Kirin Tor

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This article is about the Kirin Tor known from Warcraft lore. For the servers with this name, see Server:Kirin Tor.

The Kirin Tor is a collection of the most powerful human, gnome and high elf mages in the world. The organization is likely to become a faction in World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King.

History

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

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

The Kirin Tor refused to abandon their home, however. They returned to the ruins months later, destroying those few undead creatures that remained, and reclaimed their city. They erected a glowing dome around the entire city, powerful enough to destroy anyone who touches it. The Kirin Tor is a sect of wizards trying to study and record all of humanity’s magic. They are also determined to rebuild the fallen city of Dalaran.Template:Cite

organization

Following the establishment of the city-state of Dalaran, the magocrats formed the Kirin Tor as a specialized sect that was charged with cataloging and researching every spell, artifact, and magic item known to mankind at the time.

The "Head of the Kirin Tor", Antonidas, was a member of the ruling council and was seen as "Kirin Tor's true ruler, and the Sect's public face".Template:Cite

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

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 work to monitor and maintain the city’s protective dome.Template:Cite

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.Template:Cite

The Kirin Tor is also referred to as the Magus Senate or Magocracy of Dalaran.

One of the tasks of the Kirin Tor was to safeguard and wield the Eye of Dalaran in defense of their city. However it was captured by the Horde for Ner'zhul.

Currently, the remaining members of the Kirin Tor strive to rebuild their once-magnificent capital following its destruction by Archimonde.

The Kirin Tor is made up of 120 members.Template:Cite.

Notable members

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.

• Archmage Antonidas (human, longtime leader of the Kirin Tor)
• Archmage Arugal (human)
• Baratea
• Drenden (human, member of the Six)
• Kel'Thuzad (human, turned to the Scourge)
• Archmage Khadgar (human; title under dispute, referred to alternately as Archmage and Arch-Wizard)
• Krasus (red dragon, member of the Six)
• Modera (human, member of the Six)
• Lady Jaina Proudmoore (human - typically classed as a sorceress, technically a wizard)
• Rhonin (human - leader of the Kirin Tor in Northrend)
• Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider (high elf, now a blood elf)
• Archmage Allistarj (former member of the Kirin Tor council)
• Han'al, Mage of the Kirin Tor, Master Lorekeeper.
• Ansirem Runeweaver - Head of the Kirin Tor, and current ruler of Dalaran.

The novel Day of the Dragon describes a meeting of the Six. The Last Guardian mentions seven members of the Kirin Tor and lists five by name. Krasus, Antonidas, Jaina and Kel'Thuzad are the only ones mentioned in the games.

The last Guardian of Tirisfal, Medivh, was not a member of the Kirin Tor, but rather the Order of Tirisfal. However his apprentice, Khadgar, was indeed a member of the Kirin Tor.

See also

• The Guardians of Tirisfal (part of the History of Warcraft)