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Katie Boyd

Malfurion Stormrage is the most wise, powerful and venerated Night Elf in all the World of Warcraft (and beyond!). He has a long and storied history spanning the 10,000 years of his life. He brought druidism to the Night Elves, guided the kaldorei in defeating the Burning Legion during the War of the Ancients, and currently helps in leading his people at the side of his beloved Tyrande Whisperwind. Together, the two represent the highest leadership of the Night Elves since the fall of Queen Azshara and the Highborne. He is also an Archdruid, an immensely wise and powerful Druid whose influence on nature surpasses that of other Druids. Other Archdruids include the Tauren, Hamuul Runetotem as well as the Night Elf Fandral Staghelm. Malfurion is, however, the greatest of all the Archdruids.

Malfurion has been relatively absent from the World of Warcraft because his spirit took a little visit into the Emerald Dream. The Emerald Dream is a vast ever-changing spirit world that exists beyond the physical realm, and is basically how the world would have been if it was left untouched by mortals. However, Malfurion's spirit was trapped inside the Dream due to the corruption of the Nightmare, and this is why he has not had an active role in more recent events in the World of Warcraft. Until now…

Keeper Remulos says: Malfurion!

Malfurion Stormrage says: Remulos, old friend. It is good to see you once more. I knew the message would find its way to you – one way or another.

Keeper Remulos says: It was shrouded in nightmares, Malfurion. What is happening in the Dream? What could cause such atrocities?

Malfurion Stormrage says: I fear for the worst, old friend. Within the Dream we fight a new foe, born of an ancient evil. Ysera's noble brood has fallen victim to the old whisperings. It seems as if the Nightmare has broken through the realm to find a new host on Azeroth.

Keeper Remulos says: I sensed as much, Malfurion. Dark days loom ahead.

Malfurion Stormrage says: Aye Remulos, prepare the mortal races.

Keeper Remulos says: You have been gone too long, Malfurion. Peace between the Children of Azeroth has become tenuous at best. What of my father? Of your brother? Have you any news?

Malfurion Stormrage says: Cenarius fights at my side. Illidan sits atop his throne in Outland – brooding. I'm afraid that the loss to Arthas proved to be his breaking point. Madness has embraced him, Remulos. He replays the events in his mind a thousand times per day, but in his mind, he is the victor and Arthas is utterly defeated. He is too far gone, old friend. I fear that the time may soon come that our bond is tested and it will not be as it was at the Well in Zin-Azshari.

Malfurion Stormrage says: Remulos, I am being drawn back... Tyrande... send her my love... Tell her I am safe... Tell her... Tell her I will return... Farewell...

Keeper Remulos says: Farewell, old friend... Farewell...

Ragnaros' fiery armies have returned with a vengeance and seek to destroy the World Tree, Nordrassil, and all the Night Elves hold dear. Ragnaros was banished back to the Elemental Plane after his defeat in Molten Core but during Deathwing's explosive escape from Deepholm, Ragnaros was freed and is now seated in Sulfuron Keep where he mounts his assault on the World Tree.

In Cataclysm, it is Malfurion's main focus to do everything he can to protect the World Tree. To that end he has joined with the forces of Cenarius, along with both the Alliance and the Horde, in hopes that their combined efforts will bring an end to the Lord of Flame once and for all.

Nordrassil, also known as the Crown of the Heavens, is what once gave the Night Elf people their immortality. It was grown from an acorn of the fallen tree, G'Hanir, by the red dragon aspect Alexstrasza in the newly reborn Well of Eternity. It was blessed by the green dragon aspect, and ruler of the Emerald Dream, Ysera, so that the druids of Azeroth may be able to enter the Dream. Lastly, Nozdormu, the bronze dragon aspect of time, gave the greatest gift. He allowed that all Night Elves would be immortal so long as the World Tree existed. However, the tree was damaged during the Battle of Mount Hyjal when Malfurion blew the Horn of the Ancients in order to defeat Archimonde of the Burning Legion. The Horn and the nature spirits it summoned caused a devastating explosion. This not only killed Archimonde but also incinerated the forest around the World Tree, causing such damage to the tree that Nozdormu's gift to the elves was sacrificed.

In recent time the tree has begun to show signs of healing itself. The Night Elves have regained hope that once the tree has fully recovered, so too shall their immortality be restrored. For this reason throughout Cataclysm, Malfurion has been most dedicated to protecting Nordrassil.

However, this is not Malfurion's only focus as there are also threats closer to home. On the shores of Kalimdor, just across the water from the Night Elven home of Darnassus, lies an area called Darkshore. Malfurion can also be found battling against Queen Azshara near Ameth'Aran, an ancient home to her Highborne, in the area. He also stands at the side of his wife, Tyrande Whisperwind, in Darnassus, assisting in the leadership of their people.

Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage is a six cost Alliance Ally, though currently neutral in the World of Warcraft, with 4 ATK and 8 health. His power allows you to draw a card at the start of your turn. In addition, on each of your turns you may place an additional resource. However, you may only have one copy of his card in play at a time. Say it with me now, “There can be only one!”

His card is a testament to his readiness for the battle against Ragnaros. He and his allies have been gathering resources for the coming assault on the Firelands. He allows you to mass resources in the late game and drop something big, like the master hero Ysera, or just be prepared for whatever your opponent may throw at you. The two cards are synergistic in my opinion, as they should since Ysera and Malfurion are both protectors of the Dream in the online game.

Through his long and storied history, Malfurion has been a beacon of hope and dedication, not only for the Night Elf people, but for all the peoples of Azeroth. He helped to save the world from the corruption of the Burning Legion, even at the sacrifice of his brother Illidan. He roamed the Emerald Dream to attempt to bring peace to the lands of his people, and he continues to fight against those forces who would take away his precious homeland. As the Cataclysm draws to a close, it is clear that Malfurion's work is not yet complete. He will continue to dutifully support his wife Tyrande to guide their people, and continue to defend Nordrassil, the Crown of the Heavens, in order to restore its former glory and that of the Night Elves.

Next week we take a look at Tyrande Whisperwind, the current leader of the Night Elf people in Darnassus, and her role in the current trials of Azeroth.

-Katie
@LynestaWoW

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