From the World of Warcraft Roleplay Wiki

Illidan Stormrage

Illidan Stormrage

Nicknames	Traitor, Overlord of Outland
Floor	male
Race	unique hybrid of a demon and a night elf
Class	Demon Hunter
Occupation	Ruler of Outland, Ruler of the Black Temple
Location	Crypt of the Guardians
Status	active
Relatives	Malfurion Stormrage (twin brother)
Students	Varedis, Leotheras the Blind, Alandien

Illidan Stormrage(eng. Illidan Stormrage) - the self-proclaimed ruler of Outland, who ruled over these fragments of Draenor from the Black Temple. He was born a night elf, but because of his actions, he became a unique hybrid of an elf and a demon. Illidan was in love with Tyrande Whisperwind, but she chose Malfurion, his twin brother. Once upon a time, Illidan was a gifted mage, but over time, his abilities rose to incredible heights due to becoming a demon hunter and absorbing energy from the skull of Gul "dan.

Because of his desire for power and arcane magic, Illidan did several terrible things against his own people and other inhabitants of Azeroth, including helping Sargeras during the War of the Ancients and the creation of the second. For his crimes, he was named Traitor and imprisoned where he spent ten thousand years until Tyrande released him during the Third War. Maiev Shadowsong, who had been Illidan's jailer for thousands of years, attempted to recapture him, only to be captured herself. She eventually allied with Akama in order to launch an invasion of the Black Temple and killed Illidan.

His lifeless body was taken to the Vault of the Guardians, where it was kept for several years, until Gul "dan from an alternate universe tried to kidnap him.

War of the Ancients

fiction in the Warcraft universe.

Illidan, Malfurion's twin brother, studied and used the arcane magic of the Highborne. In his youth, he tried to learn spells as a druid like his brother, but arcane magic endowed him with sensations that the forces of nature and earth could not evoke. Unlike Malfurion, Illidan was born with amber eyes, which was considered a sign of a great future in those days, but actually indicated druidic potential. Although Malfurion and Tyrande had long since sealed their fate, Illidan was still trying to find himself. He was not a Highborne, but was able to become Warlord Ravencrest's personal caster.

When word of Azshara's treachery after the Burning Legion's invasion began, Malfurion persuaded his brother to leave his queen, and Illidan followed him. Soon, Malfurion, who fought alongside Cenarius and the dragons, realized the incredible power of the demons and decided to destroy them in order to complete the invasion. Even the thought of it horrified Illidan. The Well had endowed the night elves with magic and possibly immortality, and losing it was too great a sacrifice.

Illidan also found himself growing interested in the power of the Burning Legion. He saw that their chaotic behavior was based on magic. Although the night elves fought constantly to keep their positions, the number of demons did not decrease. The satyr Xavius ​​took advantage of Illidan's doubts and forced him to seek to gain the power of the Burning Legion in order to become stronger. Illidan was sure that this would help him defeat the demons. It seems that around that time, Illidan defeated Azzinoth, the commander of the doomguard, and took his weapons to fight with these twin blades himself.

Illidan was in love with Tyrande Whisperwind, an aspiring priestess of Elune. He tried to impress her and often did rash things, especially when using magic. Illidan didn't realize that Tyrande was interested in something else entirely. He tried to fight for her heart, and none of them realized that this fight ended shortly after it began, when Tyrande fell in love with Malfurion. Xavius ​​knew this and assured Illidan that after Malfurion's death, Tyrande would love him. Seeing the priestess of Elune in the arms of his brother, Illidan severed his last ties with the defenders of Azeroth.

A new plan formed in his mind and he set out for Zin-Azshari. Illidan pretended to want to serve Azshara and Mannoroth faithfully. He wanted to get the Demon Soul, an artifact of great power created by Neltharion. The Dragon Soul could close the portal that let demons enter Kalimdor. But to carry out this plan, Illidan needed new forces. He eventually met with Sargeras himself, and the dark titan was pleased that the night elf was trying to get an artifact for the Burning Legion. Sargeras bestowed a boon on Illidan for his loyalty. He burned his eyes and placed in the scorched sockets clots of mysterious flame, which allowed Illidan to see magic in all its manifestations. He also covered his body with tattoos that enhanced his mastery of arcane magic. Azshara was fascinated by Illidan's new look, but remained wary of him, and went with Captain Varo'then in search of the Demon Soul.

Illidan saved seven vials of water from the Well of Eternity, and after the Great Sundering he reached the summit of Mount Hyjal and saw a small and calm lake there. He poured the contents of the three vials into it, and the chaotic energy immediately manifested, turning the lake into a new Well of Eternity. Illidan's triumph did not last long - Malfurion, Tyrande and other night elf rulers discovered him and were horrified by what he had done. Malfurion, who could not comprehend that his brother had betrayed, tried to explain to him the stupidity of this act. He said that magic, chaotic in nature, can only bring destruction to this world if it continues to exist. Illidan, however, refused to listen to his brother and was delighted with the new well he had created. He stated that magic would be useful to them when the Burning Legion returned to this world again.

Malfurion saw that his brother did not repent of his act, and became angry, realizing that Illidan was lost forever due to the influence of magic. He ordered him to be imprisoned in deep caves under Hyjal, where he was to remain alone. Later, Malfurion said that he sometimes visited his brother and tried to convince him to turn away from his disastrous path. Illinada's jailer was Maiev Shadowsong. He spent ten thousand years in prison.

Third war

The source of information in this section is the game Warcraft III or addition to it.

He was freed by Tyrande to fight the demons of the Burning Legion that once again invaded the world of Azeroth. But the thirst for magic took possession of him with renewed vigor. He absorbed the energy of a demonic artifact - the skull of Gul "dan and himself became half a demon. This gave him the strength to defeat Tichondrius, one of the most powerful nathrezim. But for using the magic of demons, he was forever banished from Ashenvale by his own brother.

After some time, he awakened a mysterious people - the Naga. They were once the Highborne who, in pursuit of magic and power, caused the first invasion. Now they transformed into snake-like creatures and could live both under water and on land. On the orders of the demon Kil "jaeden, Illidan began to look for a way to destroy the disobedient Lich King Ner" zhul. To do this, he went in search of the tomb of Sargeras. He needed the eye of the lord of the Burning Legion, a powerful artifact with which Illidan could destroy the Frozen Throne and complete the task set by Kil'jaeden. However, he was prevented by the jailer Maiev and his own brother. Illidan was forced to hide in Outland from the wrath of Kil'jaeden. Maiev went after him and captured Illidan, but he was soon freed by the combined blood elf army led by Prince Kel and the naga led by Lady Vashj. The prince swore allegiance to Illidan. Together they began to plan the takeover of this world. Illidan told the prince that the demon Magtheridon was in control of these lands, who received daily reinforcements through the portals opened by Kil-jaeden. Therefore, in the first place, it was decided to close the portals. As Illidan cast his spells, Kael and the blood elves protected him from the demons emerging from the portals.

After that, they launched an assault on the citadel of Magtheridon. After destroying his guards, they fought the demon itself and won. Magtheridon was surprised. Bowing to Illidan, he asked him if he was a member of the Legion sent to test him. Illidan laughed in his face and said that he had come to overthrow him, not to test him. So Illidan became the new master of Outland. After taking over the Wastes, Illidan made an attempt to personally destroy the Frozen Throne, but was stopped at the last moment by Prince Arthas.

Ruler of Outland

The Burning Crusade to World of Warcraft.

After the defeat in the battle with Arthas Menethil, Illidan returned to Outland and, having gathered around him an army of loyal followers, declared himself the ruler of these lands. He knew that Kil'jaeden would never forget the failed attempt to destroy the Frozen Throne. Because of this, Illidan expected the advance of the Burning Legion troops and prepared for it. Having defeated Magtheridon and captured him, he settled in the Black Temple. He gave Magtheridon to the orcs to they could use his blood to strengthen their bodies, and the mutated fel orcs joined his forces.Illidan and his allies tried to control all dimensional passages so that they remained closed and did not let the enemies through while the ruler of Outland accumulated strength.

Illidan started a war against Shattrath City, although they were also opponents of the Burning Legion. Kael'thas Sunstrider led the first assault, but many blood elves under the command of Voren'tal the Seer swore allegiance to the naaru and left Illidan's forces. They settled in Shattrath City and called themselves the Seers. Shortly thereafter, Shattrath City launched a counterattack, and the battles in Shadowmoon Valley continued for a long time. Perhaps Illidan intended to destroy Shattrath City in order to eliminate one of the reasons for the appearance of the Legion and to carry out at least part of Kil'jaeden's revenge directed towards the draenei and Velen.

Akama, chieftain of the Ashtongue, guarded the prison where Maiev Shadowsong was imprisoned, but he was actually plotting with her to overthrow Illidan. They eventually participate in the assault on the Black Temple and reach its summit to fight Illidan. Maiev participated in this battle along with the heroes of the Alliance and the Horde and dealt the final blow. Illidan manages to tell her that the hunter is nothing without a hunt, and after the victory, Maiev really feels an emptiness in his soul.

Sanctuary of Lost Souls

The source of information in this section is an addendum Mists of Pandaria to World of Warcraft.

In the depths of the Black Temple, Illidan discovered that the Sanctuary of Lost Souls was the source of vast amounts of arcane magic. Thanks to her, he was able to bend many demons to his will, offering them to satiate their thirst for magic in exchange for faithful service. In this way, he was able to gather a large number of demons to his side and possibly deal with his addiction to the Burning Legion's magic.

Kanretad Blackwood believed that Illidan intended to use this source of magic to aid the blood elves who had lost their Suncolumn. But for some reason, he never told them about it, perhaps suspecting the betrayal of Prince Kael'thas.

Return of the Legion

The source of information in this section is an addendum Legion to World of Warcraft.

After the victory, Maiev took Illidan's corpse to the Vault of the Guardians, so that his dark, tormented soul would suffer forever along with his followers, the terrible Illidari.

Gul "dan, who arrived from an alternative Draenor, again called the Burning Legion to Azeroth. For mysterious reasons, he made his way to the Vault of the Guardians to steal Illidan's body.

Appearance

The source of information in this section is from the Warcraft universe.

Illidan - like the naga, and especially the satyrs - is a mutation of the night elf. He began life as a perfectly normal male of his race: tall, muscular, with sharp features, shining amber eyes, lilac skin, and long pointed ears. When Illidan joined Sargeras, he burned his eyes with flame, thus granting him magical vision, from which neither demons nor the undead could hide. His appearance changed when he absorbed the power of the Gul "Dan Skull artifact, which filled him with demonic power and part of the soul of a dead orc warlock. After the transformation, Illidan looked more like one of the Nathrezim than a representative of his own race, despite the fact that his skin remained purple, and the ears - long and pointed. Now, the appearance of the former night elf was supplemented by wings, horns and hooves, as well as the ability to completely turn into a demon. In addition, he received the gift to walk on water, and after being injured by Arthas' hand, he mastered the gift of flight .

Capabilities

The source of information in this section is board game guides in the Warcraft universe.

Illidan is the most famous demon hunter and the first of them.

He uses arcane magic and fire magic, burning the bodies and souls of his enemies, and as a result of absorbing the power of the Skull of Gul "Dan, in the past he gained the ability to turn into a demon and destroy opponents with clots of chaotic flame. When the heroes of the Alliance and Horde made their way to the Black Temple, Illidan used shadow and fire magic in battle.His weapons are the twin blades of Azzinoth - the blades of the demon defeated by Illidan, who during his imprisonment in the dungeon learned to use them.

 AT networks appeared spoiler about the fate of Illidan. Which confirms the intent written in the novel "Illidan", authored by William King.

"At the mountain of corpses, a winged figure fought at the head of the legions of Light. A golden glow surrounded his battle blades. He shattered demons with mighty blows. The soldiers surrounding him looked at him, their leader, with amazement and awe.

 It took Illidan a moment to realize that the creature's appearance was his own: reincarnated and with fearlessly glowing eyes. This avatar of Light looked calm and strong, and found peace in her soul. There was confidence in his face, free from any suffering.

As Illidan watched, a winged figure rose above the battle, shrugging off giant beings from the darkness, creatures of the evil of the Abyss. A halo appeared around his head. His body began to glow brighter than the sun, and beams of Light shot out from his outstretched hands, ready to hit the enemies.

 All this had a certain sense of the correctness of what was happening, as if he was looking into the yet unborn future. For a moment Illidan believed it, but then his doubts returned to him. It couldn't be true. It wasn't one of those paths he had ever taken. It wasn't him. He was a fighter and a killer, driven as much by darkness and his own ambitions as by a desire to do justice.

The naaru's voice was full of confidence, and he linked himself to Illidan. For a moment, he felt the Light embrace him, and his heart was at peace. He was granted a vision of redemption beyond anything he could hope for. He was in contact with the naaru, and a sense of peace filled him. The moment only lasted an instant, but when it ended, Illidan felt it could last a lifetime.

- You will be a hero. Naaru said.
- But this will have a price.
- Always there.

 The moment has come to an end. Illidan stood, filled with a sense of peace. The shroud of Light and its shimmering plain faded, and Argus appeared before him and the naaru."

B the game itself, during the storyline of the class stronghold, we can observe the following scene:

Don't be afraid, mortal. Your consciousness has been projected to my astral presence in the Great Beyond Darkness.

You have come to the beginning of all things in search of answers. Then listen and receive enlightenment.

In a time long gone, a great battle took place that determined the fate of all worlds. In this final battle, the mighty Titan Pantheon fell to one of its brethren: Sargeras.

After the fall, there was no one left who could go against the will of Sargeras. Unrestrained, the dark titan and his Burning Legion began their Burning Crusade, in which countless worlds were destroyed.

From the ashes of the ravaged worlds, survivors have risen to stand in the way of the demons. They became known as the Army of the Light.

But now the Golden Army is teetering on the edge of oblivion, their campaign on Argus drawing to a close. If they fall, the Legion will launch another Burning Crusade that will shake the cosmos.

In this issue, we will look at the continuation of the story that began with the acquisition of an artifact called the “Heart of Light” during the battle for the Exodar. You can read this part of the story in the Archive issue. . And with the vision of the future of Illidan, which is hinted at in this chain of tasks, you can familiarize yourself with a fragment of the novel of the same name about our hero already (reminder: some of the spoilers from English-speaking readers turned out to be not perfectly correct, but in our case only the translation of that vision is important). Previous news releases from the Legion series are available .

For help in providing material on the dialogues in Russian, we sincerely thank the community History of Warcraft . True, I still replaced something in the localized dialogues with my translation options: it is still raw in places, and pleases Broxigar the Red. Everything else was, as usual, translated by me from the English original.

Now the Heart of Light was heavily guarded inside one of the class strongholds. And after a while, Xe'ra fulfilled her promise and contacted the leader of the stronghold.

“The Heart of Light is to serve as the vessel for the rebirth of Illidan Stormrage: this is my last act of service to the Light. But Illidan is dead and his soul is lost in the Void. Before we attempt to retrieve his soul, we must prepare the vessel for his return. Echoes of Illidan's past exist between the two worlds. You must go on a journey and find them. Start from where all life begins - from birth. Find Illidan's birthplace in Val'sharah. Awaken the memory."

The hero went to the ancient city of night elves in the forests of Val'sharah called Lor'latir. There he heard Xe'ra's voice again:“The memory of the ages is awakening. Come to me whenever you want and I'll show you fragments of Illidan's past."When the hero heard the voice of the naaru, his body was enveloped in a golden glow, the sign of the naaru shone in front of him, and he himself clutched his head with his hands, as if in pain from such communication (this effect also occurred before each of the subsequent visions). Calling to Xe'ra at the moonwell in the heart of the settlement, the hero saw the first vision - the priestesses of the moon stand in front of a group of townspeople and tell them about a pair of newborn twins.

Priestess of the Moon: Praise the goddess. Today she gave us new life. And not just one, but two healthy boys at once.
Stranger: Two?
Priestess of the Moon: The Twin Brothers.
Lor'latil Citizen: They're almost the same, only...
Wanderer: This one has golden eyes!
Priestess of the Moon: That's right. This child is destined for a great future. His name is Illidan.

The vision ended, and the naaru spoke again.“Illidan was born for greatness. His fate was forged in the crucible of creation and tempered among the stars until it found a home on Azeroth. And in that tiny vessel a new great cycle began.”

The hero returned to the Heart of Light and received new instructions from Xe'ra:

“A favorable start to a tragic life. Perhaps one of the few happy memories of Illidan's entire life. Though the years that followed tested the child of prophecy, they never broke him. You must remember this despite what you may see as we continue our journey. There is still a lot to be done, but I'm not ready yet. I will call upon you when the time is right.”

Time passed, and the naaru again spoke to the lord of the stronghold through the Heart of Light:“Illidan spent many of his growing years in Val'sharah with his twin brother, Malfurion. As young night elves, the twins vied for the affections of the young priestess, Tyrande, while also going through the trials of the demigod Cenarius. We must travel to the Grove of Sleep, where Illidan's true path was forged."

The vision awaited the hero in one of the enchanted groves of the demigod Cenarius.

Cenarius: Illidan, you needn't be angry. I didn't insult you.
Illidan Stormrage: You banished me, Cenarius!
Cenarius: No. You can stay, but I won't teach you. If you want to continue the study of nature, contact your brother.
Illidan Stormrage: What? Should I learn from a novice instead of a master?!
Cenarius: Learn to be respectful. Malfurion will be the first druid because he is a diligent student. But you - no. The path of the druid requires sacrifice, Illidan. This is something you have yet to understand.
Malfurion Stormrage: Brother...

Illidan, Tyrande, and Malfurion listening to Cenarius

This is what the naaru said after this vision:“Few have experienced such failure and defeat. Most in his place would have given up, but not Illidan! He is guided by the invisible hand of fate.”And already in the stronghold of the order:

"Failure. Refusal. Since that day, they have pursued Illidan. Undaunted as always, he continued to seek his destiny. We had to find another way.

Years later, as the War of the Ancients raged and the Burning Legion had the world in its grasp, Illidan met with a war leader named Kur'talos Ravencrest. He too saw potential in Illidan, eventually promoting him to captain of the Moon Guard, a powerful group of night elf spellcasters. We must behold this memory in Black Rook Hold, located on the western shore of Val'sharah.”

In Black Rook Hold, the adventurer had a new vision: now he himself was in the body of Illidan. In front of him, riding his sabertooth, Lord Kur'talos sat, and behind him a detachment of the Moon Guard soon teleported to their aid. Also with them was a band of moon priestesses, keep guards, and a few glaive throwers. From here there was a view of the courtyard of the fortress.

Kur'talos Ravencrest: Warriors, send the demons back to their masters! For Azshara! For Kalimdor!
Illidan Stormrage: Demons are blocking the transport network. We're having trouble teleporting long distances.
Kur "talos Ravencrest: Better late than never! Who else can hold a weapon - fight! You are ready ...

A portal of fel energies opened in the sky. From it, a giant infernal fell to the ground, which began to burn the courtyard of the fortress with a green flame.

Illidan Stormrage: Behind, sire! Another portal has opened!
Illidan Stormrage: Lunar Guardians, direct your energy at me! Let's show these monsters the power of arcane magic!
Kur "talos Ravencrest: What have the demons prepared for us this time?! Mother Moon, help us!

The Guardians channeled their power into Illidan, and the glow of the arcane shrouded them all. Illidan soared into the air and created a large magical shield over the troop of elves. The felbats flying towards them from the portal were incinerated just by touching this shield. The attack was repulsed. The exhausted guards fell to their knees.

Acolyte of the Moonguard: Our forces are running low.

Kur'talos called Illidan to him. In the distance, Rhonin could be seen in the sky, riding a red dragon, destroying fel bats with his spells. Infernal continued to terrorize the fortress courtyard, and in its dungeons, the resistance forces fought with the Fel guards.

Kur "talos Ravencrest: Well done, Illidan. But the battle has only just begun. The Legion destroyed half of our troops. Those that survived fled. Before you is all that remains of the defenders of the fortress. In addition, a terrible monster in the arena can burn out the fortress from the inside "Take the Moonguards and rid Black Rook Hold of the demons as soon as possible! You are our last hope! Do what you must! If the fortress falls, Suramar is doomed!"
Illidan Stormrage: I will not fail, my lord!

Illidan thought for a moment and said to himself, Almost all of our energy has gone into creating the barrier. If the Moon Guardians are not given rest, they will die. If I restore my strength and activate this portal, I will have both the necessary reinforcements and a source of strength.

Illidan created a portal. From it came a small detachment of magicians from the Moon Guard.

Illidan Stormrage: Excellent! As long as I am near the portal, it feeds me with energy. If I suddenly get tired, just go back to one of the portals.
Acolytes of the Moonguard: I await orders, captain!
Illidan Stormrage: I am ready, my lord! Drop the grate!
Kur "talos Ravencrest: Open the gates and get ready! Glaive throwers - to battle!

The gates were open. The resistance forces clashed with the infernals, who immediately attacked them. From the far end of the corridor came the voice of an eredar warlock, working some sort of black magic.

Xalian Felblaze: Run, Ravencrest, run! Maybe you will still have time to escape and live your last miserable days, hiding somewhere in the bushes.

The priestesses and warriors of Kur'talos continued the battle with the infernals on the walls of the fortress. Illidan and his acolytes were able to break through further and gave battle to the warlock, exchanging a hail of deadly spells.

Xalian Felblaze charged: What is this? Ravencrest sent me a puppy? I will teach you to respect elders!

Xalian fired fel lightning at the mages, and a ritual circle appeared under each of them. The casters fell to their knees in agony.

Xalian Felblaze: You dare oppose the Burning Legion? Kneel before the might of the Fel!

Illidan Stormrage said to himself, Her fel magic is too strong. I can borrow energy from the Moon Guardians to kill the demon, but then my magicians will also die.
Illidan Stormrage: Forgive me for that.

Illidan unleashed his spell with a roar and began draining magic from the Moon Guard's acolytes. They were thrown into the air and enveloped in a magical haze, arcane magic flowing from them in the form of purple lightning into Illidan. They died, but Illidan was freed from Xalian's spell.

Moon Guardian Apprentice: Master... I'm dying...
Xalian Felblaze: You... killed your own warriors! Madman! You signed your own death warrant!
Illidan Stormrage: You're right, the fel is stronger than arcane. But you are not given to cope with such a powerful weapon! Watch me and learn!

After absorbing the power of the acolytes, Illidan was able to cast a new spell, Stormrage, and his eyes blazed with purple fire. It jumped high into the air and then landed like a crushing meteor, unleashing the power of arcane magic in a column of energy that dealt heavy damage to the warlock and knocked her down.

Note: These new abilities of Illidan were the prototypes of the techniques that he began to use when he became a demon hunter.

Xalian drew her last breath.

Xalian Felblaze: And the puppy... has teeth...
Kur "talos Ravencrest: Captain Stormrage gave us a chance to win! Defenders of the fortress, capture the walls! To battle!

Kur'talos' troops occupied the wall and began bombarding the fortress courtyard with glaive throwers. Illidan ran on, in the distance he saw a large cluster of demons. Behind one of the bars, Broxigar could be seen single-handedly holding back an entire wave of demons.

Illidan Stormrage: Thousands more! It looks like demons are entering our world through a portal in the courtyard. If it is not destroyed, we will not survive. But I will need the help of my Moon Guardians.

Illidan opened another portal, and another squad of acolytes emerged from it.

Disciples: We are at your disposal, Captain!

Illidan and his guards began to fight the demon armada.

Illidan: How could anything stand against such a force?

The fight continued. But it was obvious that the advantage lay with the outnumbered demons. The elves were crushed.

Illidan: I have almost no energy left. I must find a portal to rest. Or absorb the essence of your Moon Guard.

Illidan began to lose strength. He could replenish them by returning to the portal. And he could in another, more effective and terrible way - again killing his novices. As a result, he began to sacrifice them again, and more than once. But new reinforcements from their ranks continued to teleport to him.

Illidan: If only there was another way, but I must gain power if we are to survive.

Disciple: Stop! You will kill us!

Illidan discovered a new spell - a war hawk. It was similar to Stormrage, only now the jump was made backwards, during which bird wings woven with magic also appeared briefly behind Illidan's back. And the power of the spell itself has become even greater. Meanwhile, he and his guards moved on, towards the portal from which Legion reinforcements were coming.

Illidan: I will end this... I must!

Felguard: Mortal flesh is torn apart so easily.

Once again, Stormrage consumed the guardians' magic at the cost of their lives.

Illidan: I didn't ask for this cargo, but if this is fate's decision...

Novice: Mother Moon, take me away!

And again...

Illidan: I need more power so we can win this battle...

Disciple: The power is fading...

The guards and Illidan finally reached the courtyard. There was a captive red dragon, and another eredar warlock was casting magic over his portal.

Felguard: You will pay for your interference, intruder! Die!

Illidan opened another portal to the fortress for reinforcements, clearing its surroundings of demons. The dragon is also free.

Illidan: There are too many demons here. I... I will need more power from my moon guards. Have I gone too far? No, I have to stay focused! The future of my people lies in my hands!

Illidan: In place of the slain demon, two new ones rise!

Doomguard: The Legion will conquer all!

It remains to open the last portal. The battle continued.

Illidan: There is no end to them!

Eredar Mage Slayer: Argus - the greatest world in the Great Darkness!

Illidan heard the sounds of battle coming from somewhere below and led his squad towards them. There he saw Captain Jarod Shadowsong fighting off the dreadguards.

Jarod: There is simply no end to these fel creatures! I do not have time to deal with them to get to the lord of horror that sat down in the mausoleum. Master Illidan, will you help me slay Lotros?

Together, the heroes were able to fight their way through the dreadguards and kill the Nathrezim.

Jarod: We did it! I'm afraid that without your help, my strength would sooner or later leave me. Broxigar the Red (for some reason, "Red" in the localization) fights the enemies on the bridge alone. I am ready to bet, he does not admit that our help would not hurt him - but this is not a reason not to provide it. If you decide to help our comrade, I would be honored to follow you. I'm not a hero, Captain, but I'll be glad to fight alongside you.

The elves left the mausoleum and began to fight their way up the ornate staircases to meet with Broxigar, closing the daemonic portals the eredar had opened along the way.

Felguard: I'll cut you to pieces!

Felguard: My life is service.

Broxigar was where Illidan was and had last seen him. He still fought off the attack from the swarm of demons. From his mighty blows with an ax, the demons now and then flew off several meters, falling from the walls of the fortress.

Broxigar: Powers are not equal! You can't make it without reinforcements, demons!

With the help of Illidan and his companions, the rest of the fel creatures were also killed.

Broxigar: A wise warrior will always welcome the help of an ally, especially one who fights with the fury of a true orc. Truly a glorious battle! If my premonition does not deceive me, someone stronger will appear here any minute. The Legion often uses trash as cannon fodder to wear down the enemy before bringing more formidable fighters against them. My ax wants to fight!

Brox's premonition did not disappoint. The bridge began to flood with meteors, and at its other end, a portal appeared from a green flash of Filth, from which the gigantic ruler of the underworld, Malvingeroth, emerged. The demon was very strong, but he fell before the combined might of the heroes.

Broxigar: Indeed, the spirits favor us, for they have brightened our day with a glorious battle. You have earned my respect, Illidan Stormrage. I will gladly follow you into battle. My ax is at your service.

And finally, the last portal for reinforcements was opened.

Balaadur: How bravely you stand against the Burning Darkness! Kill this "hero"!

Illidan: I must find a way to close this gate! The portal to Nihilam is under the protection of an eredar named Balaadur. Normal spells against this portal are useless. I will have to call on the fury of the cosmos to destroy it. Then it will only be between me and this demon.

The Eredar were killed. Finally, Kur'talos arrived with his troops.

Balaadur: Never have I felt such power... such agony...
Kur "talos Ravencrest: Illidan has taken the yard! Warriors, attack! We will join the battle in the arena! Captain Stormrage, lead the attack!

Illidan, the warriors of the fortress, and the priestesses of the moon began to close combat with the infernal, and the Moon Guard shot him with their magic from the balconies of the wall fortifications. But even together, they were unable to deal any significant damage to this monster.

Kur "talos Ravencrest: Illidan, do something! We are defeated! The fortress is about to fall!
Illidan: This creature takes nothing. Well, we'll have to resort to the help of the Moon Guardians for the last time.

This time, Illidan sacrificed all the mages who fought against the demon. This unlocked a new spell for him - Crushing Star.

Ronin: It can't be!
Broxigar: What an atrocity...
Captain Jarod Shadowsong: How are we better than these monsters?
Kur'talos Ravencrest: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, ILLIDAN?! YOU KILLED THEM ALL!
Illidan: And what else could I do, Kur "talos? Submit to the Legion so that it burns our world to the ground?
Kur "talos Ravencrest: There is always another way! One could ...
Illidan Stormrage: Could that be? Are you blind, Ravencrest? Are you all blind? We barely stopped one squad. A little more, and the Legion would have taken Suramar. All you can do is criticize my methods? My mages gave their lives for Azeroth. What did you do? What did you donate? What a fool you are, Kur "talos! Well ... you have nothing more to teach me. With such cowards at the head, we cannot defeat the Legion. Farewell. Next time, try to beg the demons for mercy. Look, it will help.

In the Chapter Hall, Xe'ra's voice spoke again to the hero from the Heart of Light:The line between good and evil is thin and lies in a place where intentions mean little. Illidan wondered how those around him were so blind to the threat of the Burning Legion. Fate is not without a sense of irony.”

The Naaru guided the hero to a new vision:“Most mortals fail to comprehend the truth about the Legion. Those who recognize it often refuse to acknowledge its significance. Such knowledge carries a weight that the world view of mortals cannot bear. Sacrificing so much changes the soul. Among your greatest heroes, few have understood this kind of sacrifice. Let's see it through Illidan's eyes. We must travel to Azshara, to the continent of Kalimdor.”

Illidan screamed in pain as the fel beam began to burn his eyes. Soon his body began to be covered with demonic tattoos, and his mind was filled with visions of the true power of the Legion (note this vision is described in the novel “Illidan”, a fragment from it is available

In view of the release of the announcement of a new addition to World of Warcraft, we decided to review the information that is already available, and along the way to express our opinion about some aspects of the upcoming addon. This review will consist of an analysis of the plot component, and will hardly affect the change in game mechanics. And so, let's go.

Prelude to the addon

First of all, you need to clarify what is actually happening. The alternative Gul'dan, after the collapse of his plan to gain absolute power and the death of Archimonde, was expelled through the portal to our Azeroth with the sole purpose of launching the Legion's invasion of these lands. A short time later, he discovers the location of the Tomb of Sargeras, turning it into a gateway to the Twisting Nether, starting an invasion. Gul'dan also finds the body of Illidan, which was transferred to the crypt of the guards of Maiev herself. This was supposed to be a kind of punishment for the eternal torment of the soul or imprisonment: suddenly, being a demon, he would again return to the Twisting. But, anyway, Illidan is resurrected by the warlock, while gaining freedom.

Destination: Broken Isles

When the Legion invasion, called by the developers the largest in the history of Azeroth, begins (and you and I are aware that during the War of the Ancients there were a lot of them), with bad news for all the peaceful races of Azeroth, Archmage Khadgar urges them to take the fight. And the heroes are undoubtedly rushing to the islands, trying to find a way to prevent the invasion and save their home.

What awaits the heroes on the continents of the hiding archipelago? The Broken Isles are positioned as a continent, in contrast to the same Pandaria, often called an island. And now a brief digression into history.

Once upon a time, the powerful sorceress Aegwynn, the so-called guardian of the Order of Tirisfal, managed to call into this world part of the power of the lord of the Burning Legion - Sargeras. She cut off his access to the Twisting Nether and killed him, placing the body of this incarnation in a tomb, burying him at the bottom of the sea. A lot of time and events have passed since then, but it was important that the warlock Gul'dan during the first invasion of the orcs into Azeroth got to her and raised her from the bottom of the sea, intending to take possession of the hidden power. But the demons guarding this place tore the warlock to pieces, preventing him from fulfilling his plan. And despite the fact that during the third war the tomb was destroyed by Illidan (let's say not completely), now it's time for the alternative Gul'dan to complete his plans.

Oddly enough, the tomb is located not too far from the ancient Kaldorei settlement of Suramar, the home of the night elf trinity Maulfurion, Tyrande, and Illidan. And, apparently, these places did not sink under water during the Great Schism. The Sacred Grove is also nearby, where Cenarius first passed on his knowledge to Malfurion, teaching him the art of druidism. Today, the corrupted world tree Sholodrassil grows in the vicinity of this grove.

Illidan, Illidari and Mardum

The Lord of Outland, Illidan, about 9 years ago, sent an elite detachment of his demon hunters to the mysterious world of Mardum, so that they obtained a certain artifact, the Sargerite Key. Illidan himself remained in the Black Temple in order to buy them time. Once in Mardum, the Illidari learned that this reality was once created by the titan Sargeras to capture the demons with whom he constantly fought. But after the mind of the titan was clouded, he returned to that world and tore it apart, thereby releasing the demons into the wild and forming their invincible Burning Legion from them.

On one of the fragments of Mardum, the Sargerite Key artifact was stored, which was necessary for Illidan to fight the Legion, because, in fact, with its help it was possible to travel between the worlds captured by demons. It was on this fragment of Mardum that the Illidari made their way to the officer of the demons that the old-timer key, simultaneously improving their own skills and absorbing demonic forces. There was no other way, because they could return only with the help of this artifact. In the operation on Mardum, they were also assisted by the elite forces of Illidan, who were able to call for help.

When the Illidari reached their goal, they returned to the Black Temple, but alas, their master had already lost. The heroes who overthrew the traitor left, and only Maiev and the guards were at the lifeless body of Illidan. No matter how hard the hunters fought this elf, they didn't stand a chance. Maiev knew all too well the weaknesses of the demons and was able to easily capture the veh who returned from Mardum. She imprisoned Illidan's body and the bodies of his associates in crystal prisons, preventing them from being released. The immortal soul of the traitor did not have the opportunity to be reborn again. All the captives were taken to the Casemates of the Guardians and doomed to eternal imprisonment.

Assault on the Broken Shore

Years later, Khadgar, who pursued Gul'dan, lost the fight with his nemesis. An Ork Warlock opened a portal for the Burning Legion from the Tomb of Sargeras, and the invasion began. In fact, all that remained for the archmage was to warn the rulers of the Horde and the Alliance about the threat looming over the world, to which they immediately responded by heading to the Broken Shore at the head of strike teams.

However, when the landing took place, it turned out that the mission was almost suicidal. The first who arrived to give battle to Gul'dan and his minions - the Argent Crusade - were defeated in full force, and Tirion Fordring was captured. The heroes reached the Broken Shore only with the third wave and found the remnants of the warriors that fought led by the rulers of the factions. The Horde and Alliance tried their best to catch Gul'dan, but they were unable to do so. Each step was accompanied by losses and a feeling of relentless hopelessness.

After another battle, Gul'dan appeared to their eyes, who tried to break Tirion - a hero whose connection with the light overcame even the Lich King himself. But the warlock summoned the colossal demon Kros, who broke the defense of the great paladin. Before the eyes of mortals, the symbol of their struggle and hope fell into a pool filled with foul water. Both factions, crushed by the fall of the mighty paladin, rushed after Gul'dan and caught up with him at the portal of the Legion. The Alliance took a position directly in front of the portal, in order to prevent the demons from moving forward. The Horde positioned itself on a ledge where Sylvanas' dark rangers provided air cover for the Alliance and held off reinforcements from another portal.

But the power of the Legion was unstoppable. Gul'dan called into battle every demon the heroes had ever defeated. He showed the defenders the futility of their battle. The sense of hopelessness only intensified.

The horde began to be pushed back, their leader was wounded, and all who fought were threatened with imminent death. Vol'jin asked Sylvanas to save the Horde, after which the Dark Lady called on the Val'kyr for help. There was no point in further fighting. It was necessary to retreat, and the Val'kyr carried the wounded heroes away from the battlefield.

At the same time, the Alliance, left without cover from the cliff, began to push. Cries of betrayal by the Horde were heard in the ranks of the Alliance, because they did not see what was happening on the cliff. In any case, all that was left was to leave the battlefield. The battle was lost.

But Gul'dan didn't intend to let them go so easily. They summoned a giant Felbot from the Twisting Nether to stop the ship from leaving. And at that moment, the king of Stormwind decided to sacrifice himself in order to save the rest. It jumped off the ship, leaving Genn Greymane's letter to Anduin, and crashed into the Felbot. However, in the end, even though the Fel Reaver was destroyed, Varian was mortally wounded under the onslaught of demons. Gul'dan, once again reminding that the battle is pointless, took the life of the king.

In Stormwind, the people learned of the death of their king. In fact, the son of Varian, Anduin, became the ruler. During the memorial service for the ruler, Jaina lost her temper. She was among those who fought the demons alongside Varian, and she accused the Horde of betrayal. Despite the fact that Velen and Anduin tried to convince her of the inadmissibility of hostility in the face of a common enemy, she left the throne room and went to Dalaran.

No less dramatic events unfolded in Orgrimmar. Vol'jin, who was unable to heal his wounds from fel poisoning, called all the rulers and appointed Sylvanas as the new leader. The spirits of Loa whispered to him about this, and the troll, having considered such a step, left the fate of the Horde in the hands of the Dark Lady. Death overtook the leader, and a funeral pyre was lit outside the gates of Orgrimmar.

Liberation of the Illidari and kidnapping of Illidan

It just so happened that Gul'dan, after defeating the combined forces of the Alliance and the Horde, rushed to the Vault of the Guardians. He needed Illidan, or rather the power contained in him, which he had absorbed many years ago at the Tomb of Sargeras. He was helped to enter the Casemates by the guard of Cardan, who, even during the campaign on Draenor, fell under the destructive influence of filth.

Hell unfolded in the Casemates. Maiev, seeing no other choice, freed the Illidari to help her deal with the invaders and the monsters that had escaped their captivity. But despite the fact that the elf hated the minions of Illidan, the Legion was for her a much more important opponent. Together with the forces of the Illidari, Maiev tried to prevent the theft of the traitor's body, but she failed. Gul'dan took the crystal prison, and the hunters only had to get out of this place. Maiev herself followed Gul'dan into the portal.

The Illidari made their way to the exit, where they were met by Khadgar, who invited them to join the Horde and Alliance. After all, their knowledge and abilities were the most powerful weapon in the fight against the Burning Legion.

When the hunters arrived in the capitals of their new factions, they discovered the presence of demons in the mortal cities. Using their sight, the hunters prevented the attack on the leaders and gained faction loyalty to them. Alas, the demons were already everywhere. Each inhabitant, under the influence of the whispers of the Doomsayers, could fall under the control of the Dreadlords. Even in the capitals these days it was not safe.

In addition, there were massive demonic incursions across Azeroth that needed to be repelled.

Dalaran, the Kirin Tor, and the Pillars of Creation

At the same time, the mages of the Kirin Tor did not sit idly by. Jaina brought Dalaran to Deadwind Pass, to the tower of Medivh Karazhan, where Khadgar sought the secrets of defeating the Legion. Only the Alliance was present in Dalaran, as the Horde had been expelled from the Kirin Tor during the Pandaria Campaign, when the mages of Aethas Sunreaver essentially contributed to the crimes committed by Garrosh Hellscream.

Khadgar discovered the demons in the tower that sought to gain control of it and its secrets. The magician himself, having gone through all the defense mechanisms that had gone mad during Medivh's absence, found out in the library about the Pillars of Creation. His further path lay in Ulduar.

Together with the heroes, Khadgar was transported to the ancient city of the titans, where he met Brann Bronzebeard and the guardian mechagnome Mimiron, who were looking for a certain harbinger. After battling the Faceless Ones and the tentacles of Yogg-Saron, a group of heroes made their way to the harbinger, who turned out to be the revived Magni Bronzebeard. Magni told the heroes where to find these Pillars of Creation.

The archmage decided to make Dalaran an outpost of the resistance forces and returned to him. He tried to get Jaina to let the Horde into his territory. While the Council ultimately approved of this decision, Jaina could not accept it. She left the city, warning everyone that this was a huge mistake.

After some time, demons attacked Dalaran. Under the onslaught of the Legion, all that was left for Khadgar was to teleport the city. This time to the territory of the Broken Isles, where the storyline of World of Warcraft: Legion begins.

Class Halls

Meanwhile, representatives of various classes and orders decide to move away from the strife between the factions and, rejecting their differences, unite together in the so-called class strongholds. Each of them had their own task, which in one way or another influenced the outcome of the war.

Stormheim

The war went on across Azeroth, but the main fighting was localized on the territory of the Broken Isles. The main goal of the heroes was to get the so-called Pillars of Creation - artifacts of incredible power that can tip the scales in the direction of the defenders.

Feeling threatened by Sylvanas, the king of Gilneas set out to interfere with her plans, and thereby avenge what he thought was a cowardly escape from the battlefield, and he had enough personal motives. The Dark Lady, even at the head of the Horde, pursued her own goals and was going to get Odin's Val'kyr at her disposal by colluding with the sorceress Helya. Using a special artifact, she managed to enslave Eyir. But Genn, who arrived on time, destroys all these plans, and as a result, the enmity between him and Sylvanas only grows.

Val'sharah

In the wild thickets of Val'sharah, sensing the approach of the Burning Legion, the presumed dead Xavius ​​enters the scene. He manages to seize control of the Tear of Elune, one of the Pillars of Creation. By drawing out Ysera along with Cenarius, he destroys one of the most powerful forces that can resist the invaders.

An organized attack on the Emerald Nightmare, which began to spread rapidly throughout the world, managed to put an end to Xavius ​​and his intrigues. Cenarius, like many other wild gods who fell into a trap, managed to be saved. Ysera fell in this battle. One powerful ally, unfortunately, has become less.

Suramar

As the four Pillars of Creation were obtained, the search for a fifth began. The path led to the city of Suramar, where the nightborne elves lived in complete isolation for a long time. During the War of the Ancients, led by Grand Master Elisande, they cut themselves off from the rest of the world with a huge dome. Using the Nightwell, their people survived for 10,000 years, ignorant of what was happening outside.

But when a new invasion began, and Gul'dan had already delivered an ultimatum to their people, the Supreme Magister, guided by his visions, decides to join the Legion in order to save his people from extinction.

Naturally, some of the Nightborne nobility were not happy with this decision. But, being in the minority, she was expelled from the city and cut off from the source of magic. The further fate of the Darkened, which they became, seemed to be predetermined. Slow death and madness. But with the support of the heroes, there was also hope.

Using the knowledge of the druids to suppress magical hunger, talented Shadowed engineers and scouts, old connections in Suramar, and clandestine activities in the face of constant guerrilla attacks, Suramar managed to return block after block to control. But the Nighthold remained impregnable.

Moreover, Gul'dan was going to use the Eye of Aman'Thul, the Pillar of Creation that served as the basis of the Nightwell, to open a portal and transfer the spirit of Sargeras into Illidan's body. It was impossible to delay.

Army of the Light

Meanwhile, help came from a completely unexpected quarter. The heart of Xe'ra's naru fell on Azeroth, and with it a message from the so-called Army of the Light. Khadgar's old allies, Turalyon and Alleria, were in her ranks and intended to help in the fight against the Legion.

It also became clear that Illidan was far more important than previously thought. The demon hunters have organized a campaign to collect the pieces of Illidan's soul together. After all, he was a demon, and the final death threatened him only in the Twisting Nether. And since a ritual was already brewing at the top of the Nighthold that would end their master once and for all, it was impossible to delay the offensive.

Assault on the Nighthold

Teaming up with the Kirin Tor and the faction representatives of the night elves and blood elves, the nightborne launched an attack on the citadel. Planned step by step, the heroes reached the very top, where they fought with Gul'dan. In that battle, the warlock died, and Illidan escaped the fate of becoming a receptacle for the dark titan and, finally, returned to the world of the living, determined to repel the forces of the Legion.

It seemed that during the battle there was a turning point, and the advantage was on the side of the resistance forces. However, events were just beginning to pick up pace. General of Sargeras' army, Kil'jaeden, deployed everything he could and staked on the Tomb of Sargeras. The armies of the defenders were forced to react and fight the demons in the depths of the ancient station of the titans.

Attack on the Tomb of Sargeras

Uniting in the so-called Legionfall Army, the offensive began. Fighting off the incessant invasions and air attacks from the ships of the Legion, they had to literally fight their way through the ranks of the infernal host.

Using the power of the Pillars of Creation, they managed to open a passage into the depths of the tomb, where the defeated avatar of Sargeras and Kil'jaeden himself lurked. In the battle with Illidan, the heroes of Azeroth and Velen, who would once be the co-ruler of Argus with him, Kil'jaeden realized that he was beginning to suffer defeat, and he had to retreat. However, after him, the heroes entered the ship that headed for Argus. A fierce battle ended in the orbit of the demon world with the death of the Legion general and another defeat for Sargeras.

It seemed that retreat from the falling ship was the only right decision. Thankfully, Illidan opened a portal to Azeroth with the Sargerite Key, and Khadgar could take everyone home. But the former lord of Outland had his own vision on this matter. Argus, hidden for so long in the chaos of the Twisting Nether, has finally been found. The Burning Legion could not be given a chance to counterattack, and the portal that led to Azeroth remained active. The next step is an expedition to its surface and a strike at the very heart of the Burning Legion.

Battle for Argus

The draenei-built Vindicare ship was capable of delivering allies to Velen's former homeland, and the tide of the war took an unexpected turn. The heroes were ready for perhaps the last campaign in their lives. All or nothing.

Arriving at Argus, they immediately received a strong rebuff. Even the Army of Light that was supposed to join the attack was suffering terrible losses. But, despite this, under the strict guidance of Illidan and Turalyon, with the support of some miraculously surviving, but broken local residents of the krokul, the heroes managed to gain a foothold in several bridgeheads. Let's leave out all the disagreements between Xe'ra and Illidan, Alleria's unity with the Abyss and the like. The main thing is that the offensive was going on, and the final was visible.

With the Crown of the Triumvirate artifact (a symbol of the power of ancient Argus) brought together and firing a Vindicare cannon into one of the walls of Antorus, the Burning Throne of Sargeras, the army from Azeroth was ready to step into the unknown.

Antorus, the Burning Throne

The horrors of the Legion appeared before them in all their glory. The leaders of the armies, the terrible demons, the production facilities of the war machines of Sargeras, capable of pulverizing all the worlds of the Great Dark Beyond. It was impossible to leave them in action.

But what shocked the heroes even more was the dark titan's secret trump card. The enslaved souls of the creators, who fell in ancient times at his hands, carefully collected in order to recreate their power, but already under his complete control. The Dark Pantheon could not be held back by any force in the universe.

Step by step, making their way to the very heart of Antorus, the forces of resistance freed the souls of the titans from dark influence. At the end, Argus was waiting for them - the soul of the world, who served as the source of energy for the entire campaign of the Legion.

The Titans have returned from oblivion to end their fallen brother. It remained only to cleanse the soul of Argus from corruption. She was transferred to the Throne of the Pantheon, but her soul could not be saved. Sargeras went all in. Argus was reborn as a Death Titan capable of holding his own against his brethren. A twisted and formidable enemy was the last stand before Sargeras, who finally reached Azeroth.

In fact, it was Azeroth (the soul sleeping inside the planet) that was his real target. He saw her during the War of the Ancients, when he nearly passed through a portal in the Well of Eternity. He knew about her power and sought to win over to his side. With plans to create the Dark Pantheon failed, this was his last chance. While the heroes fought against Argus, the sinister essence of the fallen god covered Azeroth.

It was only by a miracle that Argus was defeated. With the full support of the other Titans, the heroes struck the final blow. The God that never came into the world has fallen. All that remained was to end Sargeras and his Burning Crusade.

The forces of the Pantheon headed towards Azeroth, and prison awaited Sargeras. As the guardian of his evil essence, Illidan remained on the throne. The dark titan returned to his brothers against his will, thus ending the era of fear and destruction. Finally, the Burning Legion was defeated.

But it just couldn't end like that. With the last of his strength, Sargeras, following to the end his conviction that the Lords of the Abyss could get into the hands of such a powerful ally as Azeroth, pierced the planet with a defiled blade. This wound is what will become one of the causes of further events. Events of the Battle for Azeroth.

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Many players have been excited about the return of Illidan Stormrage in Legion, and it's no surprise. Illidan is a well-developed character with an interesting history, and some wonder why he didn't try to contact his brother and lover after returning. In the past, the paths of Illidan, Malfurion and Tyrande were closely intertwined - for example, during the War of the Ancients, which took place several millennia ago. Now what? The connection, which had existed for an incredibly long time, was interrupted in the Legion for some reason. Haven't the events of Burning Crusade taught us anything? There, all these characters also did not interact with each other in any way - Malfurion was in a coma and could not go with his brother to Outland, but now, after everything that happened in Val'sharah, why shouldn't he fly to Argus and chat with his brother? Despite their rather strange relationship, Malfurion and Illidan certainly care about each other - after all, the same blood flows in their veins wherever their fate takes them. Will Illidan be able to reunite with Malfurion and Tyrande? Let's find out.

According to the information that appeared on Wowhead, the story of the beloved characters will continue in the near future, and although they will not speak to each other directly, Illidan will give us a crystal to give it to Tyrande and Malfurion in Azeroth. Why doesn't he take the crystal himself? According to the expansion's denouement, Illidan, with the support of the Pantheon, plans to lure Sargeras into a trap and put him into stasis, thus ending the Burning Legion's invasion. That is, the developers re-introduced Illidan into the game only to send him somewhere far away again. Cruel, but that's what redemption looks like in the eyes of his people. Notice I said "in the eyes of his people" because I personally don't think Illidan has sinned too much. Yes, some of his actions were radical, but from the point of view of the ultimate goal, they were all justified.

The crystal that Illidan gives us contains a message addressed to his brother: "Malfurion! We fought each other even in the womb. This struggle continued throughout my life. You walked the path that Cenarius showed you. I heard another call. I craved power, but not to command and conquer. I wanted to protect Azeroth from an unstoppable enemy. You never supported my intentions - partly, I myself am to blame for this. But now that my fate is sealed, I would like to settle the differences that have divided us. The Legion has fallen, but new threats lie ahead, and I don't know who can deal with them better than you, brother. You have spent your life making Azeroth the way you want it to be. Now you have to fight for what he has become. Take care of Tyrande. Listen to her advice. She has always been the best of us. The journey will be long, but whatever happens, bear the name Stormrage with honor."

Malfurion reacted to this like this: “My brother was selfish and caused a lot of evil, his actions are difficult to forgive, but still there were times when we fought shoulder to shoulder. We had a common goal… We had good days. But now is not the time for personal reflection and regret. We must save our world, his soul is in agony."

Personally, it seems to me that Malfurion could be lenient, given all that Illidan has done. After all, defeating the Legion was his goal, too. I like that he mentions the old days, but he doesn't seem to remember what Illidan had to sacrifice and how zealously he defended Azeroth. And in general, his answer sounds very cold and detached, completely unfraternal. I had the strong impression that something was missing from him and that Malfurion could have said much more. Illidan was imprisoned, killed, resurrected and sacrificed himself again, and after that he heard this...

Of course, I'm glad that Illidan and Malfurion finally spoke, but I was expecting something a little more emotional ... human or something. Illidan had spoken well, describing his relationship with his brother, admitting that each of them had made the right choice, despite the fact that their paths had diverged in the process. Illidan saw Malfurion as a brother from beginning to end, and it was to him that he assigned an important role in eliminating future threats. Without a doubt, Illidan still trusts Malfurion and hopes for him, which, in general, is understandable, since Malfurion is an experienced druid who won the battle with the Emerald Nightmare and Xavius. It is possible that he will play an important role in the wars of the future, along with other characters, as he did in the Legion, but Illidan will no longer help his brother in this.

And yet, I was glad to hear the dialogue between the demon hunter and the druid, because in Burning Crusade we were not shown anything on this topic at all.

Also in his speech, Illidan mentioned Tyrande, and again I want to note that his lines are very well developed. Don't they touch the soul?

!!!"Tyrande... You once trusted me so much that you went against Malfurion's will and released me from prison, but over time, this faith dried up. Like my brother, you decided that the choice I made brought me into darkness. Know that every action I have taken has led me to a single goal. I wanted to save our world. I did not know half measures, did not compromise. When I began to doubt myself, I clung to one single thought... the thought of you. You have always been the virtue of Azeroth, Tyrande. Faith in you did not fade in me even in the darkest times. Now I see my destiny clearly. I know what I must do, and I entrust the protection of Azeroth to you and my brother. Take care of him, Tyrande. I would like your heart to make a different choice, but I know that it was not mistaken.

Tyrande reacted like this: “Words of repentance… should they be believed? After Illidan was defeated atop the Black Temple, I tried to get rid of my feelings. I felt disappointed and bitter. When I learned that Illidan was alive and leading an army against the Burning Legion on the Broken Shore, I couldn't bring myself to talk to him. But the time for talking has passed. Duty calls him, just like us, by the way.”

Once again, Tyrande's words sound a little stingy and dry, despite the fact that she seems to be aware of the trials that fell to Illidan's lot, understands what his choice was dictated and why he was needed. In War of the Ancients and Warcraft 3, Illidan and Tyrande shared a close bond, so I expected a lot more emotional response from Tyrande. Illidan is amazingly honest, his words sound heartfelt - whoever wrote them definitely loves this story. The last line left me completely speechless. I've always wondered why fate treated Illidan so cruelly, wasn't the path of a demon hunter enough? No, he fell in love with a woman who could not reciprocate, and then he also admitted that this decision on her part was the right one. Certainly Illidan has changed a lot over the years. In the War of the Ancients, he tried to convince Tyrande that Malfurion was not suitable for her, did not want to put up with the rejection and became angry to the point that others thought he was ready to cripple someone (of course, he would never do this). Since then, he has come a long way, recognized his brother in Malfurion and realized that you cannot command the heart.

The only oddity I find in all of this is in Tyrande's line: "When I learned that Illidan was alive and leading an army against the Burning Legion on the Broken Shore..." At the time of Illidan's return, Tyrande was in the Nighthold, and she , perhaps it was a little off, but the fact that she "couldn't bring herself to talk to him" to some extent explains the complete lack of plot development throughout the expansion. However, we have already received more than in Burning Crusade, despite the fact that Malfurion's reaction leaves much to be desired ...

I hasten to remind you that Tyrande, Malfurion and Illidan will never speak directly to each other, and all messages will be transmitted using the crystal.

Tell me, are you satisfied with this denouement? Personally, I would like to know more details, and not at the end, but gradually, throughout the expansion - maybe at the time of Illidan's return to the Nighthold ... but at least what we have is still better than nothing .