Changes: Wretched

Wretched elves
	; Wretched Exile in Hearthstone.
Faction/Affiliation	Independent, Burning Legion
Character classes	Warrior, Mage, Warlock, Rogue
Racial capital	None
Racial leader(s)	None
Formerly	Kael'thas Sunstrider †
Homeworld	Azeroth
Language(s)	Thalassian

Latest revision as of 21:13, 1 September 2023

The Wretched are elves (usually blood elves) that failed to control their innate addiction to magic, overindulging in arcane sources to the point of deformity and, often, insanity. Obsessed with obtaining and devouring magic, they are a danger to both themselves and others, and are usually too violent to surrender.^[1]

They are considered to be little more than lowly parasites to blood elven society and serve as a reminder of the dangers of allowing their magical addiction to control them.

The Wretched are thin elves with thinning dark hair, a large bony forehead, claw-like fingers and toes, blue eyes, and strange growths on their backs that glow with an eerie blue light. With the recovery of the Sunwell and Kael'thas summoning the Burning Legion, a new type of Wretched appeared.^[2] After the events of the war against the Lich King, some high elves also became Wretched.

Background

The Wretched are currently scattered throughout Eversong Woods and lack any general leadership, but a few notable Wretched have stepped up and organized raids. The Wretched have infiltrated the Ruins of Silvermoon, Sunsail Anchorage, and even Falthrien Academy on Sunstrider Isle. Though considered more of a pest than a true threat in blood elf society, the Wretched represent a failure to reach the equilibrium between deficiency and overindulgence that all blood elves strive to maintain, and serve as an important reminder of the dangers that overindulging in magic can present.^[3] This "kind" of blood elf is believed to be relatively new, considering the fact that they can only have existed since after the corruption of the Sunwell.

Gershala Nightwhisper feared this transformation might occur before the events of The Burning Crusade. He even sent adventurers in Blackfathom Deeps to get corrupted brain stems from naga and satyr. The Wretched can be compared to both naga and satyr because their magical dependence caused them to undergo physiological changes. Unlike those two races, this transformation can occur in an instant as soon as the blood elf succumbs to his or her thirst for magic (as Magistrix Elosai's transformation into the Wretched shows).

Felblood Initiates use the wretched model when emaciated, indicating a connection between the two.

Next generation

Wretched Fiend — Burning Legion-aligned Wretched.

With the events of the Sunwell being used to summon the Legion, a new type of Wretched was created. While some have mild symptoms of this advanced mutation, others have major physical changes. The basic symptoms include bulging green eyes, black rot-like mouths with what looks like black drool coming from them, less hair, green growths, feet, and hands that are more claw-like and are of an almost demon-like brown color, and small holes where growths should be from their Wretched transformation. The ones with the most dramatic changes have deep sucked-in chests, more holes that look like they appeared from popped growths, markings near their eyes, and more of a monster-like appearance, barely resembling their former selves.

These more serious mutations have appeared from tapping into the energies granted by the Burning Legion; in fact, some blood elves trying to become felbloods have become Wretched due to absorbing too much fel energy. These Wretched served Kael'thas fiercely, and he rewarded them by supplying them with mass amounts of fel energy for them to feed on. So far these Wretched have only appeared on Quel'Danas and the Throne of Kil'jaeden, likely because this mutation is fairly new still and can only exist after a blood elf or Wretched has absorbed mass amounts of fel energy — which is mainly located in those two areas.

Magic-addicted elves too small and frail to serve in Kil'jaeden's army were relegated to servant roles for the higher-class demons.^[4]

With the Legion's defeat at the Sunwell and Kael'thas' death, the spreading of this new breed of Wretched will probably slow down.

Cataclysm

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

The high elves of the Quel'Lithien Lodge have become Wretched, revealing that both high and blood elves can become Wretched.

In the RPG

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

Blood elves are evolving from their high elven cousins due to the use of fel magic (the first sign of evolutionary change are "glowing green eyes"). It is said in time they may become as distant to high elves as satyrs are to night elves.^[5] The Wretched may be examples of further evolution, though it is somewhat of a devolution.

Named

Vor'na the Wretched in the *Trading Card Game*.

As a companion pet

[Servant's Bell] drops from the Eredar Twins in Sunwell Plateau.

Trivia

When Magistrix Elosai temporarily turns into a Wretched, she takes the form of a male one, as female models for Wretched don't exist. This also applies to the female Felblood Initiates.
- The Wretched are the only elf species in World of Warcraft not to feature a female model, and the only time one has been depicted was in the non-canon Trading Card game (see gallery). Its resemblance to its male counterpart is minimal, as the expression and skeletal figure remain the same; save her feminine features.
Wretched use the undead/Forsaken skeleton for animations.
All of the Wretched NPCs in the game have a mana bar, as fitting to their characteristics.
Wretched were called "the winnowed" in early World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade expansion development.^{[citation needed]}
The data file for Wretched blood elves is simply called "crackelf", a bit of a joke on Blizzard's part; it is not a viable lore term, though entirely accurate.
The Wretched share some similarities to the Lost Ones. Both were changed by magic and ended up shunned by their original species.

Speculation

This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.

While the Sunwell has been restored, providing a constant supply of magical energy to both blood elves and high elves, it is unknown if the Wretched have access to the energies of the restored Sunwell, or if their transformation has turned them into a new species cut off from this supply. It is also not clear if the transformation into Wretched is reversible.

Gallery

Wretched model prior to patch 2.3.0.
Wretched model after patch 2.3.0.
Wretched Skulker
Feast and Famine in Hearthstone.
Felendren the Banished in the Trading Card Game.

References

^ Blood of the Highborne
^ Wretched Skulker and other Quel'Danas wretched
^ [1-10] Thirst Unending
^ [Servant's Bell]
^ Monster Guide, pg. 54

[1] Blood of the Highborne

[2] Wretched Skulker and other Quel'Danas wretched

[3] [1-10] Thirst Unending

[4] [Servant's Bell]

[5] Monster Guide, pg. 54

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Infobox race
-{{Racebox
-| name = Wretched
+| name =  Wretched elves
-| image = Wretched.png
+| image = Wretched Exile HS.jpg
+| caption = {{HS|Wretched Exile}} in ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''.
-| faction = [[Blood elf|Blood elves]], [[Burning Legion]] (under Kael´s command)
-| character = [[Warrior]],  [[Mage]], [[Warlock]], [[Rogue]]
+| faction = [[Independent]], [[Burning Legion]]
+| character = [[Warrior]], [[Mage]], [[Warlock]], [[Rogue]]
 | capital = None
-| leader = Varies
+| leader = None
+| fleader = {{RaceIcon|KaelWretched}} [[Kael'thas Sunstrider]]{{KIA}}
-| mount = [[Hawkstrider]]
-| homeworld = [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]
+| homeworld = [[Azeroth]]
 | language = [[Thalassian]]
-| slang =
-| exact =
-| height = 5 - 6 Ft.
-| weight =
 }}
-The '''Wretched''' were once [[blood elf|blood elves]] but failed to control their magical addiction. The Wretched are thin elves with a large bony forehead, claw like fingers and toes, blue eyes, and strange growths on their backs that glow with an eerie blue light. Recently with the events of the Sunwell and Kael'thas summoning the Burning Legion, a new type of Wretched has appeared.
+The '''Wretched''' are [[Elf|elves]] (usually [[blood elf|blood elves]]) that failed to control their [[Magical addiction|innate addiction]] to magic, overindulging in arcane sources to the point of deformity and, often, insanity. Obsessed with obtaining and devouring magic, they are a danger to both themselves and others, and are usually too violent to surrender.<ref>''[[Blood of the Highborne]]''</ref>
+They are considered to be little more than lowly parasites to blood elven society and serve as a reminder of the dangers of allowing their magical addiction to control them.
-The Wretched are currently scattered throughout [[Eversong Woods]] and lack any general leadership, but a few notable Wretched have stepped up and organized raids. The Wretched have infiltrated the [[Ruins of Silvermoon]], [[Sunsail Anchorage]], and even [[Falthrien Academy]] on [[Sunstrider Isle]].  This "kind" of blood elf is believed to be relatively new, considering the fact that they can only have existed since after the corruption of the [[Sunwell]].
+The Wretched are thin elves with thinning dark hair, a large bony forehead, claw-like fingers and toes, blue eyes, and strange growths on their backs that glow with an eerie blue light. With the recovery of the [[Sunwell]] and [[Kael'thas Sunstrider|Kael'thas]] summoning the [[Burning Legion]], a new type of Wretched appeared.<ref>[[Wretched Skulker]] and other Quel'Danas wretched</ref> After the events of the [[war against the Lich King]], some [[High elf|high elves]] also became Wretched.
-[[Gershala Nightwhisper]] feared this transformation might occur before the events of the [[Burning Crusade]]. He even sent adventurers in [[Blackfathom Deeps]] to get corrupted brain stems from [[naga]] and [[satyr]]. The Wretched can be compared to both [[naga]] and [[satyr]] because their magical dependence caused them to undergo physiological changes. Unlike those two races, this transformation can occur in an instant as soon as the blood elf succumbs to his or her thirst for magic (as [[Magistrix Elosai]]'s transformation into the Wretched shows). Some people might think of them as Broken counterparts, both are shunned by their original species, both were changed by magic, the difference being that the Wretched had a choice, while the Broken did not. However, the fact that she only stayed a Wretched for a short period might imply that the mutation is reversible or even curable. On the other hand, this may have been a game play mechanic.
-== New Wretched ==
+==Background==
+[[File:Wretched.png|thumb|A Wretched in ''World of Warcraft''.]]
-With the [[Patch 2.4.0|events of the Sunwell]] being used to summon the [[Burning Legion|Legion]] a new type of Wretched has been created. These Wretched have worse physical changes, while some have mild symptoms of this advanced mutation, they are still pretty bad. Symptoms they have are bulging green eyes, black rot-like mouths with what looks like black drool coming from them, less hair, green growths, feet and hands that are more claw like and are an almost demon-like brown color, and small holes where growths should be from their Wretched transformation.
+The Wretched are currently scattered throughout [[Eversong Woods]] and lack any general leadership, but a few notable Wretched have stepped up and organized raids. The Wretched have infiltrated the [[Ruins of Silvermoon]], [[Sunsail Anchorage]], and even [[Falthrien Academy]] on [[Sunstrider Isle]]. Though considered more of a pest than a true threat in blood elf society, the Wretched represent a failure to reach the equilibrium between deficiency and overindulgence that all blood elves strive to maintain, and serve as an important reminder of the dangers that overindulging in magic can present.<ref>[[Thirst Unending]]</ref> This "kind" of blood elf is believed to be relatively new, considering the fact that they can only have existed since after the corruption of the [[Sunwell]].
+[[Gershala Nightwhisper]] feared this transformation might occur before the events of ''[[The Burning Crusade]]''. He even sent adventurers in [[Blackfathom Deeps]] to get corrupted brain stems from [[naga]] and [[satyr]]. The Wretched can be compared to both [[naga]] and [[satyr]] because their magical dependence caused them to undergo physiological changes. Unlike those two races, this transformation can occur in an instant as soon as the blood elf succumbs to his or her thirst for magic (as [[Magistrix Elosai]]'s transformation into the Wretched shows).
-Others, however, are more monstrous, having all of the already mentioned symptoms including, deep sucked in chests, more holes that look like they appeared from popped growths, markings near their eyes, and more of a monster-like appearance, barely resembling their former selves. These more serious mutations have appeared from tapping into the energies granted by the Burning Legion, in fact some blood elves trying to become felbloods have become Wretched due to absorbing too much fel energy. These Wretched serve Kael'thas fiercely, and he rewards them by supplying them with mass amounts of fel energy for them to feed on. So far these Wretched have only appeared on Quel'Danas and the throne of Kil'jaeden, likely because this mutation is fairly new still and can only exist after a blood elf or Wretched has absorbed mass amounts of fel energy — which is mainly located in those two areas.
+[[Felblood Initiate]]s use the wretched model when emaciated, indicating a connection between the two.
-With the Legion's defeat at the Sunwell and Kael'thas' death, it seems that this new breed of Wretched won't be spreading anytime soon.
-== Cataclysm ==
+===Next generation===
+[[File:Wretched Fiend.jpg|thumb|[[Burning Legion]]-aligned Wretched.]]
-{{Cata-section}}
+With the [[Battle for Quel'Danas|events of the Sunwell]] being used to summon the [[Burning Legion|Legion]], a new type of Wretched was created. While some have mild symptoms of this advanced mutation, others have major physical changes. The basic symptoms include bulging green eyes, black rot-like mouths with what looks like black drool coming from them, less hair, green growths, feet, and hands that are more claw-like and are of an almost demon-like brown color, and small holes where growths should be from their Wretched transformation. The ones with the most dramatic changes have deep sucked-in chests, more holes that look like they appeared from popped growths, markings near their eyes, and more of a monster-like appearance, barely resembling their former selves.
+These more serious mutations have appeared from tapping into the energies granted by the Burning Legion; in fact, some blood elves trying to become [[Felblood elf|felbloods]] have become Wretched due to absorbing too much fel energy. These Wretched served Kael'thas fiercely, and he rewarded them by supplying them with mass amounts of fel energy for them to feed on. So far these Wretched have only appeared on [[Isle of Quel'Danas|Quel'Danas]] and the [[Throne of Kil'jaeden]], likely because this mutation is fairly new still and can only exist after a blood elf or Wretched has absorbed mass amounts of fel energy — which is mainly located in those two areas.
-The High Elves of the [[Quel'Lithien Lodge]] have become Wretched; revealing that both High and Blood Elves can become Wretched.
+Magic-addicted elves too small and frail to serve in [[Kil'jaeden]]'s army were relegated to servant roles for the higher-class [[demon]]s.<ref>[[Servant's Bell]]</ref>
-==Wretched Speculation==
-{{Speculation}}
+With the Legion's defeat at the Sunwell and Kael'thas' death, the spreading of this new breed of Wretched will probably slow down.
-The Sunwell has been restored providing a constant supply of magical energy to Blood Elves and High Elves sating their magic addiction, which brings up many questions regarding how this impacts the Wretched.
+===Cataclysm===
-Regarding the current population of Wretched, the question is raised whether they also have access to the energies of the Sunwell or has their transformation turned them into a new species cut off from this supply.
+{{Cata-section}}
+The high elves of the [[Quel'Lithien Lodge]] have become Wretched, revealing that both high and blood elves can become Wretched.
+==In the RPG==
-The nature of the Wretched’s transformation which is possibly the result of using corrupting Fel energy to feed their addiction might mean they cannot access the Sunwell as stated in the Sunwell article:
+{{RPG-section}}
+Blood elves are evolving from their high elven cousins due to the use of fel magic (the first sign of evolutionary change are "glowing green eyes"). It is said in time they may become as distant to high elves as satyrs are to night elves.<ref>''[[Monster Guide]]'', pg. 54</ref> The Wretched may be examples of further evolution, though it is somewhat of a devolution.
+==Named==
-''“The Sunwell's new energies are derived from both the arcane and from M'uru's powers of the Light”''
+[[File:Vor'na the Wretched.jpg|thumb|[[Vor'na the Wretched]] in the ''[[World of Warcraft Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]]''.]]
+*{{RaceIcon|Wretched}} [[Aldaron the Reckless]]
-Considering Fel and Light energy are opposing forces the Wretched might not be able to tap into the Sunwell’s power.
+*{{RaceIcon|Wretched}} [[Ellaria]]
+*{{RaceIcon|Wretched}} [[Felendren the Banished]]
-If all or some of the Wretched are able to use the Sunwell’s energies is their transformation revisable or is it like Night Elves who use magic who are irreversibly turned into Highborne’s in a space of a week. If the Wretched can access the Sunwell’s power and cannot turn back is it possible for there to be “good Wretched” seeking redemption especially considering the Light infused power of the Sunwell.
+*{{RaceIcon|BloodElf|Female}} {{RaceIcon|Wretched}} [[Magistrix Elosai]]
+*{{RaceIcon|Wretched}} [[Thaelis the Hungerer]]
-Regarding the future of the Wretched it can be assumed no more Blood Elves will give into their magical addiction, as they are now supplied by the Sunwell, so no more Wretched will be created. One could argue this mean that the Wretched are heading towards extinction not being able to replace their numbers.
+*{{RaceIcon|BloodElf|Female}} {{RaceIcon|Wretched}} [[Vor'na the Wretched]] {{TCG-inline}}
+==As a companion pet==
-Another question is have any Wretched procreated giving birth to Wretched or Half Wretched children. To further this question on Blood Elf lands there are areas infested with Wretched, have they been able to form breeding populations in these areas.
+*[[Servant's Bell]] drops from the [[Eredar Twins]] in [[Sunwell Plateau]].
 ==Trivia==
+*When [[Magistrix Elosai]] temporarily turns into a Wretched, she takes the form of a male one, as female models for Wretched don't exist. This also applies to the female [[Felblood Initiate]]s.
-* All of the Wretched NPCs in the game have a mana bar, as fitting to their characteristics.
+**The Wretched are the only elf species in ''World of Warcraft'' not to feature a female model, and the only time one has been depicted was in the non-canon ''Trading Card game'' (see gallery). Its resemblance to its male counterpart is minimal, as the expression and skeletal figure remain the same; save her feminine features.
-* {{RPG-inline}} According to ''[[Monster Guide]]'' (2007), it is said that blood elves are evolving from their high elven cousins due to use of fel magic (the first sign of evolutionary change are "glowing green eyes"). It is said in time they may become as distant to high elves as satyrs are to night elves.<ref>''[[Monster Guide]]'', pg. 54</ref> The Wretched may be examples of the further evolution, though it is somewhat of a devolution.
+*Wretched use the [[undead]]/[[Forsaken]] skeleton for animations.
-* {{bc-inline}} They were called "the winnowed" in early [[Burning Crusade]] [[expansion]] development.
+*All of the Wretched NPCs in the game have a mana bar, as fitting to their characteristics.
-* The data file for Wretched blood elves is simply called "crackelf", a bit of a joke on Blizzard's part; it is not a viable lore term, though entirely accurate.
+*Wretched were called "the winnowed" in early ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade]]'' [[expansion]] development.{{fact}}
-* Interestingly, their basic character skeleton is that of the [[undead]]/[[Forsaken]], not the blood elves.
+*The data file for Wretched blood elves is simply called "crackelf", a bit of a joke on Blizzard's part; it is not a viable lore term, though entirely accurate.
-* When [[Magistrix Elosai]] temporarily turns into a Wretched, she takes the form of a male one, as female models for Wretched don't exist.
-*The Wretched are the only Elf species in ''World of Warcraft'' not to feature a Female Model.
+*The Wretched share some similarities to the [[Lost One]]s. Both were changed by magic and ended up shunned by their original species.
-==Named==
+==Speculation==
+{{Speculation}}
-*{{RaceIconExt|Wretched|Small}}{{Mob|Aldaron the Reckless}}
+While the [[Sunwell]] has been restored, providing a constant supply of magical energy to both blood elves and high elves, it is unknown if the Wretched have access to the energies of the restored Sunwell, or if their transformation has turned them into a new species cut off from this supply. It is also not clear if the transformation into Wretched is reversible.
-*{{RaceIconExt|Wretched|Small}}{{Mob|Felendren the Banished}}
-*{{RaceIconExt|Wretched|Small}}{{Mob|Thaelis the Hungerer}}
-*{{RaceIcon|BloodElf|Female|Small}}{{NPC|Horde|Magistrix Elosai}} (temporarily)
+==Gallery==
-===Wretched gallery===
 <gallery>
-Image:Wretched.jpg|Wretched before [[patch 2.3]].
+Wretched.jpg|Wretched model prior to [[patch 2.3.0]].
-Image:Newwretched.jpg|Wretched after patch 2.3.
+Newwretched.jpg|Wretched model after patch 2.3.0.
+Wretched Skulker.jpg|[[Wretched Skulker]]
+Feast and Famine HS.jpg|{{HS|Feast and Famine}} in ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''.
+Felendren the Banished TCG.jpg|[[Felendren the Banished]] in the ''[[World of Warcraft Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]]''.
 </gallery>
@@ Line 77: / Line 82: @@
 {{Azeroth natives}}
+{{Elves|doc=}}
+[[Category:Wretched| ]]
+[[Category:Races]]
-[[es:Wretched]]
+[[es:Desdichado]]
 [[fr:Déshérité]]
 [[pl:Wretched]]
-[[Category:Wretched| ]]
-[[Category:Races]]

Wowpedia