Prominent Figures of the Light

Two of our leading characters in the Midnight press kits are Arator and Turalyon, both Paladins of the Holy Light. Given that Midnight is framed as an apocalyptic battle between the Light and the Void, it seems only reasonable that some other famous Light-aligned characters may show up in the expansion. Let’s take a look at some of the other characters we may see, past Light characters who have since perished, and what they’ve been up to. 

Xe’ra

Everyone’s least favorite talking chandelier, Xe’ra is the highest-ranked Light entity we’ve met so far. Naaru are typically Light-aligned (unless they’re fallen), and Xe’ra is the Prime Naaru, aka their boss. She was one of the first Naaru forged during the ordering of the cosmos and created the Army of the Light after Sargeras attacked Argus. Several of the Draenei’s strongest warriors followed her on to the Xenedar to do battle with the Legion across the cosmos. She foresaw a child of Light and Shadow destroying the Legion as a Lightforged hero. As a reminder, “Lightforged” refers to creatures who have been suffused/infused/fused of some variety with Light magic. It greatly strengthens the user and can sometimes grant functional immortality. Xe’ra was one of the entities we saw who was able to Lightforge. It’s currently tbd who else still holds that power.

Xe’ra thought Illidan Stormrage was her child of Light and Shadow, but when she attempted to Lightforge him by force, he blew her ass up with an eye beam. She exploded on the spot and broke into shards. Our current estimate for her is that she is deceased for all intents and purposes, but given our understanding of how cosmic creatures return to their plane to regenerate, it’s possible her consciousness endured. Time will tell, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for a Xe’ra appearance in Midnight. 

Yrel

Our leading lady on Draenor in 6.0, Yrel was a meek Draenei orphan raised by her older sister. She was taken on as a student by alternate Velen after she demonstrated a connection to the Light, and eventually we met her in the Tanaan Jungle intro. She rose into a warrior in Shadowmoon Valley, witnessed Maraad’s sacrifice in Talador and wounded Blackhand, and became a Vindicator by the end of the campaign. She would join us in Hellfire Citadel as Exarch Yrel, a strong Paladin and beacon of hope for a peaceful alternate Draenor. Unfortunately, she went from “I wield the Light” to Lightfascism! She returned in BFA as a Lightbound, hyperfixated on the Light as a concept and guide. The Light demanded unification of Draenor under its teachings, and Yrel led Lightbound in killing many Mag’har across the planet. She confronted Grommash at the end of the line in Gorgrond, threatening him once more. This was part of the quest where we recruited player Mag’har, and it was a shame to see Yrel falling so deeply into harmful zealotry. I don’t anticipate a Yrel appearance in Midnight, but the lessons of her becoming Lightblinded are sure to come up as we discuss the nature of wielding a cosmic force vs. being wielded by it. 

Prophet Velen

The main timeline Prophet Velen has been a deeply influential spiritual leader for thousands of years, and one of the most resilient heroes we’ve known. As we all know, the Draenei went into exile from Argus after Sargeras arrived on the planet, as Velen’s fellow Triumvirate leaders succumbed to the Legion. Velen received visions of doom and demonic transformation under Sargeras, while the others thought of rising in power. Velen led the Draenei in their flight across the stars, to Draenor, and eventually to Azeroth. We won’t cover his entire saga here, as it isn’t a character biography, but Velen is one of my favorite Light-based characters due to how much his relationship to the Light has changed. Obviously, the Naaru saved him on Argus: they not only showed him Sargeras’ treachery, they provided escape vessels to save the Draenei, a large boon. Many Naaru have remained friends and comrades of Velen to this day, and he learned much from them, including his people being trained in the Gift of the Naaru healing ability (racial ability story tie-in!). However, Velen’s faith began to change as the situations on Azeroth and in the Great Dark became more dire. Having reflected on his peoples’ plight for thousands of years, Velen began to wonder if he should keep following his visions, or if a different approach was needed.

His worst fears came true when the Legion attacked the Exodar in their third invasion. The attack was led by an Eredar named Rakeesh, revealed as Velen’s long-lost son (yeah, Kil’jaeden is literally the worst). This moment, along with the death of the Naaru O’ros, shook Velen to the core. Cradling his dead son, Velen declared that “the Light died here this day.’ The Prophet informed Romuul to fully commit to repairs on the Draenei’s updated vessel, the Vindicaar, to prepare for a return to Argus. Velen became action-oriented, decisively facing down the Legion’s leaders and fighting up close, instead of following his visions. His friendship with Illidan Stormrage showed him that sometimes we have to take fate into our own hands, as Velen showed very little emotion when Xe’ra died, choosing instead to cut a path to victory on Argus. He saw the Legion’s defeat and returned home. The Prophet is extremely powerful and deeply connected to the Light, but is perhaps one of the best examples of someone who wields the magic vs. following it blindly. Expect to see Velen defending the Sunwell as one of the most powerful Light wielders on Azeroth. 

Lady Liadrin

Matriarch of the Blood Knights, Liadrin has Seen Some Shit. She was initially a priestess, but became disillusioned with the Light after Quel’thalas was destroyed by the Scourge. She internalized many of her losses during the Scourge invasion, blaming herself for being too weak to protect her homeland. Eventually, Rommath showed her M’uru, a captive Naaru, and presented the opportunity to connect with it for power. This form of Light-wielding was not out of faith or connection, but simply energy. Unknown to Rommath and Liadrin, draining a Naaru’s energy enough would eventually darken it, causing M’uru to fall into shadow. Liadrin led the Blood Knights as holy warriors, but not based of faith. She was proud to be a master, not a follower, given how abandoned she felt by the Light. 

At the end of TBC, M’uru darkened and fell into Void completely, while Kil’jaeden re-entered Azeroth through the Sunwell. After his defeat, the darkened core of M’uru remained. Prophet Velen showed the despondent Liadrin that all was not lost, and she watched as Velen consecrated the Sunwell with pure Light. This act fundamentally reshaped Liadrin’s faith. She acknowledged the role she and the Blood Knights played in reducing M’uru to shadow, and reconciled her previous lapse of faith. She returned to wielding the Light through connection rather than force, and dedicated herself to protecting the Sin’dorei from all evils, including their magical addiction, for as long as she would live. We’ve fought alongside her in many battles, such as in Northrend, Draenor, Suramar, and Khaz Algar. She was particularly relevant in bringing the Nightborne into the Horde, connecting deeply with their magical plight. We will be seeing Liadrin in Midnight, as she’s been in much of the promotional material. She remains a steadfast warrior who will be facing many ghosts while trying to keep a level head as others around her show lapses in judgment. 

High Exarch Turalyon

I recently wrote a character biography on Turalyon that you can read here that covers much of his relationship to the Light. We’re a bit worried about him in Midnight as the rift between him and Alleria grows wider every day. Turalyon first learned of the Light as a way to heal, support, and protect, but has recently begun leaning further into zealotry. Will our hero lose himself to blind belief, or will he temper himself and re-ground his faith in his home and family? 

Arator the Redeemer

The son of Alleria and Turalyon, a Human and an Elf, a child of Light and Shadow, Arator the redeemer is not half anything, as he said in his recent animated short. You can check it out below:

Arator has been a minor figure in many expansions, searching for his parents for years in game, especially during TBC. He witnessed many of the places they fought at in Outland, the stronghold named after his mother, and befriended A’dal, another Naaru in Shattrath. He returned in Legion, demonstrating significant growth and maturity. He reunited with his parents on the Vindicaar and started having some hard conversations with them, including how abandoned he felt. Arator has always been a skilled Paladin, but has often wondered where he fits in the world. We’ll see him finally take center stage in Midnight. 

Lothraxion

One of the most shocking character introductions of all time came with Lothraxion, a Lightbound Nathrezim. We met him in the Paladin order hall campaign as a captive on Niskara. Shadowlands offered some further context behind his Lightbound nature: Sire D (I miss him) formed a plan to infiltrate the cosmic forces. As we learned, the Nathrezim were actually created in Revendreth, later pledging themselves to various cosmic forces in disguise, with many joining the Legion and switching allegiances. Lothraxion, likely the Light agent, switched sides and truly genuinely believes in the Light. He fought alongside us in Legion, but hasn’t demonstrated any individual goals or beliefs beyond “what the Light says goes.” He is a strong follower of prophecy, visions, and orders of the Light, and I anticipate he will remain relevant in Midnight. He is also a friend of Alleria and Turalyon, fighting alongside them in the Nether for thousands of years. Locus-Walker encountered Lothraxion and ended his life, allowing him to regenerate in the Nether as he anticipated a broader future for the Dreadlord. What awaits this former double agent when the Void strikes Azeroth?

The Army of the Light

As a broad character category, the Army of the Light contains many named characters and thousands of nameless warriors. Xe’ra founded the Army to fight the Legion after the Draenei fled Argus, and many of their forces are made up of Lightforged Draenei. However, other races have been permitted to join and fight for the Light. They are the force that arrived through the Sunwell in the Midnight Intercession cinematic and will be present in our initial battle as we land in Quel’danas. I’m extremely intrigued to see how their presence will be met. 

Captain Fareeya

Speaking of Lightforged Draenei, Fareeya is their de facto leader. She was one of the Draenei that fled Argus back in the day and was among the elite fighters of the Draenei who parted with the other exiles and joined the Army of the Light. She is a fierce fighter, taking down many demons with us on Argus, and playing a part in bringing the Lightforged Draenei into the Alliance. Turalyon suggested the Lightforged join the Alliance, given his allegiance to Stormwind, as well as the other Draenei already in the Alliance. Fareeya and the Lightforged have fought under the Lion’s banner ever since, including in the Fourth War. I’d expect to see her in battle at the Sunwell.

Vindicator Maraad

Maraad was a hero of the Draenei after they fled to Draenor, taking up the Hammer of the Naaru as a Paladin. His big claim to fame is appearing in the TBC cinematic, slightly iconic if you ask me. He was a pillar of Alliance might during the Northrend expedition and brought the Prophet’s will down in the form of…hammer! He obviously came to Draenor with us, where he made a heroic sacrifice to save Yrel from Blackhand’s bombing attack, and reminded her that “in the Light, we are one.” This cinematic owns and always gives me chills. He was a cool dude and died a hero. 

Anduin Wrynn

My son! Anduin has grown up on screen in human years with all of us, recently leading in the TWW level up experience. He was extremely faithful in the Light, but after Varian’s death, the Fourth War, and his ordeal in the Shadowlands, he was understandably shaken up. He was unable to call on the Light for some time, finding some comfort in Hallowfall. He wondered what the Light demanded of him, thinking that his destiny was to perform a heroic sacrifice like his father, but when he tried to do that in Azj’Kahet, nothing happened. He would go on to perform the first on-screen rez with Khadgar in Hallowfall and feel a bit more secure in himself after 11.0. We will certainly see him at the Sunwell in Midnight. 

Anduin has been prophesied as a hero in the final battle of Light and Shadow for quite some time. Velen had a vision of him leading the Army of the Light many years ago, Naaru have referenced him, and he reeks of protagonist energy. It’s hard to say what his final destiny in Warcraft will be. Will he try and succeed at a heroic sacrifice? Will he retire and find comfort in solitude? Will he EVER call Wrathion back? 

A’dal

One of the first Naaru we saw, A’dal rules Shattrath City in modern Outland. He is a friend to both Khadgar and Velen, offering Dadgar and other Sons of Lothar refuge in the city. The Sha’tar answer to his will as he leads them in battle across Outland against the Legion. Interestingly, he didn’t directly target Illidan, as Illidan was fighting the Legion. He focused on Kael’thas, Magtheridon, and other demonic allies. A’dal is extremely mysterious, but has always been a friend to us and other major characters. I genuinely don’t know if he’ll appear in Midnight, but I do hope he’s doing well. 

Tirion Fordring

Another one of the first five Paladins and a dear friend to all player characters, Tirion Fordring guided many of us in the early days of WoW. Tirion always exemplified the best qualities of the Light: justice, fairness, compassion, and commitment. He even persuaded his misguided son to leave the fanatical Scarlet Crusade, but he was later killed for his betrayal. Tirion focused on combatting all evils that plagued Azeroth, from the undead to the Scarlets, and reformed the Silver Hand. He was essential to our victory in Northrend, not only redeeming the Knights of the Ebon Blade, but also leading our foray into Icecrown. He’s the instigator behind some of my favorite quests, including the ceremony around Arthas’ heart, and of course, says one of the most iconic phrases in WoW during the Lich King encounter: “Light, grant me one final blessing.”

Unfortunately for him, it was actually his one final blessing. Tirion obviously fought with us during the Legion’s third invasion and was targeted specifically by Gul’dan due to his notoriety among our heroes. Krosus beat the fuck out of him and then incinerated him, wounding him deeply enough to eventually kill him. Tirion’s death is an interesting one: what are the limits of the Light’s protection? Much like Liadrin’s misgivings with the Light during the Scourge attack, did Tirion feel let down in his final moments? While he stood for everything good and is unequivocally a hero, he reminds us that the Light has limits. 

Uther the Lightbringer

Alongside Turalyon and Tirion, Uther was one of the first Paladins. We all know him as the direct mentor of Arthas. Uther was a dear friend of King Terenas and wanted to personally induct Arthas into the Silver Hand, training the boy in the ways of the Light, and overseeing much of his early growth. When Arthas declared the purge of Stratholme, Uther resisted him, with Arthas calling him a traitor and relieving him of command. Arthas murdered Uther with Frostmourne, splitting the Paladin’s soul in two and sending him to the Shadowlands. Uther was sent to Bastion as an honorable hero, but was unable to purge himself of his memories as the Kyrian demanded. Devos found his Mourneblade wound and remarked upon the energies of the Maw on it, being dismissed when she brought her concerns to the other Kyrian. She would eventually give Uther an opportunity to place Arthas’ soul when he fell, with Uther condemning him to the Maw. We observed Uther’s journey in Shadowlands to try and find inner peace, eventually settling with his restored soul and helping Sylvanas do the same. While I have my own thoughts about how this story went in Shadowlands, Uther remains a wise and balanced mentor to many. 

Archbishop Benedictus

POWAH! Benedictus was the leader of the Church of the Holy Light in Stormwind, being a venerated figure and spiritual leader. However, much like Liadrin, he experienced uncertainty in his faith during the Third War. His faith spiraled out of control, and when the Twilight’s Hammer learned of his uncertainty, they seized the opportunity to speak to him in disguise and plant seeds of doubt. This action opened the way to the Old Gods to whisper to him, eventually seducing him to the Twilight’s Hammer. He became the Twilight Father, leader of the cult, and played a major role in bringing about the events of Cataclysm. We confronted him in the Hour of Twilight dungeon where he revealed himself to us and said the funny voice line. Even though he fell, his corruption in the Church remained, as we reported back to his Deacon Farthing who would succeed him as the Twilight Father. 

You may be noticing a theme by now. The Light is a strong force, but due to its promises of righteousness and reward for the faithful, people who turn to it for help are left disappointed and in shock when they realize it isn’t a magical problem solver. Where the Light is strong, so too is the potential for doubt. 

Alonsus Faol

The founder of the Silver Hand and creator of Azerothian Paladins, Alonsus Faol was a priest in life and a friend to Turalyon, Uther, and Tirion Fordring. He was killed before the Third War and raised into undeath, but his connection to the Light remained. As Sylvanas and other Forsaken began to break free of the Lich King’s control, Alonsus experienced a similar freedom, eventually reclaiming his ways as a Priest. He found Calia Menethil, Arthas’ sister, and oversaw her protection, also training her as a Priest. He returned to us in Legion to lead the priest order in Netherlight Temple. He’s since remained a semi relevant character and a beacon of guidance for characters young and old. We’ll see him in Midnight as we already have in the Liadrin short. 

Calia Menethil

Speaking of Calia, she has taken a spotlight in the last few expansions, for worse and for worse. While her appearance as a Priest, along with the voice line “it’s just Calia now” was great, her character took uh…quite a turn in Before the Storm. While her organization of the Gathering between Forsaken and their still living relatives was fine, her decision to try and persuade Forsaken to come across the field to join the Alliance was in extremely poor taste. It also got her killed personally by Sylvanas once she learned a Menethil was there (and she’s real for that). However, Saa’ra intervened at Netherlight Temple and raised Calia as a Lightforged Undead. She’s neither Forsaken nor living, and she’s a whole mess of ‘wtf is this.’ Calia has been shoehorned into the narrative in many places, upsetting predominantly Forsaken players. Why is this Menethil, Light-undead, person who hasn’t experienced any true Forsaken culture, being forced on to the Desolate Council? I think her 9.2.5 story was fine, but her entire thing right now is just a big “why” to a lot of us. Especially when Lillian Voss, Belmont, and other Forsaken leaders are right there. 

That said, Calia is a formidable Light wielder and has shown that, in her undeath, she is genuinely committed to doing good. She will certainly be summoned to the Sunwell. 

Natalie Seline

Natalie was once a Bishop in Stormwind, back in the giga boomer days after the First War. She was interested in the magic that the Orcs used when they came through the Dark Portal and began studying the intertwining of Light and Dark. Her studies led her to Xal’atath, Blade of the Black Empire. She was one of the many wielders of the blade over the years and fell to ruin as her own followers killed her to take the blade. She serves as not only a reminder of Xal’atath’s many meddlings in our world, but of the delicate balance between the Light and the Void. 

Sunwalker Dezco

An entirely wholesome character, Sunwalker Dezco is one of MoP’s shining characters. He met us in Krasarang Wilds where he had arrived as part of the Horde expedition, along with his wife who was pregnant at the time. During the Krasarang incidents, she entered labor and delivered twins, but did not survive. Dezco looked to the future and mourned his wife, but carried on unbroken. He fought for all that was good during Pandaria, specifically protecting the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. He’s since remained a prominent Sunwalker among the Tauren, and an occasional mentor to Anduin. He is remarkably calm and collected for all of his personal struggles. I expect to see him at the Sunwell as a strong Paladin. 

The Scarlet Crusade

One of the most unambiguously evil forces in Azeroth, the Scarlet Crusade have been our enemies since literally the launch of the game. These guys fucking suck! They formed as a hyperzealous offshoot of the Silver Hand, dedicated to purging all undead from Lordaeron, and never had good intentions beyond that. We’ve faced them countless times and still do, as recently as in the Liadrin animated short, as they continue to hold prejudice against our Forsaken allies. They’ve been a menace ever since classic, reminding us that not all who wield or serve the Light are good. I wonder which other people we’ll meet in Midnight who serve the Light but don’t actually have morals…

Midnight early access begins tomorrow at 3pm PST and formally releases Monday, 3/2 at 3pm PST.