Illidari

The Illidari is the faction of Illidan Stormrage and represents his servants   and a specific, elite faction of his army made of demon hunters, but this has changed under the Slayer's leadership to also include Broken, naga, and shivarra forces. The Illidari are also known as Illidan's Forces (or Illidan's forces)  or Illidan's army. It consists of various factions that have banded together under Illidan's rule. They were one of the prime enemies of the Alliance and Horde in Outland, the other being the Burning Legion. Illidan commanded vast armies throughout Outland, and even a few select groups on Azeroth.

After Illidan's death at the Black Temple, many of the demon hunter survivors were imprisoned by Maiev Shadowsong in the Vault of the Wardens, along with the corpse of their master. Later, the freed Illidari regathered with the forces left behind on Mardum, seized control of the Fel Hammer, which became their order hall, and they now fight the Burning Legion alongside the other class orders during the demons' third invasion.



History
Over the course of Illidan's career as one of Azeroth's most prominent heroes or villains, he had amassed various followers, servitors, and allies. Those that have flocked under Illidan's banner were enticed with either promises of power, vengeance, or were subjugated by Illidan himself.

Illidan also used the Shrine of Lost Souls to feed his army of unbound demons in exchange for their service, freeing them from the addiction of fel magic.

Rise of the Illidari demon hunters
Most prominent of Illidan's followers were Illidan's demon hunter apprentices. Originally, Illidan trained night elf outcasts who became demon hunters to fight the Burning Legion during the Third War. Later on, he bolstered his forces by recruiting Prince Kael'thas's Sunfury during his conquest of Outland. Following his campaign against the Lich King, he trained some of these blood elves to become demon hunters. Illidan would later train these demon hunters to become his personal special ops army against the Burning Legion. After numerous campaigns against the Burning Legion in Legion-controlled worlds, their last successful mission was to retrieve the Sargerite Keystone during the invasion of Mardum. When they returned, however, they found Illidan had fallen during the Sha'tar's assault on the Black Temple. The Illidari demon hunters were imprisoned by Maiev Shadowsong and her wardens who were waiting for them when they returned to Outland. However, during the third invasion of the Burning Legion, Maiev freed the demon hunters so that they would contribute to Azeroth's defense. The freed demon hunters had then reformed the Illidari as their demon hunter class order and have taken command of Illidan's remnant forces in order to continue their crusade against the Burning Legion.

Illidan's naga
Following the Third War, Kil'jaeden confronted Illidan and made him an offer he could not refuse. Kil'jaeden was angered by Archimonde's defeat at Mount Hyjal, but he had bigger concerns than vengeance. Sensing that his creation, the Lich King, was growing too powerful to control, Kil'jaeden ordered Illidan to destroy Ner'zhul and put an end to the undead Scourge once and for all. In exchange, Illidan would receive untold power and a true place amongst the remaining lords of the Burning Legion. Illidan agreed and immediately set out to destroy the Frozen Throne, the icy crystal cask in which the Lich King's spirit resided. Illidan knew he needed allies to accomplish his tremendous task so he cast a powerful spell and called the naga to the surface, calling in some old Highborne debts. A group of naga led by Lady Vashj emerged from the depths and pledged themselves to him. They did not come because of their shared history, nor did they respect his demonic power. They came because the Old Gods willed it. They noticed Illidan and his hunger for power. They sent the naga to aid Illidan in his campaign against the Lich King so that it could spark a new war. If the former night elf became troublesome, the Old Gods could simply command the naga to cut out his fel-corrupted heart. Illidan's attempts to destroy the Scourge ended in failure however, and Illidan retreated to Outland in order to escape Kil'jaeden's wrath. Under the command of Vashj, the naga began to enslave the tribes of the Broken in an effort to bolster the naga's workforce and further their agenda in Outland. Nearly all of the Wastewalker tribe has been captured and put to work to drain the waters of Zangarmarsh. The plan was to take control of all the waters of Outland, and through them, its people. Despite the naga's original motivations, Vashj remained loyal to Illidan until she was slew by adventurers when they invaded her lair in Serpentshrine Cavern. Even after Vashj's death, Lady S'theno — captain of the Coilskar tribe — had taken command of Illidan's Naga and have maintained their loyalty to Illidan and the Illidari.

Ashtongue tribe
During Illidan's campaign to oust Magtheridon from power in Outland and become the shattered planet's new lord, Illidan and his forces discovered a surviving Broken village who were also fighting against the Burning Legion. The village's inhabitants, ruled by Akama, swore allegiance to Illidan in return for him liberating them from orcish and demonic oppression. Ever since then, the elite Broken tribe that was Akama's Ashtongue tribe were officially aligned with Illidan, and consisted of the most vicious and bloodthirsty individuals, handpicked by Akama himself. Despite Akama's conspiracy to overthrow Illidan during the invasion of Outland, the Ashtongue tribe appear to have maintained their allegiance to the Illidari and have fought for them during the third invasion of the Burning Legion under the leadership of Battlelord Gaardoun.

During the Argus Campaign, members of the Illidari traveled to Argus and to the invasion points.

Legion
After the disastrous Battle for the Broken Shore, the Alliance and Horde mourned the deaths of High King Varian Wrynn and Warchief Vol'jin. During the funerals of the Alliance and Horde's deceased leaders, Illidari envoys discovered a plot by demons masquerading as guards to ambush the gathered faction leaders during their time of mourning. The Illidari revealed these demon assassins and aided the Alliance and Horde in repelling the ambush. For their service, the Alliance and Horde welcomed the Illidari as allies in the war against the Burning Legion.

Illidari
The main group of Illidari that are explicitly labeled as such seem to serve as an elite group within the overall faction. This group is composed mostly by demons of many species, particularly nathrezim, sayaad, terrorguards, felguards, and satyr, former minions of the Burning Legion who switched their allegiance after the defeat of Magtheridon.

They dwell primarily in Shadowmoon Valley and the Black Temple though a few Illidari Taskmasters can be found in Hellfire Peninsula.

The Illidari Taskmasters who dwell in the Ruins of Sha'naar in Hellfire Peninsula lord over the Dreghood Broken as they search for one of the seven Ata'mal crystals. In Shadowmoon Valley, Illidari appear to serve as front-line foot soldiers against the Sha'tar as they bring the war against Illidan to the steps of the Black Temple.


 * Notable members

Illidan's Servitors
Satyr - A group of satyrs under Illidan, apparently brought by Illidan to Outland when he left Azeroth. The bulk of them were killed by Maiev Shadowsong on Kalimdor. Notable members are and.

Fel Horde
Fel orcs - When Illidan invaded Outland, Magtheridon's primary non-demonic forces were fel orcs, corrupted by his own blood. Led by Kargath Bladefist, the fel orcs are now in the Betrayer's service and primarily man the battlements of Hellfire Citadel. In addition, members of the Shadowmoon clan can be found on the Ata'mal Terrace of Illidan's Black Temple, and the survivors of the Dragonmaw clan — under their aged chieftain, Zuluhed the Whacked — capture and take control of nether drakes for service in Illidan's armies.
 * Shattered Hand clan - Led by Kargath Bladefist
 * Shadowmoon clan - Led by Teron Gorefiend
 * Bonechewer clan - Led by Tagar Spinebreaker
 * Bleeding Hollow clan - Led by Grillok "Darkeye"
 * Dragonmaw clan - Led by Zuluhed
 * Laughing Skull clan - Chieftain unknown

Illidari demons
Demons - Magtheridon, as a servitor of the Burning Legion, took control of Outland and brought legions of demonic forces with him. When Illidan toppled Magtheridon, many of these demons swore allegiance to the new lord of Outland. Illidan's demons are free of their natural magic addiction, and the usual fel taint seen alongside the Burning Legion is not present with them. The types of demons that are seen in the Illidari are:
 * Nathrezim
 * Annihilan
 * Ered'ruin
 * Doomguard
 * Terrorguard
 * Mo'arg
 * Gan'arg
 * Felguard
 * Shivarra - Illidan's shivarra, under Mother Shahraz in the Black Temple, now follow Matron Mother Malevolence in continued service to the Illidari.
 * Voidwalker
 * Sayaad
 * Beholder
 * Sayaad
 * Beholder

Kael'thas' forces
Kael'thas's Blood elves - Illidan was briefly captured by his long-time jailor and nemesis, Maiev Shadowsong, shortly after arriving in Outland. It was primarily due to the intervention of Kael'thas Sunstrider and his blood elves that allowed the naga under Lady Vashj to free him. The blood elves under Kael's command, having been scorned by the Alliance, swore allegiance to Illidan and aided him in toppling Magtheridon. The Betrayer's most trusted legion of blood elf warriors is known as the Crimson Sigil; they are the highest commanders of the Illidari outside of the Black Temple itself.
 * Crimson Hand - The closest cadre of blood elves to Kael'thas Sunstrider and among his elite guards in the Eye of Tempest Keep.
 * Bloodwarder - Elite fighting force of blood elves loyal to Prince Kael'thas (with one major exception). Their greatest numbers are within Kael's seat of power within Tempest Keep.
 * Firewing - Firewing blood elves work for Kael'thas and Illidan, they are using the Broken draenei of Tuurem, the Wrekt, as smuggling go-betweens for the creation of the mana bombs.
 * Sunfury - High-ranking blood elves once loyal to Kael'thas Sunstrider. The bulk of their army had been established both in Netherstorm and Shadowmoon Valley, while several of their members left the main contingent to follow other pursuits; mainly, the Scryers and the blood elven forces loyal to Illidan Stormrage.
 * Sunhawk - A group of Blood Elves loyal to Kael'thas Sunstrider. A small group of them are led by Sironas in Bloodmyst Isle.
 * Sunseekers - A group of blood elves fiercely loyal to Kael'thas Sunstrider. They are established in Tempest Keep

Illidari blood elves
Though Kael betrayed Illidan and now serves, some blood elves are still loyal to the Betrayer, such as the demon hunter initiates under , the elite demon hunters under , and the Eclipsion - Blood elves under.
 * Illidari Council - The Illidari Council were among the most talented and powerful blood elves led to Outland. The prince left them in Shadowmoon Valley to advise and assist his master, Illidan Stormrage, while he left for Netherstorm. The council vied for Illidan's favor and frequently schemed against one another, naming themselves the Illidari Council in a mostly ostentatious display, but Illidan acknowledged that they were exceptionally gifted in their respective fields:  in matters of war and logistics, in the realms of espionage and shadowing, 's talent for upholding relations with Illidan's other servitors, and 's arcane mastery. The council remained some of Illidan's most steadfast followers even after their own prince's defection to the Burning Legion.
 * Eclipsion - A group of powerful Blood elves, loyal to Illidan, who are located in southern Shadowmoon Valley, led by . Their champion is . They also employ Eclipsion Dragonhawks and Eclipsion Hawkstriders.
 * The Crimson Sigil is the most trusted legion of blood elf troops loyal to Illidan Stormrage, and the most elite blood elf forces outside of the Black Temple. Their headquarters is Crimson Watch, along the Path of Conquest in Shadowmoon Valley. Their most powerful member is.

Illidan's Naga
Naga - Calling in some old Highborne debts from ten millennia earlier, Illidan raised the naga from their undersea lairs in order to aid him in obtaining the Eye of Sargeras, as well as preventing Maiev from following him. Under the direction of Lady Vashj - The naga followed Illidan into Outland where they were instrumental in both obtaining the aid of the blood elves and laying siege to Magtheridon's fortress. They now control the watery areas of Outland, including much of Zangarmarsh. Mur'gul - The naga enslaved many mur'gul to act as both warriors and slaves.
 * Bloodscale - The Bloodscale naga control the area around Serpent and Marshlight Lakes in northern Zangarmarsh. They are led by Rajis Fyashe.
 * Darkcrest - The Darkcrests control the area around Umbrafen Lake and the Lagoon in southeastern Zangarmarsh. They are led by Rajah Haghazed.
 * Wrathfin - These naga are located within the Underbog.
 * Coilfang - These naga are located within Coilfang Reservoir, a gigantic drain in the middle of Serpent Lake in Zangarmarsh. These naga fall under Vashj's direct control and are spread throughout the four wings of Coilfang Reservoir.
 * Coilskar - The only confirmed naga tribe outside of Zangarmarsh, this tribe controls the only sources of pure water in Shadowmoon Valley and are based at Coilskar Point — directly in the shadow of the fel-volcano known as Hand of Gul'dan. They are led by High Warlord Naj'entus who resides within the Black Temple; following its fall, they are now commanded by Lady S'theno.

Broken
Broken -The Betrayer obtained the aid of Akama and his Broken draenei sometime before the siege of the Black Temple. The Broken proved to be proficient assassins and scouts, and were able to allow Illidan and his army to reach Magtheridon. Though only the Broken of Akama's tribe serve Illidan willingly (though the same cannot be said of Akama himself), Illidan's forces in Hellfire Peninsula and Zangarmarsh have enslaved Broken for menial labor. Tribes working for Illidan:
 * Ashtongue tribe - A tribe of Broken in the service of Illidan Stormrage, they joined him to defeat Magtheridon and retained the alliance. They are the most evil Broken tribe, and are used by Akama just to hide his true intentions. Following the fall of the Black Temple, Battlelord Gaardoun now commands the remaining Ashtongue loyal to the Illidari.
 * Murkblood - A group of this Broken tribe that resides in Nagrand serves the faction in Underbog, the faction in Underbog is allied or enslaved by Lady Vashj, and the last faction is enslaved by the Dragonmaw clan. They are led by Swamplord Musel'ek.
 * Dreghood - Almost all of the tribe is enslaved by the Illidari.
 * Wrekt - A part of this Broken tribe was enslaved by Illidan's Naga, the other part joined with the Lost Ones of Tuurem and have allied with Prince Kael'thas' blood elves.
 * Greyheart - A tribe of Broken draenei loyal to Illidan Stormrage. They inhabit Serpentshrine Cavern in Coilfang Reservoir and fight alongside the Coilfang Naga.
 * Wastewalker - A tribe of broken who are enslaved within the Slave Pens of Coilfang Reservoir in Zangarmarsh.

Lost One
Lost Ones - A few corrupted tribes of Lost Ones can be found serving Illidan and his allies. Other tribes seem to have been enslaved.
 * Tuurem - This Lost One tribe have allied with Kael'thas' blood elves.
 * Umbrafen - This Lost One tribe is allied with Illidan's naga. They are led by Kataru.

Gronn

 * Gruul the Dragonkiller - Allied with the Illidari, though to what extent is unclear.
 * Durn the Hungerer
 * Goc
 * Gorgrom the Dragon-Eater
 * Grulloc
 * Maggoc
 * Slaag
 * Skulloc Soulgrinder

Demon hunters


The most elite of Illidan's armies are his demon hunter servitors, night elves and blood elves trained to be the Betrayer's mightiest enforcers, the bane of demonkind. Zealously loyal to their master, the Illidari demon hunters have a strong identity and a close bond, although their heavy fel corruption and demonic techniques have inspired dread in their fellow elves. Prominent demon hunters took control of Illidan's depleted armies after their master's defeat at the Black Temple, and lead the remaining Illidari as they seek out their leader and battle the Burning Legion. By player choice, their foremost lieutenant is either Altruis the Sufferer or Kayn Sunfury. The Illidari's motive for seeking out their master will change depending on whom the player chooses as their right-hand-man: Altruis, no longer loyal to Illidan, desires new leadership for the Illidari; Kayn, loyal to Illidan's cause, wishes to rescue him from his predicament.
 * Night elf - Illidan brought some night elf demon hunters from Azeroth with him, and others sought him out at the Black Temple for training.
 * Altruis the Sufferer
 * Kor'vas Bloodthorn
 * Asha Ravensong
 * Jace Darkweaver
 * Cyana Nightglaive
 * Elerion Bladedancer


 * Blood elf - Some blood elves Kael'thas brought with him from Azeroth also train under Illidan.
 * Kayn Sunfury
 * Belath Dawnblade
 * Allari the Souleater
 * Sevis Brightflame
 * Elthyn Da'rai

Illidari Demon Hunters


The Illidari Demon Hunters were the top demon hunters serving Illidan as part of the forces under his command. The four (three night elves and one blood elf) trained initiates and supplicants at the Ruins of Karabor.

A fifth demon hunter at Illidan's service, Leotheras the Blind, does not hold the title of "Illidari Demon Hunter", apparently because he went insane during the training that killed three of his fellow trainees.


 * Varedis Felsoul
 * Alandien
 * Netharel
 * Theras

Leaders

 * The Slayer - Placed in command by Illidan in his absence.

Formerly

 * Illidan Stormrage - Lord of Outland, master of the Illidari. Now the jailor of Sargeras.
 * Lady Vashj - Leader of Illidan's naga, former Handmaiden to Queen Azshara.
 * Kargath Bladefist - Warchief of the Fel Horde
 * Kael'thas Sunstrider - Prince of the blood elves, defected to the Burning Legion.

Other notable members

 * Akama - Leader of the Ashtongue Deathsworn, defected but later rejoined or was submitted during the Third invasion of the Burning Legion.
 * Kayn Sunfury - Loyal soldier and one of Illidan Stormrage's most trusted lieutenants.
 * Altruis the Sufferer - Betrayed the Illidari when he saw Illidan becoming the very thing he opposed, but rejoined during the Third invasion of the Burning Legion.
 * Vandel - Joined the Illidari to avenge his dead son and was the only loyal demon hunter not sent to Mardum, as he had been knocked unconscious in a fight by Maiev Shadowsong.
 * Lady S'theno - Leader of the Coilskar forces that are summoned during the course of the Illidari invasion of Mardum.
 * Battlelord Gaardoun - Leader of the Ashtongue forces that are summoned during the course of the Illidari invasion of Mardum.
 * Matron Mother Malevolence - Leader of the Shivarra forces that are summoned during the course of the Illidari invasion of Mardum.
 * Kor'vas Bloodthorn - Illidari veteran who aided Illidan to slay the pitlord Azgoth.



Former notable members

 * Zuluhed the Whacked - Leader of the Dragonmaw clan.
 * Varedis - Illidari demon hunter leader at the Ruins of Karabor.
 * Leotheras the Blind - Illidari demon hunter.
 * Netharel - Illidari demon hunter.
 * Theras - Illidari demon hunter.
 * Alandien - Illidari demon hunter
 * Keli'dan the Breaker - Jailor of Magtheridon.
 * Warlord Morkh - One of three leaders of the Bleeding Hollow clan.
 * Grillok "Darkeye" - One of three leaders of the Bleeding Hollow clan.
 * Val'zareq the Conqueror - Head of the Crimson Sigil.
 * Ruul the Darkener - Found wandering from the Netherwing Fields to Dragonmaw Fortress.
 * Grand Commander Ruusk - Leader of Eclipse Point.
 * Torloth the Magnificent - Champion of the Crimson Sigil.
 * Zandras - Overseer of Warden's Cage.
 * Shadowlord Deathwail - Leader of Ata'mal Terrace and held the Heart of Fury.
 * Tagar Spinebreaker - Leader of the Bonechewer clan.
 * Teron Gorefiend - First death knight, presumed a leader of Illidari Shadowmoon clan.
 * Vagath - Jailor of Maiev.
 * Lothros - Lieutenant of Illidan at Illidari Point.
 * Arzeth the Merciless - Leader of the Illidari forces at the Ruins of Sha'naar.
 * Painmistress Gabrissa - Leader of Illidari Point.
 * Illidari Lord Balthas of Netherwing Ledge.
 * Lady Shav'rar - Leader of Coilskar Point.
 * Oronu the Elder - Leader of the Ruins of Baa'ri.
 * Ambassador Jerrikar - Emissary between Illidari bases in Shadowmoon Valley.
 * Chancellor Bloodleaf - Ambassador to the giants.
 * Envoy Icarius - Illidari messenger, guarded by Blood Lord Zarath.
 * - The Illidari Council.

Other former notable members

 * Voren'thal the Seer - Leader of the Scryers, defected to the Sha'tar.
 * Grand Magister Rommath - Brief member of the Illidari; returned to Azeroth and helped form an alliance between Quel'Thalas and the Horde using his contacts on Outland.
 * Overlord Mor'ghor - Defected to the black dragonflight, he returned to Azeroth and become the leader of the Dragonmaw clan at Twilight Highlands.

In the RPG
After the failed assault on the Frozen Throne, the blood elves remained in Illidan's army. They befriended the naga, whom they saw as brothers. Once the Scourge is taken out, they are planning to take over Kalimdor and driving out all the hated races. The naga notably attacked Tol Barad to free the emprisoned blood elf evoker Zae'Rathis the Mad.

Illidan wanted to create another Well of Eternity on Outland to fuel his blood elves' magical addiction.

Illidan continues to plot with his generals, working out a new plan of attack. His list of enemies is long: the night elves, the Alliance, and the Lich King himself. He crosses into Azeroth rarely, and only when he is sure his enemies will not spot him. It is not time to attack yet, but the time is coming.

Speculation

 * It was believed by some that the Illidari is not the overall name for Illidan's forces. Illidan Stormrage's biography lists his faction as "The Illidari." It is unlikely that he would be listed under an elite subdivision of his own forces, so it is likely the overall name. Ultimate Visual Guide lists him affiliated as an adversary (unlike Arthas, who is affiliated with his major army, the Scourge).
 * It has been recently confirmed that it is a specific faction of Illidan's army.
 * Some believe Illidari may be an adjective form for Illidan's forces. Others believe that it is perhaps a title given to specific members of Illidan's forces. As a title, this appears to be used mostly with his demonic minions. Illidari does include the naga under the command of Lady Vashj, blood elves loyal to Kael'thas Sunstrider, the Ashtongue tribe of Broken under the leadership of Akama, and possibly numerous fel orcs and demons presumably from the armies of the previous Lord of Outland, Magtheridon. However, Illidan's Naga and the blood elves under Kael'thas use their own unique banners and tabards rather than those of the Illidari, which may suggest that they are not actually part of the Illidari itself. Most appear to be found in Shadowmoon Valley and the Black Temple. This suggests that the "Illidari" may be an inner circle of forces who are closest to Illidan and certain leaders, and perhaps form an elite guard.
 * The Illidari Crusade   is likely the name for their mission to end the Burning Legion and their Burning Crusade.