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Professions

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m (→‎Surviving Highborne: Use alive for creatures that are not undead)
 
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{{infobox faction
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{{Navbox
  
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| faction = Alliance
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|name=Professions
  
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| image = Highborne.jpg
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|title=[[Profession]]s
  
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| name = Highborne elves, children of noble birth
  +
| leader = [[Queen Azshara]] (formerly), [[Dath'Remar Sunstrider]], [[Prince Tortheldrin]], {{NPC||Mordent Evenshade}}
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| leaders = {{NPC||Daros Moonlance}}
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| capital = [[Zin-Azshari]], possibly moved to [[Dire Maul|Eldre'Thalas]]{{Citation needed}}
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| language = [[Darnassian]], [[Thalassian]],{{Citation needed}} [[Common (language)|Common]] (presumed){{Citation needed}}
  +
| character = [[Adept]], [[Mage]], [[Wizard]], [[Sorcerer]], [[Warlock]], [[Arcanist]] (RPG); [[Aristocrat]] (presumed)
  +
| races = {{Race|Night elf|notext}} [[Kaldorei]]
  +
| theater = [[Kalimdor]] (pre-[[Sundering]]), [[Mount Hyjal]] (post-[[Sundering]])
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| membership = {{NPC||Mordent Evenshade}}, {{NPC||Daros Moonlance}}
  +
| affiliation= [[Kaldorei]] (pre- and post-[[Sundering]]), [[Burning Legion]] or [[Kaldorei Resistance]] (during [[War of the Ancients]]), The [[Alliance]] (after the [[Cataclysm (event)|Cataclysm]] {{C-inline}})
  +
| homeworld = [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]
  +
| height = 6'6" - 7'6" (male), 6'2" - 7'2" (female)
  +
| status = Active
  +
}}
   
  +
The '''Highborne''' ('''quel'dorei''', meaning "children of noble birth" in [[Darnassian]] and "high elves"<ref>''[[Warcraft III]]'' manual, pg. 48</ref> in [[Thalassian]]) were the upper classes of the [[kaldorei]] civilization and the favored servitors of [[Queen Azshara]]. The Highborne were largely responsible for the [[War of the Ancients]], and most of those Highborne who had allied with the demons and survived the war later became the [[naga]] or were turned into [[satyr]]s. Those that allied with the [[Kaldorei Resistance]] before the last battle of the war evolved into the modern [[high elf|high elves]].
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|group1=Primary
  
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|list1=[[Alchemy]]{{·}} [[Blacksmithing]]{{·}} [[Enchanting]]{{·}} [[Engineering]]{{·}} [[Herbalism]]{{·}} [[Inscription]]{{·}} [[Jewelcrafting]]{{·}} [[Leatherworking]]{{·}} [[Mining]]{{·}} [[Skinning]]{{·}} [[Tailoring]]
  
   
  +
Very few remain today, as most of those that survived the War of the Ancients became high elves after they were exiled from Kalimdor. One notable exception is the [[Shen'dralar]], a holdout group against the Legion during the War of the Ancients. They were able to defend [[Eldre'Thalas]] (now known as [[Dire Maul]]) but became isolated from the rest of night elf society,<ref>http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/encyclopedia/430.xml</ref> although they have recently sought to rejoin their [[kaldorei]] brethren in [[Teldrassil]].
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|group2=Secondary
  
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|list2={{C-inline}} [[Archaeology]]{{·}} [[Cooking]]{{·}} [[First Aid]]{{·}} [[Fishing]]{{·}} [[Riding]]
 
   
  +
== Background and History ==
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|group3=Class-specific
  
  +
=== Before the Sundering ===
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|list3={{ClassIcon|Rogue}} [[Lockpicking]]{{·}} {{wotlk-inline}} {{ClassIcon|Death Knight}} [[Runeforging]]
 
  +
The Highborne were the upper classes of the ancient [[kaldorei]] civilization, at first a nameless caste made up of night elves who had unusual intelligence, strength, skills, or wealth and thus found favor with the ruling monarch. Their vast arrogance and greed, garish and multicolored clothing, and decadent habits did not endear them to other night elves. In fact, these powerful families became convinced that they were superior to the rest of their race, and so they began to call themselves the Highborne. As a member of the same caste, the queen [[Queen Azshara|Azshara]] approved of the term and made it official. Plumbing the depths of the great [[Well of Eternity]] for knowledge they discovered primitive magic; and as time passed, they distanced themselves from the lower castes and began using their rank to selfishly guard their magical power, restricting access to the magical Well of Eternity to only themselves.
   
  +
The access of arcane magic to the ruling caste began to split the kaldorei was hereditary; families that belonged to the highest caste frequently arranged marriages so as to maximize the magical ability of their offspring. This selective breeding, combined with frequent access to the Well of Eternity, resulted in night elves with progressively stronger magical abilities and greater understanding of how to use those skills.
−
}}<noinclude>
  
   
  +
A kaldorei without Highborne blood — such as [[Illidan Stormrage]] — ''could'' master arcane power if he so wished (and had access to it). In fact, the mastering of the arcane arts was common among the populace, resulting in organizations such as the [[Moon Guard]], the official military sorcerers.
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[[Category:Navigation templates|{{PAGENAME}}]][[ru:Шаблон:Профессии]]
  
  +
−
</noinclude>
  
  +
=== The War of the Ancients ===
  +
Over time, the ever-more reckless use of magic by the Highborne and their queen led to their slow corruption and addiction to the power it granted, and the ripples sent into the [[Twisting Nether]] attracted the dread forces of the [[Burning Legion]] to [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]. The unlimited magical power offered by the demon lords seduced the queen and many of her servitors, and they agreed to grant the Legion entrance to Azeroth. Finally, giving themselves over to magic’s inevitable corruption, the Highborne fell to darkness and began to worship the Dark Titan, [[Sargeras]], as their god. Some, led by [[Xavius]], gave themselves wholly over to the service of the Legion and were transformed by fel magic into the [[satyr]].
  +
  +
To cement their dark pact, the ecstatic Highborne opened a great, swirling portal within the depths of the Well of Eternity which would allow the armies of the Legion access to the world, followed by Sargeras himself. In the cataclysmic [[War of the Ancients|war]] that followed millions died as the demons swarmed over the lands of Kalimdor and laid siege to the lesser night elves’ sleeping cities, leaving only ash and sorrow in their wake. Though the brave kaldorei warriors rallied from the heinous betrayal of their rulers and rushed to defend their ancient homeland, they were forced to give ground, inch by inch, before the fury of the Legion’s onslaught. The Legion was finally foiled by the efforts of the night elf [[Malfurion Stormrage]], who in his battle with Queen Azshara collapsed the Well of Eternity, killing many Highborne and condemning those who survived to the sea floor where they were transformed into the serpentine [[naga]] by the mysterious [[Old Gods]].
  +
  +
=== After the Storm ===
  +
Yet many Highborne did not meet their fate at the bottom of the sea. Some had betrayed their queen at the last minute, having realized the horrors she would unleash upon the world. These defectors had fled the [[capital city]] of [[Zin-Azshari]], site of the Well, and were thereby spared when the Great Sundering tore [[Kalimdor]] apart. Others remained hidden away in far-flung strongholds such as [[Eldre'Thalas]].
  +
  +
Those who had joined with the rest of their shattered peoples fled the rising waters of the [[Great Sea]], eventually arriving at the base of [[Mount Hyjal]], where they helped to rebuild the night elven civilization in the newly reshaped world. They were not entirely welcome: the night elves, now led by Malfurion, reviled Queen Azshara's former servants and were doubtful of their loyalty. Still, without the Well to supply their magic, the Highborne were considered little threat, and were permitted to rejoin night elven society.
  +
  +
However, many felt the pangs of their magical addiction and were tempted to use the power of a new Well of Eternity created by Illidan Stormrage, who from then on would be termed "the Betrayer" for his terrible crime. Though the use of arcane magic was forbidden on pain of death, the Highborne foolishly attempted to convince the kaldorei race of the power of magic by unleashing a magical storm upon [[Ashenvale]]. Their desperate gambit failed, and the Highborne were exiled; the night elves mercifully refusing to execute any more of their brethren.
  +
  +
=== The high elves of Quel'Thalas ===
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[[File:High elves.jpg|thumb|The new forms of the [[high elves]].]]
  +
  +
These exiled Highborne, now known as the high elves,<ref>[[Exile of the High Elves]]</ref> took their punishment in stride, and led by [[Dath'Remar Sunstrider]] ("He who walks the day") set sail across the ocean in hopes of finding a new land to call their own. After a long and perilous journey, the Highborne arrived in the land known today as [[Lordaeron]], and there established their kingdom of [[Quel'Thalas]] ("high kingdom" or "high home") and crowned Dath'Remar their king. There, they slowly changed in form, diminishing in size and losing their original purple skin to a pinkish hue. They abandoned the worship of the moon, adopting instead the sun, and became the [[high elves]]. From a vial of water from the original Well, they created a new one, the [[Sunwell]], to serve as their source of magic. They remembered the mistakes of the past and used [[Runestones]] to shield their use of the arcane from the [[Burning Legion]], taking care to practice the magic granted to them by their Sunwell with more care than their ancestors. Nevertheless, after their homeland of [[Quel'Thalas]] — and the source of their power — was destroyed by the undead [[Scourge]], a radical group of [[high elf|high elves]] embraced their Highborne ancestry and resumed for the third time their reckless use of magic. [[Kael'thas Sunstrider]] renamed these people "[[blood elves]]", and traveled to [[Outland]] with Illidan to find a way to fuel their magical addiction. Those who did not travel with him remained behind and began to rebuild their shattered capital city of [[Silvermoon]].
  +
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=== Today ===
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Some Highborne still exist in their original forms. One such group, known as the [[Shen'dralar]], live in secrecy within their city of [[Eldre'Thalas]] — known as [[Dire Maul]] to outsiders. Those Highborne who live elsewhere in the world — such as [[Archmage Tarsis Kir-Moldir]] — are few in number; the majority having long since become high elves, blood elves, naga, or satyrs.
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  +
Recently, citing "change on the wind",<ref name="mordent">[[Mordent Evenshade]]</ref> the remaining Highborne have been drawn out of hiding, sending representatives to the [[Kirin Tor]]<ref>[[Daros Moonlance]]</ref> and to [[Tyrande Whisperwind]], to rejoin kaldorei society at large, claiming that there will soon be a time when "the kal'dorei require the knowledge and skill" the Highborne have to offer.<ref name="mordent"/>
  +
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Several ghosts of dead Highborne still populate many of the night elven ruins left after the [[Sundering]].
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== Trivia ==
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*The term "high-born" has been used for centuries in real life to indicate those of noble birth.
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*At some point the [[Highborne collection]] was fashionable.
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*The [[Explorers' Guild]] have recovered a [[Highborne Astrolabe]] from the undersea ruins of [[Suramar]]. It is located in the [[Hall of Explorers]] in [[Ironforge]]. {{coords|69.8|11.4|Ironforge}}
  +
  +
==List of current or former Highborne==
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===Surviving Highborne===
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{| class="darktable zebra"
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|-
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! Name !! Role !! Status !! Location
  +
|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Azj'Tordin|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[quest giver]]
  +
|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Lariss Pavilion]], [[Feralas]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|Arcanist Delaris|The Highborne|icon=Highborne Female}} || [[quest giver]]
  +
|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Felwood]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Alliance|Dyrhara|Mage Trainer|icon=Highborne Female}} || [[Mage Trainer]]
  +
|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Darnassus]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Alliance|Mordent Evenshade|The Highborne|Archmage Mordent Evenshade|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[Mage Trainer]]
  +
|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Howling Oak]], [[Darnassus]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Alliance|Estulan|The Highborne|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[quest giver]]
  +
|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Tower of Estulan]], [[Feralas]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|Lorekeeper Javon|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[quest giver]]
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|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Athenaeum (Dire Maul)|The Athenaeum]], [[Dire Maul]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|Lorekeeper Kildrath|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[quest giver]]
  +
|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Athenaeum (Dire Maul)|The Athenaeum]], [[Dire Maul]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|Lorekeeper Lydros|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[quest giver]]
  +
|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Athenaeum (Dire Maul)|The Athenaeum]], [[Dire Maul]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Alliance|Maelir|Mage Trainer|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[Mage Trainer]]
  +
|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Darnassus]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Alliance|Daros Moonlance|The Highborne|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[quest giver]]
  +
|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Temple of the Moon]], [[Darnassus]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Alliance|Karabrel Moonlance|Arcane Reforger|icon=Highborne Female}} || [[Arcane Reforger]]
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|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[The Exodar]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Lorekeeper Mykos|icon=Highborne Female}} || [[quest ender]]
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|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Athenaeum (Dire Maul)|The Athenaeum]], [[Dire Maul]]
  +
|-
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|{{NPC|Alliance|Tarelvir|Mage Trainer|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[Mage Trainer]]
  +
|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Darnassus]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Combat|Prince Tortheldrin|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[Boss]]
  +
|{{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Athenaeum (Dire Maul)|The Athenaeum]], [[Dire Maul]]
  +
|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Falrin Treeshaper|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[quest giver]]
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|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Athenaeum (Dire Maul)|The Athenaeum]], [[Dire Maul]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Alliance|Aladrel Whitespire|Arcane Reforger|icon=Highborne Female}} || [[Arcane Reforger]]
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|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Darnassus]]
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|-
  +
|{{NPC|Alliance|Erdunor Whitespire|Arcane Reforger|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[Arcane Reforger]]
  +
|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Ironforge]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Alliance|Ithurian Whitespire|Arcane Reforger|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[Arcane Reforger]]
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|{{text|limegreen|Alive}} || [[Stormwind City]]
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|}
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===Deceased & former Highborne===
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{| class="darktable zebra"
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|-
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! Name !! Role !! Status !! Location
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Aszune|icon=Highborne Female}} || [[Princess (disambiguation)|Princess]]
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|Transformed into a statue || Inside [[Stonetalon Peak]], [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Queen Azshara|icon=NagaSeaWitch}} || [[Queen]]
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|Transformed into [[Naga]], at some point become [[Eternal]] || [[Nazjatar]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Combat|Guardsman Belothiel|Head of the City Watch|icon=Highborne Male}} || Head of the City Watch in [[Eldre'thar]]
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|Transformed into a [[Ghost]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]], [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Combat|Lady Benel'derath|icon=Highborne Female}} || Noble in [[Eldre'thar]]
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|Transformed into a [[Ghost]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]], [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Beth'Amara|icon=Highborne Female}} || Inhabitant of [[Eldarath]]
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|{{text|gray|Unknown}} || Unknown
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|-
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|{{NPC|Combat|Allendril Fallcreek|icon=Highborne Male}} || Inhabitant of [[Eldre'thar]]
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|Transformed into a [[Ghost]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]], [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Combat|Councilman Stark I'ylar|icon=Highborne Male}} || Councilman in [[Eldre'thar]]
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|Transformed into a [[Ghost]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]], [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Jin'yael|icon=Highborne Male}} || Inhabitant of [[Eldarath]]
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|{{text|gray|Unknown}} || Unknown
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|-
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|{{NPC|Combat|Magister Kalendris|icon=Highborne Male}} || [[Boss]]
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|Transformed into a [[Ghost]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Court of the Highborne]], [[Dire Maul]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Kalytha|icon=Highborne Female}} || Student at [[Mennar Academy]]
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|Transformed into a [[Ghost|Spirit]], {{text|limegreen|Active}} || [[Lake Mennar]], [[Azshara]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Combat|Merchant Kendra|icon=Highborne Female}} || Merchant in [[Eldre'thar]]
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|Transformed into a [[Ghost]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]], [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Tarsis Kir-Moldir|icon=Highborne Male}} ||
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|Removed in [[Patch 3.0.2]]; presumed {{text|red|Deceased}} || [[Naxxramas (original)|Naxxramas]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Markri|icon=Highborne Male}} || Inhabitant of [[Eldarath]]
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|{{text|gray|Unknown}} || Unknown
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Ethenial Moonshadow|icon=Wraith}} || Inhabitant of Moonrest Gardens
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|Transformed into a [[Wraith]], {{text|limegreen|Active}} || [[Moonrest Gardens]], [[Dragonblight]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Combat|Athrikus Narassin|icon=Highborne Male}} ||
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|Removed in [[Patch 4.0.3a]]; presumed {{text|red|Deceased}} || [[Tower of Althalaxx]], [[Darkshore]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Peroth'arn|icon=Satyr}} ||
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|Transformed into a [[Satyr]] || Unknown
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|-
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|{{NPC|Combat|Illyanna Ravenoak|icon=Highborne Female}} || [[Boss]]
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|Transformed into a [[Ghost]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Court of the Highborne]], [[Dire Maul]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Alliance|Remorseful Highborne|icon=Banshee}} (unnamed) || Inhabitant of [[Kel'Theril]]
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|Transformed into a [[Banshee]], removed in [[Patch 4.0.3a]] presumed {{text|red|Deceased}} || [[Ruins of Kel'Theril]], [[Winterspring]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Combat|Revanchion|icon=Wraith}} (presumed Highborne) || [[Boss]]
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|Transformed into a [[Wraith]], {{text|orange|Killable}} [[Scourge Invasion]] only || Hallway between [[Court of the Highborne]] & [[Prison of Immol'thar]], [[Dire Maul]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Combat|Lord Ro'minate|icon=Highborne Male}} || Noble in [[Eldre'thar]]
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|Transformed into a [[Ghost]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]], [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
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|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|Sael'hai|icon=Highborne Female}} || Inhabitant of [[Eldarath]]
  +
|{{text|gray|Unknown}} || Unknown
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Sarath'Najak|icon=Highborne Male}} ||
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|{{text|gray|Unknown}} || Unknown
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Sargath|icon=Highborne Male}} || Inhabitant of [[Ameth'Aran]]
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|Soul trapped within soul gem, {{text|red|Deceased}} || Soul inside [[Glowing Soul Gem]]
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|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|Archmage Selwyn|icon=Highborne Female}} || Teacher at [[Mennar Academy]]
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|Transformed into a [[Ghost|Spirit]], {{text|limegreen|Active}} || [[Lake Mennar]], [[Azshara]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|Sensiria|icon=Succubus}} || [[quest giver]]
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|Transformed into a [[Succubus]], {{text|limegreen|Active}} || [[Darkmist Ruins]], [[Feralas]]
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|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|Shen'dralar Ancient|icon=Highborne Female}} (unnamed) || [[quest giver]]
  +
|Transformed into a [[Ghost]], {{text|limegreen|Active}} || [[Court of the Highborne]], [[Dire Maul]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|High Priestess Siralen|icon=Highborne Female}} || High Priestess
  +
|{{text|gray|Unknown}} || Unknown
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|-
  +
|{{NPC|Combat|Illyanna Stonewood|icon=Highborne Female}} || Inhabitant of [[Eldre'thar]]
  +
|Transformed into a [[Ghost]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]], [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|Dath'remar Sunstrider|icon=Dath'Remar}} || Leader of the Highborne exiles
  +
|Transformed into [[High elf]], {{text|red|Deceased}} || Unknown grave
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Combat|Tsu'zee|icon=Highborne Female}} || [[Boss]]
  +
|Transformed into a [[Ghost]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Court of the Highborne]], [[Dire Maul]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|High Ranger Valarian|icon=Highborne Male}} || High Ranger
  +
|{{text|gray|Unknown}} || Unknown
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Combat|Lady Vashj|icon=NagaSeaWitch}} || [[Boss]]
  +
|Transformed into a [[Naga]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Serpentshrine Cavern]] in [[Coilfang Reservoir]]
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Neutral|Lestharia Vashj|icon=Highborne Female}} ||
  +
|{{text|gray|Unknown}} || Unknown
  +
|-
  +
|{{NPC|Combat|Varo'then's Ghost|icon=Wraith}} || Former [[Varo'then|Captain]], [[Rare mob]]
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|Transformed into a [[Wraith]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Lake Mennar]], [[Azshara]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Combat|Verinias the Twisted|icon=Doomguard}} || [[mob]]
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|Transformed into a [[Doomguard]], {{text|orange|Killable}} || [[Darkmist Ruins]], [[Feralas]]
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|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Xavius|icon=Satyr}} || First of the Satyrs
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|Transformed into a [[Satyr]], then a tree, at some point become [[Eternal]] || Inside [[Emerald Dream]]
  +
|-
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|{{NPC|Neutral|Yol'Tithian|icon=Highborne Male}} ||
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|{{text|gray|Unknown}} || Unknown
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|}
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  +
===Others===
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<!-- Do not remove this DIV: it prevents the Wiki code from inserting an extra linebreak above this table. -->
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{| width="left" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="table-layout:fixed;"
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|- valign="top"
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|
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*{{RaceIconExt|Wisp}} {{NPC|Neutral|Bound Highborne Spirit}} at [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]] in [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
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*{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Male|Small}}{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Female|Small}} {{NPC|Neutral|Released Highborne Spirit}} at [[Ruins of Kel'Theril]] in [[Winterspring]]
  +
|}
  +
  +
== Undead Highborne mobs ==
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*{{RaceIconExt|Banshee|Small}} {{mob|Anguished Highborne}} at [[Ruins of Kel'Theril]] in [[Winterspring]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Banshee|Small}} {{mob|Cursed Highborne}} at [[Ameth'Aran]] in [[Darkshore]]
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Wraith|Small}} {{mob|Drained Moonrest Highborne}} at [[Moonrest Gardens]] in [[Dragonblight]]
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Wraith|Small}} {{mob|Enraged Highborne Spirit}} at [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]] in [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Wraith|Small}} {{mob|Forlorn Highborne}} at [[Ameth'Aran]] in [[Darkshore]]
  +
*{{RaceIconExt|Banshee|Small}} {{mob|Highborne Apparition}} at [[Shadowsong Shrine]] in [[Azshara]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Male}}{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Female}} {{mob|Highborne Charlatan}} at [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]] in [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Male}}{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Female}} {{NPC|Neutral|Highborne Citizen}} at [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]] in [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Banshee|Small}} {{mob|Highborne Lamenter}} at [[Royal Quarter]] in [[Undercity]]
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*{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Female}} {{mob|Highborne Lass}} at [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]] in [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Wraith|Small}} {{mob|Highborne Lichling}} at [[Shadowsong Shrine]] in [[Azshara]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Wraith|Small}} {{mob|Highborne Poltergeist}} at [[Darkmist Ruins]] in [[Feralas]]
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*{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Male}}{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Female}} {{mob|Highborne Sorcerer}} at [[Ruins of Eldre'thar]] in [[Stonetalon Mountains]]
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*{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Male|Small}}{{RaceIcon|Highborne|Female|Small}} {{NPC|Combat|Highborne Summoner}} in [[Prison of Immol'thar]], [[Dire Maul]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Wraith|Small}} {{mob|Lingering Highborne}} at [[Shadowsong Shrine]] in [[Azshara]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Wraith|Small}} {{mob|Moonrest Highborne}} at [[Moonrest Gardens]] in [[Dragonblight]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Skeleton|Small}} {{mob|Rotting Highborne}} in [[Dire Maul]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Skeleton|Small}} {{mob|Skeletal Highborne}} in [[Dire Maul]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Wraith|Small}} {{mob|Suffering Highborne}} at [[Ruins of Kel'Theril]] in [[Winterspring]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Banshee|Small}} {{mob|Wailing Highborne}} at [[Ameth'Aran]] in [[Darkshore]]
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*{{RaceIconExt|Wraith|Small}} {{mob|Writhing Highborne}} at [[Ameth'Aran]] in [[Darkshore]]
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== References ==
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{{Reflist}}
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== External links ==
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{{elink|type=wowus|link=http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/429.xml|site=The Warcraft Encyclopedia|desc=Dath'Remar Sunstrider}}
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{{elink|type=wowus|link=http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/430.xml|site=The Warcraft Encyclopedia|desc=Highborne}}
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{{elink|type=wowus|link=http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/429.xml|site=The Warcraft Encyclopedia|desc=Illidan Stormrage}}
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{{elink|type=wowus|link=http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/429.xml|site=The Warcraft Encyclopedia|desc=Naga}}
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{{elink|type=wowus|link=http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/429.xml|site=The Warcraft Encyclopedia|desc=Night Elves}}
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{{elink|type=wowus|link=http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/330.xml|site=The Warcraft Encyclopedia|desc=Queen Azshara}}
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{{Azeroth natives}}
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[[es:Altonato]]
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[[Category:Highborne| ]]
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[[Category:Lore]]
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[[Category:Night elves]]
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[[Category:Organizations]]
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[[Category:Lands of Conflict]]
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[[Category:Manual of Monsters]]
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[[Category:Shadows & Light]]
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[[Category:Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]
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[[Category:Horde Player's Guide]]
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[[Category:Alliance Player's Guide]]

Revision as of 01:45, 19 August 2011

AllianceHighborne elves, children of noble birth
Highborne
Main leader Queen Azshara (formerly), Dath'Remar Sunstrider, Prince Tortheldrin, Mordent Evenshade
Secondary leaders Daros Moonlance
Membership Mordent Evenshade, Daros Moonlance
Race(s) Night elfNight elf Kaldorei
Character classes Adept, Mage, Wizard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Arcanist (RPG); Aristocrat (presumed)
Capital Zin-Azshari, possibly moved to Eldre'Thalas[citation needed] 
Theater of operations Kalimdor (pre-Sundering), Mount Hyjal (post-Sundering)
Language(s) Darnassian, Thalassian,[citation needed]  Common (presumed)[citation needed] 
Affiliation Kaldorei (pre- and post-Sundering), Burning Legion or Kaldorei Resistance (during War of the Ancients), The Alliance (after the Cataclysm Icon Cataclysm 18x18)
Status Active

The Highborne (quel'dorei, meaning "children of noble birth" in Darnassian and "high elves"[1] in Thalassian) were the upper classes of the kaldorei civilization and the favored servitors of Queen Azshara. The Highborne were largely responsible for the War of the Ancients, and most of those Highborne who had allied with the demons and survived the war later became the naga or were turned into satyrs. Those that allied with the Kaldorei Resistance before the last battle of the war evolved into the modern high elves.

Very few remain today, as most of those that survived the War of the Ancients became high elves after they were exiled from Kalimdor. One notable exception is the Shen'dralar, a holdout group against the Legion during the War of the Ancients. They were able to defend Eldre'Thalas (now known as Dire Maul) but became isolated from the rest of night elf society,[2] although they have recently sought to rejoin their kaldorei brethren in Teldrassil.

Background and History

Before the Sundering

The Highborne were the upper classes of the ancient kaldorei civilization, at first a nameless caste made up of night elves who had unusual intelligence, strength, skills, or wealth and thus found favor with the ruling monarch. Their vast arrogance and greed, garish and multicolored clothing, and decadent habits did not endear them to other night elves. In fact, these powerful families became convinced that they were superior to the rest of their race, and so they began to call themselves the Highborne. As a member of the same caste, the queen Azshara approved of the term and made it official. Plumbing the depths of the great Well of Eternity for knowledge they discovered primitive magic; and as time passed, they distanced themselves from the lower castes and began using their rank to selfishly guard their magical power, restricting access to the magical Well of Eternity to only themselves.

The access of arcane magic to the ruling caste began to split the kaldorei was hereditary; families that belonged to the highest caste frequently arranged marriages so as to maximize the magical ability of their offspring. This selective breeding, combined with frequent access to the Well of Eternity, resulted in night elves with progressively stronger magical abilities and greater understanding of how to use those skills.

A kaldorei without Highborne blood — such as Illidan Stormrage — could master arcane power if he so wished (and had access to it). In fact, the mastering of the arcane arts was common among the populace, resulting in organizations such as the Moon Guard, the official military sorcerers.

The War of the Ancients

Over time, the ever-more reckless use of magic by the Highborne and their queen led to their slow corruption and addiction to the power it granted, and the ripples sent into the Twisting Nether attracted the dread forces of the Burning Legion to Azeroth. The unlimited magical power offered by the demon lords seduced the queen and many of her servitors, and they agreed to grant the Legion entrance to Azeroth. Finally, giving themselves over to magic’s inevitable corruption, the Highborne fell to darkness and began to worship the Dark Titan, Sargeras, as their god. Some, led by Xavius, gave themselves wholly over to the service of the Legion and were transformed by fel magic into the satyr.

To cement their dark pact, the ecstatic Highborne opened a great, swirling portal within the depths of the Well of Eternity which would allow the armies of the Legion access to the world, followed by Sargeras himself. In the cataclysmic war that followed millions died as the demons swarmed over the lands of Kalimdor and laid siege to the lesser night elves’ sleeping cities, leaving only ash and sorrow in their wake. Though the brave kaldorei warriors rallied from the heinous betrayal of their rulers and rushed to defend their ancient homeland, they were forced to give ground, inch by inch, before the fury of the Legion’s onslaught. The Legion was finally foiled by the efforts of the night elf Malfurion Stormrage, who in his battle with Queen Azshara collapsed the Well of Eternity, killing many Highborne and condemning those who survived to the sea floor where they were transformed into the serpentine naga by the mysterious Old Gods.

After the Storm

Yet many Highborne did not meet their fate at the bottom of the sea. Some had betrayed their queen at the last minute, having realized the horrors she would unleash upon the world. These defectors had fled the capital city of Zin-Azshari, site of the Well, and were thereby spared when the Great Sundering tore Kalimdor apart. Others remained hidden away in far-flung strongholds such as Eldre'Thalas.

Those who had joined with the rest of their shattered peoples fled the rising waters of the Great Sea, eventually arriving at the base of Mount Hyjal, where they helped to rebuild the night elven civilization in the newly reshaped world. They were not entirely welcome: the night elves, now led by Malfurion, reviled Queen Azshara's former servants and were doubtful of their loyalty. Still, without the Well to supply their magic, the Highborne were considered little threat, and were permitted to rejoin night elven society.

However, many felt the pangs of their magical addiction and were tempted to use the power of a new Well of Eternity created by Illidan Stormrage, who from then on would be termed "the Betrayer" for his terrible crime. Though the use of arcane magic was forbidden on pain of death, the Highborne foolishly attempted to convince the kaldorei race of the power of magic by unleashing a magical storm upon Ashenvale. Their desperate gambit failed, and the Highborne were exiled; the night elves mercifully refusing to execute any more of their brethren.

The high elves of Quel'Thalas

High elves

The new forms of the high elves.

These exiled Highborne, now known as the high elves,[3] took their punishment in stride, and led by Dath'Remar Sunstrider ("He who walks the day") set sail across the ocean in hopes of finding a new land to call their own. After a long and perilous journey, the Highborne arrived in the land known today as Lordaeron, and there established their kingdom of Quel'Thalas ("high kingdom" or "high home") and crowned Dath'Remar their king. There, they slowly changed in form, diminishing in size and losing their original purple skin to a pinkish hue. They abandoned the worship of the moon, adopting instead the sun, and became the high elves. From a vial of water from the original Well, they created a new one, the Sunwell, to serve as their source of magic. They remembered the mistakes of the past and used Runestones to shield their use of the arcane from the Burning Legion, taking care to practice the magic granted to them by their Sunwell with more care than their ancestors. Nevertheless, after their homeland of Quel'Thalas — and the source of their power — was destroyed by the undead Scourge, a radical group of high elves embraced their Highborne ancestry and resumed for the third time their reckless use of magic. Kael'thas Sunstrider renamed these people "blood elves", and traveled to Outland with Illidan to find a way to fuel their magical addiction. Those who did not travel with him remained behind and began to rebuild their shattered capital city of Silvermoon.

Today

Some Highborne still exist in their original forms. One such group, known as the Shen'dralar, live in secrecy within their city of Eldre'Thalas — known as Dire Maul to outsiders. Those Highborne who live elsewhere in the world — such as Archmage Tarsis Kir-Moldir — are few in number; the majority having long since become high elves, blood elves, naga, or satyrs.

Recently, citing "change on the wind",[4] the remaining Highborne have been drawn out of hiding, sending representatives to the Kirin Tor[5] and to Tyrande Whisperwind, to rejoin kaldorei society at large, claiming that there will soon be a time when "the kal'dorei require the knowledge and skill" the Highborne have to offer.[4]

Several ghosts of dead Highborne still populate many of the night elven ruins left after the Sundering.

Trivia

List of current or former Highborne

Surviving Highborne

Name Role Status Location
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male Azj'Tordin quest giver Alive Lariss Pavilion, Feralas
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Female Arcanist Delaris <The Highborne> quest giver Alive Felwood
Alliance IconSmall Highborne Female Dyrhara <Mage Trainer> Mage Trainer Alive Darnassus
Alliance IconSmall Highborne Male Archmage Mordent Evenshade <The Highborne> Mage Trainer Alive Howling Oak, Darnassus
Alliance IconSmall Highborne Male Estulan <The Highborne> quest giver Alive Tower of Estulan, Feralas
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male Lorekeeper Javon quest giver Alive The Athenaeum, Dire Maul
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male Lorekeeper Kildrath quest giver Alive The Athenaeum, Dire Maul
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male Lorekeeper Lydros quest giver Alive The Athenaeum, Dire Maul
Alliance IconSmall Highborne Male Maelir <Mage Trainer> Mage Trainer Alive Darnassus
Alliance IconSmall Highborne Male Daros Moonlance <The Highborne> quest giver Alive Temple of the Moon, Darnassus
Alliance IconSmall Highborne Female Karabrel Moonlance <Arcane Reforger> Arcane Reforger Alive The Exodar
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Female Lorekeeper Mykos quest ender Alive The Athenaeum, Dire Maul
Alliance IconSmall Highborne Male Tarelvir <Mage Trainer> Mage Trainer Alive Darnassus
Mob IconSmall Highborne Male Prince Tortheldrin Boss Killable The Athenaeum, Dire Maul
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male Falrin Treeshaper quest giver Alive The Athenaeum, Dire Maul
Alliance IconSmall Highborne Female Aladrel Whitespire <Arcane Reforger> Arcane Reforger Alive Darnassus
Alliance IconSmall Highborne Male Erdunor Whitespire <Arcane Reforger> Arcane Reforger Alive Ironforge
Alliance IconSmall Highborne Male Ithurian Whitespire <Arcane Reforger> Arcane Reforger Alive Stormwind City

Deceased & former Highborne

Name Role Status Location
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Female Aszune Princess Transformed into a statue Inside Stonetalon Peak, Stonetalon Mountains
Neutral IconSmall NagaSeaWitch Queen Azshara Queen Transformed into Naga, at some point become Eternal Nazjatar
Mob IconSmall Highborne Male Guardsman Belothiel <Head of the City Watch> Head of the City Watch in Eldre'thar Transformed into a Ghost, Killable Ruins of Eldre'thar, Stonetalon Mountains
Mob IconSmall Highborne Female Lady Benel'derath Noble in Eldre'thar Transformed into a Ghost, Killable Ruins of Eldre'thar, Stonetalon Mountains
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Female Beth'Amara Inhabitant of Eldarath Unknown Unknown
Mob IconSmall Highborne Male Allendril Fallcreek Inhabitant of Eldre'thar Transformed into a Ghost, Killable Ruins of Eldre'thar, Stonetalon Mountains
Mob IconSmall Highborne Male Councilman Stark I'ylar Councilman in Eldre'thar Transformed into a Ghost, Killable Ruins of Eldre'thar, Stonetalon Mountains
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male Jin'yael Inhabitant of Eldarath Unknown Unknown
Mob IconSmall Highborne Male Magister Kalendris Boss Transformed into a Ghost, Killable Court of the Highborne, Dire Maul
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Female Kalytha Student at Mennar Academy Transformed into a Spirit, Active Lake Mennar, Azshara
Mob IconSmall Highborne Female Merchant Kendra Merchant in Eldre'thar Transformed into a Ghost, Killable Ruins of Eldre'thar, Stonetalon Mountains
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male Tarsis Kir-Moldir Removed in Patch 3.0.2; presumed Deceased Naxxramas
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male Markri Inhabitant of Eldarath Unknown Unknown
Neutral IconSmall Wraith Ethenial Moonshadow Inhabitant of Moonrest Gardens Transformed into a Wraith, Active Moonrest Gardens, Dragonblight
Mob IconSmall Highborne Male Athrikus Narassin Removed in Patch 4.0.3a; presumed Deceased Tower of Althalaxx, Darkshore
Neutral IconSmall Satyr Peroth'arn Transformed into a Satyr Unknown
Mob IconSmall Highborne Female Illyanna Ravenoak Boss Transformed into a Ghost, Killable Court of the Highborne, Dire Maul
Alliance IconSmall Banshee Remorseful Highborne (unnamed) Inhabitant of Kel'Theril Transformed into a Banshee, removed in Patch 4.0.3a presumed Deceased Ruins of Kel'Theril, Winterspring
Mob IconSmall Wraith Revanchion (presumed Highborne) Boss Transformed into a Wraith, Killable Scourge Invasion only Hallway between Court of the Highborne & Prison of Immol'thar, Dire Maul
Mob IconSmall Highborne Male Lord Ro'minate Noble in Eldre'thar Transformed into a Ghost, Killable Ruins of Eldre'thar, Stonetalon Mountains
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Female Sael'hai Inhabitant of Eldarath Unknown Unknown
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male Sarath'Najak Unknown Unknown
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male Sargath Inhabitant of Ameth'Aran Soul trapped within soul gem, Deceased Soul inside Inv misc orb 03 [Glowing Soul Gem]
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Female Archmage Selwyn Teacher at Mennar Academy Transformed into a Spirit, Active Lake Mennar, Azshara
Neutral IconSmall Succubus Sensiria quest giver Transformed into a Succubus, Active Darkmist Ruins, Feralas
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Female Shen'dralar Ancient (unnamed) quest giver Transformed into a Ghost, Active Court of the Highborne, Dire Maul
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Female High Priestess Siralen High Priestess Unknown Unknown
Mob IconSmall Highborne Female Illyanna Stonewood Inhabitant of Eldre'thar Transformed into a Ghost, Killable Ruins of Eldre'thar, Stonetalon Mountains
Neutral IconSmall Dath'Remar Dath'remar Sunstrider Leader of the Highborne exiles Transformed into High elf, Deceased Unknown grave
Mob IconSmall Highborne Female Tsu'zee Boss Transformed into a Ghost, Killable Court of the Highborne, Dire Maul
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male High Ranger Valarian High Ranger Unknown Unknown
Mob IconSmall NagaSeaWitch Lady Vashj Boss Transformed into a Naga, Killable Serpentshrine Cavern in Coilfang Reservoir
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Female Lestharia Vashj Unknown Unknown
Mob IconSmall Wraith Varo'then's Ghost Former Captain, Rare mob Transformed into a Wraith, Killable Lake Mennar, Azshara
Mob IconSmall Doomguard Verinias the Twisted mob Transformed into a Doomguard, Killable Darkmist Ruins, Feralas
Neutral IconSmall Satyr Xavius First of the Satyrs Transformed into a Satyr, then a tree, at some point become Eternal Inside Emerald Dream
Neutral IconSmall Highborne Male Yol'Tithian Unknown Unknown

Others

Undead Highborne mobs

References

 
  1. ^ Warcraft III manual, pg. 48
  2. ^ http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/encyclopedia/430.xml
  3. ^ Achievement boss pathaleonthecalculator [Exile of the High Elves]
  4. ^ a b Mordent Evenshade
  5. ^ Daros Moonlance

External links

World of Warcraft Community Site The Warcraft Encyclopedia Dath'Remar Sunstrider
World of Warcraft Community Site The Warcraft Encyclopedia High Elves
World of Warcraft Community Site The Warcraft Encyclopedia Highborne
World of Warcraft Community Site The Warcraft Encyclopedia Illidan Stormrage
World of Warcraft Community Site The Warcraft Encyclopedia Naga
World of Warcraft Community Site The Warcraft Encyclopedia Night Elves
World of Warcraft Community Site The Warcraft Encyclopedia Queen Azshara
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