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For the organization from the Warcraft film universe, see Kirin Tor (film universe).
NeutralKirin Tor
Kirin Tor banner 6
Kirin Tor banner
Main leader

The Six

Race(s) HumanHuman Human
High elfHigh elf High elf
Blood elfBlood elf Blood elf
HighborneHighborne Highborne
Night elfNight elf Night elf
GnomeGnome Gnome
DwarfDwarf Dwarf
Half-elfHalf-elf Half-elf
WorgenWorgen Worgen
OrcOrc Orc
TrollTroll Troll
DraeneiDraenei Draenei
PandarenPandaren Pandaren
ForsakenForsaken Forsaken
GoblinGoblin Goblin
Capital Dalaran
Other major settlements None
  Formerly Ambermill
Nethergarde Keep †
Base of operations Transitus Shield, Amber Ledge, Violet Stand, Violet Rise, Khadgar's Tower
  Formerly Kirin'Var Village †, Violet Bluff
Theater of operations Dalaran, Eastern Kingdoms, Northrend, Isle of Thunder, Broken Isles, Alternate Draenor
Language(s) Common, Thalassian, Gnomish, coded language[1]
Sub-group(s) The Violet Eye, Kirin Tor Offensive, Silver Covenant, Sunreavers, Tirisgarde
Former sub-group(s) Sorcerers' League, Mages' Guild
Affiliation Magocracy of Dalaran, Alliance,[2][3][4] Armies of Legionfall
  Formerly Alliance of Lordaeron
Status Active
Reputation
Quartermaster IconSmall Human Male Archmage Alvareaux
Tabard Tabard of the Kirin Tor

The Kirin Tor (sometimes spelled Kirin-Tor[5][6][7] and Kirin'Tor),[8] also known as the Wizard Council of Dalaran,[9] or the Magus Senate of Dalaran,[10] is an elite cadre of the most powerful wizards in the known world,[11] and the ruling conclave[12][13] 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.[12][14] The Kirin Tor were members of the original Alliance of Lordaeron. They have also upheld an alliance with Silvermoon for over 2,000 years,[15] and the Council of Six itself once included Quel'Thalas' crown-prince Kael'thas Sunstrider, and the blood elf Aethas Sunreaver.

Once a secretive and selective order of magi that kept aloof from ordinary politics,[16] the Kirin Tor has since become one of the foremost factions standing against the threats posed to Azeroth's survival - among them the Scourge, the Blue Dragonflight, the Iron Horde and the Burning Legion, with Dalaran becoming a focal point of the campaign against the demons and serving as a neutral ground where the heroes of every kingdom could join together against their mutual foe.[17] At the time of the Third War, most contemporary human and high elven mages bowed to the sovereignty of Dalaran and the Kirin Tor.[18]

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

History

Kirin Tor 64

The Crest of the Kirin Tor

As Dalaran became the chief center of learning for magicians throughout the land, its Magocrat lords formed the Kirin Tor[19][20] as a specialized sect that was charged with cataloging and researching every spell, artifact, and magic item known to mankind at the time.[21] They are ruled by the Council of Six.

With Aegwynn distancing herself and giving birth to Medivh, the Council of Tirisfal was without an official Guardian. They asked the Kirin Tor to 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. With the resurgence of strange green-skinned creatures in Azeroth, the Council wanted to work with Medivh and convinced the Kirin Tor to send an apprentice to Karazhan. As Kirin Tor commanded, Khadgar obeyed and went there.[22] Several mage instructors of the Kirin Tor saw an opportunity to gain new information and asked Khadgar to learn various information for them.[23] 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.[24]

During the Second War

Following the fall of Stormwind to the Orcish Horde the Kirin Tor pledged the support of Dalaran to the newly formed Alliance of Lordaeron. Archmage Khadgar personally served as their liaison and would eventually destroy the Dark Portal.[25] Though the Dark Portal was destroyed 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.[26] 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.[27]

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. Archmage 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.

Following the destruction of the Draenor, the Kirin Tor would take an interest in the defeated orcs' strange lethargy. The organization would discover orcs were suffering from a withdrawal of the demonic energies that they had become addicted to.[28]

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 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.[29] Suspecting that the plague was magical in nature the Kirin Tor sent Jaina Proudmoore, accompanied by special envoys, to assist.[30] 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.[31]

Under the direction of the demon lord Archimonde, the Scourge, led by the death knight Arthas, prepared to invade Dalaran in order to claim the Book of Medivh. The Kirin Tor were prepared to fight the undead and had created magical auras that would harm any undead that enter the city. They also evacuated most of the inhabitants.[32] Despite this Arthas and Kel'Thuzad were not deterred and were able to enter the city, kill the wizards maintaining the auras (which included the Kirin Tor's leader Antonidas), and claim the Book of Medivh.[33]

While the Scourge prepared to summon Archimonde into the world, surviving wizards of the Kirin Tor had teleported in an army.[34] 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, the demon lord 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.[35] 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. While elves such as Aethas would vouch for the Kirin Tor's innocence in these events, others like Rommath would accuse the organization of looking the other way.[36] What role the Kirin Tor had in this, if any, is largely unknown. They were, however, known to have partial control of the city.[37] The destruction of Dalaran was a massive blow to the Kirin Tor, leaving its surviving members scattered and its leadership in disarray.[38]

At some point, the Kirin Tor cleared the naga from the Tomb of Sargeras and sealed the place.[39]

World of Warcraft

WoW Icon update This section concerns content related to the original 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 elemental slaves,[40] but the dome is powerful enough to destroy creatures that venture too close.

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 were also not knowledgeable about the Forsaken at first, believing them to be just another clan of undead.[41] 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 Inv staff 2h artifacttome d 01 [Light's Wrath], the elite magi of the Kirin Tor hid it away lest it unleash further deadly calamities.[42] 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.[43]

Wrath of the Lich King

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

Eventually, the mages were able to lift the reconstructed city of Dalaran from its site, leaving only a crater in its place. The Kirin Tor decided to move their floating city to Northrend, where they still rule over the reconstructed Dalaran. 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, the crazed Aspect of Magic.[36]

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.[44] Malygos, whose war on mortal magic users reached its crux during the war against the Lich King, would ultimately be put to death before his vengeance against the Kirin Tor could be fulfilled. A number of Kirin Tor mages decided to help the blue dragonflight and Malygos transformed them into mage hunters.

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. 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. 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.[45]

The Kirin Tor also assisted in the assault on Ulduar, working closely with Brann Bronzebeard and his Explorers' League to this end.

Tides of War

WoW-novel-logo-16x62 This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

Jaina Proudmoore urged the Kirin Tor to support Theramore against the Horde armies massing at Northwatch Hold. 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, Jaina replaced Rhonin on the Council of Six and as leader of the Kirin Tor. Due to Thalen Songweaver's betrayal at the defense of Theramore, the Sunreavers' credibility was damaged. Kalec also joined the Kirin Tor[45] and stayed in the city for a time, but he saw distrust from the other magi, so he often found excuses to be away.[46]

Mists of Pandaria

Mists of Pandaria This section concerns content related to Mists of Pandaria.

When Jaina Proudmoore discovered that the Sunreavers helped Garrosh Hellscream steal the Inv misc bell 01 [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. After these events, Jaina pledged the Kirin Tor to the Alliance; for game purposes, Dalaran remains unchanged after the questline is completed.

Ignited by Jaina's fury, the Kirin Tor Offensive seek to seize Thunder Isle in the interest of the Alliance.

Warlords of Draenor

Warlords of Draenor This section concerns content related to Warlords of Draenor.

The Kirin Tor's expedition into the alternate Draenor of thirty-five[47] years ago is led by Khadgar. Based at Zangarra in Talador, the Kirin Tor appears friendly to Alliance players and neutral to Horde players. Jaina has ordered 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.[48] 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.

The Kirin Tor were also 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 Hellfire Citadel and are seen at the entrance and at the site of the disabled Black Gate maintaining portals.

Legion

Legion This section concerns content related to 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, 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.[49] When the council next assembled, Kalecgos was seen as the sixth in Jaina's place.[50] The council later voted to allow Aethas Sunreaver back into Dalaran, although not as a member of the Six.[51]

Kesalon scoured the Broken Isles for anomalies and arcane artifacts.

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.

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

Battle for Azeroth This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

During the Fourth War, Kirin Tor Keepers assisted Kalecgos in securing the Inv misc monsterscales 09 [Charged Scale of the Blue Aspect] at the Nexus.[52]

At the time of the Nazjatar Campaign, the Quartermaster Crafticus Mindbender was aboard the Alliance fleet who chased the remains of the Horde fleet sailing from Zandalar into the Great Sea, replacing his Kirin Tor tabard with that of the Alliance. He managed to survive Azshara's trap and joined the survivors in Mezzamere, regretting having left Dalaran.[53]

Organization and headquarters

Kirin Tor banner 5

Kirin Tor banner.

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),[36] but the readmitted Sunreavers continued tradition somewhat until they were expelled from Dalaran. 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, goblins, and even a small handful of draenei in their ranks.

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 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 was 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

Council of Six

The Council of Six during the Burning Legion's third invasion.

Within the conclave, there is an inner council: the Six, who are the actual rulers of the city.[46] This governing body appoints one of their own as Head of the Kirin Tor[13] (also known as Grand Magus of the Kirin Tor[54]); this master wizard[25] is essentially the ruler of Dalaran.[25]

The Council of Six

Main article: Council of Six#Members

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.[12]

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.[55]

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.

Notable members

Main article: List of Kirin Tor mages

Being a collection of the greatest mages in the land, the Kirin Tor naturally has many members who have had significant effects on the history of Azeroth, including both great wizards and those who delved too deeply into necromancy, demonology, and other warlock magics.

NPC members of the Kirin Tor should also have the <Kirin Tor> title, or <The Kirin Tor> in some rare cases.

Name Role Status Location
Horde IconSmall Aethas Aethas Sunreaver Leader of the Sunreavers and former member of the Council of Six, expelled from but later rejoined the Kirin Tor Alive Various locations
Neutral IconSmall Human Female Alonda Constantly searched for information about the fifth troll species Unknown Unknown
Neutral IconSmall Human Male Alvareaux Kirin Tor quartermaster Alive Violet Citadel, Dalaran
Alliance IconSmall Human Male Andromath Member of the Tirisgarde, High Sorcerer of the Wizard's Sanctum in Stormwind Alive Wizard's Sanctum, Stormwind City; Hall of the Guardian
Alliance IconSmall Human Male Ashcrombe Sent to investigate Arugal's activities in Silverpine Forest Unknown Formerly Shadowfang Keep
Neutral IconSmall Human Female Baihu Kirin Tor commander who leads the battle against Yalnu Alive Stormwind, Everbloom
Neutral IconSmall Human Male Belleford Librarian of Violet Stand Alive Violet Stand, Crystalsong Forest
Alliance & Horde IconSmall Adventurer The Conjuror Archmage; leader of the Tirisgarde Alive Azeroth
Alliance IconSmall Human Male Crafticus Mindbender Inhabitant of Dalaran and Stormshield quartermaster Alive Eventide, Dalaran; Stormshield, Ashran
Neutral IconSmall HighElf Male Dath'omere Invites adventurers in Northrend to Dalaran Alive Valiance Keep, Borean Tundra
Neutral IconSmall Human Female Delth Scholar of elven history Unknown Unknown
Neutral IconSmall Human Male Donathan Librarian of Amber Ledge Alive Amber Ledge, Borean Tundra
Neutral IconSmall Human Female Elandra Assists Jaina Proudmoore in the Frozen Halls and the Auchenai in Talador Alive Various locations
Neutral IconSmall Human Male Garren Sent to monitor the magical anomalies around the Westrift Alive Amber Ledge, Borean Tundra
Neutral IconSmall Human Male Guzbah Scholar of demon lore and instructor of Khadgar; killed by demons Deceased Unknown
Neutral IconSmall NightElf Female Kallistia Starlance Searching for her lost parents in Azsuna alongside her brother Alive Ruins of Nar'thalas, Azsuna
Neutral IconSmall Human Male Kesalon Undermage of the Violet Bluff, later promoted to archmage in the Broken Isles Alive Violet Bluff, Everbloom; Broken Isles
Neutral IconSmall Gnome Female Kinndy Sparkshine Apprentice to Jaina Proudmoore, killed in the Attack on Theramore Isle Deceased Killed on Theramore Isle
Neutral IconSmall Human Male Korrigan Librarian Unknown Unknown
Neutral IconSmall HighElf Male Lan'dalock Archmage Alive Various locations
Neutral IconSmall Human Female Melindra Gatekeeper of Violet Stand Alive Violet Stand, Crystalsong Forest
Neutral IconSmall Human Female Nelphi Servant of Jaina Proudmoore Alive Dalaran; Violet Rise, Isle of Thunder
Neutral IconSmall NightElf Male Olothil Starlance Searching for his lost parents in Azsuna alongside his sister Alive Ruins of Nar'thalas, Azsuna
Neutral IconSmall Human Male Pentarus Helped fund Hemet Nesingwary's Sholazar Basin expedition and Brann Bronzebeard's Ulduar expedition Alive Krasus' Landing, Dalaran; Expedition Base Camp, Ulduar
Alliance IconSmall Worgen Male Phin Odelic Former mage of Southshore, later became a worgen Deceased Silverpine Forest
Neutral IconSmall HighElf Male Raethan Corrupt Underbelly guard captain Alive Underbelly, Dalaran
Neutral IconSmall HighElf Male Ravandwyr Apprentice to Archmage Vargoth and member of the Tirisgarde Alive Various locations
Neutral IconSmall Human Female Rhydian Archmage who assists in the attempt to save Crusader Bridenbrad and the Ulduar expedition Alive Crusaders' Pinnacle, Icecrown; Expedition Base Camp, Ulduar
Alliance IconSmall HighElf Female Sathera Friend of Antonidas and Kael'thas, killed when death knights attacked Dalaran Deceased Unknown
Neutral IconSmall Human Male Silva Warmage and Kirin Tor emissary Alive Violet Citadel, Dalaran
Neutral IconSmall Human Female Tiare Librarian of the Transitus Shield Alive Transitus Shield, Borean Tundra
Alliance IconSmall Human Male Ur Mage known for researching the worgen and other worlds, killed by the Scourge Deceased Unknown
Neutral IconSmall BloodElf Male Varenthas Invites adventurers in Northrend to Dalaran, later becomes High Forgeguard of the Tirisgarde Alive Vengeance Landing, Howling Fjord; Hall of the Guardian

Former members

Name Role Current affiliation Status Location
Neutral IconSmall Human Female Angela Dosantos Protector of Atiesh Brotherhood of the Light Alive Tyr's Hand, Eastern Plaguelands; Stratholme
Neutral IconSmall Arugal Arugal Unleashed the worgen upon Azeroth, later raised by the Scourge Scourge, Wolfcult Deceased Various locations
Horde IconSmall Undead Male Ataeric Protector of Ambermill, killed and raised by the Forsaken Undercity Active Ambermill, Silverpine Forest
Horde IconSmall Undead Male Bethor Iceshard Killed by the Scourge, now a Forsaken Undercity Active Magic Quarter, Undercity
Boss IconSmall Human Female Corla Twilight's Hammer herald transforming cultists into drakonid Twilight's Hammer Killable Halls of Awakening, Blackrock Caverns
Horde IconSmall Undead Male Dalar Dawnweaver Killed by the Scourge, now a Forsaken Forsaken Active Sepulcher, Silverpine Forest
Horde IconSmall Undead Male Gunther Arcanus Killed by the Scourge, now a Forsaken Undercity Active Gunther's Retreat, Tirisfal Glades
Alliance IconSmall Jaina3 Jaina Proudmoore Former leader of the Kirin Tor, left Dalaran at the start of the Burning Legion's invasion Alliance, Proudmoore Admiralty Alive Various locations
Neutral IconSmall KaelWretched Kael'thas Sunstrider Prince of Quel'Thalas, turned to the Illidari and ultimately the Burning Legion Burning Legion Deceased Buried on the Isle of Quel'Danas
Neutral IconSmall Human Female Kalynna Lathred Left the Kirin Tor in pursuit of forbidden knowledge Independent Alive Area 52, Netherstorm
Neutral IconSmall Kel'Thuzad Kel'Thuzad Founder of the Cult of the Damned and master of Naxxramas Cult of the Damned, Scourge Active Various locations
Neutral IconSmall Undead Female Levia Laurence Banned from Dalaran for dabbling in shadow magic Independent Active Den of Fiends, Azsuna
Mob IconSmall Lich Male Naberius Former apprentice to Archmage Vargoth, betrayer of Kirin'Var Village Independent Killable Chapel Yard, Netherstorm
Neutral IconSmall Human Male Normantis Former librarian of Amber Ledge, now pursues vengeance against the blue dragonflight Independent Killable Amber Ledge, Borean Tundra; Lair of the Deposed, Azsuna
Horde IconSmall Rommath Rommath Cut ties with the Kirin Tor after the Third War, now serves as Grand Magister of Quel'Thalas Magisters, Silvermoon City Alive Various locations
Neutral IconSmall BloodElf Male Thalen Songweaver Horde spy and Garrosh loyalist who played a key role in the destruction of Theramore True Horde Alive Unknown
Mob IconSmall Human Male Thule Ravenclaw Necromancer, former ruler of Fenris Keep Scourge Killable Silverpine Forest
Boss IconSmall Human Male Urom Defector who sided with Malygos during the Nexus War Blue dragonflight Killable Band of Transmutation, Oculus

Members in the RPG

Icon-RPG This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

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.

Name Role Status Location
Mob IconSmall Human Male Allistarj Former member of the Kirin Tor, now a servant of Razelikh the Defiler Deceased Formerly Serpent's Coil, Blasted Lands
Neutral IconSmall Nielas Nielas Aran Archmage of the Kirin Tor Deceased Various locations

Studies

“If you rushed through the studying of spells or their execution, you risked results where nothing happened—at best—or at worst, disaster.”

— Antonidas teaching Jaina[56]

Those with affinity to magic may join the Kirin Tor in Dalaran. Topics for study are magic and its nature. 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. In case of need, students may practice their spells in various areas, such as the Violet Hold surroundings. Students 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.[16] Students become apprenticed to archmages, typically students ask the senior mages to be their apprentice.[57] Among the first things taught 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.[58]

Students are warned about rings of power, inscriptions carved into the floor.[59] 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. Other topics of study are runes and their meanings, and golems.[60] 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.[61]

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.[62]

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 that Kirin Tor's knowledge was valuable for him as future king.[16]

Philosophy and magical research

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.[63]

The Kirin Tor possesses an (or was the) Advanced Research and Illumination Sect, which Antonidas joined very young.[64]

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.[65] There are also multiple spells and branches of arcane research forbidden to members of the Kirin Tor.[66]

Researching into banned fields of magic such as necromancy and shadow magic is bannable 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.[67] Just as the possession of fel-inscribed tomes of demonic spells must be punished, and the books confiscated, as they are considered blasphemous.[68] 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.[67]

Members of the Kirin Tor also researched species of trolls, elven history, or weapons,[23] and deal with alchemy and enchanting.

Other fields of research are other-worldly dimensions and beings done by Ur,[69] as well as research on titans and keepers,[70] and seemingly on Old God-related artifacts such as the Bloodstone Artifacts.[41]

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.[71] 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.[72]

Jaina Proudmoore excelled at magical research and investigation.[9]

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.

The Violet Citadel, Aegwynn's Gallery, and the Hall of the Guardian hold libraries and archives. There are also a few private libraries and secret collections.[62] During the Third War, the great libraries were burned, and countless generations of knowledge had been lost,[73] 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.[74]

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.[16]

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.[75]

While the Kirin Tor officially condemns torture, its members are not always opposed to using information obtained by others through it.[76]

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.[77]

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.[62]

Some mages have a fondness for Flamewine. The mages seemingly celebrate an event called the Feast of Scribes. A favored companion of Kirin Tor magi, the Spell nature guardianward [Albino Snake] makes one wonder whether it's truly a snake or something else altogether.[78]

Prior to the First War, there was precious little information on Medivh, but every elder mage in Dalaran seemed to hold Medivh in awe.[62]

Mages dine in the Violet Citadel, and it is customary to serve wine with dinner.[79]

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 neutral standing with the Kirin Tor. Mages, however, automatically start at friendly level with them. Because of this, it is possible for a mage to obtain the Inv shirt guildtabard 01 [Tabard of the Kirin Tor] at level 1.

Neutral Friendly Honored Revered Exalted Rep Notes
Daily Fishing
Quests
N Fishing [10-30 Daily] The Ghostfish (R)
325 Sholazar Basin
N Fishing [10-30 Daily] Jewel Of The Sewers (R)
325 Dalaran (Underbelly)
N Fishing [10-30 Daily] Dangerously Delicious (R)
325 Wintergrasp
N Fishing [10-30 Daily] Disarmed! (R)
325 Dalaran (Violet Hold)
N Fishing [10-30 Daily] Blood is Thicker (R)
325 Borean Tundra
Drop Item
Quests
250 From [Bag of Fishing Treasures]
N Cooking [10-30] Waterlogged Recipe (R)
250 From Bag of Fishing Treasures
Daily Cooking
Quests
B Cooking [10-30 Daily] Sewer Stew (R)
195 Crystalsong Forest
B Cooking [10-30 Daily] Cheese for Glowergold (R)
195 Dalaran
195 Dalaran
B Cooking [10-30 Daily] Infused Mushroom Meatloaf (R)
195 Dalaran (Underbelly)
B Cooking [10-30 Daily] Mustard Dogs! (R)
195 Dalaran
Daily Jewelcrafting
Quests
N Jewelcrafting [10-30 Daily] Shipment: Blood Jade Amulet (R)
32.5 Dalaran
32.5 Dalaran
32.5 Dalaran
32.5 Dalaran
32.5 Dalaran
N Jewelcrafting [10-30 Daily] Shipment: Wicked Sun Brooch (R)
32.5 Dalaran
Quests ~11k

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

Rewards

Archmage Alvareaux
<Kirin Tor Quartermaster>
Item Cost Type
Friendly Inv shirt guildtabard 01 [Tabard of the Kirin Tor] 1g Tabard
Honored Inv helmet 104 [Helm of the Majestic Stag] 25g 80s Leather Head
Inv weapon shortblade 71 [Lightblade Rivener] 65g 96s 36c Dagger
Inv misc cape 06 [Shroud of Dedicated Research] 19g 86s 36c Cloak
Inv shoulder 97 [Spaulders of Grounded Lightning] 31g 21s 30c Mail Shoulder
Revered Inv sword 91 [Flameheart Spell Scalpel] 74g 12s 9c Dagger
Inv belt 34 [Girdle of the Warrior Magi] 26g 37s 52c Plate Waist
Inv pants leather 27 [Mind-Expanding Leggings] 37g 86s 93c Leather Legs
Inv staff 71 [Stave of Shrouded Mysteries] 92g 98s 20c Staff
Exalted Inv boots chain 05 [Boots of Twinkling Stars] 46g 13s 26c Mail Feet
Inv gauntlets 31 [Fireproven Gauntlets] 36g 5s 39c Plate Hands
Inv belt 39 [Ghostflicker Waistband] 25g 42s 75c Leather Waist
Inv chest cloth 24 [Robes of Crackling Flame] 40g 53s 90c Cloth Chest
Inv scroll 05 [Design: Brilliant Scarlet Ruby] 4g Jewelcrafting
Inv scroll 03 [Pattern: Sapphire Spellthread] 5g Tailoring

In the RPG

Icon-RPG This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

It is made up of 120 members.[80] They are divided in several levels of importance and influence.

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.[81]

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.[81]

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.[81]

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.[80][81]

Notes and trivia

  • It was described as an elite cadre of the most powerful wizards in the known world,[11] 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.[82]
  • Some mages that acted in the Kirin Tor were at the same time members of the Council of Tirisfal, as evidenced by Indus.[20]
  • 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.[83]
  • 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.[84]
  • The insignia of the Kirin Tor represents an eye. In the Underbelly of Dalaran there is an unofficial coin called the Achievement reputation kirintor offensive [Sightless Eye].
  • The updated Wizard's Sanctum is decorated with banners bearing the crest of the Kirin Tor. A magus is also present there.
    • This may indicate that the Kirin Tor remained an ally to the Alliance.
  • 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

Patch changes

See also

References

 
  1. ^ Inv scroll 02 [Remedy of Arugal]
  2. ^ A [15-35] What Had To Be Done
  3. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide
  4. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded
  5. ^ A [15-35] The Fate of Dalaran
  6. ^ N [100] Touch of the Kirin-Tor
  7. ^ Inv misc 6oring purplelv3 [Spellbound Solium Band of the Kirin-Tor]
  8. ^ Polymorphic Rules & Regulations
  9. ^ a b Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual#A New Generation
  10. ^ N [70] The Contact from Dalaran
  11. ^ a b Blood of the Highborne
  12. ^ a b c Day of the Dragon
  13. ^ a b Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual
  14. ^ N [10-45] City Under Siege
  15. ^ H [15-35] What's in the Box?
  16. ^ a b c d Arthas: Rise of the Lich King
  17. ^ N [10-45] City Under Siege
  18. ^ Blizzard Entertainment. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, 85. 
  19. ^ "The Guardians of Tirisfal"
  20. ^ a b The First Guardian
  21. ^ "The Seven Kingdoms"
  22. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2
  23. ^ a b The Last Guardian
  24. ^ Archive of the Tirisgarde#Aluneth, Greatstaff of Magna
  25. ^ a b c Tides of Darkness
  26. ^ Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal manual, The Aftermath of the Second War
  27. ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, pg. 24
  28. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 79
  29. ^ The Warning
  30. ^ Jaina's Meeting
  31. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 137
  32. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 64
  33. ^ The Siege of Dalaran (WC3 Undead)
  34. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 252
  35. ^ The Dungeons of Dalaran
  36. ^ a b c In the Shadow of the Sun
  37. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 90
  38. ^ The Well of Eternity, pg. 5
  39. ^ The Tomb of Sargeras, pg. 13
  40. ^ H [35] Dalaran Patrols
  41. ^ a b Inv misc book 04 [Belamoore's Research Journal]
  42. ^ Blizzard Entertainment 2015-10-23. Legion: Priest Artifact Review. Retrieved on 2015-11-08.
  43. ^ N Priest [10-45] The Light's Wrath
  44. ^ Mage
  45. ^ a b Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War
  46. ^ a b Dawn of the Aspects, Part 1
  47. ^ Tom Chilton at BlizzCon 2013 "...to connect this world of Draenor of 35 years in the past..."
  48. ^ B [20-40] Making Acquaintances
  49. ^ B [10-45] Calling of the Council
  50. ^ N [10-45] Author! Author!
  51. ^ N Mage [10-45] The Frozen Flame
  52. ^ N [120] A Bolt from the Blue
  53. ^ Crafticus Mindbender#Quotes
  54. ^ Antonidas Memorial
  55. ^ The Siege of Dalaran (WC3 Undead)
  56. ^ Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War, chapter 25
  57. ^ Dark Riders
  58. ^ Cycle of Hatred, chapter 3, 8
  59. ^ The Last Guardian, chapter 7
  60. ^ Day of the Dragon, chapter 10, 17
  61. ^ Dawn of the Aspects, Part 5
  62. ^ a b c d The Last Guardian, chapter 1
  63. ^ The Last Guardian, chapter 3
  64. ^ The Archmage Antonidas
  65. ^ The Schools of Arcane Magic - Introduction
  66. ^ Inv misc book 07 [Regarding Prohibited Magics]
  67. ^ a b The Last Guardian, pg. 230
  68. ^ N Mage [10-45] Some Knowledge Shouldn't Be Shared
  69. ^ Inv misc book 08 [The Book of Ur]
  70. ^ Dawn of the Aspects, Part 3
  71. ^ Day of the Dragon, chapter 10
  72. ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 11
  73. ^ The Well of Eternity, chapter 1
  74. ^ Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War, pg. 268 (ebook)
  75. ^ Tides of Darkness, chapter 3
  76. ^ N [10-30] The Art of Persuasion
  77. ^ Road to Damnation
  78. ^ Spell nature guardianward [Albino Snake]
  79. ^ The Last Guardian, chapter 5
  80. ^ a b Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 154
  81. ^ a b c d Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 155
  82. ^ The Last Guardian, chapter 2
  83. ^ Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne game manual#Blood Mage
  84. ^ World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 103 - 104

External links

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