The Zandalari civil war was a conflict between Zul's followers and Rastakhan's loyalists, beginning as a coup d'état by Zul who saw Rastakhan as a weak king, because, Rastakhan assumed the Zanchuli Council wanted to be in service of the people, but, Zul believes that they do not deserve service, because he see the people as selfish, foolish and desperate, and wished to build a new troll empire with the aid of the remnants of the mogu empire.
Zul was in communication with Queen Azshara,[2] though no naga were seen aiding the Atal'zul.