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{{infobox faction
Speak with Sirra Von'Indi after he translates the Note.
 
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| image = March of the Legion2.jpg
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| name = The Burning Legion
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| mlead = {{RaceIconExt|DarkTitan|Male}}{{Npc||Sargeras}} (in absence)<br\>{{RaceIconExt|Kil'jaeden}}{{npc||Kil'jaeden||Kil'jaeden the Deceiver}} (currently)<br\>{{RaceIconExt|Archimonde}}{{Npc||Archimonde}} (past co-leader)
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| leaders = {{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord}}{{npc||Mephistroth}}<br\>
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{{RaceIconExt|PitLord}}{{npc||Azgalor}}<br\>{{RaceIconExt|Tichondrius}}{{npc||Balnazzar}}
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| capital = [[Argus]] (presumed)
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| capitals = [[Xoroth]] (presumed)
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| language = [[Eredun]]<ref>{{ref web|url = http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/346.xml|title = Burning Legion|accessdate = 08-07-2009|author = [[Blizzard Entertainment Inc.]]|work = The Warcraft Encyclopedia|language = English|quote = ...the eredar declared that their primary language, Eredun, would be the Legion's common language.}}</ref>
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| slang = [[Demonic]]
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| races ={{Race|Dark titan}}<br />
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{{Race|Demon}}s:<br />
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{{Race|Man'ari eredar|[[Man'ari eredar]]}}
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*{{RaceIconExt|Wrathguard}} [[Wrathguard]]
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{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord}} [[Nathrezim]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|PitLord}} [[Annihilan]]<br />
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[[Ered'ruin]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Daemon}} [[Daemon]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Doomguard}} [[Doomguard]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Doomlord}} [[Doomlord]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Fiend}} [[Fiend]]
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{{RaceIconExt|Mo'arg}} [[Mo'arg]]<br />
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*{{RaceIconExt|Gan'arg}} [[Gan'arg]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Felguard}} [[Felguard]]
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{{RaceIconExt|Shivarra}} [[Shivarra]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Tothrezim}} [[Tothrezim]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Voidwalker}} [[Voidwalker]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Succubus}} [[Sayaad]] ([[Succubus]])<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Felhunter}} [[Fel stalker]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Imp}} [[Imp]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|FloatingEye}} [[Floating eye]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|VoidTerror}} [[Void terror]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|DemonicHound}} [[Demonic hound]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Demonhunter}} [[Demonhunter]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Felsteed}}{{RaceIconExt|Dreadsteed}} [[Nightmare]]<br />
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Legion's contructs:<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Abyssal}} [[Abyssal]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Infernal}} [[Infernal]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|FelReaver}} [[Fel reaver]]<br />
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[[Fel]] [[Fel corruption|corrupted]] [[species]]:<br />
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{{Race|Fel Orc}}<br />
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{{Race|Felblood Elf}}<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Satyr}} [[Satyr]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Helboar}} [[Helboar]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|Darkhound}} [[Darkhound]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|WarpStalker}} [[Warp stalker]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|FelDragon|Small}}{{Race|Undead|notext}} [[Shadow|Fel]]-[[Necromancy|raised]] [[undead]]<br />
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{{RaceIconExt|DireFurbolg}} [[Corrupted furbolg]]<br />
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Other Corrupted [[species]]<br />
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[[Mortal]] followers:<br />
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{{Race|Bloodelf|notext}} Notably [[Kael'thas' forces|blood elves]]<br />
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[[Shadow Council]] [[races]]
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*{{Race|Orc|notext}} Notably [[orc]]s
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*[[Cult of the Dark Strand]]† races
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More others from various [[race]]s
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| theater = [[Twisting Nether]], [[Outland]], [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]], Pieces of the [[Great Dark Beyond]] (presumed), some other doomed, influated or/and conquered [[planet]]s
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| pop = Estimated to number in the millions<ref name=crisis>{{ref web|url = http://media.worldofwarcraft.com/movies/video_loader/wow_video.htm?vid=crisisatdaportal-en&dir=movies/crisisatdaportal&crisisatdaportal&rating=wow|title = Crisis at the Portal|accessdate = 20-06-2009|author = [[Blizzard Entertainment Inc.]]|date = April 19, 2007 |work = News From Outland: Crisis at Da Portal|language = English|quote = How long do you think this is going to last? Given that the Legion is estimated to number in the million! - [[Wendy Breezy]]}}</ref>
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| status = Active
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}}
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:''"Beat or be beaten! This is the way of the Legion!"''
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:—[[Brutallus]]
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The '''Burning Legion''', also known as the "'''great burning shadow'''",<ref>{{ref game |title=Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos |campaign=[[Exodus of the Horde]] |mission=[[Chasing Visions]]|npc=Medivh |quote=Human? I left my humanity behind long ago. I am something ... different now. Know that I have seen the future and beheld the great burning shadow that is coming to consume this world. You sense it as well, don't you? }}</ref> the '''Legion of the Lower Planes'''{{Citation needed}}, or simply '''The Legion''',<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion= [[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Legacy of the Damned]]|mission=[[King Arthas (Warcraft III)|King Arthas]]|npc=Sylvanas Windrunner|quote=The Legion was defeated months ago. How could they not know?}}</ref> is a vast, innumerable army of [[demon]]s, [[infernal]]s, and corrupted races who seek to destroy any trace of order in the universe. They have thrice invaded [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]], and were only beaten back at a terrible cost. Much of Azeroth's history — including the First, Second, and Third War — were due to the Legion's influence. It can be said that the Legion is Azeroth's nemesis; it corrupted the orcs who then invaded Azeroth, created the [[Lich King]] and is the source of most of Azeroth's scars. It should also be noted that Azeroth is the only known planet that they have ever failed to conquer.
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The Legion's mission is, in theory, to undo the works of the [[titan]]s and restore the universe back to its original, chaotic and disorganized state.<ref>{{ref web|url = http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/story/chapter1.html|title = Chapter I: Mythos |accessdate = 2000-12-23|accessdaymonth = |accessmonthday = |accessyear = |author = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]|last = |first = |authorlink = |coauthors = |date = |year = |month = |format = HTML|work = Description|publisher = |pages = |language = English|doi = |archiveurl = |archivedate = |quote = }}</ref> In practice, the Legion scours all life from the worlds it invades, they are cursed to roam the greater realms forever to consume the primal energies of magic to survive.<ref name=WC3prelude>{{ref web|url = http://blizzard.com/war3/description.shtml|title = Warcraft III official site|accessdate = 2000-12-23|accessdaymonth = |accessmonthday = |accessyear = |author = [[Blizzard Entertainment]]|last = |first = |authorlink = |coauthors = |date = |year = |month = |format = HTML|work = Description|publisher = |pages = |language = English|doi = |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20000831114421/blizzard.com/war3/description.shtml|archivedate = 2000-08-31|quote = }}</ref>
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The Legion has ravished world after world in its mad lust for arcane power<ref name=WC3prelude/> and is thus responsible for the genocide of thousands of races across the universe — billions, if not trillions of lives.
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== History ==
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=== Genesis ===
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The [[Titan]]s, creators of order in the universe, were aware of the threat posed to their creations by the evil entities living in the [[Twisting Nether]]. These demonic beings existed only to devour the living energies of the universe. Over time, the demons began to make their way into the Titan's worlds from the nether. The Titans selected their greatest warrior, [[Sargeras]], to act as their first line of defense. A noble giant of bronze, Sargeras carried out his duties for countless millennia, seeking out and destroying these demons wherever he could find them. Over the aeons, Sargeras encountered two powerful demonic races, both of which were bent on gaining power and dominance over the physical universe. Though Sargeras' nearly limitless powers were more than enough to defeat the demons he faced, he was greatly troubled by their corruption and all-consuming evil. Incapable of fathoming such depravity, the great Titan began to slip into a brooding depression.
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While his confusion and misery deepened, Sargeras was forced to contend with another group intent on disrupting the Titans' order: the [[Nathrezim]]. This dark race of vampiric demons (also known as [[dreadlord]]s) conquered a number of populated worlds by possessing their inhabitants and turning them to the shadow. The nefarious, scheming dreadlords turned whole nations against one another by manipulating them into unthinking hatred and mistrust. Sargeras defeated the Nathrezim easily, but their corruption affected him deeply.
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As doubt and despair overwhelmed Sargeras' senses, he lost all faith not only in his mission, but also in the Titans' vision of an ordered universe. Eventually he came to believe that the concept of order itself was folly, and that chaos and depravity were the only absolutes within the dark, lonely universe. His fellow Titans tried to persuade him of his error and calm his raging emotions, but he disregarded their more optimistic beliefs as self-serving delusions. Storming from their ranks forever, Sargeras set out to find his own place in the universe. Although the [[Pantheon]] was sorrowful at his departure, the Titans could never have predicted just how far their lost brother would go.
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Even Sargeras' titanic form became distorted from the corruption that plagued his once-noble heart. His eyes, hair, and beard erupted in fire, and his metallic bronze skin split open to reveal an endless furnace of blistering hate.
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By the time Sargeras' madness had consumed the last vestiges of his valiant spirit, he believed that the Titans themselves were responsible for creation's failure. Deciding, at last, to undo their works throughout the universe, he resolved to form an unstoppable army that would set the physical universe aflame. In his fury, Sargeras shattered the prisons of the Nathrezim and all the other demon races he had imprisoned during his time as the Titans' champion, and set the loathsome demons free. These cunning creatures bowed before the dark Titan's vast rage and offered to serve him in whatever malicious ways they could. Thus was born Sargeras' unstoppable army — the Burning Legion.
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On the planet [[Argus]], Sargeras found the army he sought — the [[eredar]], a race of highly intelligent beings with a natural affinity for magic in all its myriad forms. From the ranks of these mighty creatures, Sargeras picked two champions to command his demonic army of destruction. [[Kil'jaeden]] the Deceiver was chosen to seek out the darkest races in the universe and recruit them into Sargeras' ranks. The second champion, [[Archimonde]] the Defiler, was chosen to lead Sargeras' vast armies into battle against any who might resist the Titan's will.
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Kil'jaeden's first move was to enslave the vampiric dreadlords under his terrible power. The dreadlords served as his personal agents throughout the universe, and they took pleasure in locating primitive races for their master to corrupt and bring into the fold. First amongst the dreadlords was [[Tichondrius]] the Darkener. Tichondrius served Kil'jaeden as the perfect soldier and agreed to bring Sargeras' burning will to all the dark corners of the universe.
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The mighty Archimonde also empowered agents of his own. Calling upon the malefic pit lords and their barbarous leader, [[Mannoroth]] the Destructor, Archimonde hoped to establish a fighting elite that would scour creation of all life.
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Once Sargeras saw that his armies were amassed and ready to follow his every command, he launched his raging forces into the vastness of the [[Great Dark]]. He referred to his growing army as the Burning Legion. To this date, it is still unclear how many worlds they consumed and burned on their unholy [[Burning Crusade]] across the universe.
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''In terms of exact dates, these events are difficult to pinpoint. The empowerment of the [[Dragon Aspects]] is listed as having occurred some 64,000 years ago, which most sources agree happened after Sargeras fell. However, the defection of the eredar didn't occur until 25,000 years ago, some 39 millennia later. This is confusing, as it means neither the eredar nor the Nathrezim (the most important minions of the Legion) joined until long after the Legion's foundation. Alternatively, the Legion was only formed after the eredar's defection 25,000 years ago, and not Sargeras's fall 39,000 years earlier. In other words, the foundation of the Legion is shrouded in mystery.''
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=== The First Invasion ===
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{{main|War of the Ancients}}
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Many thousands of years ago (10,000 years before [[Warcraft I]]) the Burning Legion became attracted to the world of [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]] due to the reckless use of magic taking place on that world. The night elf "[[Highborne]]" under the direction of the Night Elf queen [[Queen Azshara|Azshara]] and her counselor [[Xavius]] had been undertaking experiments to draw greater and greater amounts of energy from the [[Well of Eternity]], the source of magical power on Azeroth.
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The Highborne's reckless use of magic sent ripples of energy spiraling out from the Well of Eternity and into the Great Dark Beyond. The streaming ripples of energy were felt by terrible alien minds. Sargeras — the Great Enemy of all life, the Destroyer of Worlds — felt the potent ripples and was drawn to their distant point of origin. Spying the primordial world of Azeroth and sensing the limitless energies of the Well of Eternity, Sargeras was consumed by an insatiable hunger. The great dark god of the Nameless Void resolved to destroy the fledgling world and claim its energies as his own.
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Sargeras gathered his vast Burning Legion and made his way towards the unsuspecting world of Azeroth. The Legion was composed of a million screaming demons, all ripped from the far corners of the universe, and the demons hungered for conquest. Sargeras' lieutenants, [[Archimonde]] the Defiler and [[Mannoroth]] the Destructor, prepared their infernal minions to strike.
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Queen Azshara, overwhelmed by the terrible ecstasy of her magic, fell victim to Sargeras' undeniable power and agreed to grant him entrance to her world. Even her Highborne servitors gave themselves over to magic's inevitable corruption and began to worship Sargeras as their god. To show their allegiance to the Legion, the Highborne aided their queen in opening a vast, swirling portal within the depths of the Well of Eternity.
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Once all his preparations had been made, Sargeras began his catastrophic invasion of Azeroth. The warrior-demons of the Burning Legion stormed into the world through the Well of Eternity and laid siege to the night elves' sleeping cities. Led by Archimonde and Mannoroth, the Legion swarmed over the lands of Kalimdor, leaving only ash and sorrow in its wake. The demon warlocks called down searing [[Infernal]]s that crashed like hellish meteors into the graceful spires of Kalimdor's temples. A band of burning, bloodletting killers known as the [[Doomguard]] marched across Kalimdor's fields, slaughtering everyone in their path. Packs of wild, demonic [[Felhound]]s ravaged the countryside unopposed. Though the brave [[Kaldorei]] warriors rushed to defend their ancient homeland, they were forced to give ground, inch by inch, before the fury of the Legion's onslaught.
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It fell to [[Malfurion Stormrage]] to find help for his beleaguered people. Stormrage, whose own brother, [[Illidan]], practiced the Highborne's magics, was incensed by the growing corruption amongst the upper class. Convincing Illidan to forsake his dangerous obsession, Malfurion set out to find Cenarius and muster a resistance force. The beautiful young priestess, [[Tyrande]], agreed to accompany the brothers in the name of [[Elune]]. Though Malfurion and Illidan shared a love for the idealistic priestess, Tyrande's heart belonged to Malfurion alone. Illidan resented his brother's budding romance with Tyrande, but knew that his heartache was nothing compared to the pain of his magical addiction.
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Illidan, who had grown dependent on magic's empowering energies, struggled to keep control of his nearly overwhelming hunger to tap the Well's energies once again. However, with Tyrande's patient support, he was able to restrain himself and help his brother find the reclusive demigod, [[Cenarius]]. Cenarius, who dwelt within the sacred Moonglades of the distant [[Mount Hyjal]], agreed to help the night elves by finding the ancient [[dragon]]s and enlisting their aid. The dragons, led by the great red leviathan, [[Alexstrasza]], agreed to send their mighty flights to engage the demons and their infernal masters.
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[[Cenarius]], calling on the spirits of the enchanted forests, rallied an army of ancient tree-men and led them against the Legion in a daring ground assault. As the night elves' allies converged upon [[Azshara]]'s temple and the Well of Eternity, all-out warfare erupted. Despite the strength of their newfound allies, Malfurion and his colleagues realized that the Legion could not be defeated by martial strength alone.
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As the titanic battle raged around Azshara's capital city, the delusional queen waited in anticipation for [[Sargeras]]' arrival. The lord of the Legion was preparing to pass through the [[Well of Eternity]] and enter the ravaged world. As his impossibly huge shadow drew ever closer to the Well's raging surface, Azshara gathered the most powerful of her Highborne followers. Only by linking their magics together in one focused spell would they be able to create a gateway large enough for Sargeras to enter.
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Malfurion, convinced that the Well of Eternity was the demons' umbilical link to the physical world, insisted that it should be destroyed. His companions, knowing that the Well was the source of their immortality and powers, were horrified by the rash notion. Yet Tyrande saw the wisdom of Malfurion's theory, so she convinced Cenarius and their comrades to storm Azshara's temple and find a way to shut the Well down for good.
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Knowing that the Well's destruction would prevent him from ever wielding magic again, [[Illidan]] selfishly abandoned the group and set out to warn the Highborne of Malfurion's plan. Due to the insanity brought on by his addiction and the stinging resentment towards his brother's affair with Tyrande, Illidan felt no remorse at betraying Malfurion and siding with Azshara and her ilk. Above all else, Illidan vowed to protect the Well's power by any means necessary.
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Heartbroken by his brother's departure, Malfurion led his companions into the heart of Azshara's temple. Yet as they stormed into the main audience chamber, they found the Highborne in the midst of their final dark incantation. The communal spell created an unstable vortex of power within the Well's turbulent depths. As Sargeras' ominous shadow drew ever closer to the surface, Malfurion and his allies rushed to attack.
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Azshara, having received Illidan's warning, was more than prepared for them. Nearly all of Malfurion's followers fell before the mad queen's powers. Tyrande, attempting to attack Azshara from behind, was caught off-guard by the queen's Highborne guardsmen. Though she vanquished the guardsmen, Tyrande suffered grievous wounds at their hands. When Malfurion saw his love fall, he went into a murderous rage and resolved to end Azshara's life.
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As the battle raged inside and outside of the temple, Illidan appeared from the shadows near the shores of the great Well. Producing a set of specially crafted vials, Illidan knelt and filled each with the Well's shimmering waters. Convinced that the demons would crush the night elves' civilization, he planned to steal the sacred waters and keep their energies for himself.
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The ensuing battle between Malfurion and Azshara threw the Highborne's carefully crafted spellwork into chaos. The unstable vortex within the Well's depths exploded and ignited a catastrophic chain of events that would sunder the world forever. The massive explosion rocked the temple to its foundations and sent massive quakes ripping through the tortured earth. As the horrific battle between the Legion and the night elves' allies raged around and above the ruined capital city, the surging Well of Eternity buckled in upon itself and collapsed.
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The resultant catastrophic explosion shattered the earth and blotted out the skies (see The [[Great Sundering]]).
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As the aftershocks from the Well's implosion rattled the bones of the world, the seas rushed in to fill the gaping wound left in the earth. Nearly eighty percent of [[Kalimdor]]'s landmass had been blasted apart, leaving only a handful of separate continents surrounding the new, raging sea. At the center of the new sea, where the Well of Eternity once stood, was a tumultuous storm of tidal fury and chaotic energies. This terrible scar, known as the [[Maelstrom]], would never cease its furious spinning. It would remain a constant reminder of the terrible catastrophe... and the Utopian era that had been lost forever.
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Somehow, against all odds, Queen Azshara and her Highborne elite managed to survive the ordeal. Tortured and twisted by the powers they had released, Azshara and her followers were dragged down beneath the raging sea by the Well's implosion. Cursed — transformed — they took on new shapes and became the hateful serpentine [[naga]]. Azshara herself expanded with hate and rage, becoming a massive monstrosity, reflecting the wickedness and malice that had always hidden within her core.
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There, at the bottom of the Maelstrom, the naga built for themselves a new city, [[Nazjatar]], from which they would rebuild their power. It would take over ten thousand years before the naga would reveal their existence to the surface world.
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===Sargeras' return===
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{{main|Aegwynn and the Dragon Hunt|The Song of Aegwynn}}
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Somewhere in [[Northrend]], the demon forces invaded once again. [[Aegwynn]] fought against them here and even faced, and defeated, the [[avatar of Sargeras]] himself.
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=== The Second Invasion ===
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{{Main|Second Invasion}}
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For years, since their defeat at the hands of [[Malfurion Stormrage]], the Legion had watched and waited for the moment to be right for a second attempt to conquer Azeroth. [[Kil'jaeden]] was given orders to plan the second invasion of Azeroth and was unwilling to take any chances on the Legion's success. He decided that a new force would be necessary in order to weaken the defenses of Azeroth before the Legion's main invasion force arrived.
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Around this time Kil'jaeden discovered the world of [[Draenor]] and its two races, the shamanistic, clan based [[orcs]] and the peaceful [[Draenei]]. Of the two races, Kil'jaeden surmised that the orcs, a race seemingly bred as warriors, would be the perfect tool of the Legion. By bending the elder Shaman [[Ner'zhul]] to his will, Kil'jaeden was able to enact a series of events that would see to the enslavement of the orcs to the will of the Legion. Complete control was established when Kil'jaeden orchestrated a meeting between the orc chieftains and [[Mannoroth]]. At this meeting, the orcs were convinced to drink the blood of Mannoroth and thus cursed themselves to bloodlust and savagery.
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The [[orc]]s attempted to invade [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]] twice through the [[Dark Portal]].<ref>[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]], [[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]</ref><ref>[[Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal]]</ref> However, the natives of the planet formed together into an [[alliance]] led by the [[humans]], fought back with unexpected determination and casualties were high on both sides. At the end of the [[Second War]], the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] had defeated the orcs and their homeworld of Draenor destroyed by [[Ner'zhul]]'s attempt to escape into another dimension. The remaining orcs were rounded up and placed in various [[internment camp]]s by the Alliance.
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After the defeat of the orcs, Kil'jaeden determined to create a new force, one that would succeed where the orcs had failed. To this end he captured Ner'zhul and remade him as the [[Lich King]]. Trapping his essence in the [[Frozen Throne]], a large block of ice, Kil'jaeden hurled the Lich King to Azeroth, where he crashed on the frozen continent of [[Northrend]]. The Lich King's new mission was to prepare Azeroth for subjugation through the release of a [[Plague of Undeath]]. Thus, the [[Scourge]] was born.
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Where the orcs had failed the Scourge succeeded impressively. Within months the Eastern Kingdoms were in disarray. Each soldier or townsfolk who fell to the Scourge was reborn as an undead minion of the Lich King. Finally, the time for the Legion's return was nigh.
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Servants of the scourge were able to summon [[Archimonde]] himself to lead the assault...with him came the myriad demons of the legion. The second invasion had truly begun. The forces of the Legion swept across the [[Eastern Kingdoms]] and soon reached the shores of [[Kalimdor]], home of their old enemy, the night elves.
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The Legion chose as its main goal the consumption of the [[World Tree]] on [[Mount Hyjal]], which contained the essence of all life on Azeroth and granted immortality to the night elves. At the final hour, an alliance of humans, orcs, and night elves fought desperately to hold back [[Archimonde]] and the legion while Malfurion Stormrage performed a desperate druidic ritual upon the World Tree itself. Finally, Malfurion gave the signal that he was ready and the Legion was allowed to reach their goal...the World Tree stood exposed to Archimonde. As the demon embraced the tree, and began to feed upon its magics, Malfurion's spell took hold. The World Tree released all of its energy into Archimonde at once, destroying both the World Tree and the demon. The ensuing explosion destroyed the tree and laid waste to Hyjal summit. The Legion had been defeated once again, but at the cost of the night elves' immortality.
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With Archimonde finally defeated, Kil'jaeden has assumed complete control of the Legion.
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=== Aftermath ===
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====Kalimdor====
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After the defeat of the Burning Legion [[Azgalor]] returned to the [[Twisting Nether]] to plot a revange.<ref>''[[Manual of Monsters]]'', p.177</ref> However many of their followeres are still in [[Kalimdor]], scattered and leaderless,<ref name=WRPG127>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', p.127</ref> some of these cultists have abandoned the Legion and leave in normal villages, but others are still serving their demon masters.
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The loyal cultists are divided in three groups: the "mad servants", many of whom have forgotten their lives and now live only to kill; the "depraved ones", who want to destroy Azeroth, understanding the Legion goals; and the "true diciples", who know the purpose of the Burning Legion and seek to turn this to their adventage, among this disiples are those of the new [[Shadow Council]],<ref>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', p.128</ref> reformed by surviving [[warlock]]s.<ref name=WRPG129>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', p.129</ref> These cults do not present a threat to Kalimdor, however.<ref name=WRPG129/>
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The corruption continues expanding in [[Felwood]], principally for the [[Shadow Council]],<ref name=WRPG129/> [[satyr]]s and [[Corrupted furbolg|twisted furbolg]]s<ref name=WRPG200>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', p.200</ref> inhabit this region. The corrupted furbolgs join with the other corrupted creatures to do the Legions aims;<ref>''[[Manual of Monsters]]'', p.46</ref> there are cursed [[ancient]]s who wander these lands and kill anyone who they encounter; the satyrs are allied with the Shadow Council; and some members of the Burning Legion have made their homes in this zone. All these Legion forces are trying to spread the corruption to all Ashenvale Forest to finish the Legion's plans to destroy Kalimdor.<ref name=WRPG200/> Satyrs and corrupted furbolgs sometimes bypass to [[Moonglade]].<ref>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', p.201</ref>
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The cults left behind by the Burning Legion follow an unified agenda to regain their power.<ref>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', p.236</ref> Some demons, survivors of the [[Battle of Mount Hyjal]], still roam the Kalimdor<ref name=WRPG238>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', p.238</ref><ref name=encyclopedia>{{ref web|url = http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/346.xml|title = Burning Legion|accessdate = 08-07-2009|author = [[Blizzard Entertainment Inc.]]|work = The Warcraft Encyclopedia|language = English}}</ref> and more are summoned from the [[Twisting Nether]] by the cults.<ref name=WRPG238/>
  +
  +
[[Warlock]]s sometimes take control over small towns or villages.<ref name=WRPG129/> The demons are slowly destroying towns, hamlets and even cities, thanks to the cults.<ref name=WRPG238/> Although leaderless<ref name=WRPG127/> the cults and demons work as a cohesive entity, acting cordinately, and with the capacity of launching assaults to various place at the same time, they are scattered to protect themselves but comunicate from each other via the [[Twisting Nether]]s.<ref name=WRPG238/><ref name=encyclopedia/> Many are looking for oppening a permanent portal so that the Legion can invade [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]] once more,<ref name=WRPG238/> others continue spreading the corruption, guarding sites of power or some just reunite for unknown purposes.<ref name=encyclopedia/>
  +
  +
====Lordaeron====
  +
Although the Burning Legion was defeated and scattered in [[Kalimdor]], in [[Lordaeron]] they continued ruling under [[Balnazzar]].<ref name=Balnazzar>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion=[[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Legacy of the Damned]]|mission=[[A New Power in Lordaeron]]|quest=Main Quest: Balnazaar, the most powerful of the Dreadlords, holds Lordaeron in an iron grip...}}</ref>
  +
  +
====Continent of Azeroth====
  +
The Burning Legion in the [[Blasted Lands]] were under the command of [[Kazzak the Supreme|Lord Kazzak]]. Thanks to the efforts of [[Razelikh the Defiler]] the Burning Legion blostered its ranks with [[Grol the Destroyer]] and his [[Dreadmaul tribe|Dreadmaul Ogres]], [[Lady Sevine]], and [[Archmage Allistarj]]. This sect of the legion also includes [[Ilifar]], the only death knight who sided with the legion during the scourge rebellion.
  +
  +
====Outland====
  +
[[Magtheridon]] ruled as the Lord of [[Outland]] even after the Legion's defeat in Azeroth.<ref>''[[Shadows & Light]]'', p.150</ref>
  +
  +
===The Frozen Throne===
  +
====Aftermath of the Third War====
  +
An army of [[human]] and [[blood elves]] arose, the [[New Alliance]],<ref>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', p.214</ref> under the leadership of [[Lord Garithos]] and [[Kael'thas Sunstrider]].<ref name=human1x>{{ref game |title=Warcraft III|expansion = [[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Curse of the Blood Elves]] |mission=[[Misconceptions]]}}</ref> This New Alliance fought back against the Scourge and the Burning Legion. They managed to retake [[Dalaran]]<ref name="ReferenceA">{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion= [[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Legacy of the Damned]]|mission=[[King Arthas (Warcraft III)|King Arthas]]}}</ref> and fought against the undead in [[Silverpine Forest]]<ref name=human6x>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion= [[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Terror of the Tides]]|mission=[[Shards of the Alliance]]}}</ref><ref name="mission6">{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion= [[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Legacy of the Damned]]|mission=[[A New Power in Lordaeron]]}}</ref> and [[Alterac Mountains]].<ref name=human1x/>
  +
  +
The blood elves were overun by the Scourge but made an alliance with the [[night elves]]. With their help they defeated many undead and even some [[nathrezim|dreadlords]],<ref name="mission6"/> then the night elves fought against [[Illidan's Naga]] while the blood elves defended them from the Scourge, commanded by a dreadlord.<ref name="mission6"/> After some battles<ref name=human1x/> [[Kael'thas Sunstrider]] managed to kill [[Dalvengyr]],<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion= [[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Curse of the Blood Elves]]|mission=[[A Dark Covenant]]}}</ref> but he was betrayed by Garithos, had to flee to [[Outland]] and join [[Illidan's forces]].<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion= [[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Curse of the Blood Elves]]|mission=[[The Crossing]]}}</ref>
  +
  +
====Defeat in Outland====
  +
{{Main|Magtheridon's Forces}}
  +
[[Magtheridon]] still ruled Outland after two year later of the Legion's defeat,<ref>''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', p.34-35</ref> but, with the help of the escaped [[blood elves]], [[Illidan Stormrage]] stormed his citadel and claimed Outland for his own.<ref>{{ref game |title=Warcraft III |expansion=[[The Frozen Throne]] |campaign=[[Curse of the Blood Elves]] |mission=[[Lord of Outland]]}}</ref> Although the pit lord was chained and his forces are now part of [[Illidan's forces]], there are still numerous Legion strongholds over the planet and the [[Cabal]], cultists of the [[Shadow Council]], are trying to provide adventage to thier demon masters. The draenei are resisting to the Legion, even a group led by [[Akama]] had to join Illidan to defeat Magtheridon.<ref>''[[Shadows & Light]]'', p.151</ref>
  +
  +
====Defeat in Lordaeron====
  +
Although the [[New Alliance]] suffered a great loss with the blood elves, they continued fighting against the [[Scourge]]. However, they were not a serious threat to the Burning Legion. Rather, the dreadlords [[Balnazzar]], [[Detheroc]], and [[Varimathras]] who were in charge of the Scourge were impatient for orders from [[Archimonde]] and ensured that the Scourge was ready for action, ignorant of the death of their leader. Soon after, [[Arthas]] returned to Lordaeron's [[Capital City]]. He told the undead leaders that the city was now his and that he wouldn't require the dreadlords' services to watch over it. When Balnazzar retorted that the Scourge belonged to the Legion, Arthas replied that their masters had been defeated, and that the Burning Legion was "undone." He then tried to slaughter the dreadlords but they managed to escape and warn Arthas of their inevitable retribution.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Later, the dreadlords found out that the [[Lich King]] was weakening, and together with [[Sylvannas Windrunner]] planned to overthrow Arthas.<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion= [[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Legacy of the Damned]]|mission=[[A Kingdom Divided]]}}</ref>
  +
  +
Luckily for the scourge, Arthas escaped the Capital City and Sylvanas's assassination attempt was thwarted by Kel'thuzad.<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion= [[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Legacy of the Damned]]|mission=[[Sylvanas' Farewell]]}}</ref> Soon after Varimathras invited Sylvanas to join the dreadlord's new order, Sylvanas however had no intention of losing her freedom again denied the offer and knew it was only a moment of time before she would be attacked. Using her sister [[banshees]] Sylvanas possessed [[Blackthorn]], [[Mug'thol]], [[Snarlmane]], and possibly the [[Murloc Puddle Lord]] to bloster her forces and not only did she destroy the attacking undead, she even "turned" Varimathras to her side.<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion= [[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Legacy of the Damned]]|mission=[[The Dark Lady]]}}</ref> Soon after the future [[forsaken]] killed Detheroc and acquired an ally in the freed [[Garithos]].<ref name="ReferenceB">{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion= [[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Legacy of the Damned]]|mission=[[Dreadlord's Fall]]}}</ref>
  +
  +
The banshee and her forces laid [[A New Power in Lordaeron|siege]] to Balnazzar's base, which he had fortified within the city ruins. Balnazzar then found himself attacked from both sides by Sylvanas and Garithos. Though he was armed with demons and had made many threats, Balnazzar's forces were defeated.<ref name="mission6"/>
  +
  +
[[File:VarimathraskillsBalnazzar.jpg|left|thumb|Varimathras "kills" Balnazzar.]]
  +
  +
Sylvanas, Varimathras, and Garithos approached Balnazzar. Sylvanas ordered Varimathras to kill his brother as a testament of his loyalty to her. Varimathras was reluctant. Killing another [[nathrezim]] was forbidden but Sylvanas was adamant. Balnazzar was sure that Varimathras would never take that final step. He was wrong.<ref name=mission6/> However, Balnazzar survived — Varimathras allowed his brother to fake his death in order to fool Sylvanas.<ref>''[[Monster Guide]]'', pg. 152</ref><ref>''[[Horde Player's Guide]]'', pg. 180</ref> Varimathras then killed Garithos on Sylvanas orders.<ref name=mission6/>
  +
  +
With all their enemies dead, Sylvanas made a proclamation to Varimathras. They would rule the Plaguelands as the [[Forsaken]], and would stake out their own destiny, where none would get in their way.<ref name=mission6/>
  +
  +
At some point Balnazzar killed and possessed [[Saidan Dathrohan|Saidan Dathrohan's]] body and began using the [[Scarlet Crusade]].<ref>''[[Death is Contagious]]''</ref>
  +
  +
====The Burning Crusade continues...====
  +
Even with their defeat in Azeroth the Legion continues invading planets.<ref>''[[Shadows & Light]]'', p.154</ref>
  +
  +
=== Attempted Third Invasion ===
  +
====Attempt to enter through the Dark Portal====
  +
After [[Illidan|Illidan's]] failure to destroy the [[Frozen Throne]], [[Kil'jaeden]] sent forces to [[Outland]] to destroy him, however, [[Illidan's forces]] proved to be equally as powerful and the Legion has so far been unable to gain revenge. During the invasion of [[Outland]], the Legion managed to open the [[Dark Portal]] and send troops into [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]], led by [[Highlord Kruul]], but the [[Argent Dawn]] managed to hold the area surrounding the portal until reinforcements from the [[Alliance]] and [[Horde]] arrived.<ref>http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/news/rss-01-2007.xml</ref> After that, the Azerothian resistance pressed on and managed to drive the demons back into [[Outland]] where they fought at [[The Stair of Destiny]].<ref name=crisis/>
  +
  +
The Alliance and Horde managed to defeat the Burning Legion in the first battle and entered through the [[Dark Portal]], going to the middle [[Hellfire Peninsula]], there the Horde established [[Thrallmar]]<ref name=PortalH>{{quest|Through the Dark Portal (Horde)}}</ref> and the initial Expeditionary Force of the Alliance reinforced [[Honor Hold]].<ref name=PortalA>{{quest|Through the Dark Portal (Alliance)}}</ref> However, a [[Pit Commander]] and more Legion forces blocked the reinforcements of both factions, and they stood together to fight in [[The Stair of Destiny]]<ref name=PortalH/><ref name=PortalA/> for a long time.<ref name=crisis/> [[Lieutenant General Orion]] sent an Horde [[adventurer]] for reinforcements of [[Thrallmar]], after the notice [[General Krakork]] sent out what forces he could.<ref>{{quest|Journey to Thrallmar}}</ref> The Legion stationed [[nathrezim|dreadlords]] in [[Felspark Ravine]], but the Alliance<ref name=anguish>{{quest|The Path of Anguish}}</ref> and Horde defeated them, their [[imp]]s and [[infernal]]s.<ref name=felspark>{{quest|Felspark Ravine}}</ref> The Alliance and Horde finally managed to destroy the portals defeating the Legion's forces by ground<ref>{{quest|Disrupt Their Reinforcements (Horde)}}</ref><ref>{{quest|Disrupt Their Reinforcements (Alliance)}}</ref> and by air.<ref>{{quest|Mission: Gateways Murketh and Shaadraz}}</ref><ref>{{quest|Mission: The Murketh and Shaadraz Gateways}}</ref><ref>{{quest|Mission: The Abyssal Shelf (Horde)}}</ref><ref>{{quest|Mission: The Abyssal Shelf (Alliance)}}</ref> However the Burning Legion continued to produce [[fel reaver]]s in [[Forge Camp: Mageddon]], the Alliance and Horde detected this and sent adventurers<ref>{{quest|Return to Thrallmar}}</ref> that defeated this force and destroyed the fel reavers.<ref>{{quest|Disruption - Forge Camp: Mageddon}}</ref><ref>{{quest|Forge Camp: Mageddon}}</ref> After the defeat of the fel reavers they aimed [[Thrallmar]] with fel cannons, but both Alliance and Horde destroyed the cannons,<ref>{{quest|Cannons of Rage}}</ref><ref>{{quest|Enemy of my Enemy...}}</ref> The final Legion's base, commanded by [[Warbringer Arix'Amal]], still housed warp-portals from which they were drawing reinforcements, but the Alliance located the base<ref name=annihilator>{{quest|Invasion Point: Annihilator}}</ref> and both Alliance and Horde sent adventurers which destroyed the portals and defeated the Legion in [[Hellfire Peninsula]].<ref name=annihilator/><ref>{{quest|Doorway to the Abyss}}</ref> Kil'jaeden's invasion may have been unsuccessful, but few people know just what he has planned for [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]] next...
  +
  +
====Activities in Outland====
  +
[[Doom Lord Kazzak]] is the commander of the Burning Legion in [[Outland]], he resides in the [[Throne of Kil'jaeden]].<ref name=anguish/><ref name=felspark/> Although the Burning Legion in Hellfire Peninsula was defeated, there is presence through all other zones of Outland with the exception of [[Zangarmarsh]].
  +
  +
=====Terokkar Forest=====
  +
{{Main|Cabal}}
  +
In [[Terokkar Forest]] the [[Shadow Council]] is still active, there are many cultists, who are part of a branch called [[Cabal]].
  +
  +
=====Blade's Edge Mountains=====
  +
In [[Blade's Edge Mountains]] the Legion has accomplished several things:
  +
*Sent [[imp]]s, [[fire elemental]]s and [[basilisk]]s to defile [[Skald]], causing the destruction of the living places for many [[ancient]]s<ref>{{quest|From the Ashes}}</ref> and the death of most of them.<ref>{{quest|Little Embers}}</ref>
  +
*In the [[Bladed Gulch]], they use [[Fel Corrupter]]s to corrupt the creatures of the land. Those creatures became [[Felsworn]] and the [[Cenarion Expedition]] fights against them.<ref>{{quest|Culling the Wild}}</ref>
  +
*At [[Forge Camp: Anger]],<ref>{{quest|Felsworn Gas Mask}}</ref> the Fel Corrupters used [[Felsworn Gas Mask]]s<ref>{{quest|Damaged Mask}}</ref> to communicate with their masters.<ref>{{quest|Mystery Mask}}</ref> The leader of these Fel Corrupters was called [[Doomcryer]].<ref name=decieve>{{quest|Deceive thy Enemy}}</ref> The [[Cenarion Expedition]] sent out [[adventurer]]s that deceived the masters and caused the killing of many [[mo'arg]]s<ref name=decieve/> and even the leader [[Doomcryer]].<ref>{{quest|You're Fired!}}</ref>
  +
*The Legion also controls [[Death's Door]], one of the portals that connects to the [[Twisting Nether]] that was closed by [[Illidan]],<ref>{{ref game |title=Warcraft III |expansion=[[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne|The Frozen Throne]] |campaign=[[Curse of the Blood Elves]] |mission=[[Gates of the Abyss]] |zone= |npc= |quote= |quest= }}</ref> and two warp-gates.<ref>{{quest|Harvesting the Fel Ammunition}}</ref> [[Evergrove Druid]]s and some adventurers managed to destroy the warp-gates<ref>{{quest|Fire At Will!}}</ref> and defeat [[Baelmon the Hound-Master]], who keeps the portal functioning.<ref>{{quest|The Hound-Master}}</ref>
  +
  +
=====Netherstorm=====
  +
{{Seealso|Kael'thas' forces}}
  +
In [[Netherstorm]] the main activities are of the blood elves allied with the Legion, the [[Kael'thas' forces]], with mainly the [[Sunfury]] outside of [[Tempest Keep]] and other groups inside of it. The demons in the zone were led by the [[man'ari eredar|eredar]] [[Socrethar]]<ref name="staff1"/> and did several things:
  +
*A group of demons took control of the [[Arklon Ruins]] to make an excavation, and they were led by the [[shivarra]] [[Ekkorash the Inquisitor]].<ref name=staff1>{{quest|The Archmage's Staff}}</ref> Ekkorash posses the {{item|Archmage Vargoth's Staff}},<ref name=staff1/> but removed staff's crystalline headpiece not realizing that it works in concert with the rest of the staff.<ref name="crystal"/> The [[nathrezim|dreadlord]] [[Pentatharon]] came into the possession of the [[Arklon Crystal Artifact]], however it wasn't anything special and the Burning Legion continued searching for something in particular.<ref name=crystal>{{quest|Consortium Crystal Collection}}</ref>
  +
**[[Ravandwyr]] sent [[adventurer]]s to retrieve the staff and Ekkorash was killed in the process,<ref name=staff1/> while [[Nether-Stalker Khay'ji]] sent adventurers to defeat [[Pentatharon]].<ref name=crystal/>
  +
*[[Culuthas]], a [[nathrezim|dreadlord]], took the [[Ata'mal Crystal]] and betrayed the Legion. He killed the demons of [[Farahlon]] and summoned [[Hound of Culuthas|Hounds]] and [[Eye of Culuthas|Eyes]] of Culuthas to aid him. [[Image of Socrethar|A projection of Socrethar]] threatens Culuthas to give him the crystal or die, but the [[Consortium]] killed the dreadlord and obtained the crystal.<ref>[[Quest:Full Triangle]]</ref><ref>[[Image of Socrethar#Conversation with Culuthas|Conversation between Socrethar and Culuthas]].</ref>
  +
*A group of [[mo'arg]]s and [[gan'arg]]s began activities in the [[Scrap Field]], so the [[goblin]]s of [[Area 52]] feared that it was a problem for them. For that reason, they sent [[adventurer]]s to dealt with them.<ref>{{quest|In A Scrap With The Legion}}</ref>
  +
*Demons at the north of Netherstorm were aiding the Sunfury blood elves at [[Manaforge Ara]] and had some bases. The Aldor and Scryer fought the Legion's presence in Manaforge Ara, the alliance between the the blood elves and the Burning Legion was discovered by the [[Aldor]]<ref name=darkpact>[[Quest:A Dark Pact]]</ref> and [[Scryer]].<ref>[[Quest:Damning Evidence]]</ref>
  +
**The demons of Manaforge Ara were killed by the [[Aldor]].<ref name=darkpact/>
  +
**[[Kaylaan]], a draenei Aldor, joined the Legion when he heard of the alliance between [[Kael'thas' forces]] and the Burning Legion.<ref name="Quest:Deathblow to the Legion">[[Quest:Deathblow to the Legion]]</ref><ref>[[Quest:Aldor No More]]</ref>
  +
**At [[Forge Base: Oblivion]] the Legion was led by [[Forgemaster Morug]] and had in their possession the {{loot|Common|First Half of Socrethar's Stone}}. However, Morug was killed by adventurers in order to fight Socrethar.<ref name=giftvorenthal>[[Quest:A Gift for Voren'thal]]</ref>
  +
**At [[Forge Base: Gehenna]] the Legion was led by [[Silroth]] and had in their possession the {{loot|Common|Second Half of Socrethar's Stone}}. However, Silroth was killed by adventurers in order to fight Socrethar.<ref name=giftvorenthal/>
  +
**High Priestess [[Ishanah]] led the Aldor to fight against [[Socrethar]], but [[Kaylaan the Lost]] was in their way. While fighting Kaylaan, [[Socrethar]] killed Ishanah; but Kaylaan, seeing his mentor dying, proceeded to resurrect her. Socrethar then killed Kaylann accusing him of attrition.<ref name="Quest:Deathblow to the Legion"/>
  +
**Finally, Aldors and Scryers attacked Socrethar; with [[Voren'thal's Presence]] the eredar was weakened and was killed in the battle.<ref>[[Quest:Turning Point]]</ref>
  +
  +
====Kil'jaeden's summoning====
  +
Kil'jaeden was not finished yet however, for he had found a new pawn to manipulate in [[Kael'thas Sunstrider|Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider]]. After his defeat at Tempest Keep, and still blinded by his lust for power, Kael become an all too willing participant in The Burning Legion's next attempt to invade and conquer Azeroth. Kil'jaeden restored Kael'thas' life and power through demonic means and empowered many of his followers will fel energy. Kael'thas sent his new Felblood elves to Silvermoon, where they captured [[M'uru]] from Kael's own people and took him to the Sunwell. Kael'thas also discovered that the energies of the Sunwell still existed, in the form of the human girl [[Anveena]], and she was imprisoned and taken to the Sunwell, with Kael hoping to use her energies to reignite the Sunwell, to both bring his new master Kil'jaeden into Azeroth, and to supply himself with a new font of limitless power. However, with the intervention of the Blue Dragonflight and numerous mortal heroes of Azeroth, Kael'thas was killed once and for all in the [[Magister's Terrace]] and Kil'jaeden's plans to enter Azeroth were foiled. Anveena sacrificed herself to weaken Kil'jaeden so that the mortal heroes battling him could finally defeat him and send him back through the Sunwell. After the battle at the Sunwell, [[Velen]] used what was left of M'uru "body" to reignite the Sunwell, saving the blood elves from their addiction to demonic power and allowing them to continue to use the powers of the Light.
  +
  +
===The Royal Coup===
  +
{{wotlk-section}}
  +
[[File:Varimathras new.jpg|thumb|Varimathras' new model.]]
  +
  +
In the wake of the [[Battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate]], it was revealed that Varimathras plotted his way into controlling a substantial part of the Forsaken faction, using them and his chief underling, [[Grand Apothecary Putress]], to launch a surprise assault upon the combatants at [[Angrathar the Wrathgate|the Wrathgate]]. This ambush resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Alliance and Horde soldiers, including [[Bolvar Fordragon]] and [[Dranosh Saurfang]]. At the same time Burning Legion forces under the command of Varimathras successfully took control of the Undercity and nearly killed [[Sylvanas Windrunner|The Dark Lady]] herself.
  +
  +
He was eventually faced and defeated by [[Thrall]], Sylvanas, and players during {{questlong|Horde|74|The Battle For The Undercity (Horde)|The Battle For The Undercity}}, after which he is not seen in-game again by the player(s) who completed the quest (as part of the "phasing" system used in the [[Scarlet Enclave]] and areas of Northrend). During the battle, Varimathras made reference to "years of planning" (attempting to undermine Sylvanas) and the voice of an unseen "Master" was heard berating Varimathras for his failure to prevent the Horde party from reaching the throne room, after which point Varimathras enters the fray himself — where he is defeated.
  +
  +
While the Burning Legion was tactically successful in rekindling Alliance-Horde tensions, it ultimately failed in its strategic goal of re-summoning yet another Legion invasion. It remains unknown who the unseen "Master" was, but is [[Sargeras#Master?|presumably Sargeras]].
  +
  +
==The Shattering==
  +
{{cata-section}}
  +
So far, the Burning Legion appears to have been in remission since the Battle for the Undercity and the subsequent [[Cataclysm]]. However, it is unlikely that Azeroth has seen the last of the Legion yet.
  +
* A small number of holdouts are still scattered throughout Azeroth, notably in Felwood, Desolace and the Blasted Lands.
  +
* The Cult of the Dark Strand has been completely annihilated, and [[Darkwhisper Gorge]] has been lost to the [[Twilight's Hammer cult]].
  +
* The Scarlet Crusaders in [[Stratholme]] have been killed and [[Risen (organization)|raised into undeath]] by Balnazzar. A similar fate has befallen the Scarlets in [[Tyr's Hand]]. Both of these areas had been taken by heroes of the [[Argent Crusade]].
  +
  +
== Notable entities ==
  +
=== Lords ===
  +
The Lords of the Burning Legion are as follows:<ref> name=S&L52>''[[Shadows & Light]]'', p.52</ref>
  +
{| class="darktable" style="text-align:left;"
  +
|- style="text-align:center;"
  +
! Name
  +
! Title
  +
! Race
  +
! Description
  +
! Status
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|DarkTitan|Male|Small}} [[Sargeras]]
  +
| The Destroyer
  +
| [[Titan]]
  +
| Creator and leader of the Burning Legion. Formerly the Champion of the [[Pantheon]]. Current whereabouts are unknown.
  +
| Unknown
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Kil'jaeden|Small}} [[Kil'jaeden]]
  +
| The Deceiver
  +
| [[Man'ari Eredar]]
  +
| Acting leader and self-assumed Supreme Commander of the Burning Legion in Sargeras' apparent banishment. Banished by players during the [[Sunwell Plateau]] encounter.
  +
| Unknown
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Archimonde|Small}} [[Archimonde]]
  +
| The Defiler
  +
| [[Man'ari Eredar]]
  +
| Legion Field Commander on Azeroth who lead the armies of the Burning Legion. He was destroyed during the [[Battle of Mount Hyjal]].
  +
| Deceased
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|PitLord|Small}} [[Mannoroth]]
  +
| The Destructor
  +
| [[Annihilan]]
  +
| The General of the Burning Legion and King of the [[Annihilan|Pit Lords]]. He was the corruptor of the [[Orcs]] and was later killed by [[Grom Hellscream]].
  +
| Deceased
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Tichondrius}} [[Tichondrius]]
  +
| The Darkener
  +
| [[Nathrezim]]
  +
| Leader of the Nathrezim and it's Chief Infiltration Specialist. He was slain by [[Illidan Stormrage]].
  +
| Deceased
  +
|}
  +
  +
=== Commanders and allies ===
  +
{| class="darktable" style="text-align:left;"
  +
|- style="text-align:center;"
  +
! Name
  +
! Description
  +
! Status
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [[Anetheron]]
  +
| Second Lord of the Nathrezim. Took command of the Scourge after the death of [[Tichondrius]]. He was slain at the [[Battle of Mount Hyjal]] by adventurers and [[Jaina Proudmoore]].
  +
| <font color="red">Deceased</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [[Mephistroth]]
  +
| Third Lord of the Natrhezim. Considered to be the new lord of the Nathrezim after the deaths of [[Anetheron]] and [[Tichondrius]] on [[Azeroth]].
  +
| <font color="green">Alive</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|PitLord|Small}} [[Azgalor]]
  +
| Became King of the [[Annihilan|Pit Lords]] after the death of [[Mannoroth]]. He currently resides in the [[Twisting Nether]] plotting his revenge.
  +
| <font color="green">Alive</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Tichondrius}} [[Balnazzar]]
  +
| One of the three [[Nathrezim|Dread Lords]] that ruled the Scourge. He now corrupts the [[Scarlet Crusade]], taking the form of Grand Crusade [[Saidan Dathrohan]] for the Legion's purposes.
  +
| <font color="yellow">Killable</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Gul'dan|Small}} [[Gul'dan]]
  +
| The founder and master of the [[Shadow Council]] and the creator of [[Death Knights]]. While being pursued by the angry clans of the [[Horde]], he was obliterated by demons in the [[Tomb of Sargeras]].
  +
| <font color="red">Deceased</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Doomlord|Small}} [[Kazzak the Supreme]]
  +
| Lord of the [[Doomguard|Doomguards]] and Right Hand of [[Kil'jaeden]] and most trusted lieutenant of [[Archimonde]]. He was responsible for the reopening of the [[Dark Portal]].
  +
| <font color="yellow">Killable</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Doomlord|Small}} [[Highlord Kruul]]
  +
| The current Burning Legion Field Commander on [[Azeroth]], in the place of [[Kazzak the Supreme]].
  +
| <font color="orange">Unknown</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Kael'thas|Small}} {{RaceIconExt|KaelWretched|Small}} [[Kael'thas Sunstrider|Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider]]
  +
| Lord of the [[Blood Elves]] and former servant of [[Illidan Stormrage]]. Defeated in [[Magister's Terrace]] by adventurers and the [[Shattered Sun Offensive]].
  +
| <font color="yellow">Killable</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [[Lord Jaraxxus]]
  +
| A [[Man'ari Eredar]] found in the [[Crusaders' Coliseum]].
  +
| <font color="yellow">Killable</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [[Talgath]]
  +
| A high ranking agent of the Burning Legion tasked with scouring the [[Nether]] for living [[Draenei]].
  +
| <font color="green">Alive</font>
  +
|}
  +
  +
=== Former allies ===
  +
{| class="darktable" style="font-align:left;"
  +
|- style='text-align:center;'
  +
! Name
  +
! Title
  +
! Description
  +
! Status
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIcon|Naga|Female|Small}} [[Queen Azshara]]
  +
| Queen of the Naga
  +
| The Queen of the [[Kaldorei]] and believed herself "betrothed" to [[Sargeras]], was likely transformed into the first of the [[Naga]] and became the Empress of [[Nazjatar]].
  +
| <font color="green">Alive</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Ner'zhul|Small}} [[Ner'zhul]]
  +
| Elder Shaman
  +
| The elder Shaman responsible for the foundation of the Horde. Was later transformed by [[Kil'jaeden]] into the [[Lich King]]. After the [[Battle of Mount Hyjal]], Ner'zhul openly betrayed the Legion. After [[Bolvar Fordragon]]'s rise as the Lich King, Ner'zhul is expected to be deceased along with [[Arthas Menethil]].
  +
| <font color="red">Deceased</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Arthas|Small}} [[Arthas Menethil]]
  +
| Lich King
  +
| Helped summon [[Archimonde]] at the instructions of the [[Nathrezim|Dread Lord]] [[Tichondrius]]. Later merged himself with [[Ner'zhul]] and became the [[Lich King]] and overthrew the Burning Legion.
  +
| <font color="red">Deceased</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Kel'Thuzad|Small}} [[Kel'Thuzad]]
  +
| The Archlich
  +
| Founder of the [[Cult of the Damned]] and principle agent of the [[Lich King]] in spreading the Scourge. He was eternally loyal to the Lich King even in death and served as one of his most powerful lieutenants.
  +
| <font color="yellow">Killable</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Illidan|Small}} [[Illidan Stormrage]]
  +
| The Betrayer
  +
| The Lord of Outland and brother to [[Malfurion Stormrage]]. Former ally of the Burning Legion and [[Kael'thas Sunstrider]].
  +
| <font color="yellow">Killable</font>
  +
|-
  +
| {{RaceIconExt|Satyr|Small}} [[Xavius]]
  +
| Lord of the Satyrs
  +
| The Highbourne high counsilor to [[Queen Azshara]], he became the first of the [[Satyrs]] at the hands of [[Sargeras]]. Was transformed into a tree by [[Malfurion Stormrage]] and sent to the bottom of the Great Sea after the Sundering. He was later found to have been the one controlling the [[Emerald Nightmare|Nightmare]] in the [[Emerald Dream]], serving the [[Old God]] [[N'Zoth]].
  +
| <font color="green">Alive</font>
  +
|}
  +
  +
==Races==
  +
The Burning Legion races consists mainly in [[demon]]s, but other non-demonic races serve them as well.
  +
  +
===Major races===
  +
[[File:The Legionnares.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Fanmade picture of the various races of the Burning Legion.]]
  +
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}}{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Female|Small}} [[Man'ari eredar]] - Commanders of the Legion
  +
**{{RaceIconExt|Wrathguard|Small}} [[Wrathguard]] - Subspecies of the [[Man'ari eredar]], serving as elite warriors
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [[Nathrezim]] - The Dreadlords
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|PitLord|Small}} [[Annihilan]] - The Pit Lords
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Doomlord|Small}}{{RaceIconExt|Doomguard|Small}} [[Ered'ruin]] - The [[Doomguard]]s
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Fiend|Small}} [[Fiend]]s - A special type of demon still shrouded in mystery
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Mo'arg|Small}} [[Mo'arg]] - The Chief Engineers
  +
**{{RaceIconExt|Gan'arg|Small}} [[Gan'arg]] - Stunted [[Mo'arg]], serving as Engineers
  +
**{{RaceIconExt|Felguard|Small}} [[Felguard]]s - Conscripted [[Mo'arg]], serving as Demonic soldiers
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Succubus|Small}} [[Sayaad]] - The [[Succubi]] and, most likely, the [[Incubi]]
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Shivarra|Small}} [[Shivarra]]/[[Shivan]] - Religious leaders of the Legion
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Tothrezim|Small}} [[Tothrezim]] - Distant cousins of the Nathrezim, serving as infernal craftsmen
  +
  +
===Other races===
  +
*{{RaceIcon|BloodElf|Male|Small}}{{RaceIcon|BloodElf|Female|Small}} [[Blood elf|Blood elves]]
  +
**[[Sunfury]]
  +
**[[Firewing]]
  +
**[[Sunhawk]]
  +
**[[Crimson Hand]]
  +
**[[Dawnblade (army)|Dawnblade]]
  +
**[[Sunblade]]
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Daemon|Small}} [[Daemon]]s
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|DemonicHound|Small}} [[Demonic hound]]s
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Dreadsteed|Small}} [[Dreadsteed]]s
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Felhunter|Small}} [[Felbeast]]s
  +
*{{RaceIcon|FelbloodElf|Male|Small}}{{RaceIcon|FelbloodElf|Female|Small}} [[Felblood elf|Felblood elves]]
  +
**[[Shadowsword]]
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|FelDragon|Small}} [[Fel dragon]]
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|FelOrc|Male|Small}}{{RaceIconExt|FelOrc|Female|Small}} [[Fel orc]]s
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Male|Small}}{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Female|Small}} [[Highborne]] [[night elves]] <ref>''[http://www.wowwiki.com/Highborne#The_War_of_the_Ancients Highborne - War of the Ancients]''</ref>
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Imp|Small}} [[Imp]]s
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Dreadsteed|Small}} [[Nightmares]]
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Satyr|Small}} [[Satyr]]s
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|VoidTerror|Small}} [[Voidterror]]s
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Voidwalker|Small}} [[Voidwalker]]s
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|WarpStalker|Small}} [[Warp Stalker]]s
  +
*[[Incubi]]
  +
*[[Devil]]s
  +
  +
===Constructs===
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Abyssal|Small}} [[Abyssal]]s
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|FelReaver|Small}} [[Fel reaver]]s
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Infernal|Small}} [[Infernal]]s
  +
  +
===Races of other organizations===
  +
:''This list includes the organizations that serve the Burning Legion.''
  +
*[[Shadow Council#Races|Shadow Council races]]
  +
  +
===Manual of Monsters===
  +
Appart from the mentioned above, the [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three|Appendix Three]] of ''[[Manual of Monsters]]'' mentions the following allies of the Burning Legion: [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Belsamaug|Belsamaug]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Blight Wolf|Blight Wolf]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Celestian|Celestian]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Demons|Demons]]s, [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Dragon, Firewrack|Dragon, Firewrack]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Dragon, Seawrack|Dragon, Seawrack]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Dragon, Woodwrack|Dragon, Woodwrack]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Fatling|Fatling]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Feral|Feral]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Fleshcrawlers|Fleshcrawlers]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Gorgon, High|Gorgon, High]] (presumed), [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Gorgon, Low|Gorgon, Low]] (presumed), [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Hag, Brine|Hag, Brine]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Hag, Cavern|Hag, Cavern]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Hag, Ice|Hag, Ice]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Murdersprite|Murdersprite]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Narleth|Narleth]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#The Proud|The Proud]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Ratman (Slitheren)|Ratman]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Savant Hydra|Savant Hydra]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Skin Devil|Skin Devil]], some [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Sleet Devil|Sleet Devil]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Vengaurak|Vengaurak]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Arcane Devourer|Arcane Devourer]] (suspected), [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Bitter Tree|Bitter Tree]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Blood Crone|Blood Crone]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Blood Reaper|Blood Reaper]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Blood Sprite|Blood Sprite]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Carnivorous Tree|Carnivorous Tree]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Daemon, Gristly Minstrel|Gristly Minstrel Daemon]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Daemon, Plague Angel|Plague Angel Daemon]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Demon, Abyssal Larva|Abyssal Larva Demon]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Demon, Blade|Demon, Blade]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Demon, Blood Horror|Blood Horror Demon]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Gauntling|Gauntling]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Skullworm|Skullworm]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Surged Giant|Surged Giant]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Wickerman|Wickerman]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Forlarren|Forlarren]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Cerberus|Cerberus]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Daemons, all|Daemons and Devils]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Death Dog|Death Dog]], [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Demonic Knight, Shadow Demons|Demonic Knight, Shadow Demons]] and [[Manual of Monsters/Appendix Three#Screaming Devilkin|Screaming Devilkin]]; however the validity of the source is disputed.
  +
  +
==Organization==
  +
===Numbers===
  +
The number of [[demon]]s in the [[Twisting Nether]]s are infinite.<ref>''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'' manual, 77</ref> However not all demons are part of the Buring Legion. During the [[War of the Ancients]], [[Sargeras]] gathered the Burning Legion, at that time it consisted of one million demons,<ref>''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'' manual, 48</ref> although the Legion was defeated in both of their invasions and many demons were slain, their ranks have grown once again and it's estimated to consists in one million demons yet again.<ref name=crisis/>
  +
  +
===Organizations who serve the Legion===
  +
;Currently
  +
*[[Kael'thas' forces]]
  +
*[[Marapor]]
  +
*[[Shadow Council]] and the [[Shadow Council#Cults and groups currently directed by the Shadow Council|cults who serve them]].
  +
*[[Underblade]]
  +
*[[Scarlet Onslaught]]
  +
  +
;Formerly
  +
*[[New Alliance]]
  +
*[[Illidan's forces]]
  +
*[[Scourge]]
  +
*[[Horde]]
  +
*[[Highborne]]
  +
*[[Scarlet Crusade]] {{cata-inline}}
  +
*[[Varimathras]] & [[Putress]]' loyalists (During [[Battle for the Undercity]]) {{wotlk-inline}}
  +
  +
===Command structure===
  +
*{{RaceIcon|DarkTitan|Male|Small}} '''[[Sargeras]]''' , Supreme commander (exact status unclear)
  +
**{{RaceIconExt|Archimonde|Small}}''' [??] [[Archimonde]] (deceased) (lead the armies of the Legion<ref name="ReferenceC">''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'' manual, 79</ref>)
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [??] [[Anetheron]] (deceased) (Commander of the Scourge,<ref name=Archimondequote>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|campaign=[[Path of the Damned]]|mission=[[The Siege of Dalaran (Warcraft III)]]|npc=Archimonde|quote=...since the [[Lich King]] is of no further use to me, you dreadlords will now command the Scourge.}}</ref> reported information to [[Archimonde]],<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|campaign=[[Path of the Damned]]|mission=[[The Dreadlords Convene]]|npc=Anetheron|quote=Lord Archimonde demands a report on the Scourge.}}</ref> took control of the scourge at the death of Tichondrius<ref name=Hyjal>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|campaign=[[Eternity's End]]|mission=[[Twilight of the Gods]]}}</ref>)
  +
***{{RaceIcon|Lich|Male|Small}} [[Rage Winterchill]] (deceased) (One of the commanders of the undead army allied with the Legion<ref name=Hyjal/>)
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|Fiend|Small}} [[Hakkar the Houndmaster]] (deceased) (Master of the [[felhounds]], slain during the War of the Ancients)
  +
****{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [68] [[Baelmon the Hound-Master]]
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|DemonicHound|Small}} [[Wrath Hound|Wrath hound]]s
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|Imp|Small}} [[Zmodlor]] (Infiltration Specialist, banished by [[Aegwynn]])
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|PitLord|Small}} [[Mannoroth]] (deceased) (Under Archimonde,<ref name="Shadows & Light, p.61">''[[Shadows & Light]]'', p.61</ref> corruptor of the orcish race)
  +
****[[History of the Horde|Horde]] (the curse blood was lifted and the [[Horde]] became free once again<ref name="Shadows & Light, p.61"/>)
  +
****{{RaceIconExt|PitLord|Small}} [??] [[Azgalor]] (took command of the pit lords after Mannoroth was killed<ref>''[[Manual of Monsters]]'', p.??</ref>)
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|PitLord|Small}} [??] [[Magtheridon]] (Imprisoned within [[Hellfire Citadel]], but still loyal to the Legion)
  +
******[[Magtheridon's Forces#Command structure|Magtheridon's Forces]]
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|PitLord|Small}} Other [[pit lord]]s
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|Doomguard|Small}}[[Doomguard]]s<ref>{{ref book |author=Borgstrom, Rebecca |coauthors=Eric Brennan, Genevieve Cogman, and Michael Goodwin |title=[[Manual of Monsters]] |isbn=978-1588-4607-07 |pages=115}}</ref>
  +
***{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} Some other [[eredar]]s
  +
**{{RaceIconExt|Kil'jaeden|Small}} [??] '''[[Kil'jaeden]]''' acting Supreme Commander
  +
***{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} '''[[Talgath]]''', agent
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|FelDragon|Small}} [??] [[Felmyst]]
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|Brutallus|Small}} [??] [[Brutallus]]
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|Man'ari eredar|Female|Small}} [??] [[Lady Sacrolash]]
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|Man'ari eredar|Female|Small}} [??] [[Grand Warlock Alythess]]
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|VoidGod|Small}} [??] [[Entropius]]
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|Kael'thas|Small}}{{RaceIconExt|KaelWretched|Small}} [72] [[Kael'thas Sunstrider]] (chief lieutenant, leader of the blood elves of Outland, Summoner of Kil'jaeden)
  +
*****{{RaceIcon|FelbloodElf|Male|Small}}{{RaceIcon|FelbloodElf|Female|Small}} [[Felblood elf|Felblood elves]]
  +
*****{{RaceIcon|BloodElf|Male|Small}} [69] [[Master Daellis Dawnstrike]]
  +
******[[Sunfury]] blood elves
  +
*****{{RaceIcon|BloodElf|Male|Small}} [65] [[Sharth Voldoun]]
  +
******[[Firewing]] blood elves
  +
*****{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Female|Small}} [20] [[Sironas]]
  +
******[[Sunhawk]] blood elves
  +
*****The [[Crimson Hand]]
  +
*****[[Shadowsword]] felblood elves
  +
*****[[Dawnblade (blood elves)|Dawnblade]] blood elves
  +
*****[[Sunblade]] blood elves
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|Shivarra|Small}} [70] [[Priestess Delrissa]]
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|FelbloodElf|Male|Small}} [71] [[Selin Fireheart]]
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|Arcane|Small}} [71] [[Vexallus]]
  +
****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [[Tichondrius]] (deceased) (Minion of Kil'jaeden, first among the [[dreadlord]]s<ref name="ReferenceC"/> and the commander of the [[Scourge]]<ref name=Archimondequote/>)
  +
*****[[Scourge#Command structure|Scourge]] (The [[Lich King]] betrayed the Legion)
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [[Mephistroth]] (presummed current leader of the dreadlords beacuse of his presence during an important meeting<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|campaign=[[Path of the Damned]]|mission=[[The Dreadlords Convene]]}}</ref>)
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [62] [[Balnazzar]] (The most powerful of his dreadlords left in Lordaeron<ref name=Balnazzar/> possessed the corpse of [[Saidan Dathrohan]])
  +
*****The [[Scarlet Crusade]] (Unknowingly and formerly)
  +
******The [[Crimson Legion]] (His elite group)
  +
*****[[Risen (organization)|The Risen]]
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|Varimathras|Small}} [??] [[Varimathras]] (possibly deceased,<ref>{{quest|The Battle For The Undercity (Horde)}}</ref> led a coup d'etat against [[Sylvanas]])
  +
******{{RaceIconExt|Putress|Small}} [??] [[Putress]] (Grand Apothecary, sided with Varimathras when he betrayed & almost killed [[Sylvanas]])
  +
******[[Forsaken]] (The ones loyal to Varimathras and Putress)
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [[Detheroc]] (deceased)
  +
******[[New Alliance#Command structure|New Alliance]] (released from Legion mind control<ref name="ReferenceB"/> and slain by the Forsaken<ref>''[[Horde Player's Guide]]'', pg. 150.</ref>)
  +
****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [[Mal'Ganis]] (Possessed the corpse of [[Barean Westwind]])
  +
*****The [[Scarlet Onslaught]] (Unknowingly)
  +
****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [62] [[Lord Hel'nurath]] (Ruler of [[Xoroth]], and Stable-keeper of the [[dreadsteeds]])
  +
****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [??] [[Sathrovarr the Corruptor]]
  +
****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [59] [[Lord Banehollow]] (Left in [[Jaedenar]] to cultivate a network of spies,<ref name=LoM16>[[Lands of Mystery]], p.16</ref> the [[Shadow Council]])
  +
*****The [[Shadow Council]]
  +
******{{RaceIconExt|Gul'dan|Small}} [??] [[Gul'dan]] (deceased)
  +
*******[[Stormreaver Clan]] (decimated)
  +
*******{{RaceIconExt|Cho'gall|Small}} [[Cho'gall]] (Apprentice of Gul'dan, defected to the [[Old Gods]])
  +
********[[Twilight's Hammer clan]] (defected to the [[Old Gods]])
  +
******{{RaceIcon|Orc|Male|Small}} [57] [[Fel'dan]] (Alive, Leader of the council on [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]<ref name=LoM16/>)
  +
*******{{RaceIcon|Orc|Male|Small}} [37] [[Neeru Fireblade]]
  +
********The [[Burning Blade]] clan (puppet organization)
  +
********{{RaceIconExt|Goblin|Male|Small}} [[Fizzle Darkstorm]]
  +
*******{{RaceIcon|Orc|Male|Small}} [16] [[Jergosh the Invoker]] and {{RaceIconExt|Satyr|Small}} [16] [[Bazzalan]]
  +
********The [[Searing Blade]]
  +
*******{{RaceIcon|Orc|Male|Small}} [40] [[Nagaz]]
  +
********The [[Argus Wake]] (organization active in Alterac.)
  +
*********The [[Syndicate]] (under partial control by the [[Argus Wake]])
  +
*******{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Male|Small}} [31] [[Athrikus Narassin]]
  +
********The [[Cult of the Dark Strand]]
  +
******{{RaceIcon|Orc|Male|Small}} [72] [[Grandmaster Vorpil]] (Alive, Leader of the Council on Draenor.)
  +
*******{{RaceIconExt|Ogre Mage|Small}} [72] [[Blackheart]]
  +
*******{{RaceIcon|Orc|Male|Small}} [[N. Kagnito]]
  +
****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [[Dalvengyr]] (deceased)
  +
****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [32] [[Diathorus the Seeker]]
  +
****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [32] [[Gorgannon]]
  +
****{{RaceIconExt|Dreadlord|Small}} [59] [[Razelikh the Defiler]] (Overseer of demonic activity in the [[Blasted Lands]])
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|DeathKnight|Small}} [60] [[Ilifar]]
  +
*****{{RaceIcon|Orc|Female|Small}} [59] [[Lady Sevine]]
  +
*****{{RaceIcon|Ogre|Male|Small}} [58] [[Grol the Destroyer]]
  +
*****{{RaceIcon|Human|Male|Small}} [58] [[Archmage Allistarj]]
  +
****Other [[dreadlords]]
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|Doomlord|Small}} [??] [[Kazzak the Supreme]] (Kil'jaeden's right hand,<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 174</ref> Legion Field Commander in [[Outland]], led third invasion into Azeroth)
  +
****{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [63] [[Arazzius the Cruel]], Legion overlord of the [[Hellfire Peninsula]]
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|Wrathguard}} [62] [[Warbringer Arix'Amal]], head of [[Invasion Point: Annihilator]]
  +
****{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [72] [[Socrethar]] (Overseer of [[Netherstorm]])
  +
****{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [73] [[Reth'hedron the Subduer]] (Leader of the Burning Legions forces in Nagrand)
  +
*****{{RaceIconExt|PitLord|Small}} [68] [[Xirkos, Overseer of Fear|Xirkos]] (Overseer of [[Forge Camp: Fear]])
  +
*****{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [68] [[Demos, Overseer of Hate|Demos]] (Overseer of [[Forge Camp: Hate]])
  +
****{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [69] [[Warbringer Razuun]] (Legion Field Commander on [[Shadowmoon Valley]])
  +
*****{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [69] [[Deathbringer Jovaan]]
  +
******{{RaceIconExt|PitLord|Small}} [68] [[Makazradon]]
  +
******{{RaceIconExt|PitLord|Small}} [68] [[Morgroron]]
  +
******{{RaceIconExt|Shivarra|Small}} [68] [[Prophetess Cavrylin]]
  +
****{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [[Levixus]] (Supreme commander of [[Auchindoun]]'s souls)
  +
****{{RaceIconExt|Doomlord|Small}} [??] [[Highlord Kruul]] (Legion Field Commander on Azeroth, minion of [[Doom Lord Kazzak]])
  +
*****{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [??] [[Prince Malchezaar]] (Overseer of Karazhan)
  +
******{{RaceIconExt|Satyr|Small}} [??] [[Terestian Illhoof]]
  +
*******{{RaceIconExt|Imp|Small}} [70] [[Kil'rek]]
  +
******[[Ghost]] of [[Karazhan]]
  +
***Some other [[eredar]]s
  +
**{{RaceIconExt|Satyr|Small}} [[Xavius]] (Under Sargeras,<ref>[[Shadows & Light]], pg 86</ref> [[Eternal]], currently at the bottom of the [[Great Sea]])
  +
***{{RaceIconExt|Satyr|Small}} [[Satyr]]s
  +
**{{RaceIconExt|Demonhunter|Small}} [??] [[Atiesh]] (the hand of Sargeras)<ref>{{quest|Atiesh, Greatstaff of the Guardian}}</ref>
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Man'ari eredar|Male|Small}} [??] [[Lord Jaraxxus]] (Lord of Burning Legion)
  +
**Unknown if they serve [[Archimonde]] or [[Kil'jaeden]]
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***{{RaceIconExt|Doomguard|Small}} [[Azzinoth]] (deceased) (Demon Commander, slain by [[Illidan Stormrage]] during the War of the Ancients)
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***{{RaceIconExt|Felguard|Small}}[[Felguard]]s
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==References==
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{{Reflist|2}}
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==External links==
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{{Burning Legion}}
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[[fr:Légion Ardente]]
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[[Category:Demons]]

Revision as of 05:25, 13 May 2011

NeutralThe Burning Legion
March of the Legion2
Main leader IconSmall DarkTitan MaleSargeras (in absence)<br\>IconSmall Kil'jaedenKil'jaeden the Deceiver (currently)<br\>IconSmall ArchimondeArchimonde (past co-leader)
Secondary leaders

IconSmall DreadlordMephistroth<br\>

IconSmall PitLordAzgalor<br\>File:IconSmall Tichondrius.gifBalnazzar
Race(s)

Dark titanDark titan Dark titan
DemonDemonDemonDemon Demons:
Man'ari eredarMan'ari eredar Man'ari eredar

IconSmall Dreadlord Nathrezim
IconSmall PitLord Annihilan
Ered'ruin

IconSmall Mo'arg Mo'arg

IconSmall Shivarra Shivarra
IconSmall Tothrezim Tothrezim
IconSmall Voidwalker Voidwalker
IconSmall Succubus Sayaad (Succubus)
IconSmall Felhunter Fel stalker
IconSmall Imp Imp
File:IconSmall FloatingEye.gif Floating eye
IconSmall VoidTerror Void terror
IconSmall DemonicHound Demonic hound
IconSmall Demonhunter Demonhunter
IconSmall FelsteedIconSmall Dreadsteed Nightmare
Legion's contructs:
IconSmall Abyssal Abyssal
IconSmall Infernal Infernal
IconSmall FelReaver Fel reaver
Fel corrupted species:
Fel orcFel orc Fel orc
Felblood elfFelblood elf Felblood elf
IconSmall Satyr Satyr
IconSmall Helboar Helboar
IconSmall Darkhound Darkhound
IconSmall WarpStalker Warp stalker
File:IconSmall FelDragon Small.gifUndeadUndead Fel-raised undead
IconSmall DireFurbolg Corrupted furbolg
Other Corrupted species
Mortal followers:
Blood elfBlood elf Notably blood elves
Shadow Council races

More others from various races
Capital Argus (presumed)
Other major settlements Xoroth (presumed)
Theater of operations Twisting Nether, Outland, Azeroth, Pieces of the Great Dark Beyond (presumed), some other doomed, influated or/and conquered planets
Language(s) Eredun[1]
Status Active
"Beat or be beaten! This is the way of the Legion!"
Brutallus

The Burning Legion, also known as the "great burning shadow",[2] the Legion of the Lower Planes[citation needed] , or simply The Legion,[3] is a vast, innumerable army of demons, infernals, and corrupted races who seek to destroy any trace of order in the universe. They have thrice invaded Azeroth, and were only beaten back at a terrible cost. Much of Azeroth's history — including the First, Second, and Third War — were due to the Legion's influence. It can be said that the Legion is Azeroth's nemesis; it corrupted the orcs who then invaded Azeroth, created the Lich King and is the source of most of Azeroth's scars. It should also be noted that Azeroth is the only known planet that they have ever failed to conquer.

The Legion's mission is, in theory, to undo the works of the titans and restore the universe back to its original, chaotic and disorganized state.[4] In practice, the Legion scours all life from the worlds it invades, they are cursed to roam the greater realms forever to consume the primal energies of magic to survive.[5]

The Legion has ravished world after world in its mad lust for arcane power[5] and is thus responsible for the genocide of thousands of races across the universe — billions, if not trillions of lives.

History

Genesis

The Titans, creators of order in the universe, were aware of the threat posed to their creations by the evil entities living in the Twisting Nether. These demonic beings existed only to devour the living energies of the universe. Over time, the demons began to make their way into the Titan's worlds from the nether. The Titans selected their greatest warrior, Sargeras, to act as their first line of defense. A noble giant of bronze, Sargeras carried out his duties for countless millennia, seeking out and destroying these demons wherever he could find them. Over the aeons, Sargeras encountered two powerful demonic races, both of which were bent on gaining power and dominance over the physical universe. Though Sargeras' nearly limitless powers were more than enough to defeat the demons he faced, he was greatly troubled by their corruption and all-consuming evil. Incapable of fathoming such depravity, the great Titan began to slip into a brooding depression.

While his confusion and misery deepened, Sargeras was forced to contend with another group intent on disrupting the Titans' order: the Nathrezim. This dark race of vampiric demons (also known as dreadlords) conquered a number of populated worlds by possessing their inhabitants and turning them to the shadow. The nefarious, scheming dreadlords turned whole nations against one another by manipulating them into unthinking hatred and mistrust. Sargeras defeated the Nathrezim easily, but their corruption affected him deeply.

As doubt and despair overwhelmed Sargeras' senses, he lost all faith not only in his mission, but also in the Titans' vision of an ordered universe. Eventually he came to believe that the concept of order itself was folly, and that chaos and depravity were the only absolutes within the dark, lonely universe. His fellow Titans tried to persuade him of his error and calm his raging emotions, but he disregarded their more optimistic beliefs as self-serving delusions. Storming from their ranks forever, Sargeras set out to find his own place in the universe. Although the Pantheon was sorrowful at his departure, the Titans could never have predicted just how far their lost brother would go.

Even Sargeras' titanic form became distorted from the corruption that plagued his once-noble heart. His eyes, hair, and beard erupted in fire, and his metallic bronze skin split open to reveal an endless furnace of blistering hate.

By the time Sargeras' madness had consumed the last vestiges of his valiant spirit, he believed that the Titans themselves were responsible for creation's failure. Deciding, at last, to undo their works throughout the universe, he resolved to form an unstoppable army that would set the physical universe aflame. In his fury, Sargeras shattered the prisons of the Nathrezim and all the other demon races he had imprisoned during his time as the Titans' champion, and set the loathsome demons free. These cunning creatures bowed before the dark Titan's vast rage and offered to serve him in whatever malicious ways they could. Thus was born Sargeras' unstoppable army — the Burning Legion.

On the planet Argus, Sargeras found the army he sought — the eredar, a race of highly intelligent beings with a natural affinity for magic in all its myriad forms. From the ranks of these mighty creatures, Sargeras picked two champions to command his demonic army of destruction. Kil'jaeden the Deceiver was chosen to seek out the darkest races in the universe and recruit them into Sargeras' ranks. The second champion, Archimonde the Defiler, was chosen to lead Sargeras' vast armies into battle against any who might resist the Titan's will.

Kil'jaeden's first move was to enslave the vampiric dreadlords under his terrible power. The dreadlords served as his personal agents throughout the universe, and they took pleasure in locating primitive races for their master to corrupt and bring into the fold. First amongst the dreadlords was Tichondrius the Darkener. Tichondrius served Kil'jaeden as the perfect soldier and agreed to bring Sargeras' burning will to all the dark corners of the universe.

The mighty Archimonde also empowered agents of his own. Calling upon the malefic pit lords and their barbarous leader, Mannoroth the Destructor, Archimonde hoped to establish a fighting elite that would scour creation of all life.

Once Sargeras saw that his armies were amassed and ready to follow his every command, he launched his raging forces into the vastness of the Great Dark. He referred to his growing army as the Burning Legion. To this date, it is still unclear how many worlds they consumed and burned on their unholy Burning Crusade across the universe.

In terms of exact dates, these events are difficult to pinpoint. The empowerment of the Dragon Aspects is listed as having occurred some 64,000 years ago, which most sources agree happened after Sargeras fell. However, the defection of the eredar didn't occur until 25,000 years ago, some 39 millennia later. This is confusing, as it means neither the eredar nor the Nathrezim (the most important minions of the Legion) joined until long after the Legion's foundation. Alternatively, the Legion was only formed after the eredar's defection 25,000 years ago, and not Sargeras's fall 39,000 years earlier. In other words, the foundation of the Legion is shrouded in mystery.

The First Invasion

Main article: War of the Ancients

Many thousands of years ago (10,000 years before Warcraft I) the Burning Legion became attracted to the world of Azeroth due to the reckless use of magic taking place on that world. The night elf "Highborne" under the direction of the Night Elf queen Azshara and her counselor Xavius had been undertaking experiments to draw greater and greater amounts of energy from the Well of Eternity, the source of magical power on Azeroth.

The Highborne's reckless use of magic sent ripples of energy spiraling out from the Well of Eternity and into the Great Dark Beyond. The streaming ripples of energy were felt by terrible alien minds. Sargeras — the Great Enemy of all life, the Destroyer of Worlds — felt the potent ripples and was drawn to their distant point of origin. Spying the primordial world of Azeroth and sensing the limitless energies of the Well of Eternity, Sargeras was consumed by an insatiable hunger. The great dark god of the Nameless Void resolved to destroy the fledgling world and claim its energies as his own.

Sargeras gathered his vast Burning Legion and made his way towards the unsuspecting world of Azeroth. The Legion was composed of a million screaming demons, all ripped from the far corners of the universe, and the demons hungered for conquest. Sargeras' lieutenants, Archimonde the Defiler and Mannoroth the Destructor, prepared their infernal minions to strike.

Queen Azshara, overwhelmed by the terrible ecstasy of her magic, fell victim to Sargeras' undeniable power and agreed to grant him entrance to her world. Even her Highborne servitors gave themselves over to magic's inevitable corruption and began to worship Sargeras as their god. To show their allegiance to the Legion, the Highborne aided their queen in opening a vast, swirling portal within the depths of the Well of Eternity.

Once all his preparations had been made, Sargeras began his catastrophic invasion of Azeroth. The warrior-demons of the Burning Legion stormed into the world through the Well of Eternity and laid siege to the night elves' sleeping cities. Led by Archimonde and Mannoroth, the Legion swarmed over the lands of Kalimdor, leaving only ash and sorrow in its wake. The demon warlocks called down searing Infernals that crashed like hellish meteors into the graceful spires of Kalimdor's temples. A band of burning, bloodletting killers known as the Doomguard marched across Kalimdor's fields, slaughtering everyone in their path. Packs of wild, demonic Felhounds ravaged the countryside unopposed. Though the brave Kaldorei warriors rushed to defend their ancient homeland, they were forced to give ground, inch by inch, before the fury of the Legion's onslaught.

It fell to Malfurion Stormrage to find help for his beleaguered people. Stormrage, whose own brother, Illidan, practiced the Highborne's magics, was incensed by the growing corruption amongst the upper class. Convincing Illidan to forsake his dangerous obsession, Malfurion set out to find Cenarius and muster a resistance force. The beautiful young priestess, Tyrande, agreed to accompany the brothers in the name of Elune. Though Malfurion and Illidan shared a love for the idealistic priestess, Tyrande's heart belonged to Malfurion alone. Illidan resented his brother's budding romance with Tyrande, but knew that his heartache was nothing compared to the pain of his magical addiction.

Illidan, who had grown dependent on magic's empowering energies, struggled to keep control of his nearly overwhelming hunger to tap the Well's energies once again. However, with Tyrande's patient support, he was able to restrain himself and help his brother find the reclusive demigod, Cenarius. Cenarius, who dwelt within the sacred Moonglades of the distant Mount Hyjal, agreed to help the night elves by finding the ancient dragons and enlisting their aid. The dragons, led by the great red leviathan, Alexstrasza, agreed to send their mighty flights to engage the demons and their infernal masters.

Cenarius, calling on the spirits of the enchanted forests, rallied an army of ancient tree-men and led them against the Legion in a daring ground assault. As the night elves' allies converged upon Azshara's temple and the Well of Eternity, all-out warfare erupted. Despite the strength of their newfound allies, Malfurion and his colleagues realized that the Legion could not be defeated by martial strength alone.

As the titanic battle raged around Azshara's capital city, the delusional queen waited in anticipation for Sargeras' arrival. The lord of the Legion was preparing to pass through the Well of Eternity and enter the ravaged world. As his impossibly huge shadow drew ever closer to the Well's raging surface, Azshara gathered the most powerful of her Highborne followers. Only by linking their magics together in one focused spell would they be able to create a gateway large enough for Sargeras to enter.

Malfurion, convinced that the Well of Eternity was the demons' umbilical link to the physical world, insisted that it should be destroyed. His companions, knowing that the Well was the source of their immortality and powers, were horrified by the rash notion. Yet Tyrande saw the wisdom of Malfurion's theory, so she convinced Cenarius and their comrades to storm Azshara's temple and find a way to shut the Well down for good.

Knowing that the Well's destruction would prevent him from ever wielding magic again, Illidan selfishly abandoned the group and set out to warn the Highborne of Malfurion's plan. Due to the insanity brought on by his addiction and the stinging resentment towards his brother's affair with Tyrande, Illidan felt no remorse at betraying Malfurion and siding with Azshara and her ilk. Above all else, Illidan vowed to protect the Well's power by any means necessary.

Heartbroken by his brother's departure, Malfurion led his companions into the heart of Azshara's temple. Yet as they stormed into the main audience chamber, they found the Highborne in the midst of their final dark incantation. The communal spell created an unstable vortex of power within the Well's turbulent depths. As Sargeras' ominous shadow drew ever closer to the surface, Malfurion and his allies rushed to attack.

Azshara, having received Illidan's warning, was more than prepared for them. Nearly all of Malfurion's followers fell before the mad queen's powers. Tyrande, attempting to attack Azshara from behind, was caught off-guard by the queen's Highborne guardsmen. Though she vanquished the guardsmen, Tyrande suffered grievous wounds at their hands. When Malfurion saw his love fall, he went into a murderous rage and resolved to end Azshara's life.

As the battle raged inside and outside of the temple, Illidan appeared from the shadows near the shores of the great Well. Producing a set of specially crafted vials, Illidan knelt and filled each with the Well's shimmering waters. Convinced that the demons would crush the night elves' civilization, he planned to steal the sacred waters and keep their energies for himself.

The ensuing battle between Malfurion and Azshara threw the Highborne's carefully crafted spellwork into chaos. The unstable vortex within the Well's depths exploded and ignited a catastrophic chain of events that would sunder the world forever. The massive explosion rocked the temple to its foundations and sent massive quakes ripping through the tortured earth. As the horrific battle between the Legion and the night elves' allies raged around and above the ruined capital city, the surging Well of Eternity buckled in upon itself and collapsed.

The resultant catastrophic explosion shattered the earth and blotted out the skies (see The Great Sundering).

As the aftershocks from the Well's implosion rattled the bones of the world, the seas rushed in to fill the gaping wound left in the earth. Nearly eighty percent of Kalimdor's landmass had been blasted apart, leaving only a handful of separate continents surrounding the new, raging sea. At the center of the new sea, where the Well of Eternity once stood, was a tumultuous storm of tidal fury and chaotic energies. This terrible scar, known as the Maelstrom, would never cease its furious spinning. It would remain a constant reminder of the terrible catastrophe... and the Utopian era that had been lost forever.

Somehow, against all odds, Queen Azshara and her Highborne elite managed to survive the ordeal. Tortured and twisted by the powers they had released, Azshara and her followers were dragged down beneath the raging sea by the Well's implosion. Cursed — transformed — they took on new shapes and became the hateful serpentine naga. Azshara herself expanded with hate and rage, becoming a massive monstrosity, reflecting the wickedness and malice that had always hidden within her core.

There, at the bottom of the Maelstrom, the naga built for themselves a new city, Nazjatar, from which they would rebuild their power. It would take over ten thousand years before the naga would reveal their existence to the surface world.

Sargeras' return

Main articles: Aegwynn and the Dragon Hunt, The Song of Aegwynn

Somewhere in Northrend, the demon forces invaded once again. Aegwynn fought against them here and even faced, and defeated, the avatar of Sargeras himself.

The Second Invasion

Main article: Second Invasion

For years, since their defeat at the hands of Malfurion Stormrage, the Legion had watched and waited for the moment to be right for a second attempt to conquer Azeroth. Kil'jaeden was given orders to plan the second invasion of Azeroth and was unwilling to take any chances on the Legion's success. He decided that a new force would be necessary in order to weaken the defenses of Azeroth before the Legion's main invasion force arrived.

Around this time Kil'jaeden discovered the world of Draenor and its two races, the shamanistic, clan based orcs and the peaceful Draenei. Of the two races, Kil'jaeden surmised that the orcs, a race seemingly bred as warriors, would be the perfect tool of the Legion. By bending the elder Shaman Ner'zhul to his will, Kil'jaeden was able to enact a series of events that would see to the enslavement of the orcs to the will of the Legion. Complete control was established when Kil'jaeden orchestrated a meeting between the orc chieftains and Mannoroth. At this meeting, the orcs were convinced to drink the blood of Mannoroth and thus cursed themselves to bloodlust and savagery.

The orcs attempted to invade Azeroth twice through the Dark Portal.[6][7] However, the natives of the planet formed together into an alliance led by the humans, fought back with unexpected determination and casualties were high on both sides. At the end of the Second War, the Alliance of Lordaeron had defeated the orcs and their homeworld of Draenor destroyed by Ner'zhul's attempt to escape into another dimension. The remaining orcs were rounded up and placed in various internment camps by the Alliance.

After the defeat of the orcs, Kil'jaeden determined to create a new force, one that would succeed where the orcs had failed. To this end he captured Ner'zhul and remade him as the Lich King. Trapping his essence in the Frozen Throne, a large block of ice, Kil'jaeden hurled the Lich King to Azeroth, where he crashed on the frozen continent of Northrend. The Lich King's new mission was to prepare Azeroth for subjugation through the release of a Plague of Undeath. Thus, the Scourge was born.

Where the orcs had failed the Scourge succeeded impressively. Within months the Eastern Kingdoms were in disarray. Each soldier or townsfolk who fell to the Scourge was reborn as an undead minion of the Lich King. Finally, the time for the Legion's return was nigh.

Servants of the scourge were able to summon Archimonde himself to lead the assault...with him came the myriad demons of the legion. The second invasion had truly begun. The forces of the Legion swept across the Eastern Kingdoms and soon reached the shores of Kalimdor, home of their old enemy, the night elves.

The Legion chose as its main goal the consumption of the World Tree on Mount Hyjal, which contained the essence of all life on Azeroth and granted immortality to the night elves. At the final hour, an alliance of humans, orcs, and night elves fought desperately to hold back Archimonde and the legion while Malfurion Stormrage performed a desperate druidic ritual upon the World Tree itself. Finally, Malfurion gave the signal that he was ready and the Legion was allowed to reach their goal...the World Tree stood exposed to Archimonde. As the demon embraced the tree, and began to feed upon its magics, Malfurion's spell took hold. The World Tree released all of its energy into Archimonde at once, destroying both the World Tree and the demon. The ensuing explosion destroyed the tree and laid waste to Hyjal summit. The Legion had been defeated once again, but at the cost of the night elves' immortality.

With Archimonde finally defeated, Kil'jaeden has assumed complete control of the Legion.

Aftermath

Kalimdor

After the defeat of the Burning Legion Azgalor returned to the Twisting Nether to plot a revange.[8] However many of their followeres are still in Kalimdor, scattered and leaderless,[9] some of these cultists have abandoned the Legion and leave in normal villages, but others are still serving their demon masters.

The loyal cultists are divided in three groups: the "mad servants", many of whom have forgotten their lives and now live only to kill; the "depraved ones", who want to destroy Azeroth, understanding the Legion goals; and the "true diciples", who know the purpose of the Burning Legion and seek to turn this to their adventage, among this disiples are those of the new Shadow Council,[10] reformed by surviving warlocks.[11] These cults do not present a threat to Kalimdor, however.[11]

The corruption continues expanding in Felwood, principally for the Shadow Council,[11] satyrs and twisted furbolgs[12] inhabit this region. The corrupted furbolgs join with the other corrupted creatures to do the Legions aims;[13] there are cursed ancients who wander these lands and kill anyone who they encounter; the satyrs are allied with the Shadow Council; and some members of the Burning Legion have made their homes in this zone. All these Legion forces are trying to spread the corruption to all Ashenvale Forest to finish the Legion's plans to destroy Kalimdor.[12] Satyrs and corrupted furbolgs sometimes bypass to Moonglade.[14]

The cults left behind by the Burning Legion follow an unified agenda to regain their power.[15] Some demons, survivors of the Battle of Mount Hyjal, still roam the Kalimdor[16][17] and more are summoned from the Twisting Nether by the cults.[16]

Warlocks sometimes take control over small towns or villages.[11] The demons are slowly destroying towns, hamlets and even cities, thanks to the cults.[16] Although leaderless[9] the cults and demons work as a cohesive entity, acting cordinately, and with the capacity of launching assaults to various place at the same time, they are scattered to protect themselves but comunicate from each other via the Twisting Nethers.[16][17] Many are looking for oppening a permanent portal so that the Legion can invade Azeroth once more,[16] others continue spreading the corruption, guarding sites of power or some just reunite for unknown purposes.[17]

Lordaeron

Although the Burning Legion was defeated and scattered in Kalimdor, in Lordaeron they continued ruling under Balnazzar.[18]

Continent of Azeroth

The Burning Legion in the Blasted Lands were under the command of Lord Kazzak. Thanks to the efforts of Razelikh the Defiler the Burning Legion blostered its ranks with Grol the Destroyer and his Dreadmaul Ogres, Lady Sevine, and Archmage Allistarj. This sect of the legion also includes Ilifar, the only death knight who sided with the legion during the scourge rebellion.

Outland

Magtheridon ruled as the Lord of Outland even after the Legion's defeat in Azeroth.[19]

The Frozen Throne

Aftermath of the Third War

An army of human and blood elves arose, the New Alliance,[20] under the leadership of Lord Garithos and Kael'thas Sunstrider.[21] This New Alliance fought back against the Scourge and the Burning Legion. They managed to retake Dalaran[22] and fought against the undead in Silverpine Forest[23][24] and Alterac Mountains.[21]

The blood elves were overun by the Scourge but made an alliance with the night elves. With their help they defeated many undead and even some dreadlords,[24] then the night elves fought against Illidan's Naga while the blood elves defended them from the Scourge, commanded by a dreadlord.[24] After some battles[21] Kael'thas Sunstrider managed to kill Dalvengyr,[25] but he was betrayed by Garithos, had to flee to Outland and join Illidan's forces.[26]

Defeat in Outland

Main article: Magtheridon's Forces

Magtheridon still ruled Outland after two year later of the Legion's defeat,[27] but, with the help of the escaped blood elves, Illidan Stormrage stormed his citadel and claimed Outland for his own.[28] Although the pit lord was chained and his forces are now part of Illidan's forces, there are still numerous Legion strongholds over the planet and the Cabal, cultists of the Shadow Council, are trying to provide adventage to thier demon masters. The draenei are resisting to the Legion, even a group led by Akama had to join Illidan to defeat Magtheridon.[29]

Defeat in Lordaeron

Although the New Alliance suffered a great loss with the blood elves, they continued fighting against the Scourge. However, they were not a serious threat to the Burning Legion. Rather, the dreadlords Balnazzar, Detheroc, and Varimathras who were in charge of the Scourge were impatient for orders from Archimonde and ensured that the Scourge was ready for action, ignorant of the death of their leader. Soon after, Arthas returned to Lordaeron's Capital City. He told the undead leaders that the city was now his and that he wouldn't require the dreadlords' services to watch over it. When Balnazzar retorted that the Scourge belonged to the Legion, Arthas replied that their masters had been defeated, and that the Burning Legion was "undone." He then tried to slaughter the dreadlords but they managed to escape and warn Arthas of their inevitable retribution.[22] Later, the dreadlords found out that the Lich King was weakening, and together with Sylvannas Windrunner planned to overthrow Arthas.[30]

Luckily for the scourge, Arthas escaped the Capital City and Sylvanas's assassination attempt was thwarted by Kel'thuzad.[31] Soon after Varimathras invited Sylvanas to join the dreadlord's new order, Sylvanas however had no intention of losing her freedom again denied the offer and knew it was only a moment of time before she would be attacked. Using her sister banshees Sylvanas possessed Blackthorn, Mug'thol, Snarlmane, and possibly the Murloc Puddle Lord to bloster her forces and not only did she destroy the attacking undead, she even "turned" Varimathras to her side.[32] Soon after the future forsaken killed Detheroc and acquired an ally in the freed Garithos.[33]

The banshee and her forces laid siege to Balnazzar's base, which he had fortified within the city ruins. Balnazzar then found himself attacked from both sides by Sylvanas and Garithos. Though he was armed with demons and had made many threats, Balnazzar's forces were defeated.[24]

VarimathraskillsBalnazzar

Varimathras "kills" Balnazzar.

Sylvanas, Varimathras, and Garithos approached Balnazzar. Sylvanas ordered Varimathras to kill his brother as a testament of his loyalty to her. Varimathras was reluctant. Killing another nathrezim was forbidden but Sylvanas was adamant. Balnazzar was sure that Varimathras would never take that final step. He was wrong.[24] However, Balnazzar survived — Varimathras allowed his brother to fake his death in order to fool Sylvanas.[34][35] Varimathras then killed Garithos on Sylvanas orders.[24]

With all their enemies dead, Sylvanas made a proclamation to Varimathras. They would rule the Plaguelands as the Forsaken, and would stake out their own destiny, where none would get in their way.[24]

At some point Balnazzar killed and possessed Saidan Dathrohan's body and began using the Scarlet Crusade.[36]

The Burning Crusade continues...

Even with their defeat in Azeroth the Legion continues invading planets.[37]

Attempted Third Invasion

Attempt to enter through the Dark Portal

After Illidan's failure to destroy the Frozen Throne, Kil'jaeden sent forces to Outland to destroy him, however, Illidan's forces proved to be equally as powerful and the Legion has so far been unable to gain revenge. During the invasion of Outland, the Legion managed to open the Dark Portal and send troops into Azeroth, led by Highlord Kruul, but the Argent Dawn managed to hold the area surrounding the portal until reinforcements from the Alliance and Horde arrived.[38] After that, the Azerothian resistance pressed on and managed to drive the demons back into Outland where they fought at The Stair of Destiny.[39]

The Alliance and Horde managed to defeat the Burning Legion in the first battle and entered through the Dark Portal, going to the middle Hellfire Peninsula, there the Horde established Thrallmar[40] and the initial Expeditionary Force of the Alliance reinforced Honor Hold.[41] However, a Pit Commander and more Legion forces blocked the reinforcements of both factions, and they stood together to fight in The Stair of Destiny[40][41] for a long time.[39] Lieutenant General Orion sent an Horde adventurer for reinforcements of Thrallmar, after the notice General Krakork sent out what forces he could.[42] The Legion stationed dreadlords in Felspark Ravine, but the Alliance[43] and Horde defeated them, their imps and infernals.[44] The Alliance and Horde finally managed to destroy the portals defeating the Legion's forces by ground[45][46] and by air.[47][48][49][50] However the Burning Legion continued to produce fel reavers in Forge Camp: Mageddon, the Alliance and Horde detected this and sent adventurers[51] that defeated this force and destroyed the fel reavers.[52][53] After the defeat of the fel reavers they aimed Thrallmar with fel cannons, but both Alliance and Horde destroyed the cannons,[54][55] The final Legion's base, commanded by Warbringer Arix'Amal, still housed warp-portals from which they were drawing reinforcements, but the Alliance located the base[56] and both Alliance and Horde sent adventurers which destroyed the portals and defeated the Legion in Hellfire Peninsula.[56][57] Kil'jaeden's invasion may have been unsuccessful, but few people know just what he has planned for Azeroth next...

Activities in Outland

Doom Lord Kazzak is the commander of the Burning Legion in Outland, he resides in the Throne of Kil'jaeden.[43][44] Although the Burning Legion in Hellfire Peninsula was defeated, there is presence through all other zones of Outland with the exception of Zangarmarsh.

Terokkar Forest
Main article: Cabal

In Terokkar Forest the Shadow Council is still active, there are many cultists, who are part of a branch called Cabal.

Blade's Edge Mountains

In Blade's Edge Mountains the Legion has accomplished several things:

Netherstorm
See also: Kael'thas' forces

In Netherstorm the main activities are of the blood elves allied with the Legion, the Kael'thas' forces, with mainly the Sunfury outside of Tempest Keep and other groups inside of it. The demons in the zone were led by the eredar Socrethar[70] and did several things:

Kil'jaeden's summoning

Kil'jaeden was not finished yet however, for he had found a new pawn to manipulate in Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider. After his defeat at Tempest Keep, and still blinded by his lust for power, Kael become an all too willing participant in The Burning Legion's next attempt to invade and conquer Azeroth. Kil'jaeden restored Kael'thas' life and power through demonic means and empowered many of his followers will fel energy. Kael'thas sent his new Felblood elves to Silvermoon, where they captured M'uru from Kael's own people and took him to the Sunwell. Kael'thas also discovered that the energies of the Sunwell still existed, in the form of the human girl Anveena, and she was imprisoned and taken to the Sunwell, with Kael hoping to use her energies to reignite the Sunwell, to both bring his new master Kil'jaeden into Azeroth, and to supply himself with a new font of limitless power. However, with the intervention of the Blue Dragonflight and numerous mortal heroes of Azeroth, Kael'thas was killed once and for all in the Magister's Terrace and Kil'jaeden's plans to enter Azeroth were foiled. Anveena sacrificed herself to weaken Kil'jaeden so that the mortal heroes battling him could finally defeat him and send him back through the Sunwell. After the battle at the Sunwell, Velen used what was left of M'uru "body" to reignite the Sunwell, saving the blood elves from their addiction to demonic power and allowing them to continue to use the powers of the Light.

The Royal Coup

Wrath-Logo-Small This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.
Varimathras new

Varimathras' new model.

In the wake of the Battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate, it was revealed that Varimathras plotted his way into controlling a substantial part of the Forsaken faction, using them and his chief underling, Grand Apothecary Putress, to launch a surprise assault upon the combatants at the Wrathgate. This ambush resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Alliance and Horde soldiers, including Bolvar Fordragon and Dranosh Saurfang. At the same time Burning Legion forces under the command of Varimathras successfully took control of the Undercity and nearly killed The Dark Lady herself.

He was eventually faced and defeated by Thrall, Sylvanas, and players during H [74] The Battle For The Undercity, after which he is not seen in-game again by the player(s) who completed the quest (as part of the "phasing" system used in the Scarlet Enclave and areas of Northrend). During the battle, Varimathras made reference to "years of planning" (attempting to undermine Sylvanas) and the voice of an unseen "Master" was heard berating Varimathras for his failure to prevent the Horde party from reaching the throne room, after which point Varimathras enters the fray himself — where he is defeated.

While the Burning Legion was tactically successful in rekindling Alliance-Horde tensions, it ultimately failed in its strategic goal of re-summoning yet another Legion invasion. It remains unknown who the unseen "Master" was, but is presumably Sargeras.

The Shattering

Cataclysm This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

So far, the Burning Legion appears to have been in remission since the Battle for the Undercity and the subsequent Cataclysm. However, it is unlikely that Azeroth has seen the last of the Legion yet.

  • A small number of holdouts are still scattered throughout Azeroth, notably in Felwood, Desolace and the Blasted Lands.
  • The Cult of the Dark Strand has been completely annihilated, and Darkwhisper Gorge has been lost to the Twilight's Hammer cult.
  • The Scarlet Crusaders in Stratholme have been killed and raised into undeath by Balnazzar. A similar fate has befallen the Scarlets in Tyr's Hand. Both of these areas had been taken by heroes of the Argent Crusade.

Notable entities

Lords

The Lords of the Burning Legion are as follows:[81]

Name Title Race Description Status
IconSmall DarkTitan Male Sargeras The Destroyer Titan Creator and leader of the Burning Legion. Formerly the Champion of the Pantheon. Current whereabouts are unknown. Unknown
File:IconSmall Kil'jaeden Small.gif Kil'jaeden The Deceiver Man'ari Eredar Acting leader and self-assumed Supreme Commander of the Burning Legion in Sargeras' apparent banishment. Banished by players during the Sunwell Plateau encounter. Unknown
File:IconSmall Archimonde Small.gif Archimonde The Defiler Man'ari Eredar Legion Field Commander on Azeroth who lead the armies of the Burning Legion. He was destroyed during the Battle of Mount Hyjal. Deceased
File:IconSmall PitLord Small.gif Mannoroth The Destructor Annihilan The General of the Burning Legion and King of the Pit Lords. He was the corruptor of the Orcs and was later killed by Grom Hellscream. Deceased
File:IconSmall Tichondrius.gif Tichondrius The Darkener Nathrezim Leader of the Nathrezim and it's Chief Infiltration Specialist. He was slain by Illidan Stormrage. Deceased

Commanders and allies

Name Description Status
File:IconSmall Dreadlord Small.gif Anetheron Second Lord of the Nathrezim. Took command of the Scourge after the death of Tichondrius. He was slain at the Battle of Mount Hyjal by adventurers and Jaina Proudmoore. Deceased
File:IconSmall Dreadlord Small.gif Mephistroth Third Lord of the Natrhezim. Considered to be the new lord of the Nathrezim after the deaths of Anetheron and Tichondrius on Azeroth. Alive
File:IconSmall PitLord Small.gif Azgalor Became King of the Pit Lords after the death of Mannoroth. He currently resides in the Twisting Nether plotting his revenge. Alive
File:IconSmall Tichondrius.gif Balnazzar One of the three Dread Lords that ruled the Scourge. He now corrupts the Scarlet Crusade, taking the form of Grand Crusade Saidan Dathrohan for the Legion's purposes. Killable
File:IconSmall Gul'dan Small.gif Gul'dan The founder and master of the Shadow Council and the creator of Death Knights. While being pursued by the angry clans of the Horde, he was obliterated by demons in the Tomb of Sargeras. Deceased
File:IconSmall Doomlord Small.gif Kazzak the Supreme Lord of the Doomguards and Right Hand of Kil'jaeden and most trusted lieutenant of Archimonde. He was responsible for the reopening of the Dark Portal. Killable
File:IconSmall Doomlord Small.gif Highlord Kruul The current Burning Legion Field Commander on Azeroth, in the place of Kazzak the Supreme. Unknown
File:IconSmall Kael'thas Small.gif File:IconSmall KaelWretched Small.gif Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider Lord of the Blood Elves and former servant of Illidan Stormrage. Defeated in Magister's Terrace by adventurers and the Shattered Sun Offensive. Killable
IconSmall Man'ari eredar Male Lord Jaraxxus A Man'ari Eredar found in the Crusaders' Coliseum. Killable
IconSmall Man'ari eredar Male Talgath A high ranking agent of the Burning Legion tasked with scouring the Nether for living Draenei. Alive

Former allies

Name Title Description Status
IconSmall Naga Female Queen Azshara Queen of the Naga The Queen of the Kaldorei and believed herself "betrothed" to Sargeras, was likely transformed into the first of the Naga and became the Empress of Nazjatar. Alive
File:IconSmall Ner'zhul Small.gif Ner'zhul Elder Shaman The elder Shaman responsible for the foundation of the Horde. Was later transformed by Kil'jaeden into the Lich King. After the Battle of Mount Hyjal, Ner'zhul openly betrayed the Legion. After Bolvar Fordragon's rise as the Lich King, Ner'zhul is expected to be deceased along with Arthas Menethil. Deceased
File:IconSmall Arthas Small.gif Arthas Menethil Lich King Helped summon Archimonde at the instructions of the Dread Lord Tichondrius. Later merged himself with Ner'zhul and became the Lich King and overthrew the Burning Legion. Deceased
File:IconSmall Kel'Thuzad Small.gif Kel'Thuzad The Archlich Founder of the Cult of the Damned and principle agent of the Lich King in spreading the Scourge. He was eternally loyal to the Lich King even in death and served as one of his most powerful lieutenants. Killable
File:IconSmall Illidan Small.gif Illidan Stormrage The Betrayer The Lord of Outland and brother to Malfurion Stormrage. Former ally of the Burning Legion and Kael'thas Sunstrider. Killable
File:IconSmall Satyr Small.gif Xavius Lord of the Satyrs The Highbourne high counsilor to Queen Azshara, he became the first of the Satyrs at the hands of Sargeras. Was transformed into a tree by Malfurion Stormrage and sent to the bottom of the Great Sea after the Sundering. He was later found to have been the one controlling the Nightmare in the Emerald Dream, serving the Old God N'Zoth. Alive

Races

The Burning Legion races consists mainly in demons, but other non-demonic races serve them as well.

Major races

File:The Legionnares.jpg

Fanmade picture of the various races of the Burning Legion.

Other races

Constructs

Races of other organizations

This list includes the organizations that serve the Burning Legion.

Manual of Monsters

Appart from the mentioned above, the Appendix Three of Manual of Monsters mentions the following allies of the Burning Legion: Belsamaug, Blight Wolf, Celestian, Demonss, Dragon, Firewrack, Dragon, Seawrack, Dragon, Woodwrack, Fatling, Feral, Fleshcrawlers, Gorgon, High (presumed), Gorgon, Low (presumed), Hag, Brine, Hag, Cavern, Hag, Ice, Murdersprite, Narleth, The Proud, Ratman, Savant Hydra, Skin Devil, some Sleet Devil, Vengaurak, Arcane Devourer (suspected), Bitter Tree, Blood Crone, Blood Reaper, Blood Sprite, Carnivorous Tree, Gristly Minstrel Daemon, Plague Angel Daemon, Abyssal Larva Demon, Demon, Blade, Blood Horror Demon, Gauntling, Skullworm, Surged Giant, Wickerman, Forlarren, Cerberus, Daemons and Devils, Death Dog, Demonic Knight, Shadow Demons and Screaming Devilkin; however the validity of the source is disputed.

Organization

Numbers

The number of demons in the Twisting Nethers are infinite.[83] However not all demons are part of the Buring Legion. During the War of the Ancients, Sargeras gathered the Burning Legion, at that time it consisted of one million demons,[84] although the Legion was defeated in both of their invasions and many demons were slain, their ranks have grown once again and it's estimated to consists in one million demons yet again.[39]

Organizations who serve the Legion

Currently
Formerly

Command structure

References

 
  1. ^ Blizzard Entertainment Inc.. Burning Legion (English). The Warcraft Encyclopedia. Retrieved on 2009-07-08.​ “...the eredar declared that their primary language, Eredun, would be the Legion's common language.”
  2. ^ "Exodus of the Horde: Chasing Visions", Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. Blizzard Entertainment. Medivh: "Human? I left my humanity behind long ago. I am something ... different now. Know that I have seen the future and beheld the great burning shadow that is coming to consume this world. You sense it as well, don't you?".
  3. ^ "Legacy of the Damned: King Arthas", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment. Sylvanas Windrunner: "The Legion was defeated months ago. How could they not know?".
  4. ^ Blizzard Entertainment. Chapter I: Mythos (English) (HTML). Description. Retrieved on 2000-12-23.
  5. ^ a b Blizzard Entertainment. Warcraft III official site (English) (HTML). Description. Archived from the original on 2000-08-31. Retrieved on 2000-12-23.
  6. ^ Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness
  7. ^ Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal
  8. ^ Manual of Monsters, p.177
  9. ^ a b Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, p.127
  10. ^ Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, p.128
  11. ^ a b c d Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, p.129
  12. ^ a b Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, p.200
  13. ^ Manual of Monsters, p.46
  14. ^ Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, p.201
  15. ^ Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, p.236
  16. ^ a b c d e Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, p.238
  17. ^ a b c Blizzard Entertainment Inc.. Burning Legion (English). The Warcraft Encyclopedia. Retrieved on 2009-07-08.
  18. ^ a b Main Quest: Balnazaar, the most powerful of the Dreadlords, holds Lordaeron in an iron grip..., Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  19. ^ Shadows & Light, p.150
  20. ^ Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, p.214
  21. ^ a b c "Curse of the Blood Elves: Misconceptions", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  22. ^ a b "Legacy of the Damned: King Arthas", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  23. ^ "Terror of the Tides: Shards of the Alliance", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g "Legacy of the Damned: A New Power in Lordaeron", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  25. ^ "Curse of the Blood Elves: A Dark Covenant", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  26. ^ "Curse of the Blood Elves: The Crossing", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  27. ^ Lands of Conflict, p.34-35
  28. ^ "Curse of the Blood Elves: Lord of Outland", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  29. ^ Shadows & Light, p.151
  30. ^ "Legacy of the Damned: A Kingdom Divided", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  31. ^ "Legacy of the Damned: Sylvanas' Farewell", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  32. ^ "Legacy of the Damned: The Dark Lady", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  33. ^ a b "Legacy of the Damned: Dreadlord's Fall", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  34. ^ Monster Guide, pg. 152
  35. ^ Horde Player's Guide, pg. 180
  36. ^ Death is Contagious
  37. ^ Shadows & Light, p.154
  38. ^ http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/news/rss-01-2007.xml
  39. ^ a b c Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named crisis
  40. ^ a b Through the Dark Portal (Horde)
  41. ^ a b Through the Dark Portal (Alliance)
  42. ^ Journey to Thrallmar
  43. ^ a b The Path of Anguish
  44. ^ a b Felspark Ravine
  45. ^ Disrupt Their Reinforcements (Horde)
  46. ^ Disrupt Their Reinforcements (Alliance)
  47. ^ Mission: Gateways Murketh and Shaadraz
  48. ^ Mission: The Murketh and Shaadraz Gateways
  49. ^ Mission: The Abyssal Shelf (Horde)
  50. ^ Mission: The Abyssal Shelf (Alliance)
  51. ^ Return to Thrallmar
  52. ^ Disruption - Forge Camp: Mageddon
  53. ^ Forge Camp: Mageddon
  54. ^ Cannons of Rage
  55. ^ Enemy of my Enemy...
  56. ^ a b Invasion Point: Annihilator
  57. ^ Doorway to the Abyss
  58. ^ From the Ashes
  59. ^ Little Embers
  60. ^ Culling the Wild
  61. ^ Felsworn Gas Mask
  62. ^ Damaged Mask
  63. ^ Mystery Mask
  64. ^ a b Deceive thy Enemy
  65. ^ You're Fired!
  66. ^ "Curse of the Blood Elves: Gates of the Abyss", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  67. ^ Harvesting the Fel Ammunition
  68. ^ Fire At Will!
  69. ^ The Hound-Master
  70. ^ a b c d The Archmage's Staff
  71. ^ a b c Consortium Crystal Collection
  72. ^ Quest:Full Triangle
  73. ^ Conversation between Socrethar and Culuthas.
  74. ^ In A Scrap With The Legion
  75. ^ a b Quest:A Dark Pact
  76. ^ Quest:Damning Evidence
  77. ^ a b Quest:Deathblow to the Legion
  78. ^ Quest:Aldor No More
  79. ^ a b Quest:A Gift for Voren'thal
  80. ^ Quest:Turning Point
  81. ^ name=S&L52>Shadows & Light, p.52
  82. ^ Highborne - War of the Ancients
  83. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, 77
  84. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, 48
  85. ^ a b Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, 79
  86. ^ a b "Path of the Damned: The Siege of Dalaran (Warcraft III)", Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment. Archimonde: "...since the Lich King is of no further use to me, you dreadlords will now command the Scourge.".
  87. ^ "Path of the Damned: The Dreadlords Convene", Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment. Anetheron: "Lord Archimonde demands a report on the Scourge.".
  88. ^ a b "Eternity's End: Twilight of the Gods", Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment.
  89. ^ a b Shadows & Light, p.61
  90. ^ Manual of Monsters, p.??
  91. ^ Borgstrom, Rebecca; Eric Brennan, Genevieve Cogman, and Michael Goodwin. Manual of Monsters, 115. ISBN 978-1588-4607-07. 
  92. ^ "Path of the Damned: The Dreadlords Convene", Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment.
  93. ^ The Battle For The Undercity (Horde)
  94. ^ Horde Player's Guide, pg. 150.
  95. ^ a b Lands of Mystery, p.16
  96. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 174
  97. ^ Shadows & Light, pg 86
  98. ^ Atiesh, Greatstaff of the Guardian

External links

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