits for us all. Prophet Velen says: Farewell...

„

• При этом в игре даже не раскроют толком, кем же была эта Анвина — аватар самого Солнечного Колодца.

---

Остров Лазурной Дымки и Экзодар

• Разговор с Нобундо в Экзодаре. История Сломленных, шаманизма.

“

My story? It is kind of you to ask. Very well. Long ago on the planet Draenor - the remains of which are now known as the Outland - all of the draenei lived in peace. But then the Burning Legion came, and they corrupted the orcs with their fel magics. With no other option we fought to survive, but exposure to these fel energies had horrible effects upon some of us, over time transforming us into the Broken like me, or worse, the seemingly mindless Lost Ones. Shall I go on? The fel energies also had the side-effect on the Broken and the Lost Ones of cutting us off from the Light. At the time I did not know exactly why, but as a vindicator I insisted on finding out. I decided to make a pilgrimage to do just that. And so it was that after the war came to its fateful end, I journeyed into the desert of the fragmented planet, beseeching the Light to return to us. But decades passed, and the Light never answered my prayers. Is this something that you wish to hear more of? I had been fortunate to find an oasis and made the decision to stay there until I received an answer. So there I sat, moving only when absolutely necessary, living off of the creatures that would come near the pool. Such was my pride. As I said, decades passed without an answer. But I can remember a particularly beautiful sunset one evening. A warm zephyr blew across the land and I was sure that I heard a voice, but no one was around. As you can imagine, I thought that I was finally losing my mind. There was something strange about that wind; it didn't stop. For weeks it blew across the land, waxing and waning, but never ceasing. And all the time the voice continued, though I could not understand it, nor did I know where it was coming from. My time in solitude had taught me how to calm myself and look inward. This I did in order to keep my sanity. And that is when I began to understand the voice. It was coming from the wind itself and it had much to say! It spoke to me of secrets and power, and also of truths. The Light had not forsaken the Broken! The fel energies that the orcs had wielded long ago against the draenei had infused us, causing a break in our ability to be heard by, or perhaps to hear, the Light. The same that had been responsible for the degradation of our bodies. But our spirits were not broken, and the air offered to me another path, through which I might deliver my people. It taught me the path of shamanism, which in a way is just another facet of the Light. Joining the wind was the water of the oasis, the fire from my camp and the earth upon which I sat. All had something to say. Over the next few years they taught me what it was to call upon and be one with the elements of the world. And they told me that the worlds of all of the stars in the sky, even this one, are made up of these elements. But the day came when I felt that I had learned enough to leave. I returned to my people and was greeted with smiling faces and outstretched arms, mostly from the Broken. The prejudices against us from many draenei had continued in my absence. But it was as if they knew that I was coming, and I soon found out why. Velen, the prophet and leader of all of the draenei, had seen my return in one of his visions and was there to greet me as well. He asked to speak with me in private and as I related my story to him, he nodded and smiled, for this too he had foreseen. Velen urged me to take a leadership role amongst the Broken. But more importantly, he asked me to teach shamanism to all; Broken and draenei alike. I accepted. We knew then that given the prejudices of some that this would be a difficult proposition at best. There are those that despise the Broken because we are a frightening reminder of the past. And there are others who believe the way of the shaman to be a blasphemy against the Light. In any case, that is my tale.

„

• Квесты «Volatile Mutations», «What Must Be Done...» и некоторые другие. Радиоактивные силовые ядра упавшего Экзодара наносят сильный урон окружающей среде и вызывают различные мутации местной экосистемы.
• Квест «Control». Магия в потенциале может позволить разрушать миры.

“

You have chosen the path of the mage, and so you must learn control. Magic, when unchecked, can corrupt souls and destroy worlds. To fully understand, you must face one who has been consumed by magic. Travel to the beaches on the northwest coast of Azuremyst Isle and use your spells to decimate the murlocs. The display of power will attract the attention of the evil force lurking there, a Quel'dorei magewraith. Defeat it.

„

• Квест «Rune Covered Tablet». Вроде бы упоминается Назжатар.

---

Остров Кровавой Дымки

• Квесты «What Argus Means to Me», «What We Don't Know...». Два слова про дренеев и эредаров.
• Квест «Blood Watch». Мутация поразила уже весь остров, который изначально был прекрасным местом.
• Квест «Signs of the Legion». Доспехи Легиона выкованы из чёрного металла, который словно бы поглощает свет. При этом доспехи не зачарованы, но достаточно одного взгляда, чтобы понять, что они неестественные, неправильные.
• Квест «The Unwritten Prophecy». Острова могут стать домом для тысяч жителей.
• Квест «Into the Dream». ГГ уничтожает эфирные проявления драконов.

“

The whelps that you see on this island are the agitated spirits of the green dragonflight. Like me, they are bound to the land, unable to ascend to their final resting place in the Dream. Recovering the bones of the fallen has settled them somewhat but you must take further action. Destroy their ethereal manifestations. I cannot leave this place until it is done. They must be released!

„

• Квест «Razormaw». В битвах погибли многие драконы, в т.ч. чёрные, в т.ч. один из командиров Смертокрыла. Его призрак до сих пор кружит над островом, его ненависть настолько сильна, что он продолжает существовать даже после смерти. Побеждаем этого дракона.

“

Many of the black dragonflight were slain during the attacks. One of them, a lieutenant of Deathwing himself, still haunts this place. If you look to the heavens, you can see his spectral countenance circling the skies. His hatred is so great that he remains even in death.

„

• Квест «Oh, the Tangled Webs They Weave». От мутаций даже растения обрели некоторую степень разума, например, научились расставлять такие коварные ловушки, что в них могут попасть даже самые осторожные воители.
• Квест «The Hopeless Ones...». Опять ГГ побеждает призраков/неупокоенные души.
• Квест «The Bloodcursed Naga». В локации квеста произошёл раскол, погибли тысячи эльфов, а на их месте появились создания ненависти — наги.
• Квест «Fouled Water Spirits». Ещё про эффекты мутации.

“

Most of the creatures touched by the crystals' energy have been corrupted in the same ways: strange marks on their flesh, increased aggression, and small crystal shards in their bodies. However, the fouled water spirits north of here appear to be turning entirely to crystal.

„

• Диалог с Торетом — принцем этой земли и всадником на драконах, благословенным самой Изерой.

“

Have you not heard of Ysera? Guardian of nature? Aspect of the Dream? She is the matron of all green dragons! Aye, it was Ysera herself that gifted my kingdom with her brood. We stood shoulder to shoulder with the noble creatures and they allowed us to ride them into battle against our enemies. All was well for many centuries... until... Deathwing's brood... Ysera's benevolence raised the ire of Deathwing - patron of the black dragonflight. They attacked us in our sleep! Many died on the initial surge but the greens rose to protect us. I was the last to die. As I felt my spirit leaving my mortal shell, I swore a blood oath. A pact was made between this land and I: My blood for this world. I became the sole keeper of the history of my people. I cannot rest until I am secure in knowing that the story of the dragon riders of Loreth'Aran is not lost in the passages of time.

„

---

Леса Вечной Песни и Луносвет

• Квест «Thirst Unending». Про жажду магии эльфов крови в двух словах.
• Квест «Research Notes». Урон, нанесённый Артасом землям эльфов (Тропа Мёртвых) не обратим.
• В ходе диалогов с разными эльфами крови выясняется, что их положение дел после разрушения Санвелла и вторжения Плети как-то совсем не очень (на них наседают нежить, тролли, собственные эльфы-наркоманы, силы Альянса — в лице НЭ в первую очередь). Они видят надежду в Запределье. Орки и люди — расы с самым большим населением.
• Разговор с Кадайнис про лей-линии в землях эльфов крови:

“

Our Sanctums syphon arcane power from ley-line currents that traverse our lands invisible to the naked eye. With the Sunwell gone, they provide us with a steady and reliable source of energy.

„

“

Prospector Anvilward says: These arcane sanctums of yours are quite... interesting Mr. Caidanis. I appreciate the information you have given me today. Ley-Keeper Caidanis says: It's been a pleasure, Mr. Anvilward. I must say your enthusiastic interest in our operations is most... unexpected.

„

Кампания паладинов/Рыцарей Крови:

• Квест «A Study in Power». Про черпание сил из захваченного наару.

“

At the order's founding, Kael'thas gifted us with a captured naaru, a being of the very Light we wield. Through our superior magical abilities, we learned to control and subdue it, allowing the Blood Knights to draw power from it. Kael'thas' own lust for power got the better of him, though, and he allied with our enemies. His vile followers attacked us, taking the naaru, and cutting us off from the source. These are dark days for the order.

„

• Квест «Redeeming the Dead». Паладины могут воскрешать мёртвых, это часть лора. Видимо, пока у кирий дедлайн...
• Квест «True Masters of the Light». Цепочка на коня и становление ГГ как мастера ордена.

Луносвет:

• Позабавил диалог с Лирией, где она начинает рассказывать толпе оппозиционные речи, но ей довольно быстро затыкают рот прибегающие санитары-маги путём подчинения разума. Д — демократия по-эльфийски.

---

Призрачные земли:

• Квесты «Envoy to the Horde» и «Allegiance to the Horde». Цепочка квестов, связанная с присоединением эльфов к Орде. Веселит как они это подали, мол посмотрите как мы решили проблемы с врагами на нашей земле, мы станем достойными членами Орды! На деле же (в частности из разговора с Вандрил) выясняется, что без помощи Отрёкшихся в Призрачных землях эльфы бы потерпели поражение со временем...
• В финале кампании победили Дар'Кхана, но пока непонятно насколько это круто.

Зул'Аман:

• Ролик. История проходного ГЗ патча Зул'джина всё ещё интереснее и душевнее, чем история ОМФГ ГЗ ВСЕЯ ВоВ Джейлера...

The Burning Crusade - Patch 2.3- The Gods of Zul'Aman

• Вроде бы ничего интересно не нашлось.

---

Пещеры Времени:

• Квест «The Caverns of Time». О Пещерах Времени в целом.

“

Custodian of Time says: We do not know if the Caverns of Time have always been accessible to mortals. Truly, it is impossible to tell as the Timeless One is in perpetual motion, changing our timeways as he sees fit. What you see now may very well not exist tomorrow. You may wake up yesterday and have no memory of this place. Custodian of Time says: It is strange, I know... Most mortals cannot actually comprehend what they see here, as often, what they see is not anchored within their own perception of reality. Custodian of Time says: Follow me, please. Custodian of Time says: There are only two truths to be found here: First, that time is chaotic, always in flux, and completely malleable and second, perception does not dictate reality. Custodian of Time says: As custodians of time we watch over and care for Nozdormu's realm. The master is away at the moment, which means that attempts are being made to dramatically alter time. The master never meddles in the affairs of mortals but instead corrects the alterations made to time by others. He is reactionary in this regard. Custodian of Time says: For normal maintenance of time, the Keepers of Time are sufficient caretakers. We are able to deal with most ordinary disturbances. I speak of little things such as rogue mages changing something in the past to elevate their status or wealth in the present. Custodian of Time says: These tunnels that you see are called timeways. They are infinite in number. The ones that currently exist in your reality are what the master has deemed as "trouble spots". These trouble spots may differ completely in theme but they always share a cause. That is, their existence is a result of the same temporal disturbance. Remember that should you venture inside one...

„

“

Custodian of Time says: The timeways are currently ranked in order from least catastrophic to most catastrophic. Note that they are all classified as catastrophic, meaning that any single one of these timeways collapsing would mean that your world would end. We only classify them in such a way so that the heroes and adventurers that are sent here know which timeway best suits their abilities.

„

• Квест «Old Hillsbrad». Про влияние на мир изменения важных событий и противодействие драконов Бесконечности.

“

To the west is the timeway to Hillsbrad of the past – 7 years to be exact. Forces are working against the Horde warchief, Thrall, attempting to prevent him from ever escaping Durnholde Keep. If Thrall never escapes, this world – as you know it – will cease to exist. Gather a group of adventuress and take the timeway to old Hillsbrad. Two of our agents await you inside.

„

“

Our worst fears might soon be realized. The forces at work behind this temporal disturbance are a new flight of dragons known as the Infinite. We do not know where they came from or why they are destroying timeways.

„

• Квест «The Black Morass». В одном из будущих (где Медив не открыл Портал) Альянс не сформировался и Легион победил в Азероте.
• Квест «Master of Elixirs», начинающийся в Шаттарте.

“

I think I know the reagent I'm missing. I've heard of a place called the Caverns of Time in Azeroth where intruders known as rift lords and rift keepers phase in and out of the timeline. This intrusive time-shifting creates tears in time itself, twisting it infinitely into crystallized essences. Bring these to me along with samples of your work and I'll teach you all I know.

„

• Квест «The Vials of Eternity». Иллидан взял семь сосудов из Источника Вечности: три он вылил в Хиджале и создал новый Источник, а по одному раздал Кель'тасу и Леди Вайш. Сила, которая заключена в воде Источника, невероятна.
• Соридорми о битве за Гору Хиджал. Кстати, он ещё баффал эквип ГГ остатками силы Колодца Вечности.

“

The Battle of Mount Hyjal is one of the most well-guarded events of this timeline. Should an intruder alter its outcome, the impact would extend to all subsequent moments in history. As the Aspect's prime mate I'm far more in tune with the flow of time than other bronze dragons. I recently sensed a minute ripple in time emanating from the events surrounding the Battle of Mount Hyjal. Someone or something is attempting to change this timeline and they must be stopped.

„

Старый Хилсбрад:

• Из ознакомительного квеста.

“

Custodian of Time says: This timeway is in great disarray! We have agents inside right now attempting to restore order. What little information I have indicates that Thrall's freedom is in jeopardy. A malevolent organization known as the Infinite Dragonflight is trying to prevent his escape. I fear without outside assistance, all will be lost.

„

• Эрозион (бронзовый дракон) во время событий побега из Дарнхольда может остановить время или обратить его вспять.
• Финальный босс — Охотник Вечности.

“

The mysteriously-named Epoch Hunter is an assassin from the infinite dragonflight sent to alter the course of history by killing Thrall before he can escape from Durnholde. The shadowy drake has slain countless beings in service of his cause, but this will be his most important kill. He will summon every ounce of his strength, power, subtlety, and cunning to bring about the end of this timeline.

„

Чёрные топи:

• Из ознакомительного квеста.

“

Custodian of Time says: We have very little information on this timeway. Sa'at has been dispatched and is currently inside. The data we have gathered from his corresponence is that the Infinity Dragonflight are once again attempting to alter time. Could it be that the opening of the Dark Portal is being targeted for sabotage? Let us hope not...

„

• Одна из речёвок Эонуса:

“

The time has come to shatter this clockwork universe forever! Let us no longer be slaves of the hourglass! I warn you: those who do not embrace the greater path shall become victims of its passing!

„

Очищение Стратхольма:

• Из ознакомительного квеста.

“

Custodian of Time says: This timeway is currently collapsing. What that may hold for the past, present and future is currently unknown...

„

Битва за Гору Хиджал:

• Из ознакомительного квеста.

“

Custodian of Time says: All we know of this timeway is that it leads to Mount Hyjal. The Infinite Dragonflight have gone to great lengths to prevent our involvement. We know next to nothing, mortal. Soridormi is currently attempting to break through the timeway's defenses but has thus far been unsuccessful. You might be our only hope of breaking through and resolving the conflict.

„

• Тралл говорит, что убить такого пит лорда как Азгалор — целый подвиг.
• Перед битвой с Архимондом мы получаем от Тиранд бафф Элуны.

---

Другое

• Квест «No Mere Dream» (друидская линия квестов). Опять про возможность фрагментации души.
• Квесты «The Raven Stones», «Vanquish the Raven God», «Eternal Vigilance» и т.д. (друидская линия квестов). Анзу вторгался каким-то чудом в Изумрудный Сон. ГГ с командой призвал Анзу в Сетеккских залах, выманив из Изумрудного Сна, и победил. Впрочем, это не уничтожило Анзу окончательно, который и дальше будет пытаться вернуть в Аутленд.

Из цитат и/или забавного:

• Чёрные драконы говорят дельные вещи. "Even for friends, there must be a price. Free things destroy friendships."
• В одном из квестов босс шутил, что ГГ стоит взять с собою ещё 24 персонажа и придти с ними в рейд для победы над ним.
• В квесте «Wanted: The Signet Ring of Prince Kael'thas» эфириал-квестодатель высмеивает квесты, где Келя сливают за копейки. "So, the blood elf prince is truly dead this time? A pity, I always thought he had class. To think that one so lofty could be brought down for such a paltry sum. But as they say, business is business. Your reward is earned, adventurer". Это он ещё не видел ценник за победу над ГЗ следующего аддона (меньше 50 золотых, лол) — Лич-Кингом...
• Эредар Левиксиус совершает демонический ритуал, выкрикивая имена участников команды Близзард.
• В отличие от Андуина, Маршал Исилдор и многие другие солдаты Альянса прекрасно понимают цену войны, каждый день отправляя своих бойцов в гробах домой.
• Торговец эфириалов Марид шарит. "There are only 3 kinds of people in this world: competitors, customers, and employees. Competitors are to be crushed ruthlessly, customers indulged, and employees strictly supervised. Independent contractors are a myth. They want to be paid better than employees, but treated like customers. Never trust one who calls himself by the title".
• Харамад ещё позабавил с его "возьмите мой номер и становитесь в очередь на моё убийство" и всякими другими фразами.

---

Рассказ «Unbroken»с оф.сайта

• В основном в нём про путь трансформации дренея в Сломленного.
• Разве что было такое сравнение во время штурма орками Шаттрата. "The clouds thundered, swirled, and erupted, punched through by massive flaming projectiles that hurtled to the earth with meteoric speed and bone-jarring strength".
• И ещё вот такое было:

“

Nobundo did. And again he experienced that sense of diminution, of insignificance as he witnessed a dark, never-ending expanse filled with myriad worlds. Some like Draenor, some great balls of ice and frost, some covered in water, some lifeless and barren. And suddenly Nobundo understood… something seemingly so simple, yet a concept that had completely eluded his mind: there were countless worlds beyond. This much he had known, as his people had traveled to many worlds before settling on Draenor. But what Nobundo had failed to comprehend was that the power of the elements stretched far beyond as well. Each world had its own elements, its own powers to call upon. And there was more. Out here in the void was another element, one that seemed to bind the worlds together, one composed of unspeakable energy. If he could call upon this one--but he knew immediately that he was far too inexperienced at this stage of his journey to commune with this mysterious new element. This was just a glimpse, a gift of understanding…

„

---

World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade Game Manual

• Пересказ событий Классики:

“ Then and Now: Conflict and Triumph in the World of Warcraft Two years have passed since the founding of Durotar... Although the armistice between the mighty Horde and the noble Alliance has held, tensions between the two factions continue to mount as worldwide conflicts draw the two sides closer to all-out war. Fighting has erupted in the strategic battlegrounds of Alterac Valley, Warsong Gulch, and Arathi Basin, and more recently in Eastern Plaguelands and Silithus. Even as these old enemies have renewed their quarrels, many ancient threats have resurfaced to menace the beleaguered races of Azeroth. As if spurred by unseen forces, dark agents have labored to push the world closer to the brink of oblivion. Within Blackrock Spire, the legacy of the black dragon Deathwing continued to unfold as Nefarian followed in his father's contemptible footsteps. With the aid of his sister Onyxia and the orchestrations of their human personas, Nefarian worked toward replenishing the black dragonflight. To that end, he created chromatic dragons: unspeakable hybrids of both red and black dragons. Meanwhile, the priests of Hakkar enacted primitive rituals on behalf of their fiendish blood god. First, priests at the Temple of Atal'Hakkar succeeded in calling forth the god's avatar. Then, within the crumbling ruins of Zul'Gurub, priests summoned the bloodthirsty, diabolical Soulflayer physically into Azeroth. Nor was the spread of evil limited to the physical realm alone. Several green dragons, once Ysera's trusted lieutenants, have been corrupted by the Emerald Nightmare, emerging from dream portals across the world to threaten the very lives they once protected. Throughout Silithus, insect swarms surged as if guided by some malignant, ancient intelligence. Behind the gates of the Scarab Wall the merciless qiraji stirred once again. Empowered by the Old God C'Thun, the qiraji prepared their legions for a worldwide assault to avenge their bitter defeat at the hands of the night elves a thousand years ago. Worst of all, the Lich King's icy grip descended upon Azeroth once again as the Scourge renewed its assault against living and undead alike. Foreboding necropoli recently appeared over several major cities. Alliance and Horde forces mobilized and drove the Scourge back. Nevertheless, questions remain. Was this defeat truly a setback for the Lich King? Or did this first attack further a different goal for the Scourge? Whatever the case, Kel'Thuzad is clearly setting the stage for a full-scale, apocalyptic invasion from his seat of power in Naxxramas. The heroes of the world have bravely faced these challenges and more, struggling to ensure the continued survival of their races. The greatest perils, however, remain unseen. Many of these new threats have the inhabitants of the world wondering if peace will ever find a home in Azeroth... „

• Новые события в Азероте:

“ Shadows Return Deep within Deadwind Pass, restless ghosts roam the darkened halls of Karazhan, where the demon-possessed wizard Medivh spent his final days. Tempted by rumors of the time-lost secrets kept within, adventurers have begun infiltrating the haunted tower. Within the secret passages of the arcane stronghold, horrific nightmares have awakened. Elsewhere, the brooding dragon Nozdormu stirs. The Timeless One has sensed a threat to his beloved timeways. Shadowy agents have infiltrated the Caverns of Time, attempting to sabotage three key historical events: Thrall's escape from Durnholde, the monumental Battle of Mount Hyjal, and Medivh's creation of the Dark Portal. In the face of this overwhelming threat, Nozdormu is enlisting heroes to help him prevent the fabric of time from unraveling forever. With the future in peril, a relic of the past has also surfaced, radiating renewed energy. This relic has enabled Lord Kazzak to activate the current Dark Portal, thereby reopening the gateway to... „

• Запределье:

“ The Shattered Realm of Outland Here, before Draenor was torn apart by Ner'zhul's portals, the orcs and draenei once lived in peace. Now this wasteland is ruled by the one-time defender of the night elves: the power-mad Betrayer, Illidan Stormrage. Joined by Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider's blood elves and the insidious, serpentine naga, Illidan maintains a tight hold on Outland and its multiple portals. The Burning Legion has set its sights on Outland as well, hoping to utilize the portals to gain access to numerous unspoiled worlds. Should the demons prove successful, no refuge would remain against their nihilistic crusade. Furthermore, the demon lord Kil'jaeden has not forgotten Illidan's failure to destroy the Lich King. Although Illidan still controls the mighty Black Temple, he anticipates the Burning Legion's return and is preparing accordingly. He and his allies fight to ensure that Outland's multiple portals remain tightly sealed while he strengthens his power base. Even so, Illidan's forces are not the only presence on Outland. Several other factions roam the scattered wastes as well. Bands of draenei remain, although many of them have devolved into Broken, warped shells of their former selves. Cut off from the Light, these Broken fight for their sanity and their lives. In addition, much to Warchief Thrall's horror, refugee orcs in the desolate region have discovered and embraced a new source of demonic corruption. Recently a new breed of fel orcs began streaming out of Hellfire Citadel, the Horde base of operations during the First and Second Wars. Though these savage orcs have made no secret of their presence on Outland, the source of their newfound corruption remains a mystery. Using their dimensional fortress, Tempest Keep, the naaru have recently arrived on Outland as well. These energy beings recognize the strategic importance of the broken wastes and have vowed to defeat their sworn enemies--the Legion--at all costs. When most of the naaru set out to explore the ravaged territories of Outland, however, Kael'thas seized the opportunity to strike. The blood elves assaulted the fortress, overcoming its automated defenses and taking command of the keep's satellite structures. Kael'thas has now begun manipulating the fortress' otherworldly technologies, using them to harness the chaotic energies of the Netherstorm itself. Despite Illidan's efforts to keep Outland's portals closed, the Horde and Alliance have anticipated Outland's role in renewed hostilities and ever more perilous threats. The denizens of Azeroth are thus preparing not only to battle each other, but also to face the inevitable onslaught of the Burning Legion. To that end, both Horde and Alliance have recruited new allies. Two bold new races have stepped forward to answer the call. Devastated by the recent Scourge invasion of Quel'Thalas, the resourceful, magic-addicted blood elves have rallied to rebuild much of their kingdom and take up the cause of the Horde. Meanwhile, the draenei, who once peacefully coexisted with the shamanistic orcs, have joined the Alliance to fight the Burning Legion and avenge past atrocities committed by the orcs... „

• История дренеев. Больше 80% расы уничтожено.

“ Flight of the Draenei Long ago, on the world of Argus, the brilliant and magically gifted eredar race drew the attention of Sargeras, the Destroyer of Worlds. Sargeras offered untold power to the three leaders of the eredar - Kil'jaeden, Archimonde and Velen - in exchange for their unquestioning loyalty. A troubling vision soon came to Velen, who saw the eredar transformed into unspeakable demons - the first sentient members of the Legion, which would grow to immense size and decimate all life. Despite Velen's warnings, Kil'jaeden and Archimonde decided to accept Sargeras' offer. Velen despaired at his former friends' decision and prayed for help. To his surprise and relief, he was answered by one of the benevolent naaru. These energy beings had, like Velen, foreseen the formation of the Burning Legion. The naaru offered to shepherd Velen and other believers to refuge. Velen quietly gathered those of his fellow eredar who seemed trustworthy and dubbed them the draenei, or "exiled ones". As Sargeras returned to Argus and transformed many willing eredar into demons, the draenei narrowly escaped their homeworld. Furious, Kil'jaeden vowed to track Velen to the ends of creation. Even as the Burning Legion chased the draenei across the cosmos, the naaru instructed the exiles in the way of the Light. Deeply affected, the draenei vowed to honor the Light and uphold the naaru's ideals. In time the draenei settled on a remote world and met the shamanistic orcs who inhabited it. The draenei came to call their new home Draenor or "Exiles' Refuge". Kil'jaeden continued to hunt the exiles, however, and he eventually learned of the idyllic world and its unsuspecting inhabitants. Working through the shaman Ner'zhul, the demon lord gradually began corrupting the orcs. When Ner'zhul refused to serve the Legion's agenda past a certain point, Kil'jaeden turned to Ner'zhul's apprentice. Gul'dan worked the orcs into a frenzy of bloodlust, and the newly formed Horde began slaughtering the peaceful draenei. The orcish campaign against the draenei was brutally effective. Over eighty percent of the draenei race was destroyed, though a small group of survivors remained, including the noble Velen. The orcs went on to invade Azeroth through Medivh's Dark Portal. Years later, after the Second War, Ner'zhul's additional portals would tear Draenor to pieces. Recently Velen and the remaining draenei survivors gained control of one of Tempest Keep's satellite structures and used it to escape to Azeroth. Now they search for allies in their never-ending battle against the Burning Crusade. „

• Судьба эльфов крови:

“ Legacy of the Blood Elves Long ago the exiled high elves landed on the shores of Lordaeron. They struck out to find a new home, and after many battles with the trolls, established the kingdom of Quel'Thalas. Using a vial of sacred water stolen from the first Well of Eternity, the high elves created a fount of mystical power at a convergence of ley energies in Quel'Thalas. They named this fountain the Sunwell. Its potent arcane magic fed and strengthened the high elves, and soon the wondrous city of Silvermoon was established. Protected by a magical barrier, the high elves enjoyed peace for roughly four thousand years, but that peace was not meant to last. The Amani trolls gathered an immense army and assaulted the elven kingdom. Vastly outnumbered, the high elves hastily struck an alliance with the human nation of Arathor. The elves taught a small number of humans how to wield magic. In exchange the humans aided the elves in destroying the trolls' power base forever. Over the following years the high elves returned to their reclusive ways, but during the Third War, the diabolical Prince Arthas Menethil brought battle once again to their doorstep. Arthas craved the power of the Sunwell and would stop at nothing to harness it. He invaded Quel'Thalas and wiped out most of its population. In the end, even King Anasterian Sunstrider lay dead. Additionally it became clear that the high elves had become addicted to the Sunwell's arcane energies. Now that the source of their magic was gone, the few remaining high elves quickly grew ill and apathetic. Prince Kael'thas, last of the royal line, returned from his studies in Dalaran to find Quel'Thalas in ruins. Thirsting for vengeance, he gathered the survivors, renamed them blood elves, and took a group of the strongest fighters to join Lordaeron's campaign against the Scourge. Due to human prejudice, Kael'thas was forced to accept the assistance of Lady Vashj and her reptilian naga. When the humans discovered that the blood elves had been working with the naga, Kael'thas and the others were imprisoned and condemned to death. Lady Vashj soon arrived to set them free, leading them through a portal and into the broken wastes of Outland. There, the elves met the one being capable of putting an end to their hunger: the renegade demon, Illidan Stormrage. Certain that the blood elves would die without Illidan's assistance, Kael'thas agreed to serve the Betrayer. A lone representative, Rommath, was sent back to Azeroth with a message of hope for the blood elves remaining in Quel'Thalas: that one day Kael'thas would return to lead his people to paradise. Rommath has made great progress in teaching the blood elves advanced techniques to manipulate arcane energies. With renewed purpose, the blood elves have now rebuilt the city of Silvermoon, though it is powered by volatile magics. Emboldened by the promise of Kael'thas' return, the weary citizens of Quel'Thalas now focus on regaining their strength, even as they forge a new path into an uncertain future. „

• Всё остальное уже в основном про игромех.

---

Старый официальный сайт Близзард, версия от 2008 года

Энциклопедия (буду скидывать сюда весь текст, что в ней есть, а то мало ли, сайт и так уже удалён):

• Пылающий Легион. Азерот является единственным миром, оказавшим такое сопротивление демонам. А вот это можно в фонд цитат: "The Legion will inevitably achieve its terrible goals unless it is vanquished. Such a victory would require an army of comparable size and might. An army fighting for the Light, for hope and peace, for the very fabric of creation.... An army that does not exist". Видимо, в те годы разработчики ещё не предполагали, что в 6 аддоне Легион будет побеждён у себя дома горсткой клоунов и что вообще существует ОМФГ Джейлер с армией круче, чем у Легиона!

“ Status: Active Leader: Kil'jaeden Primary language: Eredun The Burning Legion is a vast demonic army that has wrought havoc throughout the universe for millennia. Membership Through deliberate choice or magical addiction, many creatures have fallen under the sway of the titan Sargeras and sworn fealty to him in return for what he offered: immortality and power beyond imagining. Entire races have joined the Legion for the sake of that compelling promise. Yet not all members of the Legion are sentient. Some are merely beasts unfortunate enough to have caught Sargeras' attention. Although most members of the Legion are demons, there are exceptions, as is evidenced by infernals. Whatever the case, willing or not, a creature is transformed into a demon when its body is saturated with fel energy. Not all demons are part of the Legion, as Illidan Stormrage can attest, but Sargeras has created countless demons over the millennia so as to bolster the ranks of his destructive Legion. History and Organization Once a noble warrior for order and peace, Sargeras came to believe that there was a fundamental flaw in the universe, a flaw that made his primary purpose an impossible goal. He decided that the other titans were deeply misguided in trying to establish order throughout creation. Under the circumstances, the struggle was futile. The universe had to be destroyed utterly and remade without the underlying defect. Only then could true order be achieved. Thus, Sargeras conceived of a sweeping campaign to bring about the end of all things: the Burning Crusade. To carry out his plan, he created the Legion, whose ranks he bolstered by creating demons: immortal creatures whose hunger, power, and malice made them perfect killing machines. As a result, the Legion has grown immense and consumed countless worlds. To date, the only planet that has managed to thwart the Legion's power is Azeroth, a fact which enraged Sargeras and made him all the more determined to bring Azeroth to its knees. The eredar were the first sentient race to pledge their allegiance to Sargeras, and they remain its primary commanders to this day. Knowing that other sentient beings would inevitably join the Legion, the eredar declared that their primary language, Eredun, would be the Legion's common language. Sargeras was the Burning Legion's creator and its original leader. However, there have been no reported sightings of the titan since the death of the human wizard Medivh, who was possessed by Sargeras' spirit at the time. In Sargeras' absence, the demon lord Kil'jaeden assumed leadership of the Legion. A number of demons on Azeroth have survived the Legion's defeat at the Battle of Mount Hyjal. Gathering in small groups throughout Azeroth, they are obviously in communication with one another, for they occasionally act in a coordinated manner. Certain demons are spreading corruption or guarding sites of power; others are assembling in specific locations to further some unknown design. The Legion's most notable activity since the Third War has taken place in the Blasted Lands. Demons under the command of Lord Kazzak have rebuilt the Azeroth end of the Dark Portal on the site that first housed it. Thus far, the demons have only reconstructed the physical structure of the portal; they have not been able to reactivate it. Beliefs and Practices All demons once feared Sargeras' vast might and fury. However, most demons in the Legion served him simply because they enjoy doing so. The highest-ranking and most intelligent demons knew their creator's ultimate purpose. Even today such demons do not fear the cataclysm they work toward, for they have been promised that they will rule the newborn universe to come. In the past, the Legion particularly targeted worlds that had been visited by the titans. Ultimately, though, no world is safe: the Legion works to devour or destroy all life and magic. The Legion will inevitably achieve its terrible goals unless it is vanquished. Such a victory would require an army of comparable size and might. An army fighting for the Light, for hope and peace, for the very fabric of creation.... An army that does not exist. „

• Вселенная Варкрафта:

“ To date, three planets have been specified in the Warcraft universe: Argus, Azeroth and Outland. However, countless other planets exist in the Great Dark Beyond. Long before recorded history, the benevolent titans came to Azeroth and instilled order where there was chaos. In the process, they banished the planet's destructive elementals to the Elemental Plane, an abyssal plane specially created by the titans. To this day the vast majority of elementals continue to inhabit the Elemental Plane, where they are constantly at war with one another. The Twisting Nether is an astral plane that overlaps with the Great Dark Beyond, but is not normally perceptible to mortals. „

• Азерот:

“ Although it is merely one of countless planets in the Great Dark Beyond, Azeroth has been the primary site of events in the Warcraft universe. It is the only world in all of existence to have successfully resisted an invasion from the Burning Legion and has, against all odds, done so twice. Many races have originated upon Azeroth, including blood elves, dwarves, gnomes, high elves, humans, naga, night elves, tauren, and trolls. It also has a substantial orc population, though the orc race originated on the planet Draenor. Although they cannot by any stretch of the imagination be considered a single race, there are many undead creatures on Azeroth. In recent years their numbers have been increasing at an alarming rate. Geography Azeroth can be broken down into several major areas, including the Eastern Kingdoms, Kalimdor, Northrend, and the South Seas. Integrally connected to Azeroth and yet distinct from it, the Emerald Dream is the underlying blueprint of the planet as it was originally designed by the titans. The Dream is a lush and primal forest: the world that Azeroth might have become, had it developed without interference from the sentient races (e.g., technological advances, urbanization, and wars). „

• Достаточно интересное описание Изумрудного Сна:

“ Also known as: the Dream, the Dream of Creation The benevolent titans created the Emerald Dream to serve as the underlying blueprint for the planet Azeroth. Located outside the physical boundaries of Azeroth, the Dream is a lush and primal forest: the world that Azeroth might have become, had it developed without interference from the sentient races (e.g., technological advances, urbanization, and wars). Although the Dream is beautiful, its primal savagery can also be deadly. The Dream's Purpose The Dream is under the protection of the green Dragon Aspect, Ysera. After the titans had shaped Azeroth, they sent Ysera into an eternal trance and charged her with watching over all of Azeroth from the Dream. As a result, green dragons guard every portal into the Dream, and they always see both the landscape of Azeroth and the corresponding dreamscape. This enchanted vision, known as dreamsight, allows green dragons to perceive their surroundings with perfect clarity despite the dragons' closed eyes. Unlike Azeroth, the Emerald Dream is a realm that is primarily spiritual instead of physical. All who enter the Dream can affect it to a minor extent, but only temporarily: the underlying structure of the Dream inevitably reasserts itself. Even Ysera cannot change the Dream permanently, nor, indeed, would she wish to do so. She does not control the Dream; on the contrary, it is closer to the truth to say that the Dream controls her. Using the Dream as her unfaltering guide, she regulates the ebb and flow of nature and the evolutionary path of the world itself. Perception of the Self Inside the Dream The creatures of Azeroth can visit the Emerald Dream either physically or via dreams, as the realm's name indicates. When an individual's spirit visits the Dream, leaving the body behind, that individual will manifest his or her dreamform, which normally looks and behaves much as that individual's physical body might. Hence, for most creatures, moving through the Dream is achieved in the normal fashion, despite the realm's chiefly spiritual character. These rules do not apply to druids of sufficient skill or experience, who are trained to see beyond physical reality. These druids might be capable of abnormal movement in the Dream (e.g., a night elf who can sprint at a greatly accelerated rate, walk through solid objects, or fly). It is quite rare to see such unusual capabilities in non-druids, but it is not beyond the realm of possibility. Characteristics of the Dream The Dream can be affected by all dreamers to a minor and temporary extent. However, no living creature except the titans has ever been able to permanently change the Dream. Ysera herself cannot control or shape the Dream, which has its own ecology and a variety of inhabitants, both sentient and non-sentient. Time is meaningless inside the Dream. As a result, the green dragonflight, which spends the majority of its time in the Dream, is extremely long-lived. Ysera's consorts in particular almost never emerge from the Dream and are effectively immortal, as are all other permanent denizens in the Dream. Because the titans invested a great deal of work in perfecting their design of Azeroth, the Emerald Dream is not one single perfect vision of what Azeroth would become. The finished design of the planet was the product of many previous flawed or unfinished models. The Dream therefore has multiple layers, one for each of these earlier incarnations. These older layers of the Dream are often incomplete and therefore limited in scope, relative to the finalized Dream. The First World Tree After the War of the Ancients, three of the Dragon Aspects grew a World Tree, Nordrassil, atop the new Well of Eternity, and Ysera linked Nordrassil to the Emerald Dream. Her action was primarily meant to prevent abuse of the Well and to keep the Well's powers from growing. The tempering energies of the Dream act as a calming influence on the Well's chaotic energies. Secondarily, Nordrassil's connection to the Emerald Dream allowed the druids of Azeroth to travel easily to the Dream. Since that time, all druids have periodically hibernated while their spirits wandered the dreamways. This hibernation is not some sort of physical requirement for druids, though; rather, the hibernation was a communion with the Emerald Dream. The druids were learning more about the natural world through the Dream. There was always something new for the druids to learn, even in the smallest blade of grass. During the Third War, the druids empowered Nordrassil with the night elves' immortality and the energies of countless night elf spirits. Nordrassil then gave off a blast of energy that killed the demon lord Archimonde, ending the war and sealing the Burning Legion's defeat on Azeroth. Although Nordrassil was not killed in the process, the night elves' noble sacrifice left them mortal and cost the druids their easily accessible link to the Emerald Dream. Thus, reaching the Dream has become a significantly more difficult prospect, and fewer druids are able to walk the Dream today. The Second World Tree Certain that the night elves' immortality could be restored, Archdruid Fandral Staghelm proposed growing a second World Tree, though the dragons showed no sign of offering their assistance in the process. Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage flatly refused; he argued that without the blessing of the dragonflights, the tree would be an abomination. When Malfurion fell into a mysterious coma, Fandral became the new leader of the druids. His first act was to persuade the rest of the Cenarion Circle to grow the second World Tree, which they named Teldrassil. Teldrassil is not linked to the Dream or to the Well of Eternity. Contrary to Fandral's hopes, the new World Tree has not restored the night elves' immortality. A Gathering Darkness Something terrible has entered the Dream: the Emerald Nightmare. Four green dragons, once the proud lieutenants of Ysera, have gone insane, and their noble forms have been warped almost beyond recognition. The powers these ghastly dragons wield are twisted and evil mockeries of their former abilities. Worse yet, these dragons seem to be taking out their rage and frustration on the creatures of Azeroth. Thus far, neither the druids nor the dragons have been able to discover the Nightmare's origin. Only one thing is clear: as long as the Nightmare continues to darken the Emerald Dream, corrupted green dragons will sow terror and madness throughout the world. „

• Пустота:

“ The Twisting Nether is the astral plane between worlds. It is a chaotic and magical environment that overlaps with the Great Dark Beyond, yet is normally imperceptible to mortals. „

• Высокорожденные:

“ Also known as: quel'dorei. Status: Obsolete. Last known leader: Dath'Remar Sunstrider. The Highborne were the highest caste of night elf nobility long before the War of the Ancients.. Membership. Although to this day there are surviving Highborne, they are not treated as nobility by modern night elf society, and in practical terms the caste ceased to exist over ten millennia ago. Most of the Highborne either perished during the War of the Ancients or became satyrs, naga, high elves, or blood elves.. History and Organization. At first this caste had no special name and was merely comprised of night elves who had unusual intelligence, strength, skills, or wealth. As time passed, however, the gap between this caste and other night elves widened, particularly as these privileged night elves began using their rank to control who would be permitted access to the Well of Eternity.. Families that belonged to the highest caste were soon arranging marriages so as to maximize the magical ability of their offspring. This selective breeding, combined with frequent access to the Well of Eternity, resulted in night elves with progressively stronger magical abilities and greater understanding of how to use those skills. By the time Queen Azshara ascended to the throne, the highest caste of night elf society had come to look and act in a manner distinctively different from lower-caste night elves.. Their vast arrogance, unashamed wealth, garish and multicolored clothing, and decadent habits did not endear them to other night elves. In fact, these powerful families became convinced that they were superior to the rest of their race, and so they began to call themselves the Highborne. As a member of the same caste, the queen approved of the term and made it official.. During the War of the Ancients, a number of Highborne were corrupted by the Burning Legion and changed into satyrs. When the war ended, Kalimdor was shattered by the Great Sundering, and a new ocean was born. Azshara and other Highborne were pulled beneath the waters, and many were changed into naga.. A number of Highborne fled the royal palace before the Sundering and rejoined the main force of night elf defenders, fleeing the disaster with them and winding up on Mount Hyjal. Although these Highborne had realized their folly in having aided the Legion, they still did not agree with the majority of night elf society, which had decided that arcane magic was too dangerous to use. These Highborne were eventually exiled for refusing to give up their arcane sorcery. Renouncing their former people, the exiles eventually founded the kingdom of Quel'Thalas and renamed themselves high elves. Today there are very few high elves left on Azeroth, for most of the high elves who survived the Scourge's invasion of Quel'Thalas have since declared themselves to be blood elves.. Not all the Highborne lived in Zin-Azshari, despite their obsession with the Well of Eternity. For a variety of political or personal reasons, certain members of the nobility opted to live outside the capital city. Moreover, not all night elves (or other races of Kalimdor) joined the main force of night elf defenders. Such holdouts were not necessarily resistant to the idea of joining their compatriots. Indeed, it seems likelier that these small pockets of resistance had heard nothing of the primary defending force and were unaware of the demonic invasion's massive scope.. The Shen'dralar were one of these holdout groups. These Highborne defended their city, Eldre'Thalas, as best they could during the war. After the Sundering, the Shen'dralar remained in the shattered city, which has since become known as Dire Maul. In the ensuing years, these Highborne continued to be isolated from the rest of night elf society, and so their subsequent dangerous actions went unnoticed by their distant kindred. They were never exiled from Kalimdor, nor have any Shen'dralar become high elves or blood elves.. „

• Сестринство Элуны:

“ Also known as: the Sisters of Elune Status: Active Leader: High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind The Sisterhood of Elune is the highest echelon of the priesthood that serves the goddess of the moon, Elune. Membership Once, all priests who served Elune were night elf women. However, after the devastation of the Third War, traditional gender roles were discarded in favor of permitting night elves to choose the vocations they most desired. As a result, although a majority of Elune's priests are still women, the order now welcomes men into its ranks. Since the night elves emerged from their societal isolation, the priests of Elune have also extended membership to a few priests of other races. Similarly the Sisters of Elune have on occasion admitted a priest from outside the night elf race. Yet there is a widespread belief to this day that the deepest mysteries of the changeable moon goddess can only be comprehended by other women. The Sisterhood has therefore remained exclusively female thus far. History and Organization For millennia, the priestesses of Elune were both spiritual leaders and powerful fighters for their society. When the night elves rode into battle, the Sisters of Elune fought side by side with the soldiers, singing to Elune and calling upon her power. Oftentimes the lunar goddess responded by visiting her wrath upon the night elves' enemies. It was even said that the priestesses could bring a semblance of the moon into the noonday sky, lending some of Elune's strength to the nocturnal night elves. After the battle was won, the priestesses prayed over the wounded and brought them healing. Victory at last brought peace to the night elves, and the Sisters of Elune were content to retreat somewhat from the public eye. As time passed, their combat skills became a distant memory. The priestesses could mend injuries if necessary, but with peace and immortality, the Sisterhood's intervention was rarely necessary. Then the War of the Ancients broke out, and the Sisterhood rode into battle again. The extraordinary combat skills and healing abilities of Tyrande Whisperwind in particular reminded the night elves of what the order had once been--and had, in fact, never ceased to be. After the Great Sundering, Tyrande decreed sweeping changes throughout night elf society. As part of these changes, Tyrande disbanded the old army, most of which had no desire for further battle, and established the Sentinels. The Sisterhood of Elune was one of the few major organizations to survive the war largely intact, and membership in its ranks had never been a matter of bloodline. Furthermore, members of the order had trained extensively in combat, tactics, and healing. Yet in spite of all their knowledge and experience, the priestesses had become somewhat aloof from the rest of night elf society. Tyrande believed that this distance was partly to blame for the cataclysmic war, and she resolved that her order would take up the duty of directing the Sentinels. The high priestess of Elune became both the leader of the Sentinels and the head of night elf government. Never again would the Sisterhood fail to guide the night elf people. Beliefs and Practices Elune is a being of many different aspects, and so the Sisterhood must provide a wide and varied education. The goddess' teachings emphasize love and tolerance for all creatures of Azeroth. Many initiates to the order find their faith tested and meditate regularly as they struggle to acknowledge and overcome their prejudices. Even so, Elune does not advocate pacifism at any cost. Indeed, novices in the Sisters of Elune are required to train extensively in tactics and combat, for such abilities are essential to military leadership. The Sisterhood never quite approved of the way in which higher-caste night elves made use of arcane magic, due to the magic's chaotic nature. Consequently novices must follow a rigorous course of study that delves into both history and spellcasting. The first Well of Eternity in particular was considered a potential source of danger. Indeed, long before the Highborne's abuse of the Well's magic brought about disaster, the Well had become the subject of extensive discussion in the Sisterhood's classrooms. „

• Круг Кенария:

“ Status: Active Leader: Archdruid Fandral Staghelm The Cenarion Circle is the primary druidic organization on Azeroth. Membership Druids live in a state of unparalleled union with nature. Tightly bound to the plant and animal kingdoms, they are natural shapeshifters, and so they know firsthand the abuse that is sometimes visited upon their wild brethren. In consequence, druids tend to be wary and reclusive; few outsiders have learned anything of their ways. Few druids have risen to prominence in the public eye. Indeed, druids usually settle in locations far from "civilized" lands and further their goals in subtle ways. Until the end of the Third War, all druids in the Cenarion Circle were men, and almost all were night elves. Women druids and druids from other races are not necessarily a recent development, but until the war, such druids were relatively rare and often had no affiliation with the Cenarion Circle. Due to the war's heavy casualties, though, the Cenarion Circle has set aside its historical strictures on membership. Thus, most druids today remain night elf men, but the druids have also welcomed women into their ranks. In addition, other races--most notably the tauren--have been permitted to join the Cenarion Circle. Even druids who might otherwise be at war with one another will set aside their disputes in order to work together for the betterment of nature. By definition all druids are currently considered part of the Cenarion Circle. Furthermore, despite the druids' caution toward outsiders, they may permit certain individuals who lack druidic ability to join the Cenarion Circle. Such applicants must prove themselves to the Cenarion Circle, however, and a druid's trust is not easily gained. History and Organization The first mortal druid on Azeroth was Malfurion Stormrage, who was trained in the druidic arts by the forest demigod Cenarius. After the Great Sundering, further night elves chose to follow in Malfurion's footsteps, and he gladly taught them what he knew. They made this choice out of reverence for nature and a desire to learn. Impressed by Malfurion's knowledge and conduct, the green Dragon Aspect, Ysera, saw the worth and potential of races other than dragons. She invited the druids to visit her realm, the Emerald Dream. Malfurion's exceptional abilities and intuitive grasp of druidic magic made him the unquestioned leader of the Cenarion Circle. However, Malfurion has recently fallen into a mysterious coma, and so the leadership has fallen to Fandral Staghelm. Malfurion, Fandral, and Hamuul Runetotem all carry the rank of archdruid. To some extent druidism was spread by the night elves, but other races have also made spontaneous discoveries of various druidic tenets. Unfortunately for historians and scholars, further specifics about the dissemination of druidism have not yet been discovered. Druids have little interest in discussing the details of their history with outsiders. Attempts to infiltrate the druids and acquire such knowledge have been met with complete failure: it would seem that deception is of little use against druids. What is known is that the Cenarion Circle is a small organization that answers only to itself. Although they are highly respected by most mortal societies, druids have nothing to do with creating or enforcing law. The Cenarion Circle has more far-reaching concerns than the politics of any particular government. There are two specialized subgroups within the Cenarion Circle: the Druids of the Claw and the Druids of the Talon. Recently a third subgroup has been reported in the Wailing Caverns: these Druids of the Fang are, however, corrupt and insane. The existence of a fourth subgroup, rumored to be called the Druids of the Antler, has never been confirmed. Beliefs and Practices A druid's primary care is to protect and preserve the world. Druids have a deep understanding of how all living things interact with and rely upon one another. By promoting a greater awareness of this interdependency, druids hope to convince others to lead lives that are more in harmony with the natural environment. Trained to see truths beyond the physical reality, all druids once spent part of their time monitoring the Emerald Dream, where they restored and protected the planet's health, and eliminated sources of illness, corruption, or exploitation. Many druids have hibernated occasionally so that they can better embrace the Emerald Dream and learn more about the environment. A druid never stops learning: even the smallest blade of grass has many lessons to teach. Unfortunately Nordrassil has been in poor health since the Third War, which culminated in the Battle of Mount Hyjal. Although the pact between the green dragonflight and the druids is still in place, Nordrassil's poor health has made reaching the Dream a much more difficult prospect than it was. Even so, there may be many druids visiting the Dream, particularly those with great skill and wisdom. „

• Лунная Стража:

“ Status: Obsolete Last known leader: Latosius Established long before the War of the Ancients, the Moon Guard were spellcasters who guarded the capital city of night elf society from external threats. Membership Tradition dictated that only night elf men be permitted into the Moon Guard's ranks. Moreover, sorcerers who sought to join the Moon Guard were required to demonstrate considerable talent in wielding arcane magic. After the Great Sundering, the night elves dissolved all organizations that made use of such magic, including the Moon Guard. History and Organization In ancient times, the rise of magic in night elf society brought with it a variety of new abilities and concerns. Given the power of the Well, it seemed obvious that combat skill alone would not suffice to counteract magical attack. Only a few scattered soldiers were found to possess magical skills, and such abilities were minor at best. Thus, a number of magic-based fighting organizations sprang up, each of them meant to defend a critical population center. Spellcasters of sufficient strength and ambition sought out the capital city of the night elf civilization, hoping to earn favor with some heroic deed. Eventually this particular group gained the monarchy's official sanction, and they were named the Moon Guard. Loyal only to the ruler of the night elves, the Moon Guard soon regarded other spellcasters with disdain and expected them by default to possess inferior magical ability. Their arrogance received a sharp blow during the War of the Ancients. When the Well of Eternity imploded, the Moon Guard lost the greatest part of its power. In addition, the war and its catastrophic consequences led to widespread condemnation of arcane magic. Thus, the organization was disbanded, and its surviving members renounced the sorcery that had once been their primary purpose. Some of them turned instead to druidism, seeking to redress the imbalance their magic had caused. These former sorcerers consequently became some of the first students of Malfurion Stormrage. As a result, the druidic arts were long viewed as a man's purview. „

• Стражи:

“ Status: Obsolete Last known leader: Warden Maiev Shadowsong The Watchers were the jailors and marshals of night elf society until shortly after the Third War. Membership At first, volunteers from the Sisterhood of Elune made up the Watchers, and so the organization was composed solely of night elf women. As their duties were broadened, the Watchers accepted night elf women from other professions. A mixture of volunteerism and military promotions caused the organization's size to grow somewhat, although the Watchers remained a relatively small group. Illidan Stormrage killed almost all of the Watchers after the Third War, at which point the group ceased to exist. History and Organization Shortly after the Great Sundering, Malfurion Stormrage sentenced his brother Illidan to imprisonment for having created a second Well of Eternity. In inflicting this punishment, Malfurion hoped to prevent Illidan from continuing his reckless pursuit of arcane power. By this point in time, however, Illidan was already an extraordinarily powerful sorcerer, and Malfurion dared not leave his captive twin to be guarded by only one or two jailors. One of the senior Sisters of Elune, Maiev Shadowsong, had already shown her competence in guarding Illidan before he was brought to trial. Malfurion accordingly asked Maiev to gather additional volunteers from the Sisters of Elune. Maiev obeyed, and Malfurion called this new group the Watchers, for he charged them with ensuring that Illidan never escaped the barrow prison. Maiev, as the Watchers' leader, would answer to the head of night elf government, High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind. The Watchers were created specifically and exclusively to be Illidan's jailors, but as further threats came up, Tyrande broadened the Watchers' role to include guarding other prisoners. Maiev took grim pleasure in these added responsibilities. Watchers became jailors and marshals: they policed the barrow prisons and hunted down dangerous criminals. Outside of the barrow prisons, members of the Watchers worked alone. These deadly women were not a militia, nor were they considered part of either the Sisterhood of Elune or the Sentinels. As the group's leader, Maiev was given the rank of warden, which she later awarded to a select few who had proven their exceptional fighting abilities, tracking skills, and tenacity. During the Third War, Tyrande realized that Illidan had been incarcerated for over ten thousand years. She felt that he had more than paid his debt to society; furthermore, she felt that he would be a valuable ally against the Burning Legion. Thus, she led a band of soldiers into Illidan's prison. When Illidan's guards would not surrender their charge, Tyrande and the Sentinels fought and killed a number of Watchers. Once freed, Illidan stole and consumed the Skull of Gul'dan, and he was transformed into a demon. Infuriated by Tyrande's actions, Maiev swore she would track Illidan down and put him back in prison. In light of the demon's undeniable might, Maiev took most of the Watchers with her on the hunt. They pursued Illidan across the sea to Lordaeron and thence to the Broken Isles. When he entered the Tomb of Sargeras, Maiev grew worried that he would retrieve a magical artifact and become significantly more difficult to recapture. She and the other Watchers caught up with Illidan too late: he had already claimed the Eye of Sargeras. He used the Eye's power on the tomb's stone walls, trapping the Watchers in one section of the tomb while seawater flooded the area. Only Maiev was able to escape; her sisters in arms drowned. In one fell stroke, Illidan had all but wiped out the Watchers. Maiev swore that she would have revenge, no matter the cost. She abandoned her duties and continued to hunt Illidan until she at last followed him to Outland. Her lengthy absence from Azeroth, together with Illidan's continued freedom, has led the night elves to presume her dead. „

• Странники:

“ Status: Active Leader: Ranger-General Halduron Brightwing The Farstriders are an elite group of blood elf rangers. Membership Once a group comprised solely of high elves, the Farstriders who survived the Scourge's invasion of Quel'Thalas have all become blood elves. Based in Silvermoon City, the organization is considered part of the blood elf government, but its members have never been a formal military. The army that currently defends Quel'Thalas is a separate entity from the Farstriders, whose small numbers would in any case make it impossible for them to wage war. The Farstriders have several lodges scattered across Lordaeron and Khaz Modan. History and Organization The Farstriders is a small but highly skilled group of rangers. The organization can trace its roots back to the Troll Wars, when a loosely affiliated band of high elf warriors occasionally worked together to defend Quel'Thalas. Roughly five hundred years ago, a group of similarly dedicated fighters formed and officially took on the name "Farstriders". Their mandate was to protect Quel'Thalas far beyond its actual borders and look after high elf interests all over Azeroth. The commander of the Farstriders was given a unique title: ranger-general of Silvermoon. Over time the Farstriders' focus has evolved. Today the Farstriders do not usually range far from home. Instead, they are trying to reclaim the southern section of Quel'Thalas, which has been heavily afflicted by the plague: the southernmost areas have fallen into Scourge possession. The Farstriders are also fighting to hold onto Eversong Woods, which is being threatened by the Amani trolls of Zul'Aman, to the east of Quel'Thalas. Beliefs and Practices The Farstriders have long been considered valiant and honorable elves who regarded the law with deep respect and faith. Indeed, they have long been considered the epitome of selfless dedication. Since the Scourge's bloody rampage through Quel'Thalas, the Farstriders have lost some of their optimism. Even so, they are nobly maintaining their role as protectors of blood elf society. Perhaps due to their ties to the land, these rangers tend to be spiritually, mentally, and physically healthier than many other blood elves. They see their mission as a broad one: to seek out and eradicate evil. Their primary focus is on Quel'Thalas itself, but they also occasionally venture abroad, carrying out surgical strikes where they feel their efforts will have the greatest effect. „

• Часовые:

“ Status: Active Leader: General Shandris Feathermoon The Sentinels are the army of the night elf nation. Membership The Sentinels were established shortly after the War of the Ancients, and until recently all of its soldiers were night elf women. However, the Third War resulted in so many casualties that the traditional gender roles of night elf society have been set aside in favor of more practical concerns. As a result, although the Sentinels are still primarily women, there are now also men among their ranks. History and Organization By the time of the Great Sundering, military service for the night elves had become more a matter of bloodline than ability. Almost all high-ranking officers were nobles, and the night elves had lived in peace for so long that very few of those officers, however privileged and well educated, possessed even a basic knowledge of tactics. Joining the army, once a selfless choice to defend the night elf people, had been reduced to a status symbol. The War of the Ancients made the army's deterioration all too clear. After the night elves and their allies had achieved victory, High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind decreed sweeping changes throughout night elf society. As part of these changes, Tyrande disbanded the old army, most of which had no desire for further battle, and established the Sentinels. The Sisterhood of Elune was one of the few major organizations to survive the war largely intact, and membership in its ranks had never been a matter of bloodline. Furthermore, members of the order had trained extensively in combat, tactics, and healing. Yet in spite of all their knowledge and experience, the priestesses had become somewhat distant from the rest of night elf society. Tyrande believed that this distance was partly to blame for the cataclysmic war, and she resolved that her order would take up the duty of directing the Sentinels. Never again would the Sisters of Elune fail to guide the night elf people. To this day Shandris still reports to Tyrande, who is both the high priestess of Elune and sole ruler of night elf government. Beliefs and Practices The Sentinels are courageous and selfless soldiers whose only goal for the last ten millennia has been to defend the night elf people. New recruits undergo extensive training, and as time permits, the more experienced warriors undergo frequent combat drills. The Third War resulted in many losses for the Sentinels, but the army still boasts a number of battle-hardened veterans. „

• Бессмертные:

“ Many immortal and near-immortal creatures exist in Warcraft. A number of these creatures are fundamentally incorporeal beings, but others lead a primarily physical existence. The Nature of Immortality Immortals in Warcraft are generally resistant to sickness and injury, but immortality does not confer invulnerability. Immortal beings can still be wounded and even killed. Indeed, many immortals have perished over the course of recorded history, particularly during the War of the Ancients. The death of an immortal is just as real as any mortal death and, barring a few extraordinary cases, just as permanent. What, then, does the term immortality mean in Warcraft? Immortal creatures essentially stop aging when they reach adulthood, and thus, they cannot die merely from old age. In addition, they tend to be more powerful than most mortal creatures, although this tendency does not always hold true. Even godhood itself is no guarantee of superior might. Consider the titans' defeat of the Old Gods. The titans are not gods, but their vast power allowed them to imprison the Old Gods far below the surface of Azeroth. Furthermore, immortality need not be a lasting state of affairs. The night elves, for example, were immortal for thousands of years, but sacrificed their immortality during the Third War. Today they are a mortal race, and they are accordingly classified as such, rather than listed herein. There are also quite a few races and individuals who have attained immortality after leading a mortal existence. Most demons in the Burning Legion were once mortal creatures. Last but not least, there are creatures that can be considered nearly immortal. Technically these beings are mortal, but for one reason or other, they have a lifespan that greatly exceeds several millennia. Indeed, these mortal creatures might even be considered effectively immortal due to some external factor, as with Ysera's consorts, who almost never emerge from the Emerald Dream. „

• Полубоги (Азшара, Малорн, Кенарий):

“ The demigods of Azeroth wield great power and have occasionally played pivotal roles in the planet's history. Nevertheless, unlike gods, most demigods have never been the objects of worship. Few demigods have temples built in their honor. Priesthoods based on the worship of a demigod are extremely rare. Nevertheless, demigods been revered in the past, and some of them continue to be respected today. Part God, Part Other Demigods in Warcraft are immortal, but they are neither omniscient nor omnipotent. Otherwise, among other things, they would have known immediately of the Burning Legion's first invasion, and they would have been able to thwart it with ease. Sadly there is no question as to whether or not a demigod can be slain. Several demigods were killed during the War of the Ancients, overwhelmed by demons. In a far more recent tragedy, Cenarius was killed during the Third War by mortals under the influence of demon blood: a group of orcs led by Grom Hellscream. „

• Азшара:

“ Also known as: Cherished Heart of the People, Daughter of the Moon, Flower of Life, Flower of the Moon, Glory of Our People, Her Glory, Light of Lights, Light of the Moon, Light of a Thousand Moons, Radiance of the Moon, Vision of Perfection Queen Azshara was born with golden eyes, which were quite rare in night elves before the Great Sundering. Thus, golden eyes were commonly regarded as a sign of future greatness. Indeed, Azshara became the most beloved monarch in all of night elf history. She was also the last. Her reign led to the War of the Ancients and the Sundering, after which night elf society underwent sweeping change. In Search of Ultimate Power Strong-willed, manipulative, and incomparably beautiful, Azshara possessed far more magical talent than almost any other night elf. As one of the Highborne and sole heir to the throne, she had long been fascinated with the Well of Eternity. After her coronation, she indulged her interests to the fullest. Soon she ordered the construction of a lavishly bejeweled palace on one of the Well's shores. Seeking to please the queen, the nobles proposed that the night elf capital city be renamed in her honor. Azshara graciously accepted, and after much heated debate, the city's name was changed to Zin-Azshari, or "glory of Azshara". Night elves everywhere celebrated the city's new name, for they loved their queen as much as they distrusted the decadent Highborne. Such was her charm that her people did not truly consider her one of the Highborne. Azshara and her court took up residence in the new palace as soon as it was complete. Many of the Highborne living in the palace devoted themselves to constant study of the Well. As their obsession grew, these Highborne drew magic from the Well's depths at reckless speed and channeled the chaotic energies into ever-greater spells. The Well was thrown into constant turmoil. Dark storms broke out over its surface, and its waters darkened until they became utterly black. Dreams of Glory Sargeras, creator of the Burning Legion, sensed the Highborne's powerful spells and reached out to contact them from the Twisting Nether. With little effort he corrupted all of the Highborne in the palace, including Azshara, and bent them to his will. Quickly they abandoned all their previous work and focused on bringing the Legion into Azeroth. The mesmerized nobles' primary goal, however, was to widen and stabilize the portal leading from the Twisting Nether to Azeroth, so that Sargeras himself could enter the world. He promised that he would remake the world into a paradise. Working feverishly, the Highborne summoned demon after demon into their midst. As the storms surrounding the Well grew more violent, a crowd of frightened night elves gathered outside the palace, hoping for an explanation from their queen. When the palace gates opened at last, however, a demonic army poured out and began slaughtering the citizens of Zin-Azshari. Only the Highborne who were serving the Legion inside the palace were left untouched. Firmly in Sargeras' thrall, the palace guards watched the massacre and made no effort to help their dying people. The queen believed that in Sargeras she had at last found a worthy mate, and she was certain that he would be hers once he arrived on Azeroth. As time passed, she grew impatient and suggested restricting the Well of Eternity so that its energies would be available only to the Legion and their Highborne servants. Her chief advisor, Lord Xavius, worked with the rest of the palace Highborne and the Legion to implement her idea, erecting a magical shield around the Well. Thwarted Plans Suddenly cut off from the Well, the night elf defenders realized that something catastrophic had happened. Refugees from Zin-Azshari brought news of the demonic invasion to Black Rook Hold, home of Lord Kur'talos Ravencrest. Kur'talos added the refugees who could fight to his own soldiers, and the army set out for Zin-Azshari. The War of the Ancients had broken out in earnest. With the help of several allies, the druid Malfurion Stormrage destroyed the shield and killed Xavius. Azshara made Captain Varo'then her new advisor and her chief liaison with the Legion. By this time the Legion was divided: many of its demonic minions were out on the battlefield instead of helping to stabilize the portal into the Twisting Nether. The queen blamed Kur'talos' strong leadership of the night elf defenders for delaying Sargeras' arrival. She ordered Varo'then to eliminate Kur'talos, and Varo'then obediently had the valiant noble assassinated. Birth of the Naga Despite Azshara's attempts to aid the Legion, the portal to the Twisting Nether was ultimately closed before Sargeras could reach Azeroth. Although the portal's closure saved Azeroth from demonic invasion, the Well of Eternity was unable to withstand the added magical strain, and it began to collapse in on itself. As if struck by a giant hammer, Zin-Azshari and the Well were blasted downward toward the ocean floor. The Well pierced the planet's molten core just before being utterly obliterated. Ancient Kalimdor was split apart, and the seas rushed in to fill the voids between the new landmasses. The queen, her handmaidens, her guards, and quite a few other Highborne in the palace were caught in the rushing waters. Instead of drowning, however, many were cursed and transformed into naga. Was Azshara, too, transformed? Is there any way she could still be alive after more than ten thousand years? Such questions are almost never asked today. Few outside the naga know the tale of Azshara, and those who do recall it presume her long dead. Regardless, the naga have come to worship Azshara as a demigod. „

• Кенарий:

“ Also known as: Demigod of the Groves, Lord of the Groves As the son of Elune, goddess of the moon, and the demigod Malorne, Cenarius inherited a deep connection to the world of Azeroth and its creatures. The tauren have a myth that purportedly relates the story of Cenarius' conception. When Cenarius' birth sent a ripple through the Emerald Dream, Ysera took an immediate interest in him. Guiding him into the Dream, she taught him much of its secrets and became a foster mother of sorts to him. In fact, the affectionate understanding that she and Cenarius shared has led many of Azeroth's elder races to mistake the pair for mother and son. Cenarius grew to love the lush forests of Ysera's verdant realm. He could often be found treading its infinite dreamways, either watching over Azeroth and its creatures, or simply hoping for all that they might yet become. The Night Elves When the night elves first developed around the Well of Eternity, their curiosity led them to meet and befriend a number of powerful entities, including Cenarius. The demigod became fond of the night elves, and he spent a great deal of time teaching them about the natural world. Under his guidance, the night elves developed a strong empathy for the living forests of ancient Kalimdor and reveled in the harmonious balance of nature. Over time, however, the night elves were increasingly drawn to the cosmic energies of the Well. Furthermore, the rapid growth of the night elf civilization led inevitably to the creation of new buildings and roads. Large tracts of forest vanished. Tranquil woodlands turned into sprawling cities, and great trees were warped and twisted into shapes that would better serve as night elf dwellings. The night elves were losing touch with nature. The number of night elves pursuing their studies with the demigod dwindled, and Cenarius was grieved to realize that all his work had been for naught. Reluctantly he departed night elf lands. He resolved that he would respect their choice, however much he disagreed with it. From that point forward, Cenarius retreated into the wilds of the world and avoided most sentient races until they came to doubt his very existence. The First Druid Millennia before the night elves' interest in arcane magic led to the Great Sundering, Malfurion Stormrage came across several legends that referenced the mysterious Cenarius. Malfurion had always had great reverence for the natural world, although the night elves as a race had long since abandoned any interest in such matters. He shared these legends with his twin, Illidan Stormrage, and their mutual friend, Tyrande Whisperwind. The three night elves decided that it would be an exciting adventure to search for Cenarius, though in truth they no more believed in the demigod than the rest of their people did. It wasn't long before scattered plants and animals of Azeroth brought tidings of these three night elves to Cenarius. Surprised and intrigued, Cenarius located the night elves and looked into their hearts. He saw great promise in Malfurion, a promise that made up Cenarius' mind. The laughing trio was shocked into silence when Cenarius stepped out of a shadowed thicket. He introduced himself and offered to teach them the druidic arts. They accepted eagerly. Malfurion proved a quick and talented student, but his brother was clumsy and quickly grew impatient. For her part, Tyrande was already a novice in the Sisterhood of Elune and so had dedicated herself to the goddess above all others. Cenarius knew that Malfurion alone would go on to become a druid. Invasion of the Burning Legion Malfurion made significant progress in his studies before he was assailed by a disturbing vision. He watched helplessly as the Highborne inside the palace abused the Well of Eternity's magics. The vision gave him the strong conviction that Queen Azshara and her high-ranking spellcasters would cause a catastrophe unless someone intervened. Malfurion brought his concerns to Cenarius, who was greatly worried. Even so, the night elves realized what was happening too late. Demons poured out of the royal palace and began to slaughter everything in their path. The War of the Ancients had begun. As the crisis unfolded, Cenarius taught Malfurion all he could and then sought out the other demigods of Azeroth. They were unaccustomed to the idea of working together; as a result, it took no little persuasion from Cenarius before they finally agreed on a course of action. They rode to the battlefront and found that the war was well underway. Quickly Cenarius assessed the situation and then led the other demigods to the leader of the night elf army, Captain Jarod Shadowsong. The astonished captain readily accepted the demigods' offer of assistance, and the tide of battle seemed to shift. Loss Reacting to the new and powerful threat, the vast demonic army refocused its attacks on the demigods, who were soon overwhelmed. Cenarius was badly wounded and completely surrounded by the time Malorne charged up and drove back his son's attackers with a few sweeps of his massive antlers. The night elves scrambled into action, pulling the unconscious Cenarius to safety. Malorne easily held the demons off for a time. Then Archimonde came forth and engaged the giant stag in single combat, ultimately snapping Malorne's neck. Malfurion was furious and grieved; he called roots out of the ground to attack the demon lord. As the plants tightened their stranglehold on the demon's massive form, Archimonde was forced to teleport away in order to escape. Ysera was sad to learn of Malorne's death, and her dragonflight carefully helped Cenarius enter the Emerald Dream, where the green dragons ministered to his injuries. Despite his sorrow and the lingering effects of his wounds, Cenarius emerged from the Dream not long after the Great Sundering, for he could feel the land cry out for healing. To his horror, he discovered that Illidan Stormrage had created a second Well of Eternity. Jarod Shadowsong left Illidan's punishment to Malfurion, who felt it would be the height of folly to leave Illidan free to continue his reckless pursuit of power. Thus, with Cenarius' help, Malfurion sealed Illidan within a vast underground barrow prison, there to remain chained and powerless until the end of time. Seclusion of the Night Elves Tyrande Whisperwind, now high priestess of Elune, implemented sweeping changes throughout night elf society. She organized a new all-female army, the Sentinels, and decreed that it would be directed by the Sisterhood of Elune. Nobility and sorcery were now considered the relics of a decadent and shameful past. Nevertheless, a group of Highborne under Dath'Remar Sunstrider refused to give up practicing arcane magic. After discussing the matter at length, Tyrande and Malfurion made the difficult decision to exile their defiant kin. In the wake of the group's departure, the remaining night elves deliberately withdrew from the rest of the world. A veil of mist descended upon their entire continent, shrouding its presence from passing sailors. Meanwhile, Cenarius remained nearby in the Moonglade of Mount Hyjal. His male offspring, the keepers of the grove, kept close watch on the night elves and regularly helped the Sentinels maintain peace in the land. Even Cenarius' shy female descendants, the dryads, appeared in the open with increasing frequency. New Races Arrive in Kalimdor Time passed, and a new race arrived on Azeroth: the orcs, who originated on the planet Draenor. Under the influence of demons, the orcs had changed from a peaceful shamanic society into the bloodthirsty Horde. They waged war upon the humans of the Eastern Kingdoms and killed countless other creatures during the First and Second Wars. Cenarius and the night elves did not emerge from their seclusion to intervene, for they knew nothing of any events that occurred outside Kalimdor. The Second War ended badly for the orcs, and the Horde was shattered. Just before the Third War, a new orc warchief emerged: Thrall, who reformed the Horde and led his people across the sea to establish their own homeland on Kalimdor. This new Horde had no desire for further warfare. The orcs simply wanted to leave the human lands behind and find a place to call their own. A Demigod Slain The orcs did not receive a warm welcome on Kalimdor. The night elves dispatched a number of scouts posthaste, and the scouts returned with frightening stories of the orcs' past atrocities during the First and Second Wars. In the meantime, the orcs chopped down a great many trees in Kalimdor, clearly intending to establish a settlement. Cenarius became certain that the orcs had returned to their warlike ways. He led a group of night elves and treants against a large group of the orcish intruders. The newborn Horde would surely have been crushed, save for the fact that several agents of the Burning Legion had recently arrived on Azeroth. The Legion had not forgotten the valor and might that Cenarius displayed during the War of the Ancients, and they were determined to see him defeated. At the dreadlord Tichondrius' suggestion, the pit lord Mannoroth spilled his blood into a pool of water, and the resulting corruption was soon detected by the Horde's troll witch doctors. Led by Grom Hellscream, the orcs drank of the pool's tainted waters and reveled in the return of their demon-granted power. Overcome with supernatural hate and rage, Grom and his warriors retaliated against Cenarius and his allies. Ultimately the orcs succeeded in killing the demigod. The night elves and many other creatures, including Ysera, mourn Cenarius' tragic death to this day. „

• Малорн:

“ Also known as: the White Stag, the Waywatcher, Apa'ro (term specific to tauren) Malorne was a forest demigod who always took the form of a huge white stag, despite the powerful nature magic he wielded. He and the moon goddess Elune were the parents of the demigod Cenarius. The tauren have a myth that purportedly relates the story of Cenarius' conception. Because Ysera the Dreamer agreed to act as Cenarius' foster mother, she has often been mistaken for the demigod's true mother. As a result, there are also rumors that she and Malorne had a romantic relationship. However, such rumors are baseless, though Ysera had a deep affection and respect for the demigod. He was one of nature's mightiest champions and a frequent visitor to the Emerald Dream. Powers of the Wild Indeed, Malorne possessed a strong link to the Dream that was similar to that of a green dragon. He, too, had dreamsight, and so simultaneously perceived both the Dream and the current state of Azeroth. Malorne also possessed healing powers, along with a calming aura that sometimes stopped battles before they began. Furthermore, he was one of the first living beings in the world. By the time of his death, he had become one of Azeroth's most beloved and powerful demigods, and he was renowned for his wisdom. Rumor has it that a group known as the Druids of the Antler once existed: a collection of people who sought to emulate Malorne and recreate his powers on Azeroth. If druids as a whole are wary of detection, though, this small subgroup, if it exists, has proven even more elusive. No solid evidence of these particular druids has ever been found. A Valiant End Yet memory is fickle, even for the night elves, some of whom witnessed Malorne's heroic death. In the ensuing millennia, most of Azeroth's denizens have forgotten Malorne. Almost all of those who do remember the tale are druids. During the War of the Ancients, Cenarius appealed to Malorne and the other demigods of Azeroth to join the battle against the Burning Legion. After much debate, Cenarius persuaded them to unite under the command of Captain Jarod Shadowsong, who was leading a large army of night elves and other creatures against the Legion. When Cenarius was badly wounded in battle, Malorne charged at the attacking demons and held them back while the night elves dragged his unconscious son to safety. Irritated at losing his chosen prey, Archimonde emerged from the demonic host and challenged Malorne to single combat. The other demons cheered Archimonde on, and the White Stag stubbornly fought with all his might. Even so, ultimately Archimonde snapped the heroic demigod's neck. „

• Демоны (сатиры, Иллидан, Ксавий):

“ Demons are evil immortals who feed upon magic and life. They delight in inflicting suffering, spreading corruption, and, of course, destroying all that is good. Most demons were once mortal. Not all demons are sentient: various animals have been transformed into demons, for instance. In order to become a demon, a creature must be infused with fel energy. As the existence of non-sentient demons suggests, a creature's wishes are irrelevant to the process. Willing or not, a creature can be changed into a demon. Such a transformation alters the affected creature on a fundamental level and typically leaves little or nothing of that creature's original personality. Still, at least one demon has thus far maintained much of his original personality: Illidan Stormrage. No discussion of demons can be complete without mentioning Sargeras, the dark titan. Over the course of millennia, he twisted many creatures into demons so that they would join his Burning Legion and work toward his goal: the destruction of the universe, which he believed to be fundamentally flawed. Fulfilling his grim design, the Legion has ravaged innumerable worlds. However, Sargeras was not the sole creator of demons, and there are demons that have no affiliation with the Legion. Again, Illidan is an example of both of these exceptions. There have been no reported sightings of Sargeras since the death of the wizard Medivh, who was possessed by Sargeras' spirit at the time. Even so, a demon's hunger for life and magic can never be sated for long. More to the point, a demon's innate cruelty makes a moot point of whatever temporary satiation a demon can know. As a result, destruction tends to follow demons, whether or not they are part of the Legion. „

• Сатиры:

“ As the chief counselor of Queen Azshara, Lord Xavius was given the responsibility of guarding the portal between the planet Azeroth and the Twisting Nether during the War of the Ancients. Xavius was defeated and slain by the druid Malfurion Stormrage, who subsequently destroyed the portal. The First Satyr Sargeras, creator of the Burning Legion, was enraged by Xavius' failure and tortured his disembodied spirit for some time before deciding that Xavius might, after all, still prove useful. To that end, Sargeras created a new body for Xavius, who became the first satyr in existence. From the waist up, Xavius resembled his former night elf form, but his fingers now sported a set of sharp claws, and his head bore two horns. His goat-like lower body, however, had hooves and a long leonine tail. Pleased with his creation, Sargeras sent Xavius back to Azeroth to further the Legion's ends. Xavius spread the demonic curse to other creatures--at first primarily other power-hungry Highborne who lived in Zin-Azshari. Despite the fact that Malfurion ultimately destroyed Xavius again, satyrs worship Xavius to this day in the hope that he will again return to Azeroth and lead them. Nor are the satyrs the only ones who invoke Xavius' name. Scattered individuals venerate Xavius because they hope to become satyrs themselves. Fortunately such practices are not widespread. Description All satyrs have been transformed into their current shapes by inheriting the demonic curse that originated with Xavius. These immortal demons delight most in inflicting emotional and physical pain upon their enemies. Both spellcasters and non-spellcasters have joined the ranks of these bestial demons, who have increased physical strength and an incredible talent for manipulation. Like Xavius, all satyrs have the ability to pass their curse on, and they have gleefully done so. The curse has therefore continued to spread, although it has weakened over time, and so very few satyrs are still being created. New satyrs can only be created by preexisting satyrs. Over time the satyrs discovered that they could pass their curse on to races other than the night elves. Although most satyrs today are former night elves, satyrs have therefore also been created out of other races. According to scattered reports, there are both male and female satyrs; however, researchers have failed thus far to secure irrefutable evidence of female satyrs on Azeroth. „

• Ксавий:

“ Also known as: Lord of the Satyrs, Satyr Lord Demon type: Satyr Affiliation: Burning Legion Insatiably curious about the first Well of Eternity, Lord Xavius bent all of his knowledge and effort to researching the Well's capabilities. He even went so far as to have his eyes removed and replaced with magical spheres that allowed him to see beyond the range of normal vision. Through his ambition and hard work, Xavius became Queen Azshara's chief counselor before the Great Sundering. Corruption and Defeat Xavius was the first Highborne to be contacted by Sargeras, creator of the Burning Legion. In moments Xavius had been enthralled by the dark titan. Sargeras swiftly corrupted the rest of the Highborne in the royal palace, including the queen, and convinced them to begin summoning Sargeras' demonic minions into Azeroth. The War of the Ancients broke out, and Xavius remained one of the chief agents of Sargeras' will. At last Malfurion Stormrage called upon the power of nature to slay Xavius. Repeatedly struck by lightning, Xavius screamed in pain as he was destroyed in a violent thunderstorm. Even the cloud of dust that remained of his body was dispersed by an angry wind. A Second Chance The counselor's failure infuriated Sargeras, who spent some time torturing the night elf's disembodied spirit as punishment. Eventually Sargeras decided that Xavius could still prove useful, and so Sargeras remade Xavius into a demon: the first satyr in existence. Only Xavius' eyes remained unchanged from those of his previous night elf existence. Summoned back to Azeroth at Sargeras' command, Xavius gleefully used his new powers of persuasion and corruption to convert further night elves into satyrs, including Peroth'arn. He also encouraged dark thoughts of jealousy and ambition in Illidan Stormrage, thereby ensuring a chain of events that would culminate in Illidan's being imprisoned in a barrow prison for ten thousand years. Primarily because he knew the deed would cause Malfurion great anguish, Xavius and a group of other satyrs kidnapped High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind from the battlefield. In retaliation, Malfurion struck out with his druidic powers and caused an oak tree to grow inside Xavius. Even as the satyr swore that one day he would have revenge, the tree fed off his flesh and grew rapidly. In moments the tree had utterly consumed his body. Millennia after the Satyr Lord met his end, night elves who know the tale of Xavius fear that some day he will manage to make good on his threat. To other satyrs, however, Xavius has become an object of worship: they hope he will return to Azeroth and lead them. Aside from demons, only a few warped individuals here and there pray to Xavius today, and they do so in the hope of being transformed into satyrs. „

• Иллидан:

“ Also known as: the Betrayer Demon type: Unique Affiliation: Independent Illidan is the fraternal twin of Malfurion Stormrage and, like his brother, grew up as the friend of Tyrande Whisperwind millennia before the Great Sundering. Unlike Malfurion, Illidan had no patience for the subtleties of druidism and proved to be a poor student despite their teacher, the demigod Cenarius. Yet Illidan was talented at sorcery, which at the time was a staple of night elf society. His magical abilities were cold comfort, though, for he had been born with golden eyes, which were quite rare in night elves before the Sundering. Golden eyes were thus commonly regarded as a sign of future greatness, but Illidan showed no signs of achieving anything out of the ordinary. Little did Illidan know that his eyes actually indicated strong druidic potential. Fascinated with arcane magic, he learned increasingly difficult spells, but to his discouragement, the Moon Guard did not offer him membership in light of his advanced sorcery. Nevertheless, Illidan remained determined to become the hero his people expected him to be. Soon he found another compelling reason to achieve greatness. One day during a festival, he caught sight of Tyrande dancing in the crowd and realized that he loved her. At some point over the years, he had fallen in love with her kindness, her laughter, her beauty, and her faith. His joy was dimmed only by the fact that Malfurion, too, had feelings for Tyrande, although Malfurion was slower than Illidan to recognize them. Illidan could see that Tyrande would inevitably choose either Malfurion or Illidan as her mate. It was simply a matter of which twin would prove worthy in her eyes. Illidan redoubled his efforts at mastering arcane sorcery and was elated when chance and quick thinking gave him the opportunity to save the life of Lord Kur'talos Ravencrest. The grateful noble made Illidan his personal sorcerer and placed great faith in his young protégé's courage and magic. Unfortunately the demon that had nearly killed Ravencrest was only the first of many to appear all over ancient Kalimdor. The first invasion of the Burning Legion had begun. The War of the Ancients Ravencrest organized the night elves into an army to fight the invading demons. When the highest-ranking member of the Moon Guard, Latosius, was slain in combat, Illidan jumped at the opportunity. He took charge of the surviving sorcerers and directed their combined power to noticeable effect, killing many of the Legion's minions. Even so, the war looked increasingly hopeless as further reinforcements arrived from the Twisting Nether. At a critical point in the war, Malfurion disobeyed Ravencrest's orders and left the night elf army. He had embarked upon a perilous journey: he planned to seek out the dragonflights and appeal to them for help. Impulsively Illidan confronted Tyrande and told her he could no longer remain silent. He confessed his love for her and said that Malfurion had clearly gone mad in his pursuit of druidism. Worrying about Malfurion, Tyrande rebuked Illidan, who saw that he had spoken too late. She had already chosen her intended, and it was not Illidan. Once again Malfurion had effortlessly achieved a goal that Illidan could not. This time Malfurion's victory was particularly bitter, for Malfurion had yet to recognize his own love for Tyrande. The pain of Illidan's unrequited feelings haunted him, and he found himself dwelling on dark thoughts. He had no way of knowing that he was being influenced by Lord Xavius, a satyr with the power to spread corruption. At last Illidan, too, left the night elf army, but he embarked on quite a different mission. He sought out Sargeras, creator of the Burning Legion. Illidan swore allegiance to the dark titan, who granted Illidan great power in return. Sargeras burned Illidan's eyes to ash and endowed the scorched eye sockets with magically enhanced sight. As further reward, Sargeras marked much of Illidan's body with an intricate pattern of tattoos that filled the night elf with powerful arcane energy. For this apparent shift of loyalties, Illidan would later come to be called the Betrayer. Yet although he did aid the Burning Legion to some extent, he ultimately sided with Malfurion and the other night elves. He and Malfurion closed the portal that the Highborne living in the royal palace had opened in the Well of Eternity, thus preventing Sargeras himself from entering Azeroth, an outcome that would have spelled doom for the world. Not long before the portal was closed, a group of Highborne rebelled against the Legion and, led by Dath'Remar Sunstrider, rejoined the main night elf army. A Darkening Path The planet of Azeroth was saved, but the Well's magics had been too badly abused, and so the Well imploded, shattering ancient Kalimdor into several landmasses. A new ocean was born, and the night elf defenders fled before its rushing waves. Reaching Mount Hyjal, the night elves were finally able to rest: the ocean waters had reached their limit. Just before the Well imploded, Illidan had filled several vials of its powerful waters. He was certain that despite the night elves' victory, the Legion would one day return. Despite the grueling war that had just ended, he believed that arcane magic alone could save the night elves from a second invasion. Thus, he sought out a secluded lake atop Mount Hyjal and poured three of the vials into its waters, irreversibly changing the lake into a second Well of Eternity. He thought his people would hail him as a hero. He was wrong. A small group of night elves, including a few of the repentant Highborne, discovered what Illidan had done, and most reacted in horror. Illidan suspected the Highborne would try to usurp the Well's powers, as they had done with the first Well, and so he attacked the group. Malfurion arrived a few moments later and helped capture his twin. As Illidan's brother and a respected hero of the recent war, Malfurion was permitted to determine his brother's fate. Taken aback by Illidan's power, Malfurion decided that Illidan was too dangerous to be left free. Even so, Malfurion could not condemn his brother to death. Instead, he sentenced Illidan to a fate arguably far worse: Illidan was to be imprisoned for the rest of his immortal life. As a consequence of Malfurion's so-called mercy, Illidan spent the next ten thousand years in isolation, trapped in a prison far beneath the earth and guarded by the Watchers. Lost Soul: the Third War Proving Illidan's fears correct, the Burning Legion invaded Azeroth again during the Third War. Tyrande, the head of the night elf government, awoke Malfurion from hibernation, and together they ventured underground to awaken the rest of the druids. In the process, Tyrande happened upon the entrance to Illidan's prison, and she decided that he would make a strong ally. Although Malfurion tried to stop her, she led her Sentinels into the prison. The Watchers would not surrender their prisoner without a fight, and so Tyrande and her soldiers slew the guards who barred the way to Illidan's cell. She told Illidan that his people needed him to help fight the Burning Legion again. Illidan consented to join the fight against the Legion. However, his long and unjustified imprisonment had left him bitter. He told Tyrande that he agreed not out of any lingering loyalty toward their people, but for her sake alone. Free at last, he followed Tyrande upward into the corrupted forests of Felwood. Tyrande and her soldiers departed in search of Malfurion, who was awakening the last sleeping druids. She felt sure that once confronted with the reality of Illidan's freedom, she could convince her mate to give his twin another chance. Once she had left Illidan alone, he was confronted by the death knight Arthas Menethil, who told him that the demons who had corrupted Felwood were using a magical artifact to do so: the Skull of Gul'dan. Arthas explained that the Lich King would be grateful if Illidan would steal the artifact from the demons. In fact, Arthas invited Illidan to claim the artifact's powers as his own. Illidan remained hungry for magic, and he was certain that with the skull's power, he would be able to overcome the Legion forces in Felwood. Despite his suspicions about Arthas' motives, Illidan therefore stole the artifact and consumed it, taking its powers for himself. Already marked by Sargeras back in the War of the Ancients, Illidan was instantly transformed into a demon when he consumed the skull's fel energies. Using his newfound strength, Illidan defeated Tichondrius, leader of the demons who were corrupting Felwood. Not long after Illidan's victory, Malfurion and Tyrande returned to the forest and confronted Illidan. At first neither night elf recognized the powerful demon as Illidan. When they learned what had happened, Malfurion grew furious, dismissed what Illidan had accomplished, and condemned him. Still the arbiter of Illidan's fate, Malfurion exiled him from night elf lands. The new punishment hardly surprised Illidan. Malfurion had always been uncomfortable with any power but his own and Tyrande's. Let Illidan's self-righteous twin limit himself to those so-called "safer" magics. Let him walk his precious Emerald Dream while life on Azeroth passed him by. Illidan would never have been content with such a living death. If Illidan was to be forbidden from having anything else, he would have power. Alliance with the Naga After the Legion's defeat at the Battle of Mount Hyjal, the demon lord Kil'jaeden contacted Illidan. He asked Illidan to destroy the Lich King, who had betrayed the Burning Legion by making Arthas his personal champion and the head of the Scourge. In return for the Lich King's destruction, Kil'jaeden promised to reward Illidan with anything Illidan might want. In the face of Kil'jaeden's overwhelming might, Illidan had little choice but to agree. He therefore summoned a large group of naga from the depths of the ocean, including Lady Vashj. The naga, who had once been Highborne, recognized Illidan and respected his magical talent, which was even greater than they had recalled. They agreed to become his allies. In the meantime, Warden Maiev Shadowsong discovered that Illidan had escaped, and so she vowed to recapture him. She and her Watchers pursued him through Ashenvale Forest and followed him over the sea to the Broken Isles, where Illidan and his naga allies entered the Tomb of Sargeras. Maiev tracked down Illidan just as he acquired the Eye of Sargeras. Confronted by his former captors, Illidan used the powerful demonic artifact against them. He escaped, but the Watchers were left trapped in one section of the tomb, a section that was quickly filling with seawater. The Watchers had done their best to bury Illidan alive; he was merely returning the favor. Out of all the Watchers in the tomb, only Maiev managed to avoid a watery death. Illidan's naga allies sent repeated attacks against Maiev's greatly depleted forces, but Maiev dispatched a runner who reached Malfurion and asked for help. He and Tyrande arrived in time to rescue the warden, but Illidan eluded capture. The three night elves followed Illidan to Lordaeron, where Illidan and several naga spellcasters began channeling a powerful spell through the Eye of Sargeras. Malfurion and Maiev arrived in time to stop the spell before it could be completed. Furious and exasperated, Illidan explained that he had been trying to destroy the Frozen Throne and its occupant, the Lich King. Naturally Illidan made no mention of his pact with Kil'jaeden, for Malfurion would not have understood. In any case, due to Malfurion's interference, Illidan had failed, and so the pact was now void. Soon Malfurion and Illidan learned that Tyrande and a small group of her Sentinels had been swept down the River Arevass and were under attack by the Scourge. Illidan still loved Tyrande, and so he was quick to offer his assistance. For Tyrande's sake, Malfurion hesitantly agreed to work with Illidan. Malfurion established and defended a night elf base while Illidan and his naga retrieved Tyrande and her soldiers. In return for Illidan's rescue of Tyrande, Malfurion declared that he pardoned Illidan for his dangerous spellcasting. Even so, he warned Illidan never to threaten the night elves again. Largely uninterested in the race he had left behind, Illidan agreed to Malfurion's terms and opened a portal to Outland, where he hoped to evade Kil'jaeden's wrath. The Burning Legion had little tolerance for failure. Lord of Outland Consumed by the desire for vengeance, Maiev could not relinquish the hunt. She and a small group of her followers pursued Illidan through the portal. Illidan was outnumbered, and so he was eventually recaptured. Fortunately he was only outnumbered because he had dispatched Lady Vashj and her naga to recruit further allies: Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider and his group of blood elves. These blood elves soon followed the naga to Outland and freed Illidan, who promised to teach them how to feed their addiction to magic. Kael'thas swore allegiance to Illidan, and the prince helped his new lord close all the portals on Outland. By carrying out this endeavor, Illidan hoped to cut off further demonic reinforcements from the Twisting Nether and block any attempts by Kil'jaeden to locate Illidan. The ruler of Outland at the time, a pit lord named Magtheridon, became a feasible target. Illidan led the powerful army of blood elves and naga against Magtheridon, defeated him, and took possession of his fortress, the Black Temple. Yet Illidan did not celebrate his conquest for long. In a storm of magic and fury, Kil'jaeden descended upon Outland, regardless of the fact that Illidan had closed all portals on the planet. Illidan had colossally underestimated the demon lord's power. Thinking quickly, Illidan told Kil'jaeden that he had only come to Outland to bolster his forces before making a final assault upon the Frozen Throne. Kil'jaeden was hardly appeased, but he decided to give Illidan one last chance. He warned Illidan that failure would result in death. With no other option, Illidan led the blood elves and naga back to Azeroth. The Scourge kept Illidan's army at bay until Arthas and the crypt lord Anub'arak arrived. Arthas and Illidan faced off in single combat, and Arthas was the victor. He warned Illidan to leave Azeroth and not return. Since that time, Illidan has returned to the Black Temple. While his allies fight to keep Outland's many portals sealed, Illidan is preparing for the day that Kil'jaeden arrives to punish Illidan for failing to destroy the Lich King. Illidan the Demon As is the case with certain demons, Illidan does not consider himself a servant of the Burning Legion. Indeed, Illidan has alternately been the Legion's ally and its enemy at various points in the past. A rarity among demons, he has retained vast tracts of his original personality despite his demonic transformation. As a demon, he is fundamentally evil and often cruel, but he has thus far been able to preserve a few tattered remnants of nobility. Their inevitable conflict with his ambition and his hunger for power makes him a dangerously unpredictable adversary. Because Illidan's case is unique, there is no point in speculating upon how long his divergence from standard demonic behavior will last. „

• Боги:

“ There are no hard and fast rules to define what it means to be a god in Warcraft, save that all gods are immortal. Gods can be fundamentally incorporeal, like Elune, or they may have physical bodies. Gods are neither omniscient nor omnipotent. Take for example the case of the Soulflayer. Many of the trolls in the Gurubashi empire rose up against his bloody rule. They succeeded in destroying his avatar and banishing him from the world of Azeroth. Also, the benevolent titans, though not gods themselves, cast a magical slumber upon the Old Gods and imprisoned them far below the surface of the world. It is possible for a god to exert influence over several locations simultaneously. Yet the power of a god is limited. Otherwise, of course, the Old Gods could not have been imprisoned. Nonetheless, an imprisoned, sleeping, or otherwise enfeebled god may still have an effect--conscious or not--on the god's surroundings. The development of the qiraji is said to be the result of just such an incidental influence. Can one ever truly destroy a god, putting a lasting end to its existence? Unfortunately that question has departed the realm of philosophy and become a matter of vital concern. Not long ago, the priests of Hakkar the Soulflayer succeeded in summoning their hungry god physically into Azeroth. Worse, C'Thun has awakened, freed itself, and reemerged from the planet's depths. Many valiant heroes are banding together in the hope of defeating these two evil gods. „

• Элуна:

“ Also known as: the Mother Moon, the Night Warrior, Mu'sha (term specific to tauren) One of Azeroth's few full deities, Elune is the goddess of the moon. Facets of the Goddess Strongly associated with healing, peace, and tolerance, Elune has been revered by the night elves and other races since ancient times. However, the Mother Moon is not a goddess who advocates peace at all costs. Indeed, one of Elune's aspects since ancient times has been the Night Warrior, who is said to take the valiant dead from the battlefield and set them riding across the evening sky as stars. Long before the Great Sundering, an order of priests had dedicated itself to Elune's service. The highest echelon of this order is known as the Sisters of Elune, and as the name implies, membership in this echelon is open only to women. Their battle chants can call down Elune's wrath to smite an enemy, and their prayers can heal even the gravely wounded. Beyond Divinity: Woman and Mother Elune has never been observed in physical form on Azeroth. Indeed, she is as much a collection of ideals as she is a personality in her own right. A powerful and spiritual deity, she is fundamentally an incorporeal being. Nevertheless, she is often depicted as a beautiful night elf woman crowned with a simple platinum circlet and surrounded by dazzling luminescence. Artists also traditionally portray her with long, white hair, alabaster skin, and eyes of pure moonlight. To the best of anyone's knowledge, Elune has only had one lover: the demigod Malorne. Together they conceived a child, Cenarius, who possessed a powerful combination of his mother's love for the creatures of Azeroth and his father's connection to the Emerald Dream. The tauren have a myth that purportedly relates the story of Cenarius' conception. Rumors persist to this day on Azeroth that Ysera the Dreamer is the actual mother of Cenarius. The rumors are not true, though the close relationship that has been observed between Ysera and Cenarius has certainly led to some confusion. „

• Друид:

“ Plural form: druids Druids come and go as they please, and their goals typically have little to do with the "civilized" world. Unaffiliated with any specific government, the primary druidic organization on Azeroth, the Cenarion Circle, answers to no one save itself. The highest rank that a druid can have is that of archdruid, and there are only a few archdruids on Azeroth. At the moment the Cenarion Circle's leader is Archdruid Fandral Staghelm. However, the first mortal druid on Azeroth was Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage. Strengths, Abilities, and Underlying Motivations Through their deep connection to life and nature, druids are able to take on an unusually large variety of roles. Probably a druid's best-known role is that of a healer. Druids are justly famed for their ability to restore life, cure poisonous wounds, and remove curses. Indeed, restoring and protecting the planet is one of the top priorities for all druids. Still, to regard a druid as merely a healer is a dangerously simplistic assumption that has led to the defeat of many an unwary foe. A druid's empathy with the creatures of the wild also allows him to shapeshift into the forms of other animals. For example, a wounded druid whose magical energies are running low might abruptly take on the form of a bear in order to better withstand further injury. Alternatively, the druid might shift into the form of some large cat, sneak up behind an enemy, then pounce and deliver a fierce flurry of melee attacks. Even the deepest oceans can be explored by a druid, who can simply shift into an aquatic creature, allowing him to stay underwater as long as needed. Until the end of the Third War, druids periodically visited the Emerald Dream to monitor the ebb and flow of life on Azeroth. Today such a visit has become more difficult due to Nordrassil's poor health. Druids possess a deep understanding of the way in which all living things depend upon one another. Whenever this delicate equilibrium is disrupted, the druid works to restore the balance. To that end, a druid can use his connection with the Emerald Dream to exert a calming influence over animals, even forcing some into a temporary state of hibernation. Just as the druid can wield peace and somnolence, however, the druid can tap into the fury of nature itself. Terrible storms have responded to a druid's call. Thorns have sprouted from the druid's skin to wound his attackers. Even previously harmless roots have grown up out of the soil at greatly accelerated speeds in order to entangle a foe. Limitations For obvious reasons, druids thrive in the wild outdoors. Inevitably, however, they lose some of their effectiveness when they are forced to endure separation from the natural environment. What good is a cleansing rain when a druid cannot even see the sky? How are roots to capture a foe who is standing atop a high tower? Such cases clearly require a druid with the imagination to consider new strategies and the flexibility to carry them out. Yet this flexibility, too, comes with an underlying negative corollary. The druid tends to be a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none. An unusual mixture of priest, rogue, and warrior, the druid is therefore not equal to any of these three classes in their particular specialties. Even so, the druids' incredible adaptability serves them well in confronting the challenges that Azeroth has to offer. „

• Наги:

“ Singular form: naga Primary language: Nazja Before the Great Sundering, the Highborne were the highest-ranking caste of night elf nobility. These privileged nobles became obsessed with the Well of Eternity and abused its magics until their activities caught the attention of Sargeras, the dark titan. He promised the Highborne that he would remake the planet Azeroth into a paradise, and that they would be rewarded with great power for serving him. For a time he held the Highborne enthralled and obedient to his wishes. At Sargeras' command, the Highborne created a portal in the Well in the hope that Sargeras would be able to enter Azeroth himself. Such was his might that Azeroth would surely have been consumed, like countless other worlds, had his plan succeeded. The Highborne's efforts brought about the first invasion of the Burning Legion, but the ensuing War of the Ancients seemed to do the opposite of what Sargeras had promised. Demons poured from the queen's jeweled palace and laid waste to most of the city. Death and devastation followed the demonic army as it spread outward. At last a large group of Highborne rebelled and fled the palace, rejoining the night elf host. These rebellious Highborne would later become the high elves. Birth of the Naga The remaining Highborne stayed loyal to Sargeras throughout the war, but their hard work came to naught. The other night elves, together with many unlikely allies, put up a surprising defense and managed to close the portal. This added magical stress was too great for the Well of Eternity, which imploded with disastrous consequences. As if struck by a giant hammer, the Well was driven downwards by the impact. The impact shattered the ancient continent of Kalimdor into several landmasses, and a new ocean was born. Much of Zin-Azshari, former capital city of the night elves, was driven beneath the sea. Above the waves, a fierce magical storm now rages: the Maelstrom. Beneath the Maelstrom, the ocean has been whipped into an enormous whirlpool. Once caught in the whirlpool's currents, most creatures have no chance of escaping. Queen Azshara's palace was also pulled underwater. In the process, some of the Highborne in the palace drowned, but many were instead cursed for their role in bringing about the War of the Ancients. Transformed into the monstrous naga, the former night elves found they were able to survive the ocean's depths. Even so, the naga knew they had little chance of reclaiming the lands that the Highborne had once dominated. Bitterly resentful at their enforced banishment to the sea, they resolved to bide their time until they could retake their rightful place in the surface world. As it was driven downward into the sea, the Well of Eternity continued to collapse in on itself and was finally obliterated. Its violent destruction has left behind a deep trench on the ocean floor that reaches all the way to the planet's molten core. To this day that core remains exposed and heats the ocean's cold waters. The magical energies that still emanate from the trench have caused monstrous mutations in all nearby living things. Alliance With the Betrayer Roughly ten thousand years later, shortly before the Third War, the naga began emerging from the ocean's depths. It was only then that the night elves and the rest of Azeroth learned what had become of the Highborne, who had been presumed dead. The largest observed group of naga is currently under the command of the demon Illidan Stormrage. Shortly after the Third War, he contacted a large group of naga and forged an alliance. Led by Lady Vashj, these naga still serve Illidan today in Outland. Furthermore, he has used Vashj and her brethren to recruit additional allies for him: Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider and the blood elves. Characteristics and Abilities In general, naga are scaled humanoids with the lower bodies of large serpents. Naga can breathe water or air, and some naga have recently emerged from the ocean's depths. Yet most naga have continued to dwell in the ocean's depths, beneath the site of the original Well of Eternity. Thus, although the Well itself no longer exists, the naga have experienced a wide range of mutations due to the Well's residual energies. As former Highborne, the naga's past abuse of the Well has not been without additional consequences. The Highborne were obsessed with the Well, and the naga have been exposed to the Well's residual magics for millennia. Consequently modern naga are addicted to magic. Naga tend to be long-lived, much like the night elves, blood elves, and high elves. Some naga have even gained immortality as part of their mutations. However, most immortal naga are women rather than men. Naga women are tall and slender, with fine scales and angular features, and often have at least four arms. For some reason naga women have proven better than naga men at maintaining pre-Sundering memories and personalities. As a result, naga women are intellectually and magically superior to their male counterparts, and naga society is matriarchal. Bigger and physically stronger than naga women, naga men are relatively bestial in appearance. A male naga's head resembles that of a dragon, and he has a muscular humanoid torso. The scales that cover his body are larger and thicker than those that cover the body of a naga woman. „

• Вайш:

“ As one of the members of the Highborne, Lady Vashj considered it her birthright to serve Queen Azshara. Vashj copied the queen's hairstyle and clothing as much as possible. When the queen made Vashj her foremost handmaiden, remaining in the queen's favor became Vashj's sole concern. War of the Ancients When the Highborne were contacted by the titan Sargeras, Azshara was enthralled by Sargeras' vast might. Like the queen, Vashj looked forward to his arrival on Azeroth; both women were certain that he would find Azshara irresistible. The queen did indeed possess amazing charisma, and she doubtless enhanced it with magic. With a quiet word or a mere glance, Azshara could inspire any number of violent emotions; passion and rage were her favorite choices. Driven by sudden outbreaks of jealousy, her subjects occasionally squabbled over her affections and fought duels in the name of her honor. The queen was amused by such displays and did not always intervene to save the combatants from harm. It was precisely this sort of possessive fury that affected Vashj when Azshara and her handmaidens paid a visit to High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind. Tyrande had been captured by the Burning Legion and imprisoned in the palace. On a whim, the queen offered to make Tyrande one of her handmaidens, but Tyrande politely declined, saying she was sworn to Elune before all others. Azshara was irritated by Tyrande's refusal, however diplomatic, and departed shortly thereafter. Vashj could not forget the queen's offer so easily: the memory became a torment. Despite the fact that Tyrande had refused the queen, Vashj came to see the priestess as a rival for Azshara's affections. Irrationally certain that she had to act, Vashj tried to kill Tyrande, but failed. Vashj then fled the prison cell before her attempt on Tyrande's life could be discovered. Cursed and Transformed Despite the Highborne's attempts to aid the Legion in summoning Sargeras, the portal to the Twisting Nether was ultimately closed before Sargeras could reach Azeroth. The Well of Eternity was unable to withstand the added magical strain, and it began to collapse in on itself. Under the sudden impact, Zin-Azshari and the Well were blasted downward toward the ocean floor. The Well pierced the planet's molten core just before being utterly obliterated. Ancient Kalimdor was split apart, and the seas rushed in to fill the voids between the new landmasses. Azshara, Vashj, and quite a few other Highborne were caught in the rushing waters. Instead of drowning, however, Vashj and many others were cursed and transformed into naga. Despite her subsequent mutations, Vashj has managed to retain her memories and personality. She has also become immortal, and she is not the only naga to receive this unexpected boon. Serving the Betrayer Several months after the Third War, the demon lord Kil'jaeden went to Outland and contacted Illidan Stormrage. Although Illidan had worked against the Legion's interests in the past, Kil'jaeden was willing to give Illidan another chance. If Illidan destroyed the Frozen Throne, Kil'jaeden promised to grant anything Illidan might desire. Accordingly, Illidan sought out new allies. He cast a powerful spell that reached the depths of the ocean, and a group of naga led by Lady Vashj responded. Vashj and many others remembered Illidan, who had become infamous before the Sundering. The naga respected his power, particularly now that Illidan had become a demon. They agreed to serve him. Illidan and the naga retrieved a magical artifact known as the Eye of Sargeras, and they channeled a destructive spell through the Eye in order to destroy the Frozen Throne. However, their attempt was thwarted, and Illidan made a hasty retreat to Outland in the hope of evading Kil'jaeden's wrath. Further Allies At Illidan's direction, Lady Vashj and her naga sought out the Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider and his group of blood elves. The desperate prince at first hesitated to accept the naga's aid in fighting the Scourge, but practicality won out in the end. Then Kael'thas' human allies discovered the makeshift alliance, accused the blood elves of consorting with the enemy, and imprisoned them. Again Vashj and the naga came to the rescue and helped the blood elves escape the Dalaran dungeons. The blood elves were suffering terribly from their hunger for magic by this time. Vashj explained that the naga, too, were addicted to magic, and she said that Illidan could help the blood elves. She then led them to the portal that Kel'Thuzad had opened during the Third War (so as to give Archimonde entry into Azeroth). With no other palatable choices, Kael'thas and his fighters followed Vashj to Outland. Together the blood elves and naga freed Illidan from Warden Maiev Shadowsong. Kael'thas swore allegiance to Illidan, and he and Lady Vashj joined Illidan in defeating the pit lord Magtheridon and laying claim to his Black Temple. Yet Illidan and his allies did not celebrate their conquest for long. In a storm of magic and fury, Kil'jaeden descended upon Outland and demanded that Illidan once again try to destroy the Frozen Throne. With no other option, Illidan led the naga and blood elves back to Azeroth. The battle came down to single combat between Illidan and the death knight Arthas Menethil. Arthas won the fight and warned Illidan to leave the planet and never return. Since that time, Illidan and his allies, including Lady Vashj, have inhabited the Black Temple on Outland. „

• Высшие эльфы и эльфы крови:

“ High elves and blood elves are physiologically the same race, and they are descended from night elves. Nevertheless, due to their shared history and philosophical differences, the three groups do not share a close relationship. Indeed, night elves regard high elves and blood elves with suspicion, disgust, or outright hostility. Elves in General Elves do have several characteristics in common. All three groups have unusually acute senses and are able to see clearly even in low-light conditions. As a general rule, elves are also slim, athletic, and graceful. Furthermore, they all have large pointed ears that tend to be greeted with admiration or mockery by other races. One similarity between night elves, high elves, and blood elves has only recently come about. The night elves sacrificed their immortality and much of their power at the end of the Third War. Thus, all elves are now mortal and have comparable lifespans that can extend as long as several thousand years. „

• Аллерия:

“ Designation: High elf Alleria Windrunner first earned renown due to the sheer number of trolls that she slew in order to defend her people's homeland, Quel'Thalas, during the Troll Wars. With the help of humanity, the high elves ultimately prevailed against the trolls. Further Conflict Unfortunately this would not be the last time that war would come to the high elves. During the Second War, the Horde burned down the borderlands of Quel'Thalas. The rampaging orcs killed Alleria's parents, but she and her two younger sisters, Sylvanas and Vereesa, survived. Driven by grief and hatred, Alleria vowed that she would have vengeance. Her pursuit of revenge took her into human lands, where she led an elite cadre of rangers in hunting down renegade orcs of the Bleeding Hollow clan, who had been trapped on Azeroth after the end of the Second War. The Alliance of Lordaeron had destroyed the Azeroth end of the Dark Portal in order to cut off further orc reinforcements from Draenor. However, the orc Ner'zhul and other Horde spellcasters used magical artifacts on the Draenor end of the Dark Portal, which was still intact. In this manner the powerful warlocks reestablished the pathway between Draenor and Azeroth. A Hero's End The Alliance reacted quickly to the renewed threat and sent an expedition through the portal to Draenor. Having achieved the rank of captain, Alleria was part of the expedition, which succeeded in its perilous mission and destroyed the Draenor end of the Dark Portal. Horde forces on Azeroth were cut off from reinforcements and soundly defeated, and afterwards the Azeroth end of the Dark Portal was destroyed. Alleria and the other members of the Alliance expedition shattered the Dark Portal on Draenor just as Ner'zhul opened a series of additional portals from Draenor to other worlds. Already weakened by the orcs' abuse of fel magic, Draenor began tearing apart under the stress of supporting the newly created portals. As the planet shuddered beneath their feet, the members of the valiant Alliance expedition realized that remaining on Draenor would be suicide. Thus, they chose one of the new portals and entered it. They have not been seen since that fateful day. Given the low likelihood of their survival, Alleria and her comrades are presumed dead, killed in the line of duty. They are honored to this day for their sacrifice. A statue of Alleria has a prominent place in the Valley of Heroes, just inside the gates of Stormwind City. „

• Анастериан:

“ Designation: High elf A descendant of Dath'Remar Sunstrider, King Anasterian ruled the high elves during the latter part of the Troll Wars, when defeat began to seem inevitable. Greatly outnumbered, the elves were losing ground, and the outlook worsened every day as their casualties climbed. Even their most powerful magics were of little use. Strange Alliance Anasterian hit upon a radical idea. His scouts had reported that a human nation named Arathor had recently formed to the south. One tribe had risen to dominance through the simple expedient of offering amnesty to the people it defeated. That such a strategy was new among humans was a testament not only to the youth of their race, but also to their willingness to gain strength via clear-sighted pragmatism. Although the humans had no spellcasters, Arathor had a sizeable population. Anasterian was certain there had to be humans with magical talent. They merely needed training in order to be useful in combat. He therefore dispatched ambassadors to the southlands with all speed. King Thoradin of Arathor greeted the ambassadors with surprise and wary courtesy. He had been hearing rumors of the high elves' plight for months, but he had not suspected that the trolls posed a truly significant threat. The weary elves warned the king that the troll armies were vast. Should Quel'Thalas fall, the trolls would certainly besiege Arathor next. The king was distrustful of magic, but he could not deny that the elves had a point. Further negotiations ensued until at last Anasterian and Thoradin had reached an agreement. Almost immediately, elven sorcerers arrived in Arathor and began to instruct a group of humans in the ways of magic. One hundred men were taught the very basics of the elves' magical secrets: no more than was absolutely necessary to combat the trolls. In addition to these new spellcasters, Thoradin sent his armies to the battlefront. Together, the humans and high elves ultimately achieved victory over the trolls, who would never fully recover from their defeat. Assured that Quel'Thalas was saved from destruction, the elves made a pledge of loyalty and friendship to the nation of Arathor and to the bloodline of King Thoradin. Humans and elves would coexist in peace for over two thousand years. Conflict in the Borderlands When the Horde attacked humanity in the Second War, the high elves had little interest in the conflict, but they felt duty-bound to lend the Alliance of Lordaeron their support. In particular, the commander of the Alliance forces was Lord Anduin Lothar, who was the last descendent of the Arathi bloodline. Lothar's family had aided the high elves in fighting the Troll Wars, and so King Anasterian reluctantly agreed to provide a small number of soldiers and spellcasters who would fight alongside the Alliance. The king and his people would soon see the conflict in a more personal light. Horde forces worked their way north, burned down the borderlands of Quel'Thalas, and slaughtered many high elves. Horrified at the Horde's wanton destruction of life, the high elves officially joined the Alliance and committed all their resources to the war. Ultimately the orcs were defeated, and most of them were rounded up and put into internment camps. Downward Spiral In the aftermath of the war, the high elves began to doubt the value of the Alliance. Humanity seemed to need the high elves, but had little to offer in return, especially now that a large portion of Alliance resources was allotted toward maintaining the internment camps. At last Anasterian rescinded the high elves' allegiance to the Alliance. He stated that the humans' poor leadership had been directly responsible for the burned forests in the borderlands of Quel'Thalas. King Terenas Menethil argued that nothing of Quel'Thalas would have survived if not for the hundreds of valiant humans who gave their lives to defend it. Despite his attempts at reestablishing diplomatic relations, however, the elves opted to remain independent of the crumbling Alliance. Their departure triggered the additional secession of the Gilneas and Stromgarde nations. Anasterian was still in power years later when the death knight Arthas Menethil led Scourge forces into Quel'Thalas and defiled the Sunwell. The king and most of his people were slain in battle by the undead. His son, Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider, was in Dalaran at the time of the invasion, and so Kael'thas is the last surviving member of the royal family. Кель'тас: Also known as: Kael (familiar usage) Designation: Blood elf Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider is the son of the late King Anasterian and a direct descendant of the high elves' first king, Dath'Remar Sunstrider. He was born into wealth and privilege. Unrequited A wizard of great skill and power, he became a high-ranking member of the Kirin Tor. His continuing magical studies brought him to the Violet Citadel, where he met Lady Jaina Proudmoore while she was still an apprentice. He was immediately drawn to the brilliant and lovely teenager, though the difference between their ages filled him with guilt and self-doubt. Eventually he courted her; however, he had little success in winning her regard. She remained dedicated to her craft above all else. When rumors began to circulate that Jaina had given her heart to Prince Arthas Menethil, Kael'thas was deeply grieved. In time Jaina and Arthas parted ways, but it was all too obvious to Kael'thas that they still cherished feelings for one another. Kael'thas and Jaina would never have more than an awkward friendship. Last Scion of the Sunstrider Dynasty Years later, Arthas became a death knight in the Lich King's service and led the Scourge into Quel'Thalas, leaving a swath of destruction in his wake. He defiled the high elves' fountain of magic, the Sunwell, and left it utterly drained of power. The surviving high elves quickly became sick and apathetic. King Anasterian was killed in combat against the undead. Only a few pockets of resistance remained to fight the Scourge. Prince Kael'thas was pursuing his magical studies in Dalaran when news of the invasion reached him. With his father dead, the prince hastened home and took command of all the surviving high elves he could find. He realized that his people had become addicted to the Sunwell, which had constantly bathed them in arcane magic for thousands of years. Hostility of the Alliance In honor of their fallen kin, Kael'thas decided that he and the other surviving elves would rename themselves the sin'dorei, or blood elves. The blood elves swore they would have vengeance on Arthas and the Scourge. In spite of this bold resolve, Kael'thas and his people suffered greatly in the absence of the Sunwell. The prince led a group of his healthiest fighters to join the battlefront, where they hoped to fight the Scourge alongside Alliance forces. Yet the blood elves were greeted with suspicion and hostility. When Grand Marshal Garithos ordered Kael'thas and the blood elves to fight local Scourge forces against nearly impossible odds, a group of naga led by Lady Vashj unexpectedly offered assistance that turned the tide of battle. Unfortunately the Alliance soon learned of Kael'thas' association with the naga and condemned him and his people as traitors. Journey to Outland Imprisoned and sentenced to death, the blood elves were rescued by Vashj. She claimed that Illidan Stormrage could help the blood elves with their addiction to arcane magic. By this time the elves were suffering greatly, and Kael'thas felt that he had little choice but to agree. He and his followers followed Vashj to Outland. There they discovered that Illidan had been captured by Warden Maiev Shadowsong. Vashj and Kael'thas worked together to free Illidan, and then Kael'thas beseeched Illidan for a cure to the blood elves' addiction to magic. Illidan had a different proposal in mind, though: in return for the blood elves' loyalty, he would teach them how to drain arcane magic from other sources, including demons, and thereby feed their painful addiction. It was an offer Kael'thas felt he had to accept. He was certain his people would die without either a cure or a new source of magic. Kael'thas thus pledged his allegiance to Illidan. Today most of the blood elves in Outland have learned of the pact that Kael'thas made with Illidan. The blood elves still on Azeroth, on the other hand, have little knowledge of the agreement and would probably be appalled to learn of their leader's association with Illidan. Largely unconcerned with what their Azerothian brethren might think, the blood elves currently living in Outland serve Illidan. Most of Kael'thas' group chose to stay in Outland, but Grand Magister Rommath was sent back to Azeroth with a message of hope for the blood elves still in Quel'Thalas. He relayed tales of a glorious promised land, spread the teachings of Illidan--teachings that Rommath smoothly attributed to Prince Kael'thas--and planted the notion that Kael'thas might one day return to lead his people to paradise. Rommath has since remained in Quel'Thalas to help rebuild and await the prince's return. Rommath remained in Quel'Thalas to help rebuild and await the prince's return. Thanks to Rommath, the blood elves on Azeroth learned how to drain arcane magic and feed their addiction. As they returned to health, they praised their absent prince and dedicated themselves to learning more. Rommath and the new order of elven magi made great progress in tutoring their brethren to manipulate arcane energies. Soon the spires of Silvermoon City rose skyward once again, powered by volatile magics. The blood elves have even begun retaking portions of Eversong Woods. Emboldened by the promise of Kael'thas' return, the prince's weary people now focus on regaining their strength and forging a new path into an uncertain future. „

• Дат'Ремар:

“ Designation: High elf Dath'Remar Sunstrider was born a member of the wealthy and powerful Highborne. His family name was an ancient one, but most night elves had always considered it somewhat odd, given that they were primarily a nocturnal people who worshipped the goddess Elune. Even his appearance was strange, for his auburn hair bore streaks of gold. A Poor Bargain Regardless of Dath'Remar's unusual name and appearance, he, like the rest of his caste, was fascinated by the first Well of Eternity. Over time Queen Azshara and the rest of the Highborne became obsessed with studying and harnessing the Well's magic. Their abuse of that magic provoked violent storms around the Well and attracted the notice of Sargeras, the dark titan, who quickly enthralled the helpless night elves and bent them to his will. He promised to remake Azeroth into a paradise if the night elves helped him enter their world. Working toward that goal, the deluded Highborne summoned increasing numbers of the Burning Legion into the palace. Eventually these demons marched out of the palace and began slaughtering night elves. They quickly leveled most of the capital city, Zin-Azshari. Only the Highborne and their homes were spared. The night elf race scrambled to defend itself, and the War of the Ancients broke out. Even so, the Highborne worked feverishly to widen and stabilize the portal they had opened into the Twisting Nether, so that Sargeras could use it to reach Azeroth. They abandoned all their other studies of the Well; they hardly slept, if at all; and they ate and drank so little that they became skeletally thin. Even so, Sargeras' lieutenants were displeased with the Highborne's slow progress and proved quick to slay spellcasters who faltered in their duties. Many of the Highborne broke free of Sargeras' influence and realized that they had made a foolish choice in serving the Legion. Although Sargeras had made glorious promises, he had provided nothing but grueling and thankless work. It seemed likely that instead of rebuilding the world, Sargeras intended to destroy it. Escape from Zin-Azshari Word reached Dath'Remar that High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind had been captured by the Legion and taken to the palace. He was appalled to hear that the leader of the Sisters of Elune had been made a prisoner of the demons. Accordingly he learned the location of her prison cell and paid her a secret visit. She proved a sympathetic listener, and so he found himself confiding in her. Working in secret, he formed a desperate plan. He contacted all the other Highborne who had come to consider the Burning Legion the enemy. Then he went to visit Tyrande one last time. He explained that he and a group of other Highborne were leaving the palace. They had agreed to help her escape if she would speak to the night elf defenders on behalf of the rebel Highborne. She quickly agreed, for she believed in the compassionate teachings of Elune and felt that the Highborne deserved a chance to redeem themselves for their reckless actions. During the escape, Tyrande was unexpectedly separated from the rebel Highborne when she was snatched into the air by an attacking demon. Nevertheless, Dath'Remar and many of the other Highborne managed to escape the palace and rendezvous with the rest of the night elves. Moments later, the Great Sundering created a new ocean, and both groups of night elves were forced to flee for their lives. The rushing waters pursued the elves all the way to Mount Hyjal before finally subsiding. In the aftermath of the war, relations between the Highborne and the rest of the night elves were strained. The Highborne's abuse of arcane magic had led to the Burning Legion's invasion and the shattering of ancient Kalimdor. Countless night elves had been killed by the demons. Thus, arcane magic was now a crime punishable by death. Regardless, Dath'Remar and the rest of the Highborne continued practicing their sorcery. As the highest caste of ancient night elf society, the Highborne had studied arcane magic for more than a thousand years before Queen Azshara came to the throne. Most other night elves had significantly less knowledge and skill at manipulating arcane energies. The Highborne had no intention of surrendering the magic they saw as their birthright. They felt that the lower-caste majority had neither the right nor the ability to judge the safety of arcane magic. Nor were the Highborne the only ones to maintain that arcane magic was worth pursuing. Dath'Remar and a few other night elves soon discovered that Illidan Stormrage had stolen several vials of pure energy from the first Well of Eternity, and then emptied three of the vials into a normal lake. In doing so, he had created a second Well of Eternity. He considered himself a hero, but most other night elves disagreed. They confiscated the remaining vials from Illidan and sentenced him to imprisonment for the rest of his immortal life. The Highborne were awed by what Illidan accomplished, and they soon grew bold in defying the new laws against arcane magic. They would not bow to the hysterical fears of the lower-caste majority. The Highborne felt they had taken all the necessary precautions by resolving to be more cautious than their predecessors. After all, the Highborne had no desire to bring about another Sundering. Rather than execute the Highborne, the rest of the night elves sentenced them to exile. The Highborne were thoroughly exasperated by what they saw as a foolish overreaction against sorcery. They were therefore not unhappy at the prospect of exile; on the contrary, they looked forward to it. Thinking ahead, they contrived to steal one of the magical vials that had been confiscated from Illidan. Founding of Quel'Thalas The exiled Highborne then eagerly sailed to the Eastern Kingdoms, still under Dath'Remar's leadership. Gradually the Highborne lost their connection to the second Well of Eternity. Their skin's violet hue faded; they grew shorter in stature; and they lost their immortality. Like modern night elves, high elves have long but finite lifespans. All the same, they struggled onward. Deep within the northern forests of the continent, in the continent of Lordaeron, they founded the magical kingdom of Quel'Thalas and renamed themselves high elves. Using the vial they had stolen, the high elves created the Sunwell, a fountain of magical energy that was weaker than the first and second Wells. The Sunwell was designed to be constantly but exclusively available to the high elves, who chose its name as a further renunciation of night elf society. The high elves crowned Dath'Remar Sunstrider as their first king. Up until the Scourge's invasion of Quel'Thalas, the Sunstrider dynasty continued to hold the throne. The last monarch, King Anasterian, was slain by undead forces during the attack. His son, Prince Kael'thas, is the only remaining survivor of the royal bloodline. „

• Вериса:

“ Designation: High elf During the Second War, the Horde burned down the borderlands of Quel'Thalas, homeland of the high elves. The rampaging orcs killed Vereesa's parents, but she and her two older sisters, Alleria and Sylvanas, survived. Vereesa's oldest sister, Alleria, went on to lead an elite cadre of rangers after the Second War and eventually sacrificed herself to destroy the Draenor end of the Dark Portal. Sylvanas later fought the Scourge invasion of Quel'Thalas and was slain, then raised into undeath against her will. By this time, Vereesa may or may not have heard of Sylvanas' grim fate. A Perilous Mission Following in Alleria's footsteps, Vereesa too became a ranger. To her disgust, her first major assignment did not involve hunting down the orcs that had been trapped on the planet Azeroth in the wake of the Dark Portal's destruction. Instead, she was asked to escort a human wizard named Rhonin to one of the eastern ports of Lordaeron. She accomplished her mission only to discover that there were no ships available to take Rhonin to his ultimate destination: Khaz Modan. Rhonin claimed that his mission was minor and only required him to observe the orc presence in Khaz Modan. Yet he remained unusually determined to fulfill it. He even appealed to a group of Wildhammer dwarves, asking them to fly him to Khaz Modan on one of their gryphons. At first the dwarves refused, for they trusted humans little and wizards even less. Yet Vereesa had grown fond of Rhonin, and she suspected that his mission was more important than he wanted to admit. Appealing to the dwarves, she persuaded them to fly both her and Rhonin to Khaz Modan. Although Rhonin was separated from her along the flight, she tracked him all the way to Grim Batol, which was a Horde stronghold under the leadership of Nekros Skullcrusher. The Demon Soul Using a magical artifact known as the Demon Soul, Nekros had managed to enslave Alexstrasza and, through her, most of the red dragonflight. Thus, Korialstrasz had sent Rhonin to Grim Batol with instructions to free Alexstrasza. Disguised as a mage named Krasus, Korialstrasz did not truly hope that Rhonin would be able to liberate the Dragonqueen. Rather, Korialstrasz hoped to trick the Horde into believing that a full-scale invasion was about to occur. While the Horde evacuated Grim Batol, Korialstrasz planned to strike and free his queen. His plan backfired when the massive black dragon Deathwing unexpectedly showed up and began stealing Alexstrasza's eggs. In fact, Deathwing had helped Rhonin reach Grim Batol precisely for that reason: the insane Dragon Aspect wanted to bolster his own failing flight by kidnapping Alexstrasza's children and raising them as his own. However, the other Dragon Aspects arrived to stop Deathwing. With the help of Vereesa and a group of dwarves, Rhonin took the Demon Soul from Nekros and managed to destroy it. Their powers fully restored, Alexstrasza and the other Aspects attacked Deathwing and forced him to flee. Deathwing has not been seen since that time. Not long after their adventure, Vereesa and Rhonin were married. Vereesa recently gave birth to their first children: twins. „

• Эльфы крови:

“ Also known as: sin'dorei Singular form: blood elf, sin'dorei Primary language: Thalassian After the Second War, the high elves seceded from the Alliance, and their departure triggered further deterioration in the faltering Alliance. Later, during the Third War, the Alliance extended membership to the night elves, who saw it as their duty to warn their new allies against the high elves. The Highborne's part in bringing about the War of the Ancients figured heavily in the night elves' retelling of elven history. It should come as no surprise that humans came to regard the high elves (and, by association, the blood elves) with resentment and suspicion. Led by Arthas Menethil, the Scourge recently invaded the kingdom of Quel'Thalas and created the lich Kel'Thuzad, defiling the Sunwell and using the last of its power in the process. Most of the high elf race was slaughtered by the undead. Sylvanas Windrunner's second-in-command, Lor'themar Theron, assumed temporary leadership of the high elves. The few high elves who survived the Scourge's invasion quickly grew ill and apathetic. Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider was the last of the royal bloodline and a member of the Kirin Tor. He had been pursuing magical studies in Dalaran at the time of the Scourge invasion. When he heard of the disaster, he hastened to Quel'Thalas and found his homeland in ruins. He realized that the elven survivors were all experiencing the same sickness and lethargy, which had begun when the Sunwell's magics were drained. Determined to salvage what he could, Kael'thas rallied all the survivors he could find and renamed them the sin'dorei, or "children of the blood", in honor of those who had fallen to the Scourge. Journey to Outland Thirsting for vengeance despite their weakened state, the healthiest blood elves, including Kael'thas, departed their ravaged land and joined the campaign against the Scourge in Lordaeron. In the prince's absence, Lor'themar was named regent of Quel'Thalas, and Halduron Brightwing became the new ranger-general of Silvermoon. To this day, Lor'themar continues to serve as the leader of Azeroth's blood elves. He and Halduron safeguard the land while they seek a cure for their people's seemingly insatiable hunger. When Kael'thas and his suffering people volunteered to fight the Scourge alongside Alliance resistance forces, the blood elves were met with suspicion and outright hostility, particularly from the prejudiced human Grand Marshal Garithos. Garithos assigned the blood elves increasingly difficult missions until Kael'thas was forced to accept the assistance of Lady Vashj and her naga. When Garithos discovered that the blood elves were working with the naga, he felt that his distrust had been vindicated. He imprisoned the hapless blood elf soldiers in the dungeons of Dalaran and sentenced them to death. Fortunately Vashj arrived in time to free the blood elves, who were suffering terribly from their hunger for magic by this time. Vashj explained that the naga, too, were addicted to magic, and she said that Illidan could help the blood elves. She then led them to the portal that Kel'Thuzad had opened during the Third War (so as to give Archimonde entry into Azeroth). With no other palatable choices, Kael'thas and his fighters followed the naga through the portal and into the shattered realm of Outland. There, the elves freed the renegade demon Illidan Stormrage, who had been taken prisoner by Warden Maiev Shadowsong. After the rescue, Kael'thas beseeched Illidan for a cure to the blood elves' addiction to magic. Illidan had a different proposal in mind, though: in return for the blood elves' loyalty, he would teach them to drain magic from powerful alternative sources, including demons. It was an offer Kael'thas felt he had to accept. He was certain his people would die without either a cure or a new source of magic. Kael'thas pledged his allegiance to Illidan, who taught several blood elves the techniques he had offered. These teachings spread to the other blood elves in Outland, who were then able to stave off their painful hunger for arcane magic. Reconstruction Heartened by their swift recovery, most of Kael'thas' group chose to stay in Outland and further their studies, but Grand Magister Rommath was sent back to Azeroth, bearing a message of hope for the blood elves still in Quel'Thalas. He relayed tales of a glorious promised land, spread the teachings of Illidan--teachings that Rommath smoothly attributed to Prince Kael'thas--and planted the notion that Kael'thas might one day return to lead his people to paradise. Rommath remained in Quel'Thalas to help rebuild and await the prince's return. Thanks to Rommath, the blood elves on Azeroth learned how to drain arcane magic and feed their addiction. As they returned to health, they praised their absent prince and dedicated themselves to learning more. Rommath and the new order of elven magi made great progress in tutoring their brethren to manipulate arcane energies. Soon the spires of Silvermoon City rose skyward once again, powered by volatile magics. The blood elves have even begun retaking portions of Eversong Woods. Emboldened by the promise of Kael'thas' return, the prince's weary people now focus on regaining their strength and forging a new path into an uncertain future. The Consequences of Addiction Blood elves no longer truly consider themselves high elves, and they tend to have different priorities and behaviors than their high elf kindred. Unlike high elves, blood elves have decided that in the absence of the Sunwell, they will feed their hunger for arcane magic by draining that magic from alternative sources. However, some basic similarities remain between blood elves and high elves, for both groups belong to the same race. As with high elves, most blood elves are not spellcasters. Blood elves do not drain magic in order to engage in spellcasting, but simply to feed their addiction to arcane magic. Gaining this magic on a reasonably regular basis has not given immortality to the blood elves, who are just as prone to illness, injury, and age as their high elf brethren. To date, there have been no observations of a significant difference between blood elf and high elf lifespans. On several occasions after the Sunwell's defilement, Kael'thas publicly asserted that his people would die unless they found a new source of magic. There can be no doubt that withdrawal from prolonged exposure to arcane magic is a very unpleasant process: to this day it is not impossible that a high elf might choose to give in to the addiction and become one of the blood elves. Technically, though, the prince was mistaken. According to the top priests and medics on Azeroth, the only high elves who perished due to the Sunwell's loss were the very old, the very young, and elves who were already in poor health. This is not to say, however, that withdrawal from magic would leave the blood elves unharmed. On the contrary, permanent mental or physical damage is possible. Even so, the prince's relatively quick acceptance of dire measures (e.g., draining magic from demons) is by no means characteristic of blood elves in general. The blood elves of Outland have by now discovered Kael'thas' agreement with Illidan, and they have for the most part become convinced of its necessity. Most blood elves still live on Azeroth, though. Few of these elves know of Kael'thas' pact with Illidan, and many would be horrified if they discovered it. Draining magic from small mana-bearing vermin is a far cry from draining magic from demons. Yet, as their hunger grows, blood elves--particularly those in Outland--are becoming increasingly inured to the things they must do in order to obtain more magic. Blood Elves and the Horde Approximately 85% of the blood elves still dwell on Azeroth rather than Outland. Most of Azeroth's blood elves live in Quel'Thalas. For example, the Farstriders, a small but elite group of blood elf rangers, are fighting to drive the remaining Scourge out of Quel'Thalas. In general, blood elves have negative impressions about much of the Horde. The blood elves' animosity toward trolls, for instance, has been well documented since the founding of Quel'Thalas, and that animosity was cemented by the Troll Wars. Nor do the blood elves have a fondness for orcs, who wrought widespread destruction and burned the borderlands of Quel'Thalas during the Second War. The elves have no particular quarrel with the tauren, but tend to think of them as bestial brutes. Yet the blood elves remaining on Azeroth are developing a relationship with the Forsaken due to Queen Sylvanas Windrunner, who was ranger-general of Silvermoon until Arthas converted her into undeath against her will. The queen claims that she still considers herself one of the foremost protectors of Quel'Thalas. She has repeatedly offered assistance in the form of supplies and troops. Thus far, the blood elves seem to fear a trick, or perhaps they are simply having difficulty overcoming their dislike for the rest of the Horde. Whatever the case, blood elves have declined most of Sylvanas' offers, particularly those that would involve stationing Forsaken soldiers in blood elf lands. Yet the beleaguered elves are well aware that they are massively outnumbered by the Scourge, and no one else seems willing to fight for what remains of Quel'Thalas. Certainly the Alliance has shown no interest in helping the Azerothian blood elves either reach Outland or drive the Scourge out of Quel'Thalas. Already suspicious of the few scattered high elves who still exist, the Alliance considers the blood elves even less trustworthy. Night elves are particularly hostile toward blood elves: to night elves, the sin'dorei stink of desperation and arcane magic. Given the blood elves' precarious position on Azeroth, it seems increasingly likely that they will form an alliance of convenience with the Horde. „

• Высшие эльфы:

“ Also known as: quel'dorei Singular form: high elf, quel'dorei Primary language: Thalassian Long ago, one caste of night elf nobility rose to prominence and eventually became known as the Highborne. Their reckless use of magic in the royal palace of Zin-Azshari caught the attention of Sargeras, who easily corrupted them. Captivated by the powerful dark titan, the palace Highborne helped the Burning Legion invade Azeroth. Countless night elves and other creatures died during the resulting War of the Ancients. A number of Highborne living in the palace regretted their choice to aid the Legion and, led by Dath'Remar Sunstrider, managed to escape Zin-Azshari before the Sundering occurred. Afterwards, tensions between the escapees and other night elves came to a boiling point when Dath'Remar and his followers refused to renounce arcane magic. They were certain that arcane magic could be used safely, and they felt that the rest of the night elves had neither the right nor the knowledge to claim otherwise. Sentenced to exile, these Highborne were more than happy to journey over the sea to Lordaeron, where they hoped to establish a home of their own. The Founding of Quel'Thalas Gradually the exiled Highborne developed striking differences from the night elves. Cut off from the new Well of Eternity, they diminished in height, and their skin lost its characteristic violet hue. In addition, the elves lost their resistance to injury and illness, and they became mortal. Many of the elves died from exposure or starvation during their long journey. In addition to these hardships, the elves were forced to flee the site of their first settlement, Tirisfal Glades, due to a mysterious evil influence that drove many of their number mad. As they pressed further inland, the elves developed a blood feud with the cunning forest trolls of Zul'Aman, who controlled most of the northern reaches of Lordaeron. Finally the exiled elves reached a region whose forestland reminded them of their distant homeland in Kalimdor. They drove out the resident Amani trolls, founded the kingdom of Quel'Thalas, and began calling themselves high elves. They also crowned Dath'Remar as their first monarch. In spite of the hardship they had endured, the high elves remained determined to continue their spellcasting, for they had come to consider arcane power their birthright. Using a vial of sacred water stolen from the first Well of Eternity, they created a fount of mystical power at a convergence of powerful ley energies in Quel'Thalas. They named this fountain the Sunwell. Although it was weaker by far than the first Well of Eternity, the Sunwell's potent arcane magic fed and strengthened the high elves. Thus, the city of Silvermoon was established. The power of the high elves grew, and they cast an enchantment on the forest that would keep them bathed in eternal springtime. From that day forward, all high elves were constantly suffused in the Sunwell's energies, and the elves came to regard the Sunwell's waters as holy. Although most high elves were not spellcasters, all high elves had access to the fountain's power no matter where they located on Azeroth. Elven magi crafted monolithic Runestones along the borders of Quel'Thalas; these massive stones powered a magical shield intended to mask the elves' magic from extra-dimensional threats and protect the land from invasion. The hard-won peace of Quel'Thalas would endure for roughly four thousand years. The Troll Wars: the Defense of Quel'Thalas The high elves soon learned that the trolls were not so easily defeated. After all, forest trolls had controlled much of Lordaeron for several millennia before the high elves even arrived on the continent. Almost immediately after the high elves founded Quel'Thalas, the trolls began to attack the elven settlements en masse. The stubborn elves, unwilling to give up their new land, fought hard and finally defeated the trolls. Peace followed and lasted for several thousand years. Then a mighty army of forest trolls besieged Quel'Thalas. The trolls had regrouped, and they meant to obliterate the elven interlopers. The high elves were hopelessly outnumbered. Driven to desperate measures, King Anasterian Sunstrider appealed to the human nation of Arathor. The high elves offered to teach select humans how to use magic if the humans would use their new powers to help defend Quel'Thalas. Arathor's monarch, King Thoradin, distrusted magic, but the high elves reminded him that if Quel'Thalas fell, the southlands would be the next area to fall before the trolls. Thoradin reluctantly conceded that the high elves had a point. He agreed to their offer, and soon his armies had joined the war. The united elf and human forces won out over the trolls. History would never see the trolls rise as one nation again. Assured that Quel'Thalas was saved from destruction, the elves made a pledge of loyalty and friendship to the nation of Arathor and to the bloodline of its king. As a result of the alliance between Arathor and Quel'Thalas, the wizard nation of Dalaran was formed, where humans and elves would study magic for years to come. The Second War: Alliance and Secession When the Second War broke out, the high elves had little interest in the conflict, but they felt duty-bound to lend the Alliance of Lordaeron their support. In particular, the commander of the Alliance forces was Lord Anduin Lothar, who was the last descendent of King Thoradin. Lothar's family had aided the high elves in fighting the Troll Wars, and so King Anasterian reluctantly agreed to provide a small number of soldiers and spellcasters who would fight alongside the Alliance. Then the Horde recruited Amani trolls into its ranks. Shortly thereafter, the Horde burned down the borderlands of Quel'Thalas and slaughtered many high elf civilians. Furious at this wanton destruction of life, the elves officially joined the Alliance and committed all their resources to the war. By the time the Horde was driven back, however, the orcs and trolls had already achieved their true goal: to steal and desecrate many of the Runestones that powered the elves' defensive shield. The warlock Gul'dan then used the pilfered stones to power his devious Altars of Storms. Nevertheless, the Alliance ultimately won the Second War, and most of the vanquished orcs were rounded up and put into internment camps. In the war's aftermath, the cost of rebuilding was significant, particularly when added to the cost of maintaining the internment camps. Without a common enemy, the human nations began bickering over territorial claims. The high elves began to doubt the value of the Alliance. Humanity seemed to need the high elves, but had little to offer in return, especially now that many Alliance resources went toward maintaining the internment camps. At last Anasterian rescinded the high elves' allegiance to the Alliance. He stated that the humans' poor leadership had been directly responsible for the burned forests in the borderlands of Quel'Thalas. King Terenas Menethil argued that nothing of Quel'Thalas would have survived if not for the hundreds of valiant humans who gave their lives to defend it. Despite his attempts at reestablishing diplomatic relations, however, the elves opted to remain independent of the crumbling Alliance. Their departure triggered the additional secession of the Gilneas and Stromgarde nations. The Third War: Loss of the Sunwell During the Third War, Prince Arthas Menethil and the Scourge laid waste to Quel'Thalas, wiping out most of its population and reducing large tracts of the mighty kingdom to ash in his quest to reach the Sunwell. Yet not all who fell before Arthas stayed dead: the merciless prince raised Quel'Thalas' foremost defender, Ranger-General Sylvanas Windrunner, into undeath against her will to serve the Scourge as a powerful, tormented banshee. As the undead armies closed in on the Sunwell, a high elf named Dar'Khan Drathir aided Arthas by lowering the shields surrounding the Sunwell. In betraying the high elves, Dar'Khan hoped to gain the favor of the Lich King. However, the most immediate result of his treachery was an explosion that knocked him unconscious and scattered most of the Sunwell's powers. The wizard Borel sensed the mystical energy being unleashed and succeeded in trapping a portion of it inside an avatar disguised as a young human girl, Anveena. Unaware of Borel's deed, Arthas then used the remaining energies of the Sunwell to reanimate the spirit of Kel'Thuzad in the form of a nightmarish lich. The Sunwell was left defiled and drained of all its magic. King Anasterian was slain in battle, and the sole heir to the throne, Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider, had been pursuing magical studies in Dalaran when the invasion occurred. In the absence of other leadership, Lor'themar Theron, Sylvanas Windrunner's second-in-command, assumed temporary leadership of the high elves. The few high elves to survive the Scourge's invasion quickly grew ill and apathetic. It became clear that they had become addicted to the Sunwell's arcane energies. Being constantly suffused in magic had fundamentally changed their race. Now that the source of their magic was gone, they were suffering acute pangs of withdrawal. Prince Kael'thas returned home and rallied all the survivors he could find: approximately 90% of the surviving high elves. He declared that these survivors would now bear a new name--the blood elves--in honor of their fallen people. The blood elves no longer consider themselves high elves, and they have different priorities and behaviors than their high elf kindred. In consequence, there are so few high elves left on Azeroth today that they cannot be considered a race in anything other than the biological sense. High elves do not gather in any significant numbers, nor do they act as a coordinated whole. They are a very small group of individuals scattered all over the world. As such, they do not have common opinions or goals. Indeed, modern high elves cannot even truly be said to have a culture-only a past filled with glory and regret Like blood elves, high elves can use arcane magic, but most do not because most high elves are not spellcasters. Whether or not they are spellcasters, all high elves are suffering acute pangs of withdrawal in the absence of the Sunwell's energies. A few high elves here and there have realized the cause of their distress; others have not. A crucial difference between high elves and blood elves is that no high elves have decided to feed their hunger for arcane magic by draining that magic from alternative sources (now that the Sunwell is useless). Even today, though, a high elf might still succumb to that addiction and become one of the blood elves. A Struggle to Survive On several occasions after the Sunwell's defilement, Kael'thas publicly asserted that his people would die unless they found a new source of magic. Technically the prince was mistaken. According to Azeroth's top priests and medics, the only high elves to perish due to magical withdrawal have been the very old, the very young, and elves who were already in poor health. Such a low rate of attrition might be considered an argument in favor of simply forgoing magic and suffering through the consequences. Indeed, a few high elves are said to have succeeded in taking this route through sheer willpower: they survived the process, however unpleasant. Apparently certain magical artifacts also ameliorate the symptoms of withdrawal and might, if sufficiently powerful, be able to suppress them altogether. This is not to say, however, that withdrawal from magic would leave the high elves unharmed. On the contrary, permanent mental or physical damage is possible. A few high elves have chosen to join the Alliance in recent years, but the Alliance as a whole remains somewhat suspicious of high elves to this day. The high elves' secession from the Alliance during the Second War left bitter memories. Furthermore, the night elves, who became part of the Alliance during the Third War, saw it as their duty to warn their new allies against the high elves. The Highborne's part in bringing about the War of the Ancients figured heavily in the night elves' retelling of high elf history. „

• Ночные эльфы:

“ Also known as: kaldorei Singular form: kaldorei, night elf Primary language: Darnassian Ten thousand years before the First War, the world of Azeroth cradled only one massive continent: Kalimdor. At the dark continent's center was a mysterious lake of incandescent energies. This lake came to be known as the Well of Eternity. Development of the Kaldorei In time, a primitive tribe of nocturnal humanoids were drawn by the Well's strange energies and built crude homes upon its tranquil shores. Over time, the Well's cosmic power affected the tribe, making them strong, wise, and immortal. Their skin turned various shades of violet, and they grew taller in stature. The tribe adopted the name kaldorei, which meant "children of the stars" in their native tongue. The kaldorei, or night elves as they would later be known, worshipped Elune, goddess of the moon, and believed that she slept within the Well's shimmering depths during the daylight hours. The early night elf priests and seers studied the Well with great curiosity, and the ongoing research of the Well became a facet of night elf society. The Well of Eternity also caused the night elves' eyes to glow with a silver or golden radiance. Their vision became preternaturally sensitive to light and motion. Contrary to what a casual observer might believe, night elf eyes still have pupils, just as the eyes of many other humanoid races do. These pupils can be difficult to discern, particularly under certain lighting or from certain angles. More importantly, the night elves learned the art of spellcasting, using the energies of the Well of Eternity. The night elves' magic quickly allowed them to establish a strong empire. As the night elves claimed further territory, they came into conflict with the trolls in the area, who had long dominated much of ancient Kalimdor. Unable to master arcane magic quickly enough to counter the night elves' sudden and fierce attacks, the trolls were forced to retreat. Thus was born the long-standing feud between night elves and trolls, an enmity which persists to this day. Night Elves and Trolls Are night elves descended from trolls? The night elf race was formed so long ago that no hard evidence has surfaced to answer this question, although it has been asked many times. All that is known for certain is that a tribe of nocturnal humanoids came to live on the shores of the first Well of Eternity, and the Well's cosmic energies changed them into the night elves we know today. Certainly many trolls do believe that the humanoids who developed into the night elf race were trolls. The theory does have some credibility, for there is at least a superficial physical resemblance between trolls and night elves. Furthermore, the troll race dominated much of ancient Kalimdor several millennia before the night elves came into power. Nevertheless, many night elves find this theory preposterous and abhorrent. They are quick to point out that the first night elves began their rise to power by defeating a number of nearby troll tribes. As a consequence, the trolls came to fear and respect the might of their new rivals. The troll theory of night elf ancestry may have been a direct result of this early conflict. The trolls hated the night elves--a sentiment that persists to this day--and may have wished to marginalize the night elf race and its accomplishments. Also, attributing the night elf race with a troll heritage likely helped the trolls come to terms with their own shocking defeat. Without additional data, there is little point in debating the merits of this controversial theory. No doubt it will remain a matter of contention for years to come. Arcane Magic and Its Consequences The night elves studied the energies of the Well for over a thousand years before Queen Azshara came to the throne. By that time, one caste of night elf nobility had risen to prominence. Under Azshara's reign, members of that caste began calling themselves the Highborne. The name pleased Azshara, for she too was a member of the highest caste, and she approved the term for official use. Many Highborne were obsessed with the Well, and with Azshara's approval, they devoted themselves to studying it day and night. Their reckless use of arcane magic eventually caught the attention of Sargeras, who easily corrupted the arrogant Highborne. Captivated by the dark titan, the Highborne helped the Burning Legion invade Azeroth. Countless night elves and other creatures died during the resulting War of the Ancients. In the end, the remaining night elves managed to defeat the Legion with the help of many allies and several heroes, including High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind, Malfurion Stormrage, and Illidan Stormrage. Some of the Highborne regretted their choice to aid the Legion and managed to escape the capital city, Zin-Azshari, before the Well of Eternity imploded and triggered the Great Sundering. Afterwards, arcane magic was outlawed on pain of death, but the Highborne arrogantly continued their dangerous sorcery. Rather than execute their defiant kindred, Tyrande and Malfurion sentenced the Highborne to exile. The exiles journeyed over the sea to Lordaeron, where they founded the kingdom of Quel'Thalas and began calling themselves high elves. A New Beginning Most of the remaining night elves had had enough of aristocracy and arcane magic. Such things were seen as relics of a decadent and shameful past. Even so, Illidan created a second Well of Eternity, for he did not believe that arcane magic was inherently dangerous. Most of the other night elves disagreed, however, and so Illidan was imprisoned. Three of the Dragon Aspects grew the first World Tree, Nordrassil, atop the Well so that the tree, which was linked to the Emerald Dream, would act as a regulator on the Well's magics. Nordrassil also bestowed a number of gifts upon the night elves, including continued immortality. Tyrande led the drive to reorganize night elf government. She believed that her order, the Sisterhood of Elune, had been too distant from the day-to-day affairs of their people. In her opinion, this distance had been partly to blame for the catastrophic war. The Sisterhood was greatly revered for its combat and healing skills, and its members had trained as warriors and scholars for generations. Furthermore, the Sisterhood was one of the few sizeable night elf groups to survive the war. Better yet, membership and rank among the Sisterhood had never been based upon family bloodlines. Inevitably Tyrande decided that her order should take on greater societal responsibilities. Never again would the Sisters of Elune fail in their duty to guide their people. Disbanding the former night elf army, most of which had been based on lineage rather than ability, Tyrande organized a new army called the Sentinels. This army is still directed by the Sisters of Elune, and thus Tyrande has been sole head of the night elf government throughout the ensuing millennia. Meanwhile, Tyrande's mate, Malfurion, taught the druidic arts to other night elves. This small group of druids dedicated themselves to preserving the balance of nature on Azeroth. Highly respected by the rest of night elf society, the druids are nevertheless outside of it, for they answer to no government. Today the Cenarion Circle welcomes members from a variety of different races, but the organization has no governmental authority over any of these races. The Third War Ashamed of the catastrophe their people had brought to Azeroth, the night elves withdrew to their forests and remained isolated there for approximately ten thousand years. Then their solitude was shattered by the arrival of Warchief Thrall and the Horde, along with a large group of human refugees, led by Lady Jaina Proudmoore. Tyrande was infuriated by the intruders, who trespassed upon lands that had belonged to the night elves alone for millennia. The Horde in particular not only chopped down vast stretches of forest, but also slew the demigod Cenarius. Tyrande led the Sentinels into battle against the mortal invaders, only to discover that the Burning Legion had followed the invaders to Kalimdor. The Legion had launched a new invasion upon the world. The high priestess and her soldiers raced to waken all the druids slumbering in the Emerald Dream, including Malfurion. With some encouragement from Medivh, the night elves saw the wisdom of uniting their forces with the humans and orcs. The three armies fought the demon lord Archimonde and his minions as they advanced on the summit of Mount Hyjal and the Well of Eternity that Archimonde sought to plunder. Together the armies delayed the Legion until the night elves had empowered Nordrassil with the magic of their immortality and the energies of countless night elf spirits. Then the World Tree gave off a massive burst of energy that killed Archimonde instantly. Without their commander, the Burning Legion crumbled and was defeated. Nordrassil and the second Well of Eternity still stand. The night elves' noble sacrifice has cost them their immortality. Under the leadership of Archdruid Fandral Staghelm, the Cenarion Circle has grown a second World Tree, Teldrassil, in the hopes of restoring what the night elves have lost. Thus far, those hopes have proven fruitless. Currently the night elves are members of the Alliance. Silver Eyes, Golden Eyes Before the Sundering, golden eyes were extremely rare among the night elves. Golden eyes thus came to be regarded as a sign of future greatness. Both Queen Azshara and Illidan had these unusual eyes. Unfortunately the falsehood of this widespread belief was only to become clear after these two infamous individuals had reached their dark fates. In truth, golden eyes were a sign of strong druidic potential. Little wonder that pre-Sundering night elves, with their emphasis on the arcane, did not understand the significance of these unusual eyes. Simply having this potential did not guarantee that the potential would be sensed or understood, much less wielded with skill and compassion. Despite his golden eyes, Illidan struggled with the druidic arts, though he, like Malfurion, was tutored by Cenarius. Innate druidic power does not necessarily lead to becoming a druid, and lacking that innate power does not preclude becoming a druid. Indeed, Malfurion was born with eyes that glowed silver, but he studied druidism, and his wholehearted dedication gave him a power and skill far beyond most druids. As he continued to use druidic magic, his eyes acquired the golden incandescence that had once been so coveted by other night elves. Golden eyes quickly became far more common. After the Sundering, night elves abandoned their former obsession with bloodlines, and so the number of night elves born with golden eyes increased significantly. In addition, the night elves resolved to be more respectful of Azeroth, and a number of night elf men followed in Malfurion's footsteps; these new druids eventually also had golden eyes. Traditionally night elf women served their people as warriors, hunters, and protectors. Many spellcasting vocations, on the other hand, were generally considered the realm of night elf men. Only since the devastating casualties of the Third War have these conventional gender roles been set aside. Because druids only recently opened their ranks to women, golden eyes remain somewhat more prevalent among night elf men than their female counterparts. Elves in General Both blood elves and high elves are descended from night elves. Nevertheless, due to their shared history and philosophical differences, the three groups do not share a close relationship. Indeed, night elves regard high elves and blood elves with suspicion, disgust, or outright hostility. Nevertheless, night elves do share some characteristics with their high elf and blood elf brethren. All three groups have unusually acute senses and are able to see clearly even in low-light conditions. As a general rule, elves are also slim, athletic, and graceful. Furthermore, they all have large pointed ears that tend to be greeted with admiration or mockery by other races. One similarity between night elves, high elves, and blood elves has only recently come about. The night elves sacrificed their immortality and much of their power at the end of the Third War. Thus, all elves are now mortal and have comparable lifespans that can extend as long as several thousand years. „

• Дежана:

“ High Priestess Dejahna was the head of the Sisterhood of Elune when the War of the Ancients began. Fighting alongside other night elves, she was lanced through the stomach by a demon on the battlefield, and much of her magic was subsequently drained from her by a felbeast. Despite her great healing skills, she did not survive her injuries. She chose Tyrande Whisperwind as her successor. „

• Десдел:

“ Lord Desdel Stareye was a noble who served as second-in-command to Lord Kur'talos Ravencrest, the initial commander of the night elf army that fought the first invasion of the Burning Legion. Secure in his aristocratic lineage, Desdel was proud of his high rank and, in the absence of armed conflict, had formed a high opinion of his combat abilities by the time the War of the Ancients began. A Brief and Disastrous Career When Kur'talos was assassinated by an agent of the queen, Desdel quickly assumed command of the army. To his shock, the invading demons proved far more difficult foes than he had anticipated. Desdel began to get the impression that the army he commanded had no faith in his tactics. Abandoning his polite attempts at diplomacy, Desdel did his best to make it clear that he expected both respect and obedience. When the forces of the Legion began to retreat, Desdel triumphantly ordered the night elves to give chase. He was sure that his strategies had the Legion on the run. Instead, the demons unleashed a deadly trap, attacking the unsuspecting night elves from the air. Desdel watched helplessly as the demons began pouring containers of boiling red liquid over the night elf army. In seconds, hundreds of troops were injured, some mortally. Captain Jarod Shadowsong rode to Desdel and asked for orders, but the panicked noble had none to give. Jarod caught sight of another group of demons hovering over Desdel, and so Jarod tried to pull Desdel out of the way. Infuriated at the upstart captain's lack of respect for superior rank and bloodline, Desdel ordered Jarod away on pain of imprisonment. It was the last mistake Desdel would make. Jarod yanked his mount aside just in time to avoid an agonizing death. The demons turned over their container, and boiling liquid poured down on Desdel and his nearby companions. Desdel was burned to death in moments, his face maimed beyond recognition. Not long after Desdel's death, Jarod became the new head of the night elf army. „

• Фендрал:

“ With Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage in a mysterious coma, Archdruid Fandral Staghelm recently became the leader of all druids on Azeroth. His first act was to persuade the rest of the Cenarion Circle to grow the second World Tree, Teldrassil. He argued that Teldrassil would eventually restore the immortality that the night elves sacrificed during the Third War. This claim has yet to be born out. Fandral's mate died while giving birth to Valstann Staghelm, and Fandral formed a very strong attachment to the boy as a result. Valstann's death during the War of the Shifting Sands left Fandral inconsolable and obsessed with finding a way to restore his son to life. The archdruid swore he would have nothing further to do with the qiraji, the dragons, or Silithus, for he blamed them all for his son's death. Experience and Antagonism Grief and bitterness have changed Fandral's personality--some might say for the worse. He has made many hard choices in his single-minded pursuit of his lost son, and each successive choice has proven easier for him to make. He stopped questioning his decisions altogether several hundred years ago. Many night elves regard this attitude as well justified self-confidence, but there are also those who consider him arrogant. Fandral himself has little care for what others think of him, provided that they stay out of his way. Although Fandral is the political leader of only the small Cenarion Circle, he is convinced that he also understands the best course of action for night elf society to take. He has a relatively low opinion of High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind, who has been sole leader of night elf government since the War of the Ancients. Fandral's disagreements with Tyrande are not a matter of public knowledge, however. Only the highest-ranking priestesses of Elune and druids know of the friction that has sprung up between Tyrande and Fandral. „

• Кур'талос:

“ Lord Kur'talos Ravencrest was the initial commander of the night elf army that fought the first invasion of the Burning Legion. The Nature of Nobility The Ravencrest clan was a noble one, but it was not of the Highborne caste. On the contrary, Kur'talos, like most of the night elf populace, regarded the Highborne with suspicion and dislike. He was a levelheaded man, a skilled warrior, and an inspiring leader on the battlefield. It was a matter of both honor and practicality for him to fight alongside his soldiers: his presence inspired others to greater feats of courage and skill. Even so, Kur'talos had many of the ancient night elves' prejudices against other races. He rejected any suggestion of asking the earthen or tauren for help. Furthermore, he considered dragons extremely powerful, but he believed they would simply devour any mortal envoys. He therefore refused to permit any night elves to appeal to the dragons for assistance in fighting the Legion. Unexpected Treachery Kur'talos was deeply loyal to Queen Azshara and could not believe she had been involved in the Burning Legion's arrival on Azeroth. Indeed, he led the night elf forces against the demons into battle time and again, shouting the queen's name as a rallying cry. Ironically it was Azshara who eventually ordered her second-in-command, Captain Varo'then, to eliminate Kur'talos. Having given her loyalty to Sargeras, ruler of the Legion, Azshara was irritated by the night elf army's continued opposition to the Legion, which divided the Legion's forces and delayed Sargeras from successfully entering Azeroth. Eager to please his queen, Varo'then dispatched a soldier to the battlefront. The orc Broxigar spotted the assassin and tried to warn Kur'talos, but his warning came too late. The assassin stabbed Kur'talos through the back of the neck before attempting to flee. Broxigar swiftly caught up to the assassin and slew him in turn. Lord Desdel Stareye, who had been Kur'talos' second-in-command, succeeded Kur'talos as commander of the night elf defenders. „

• Латосий:

“ Latosius was one of the senior members of the Moon Guard when the War of the Ancients began. An elderly night elf, he had practiced sorcery for a very long time, and he considered himself one of the foremost spellcasters of his order. Inconceivable Misfortune He was one of the sorcerers dispatched to Black Rook Hold, the fortress of Lord Kur'talos Ravencrest, in order to interrogate the prisoners Malfurion Stormrage, Broxigar, and Rhonin. Malfurion told a wild-sounding story about how the Highborne were abusing the Well of Eternity. Like many lower-caste night elves, Latosius was willing to believe ill of the Highborne. Like most of night elf society, though, he did not regard Queen Azshara in the same negative light, despite the fact that she, too, belonged to the Highborne. When the Burning Legion and its mortal allies managed to restrict access to the Well, the disruption brought an abrupt end to Latosius' magical interrogation of Malfurion. The Moon Guard tried repeatedly to restart the interrogation, but their spells failed without direct access to the Well's energies. Latosius was frightened and furious. A Valiant End Messengers began arriving at Black Rook Hold with even worse news: demonic invaders were attacking Zin-Azshari. Kur'talos and his soldiers were convinced that the queen had become a prisoner in her own palace. They therefore set out for Zin-Azshari to free her and defeat the demons. Although the Moon Guard's magical abilities were greatly diminished, Latosius and his comrades accompanied the army. The war escalated, and as the highest-ranking sorcerer, Latosius assumed leadership of the Moon Guard and directed their efforts on the battlefield. However, several other defenders later remarked that Latosius seemed to focus too much on minor details rather than the bigger picture. Eventually the elderly sorcerer was caught off guard and killed by an eredar warlock's spell. Rhonin avenged Latosius' death by killing the warlock responsible. By the time Rhonin had done so, Illidan Stormrage was already crossing the battlefield toward the remaining Moon Guard. Illidan, though not a member of their order, clearly had superior magical talent, and he proved much better than Latosius at coordinating the Moon Guard's efforts. „

• Джарод:

“ By the time the War of the Ancients broke out, Jarod Shadowsong had risen to the rank of captain in the Guard of Suramar, and his sister Maiev was one of the senior Sisters of Elune. The Shadowsong family was not of noble blood, and so both siblings had earned their positions through skill and hard work. Patrolling night elf lands for possible intruders, Jarod captured Krasus and made the disguised dragon a prisoner. A strange and extremely powerful phenomenon had thrown Krasus back to a time that contained a far younger version of Krasus, and the overlap had left Krasus weakened and ill unless he was in close proximity to his younger self. From Jailor to Protector With magical persuasion from Krasus, the captain began worrying that Krasus might die before being questioned. Thus, Jarod sought out one of the priestesses of Elune in the hope that she could heal his prisoner. He happened upon the novice Tyrande Whisperwind, and she consented to lend her aid. Although she could not heal Krasus of his malady, she was soon working with him to help her friend, Malfurion Stormrage, who had recently fallen comatose. The forest demigod Cenarius arrived, to Jarod's poorly concealed astonishment, and returned Malfurion's spirit from the Emerald Dream. Malfurion was reunited with his body and made a quick recovery. Then Jarod accompanied Krasus, Malfurion, and Tyrande as they went to speak with Lord Kur'talos Ravencrest, commander of the night elf army that was fighting the Burning Legion. Kur'talos was impressed by Jarod's dedication to duty, and put a group of battle-hardened soldiers at Jarod's command. Jarod and his soldiers were responsible for watching over the four strongest spellcasters of the night elf army: Malfurion and Illidan Stormrage, the human wizard Rhonin, and Krasus. Malfurion and Krasus eventually left the army and sought out the rest of the dragons, intending to appeal to them for help against the Legion. They embarked on this quest against Lord Ravencrest's express orders and without Jarod's knowledge. Yet Kur'talos could not find it in his heart to reproach Jarod for failing to halt the spellcasters' departure. The Assassination of Lord Ravencrest Eventually Kur'talos' strong leadership of the night elf army irked Queen Azshara, who instructed Captain Varo'then to eliminate the noble. The assassination was successful, and Lord Desdel Stareye became the new leader of the night elf defenders. Unfortunately Desdel had no skill at tactics. The invading demons pretended to retreat and then swiftly attacked the night elves from the air. Desdel watched in horror as the demons began pouring containers of boiling red liquid over the night elf army. Hundreds were injured, some mortally. When Jarod asked Desdel what action to take, the panicked noble had no useful response. Jarod caught sight of another group of demons hovering over Desdel, and so Jarod tried to pull Desdel out of the way. However, Desdel took offense at Jarod's effort and ordered him away on pain of imprisonment. Jarod yanked his mount aside just in time to avoid an agonizing death. The demons tipped over their container, and boiling liquid poured down on Desdel and his nearby companions. Desdel was killed in moments, his face maimed beyond recognition. Unwilling Hero After Desdel's death, the remaining nobles could not agree on a new strategy for the army. Jarod was forced to step into the breach. With his intuitive grasp of tactics and his natural talent at leadership, he quickly found himself appointed the new leader of the night elf army. The relieved nobles eagerly followed his commands. Jarod continued to doubt his importance to the war effort, but he received a very welcome surprise. Cenarius led a large group of demigods into the midst of the night elf army and humbly knelt before the astonished captain. The demigods had agreed to fight under Jarod's direction. As the captain continued to rally the night elves and turn the tide of battle, he caught the eye of the demon lord Archimonde. Malfurion's absence from the battlefield had frustrated the massive demon, who decided to take out his fury on Jarod. Archimonde was certain that the Legion's victory was inevitable, and so he took his time, sadistically toying with Jarod, slowly beating him to death. Very likely Archimonde took even greater pleasure in the prospect of finally breaking Jarod's iron will. Before Jarod was too badly wounded to recover, though, Malfurion and Illidan Stormrage worked their combined magic on the Well of Eternity. All the demons, including Archimonde, were sucked into the Well and forced back into the Twisting Nether, howling in fury. After the Sundering The Great Sundering triggered the birth of a new ocean, and the rushing waters chased the night elves all the way to Mount Hyjal. At last the waters subsided, and Jarod led a group of night elves to scout the area for drinkable water. They discovered that Illidan had created a second Well of Eternity, and with Malfurion's help, Jarod and the others captured Illidan. Jarod gave Malfurion the power to decide his reckless brother's fate, and so it was Malfurion who sentenced Illidan to an imprisonment that would last ten thousand years. A reluctant army commander, Jarod was deeply gladdened by the end of the war. He dissolved the makeshift army and continued to serve as a kind of administrator for a short time, but he had never wanted to be a leader. Gradually he directed increasing numbers of petitioners to the new high priestess of Elune, Tyrande Whisperwind, whose compassion and wisdom went a long way toward calming post-war tensions. By the time Tyrande established the night elves' new army, the Sentinels, Jarod had deliberately faded into the background. He did not think of himself as a hero, and he did not wish others to do so. One day he simply vanished, along with a few personal possessions. He did not say where he was going, nor, in fact, did he bid anyone farewell. Since that time, there have been no sightings of him. „

• Майев:

“ Maiev Shadowsong belonged to the Sisters of Elune by the time the War of the Ancients broke out, and her brother, Jarod, had become a captain in the Guard of Suramar. The Shadowsong family was not of noble blood, and so both siblings had earned their positions through skill and hard work. The Fortunes of War Leading the other priestesses into battle, High Priestess Dejahna was mortally wounded, and she named Tyrande Whisperwind as her successor. As one of the senior members of the order, Maiev was bitterly disappointed. Tyrande, who was only a novice at the time, had clearly been gifted with exceptional healing abilities by Elune. However, Tyrande lacked Maiev's experience and, in Maiev's opinion, spent too much time meditating on the goddess' loving and peaceful aspects. In a time of war, Maiev felt that Tyrande would have made a far better medic than a leader. Nevertheless, Maiev grudgingly acknowledged the new high priestess and followed her orders. Nor was this to be Maiev's only surprise during the war. Throughout the course of the night elves' fight against the Burning Legion, her brother Jarod was unexpectedly catapulted into prominence. When Lord Kur'talos Ravencrest, commander of the night elf defenders, was assassinated, Jarod soon stepped into the breach and displayed an intuitive grasp of tactics. The relieved nobles swiftly made Jarod their new commander, to Maiev's poorly concealed amazement. By the end of the war, Jarod had acquitted himself with honor. Even Maiev, who had been highly critical of her brother in the past, could not deny his heroism. She was furious when she discovered that Illidan Stormrage had attacked and injured her brother. Jarod had been leading a scouting party on Mount Hyjal, and they had caught Illidan in the process of creating a second Well of Eternity. Shortly thereafter Malfurion arrived and captured his twin, putting an end to the combat. Enraged, Maiev drew her weapon and went to kill the captive Illidan, but Tyrande stopped her and reminded her that Jarod still lived. Jarod gave Malfurion the right to decide Illidan's fate, and so it was Malfurion who sentenced Illidan to imprisonment. Formation of the Watchers Although she deeply respected Malfurion, his merciful decision hardly satisfied Maiev. She offered to watch over Illidan, whose attack on his fellow night elves had been the last straw. Most night elves now recognized him as both reckless and powerful. They had not forgotten that he had chosen to serve Sargeras, and they did not believe him when he swore he had done so only to gain sufficient power to defeat the Legion. Malfurion agreed that the night elves dared not leave Illidan unguarded in the long term, and so he asked Maiev to gather additional volunteers from the Sisterhood of Elune. Together, Maiev and the other priestesses would guard Illidan and prevent him from escape. Maiev obeyed and established a new organization that became known as the Watchers. As the group's leader, Maiev was given the rank of warden, which she later awarded to a select few who had proven their exceptional fighting abilities, tracking skills, and tenacity. When Jarod disappeared one night, Maiev was surprised and grieved that he had not spoken to her of his impending departure. In his absence, the Watchers became Maiev's sole companionship. As the years stretched into centuries and then millennia, she came to see the Watchers as her family. Illidan's Escape Since Illidan's incarceration, the Watchers' primary mission remained their vigil over him. However, the Watchers' duties widened somewhat over time and began to include the capture, imprisonment, and--where necessary--the recapture of all dangerous criminals. These new tasks occasionally took a Watcher far abroad, where she would remain until she tracked down and captured the criminal. Shortly before the Third War broke out, Maiev departed the barrow prisons in order to accomplish one such mission. She returned to find Illidan missing and a number of Watchers slain. Subsequent investigation led to a shocking conclusion: Tyrande and her Sentinels had attacked the Watchers and freed Illidan. Even worse, Illidan had turned into a demon, confirming Maiev's worst fears. Filled with fury, Maiev gathered what she could of the remaining Watchers and began to track Illidan down. They pursued him through Ashenvale Forest and over the sea to the Broken Isles, then at last caught up with him in the Tomb of Sargeras. By the time they confronted Illidan, however, he had already retrieved a magical artifact: the Eye of Sargeras. Illidan had not forgotten his long imprisonment. On the contrary, instead of learning from his punishment, Illidan had come to hate Maiev for enforcing his sentence. He used the power of the Eye to collapse that section of the tomb, flooding the area with water and trapping the Watchers. Maiev alone managed to escape, and she swore that she would avenge her murdered sisters. In one fell swoop, Illidan had wiped out almost all of Maiev's sisters in justice. Staggering back into her small base camp, Maiev dispatched a runner to Malfurion, warning him that Illidan was free again and carrying out dangerous magic. Forced Cooperation Malfurion and Tyrande immediately hastened to the Broken Isles and helped Maiev fight off Illidan's naga minions, but Illidan managed to escape to Lordaeron. Although Maiev was grateful for the rescue, she blamed Tyrande for Illidan's escape and his slaughter of the Watchers. While Malfurion went to commune with the land and discover his brother's whereabouts, Maiev and Tyrande continued the search for Illidan and encountered Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider. The prince was leading a large group of his people to safety. Maiev and Tyrande agreed to accompany Kael'thas and guard his people from Scourge attack. In return, the prince and his blood elves said they would help locate Illidan. Scourge forces ambushed the party at the Arevass River. Arrogantly certain that Elune would protect her, Tyrande stood her ground on the bridge and cast a destructive spell on the undead while the blood elves retreated. Then the bridge gave way, and Tyrande was swept into the river and out of sight. With Illidan still on the loose, Maiev refused to spend precious time tracking down the high priestess. Instead, with the blood elves' help, Maiev continued her search for Illidan. Eventually she and the blood elves met up with Malfurion. The Means to an End Malfurion's love for Tyrande was well known and had lasted for thousands of years. Despite his wisdom, in which Maiev had no doubt, she knew that telling Malfurion the truth would lead to a further waste of time. He would opt to try rescuing his treacherous mate, who might already be dead, rather than pursue Illidan, who was clearly a terrible threat to the entire world. Accordingly, Maiev told Malfurion that Tyrande had been killed by the Scourge. She blamed Illidan for Tyrande's death. To Maiev's relief, the prospect of revenge sufficed to motivate the grieving Malfurion, just as it kept Maiev herself going. Illidan would pay for all the deaths he had caused. Not too much later, Maiev, Malfurion, and the blood elves managed to corner Illidan. Illidan and the naga were channeling a spell through the Eye of Sargeras, a spell whose raw power threatened to tear the planet apart. When the spell was interrupted, Illidan began his usual protests of innocence and self-justification, but Maiev would hear none of it. She sentenced him to death on the spot and went to carry out the sentence. Unfortunately the truth about Tyrande's fate came to light just then, and Illidan was damnably quick to offer his assistance in rescuing Tyrande. Unable to refuse the help he might get from the naga and their evil master, Malfurion turned all his fear and rage on Maiev instead of Illidan. He called roots out of the ground to hold her fast while he and Illidan departed to seek out Tyrande. Mercy or Justice Freeing herself from the grasping plants and gathering her few remaining soldiers took Maiev long enough that Illidan succeeded in saving the high priestess. By the time Maiev caught up with the demon, Malfurion and Tyrande were bidding him a farewell that sounded almost fond. They were letting him go. He was a demon who had murdered countless innocents, spread corruption and madness among the beasts of the forest, and nearly caused irreparable harm to Azeroth. Jarod had given Malfurion the responsibility to determine Illidan's fate, but Malfurion was letting the demon go because Illidan had saved Tyrande's life. Evidently Malfurion felt that Illidan had been washed clean of the all the blood he had spilled. Maiev disagreed. The Watchers were gone, betrayed by their own government. If that government would not at least avenge their deaths, then by Elune, Maiev would see it done herself. Thus, when Illidan suddenly opened a portal and stepped through it, Maiev and her soldiers followed him without a second thought. She knew that Illidan placed great value on his life and would never deliberately endanger it. No Mercy, No Surrender Emerging from the portal, Maiev and her soldiers found themselves on the shattered planet of Outland. They soon discovered that Illidan had come alone, leaving his naga servants on Azeroth. Greatly outnumbered, Illidan discovered that his evil powers were of little use against cold steel, and his recapture proved to be fairly easy. Too easy. Maiev was bringing the caged demon back to her base when she was attacked. The naga had arrived on Outland, and they had brought new allies: the same blood elves that Maiev had helped escape the Scourge earlier. Maiev and her soldiers fought the naga and their traitorous elven friends, but the new army outnumbered hers, and eventually she was defeated. The naga and blood elves recaptured Illidan and freed him. Illidan and his allies have had little or no communication with the living denizens of Azeroth since that time. His brief return to Azeroth and his defeat by Arthas Menethil are, of course, public knowledge, but Maiev's ultimate fate has remained a matter of conjecture. Neither she nor any of her followers have been sighted on Azeroth since they followed Illidan to Outland. Given her unrelenting hate for Illidan, his continued good health is obviously a very bad sign. She is presumed dead, slain during her pursuit of vengeance. „

• Малфурион:

“ Malfurion is the fraternal twin of Illidan Stormrage and, like his brother, grew up as the friend of Tyrande Whisperwind millennia before the Great Sundering. One day Malfurion came across several legends that referenced a reclusive demigod of the forests. Malfurion had always had great reverence for the natural world, although the night elves as a race had long since abandoned any interest in such matters. He shared the legends of Cenarius with Illidan and Tyrande. The three night elves decided that it would be an exciting adventure to search for the demigod, though in truth they no more believed in Cenarius than the rest of their people did. It wasn't long before scattered plants and animals of Azeroth brought tidings of these night elves to Cenarius. Surprised and intrigued, Cenarius located the night elves and looked into their hearts. He saw great promise in Malfurion, a promise that made up Cenarius' mind. The laughing trio was shocked into silence when Cenarius stepped out of a shadowed thicket. He introduced himself and offered to teach them the druidic arts. They accepted eagerly. Malfurion proved a quick and talented student, but his brother was clumsy and quickly grew impatient. For her part, Tyrande was already a novice in the Sisterhood of Elune and so had dedicated herself to the goddess above all others. Malfurion alone would go on to become a druid. Invasion of the Burning Legion Malfurion made significant progress in his studies before he was assailed by a disturbing vision: the Highborne were abusing the Well of Eternity's magics. The vision gave him the strong conviction that Queen Azshara and her high-ranking spellcasters would bring about a catastrophe unless someone intervened. The night elf brought his concerns to Cenarius, who was greatly worried. Even so, the night elves realized what was happening too late. Demons poured out of the royal palace and began to slaughter everything in their path. The War of the Ancients had begun. Illidan was quickly given increased responsibilities due to his mastery of arcane magic. Even so he seemed increasingly moody and discontent as the war progressed. One day he abruptly left the night elf host and allied himself with the Burning Legion. He would later rejoin the night elf defenders, claiming that double-crossing the Legion had been his plan all along. Still, Malfurion and many other night elves would forever afterward doubt his loyalties. In the meantime, Cenarius taught Malfurion all he could of the druidic arts and then departed to seek out the other demigods of Azeroth. He argued that they had a responsibility to save Azeroth from the Legion, but the demigods were unaccustomed to the idea of working together. As a result, it took no little persuasion from Cenarius before they finally rode to the battlefront. A Father's Sacrifice The leader of the night elf army, Captain Jarod Shadowsong, readily accepted the demigods' offer of assistance, and the tide of battle seemed to shift. Reacting to the new and powerful threat, the vast demonic army refocused its attacks, and soon the mighty demigods were overwhelmed. Cenarius was badly wounded by the time Malorne charged up and drove back his son's attackers with a few sweeps of his massive antlers. The night elves scrambled into action, pulling the unconscious Cenarius to safety. Malorne easily held the demons off for a time. Then Archimonde came forth and engaged the giant stag in single combat, ultimately snapping Malorne's neck. Malfurion was furious and grieved; he called roots out of the ground to attack the demon lord. As the plants tightened their stranglehold on the demon's massive form, Archimonde was forced to teleport away in order to escape. The Betrayer Ysera's dragonflight helped Cenarius enter the Emerald Dream, where the green dragons ministered to his injuries. In the meantime, the night elves kept fighting. Malfurion played a key role in closing the portal that the Highborne had opened over the Well of Eternity, thereby thwarting Sargeras, the dark titan, in his attempt to enter Azeroth. The Well's magics had been badly abused during the war, and the portal's closure proved too great a strain. The Well imploded, triggering the Great Sundering. Ancient Kalimdor split apart into several landmasses, and a new ocean was born. Its cold waters chased the surviving night elves and their allies all the way to Mount Hyjal before finally subsiding. The weary refugees rested and tended to their wounds. Only Illidan set out immediately to scout the area, and he promptly located a lake and transformed it into a second Well of Eternity. A small group of night elves caught him in the act, and he attacked them. Fortunately Malfurion arrived only moments later and captured his brother. Illidan predicted that one day the demons would return to Azeroth, and he claimed that arcane magic was the only effective tool against them. Yet Malfurion feared that Illidan's so-called altruism actually masked his true motive: Illidan hungered for magic and gave little thought to the cost. Jarod left Illidan's punishment to Malfurion, who felt it would be the height of folly to leave Illidan free to continue his reckless pursuit of power. Thus, with Cenarius' help, Malfurion sealed Illidan within a vast underground barrow prison, there to remain chained and powerless until the end of time. Seclusion of the Night Elves The dragons learned of the second Well and grew a massive tree atop it in order to keep its power from being abused. This World Tree prevented the Well from becoming any stronger, and it gave the night elves a number of gifts, including continued immortality. It also linked the Well to the Emerald Dream, whose tempering influence were intended to protect the Well's powers from being abused, and prevent the Well from growing any more powerful. With the war over, Tyrande and Malfurion reached an understanding. Their deep love for one another gave them solace throughout the long process of restoring order to the devastated night elf populace. Tyrande, now high priestess of Elune and Malfurion's mate, implemented sweeping changes throughout night elf society. She organized a new all-female army, the Sentinels, and decreed that it would be directed by the Sisterhood of Elune. Nobility and sorcery were now considered the relics of a decadent and shameful past. Nevertheless, the Highborne refused to give up practicing arcane magic. After discussing the matter at length, Tyrande and Malfurion made the difficult decision to exile their defiant kin. In the wake of the Highborne's departure, the remaining night elves deliberately withdrew from the rest of the world. A veil of mist descended upon their entire continent, shrouding its presence from passing sailors. Meanwhile, Cenarius went to dwell nearby in the Moonglade of Mount Hyjal, and Malfurion continued to study under the demigod's tutelage. A number of night elf men joined Malfurion in studying the druidic arts, many of them former members of the Moon Guard. Malfurion began teaching them, and he eventually established the Cenarion Circle, Azeroth's druidic organization. He was soon given the rank of archdruid due to his great knowledge and power, and the group chose him to be their leader. The druids spent much of their time walking the wilds of Azeroth, meditating in the Emerald Dream, and trying to heal the damage that the war had caused. New Races Arrive in Kalimdor Time passed, and a new race had arrived on Azeroth: the orcs, who originated on the planet Draenor. Under the influence of demons, the orcs had changed from a peaceful shamanic society into the bloodthirsty Horde. They waged war upon the humans of the Eastern Kingdoms and killed countless other creatures during the First and Second Wars. Yet Cenarius and the night elves did not emerge from their seclusion, for they knew nothing of any events that occurred outside Kalimdor. The Second War ended badly for the orcs, and the Horde was shattered. Just before the Third War, a new orc warchief emerged: Thrall, who reformed the Horde and led his people across the sea to establish their own homeland on Kalimdor. This new Horde had no desire for further warfare; the orcs simply wanted to leave the human lands behind and find a place to call their own. A Demigod Slain The orcs did not receive a warm welcome on Kalimdor. The night elves dispatched a number of scouts posthaste, and the scouts returned with frightening stories of the orcs' past atrocities during the First and Second Wars. In the meantime, the orcs chopped down a great many trees in Kalimdor, clearly intending to establish a settlement. Cenarius became certain that the orcs had returned to their warlike ways. He called an army of treants out of the forests, and he led the night elves and the treants against a large group of the orcish intruders. The newborn Horde would surely have been crushed, save for the fact that several agents of the Burning Legion had recently arrived on Azeroth. The Legion had not forgotten the might of Cenarius, and they were determined to see him defeated. At the dreadlord Tichondrius' suggestion, the pit lord Mannoroth spilled his blood into a pool of water, and the resulting corruption was soon detected by the Horde's troll witch doctors. Led by Grom Hellscream, the orcs drank of the pool's tainted waters and reveled in the return of their demon-granted power. Overcome with supernatural hate and rage, Grom and his warriors succeeded in killing Cenarius. With the demigod dead, they went on to corrupt the ancient forests. Awakening of the Druids Lady Jaina Proudmoore helped Thrall bring Grom back to his senses, and Grom killed Mannoroth, freeing the orcs from their demonic curse. Nonetheless, the damage had been done, and the corruption was spreading. The Legion began invading the forests in greater numbers, and soon Tyrande and her Sentinels encountered the marauding demons. The return of the Burning Legion was the night elves' worst fear. Tyrande and her warriors knew they would need all the help they could get to defeat the demonic army. The women fought their way to the Horn of Cenarius, and Tyrande used it to wake Malfurion from hibernation. He had been walking the Dream for a thousand years. Malfurion and Tyrande entered the barrow dens in search of further druids who needed awakening. In the process, they happened upon the door to Illidan's prison. Tyrande said that surely Illidan's long imprisonment had been more than adequate punishment for his past deeds. Moreover, she argued that Illidan's abilities were being wasted in prison when he could be helping fight the Burning Legion, as he had so long ago. Rise of a Dark Power Although Malfurion tried to dissuade her, Tyrande entered the prison and freed Illidan. Unhappy with her decision but unable to stop her, Malfurion went on to wake the rest of the sleeping druids, and then he met up with Tyrande. She told him that Illidan had agreed to help fight the Legion. With deep misgivings, Malfurion followed her to the forests of Felwood, where she had left his twin. Illidan had not been idle in Tyrande's absence. He had stolen a magical artifact that the Legion had been using to corrupt Felwood: the Skull of Gul'dan. Rather than simply destroy the skull, Illidan had consumed its power, which instantly transformed him into a demon. He had then used his newfound might to destroy the dreadlord Tichondrius. When Malfurion and Tyrande arrived, Illidan explained that the forests would heal now that the skull had been destroyed. The demon's weak attempt at self-justification did not deceive either of the horrified night elves. Malfurion, who still bore the responsibility of determining Illidan's punishment, disavowed all kinship with the demon and sentenced him to exile from all night elf lands. The Battle of Mount Hyjal Journeying to Mount Hyjal, the night elves joined forces with Jaina Proudmoore's army and Thrall's Horde. Together the three armies delayed the demon lord Archimonde long enough for Malfurion and the other druids to lay a trap. When Archimonde at last reached the tree and the Well of Eternity it protected, the druids empowered the World Tree with the night elves' immortality and the energies of countless night elf spirits. The tree gave off a massive burst of energy that killed Archimonde instantly. Without their commander, the Burning Legion forces remaining on Azeroth crumbled under the combined might of the Horde, human, and night elf armies. Pursuit of Justice The night elves' sacrifice had saved Azeroth, but it had left them mortal. Nevertheless, Warden Maiev Shadowsong remained determined to recapture her former prisoner, Illidan, or die trying. She took most of the other Watchers with her on her quest, and the group pursued Illidan into the Tomb of Sargeras. The vengeful demon had not forgotten his former jailors. Having acquired the Eye of Sargeras, he turned its destructive power on the tomb's stone walls. The Watchers were trapped in one section of the tomb, with seawater beginning to flood the area. Only Maiev managed to escape and make it back to her base camp. She sent a messenger to Malfurion to ask for help and warn him about Illidan's activities. Malfurion and Tyrande both came to Maiev's rescue, and then Malfurion left the two women alone so that he could commune with the troubled land. He was angry and bewildered to find that Illidan and a group of naga were channeling a spell that was tearing Northrend apart. Emerging from the forest, he went to warn the other night elves of this calamitous news. Brothers Reunited To Malfurion's anguish, Maiev said that Tyrande had been killed while escorting Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider and his blood elves to safety. She added that Tyrande wouldn't have been in this dangerous situation in the first place if not for Illidan. The reminder filled Malfurion with fury, and he, Maiev, and the blood elves tracked down Illidan and put an end to his dangerous spell. It was then that Malfurion learned two crucial facts. First, Illidan had been trying to defeat a shared enemy: the Lich King. Second, Maiev had lied. Tyrande was likely still alive and, if so, surely in desperate need of aid. Illidan volunteered to find and rescue Tyrande. After some argument, Malfurion conceded that the naga would be far quicker to reach Tyrande, given the fact that she had been swept down the River Arevass. Then too, it was obvious that despite having become a demon, Illidan still loved Tyrande. When Illidan returned from his mission with Tyrande alive and well, Malfurion was overjoyed. Illidan had caused a great deal of destruction and suffering, but his rescue of Tyrande made it impossible for Malfurion to return his brother to prison or sentence him to death. Hence, Malfurion chose to let Illidan go free, though Malfurion warned the demon never to threaten the night elves again. Illidan opened a portal to Outland, and Maiev arrived just as Illidan departed. Without hesitation, Maiev and her ragged band of followers entered the portal as well. Malfurion was left to pray that in her fanatical pursuit of Illidan, Maiev would not cause more havoc than the demon himself. A New World Tree Claiming that the night elves' immortality could be restored, Archdruid Fandral Staghelm recently proposed growing a second World Tree, though the dragons had refused to assist in the process. Malfurion flatly refused; he argued that without the blessing of the dragonflights, the tree would be an abomination. When Malfurion fell into a mysterious coma, Fandral became the new leader of the druids. His first act was to persuade the rest of the Cenarion Circle to grow the second World Tree, which they named Teldrassil. Contrary to Fandral's hopes, though, the new World Tree has not restored the night elves' immortality. Dream Without End The cause of Malfurion's condition has yet to be determined. Tyrande was the one who discovered his comatose body in his barrow den in the Moonglade. Deeply concerned, she sent for the Cenarion Circle and for several other Sisters of Elune. The druids informed her that Malfurion was last known to be meditating, and that there was no sign that intruders had violated the Moonglade. Upon further investigation, the druids remained baffled. Malfurion's dreamform had somehow become separated from his body. The Cenarion Circle has repeatedly tried and failed to call his spirit back to his physical form. The Circle has also attempted to contact him in the Emerald Dream to no avail. At last the druids appealed to Ysera, but even she could not find Malfurion. It seems clear that he is lost in the Emerald Dream. The Sisters of Elune could not lend any further information about Malfurion's condition or a possible remedy for it. They could only determine that his body was perfectly healthy. All they have been able to do for him is place enchantments on his body to keep it in good health while he is comatose. The Cenarion Circle has decided that it would be best to leave Malfurion's body where it was found, in his barrow den in the Moonglade. The general consensus is that Malfurion's spirit has the best chance of locating his body if the body is not moved. Also, of course, the Moonglade is somewhat more conducive to druidic magic than a large city like Darnassus. As ruler of the night elves, Tyrande spends most of her time in Darnassus. Nevertheless, she secretly visits the Moonglade from time to time in order to check on Malfurion. The Cenarion Circle and several priestesses of Elune are tending to his body, but his condition has shown no signs of improvement. For the most part Malfurion's mysterious ailment has been kept a secret, except for the highest-ranking members of the Sisters of Elune and of the Cenarion Circle. Nevertheless, there has been a great deal of speculation regarding his noticeable absence from the public eye. „

• Тиранд:

“ Millennia before the Great Sundering, Tyrande Whisperwind grew up as the childhood friend of Malfurion and Illidan Stormrage. One day Malfurion came across several legends that referenced a reclusive demigod of the forests. Malfurion had always had great reverence for the natural world, although the night elves as a race had long since abandoned any interest in such matters. He shared the legends of Cenarius with Illidan and Tyrande. The three night elves decided that it would be an exciting adventure to search for the demigod, though in truth they no more believed in Cenarius than the rest of their people did. The laughing trio was shocked into silence when Cenarius stepped out of a shadowed thicket and offered to teach them the druidic arts. They accepted eagerly. Malfurion proved a quick and talented student, but his brother was clumsy and quickly grew impatient. For her part, Tyrande was glad to learn what she could from Cenarius. Nonetheless, she was already a novice in the Sisterhood of Elune and so had dedicated herself to the goddess above all others. Malfurion alone would go on to become a druid. Invasion and War Malfurion made significant progress in his studies before he was assailed by a disturbing vision. He watched helplessly as the Highborne increasingly abused the Well of Eternity's magics. The vision gave him the strong conviction that Queen Azshara and her high-ranking spellcasters would cause a catastrophe unless someone intervened. The night elf brought his concerns to Cenarius, who was greatly worried. Even so, the night elves realized what was happening too late. Demons poured out of the royal palace and began to slaughter everything in their path. The War of the Ancients had begun. Illidan became increasingly moody and bitter when he realized that Malfurion was his unwitting rival for Tyrande's heart. The priestess had always known that she would choose one of the twins for her mate, but she was taken aback when Illidan suddenly accused her of having already made her choice: Malfurion. In time she would realize that Illidan had been right. Prisoner of the Legion As the war progressed, a group of satyrs led by Lord Xavius kidnapped the unconscious Tyrande from the battlefield and imprisoned her in the palace. The goddess Elune shielded Tyrande from harm, and so the demons were unable to torture the high priestess as they might have preferred. Mildly curious, Azshara and one of her handmaidens, Lady Vashj, paid Tyrande a visit. Perhaps Elune's obvious connection to Tyrande impressed the queen. For whatever reason, the queen idly offered to make Tyrande a handmaiden as well. Tyrande politely refused and said that she was dedicated to Elune alone. The queen was annoyed and left shortly thereafter, but Vashj later returned and tried unsuccessfully to kill Tyrande. Vashj had become irrationally convinced that Tyrande was trying to replace Vashj in the queen's favor. Flight From Zin-Azshari Dath'Remar Sunstrider, too, visited Tyrande's prison cell, and he began confiding in her. A large group of Highborne had become discontent. The Legion had assumed sole control over the Well of Eternity, and the Highborne were made to work day and night, neglecting food and rest in favor of summoning further demons into Azeroth. Their bargain with Sargeras had not paid off, and they were beginning to think that it never would. Hope filled Tyrande, and she encouraged Dath'Remar as much as she dared. One night he came to her cell and revealed that the rebel Highborne planned to flee the palace. He offered to free her if she would speak to the rest of the night elves on behalf of these Highborne, who knew all too well that their brethren would regard them as traitors. She agreed, for she felt that Dath'Remar and the rest of the rebels deserved a second chance. During their flight from the city, she was snatched up into the sky by an attacking doomguard. Rather than die without a fight, she slew him in mid-air and plummeted toward the ground, resigned to her death. A spell unexpectedly softened her fall: Illidan had saved her life. Deeper Peril Illidan pulled Tyrande with him toward the Well of Eternity. He planned to cast a spell that would reverse the portal through which Sargeras was trying to reach Azeroth. Tyrande was not enthusiastic about the dangerous idea, but Illidan refused to listen to her concerns. Malfurion and many other heroes soon arrived and combined their efforts with those of Tyrande and Illidan. Together the night elves and their allies managed to close the portal. Unfortunately the Well's magics had been badly abused during the war, and the portal's closure proved too great a strain. The Well imploded, triggering the Great Sundering. Ancient Kalimdor split apart into several landmasses, and a new ocean was born. Its cold waters chased the surviving night elves and their allies all the way to Mount Hyjal before finally subsiding. The reckless Illidan created a second Well of Eternity atop Mount Hyjal. The leader of the night elf army, Captain Jarod Shadowsong, granted Malfurion the right to determine Illidan's punishment. Malfurion dared not leave his twin free to continue his pursuit of power at any cost, and so Malfurion sentenced his brother to imprisonment for all eternity. Seclusion of the Night Elves With the war over, Tyrande and Malfurion reached an understanding. Their deep love for one another gave them solace throughout the long process of restoring order to the devastated night elf populace. Tyrande, now high priestess of Elune and Malfurion's mate, implemented sweeping changes throughout night elf society. She organized a new all-female army, the Sentinels, and decreed that it would be directed by the Sisterhood of Elune. Nobility and sorcery were now considered the relics of a decadent and shameful past. Nevertheless, the Highborne refused to give up practicing arcane magic. After discussing the matter at length, Tyrande and Malfurion made the difficult decision to exile their defiant kin. In the wake of the Highborne's departure, the remaining night elves deliberately withdrew from the rest of the world. A veil of mist descended upon their entire continent, shrouding its presence from passing sailors. Meanwhile, Cenarius went to dwell nearby in the Moonglade of Mount Hyjal. A number of night elf men joined Malfurion there and studied the druidic arts, many of them former members of the Moon Guard. Malfurion eventually established and led the Cenarion Circle, Azeroth's druidic organization. He and the rest of his small group spent much of their time walking the wilds of Azeroth, trying to heal the damage that the war had left behind, and meditating in the Emerald Dream. New Races Arrive in Kalimdor Time passed, and a new race arrived on Azeroth: the orcs, who originated on the planet Draenor. Under the influence of demons, the orcs had changed from a peaceful shamanic society into the bloodthirsty Horde. They waged war upon the humans of the Eastern Kingdoms and killed countless other creatures during the First and Second Wars. Yet Cenarius and the night elves did not emerge from their seclusion, for they knew nothing of any events that occurred outside Kalimdor. The Second War ended badly for the orcs, and the Horde was shattered. Just before the Third War, a new orc warchief emerged: Thrall, who reformed the Horde and led his people across the sea to establish their own homeland on Kalimdor. This new Horde had no desire for further warfare; the orcs simply wanted to leave the human lands behind and find a place to call their own. A Demigod Slain The orcs did not receive a warm welcome on Kalimdor. The night elves dispatched a number of scouts posthaste, and the scouts returned with frightening stories of the orcs' past atrocities during the First and Second Wars. In the meantime, the orcs chopped down a great many trees in Kalimdor, clearly intending to establish a settlement. Cenarius led an army of night elves and treants against a large group of the orcish intruders. The newborn Horde would surely have been crushed, save for the fact that several agents of the Burning Legion had recently arrived on Azeroth. The Legion had not forgotten the might of Cenarius, and they were determined to see him defeated. At the dreadlord Tichondrius' suggestion, the pit lord Mannoroth spilled his blood into a pool of water, and the resulting corruption was soon detected by the Horde's troll witch doctors. Led by Grom Hellscream, the orcs drank of the pool's tainted waters and reveled in the return of their demon-granted power. Overcome with supernatural hate and rage, Grom and his warriors succeeded in killing Cenarius. With the demigod dead, they went on to corrupt the ancient forests. Awakening of the Druids Lady Jaina Proudmoore helped Thrall bring Grom back to his senses, and Grom killed Mannoroth, freeing the orcs from their demonic curse. Nonetheless, the damage had been done, and the corruption was spreading. The Legion began invading the forests in greater numbers, and soon Tyrande and her Sentinels encountered the marauding demons. The return of the Burning Legion was the night elves' worst fear. Tyrande and her warriors knew they would need all the help they could get to defeat the demonic army. The women fought their way to the Horn of Cenarius, and Tyrande used it to wake Malfurion from hibernation. He had been walking the Dream for a thousand years. Tyrande and Malfurion entered the barrow dens in search of further druids who needed awakening. In the process, they happened upon the door to Illidan's prison. Tyrande was saddened to realize that Malfurion's twin had been a prisoner for ten millennia. She said that surely his long imprisonment had been more than adequate punishment. Moreover, from a practical point of view, she felt Illidan's abilities were being wasted in prison when he could be helping fight the Burning Legion, as he had so long ago. A Chance at Redemption Malfurion tried to forbid Tyrande from freeing Illidan, but the decision was hers alone to make, as sole leader of the night elf government. Thus, she led a group of Sentinels into the prison. The Watchers would not surrender their prisoner without a fight, and so Tyrande and her soldiers slew the guards who barred the way to Illidan's cell. She told Illidan that his people needed him to help fight the Burning Legion again. Illidan agreed to join the fight against the Legion. However, he was clearly bitter about his long imprisonment. He told Tyrande that he fought not out of any lingering loyalty toward their people, but for her sake alone. Freed from his cell, he followed Tyrande upward into the corrupted forests of Felwood. Tyrande and her soldiers departed in search of Malfurion, who was awakening the last sleeping druids. She felt sure that once confronted with the reality of Illidan's freedom, she could convince her mate to give his twin another chance. Rise of a Dark Power Tyrande met up with Malfurion, who had awakened the rest of the sleeping druids. She told him that Illidan had agreed to help fight the Legion. With deep misgivings, Malfurion followed her to Felwood. Illidan had not been idle in Tyrande's absence. He had stolen a magical artifact that the Legion had been using to corrupt Felwood: the Skull of Gul'dan. Rather than simply destroy the skull, Illidan had consumed its power, which instantly transformed him into a demon. He had then used his newfound might to destroy the dreadlord Tichondrius. When Malfurion and Tyrande arrived, Illidan explained that the forests would heal now that the skull had been destroyed. The demon's weak attempt at self-justification did not deceive either of the horrified night elves. Malfurion, who still bore the responsibility for Illidan's punishment, disavowed all kinship with the demon and sentenced him to exile from all night elf lands. The Battle of Mount Hyjal Journeying to Mount Hyjal, the night elves joined forces with Jaina Proudmoore's army and Thrall's Horde. Together the three armies delayed the demon lord Archimonde long enough for Malfurion and the other druids to lay a trap. When Archimonde at last reached the tree and the Well of Eternity it protected, the druids empowered the World Tree with the night elves' immortality and the energies of countless night elf spirits. The tree gave off a massive burst of energy that killed Archimonde instantly. Without their commander, the Burning Legion forces remaining on Azeroth crumbled under the combined might of the Horde, human, and night elf armies. Pursuit of Justice The night elves' sacrifice had saved Azeroth, but it had left them mortal. Nevertheless, Warden Maiev Shadowsong remained determined to recapture her former prisoner, Illidan, or die trying. She took most of the other Watchers with her on her quest, and the group pursued Illidan into the Tomb of Sargeras. The vengeful demon had not forgotten his former jailors. Having acquired the Eye of Sargeras, he turned its destructive power on the tomb's stone walls. The Watchers were trapped in one section of the tomb, with seawater beginning to flood the area. Only Maiev managed to escape and make it back to her base camp. Technically the Watchers, as agents of the night elf government, fell under Tyrande's authority, but Maiev had come to hate Tyrande for freeing Illidan and killing a number of Watchers in the process. In addition, Malfurion had been the one to sentence Illidan to imprisonment, and so Maiev sent a messenger to ask Malfurion for help and warn him about Illidan's activities. Diplomacy Tyrande and Malfurion both came to Maiev's rescue, and then Malfurion left the two women alone so that he could commune with the troubled land. The women continued their search for Illidan and came across a band of blood elves led by Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider. Maiev demanded that the prince and his people help locate Illidan, but the prince pointed out that first he had to get his people to safety. Tyrande intervened and proposed that she and Maiev escort the blood elves over the River Arevass. In return, the blood elves could assist in the hunt for Illidan. The prince agreed to Tyrande's proposal, but the Scourge attacked in force as the blood elves reached the river. Tyrande rode out onto the bridge and called on the wrath of Elune, hoping to stave off the undead attackers. For a time she succeeded, but then the bridge collapsed, and Tyrande was swept downriver. Later Tyrande would learn that Maiev never considered trying to rescue Tyrande. Instead, Maiev told Kael'thas that they needed to press on. Maiev's Betrayal Malfurion emerged from the forest with the dire news that Illidan and a group of naga were channeling a spell that was tearing Northrend apart. To his anguish, Maiev took him aside and explained that Tyrande had been killed while escorting the blood elves to safety. She added that Tyrande wouldn't have been in this dangerous situation in the first place if not for Illidan. The reminder filled Malfurion with fury, and he, Maiev, and the blood elves tracked down Illidan and put an end to his dangerous spell. It was then that Malfurion learned two crucial facts. First, Illidan had been trying to defeat a shared enemy: the Lich King. Second, Maiev had lied. Tyrande was likely still alive and, if so, surely in desperate need of aid. Illidan volunteered to find and rescue Tyrande. After some argument, Malfurion conceded that the naga would be far quicker to reach Tyrande, given the fact that she had been swept down the River Arevass. Then too, it was obvious that despite having become a demon, Illidan still loved Tyrande. Unexpected Rescue The Scourge was harrying Tyrande and the small number of Sentinels who had jumped into the river after their mistress. Although the fight seemed hopeless, the women built a small camp and stood their ground. When Illidan and a group of naga appeared, Tyrande at first thought that he had come to kill her. What else, after all, could she expect of a demon? Instead, Illidan and his warriors fought the undead alongside the Sentinels. The combined forces battled their way free of the Scourge and rejoined Malfurion and the other night elves. Tyrande and Malfurion were overjoyed. Illidan had caused a great deal of destruction and suffering, but his help in saving Tyrande made it impossible for Malfurion to return his brother to prison or sentence him to death. Hence, Malfurion chose to let Illidan go free, though he warned the demon never to threaten the night elves again. Illidan opened a portal to Outland, and Maiev arrived just as Illidan departed. Tyrande tried to stop the angry warden, but it was no use. Without hesitation, Maiev and her ragged band of followers entered the portal as well. Dream Without End Not long ago, Tyrande discovered Malfurion's comatose body in his barrow den in the Moonglade. Deeply concerned, she sent for the Cenarion Circle and for several other Sisters of Elune. The druids informed her that Malfurion was last known to be meditating, and that there was no sign that intruders had violated the Moonglade. Upon further investigation, the druids remained baffled. Malfurion's dreamform had somehow become separated from his body. The Cenarion Circle has repeatedly tried and failed to call his spirit back to his physical form. The Circle has also attempted to contact him in the Emerald Dream to no avail. At last the druids appealed to Ysera, but even she could not find Malfurion. It seems clear that he is lost in the Emerald Dream. The Sisters of Elune could not lend any further information about Malfurion's condition or a possible cure. They could only determine that his body was perfectly healthy. All they have been able to do for him is place enchantments on his body to keep it in good health while he is comatose. The Cenarion Circle has decided that it would be best to leave Malfurion's body where it was found, in his barrow den in the Moonglade. The general consensus is that Malfurion's spirit has the best chance of locating his body if the body is not moved. Also, of course, the Moonglade is somewhat more conducive to druidic magic than a large city like Darnassus. As ruler of the night elves, Tyrande spends most of her time in Darnassus, for she knows that her duty to the night elf people must come before the wishes of her heart. Nevertheless, she secretly visits the Moonglade from time to time in order to check on Malfurion. The Cenarion Circle and several priestesses of Elune are tending to his body, but his condition has shown no signs of improvement. „

• Вальстанн:

“ Valstann Staghelm was the son of Archdruid Fandral Staghelm. Fandral's mate died during Valstann's childbirth, and Fandral formed a strong relationship with Valstann as a result. When Valstann was slain during the War of the Shifting Sands, Fandral was inconsolable. To this day, Fandral remains determined to restore his son to life. „

Бестиарий:

“ The Burning Crusade will introduce a whole new world and many new dungeons to the game. A multitude of strange, wondrous and terrifying creatures inhabit these wild, untamed lands. This page contains a few of the many new monsters that make up the vast and varied bestiary of the Burning Crusade. From arcane thieves to savage demigods, from nightmares of an ancient past to magnificent beasts never seen before, they all can be discovered in Outland and the still unexplored lands of Azeroth „

• Наару:

“ When Sargeras descended upon the eredar's homeworld, a race of sentient energy beings – the naaru – helped a small band of eredar to escape the dark titan's corruption. Soon the eredar refugees began calling themselves the draenei, or "exiled ones". Moved by the draenei's courage, the naaru blessed them with Light-given knowledge and power. Ultimately the benevolent naaru hoped to unite all who opposed the Burning Legion and forge these heroes into a single unstoppable army of the Light. In pursuit of that goal, the naaru have recently traveled to Outland in a dimensional fortress known as Tempest Keep. Most of the naaru disembarked to reconnoiter the ravaged land. In their absence, an army of blood elves led by Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider overran the keep and took its sole remaining guardian hostage. With Tempest Keep in blood elf hands, the naaru find themselves stranded in Outland, facing a precarious future. „

• Сломленные:

“ The orcs of Outland were not the only ones to suffer the Burning Legion's demonic corruption. The Broken, led by the great Akama, fell prey to the demons' sinister influence, and just like the orcs, they too were changed by the corruption. Though they lost some of their former powers, the Broken still present a clear danger to all of Illidan's enemies throughout Outland. It almost seems like a miracle that the Broken somehow managed to preserve their shamanistic heritage, yet no one can say for sure how many of their traditions are still intact. From the safety of the fortified villages the Broken hold in Outland, they lord over their lesser cousins, the wretched Lost Ones. „

• Эредары:

“ The eredar are one of the oldest known races in the universe. They comprise the commanders and strategists of the Burning Legion. Exceptionally skilled in magic, their mastery of the arcane arts is renowned throughout the scattered worlds of the Great Dark Beyond. The likes of Archimonde and Kil'jaeden, feared and loathed for their unmatched cruelty and cunning, are among the more infamous members of the eredar race – the vanguard of an unstoppable, demonic army bent on universal annihilation. „

• Эфириалы:

“ Treading the chaotic spaces between worlds, the ethereals are astral travelers who dwell within the Twisting Nether. They are known to be collectors and traders of arcane items and artifacts. Now drawn to Outland, many ethereals are seeking to track down its treasures and steal them back into the Twisting Nether. They are liars and scoundrels who will stop at nothing to pursue their mysterious aims. The ethereals have no care at all for the Burning Crusade. They would even play both sides of the conflict against each other if doing so would serve to further their own goals. „

• Орки Скверны:

“ Mystery and speculation surround the corrupted fel orcs who recently appeared in Outland. Though little is known about these savage warriors, the most disturbing revelation to come to light is that their numbers appear to be steadily increasing. Even more perplexing is the fact that the orcs have discovered some alternate source of fel energies to feed upon, despite the slaying of Mannoroth and the Horde's subsequent release from demonic corruption. Regardless of their connection to fel energies, however, it is believed that this new breed is not working with the Burning Legion. What authority they do answer to remains a mystery. „

• Лесные тролли:

“ Long before the rise and fall of the kingdoms of men, the Amani trolls of Lordaeron had built an enormous troll empire. After centuries of war and hate, an alliance of elves and humans finally dealt a crushing blow to the Amani when they defeated a great troll army at the foot of the Alterac Mountains. The empire did not recover from the defeat, and the trolls never rose as one nation again. Yet some forest trolls survived, each generation nurturing their hatred of the elves in the dark forests of the north for thousands of years. During the Second War, the Amani trolls were briefly allied to the Horde, and the forest troll Zul'jin was one of the greatest heroes the trolls have ever known. „

• Болотные гиганты:

“ The unique gases and nutrient-enriched soil of Zangarmarsh have given rise to a wondrous, diverse wetland ecology. The marsh's fungal giants stand as a prime example of the habitat's remarkable fauna. Though relatively non-aggressive, these lumbering behemoths are savagely efficient at dispatching their adversaries when provoked. They feed on other native swamp creatures, as well as any Lost Ones unlucky enough to stray too close to the giants' beloved hideaways. „

• Гронны:

“ Monstrous. Cyclopean. Terror incarnate. Words cannot begin to describe the terrible gronn of Outland. Some say the gronn gave rise to the lesser ogres, yet if so, the gronn show but little love for their offspring, lording over the ogre clans with an iron fist. Though they are not famed for their intelligence, such rumors are cold comfort in light of the undeniable fact that the gronn wield devastating power. „

• Повелители огров:

“ It is believed that the massive, cyclopean gronn are the ancient ancestors of the ogres. If so, the ogre lords of Outland are the only ogres known to retain some of the physical traits of their gronn progenitors, such as the bony, calcified protrusions on their head and back, as well as a portion of the gronn's immense size and strength. Other unique characteristics possessed by the ogre lords are their intelligence and reasoning abilities, which are more acute than those of their ogre cousins. This combination of brute strength and increased intellect make the ogre lords worthy of both respect... and fear. „

Другие описания:

• Запределье:

“ The scattered wastes of Outland are all that remain of Draenor, the once beautiful homeworld of the orcs. Following the Second War, the Alliance invaded Draenor by crossing through the Dark Portal. To their horror, they discovered that Ner'zhul - the dark warlord of Horde - had constructed a series of new gateways that could lead the beaten Horde to newer, unspoiled worlds. As the Alliance forces closed in around him, Ner'zhul opened his gateways as a means of escape. However, the gateways' clashing energies resulted in a catastrophic explosion that ultimately ripped the world of Draenor apart. Nearly thirteen years later - towards the end of the Third War - the fallen night elf, Illidan, discovered that huge chunks of Draenor still existed - floating upon the astral winds of the Twisting Nether. After his defeat at the hands of the evil Prince Arthas, Illidan fled to the remnants of Draenor and dubbed them Outland. He quickly seized control of the chaotic region and sealed the last of Ner'zhul's cursed gateways. Though he is the undisputed ruler of the ravaged land, Illidan lives in fear that he will be discovered by his powerful enemies - most notably Arthas, the new Lich King, and the remaining Lords of the Burning Legion. Currently, Outland is home to a number of scattered draenei tribes, primitive orcs and the powerful, arcane creatures of the Nether itself. Agents of the Burning Legion have also targeted the region as a vital strategic location in their unending Burning Crusade to scour all life from the universe. „

• Каражан и Медив:

“ Between Duskwood and the Swamp of Sorrows lies the desolate region of Deadwind Pass, where jagged, brooding spires of granite loom over petrified, lifeless forests. As its name suggests, it is a land devoid of life. But it was not always so... Medivh, the Last Guardian, made his home in Deadwind, in the bright tower of Karazhan. Though he was the greatest wizard of his day (and humanity's intended custodian) Medivh was secretly possessed by the dark spirit of Sargeras, the Destroyer of Worlds. Through Medivh, Sargeras opened the Dark Portal and allowed the orcs to wage war upon the mortal kingdoms of Azeroth. As the war progressed, Medivh fought against Sargeras' control. The raging conflict within him finally drove the wizard irrevocably insane. His childhood friend and the king's lieutenant-at-arms, Anduin Lothar, suspected the mage of treachery. With the aid of Medivh's young apprentice, Khadgar, Lothar stormed Karazhan and killed his one-time comrade. Since that day, a terrible curse has pervaded both the tower and the lands around it - casting a dark pall over Deadwind Pass and the region that is now known as Duskwood In recent years, nobles of Darkshire ventured into Deadwind Pass to investigate the blight that had settled over the region. They entered the dark tower – but never emerged. In fact, witnesses maintain that the dread spirits of the nobles now reside within Karazhan's walls, cursed to revel in the tower's crumbling opera house for eternity. Yet far more perilous spirits reside within Medivh's macabre study, for it was there that demonic entities responded to the deranged wizard's summons. Despite the myriad terrors that lie within, adventurers are still drawn to Karazhan - tempted by rumors of unspeakable secrets that may be found within the tower's arcane libraries. It is said that the vast, magical halls house the powerful spellbooks of Medivh himself. Only one thing is certain when visiting the dreaded tower of Karazhan... ...you may never find your way out. The decrepit tower of Karazhan once housed one of the greatest powers Azeroth has ever known: the sorcerer Medivh. Within its halls and corridors, he summoned all manner of otherworldly beings, researching magics no other would dare touch. Karazhan now stands abandoned; with its master gone, the monstrous things and untamed powers have grown unchecked, waiting to pounce on whoever is brave or foolish enough to enter its halls. Forge a group of ten stalwart adventurers and journey to the wasted land between Duskwood and the Swamp of Sorrows known as Deadwind Pass, where the mystical tower lies. Only the strongest need apply: only those who have achieved level 70 are skilled enough to face what lies within. „

• Сильвермун.
• Драконы пустоты.
• Предыстория БК.
• История дренеев.
• История эльфов крови.
• Про шаманов и паладинов этих рас.
• История рас.

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ИТОГИ:

Как и предрекал Иллидан — я оказался не готов. Без информации КАК МИНИМУМ из Хроник и двух аддонов (ВоД и Легион), с которыми TBC тесно связан, подводить итоги даже одного "Пылающего Похода" — это вилами по воде. Поэтому ниже просто перечислю интересные моменты аддона.

Метафизика, мироустройство:

• Авторы сами не понимают как работают в ВоВ твисты со временем, но это классика.
• Много текста про мироустройство ВоВ в нарративах БК можно почитать под спойлерами выше.
• Персонажи спокойно способны находиться на краю бездны, где время и пространство истончены.
• Твари бездны обладают душами.
• Мощная магия могущественного эредара навсегда препятствует воскрешению мёртвого.
• В контроль и фрагментацию души умеют даже персонажи, на этом не специализирующиеся.
• Сильные эмоции позволяют персонажам после гибели оставаться в форме призрака и дальше сражаться с живыми.
• Каждый встречный-поперечный может наносить урон призракам, душам (если те находятся вне тела) и эфемерным существам.

Пауэрлевелы:

• Мана-бомбы, созданные эльфами крови, способны уничтожать целые города.
• Если Крепость Бурь рухнет и взорвётся, то это сотрясёт и вызовет ЦР в масштабах Аутленда.
• Варп-энергия может уничтожить как минимум Пустоверть и является в целом угрозой для всего Аутленда
• Зачастую огромные армии бессильны против могущественных эредаров.
• Пространствус со своей армией уничтожил мир (планету) эфириалов за кадром.
• При помощи Кода Проклятия Гул'дан разорвал Дренор.
• От крика Мурмур (полная сила) планеты разлетались на куски.
• Аутленд назван континентом. Главный вопрос стоит в том насколько большим его считать, так как это напрямую влияет на несколько фитов. Если брать Хроники (более достоверный источник, чем карта внутри игры) и карту внутри игры, то кажется, что Аутленд — это огромный континент.
• Мурмур одним появлением превратил в пустошь территорию вокруг Аукидидона, то есть в масштабах страны.
• Гул'дан поднял гигантский вулкан прямо посреди Долины (который, если оперировать картами, выходит не менее 50 км высотой, если брать Дренор размером с Меркурий), а Иллидан визуально, такое ощущение, что взлетел выше облаков, которые всяко должны находится выше, чем вершины гор Запределья. Хм...

Ранжирование:

• В аддоне фигурировало приличное количество неких войд лордов, но они показаны относительными слабаками. Хотя Дименсиус и некоторые другие представители сил Бездны могли быть просто не в своей пиковой форме/не смогли проявиться в полную мощь. Да и вообще это кажутся не те ВЛ из Хроник.
• Лучшие фиты ГГ с командой (и обвесом артефактов) в БК: отпинать бога пустоты, некоторых сильнейших командиров Легиона, но без посторонней помощи не быть способными справиться с Иллиданом, Кил'джеденом, Архимондом.
• Местный повелитель элементалей огня что-то вообще не внушает.
• Зато Иллидан пиарит Артаса (ДК) как мерило мощи. А уж КЛ и вообще чуть ли не боится как и КЖ...
• Наару какие-то вообще мутные в плане силы.

А вот в плане сюжета, пройдя TBC по новой спустя многие годы, могу лишь сказать, что он крайне сырой, дырявый и недосказанный (хотя всё ещё лучше Классика, да). С минимумом кат-сцен и роликов. Мне даже выделить кого-то из персонажей сложно. В целом более-менее интересными локациями по квестам получились Пустоверть и Долина, остальные — умеренно-унылые или просто терпимые, а Зангармаш — это просто какой-то унылый ад.

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... продолжение следует...