Kirin Tor

The Kirin Tor (sometimes spelled Kirin-Tor  and Kirin'Tor), also known as the Wizard Council of Dalaran, or the Magus Senate of Dalaran, is an elite cadre of the most powerful wizards in the known world, and the ruling conclave of magi that leads the magical nation of Dalaran, one of the seven human kingdoms. More specifically, they are governed by the Council of Six. The Kirin Tor were members of the original Alliance of Lordaeron, and have also upheld an alliance with Silvermoon for over 2,000 years, with the Council of Six itself once included Quel'Thalas' crown-prince Kael'thas Sunstrider and the blood elf Aethas Sunreaver, its sovereignty causing most contemporary human and elven mages to bow before it.

Once a secretive and selective order of magi that kept aloof from ordinary politics, the Kirin Tor has since become one of the foremost factions standing against the threats posed to Azeroth's survival. Allied to the Alliance, but remaining neutral in its conflict with the Horde, they fought in recent years against the Scourge, the blue dragonflight, and the Iron Horde, with Dalaran becoming a focal point of the campaign against the Burning Legion and serving as a neutral ground where the heroes of every kingdom could join together against their mutual foe.

The Kirin Tor became a reputation faction in World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King.

History
As Dalaran became the chief center of learning for magicians throughout the land, its Magocrat lords formed the Kirin Tor as a specialized sect that was charged with cataloging and researching every spell, artifact, and magic item known to mankind at the time. The Council of Six became the rulers of the Kirin Tor, and eventually replaced the Magocrats at the head of Dalaran.

With Aegwynn distancing herself and giving birth to Medivh, the Council of Tirisfal was without an official Guardian. They called on the Kirin Tor's accomplished magi to keep watch and safeguard the world. Likewise, at the Council's behest, the Kirin Tor sent agents to infiltrate Karazhan and spy on the young Medivh, taking parts in his parties in the magical tower. The spies, however, always left empty-handed - Medivh made sure of it.

During the First War
At the beginning of the First War, the resurgence of strange green-skinned creatures who attacked human settlements in Azeroth had thoroughly occupied the attention of the Council of Tirisfal and the Kirin Tor. The appearance of creatures never seen on this world, corrupted by demonic energies, far outweighed their concerns about Medivh. However, the Council still wanted to work with the Guardian and convinced the Kirin Tor to send another apprentice to Karazhan. For years apprentices had presented themselves to Karazhan, some sent by the Kirin Tor, others willingly, but Medivh was a severe master, and the slightest mistake led to being expelled, most of them only stayed for one day, the others less than a week. At the request of the Council, and recently learning that Medivh wished for the first time to have an apprentice, they sent the young Khadgar who came to be worthy of being the Guardian's apprentice and spent several years studying with the latter. Several mage instructors of the Kirin Tor saw an opportunity to gain new information and asked Khadgar to learn various information for them.

Some time after Medivh's death and the end of the First War, Aegwynn gave Aluneth to the Kirin Tor. The mages locked it in an enchanted vault.

During the Second War
Following the fall of Stormwind to the Orcish Horde, the Kirin Tor was present during the Council of Seven Nations, represented by the Archmage Antonidas. After heated debates, and Turalyon's encouraging speech to unite them, Antonidas pledged the support of Dalaran with the other kingdoms to the newly formed Alliance of Lordaeron. Archmage Khadgar personally served as their liaison.

Among the mages that participated in the Second War, some were the former students of the Conjurers of Azeroth who fell during the First War as they were unprepared for the rigors of warfare. Whether in their sanctum at the Violet Citadel in Dalaran or on the many battlefields of Lordaeron, the mages were resolute in their efforts to defend the people.

Though the Dark Portal was destroyed by Khadgar and his fellow magi in the aftermath of the Second War, the Kirin Tor noticed that a rift remained that connected Azeroth and Draenor together, and so created Nethergarde Keep in order to watch over the rift. Additionally it took several members of the Kirin Tor working together in order to halt the taint that was spreading from the rift's location.

During the war that would follow between the Alliance of Lordaeron and Horde of Draenor, Teron Gorefiend and his death knights, aided by Deathwing, found themselves able to successfully enter Dalaran's Arcane vault and steal the Eye of Dalaran from the Kirin Tor, a relic they crafted that could focus and amplify magical energies. When Gorefiend shattered the containment wards placed around the artifact, he attracted the attention of one of the most powerful leaders in the Kirin Tor, the Archmage Antonidas, who raced to investigate the source of the disturbance. He and a handful of magi battled the death knights in the vault, but the element of surprise was on the Horde's side, and one of the magi was killed before they escaped with the artifact. Antonidas gave chase for as long as he could, but once the death knights had reunited with the black dragons, they vanished into the skies. Antonidas would quickly inform Khadgar of the theft and, sometime after, the Alliance Expedition would journey to Draenor in order to put an end to the orc threat.

Aftermath of the Second War
Following the destruction of Draenor, the Kirin Tor studied the imprisoned orcs and their magics. The magi knew that elements of the Horde were still lurking throughout the Eastern Kingdoms. They wanted to learn as much as they could about their enemy in the event that another war broke out, and later found out that the defeated orcs had fallen into a strange lethargy, suffering from a withdrawal of the demonic energies that they had become addicted to.

For years, the Kirin Tor had watched Natalie Seline, greatly troubled by her dark teachings. After her death, they set out to scour her writings from history. Magi picked through the villages and cities Seline had traveled, gathering up every scroll and tome that she had penned. Her writings were then locked away in the Kirin Tor's vaults of Dalaran, hoping that would be the end of Seline's dangerous brand of magic. Yet despite their efforts, they could not bury the doctrine of balance she had preached.

At some point, it came to Antonidas' attention that Kel'Thuzad, another member of the Council of Six, had begun to experiment with the arcane art of necromancy. As this threatened the safety and reputation of Dalaran, Antonidas and the other leaders of the Kirin Tor decided to put a stop to it. They had Kel'Thuzad's properties searched, and all items tainted by dark magic were confiscated and destroyed. Antonidas warned Kel'Thuzad that he would be stripped of his rank and holdings, and exiled from both Dalaran and Lordaeron, if he did not abandon that path. Kel'Thuzad chose to leave Dalaran and swore to serve the Lich King.

As a representative of the Kirin Tor and the Alliance of Lordaeron, Antonidas held the position as one of the four jurors during the court of the paladin of the Silver Hand Tirion Fordring in Stratholme. Like the other judges, he was shocked when Tirion admitted his guilt, which led the paladin to his excommunication and his exile.

While the Alliance of Lordaeron was unaware of the death cults forming in their lands before, the departure of Quel'Thalas who stated that the humans' poor leadership had led to the burning of their forests during the Second War, alongside the liberation of the orcs from internment camps by Thrall, led to the departure of Gilneas and Stromgarde from the Alliance. However, several kingdoms made it known that they had no intention of letting the Alliance collapse, among them the nation of Dalaran.

At the time of the Third War, most contemporary human and high elven mages bowed to the sovereignty of Dalaran and the Kirin Tor. Elven sorceresses served the Kirin Tor as its agents. However, the city was noted for being politically aloof and secretive - magi of the Kirin Tor did not get involved in "ordinary" politics, and outsiders were rarely welcome in Dalaran, even visiting royalty.

During the Third War
Near the beginning of the Third War, the Kirin Tor took notice of a mysterious plague gripping the northlands. As such, their Ambassador to King Terenas Menethil II revealed that the Kirin Tor were prepared to place the villages under strict quarantine. However, the King declared that there would be no quarantine without proof of these claims as the people of Lordaeron had suffered enough. Suspecting that the plague was magical in nature, the Kirin Tor sent Jaina Proudmoore to investigate, accompanied by the paladin of the Silver Hand Arthas Menethil and his envoys sent by King Terenas to assist her. The Kirin Tor eventually learned that their suspicions were not only correct but that Kel'Thuzad, a former member of the organization, was responsible for spreading the plague.

When the Third War began, some of the aspiring geniuses of the magocracy were allured by the dark arts and forsook their very souls, becoming necromancers in service to the Scourge. When King Terenas Menethil II was killed by Arthas and Capital City fell, magi from Dalaran went to the ruined kingdom of Lordaeron along with other Alliance soldiers to deal with the rampaging undead army, but soon found themselves overwhelmed.

Under the direction of the demon lord Archimonde who wished to come to Azeroth to begin his invasion, the undead Scourge, led by the death knight Arthas, prepared to invade Dalaran in order to claim the Book of Medivh, protected by the Kirin Tor since a messenger from Khadgar brought them the artifact before he destroyed the Dark Portal from Draenor. The idea of ​​using this artifact to open the way for demons was from the Lich King, the latter knowing that it would be possible to access it with the help of the now resurrected lich Kel'Thuzad, who had been one of Dalaran's rulers.

With the Scourge approaching Dalaran, Archmage Antonidas and the Kirin Tor readied themselves for battle. They evacuated most of the city's civilians, leaving behind only a small resistance force. Though these defenders were few, they were some of the greatest magi in the world. Not only that, as Dalaran itself was a weapon, whose magic coursed through the streets, and arcane barriers blanketed the city. Many of these wards would destroy any undead that touched them. In Dalaran, the Scourge met resistance every bit as formidable as that of Lordaeron or Quel'Thalas. Perhaps even more so. The Kirin Tor's magi battered the undead with barrage after barrage of arcane energy, wreaking havoc on the invaders. However, this frontal assault was nothing more than a diversion, while a small force of Scourge was led by Arthas in the city, accompanied by Kel'Thuzad and the dreadlord Tichondrius. They killed the wizards maintaining the auras and arcane barriers, and met the Kirin Tor's leader Antonidas who faced them until his last breath, before claiming the Book of Medivh.

While the Scourge prepared to summon Archimonde into the world, surviving wizards of the Kirin Tor had teleported in an army. As the Kirin Tor began their attack, Arthas ordered the Scourge to defend Kel'Thuzad at all costs; and despite their best efforts, the Kirin Tor failed in stopping the Scourge. Successfully summoned, Archimonde destroyed Dalaran completely, claiming its annihilation heralded the Legion's first strike against the mortal world.

After the fall of Dalaran, surviving agents of the Kirin Tor such as Jailor Kassan pledged their support to Grand Marshal Garithos and the Alliance resistance. The blood elves, led by Council of Six member Kael'thas Sunstrider, came to reside in Dalaran and fought in its defense; however, the elves came under Garithos' prejudice against their kind and were eventually imprisoned in the city's dungeons for consorting with the naga, slated for execution. However, thanks to the timely arrival of Lady Vashj, the blood elves were freed and eventually found their way to Outland. When the blood elf Prince Kael'thas was fleeing the dungeons, he found the ghosts of Antonidas and several of his kindred, and finally released them, allowing them peace after so many months.

While elves such as Aethas Sunreaver would vouch for the Kirin Tor's innocence in these events, others like Rommath would accuse the organization of looking the other way. What role the Kirin Tor had in this, if any, is largely unknown. They were, however, known to have partial control of the city. The destruction of Dalaran was a massive blow to the Kirin Tor, leaving its surviving members scattered and its leadership in disarray, while some of them fought and were killed by the pets of Hakkar the Houndmaster.

At some point, the Kirin Tor cleared the naga from the Tomb of Sargeras and sealed the place.

World of Warcraft
At some point, the surviving wizards of the Kirin Tor returned to the ruins of Dalaran and constructed a vast, magical dome around the heart of their city. Some believe it was for protection from the violence of these times, others say they merely wanted solitude, to study and plot. The shield was opaque and completely impenetrable by any known means warding off any new attack while the magi slowly regained their strength. The area and ruined outskirts of their city were patrolled by the wizards and their rock elemental minions, but the dome was powerful enough to destroy creatures that venture too close. Archmage Ansirem Runeweaver was present among those who remained outside the dome.

They sent Sorcerer Ashcrombe to Shadowfang Keep to check on Archmage Arugal's progress against the undead, ignorant to the fact that the archmage had been driven mad with guilt over the fact that he summoned the worgen to Gilneas.

The Kirin Tor also have forces stationed in Ambermill, Nethergarde Keep, the Lordamere Internment Camp and parts of Silverpine Forest. Dalaran also has a strong presence in Outland. Dalaran's army is largely responsible for the survival of Alliance power in Silverpine; without the aid of the magi, the town of Pyrewood Village would have fallen to the Scourge long ago. The Kirin Tor were also not knowledgeable about the Forsaken at first, believing them to be just another clan of undead. The mages of Dalaran would eventually come into conflict with them, notably over the control of Ambermill in Silverpine Forest.

At some point, after the Scarlet Crusade failed to properly create a second Ashbringer in the form of Light's Wrath, the elite magi of the Kirin Tor hid it away lest it unleash further deadly calamities. Fearing its unbridled power, the Kirin Tor entrusted its safekeeping to the blue dragonflight in order to secure it away from the hands of men.

Wrath of the Lich King
As Malygos intended to siphon from every source of arcane power on Azeroth and dispose of the energy where no mage could reach it, the magi of Azeroth quickly noticed that something was amiss. A few powerful magi of the Kirin Tor set out to investigate. When they arrived at the Nexus, they were confronted by Malygos himself who hid nothing from them. He told them that the use of the arcane had put the Burning Legion's eye on Azeroth, repeatedly, and that now the armies of the Horde and the Alliance were abusing those energies to settle their factional disputes. He showed the magi the damage that had already been done to Azeroth, and demanded that they join his cause. Some high-ranking magi of the Kirin Tor were swayed by his argument, and they pledged themselves to the blue dragonflight. Others were horrified and attempted to escape, but none succeeded, as they were killed to stop word from getting back to the Kirin Tor. The magi who joined Malygos soon became known as mage hunters, dedicated to erasing all resistance to the blue dragonflight's new purpose.

During the Scourgewar, after the fall of Naxxramas, the Kirin Tor finally uncovered what was happening at the Nexus, where Malygos and his dragonflight were draining away Azeroth's arcane magic, killing every mage who dared to oppose them. Archmage Rhonin and the ranking members of the Kirin Tor were shocked to learn that some of their own had defected to the blue dragonflight's cause. The danger posed by Malygos and the Scourge was so great that the magi of Dalaran did something unprecedented: they pooled their power and teleported their entire city to the skies above Crystalsong Forest in Northrend, leaving only a crater in its place. From their new vantage point, the city subsequently served as a base of operations for many actions taken against the growing threat of the Lich King, while the Kirin Tor engaged the Nexus War to stop Malygos's campaign, but progress was slow. The blue Dragon Aspect and his servants were too strong for even the great magi of Dalaran to contend with, and the presence of the Kirin Tor was indeed met with deep-seated revilement from the crazed Malygos, who made numerous attempts to destroy the city.

In time, the Kirin Tor proclaimed themselves neutral in the conflict between the Horde and the Alliance, and instead sought to help bridge the gaps between the two factions, starting with reaching out to Quel'Thalas for magical support against Malygos. Consequently, the elven population of the Kirin Tor underwent something of a split: the portion of the elves who converted to the blood elven philosophy took up the name "the Sunreavers", named for their leader, Aethas Sunreaver, the only non-human on the Council of Six who ensured the Horde a sanctuary within the city. Conversely, some high elven members opposed the notion of allowing the sin'dorei back into the Kirin Tor's ranks and formed the Silver Covenant to oppose it. Consequently, as base of operations, the Alliance was given the Silver Enclave which was the base of the Silver Covenant. Its leader, Vereesa Windrunner, however, held no political sway within the city, thus leading to the blood elves officially being readmitted as members of the Kirin Tor.

The Kirin Tor then called upon the factions to aid them. The idea of diverting resources from the war against the Lich King did not sit well with Garrosh Hellscream or Bolvar Fordragon, but both agreed that it was necessary, and joined the Kirin Tor in the Nexus War. Alexstrasza and her red dragonflight allied with the Kirin Tor to fight, later joined by representatives of the other dragonflights who had also grown wary of Malygos. Together, they attempted to contact the Aspect of Magic and convince him to end his destructive crusade, but their efforts were met with open hostility. With the help of the Wyrmrest Accord, an agreement between all the dragonflights, and both factions, the Kirin Tor assaulted the Nexus, and Malygos was ultimately killed before his vengeance could be fulfilled.

When Brann Bronzebeard of the Explorers' League barely escaped from Ulduar, he immediately notified Archmage Rhonin of the Kirin Tor that a living nightmare was stirring within the forgotten stronghold. The leader of the Kirin Tor notified the Alliance and the Horde, hoping they would see fit to set aside their differences again, but it was a failure because of the recently disastrous battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate. Consequently, the Kirin Tor later implored members of the Horde and the Alliance to join them in the final assault on the stronghold, and since the request came from neutral parties, they agreed. The assault was more difficult than anyone imagined, but they managed to reach Yogg-Saron's prison chamber and defeat the Old God.

During the War Against the Nightmare, most of the mages of the Kirin Tor, including Rhonin, were trapped in their nightmares. Archmage Modera and her remaining comrades, however, were holding against the shadowy attackers, despite their exhaustion.

Interlude
Between the Cataclysm and the discovery of Pandaria, Dalaran and the Kirin Tor remained in Northrend. At Dalaran Crater, Archmage Ansirem Runeweaver left the region, while only workers and summoners of the Kirin Tor remain at the crater, some of them discussing that the area was unstable. They are friendly with members of the Alliance, but still hostile with those of the Horde following their conflict with the Forsaken who also conquered Ambermill.

When the nation was invited by the leadership of the Alliance to send a representative to their diplomatic meeting in Darnassus, the Council declined, citing its desire to retain its neutrality and continue to help bridge the gaps between the Alliance and the Horde.

Tides of War
Years later, as she learned of Garrosh Hellscream's ambitions to conquer the whole of Kalimdor, Jaina Proudmoore urged the Kirin Tor to support Theramore against the Horde armies massing at Northwatch Hold. Despite their initial reluctance to involve the neutral Kirin Tor into a conflict, the council agreed to send mages to help defend the island nation. Aethas Sunreaver cast the decisive vote in support of Theramore, reasoning that to do nothing would be to implicitly support the Horde's expansionism.

When Garrosh Hellscream's true plan - to detonate a mana bomb over Theramore - was revealed, Rhonin sacrificed his life by teleporting Jaina and a few wounded defenders to safety. Rhonin pulled the bomb into the Theramore Tower, minimizing the damage caused by the explosion.

In the aftermath, the Kirin Tor, while refusing to launch an attack on Orgrimmar in retaliation for Theramore's decimation, chose Jaina as Rhonin's replacement and as the new leader of the Council of Six and the Kirin Tor, with Kalecgos also joining the Kirin Tor. Due to Thalen Songweaver's betrayal at the defense of Theramore, the Sunreavers' credibility was damaged, though Aethas later denies responsibility and vowed to atone for Thalen's treachery. Soon afterward, many, if not nearly every member of the Kirin Tor who could come, attended the funeral ceremony for Rhonin, led by Jaina. It concluded as the mages and denizens sent small arcane orbs floating upwards.

Kalec also joined the Kirin Tor and stayed in the city for a time, but he saw distrust from the other magi, so he often found excuses to be away.

Mists of Pandaria
When Jaina Proudmoore discovered that the Sunreavers helped Garrosh Hellscream steal the Divine Bell by using Dalaran portals to infiltrate Darnassus, she mobilized the Kirin Tor, Alliance forces, and the Silver Covenant to purge the Horde from Dalaran. Though Aethas Sunreaver claimed he knew nothing of Garrosh's scheme, Jaina nonetheless chose to incarcerate him and his Sunreavers after Aethas refused to order his people to leave the city peacefully. Those that surrendered were imprisoned in the Violet Hold while those that resisted were put to the sword, after which Jaina pledged the Kirin Tor to Varian's war cause, effectively bringing Dalaran back into the Alliance (for game purposes Dalaran remains unchanged after the questline is completed).

The purge also put an end to Dalaran's alliance with Silvermoon, which had stood for over 2,000 years.

Ignited by Jaina's fury, the Kirin Tor Offensive seek to seize Thunder Isle and the treasures contained therein, in the interest of the Alliance. Composed of Silver Covenant high elves combined with war mages and warriors of the Kirin Tor. Their main goals are to prevent the Horde from obtaining powerful artifacts from Emperor Lei Shen and to also fight the coalition of Zandalari and mogu threatening Pandaria.

Warlords of Draenor
The Kirin Tor's expedition into the alternate Draenor of thirty-five years ago was led by Khadgar. While the Alliance-Horde expedition was mostly busy dealing with the Iron Horde, Khadgar, feeling responsible for the release of Gul'dan after the Assault on the Dark Portal, leads agents of the Kirin Tor to track down the mad warlock.

Based at Zangarra in Talador, the Kirin Tor were friendly with the Alliance adventurers, but remain neutral with the Horde adventurers, as Jaina Proudmoore has ordered that all outsiders to Dalaran - especially the Horde - are not allowed on Kirin Tor grounds. Despite this, Khadgar says that as he is a member of the Council, his friends - regardless of faction - are allowed in, and if Jaina has a problem with it she can take it up with him. When Jaina arrives on Draenor, she expresses distaste that Khadgar allows the Horde to work with him at Zangarra. Jaina says the rest of the Council of Six would not approve and that she certainly does not.

A Kirin Tor expedition was also sent to Gorgrond. They asked the forces of Frostwall and Lunarfall to help them with the natives. They were responsible for maintaining a supply line between Draenor and Azeroth, but their holdout within the Everbloom, the Violet Bluff, was overgrown by Primals and most of its population infested. This turn of events nearly ended in a disaster, when the genesaur Yalnu crossed the mage portal into the Kirin Tor overlook above Stormwind, where he was stopped before he could muster his strength and infest the city or even worse.

Another Kirin Tor force, led by Modera, fights the forces of Socrethar and the Sargerei at Socrethar's Rise.

Kirin Tor mages accompanied Khadgar to the and are seen at the entrance and at the site of the disabled Black Gate maintaining portals.

Legion
During the battle for the Broken Shore, a squad of Kirin Tor Battle-Mages led by Jaina Proudmoore fought alongside King Varian Wrynn and Genn Greymane.

After the disastrous battle, Jaina Proudmoore and the Kirin Tor moved the entire city to Deadwind Pass with a giant Blink spell, in order to aid in the protection of the Eastern Kingdoms, hovering over Karazhan. At the same time, the local forces of Dalaran in Hillsbrad Foothills were trying to reconstruct the remaining ruins of the Dalaran Crater, overseen by Archmage Cedric.

Later, Khadgar called for a vote to have the Horde return to Dalaran in order to have the Kirin Tor fight the Burning Legion at its utmost capability. Jaina was vehemently opposed, especially after the events of the Broken Shore, but she was outvoted in the Council of Six with only Ansirem Runeweaver voting "no" alongside her. Jaina left Dalaran and the Kirin Tor in anger and Khadgar became the council's replacement leader. When the council next assembled, Kalecgos was seen as the sixth in Jaina's place. The council later voted to allow Aethas Sunreaver back into Dalaran, although not as a member of the Six.

After the Burning Legion had launched an attack on the city, the Council moved the city to the southern shores of the Broken Isles in close proximity to Azsuna, so it would once again serve as a hub for Azeroth's heroes at the front lines in the renewed war against the Legion when countless forces pour from the Tomb of Sargeras.

In order to fight the Burning Legion, the Tirisgarde was reformed by Meryl Felstorm and the Conjuror of the Tirisgarde in the Hall of the Guardian. Several members of the Kirin Tor, including members of the Council of Six,  joined the ranks of the Tirisgarde. Some of the Magisters who studied amongst the Kirin Tor also joined the Tirisgarde, convinced and led by Esara Verrinde. Later, the unified Tirisgarde managed to capture the dreadlord Kathra'natir in the Nightborne Soulstone, now used to power a weapon defense system located in the tallest spire atop Dalaran's Violet Citadel.

The Kirin Tor also participated in the Nightfallen rebellion, and supported the Armies of Legionfall in the Assault on Broken Shore and further incursions on the island, while the Archmage Kesalon was sent to scour the Broken Isles for anomalies and arcane artifacts.

Some mages of the Kirin Tor were present on Argus under the orders of the Conjuror of the Tirisgarde, Archmage Khadgar, and Aethas Sunreaver, in order to fight demons on the battlefield at Darkfall Ridge, and protect the Vindicaar from Legion's attacks.

After the Argus Campaign, several Kirin Tor mages were seen among the gathered crowd at the memorial ceremony at Lion's Rest in Stormwind City.

Battle for Azeroth
During the Fourth War, the Kirin Tor remained largely neutral and did not provide significant assistance to either side, although King Anduin Wrynn briefly attempted to reach them during the War of the Thorns. Their leader Khadgar remained in Karazhan throughout the course of the Fourth War, and even after its conclusion.

At some point, emissaries of the Kirin Tor settled in both portal rooms of Stormwind and Orgrimmar, offering access to a portal for the Broken Isles. Unlike the Pathfinder's Den of Orgrimmar, the recently renovated Wizard's Sanctum of Stormwind City was decorated with banners bearing the crest of the Kirin Tor, and one of their magus maintained a portal for Stormshield. Some Arcane Golems also regularly patrolled the Sanctum, similar to the ones used by the Kirin Tor. This seems to indicate that the Kirin Tor was involved in the renovations, remaining an ally to the Alliance, while maintaining its neutrality with the Horde during the war.

However, some were able to join the ranks of the Alliance during the war, notably the Quartermaster Crafticus Mindbender who replaced his tabard and was aboard the Alliance fleet who chased the remains of the Horde fleet sailing from Zandalar after the Battle of Dazar'alor. He managed to survive Queen Azshara's trap and joined the survivors in Mezzamere, regretting having left Dalaran.

Some Kirin Tor Keepers also assisted Kalecgos in securing the Charged Scale of the Blue Aspect at the Nexus.

Shortly before the end of the Fourth War, Vereesa Windrunner and the Silver Covenant participated in the events of the battle at the Gates of Orgrimmar, as high elven ballistae were present during the conflict to support the Alliance in front of the gates of Orgrimmar.

Organization and headquarters
As the elite cadre of the most powerful magi in the known world, and the ruling conclave that leads the magical nation of Dalaran, the Kirin Tor has its own hierarchical structure to organize its activities around the world.

Joining the Kirin Tor requires years of study in magic schools, then to become the apprentice of one of their mages, in order to prove itself worthy of being integrated as a member of the organization. Thereafter, nothing advanced a wizard in the Kirin Tor quicker than reputation, although none of the senior council would have ever admitted to that base fact. As agents of the Kirin Tor, their mission is to collect knowledge and magical artifacts found across all Azeroth, and even beyond.

The elite of the Kirin Tor are the Archmages, who represent the pinnacle of magical power. It is an honorary title given to the most powerful and experienced mages of the Kirin Tor, in which they obtain a position of authority in the hierarchy. They take care of directing their subordinate mages in their activities and missions for the organization, while some of them represent the Kirin Tor in other realms, notably as appointed Archmage in the Royal Court of one of the Seven Kingdoms. At the same time, they also continue to do their research on different types of knowledge and artifacts. Though primarily a human kingdom, the Kirin Tor has always housed a sizeable Thalassian minority. For over two thousand years, it was not uncommon for some of the long-lived elves to study and serve in Dalaran as well as Silvermoon. Relations were strained between the two magical kingdoms after the Third War, and further compounded by Silvermoon's alliance with the reformed Horde, however, the readmitted Sunreavers continued tradition somewhat, even if they were excluded and subsequently readmitted in Dalaran in the last years. Most of the Kirin Tor's current high elf population is now part of the Silver Covenant, a militant wing of Kirin Tor defenders. The Kirin Tor also has gnomes, dwarves, half-elves, worgen, and even a small handful of draenei and pandaren in their ranks. The organization also seems to accept some of its members who became undead after the Third War, notably Old Fillmaff, although the latter does not seem to know that he is dead.

The gradual reintroduction of arcane magic into night elf society has in turn also slowly produced mages of that race. By the time Azeroth was ready to invade Tanaan Jungle on Draenor, night elf and Highborne mages had joined the Kirin Tor, carrying out work such as maintaining a portal between Lion's Watch and Stormshield in Ashran.

The Kirin Tor's headquarters is the Violet Citadel, an impressive building so named for its stone walls which gave off a faint violet light. Separately, the conclave's senior council met in the Chamber of Air, a room with no visible walls — the gray stone floor with its central diamond symbol stood beneath an open sky that shifted and changed rapidly as if time was speeding past within the chamber.

Leadership
Within the conclave, there is an inner council: the Six, who are the actual rulers of the city. This governing body appoints one of their own as Head of the Kirin Tor (also known as Grand Magus of the Kirin Tor ); this master wizard is essentially the ruler of Dalaran.


 * - Killed in the Scourge invasion of Dalaran.
 * - Killed in the mana bomb explosion that destroyed Theramore Isle.
 * - Resigned in protest after the Horde was readmitted into Dalaran, shortly after the Battle for the Broken Shore.
 * - Current leader.

The Council of Six
The Council of Six is the Kirin Tor high council of Dalaran. These six individuals are the leaders of both the city and all territories under the control of Dalaran. The Six are usually the most senior, but not necessarily the most gifted. They are chosen by several means, magic but one of them.

The Violet Council
The Violet Council, composed of nine Dalaran's elite wizards, was present to fight against the Scourge during the Siege of Dalaran, spreading throughout the city to summon reinforcements and guard treasures, resources and experiments contained in the various vaults of Dalaran. One of them was present in the Violet Hold, where he summoned various prisoners to help repel the undead forces.

Following the defeat of the Kirin Tor, and as they have not been mentioned since the destruction of the city, the wizards of the Violet Council were most certainly eliminated by Arthas and his hordes of undead.

Members in the RPG
The following are stated to be members or former members of the Kirin Tor in the Warcraft RPG but have no known connection to the faction in canon lore.

Culture
The magi of the Kirin Tor were private, mysterious, and powerful, but they kept to themselves save when needed. They usually didn't get involved in ordinary politics, nor did they do the ordinary political maneuvering such as inviting royalty to enjoy their hospitality. This, however, was not always the case. They arrange formal dinners - for their own members and for visitors in a large dining room. The magi are usually clad in the purple and gold robes of Dalaran with an embroidered symbol of the great Eye upon them. They also wear their Kirin Tor signets.

There is one thing every member of the Kirin Tor valued, it's their independence. According to Khadgar and Antonidas, getting even two wizards to work together was difficult enough, it was something their own brethren have never found easy, and the thought of managing more than that was almost beyond imagining. However, following the destruction of Dalaran, the once reviled mage Rhonin led his kind from the brink, and under his leadership, the mages of the Kirin Tor quickly began to work to the restoration of Dalaran, indicating a change in their behavior, notably to cooperate.

While the Kirin Tor officially condemns torture, its members are not always opposed to using information obtained by others through it.

When a mage of the Kirin Tor died, its relatives and those in contact with them received a letter from the organization, asking them to return to Dalaran any correspondence, money, information, or property, in particular any of their books on loan, that belonged to the deceased.

In Dalaran they used phosphorescent crystals, which beamed with a steady, constant glow, though a research spoke of reflective mirrors, elemental spirits bound within lanterns, and in one case, huge captive fireflies.

Mages dine in the Violet Citadel, and it is customary to serve wine with dinner, most often a bottle of flamewine for which they have a fondness.

Despite their busy schedules, most members of the Kirin Tor keep themselves in great shape through a strict diet and a robust exercise regime.

The mages seemingly celebrate an event called the Feast of Scribes. Most of them had at least some semblance of order to their archives, with their most valuable tomes hidden away. A favored companion of Kirin Tor magi, the Albino Snake makes one wonder whether it's truly a snake or something else altogether.

Prior to the First War, there was precious little information on Medivh, but every elder mage in Dalaran seemed to hold Medivh in awe. Every scholar of the Kirin Tor said that it was an honor to be introduced to the most powerful mage of Azeroth, and an opportunity, they insisted, that was not to be missed. They also wanted to learn what knowledge he had hidden away in his library, what research he favored, and most of all, when he would form an heir.

The Kirin Tor and their magi were considered as heretics for centuries by the Church of the Holy Light, as they never have been fond of their methods, but who let them continue to exist because they don't practice dark magic and are somewhere necessary. Despite this complicated relationship, the Church ended up helping Jaina Proudmoore and the Kirin Tor during the Purge of Dalaran, hunting down the Sunreavers.

The Kirin Tor has a very strict mentality and regulation regarding dark magics, severely punishing those who attempt to practice them in their ranks. Thus, the Kirin Tor makes sure to capture or eliminate the practitioners of dark and unholy magic, but also demons, undead, aberrations, renegade mages, associates of evil organizations, dangerous creatures, and all threats to Dalaran and Azeroth. They use the Violet Hold, the main magically-shielded prison complex of the organization, to store a number of powerful prisoners, in order to study and prevent them from threatening the world again.

Contrary to the teachings of the Kirin Tor, there are a great many who choose to delve into the secrets of magic by themselves. Considered to be non-sanctioned renegades by the Kirin Tor, these rogue mages strive to expand their knowledge of magic and spellcraft beyond the constraints of what most other wizards believe to be safe or morally acceptable.

Studies and education
Those with affinity to magic may join the Kirin Tor in Dalaran. The city has magic schools where young mages and schoolchildren are trained and educated, the topics for study being magic and its nature.

The mentors of the Kirin Tor conclave were ambitious and insatiably curious about magic in all its forms. Their continual accumulation, cataloging, and definition of magic were imprinted on young students at an early age. Before the Third War, the Archmage Antonidas was in charge of teaching in some magic classes. Simeon isn't a member of the Kirin Tor, but he dedicated his life to training young mages that would be their future.

Pupils practice and hone their skills and mastery over the types and forms of spells, with demanding and rigorous schedules, and clad in traditional apprentice robes, usually in Dalaran's academies such as Violet Citadel. A large part of their study is to learn from their grand libraries. Students have dedicated practice chambers in the city, but in case of need, they may practice their spells in other areas, such as the Violet Hold surroundings. They live in student's quarters. Summer was a very intensive time for the students. Dalaran is also a place to learn the history of the world. Students become apprenticed to archmages, typically asking the senior mages to be their mentor. Students are divided by year and level. To prevent apprentices from secretly using elemental familiars to complete their chores, the archmagi placed the ritual required to summon the creature across the pages of several spellbooks hidden throughout Dalaran. They are also prohibited from using scrying pools to post students of the opposite sex on a pay per view basis.

Among the first things learned by Jaina Proudmoore after becoming apprenticed were that strong emotions and wizardry didn't always mix well and that that the worst sin a mage could commit was arrogance, and also the easiest. As a child, Khadgar learned from most of his lessons that non-Dalaran mages, wild, untrained, and self-taught wizards without restraint, control, and thought, always ended in the same fashion with a bad end, and sometimes, though not often, destroying a large amount of the surrounding countryside with them. He also learned that the stress of the magical energies the magi wield can turn their hair gray, which has happened to many mages in the past. Students are warned about rings of power, magical inscriptions carved into the floor, and are taught about the four rules of the laws of arcane magic, as well as the law of sympathy. Other topics of study are runes and their meanings, and golems. Members of the Kirin Tor have to know the flora and fauna of Azeroth for a variety of reasons, many of them dealing with survival. Thousands of years before the opening of the Dark Portal, and by the era of the opening of the portal, every wizard studied the legends of the demon horde, better known as the Burning Legion. Most of those who had claimed dealings with them had generally turned out to be of questionable states of mind.

Abjuration is the most important school for a young mage to study. Its most generalized spell is the mana shield, effective but very difficult for a novice to master, as it often takes months of practice to even conjure a simple mana shield. With time and experience, some magi of the Kirin Tor develop certain abilities, such as the "sixth sense" that told them through a feeling of unease that something is "off". or the sensitivity to tell the difference between one mage's magic and another, as every wizard wielded the forces of magic differently, the same to differentiate arcane and demonic magic.

Historically, wizards have long been only men, as there was considerable resistance in Dalaran to women taking up the profession in spite of the city's tradition of training sorceresses and female archmages. No Kirin Tor sanctioned female wizards appeared to have existed prior to 800 years ago, when Aegwynn became Guardian. It has been difficult for Jaina Proudmoore to become wizards, as she even faced considerable obstacles in her ambition to be more than a mere sorceress. Fortunately for her, she was able to convince Antonidas to care more for her magical talent than her gender, and she became a fully qualified wizard in record time. In recent years, these restrictions are no longer present, as more women wizards were formed, and are now present in the ranks of the Kirin Tor.

At the Violet Citadel, an order of mages, the former students of the fallen Conjurers of Azeroth, has been forced to discover untapped magical forces to command in their war against the ruthless orcs. Determined to avoid a similar fate, these mages have undertaken a regimen equally demanding on body and soul, thus dedicating themselves to the command of more aggressive and destructive magiks.

Generally, outsiders were not welcome to study, but some expectations could be made, such as was the case with Prince Arthas Menethil, who convinced his father and Archmage Antonidas that the Kirin Tor's knowledge was valuable for him as future king.

Philosophy, research, and inventions
At the time of the First War, the philosophical question that the mages were arguing about in the halls of the Kirin Tor was whether when you created a flame by magic, you called it into being or summoned it from some parallel existence. To which Medivh replied that when a mage creates fire, all they do is concentrating the inherent nature of the fire contained in the surrounding area into one location in order to call it into being.

According to Medivh, the philosophical debates in the halls of the Kirin Tor were buffle and blow, as they seek to place rationality upon the world and regulate its motions, like when the seasons fall one after the other with lockstepped regularity, except that magic is precisely the art of circumventing the normal.

The Kirin Tor possesses an (or was the) Advanced Research and Illumination Sect, which Antonidas joined very young.

Jaina Proudmoore excelled at magical research and investigation.

The Kirin Tor have divided the eldritch arts into eight or nine different categories. All schools of magic can be combined to create formidable spells that utilize multiple sources of power. Mages are cautioned about the dangers of combining multiple types of magic. There are also multiple spells and branches of arcane research forbidden to members of the Kirin Tor.

They also contributed to the creation of spells, such as the slow spell as the Kirin Tor developed a technique that envelops a person in a field that reduces kinetic energy. The mages also discovered a way to bring out the potential of the warrior's fighting spirit and essentially wreathe them in their own spiritual energies in the spell inner fire. This has had the overall effect of making the Alliance warriors more resistant to damage and better able to deal damage.

Researching into banned fields of magic such as necromancy and shadow magic is expressly forbidden by laws almost as old as the Kirin Tor itself. Necromancy is highly illegal and should be avoided at all costs, it only discussed to have a basic understanding of its use, as any practitioner of necromancy is the enemy of the Kirin Tor. Those who persist are censored, stripped of their power and influence, and banned from the kingdom, as was the case with Kel'Thuzad and Levia Laurence.

The official teachings in the Violet Citadel and the Kirin Tor are that demonology is to be eschewed, avoided, and abjured. Any attempt to summon demons is to be found out and stopped at once, and those involved are to be expelled, or worse. Just as the possession of fel-inscribed tomes of demonic spells must be punished, and the books confiscated, as they are considered blasphemous. Specifically, Guzbah and Korrigan researched demon lore and demon worshipers respectively. What the Kirin Tor originally had at their disposal was a collection of folk legends and the reports of the local authorities involving demon worshipers. Even during the third invasion of the Burning Legion, the Kirin Tor's knowledge of demonic forces was limited.

Members of the Kirin Tor also researched species of trolls, elven history, or weapons, and some of the mages or the city's artisans deal with alchemy and enchanting. For example, Deucus Valdera and Patricia Egan research and learn new alchemy recipes together, and then sell them.

Other fields of research are other-worldly dimensions and beings done by Ur, as well as research on titans and keepers, and seemingly on Old God-related artifacts such as the Bloodstone Artifacts.

After the Second War, Rhonin joked that there was not much documentation on dragons as most of the researchers got eaten. Deathwing laughed and said that there might be some truth to that. The mage Krasus was their resident expert on dragon lore. Seemingly, he didn't reveal to Antonidas his identity, and instead he called this knowledge his research.

As a result, the Kirin Tor has written several publications related to magic, including The Schools of Arcane Magic, Kirin Tor Monthly, and the various books and reports by Antonidas or works by Khadgar.

To ensure safe and fast teleportations with the blink, specific rules and boundaries were created by the Kirin Tor, and must be adhered at all times, while immense resources of the organization were being spent to perfect this already nearly flawless spell to avoid any other accident. Other regulations were also created by the Kirin Tor for polymorphism, or the use of portals, with notably dimensions to be respected, taxes to be paid, and permits to be obtained.

Dalaran - especially the Violet Citadel, Aegwynn's Gallery, and the Hall of the Guardian - holds libraries, archives, and research laboratories, the latter's library being capable on its own to rival with Silvermoon City's even in its current disarray. There are also a few private libraries and secret collections. During the Third War, the great libraries were burned, and countless generations of knowledge had been lost, but with the restoration of Dalaran, the libraries too were restored. Currently, the main library from before the city's destruction still stands, and it uses protective wards. A recognition spell in order to enter it safely is used on the wards.

The mages of Dalaran created golems to perform manual labor and guard their mystical holdings. They also created the Eye of Dalaran to focus their magics in an effort of reconstruction.

Powerful mages of the Kirin Tor who wield as much power as Archmage Rhonin, former leader of the Kirin Tor, often use arcane bindings to steady the magic unleashing from their fingertips.

Mage towers hold ominous secrets that none but the mages of Lordaeron dare to explore. As extensions of the Violet Citadel in Dalaran, these towers allow the mages to research arcane spells, unfettered by the affairs of the temporal plane.

The Kirin Tor also contributed to the Alliance by donating materials for Altars of Kings that harness the derelict life forces of fallen human champions. The specifics of this building's magical properties were among the most guarded secrets in all the human realms.

Reputation
Aside from championing, Kirin Tor reputation can also be gained by completing Dungeon and Heroic Dungeon dailies, and Dalaran (cooking, jewelcrafting and fishing) dailies. In Legion, reputation can also be gained by completing Kirin Tor world quests.

Most classes start at a standing with the Kirin Tor. Mages, however, automatically start at level with them. Because of this, it is possible for a mage to obtain the Tabard of the Kirin Tor at level 1.

When you reach exalted status with the Kirin Tor, the achievement The Kirin Tor is awarded.

In the RPG
The Kirin Tor is a lawful neutral and independant organization, although they (and many of its members, both past and present) has strong ties to the Alliance. Made up of 120 members, divided in several levels of importance and influence, the Kirin Tor is a sect of wizards trying to study and record all of humanity's magic, and determined to rebuild the fallen city of Dalaran.

History
Long ago, most wizards lived in Strom, where things were difficult, and so some of them fled north, where they created the city of Dalaran with the help of the high elves. More wizards followed, and the city became a haven for magi and a center of arcane study. They used their arts to make Dalaran magnificent and to protect it and its more mundane residents, who in return provided basics like food and trade. Unfortunately, with nobody to control them the magi cast spells whenever they liked, and the constant magic tore at reality. These tears acted as beacons to the Burning Legion, luring them back to Azeroth. Demons slipped through the gaps, terrorizing the locals until the ruling Magocrats were forced to turn to the elves for aid. Elf wizards quickly realized what had happened and warned that humanity would have to give up magic to avoid the threat completely. The Magocrats didn't like that, and instead proposed selecting a mortal champion to protect them from the Legion. This Guardian would have access to all their might, and would form a secret defense for the world. The elves agreed and, through the newly formed Order of Tirisfal, provided guidance in the selection. At the same time, the Magocrats set some of their number to research and catalog all human magic. These wizards became the Kirin Tor.

Even the Kirin Tor, however, found itself powerless to stop Prince Arthas and his forces when he led the Scourge through Lordaeron. Arthas acquired the spellbook of Medivh and Kel'Thuzad used it to summon Archimonde, who destroyed Dalaran. The city was left in ruins. Some felt the devastation was well-deserved, since Kel'Thuzad had himself been one of the Kirin Tor (before he left to form the Scholomance). Since Kel'Thuzad was responsible for creating the Plague of Undeath and releasing the Scourge upon the world, many felt the Kirin Tor should share in the blame and the consequences.

Following the Third War, they were able to reclaim their city. They erected a glowing dome around the entire city, powerful enough to destroy anyone who touches it, while they worked to rebuild their fallen city.

Organization
The Kirin Tor has a ruling council of six archmagi. The council meets to discuss important issues and vote on matters — no single member holds sway, and the majority vote decides every issue. In case of a tie, the members reconvene a day later, during which interval each member considers his or her vote and all relevant information.

Beneath the ruling council are the archmagi, each of whom is given tasks as the council sees fit. Archmagi do not hold specific positions or responsibilities, beyond the general loyalty to the Kirin Tor and to the world, and the standing obligation to study new human magic whenever it appears. In reality, however, some archmagi have been given the same tasks so often they have essentially assumed responsibility for those jobs. Thus one archmage might be in charge of cataloging all wands, while another handles researching and cataloging all illusions. Several of them work to monitor and maintain the city's protective dome.

Magi are the lowest members of the Kirin Tor and answer to the archmagi. Any archmage in the sect can issue orders to a mage, provided the instructions still fit within the organization's goals. As with archmagi, however, most magi settle into specific positions and tasks and work exclusively for one archmage. The ruling council can change this at any time but rarely does so, unless they feel a mage has become a problem in his current position, or if they need him for a different task. Most magi are allowed the freedom to pursue their tasks and studies in whatever manner they choose. Despite the fact that they are the lowest members in the hierarchy, many magi possess great power.

Before the Scourge came, any human mage was welcome in Dalaran. They found peers and a place to stay and to work in peace. Magi with an eye for detail and a strong focus on research were offered membership in the Kirin Tor. This process could take anywhere from a few months to several years — the ruling council did not invite magi until it was sure of their abilities and allegiances. The Kirin Tor became even more cautious about admittance after Kel'Thuzad defected and took many other magi with him.

Locations
Before Dalaran's destruction, the Kirin Tor was the city's ruling power. Dalaran was not a large city, but it was a beautiful place of towering spires and glittering streets, and the people there were happy and well protected. The Kirin Tor's headquarters was the Violet Citadel, an impressive building so named for its stone walls which gave off a faint violet light. The building had many libraries, research chambers, testing rooms, classrooms, meeting alcoves, and bedrooms. The ruling council, six members in all, met in the Chamber of the Air, a room with no visible walls — the gray stone floor with its central diamond symbol stood beneath an open sky that shifted and changed rapidly, as if the time sped past within the chamber.

Notes and trivia

 * It was described as an elite cadre of the most powerful wizards in the known world, but also as the most learned and puissant of the magical academies, guilds, and societies, advisors to the kings, teachers of the learned, and revealers of secrets.
 * The insignia of the Kirin Tor represents an eye. In the Underbelly of Dalaran there is an unofficial coin called the Sightless Eye.
 * Some mages that acted in the Kirin Tor were at the same time members of the Council of Tirisfal, as evidenced by Indus.
 * Prior to the Third War, the Kirin Tor favored water and frost spells compared to the other schools of magic. Fire was implied to be associated with the demonic.
 * In the past, the Kirin Tor controlled Baradin Hold full of monstrous creatures, including demons. The magi were unable to contain the massive pit lord Argaloth in the cells of Violet Hold, so they were left with no choice but to confine the powerful demon beneath Tol Barad. Similarly, the shivarra Alizabal was imprisoned in the Violet Hold, not long after corrupt magi summoned her, but despite arcane wards restricting her powers, her influence alone caused her guards to murder one another in sudden fits of rage. Therefore, she was transferred to Baradin Hold prior to the Cataclysm, which only aggravated the ruined prison's increasingly dire conditions. Ultimately, the mages were overrun.
 * Certain criminals are not only put in the magical cells that dampen their powers in the Violet Hold, the Kirin Tor may also strip one's power, as was done with the traitorous mage hunter Crevan Falamar. To his family they said that he died, while being locked up in prison.
 * In an alternate universe where was king of Lordaeron, the Kirin Tor was led by, who severed all ties with , who was Blackmoore's chief advisor. Rumor also had it that the mages liked to appear impartial but that they favored Stormwind rather than Lordaeron. Like in the main universe,  was a member too. His Alexstrasza understood that his work there would aid their flight and more importantly, Azeroth.
 * The citizens, visitors, merchants, and trainers in the city of Dalaran are affiliated with the in-game faction of the Kirin Tor. It is for gameplay issues of neutrality and reputation for players of both factions.
 * Some orcs, jungle trolls, forsaken, and goblins NPCs are also affiliated. However, lorewise, neither of these races have representative members in the ranks of the Kirin Tor.
 * The NPC members of the Kirin Tor should also have the title, or  in some rare cases.
 * In The Frozen Throne, Rexxar can get Drek'thar's Spellbook after finishing a quest. The book is filled with pages stolen from Kirin Tor mages that were slain in battle.
 * In the canceled Warcraft Adventures, a bulletin board inside Durnholde Keep indicated that the Kirin Tor was recruiting, complete with a little drawing of a mage tower.

Gallery

 * Hearthstone