High elf

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High elves, the Sun-Blessed
High elf crest recolored by bannanahamma-d31pxyo
Fan-recolored blood elven crest
Faction/AffiliationAlliance, The Silver Covenant, Kirin Tor, Argent Crusade, Independent
Character classesRanger, Paladin, Hunter, Mage, Priest, Warrior, Wizard, Sorcerer, Arcanist, Dead shot, Argent Dawn templar, Scout, Warmage, Necromancer, Battle mage, Archmage, Elven druid[citation needed] (RPG)
Racial capitalNone, though many reside in Stormwind, Theramore, Dalaran and in other cities of the Alliance (formerly Silvermoon)
Racial leader(s)Formerly the Sunstrider dynasty.
Racial mountElven horse, Hippogryph (Formely Dragonhawk)
Primary language(s)Thalassian, Common
Secondary language(s)Darnassian, Dwarven, Goblin, Kalimdoran, Orcish (RPG)
Height5'1" - 6'1" (155 to 185 cm) (male),
4'9" - 5'9" (145 to 175 cm) (female)

The high elves, or quel'dorei ("children of noble birth" in Darnassian and "high elves" in Thalassian), are a race descended from the Highborne night elves who left Kalimdor and settled in the Eastern Kingdoms, founding Quel'Thalas.

The high elves were once a significant force on the continent, but in recent times their numbers have been dramatically reduced, 90% of their race was slaughtered in the Third War.[1] Following this, another 90% of the survivors changed their name to "blood elves" in remembrance of their fallen brethren, and no longer consider themselves high elven.[2] Around 25,000 true high elves remain, most of whom cling to the Alliance trying to restore the glory of their once great people.





Exile of the Highborne

Dath'Remar Sunstrider, first of the high elves.
High Elf
High Elven Battle Mage
High elf arcane mage by smaragdia-d34x7e6
A High Elf practicing Arcane Magic




Foundation of Quel'Thalas





High Elf Establishment2
Quel'Thalas was guarded by elfgates.

Soon, Quel'Thalas became a shining monument to high elven prowess. It was crafted in the same style as the halls of Kalimdor[4], with the addition of integrated magic and a brighter colour scheme. Although they did not worship it, a great respect was maintained for nature. The high elves were careful to interweave their cities and architecture with their natural surroundings, creating a truly beautiful and tranquil land.[4]


New world patterns and the Thalassian kingdom

High Elf War Mage

For nearly four thousand years, the high elves remained relatively at peace. But while the elves established their nation, the Amani plotted their next assault. 2,800 years before the First War, they unleashed their reformed, massive army and their own breed of magic upon the high elves. The Troll Wars ignited. While the high elves had powerful magic they were outnumbered. Suffering loss after loss, the high elves turned to the humans of Arathor for support. The two formed a military alliance in exchange for the instruction of 100 humans in arcane magic. Together, they crushed the Amani, an empire that had endured for more than twenty thousand years. Humans and high elves have cultivated this alliance ever since.


Yet 230 years before the First War, the dwarven race split into three factions (See War of the Three Hammers). The Wildhammers desired to open up trade with the high elves, considered taboo at the time, and would serve as one of the catalysts for their war.[5] When it ended, the clan became close allies to the high elves. The two races were united through a mutual appreciation for nature and other cultural similarities.[6] They would soon become each other's closest friends within the Alliance.

War and the fall of Quel'Thalas

For nearly three thousand years following the Troll Wars, Quel'Thalas remained at peace. The orcish Horde came through a portal from the world of Draenor and ignited the First War. Though the high elves helped to defend on a small level, the Kingdom of Stormwind fell. After the humans were defeated and fled north through Khaz Modan, the dwarves sent emissaries to meet with the high elves and humans to discuss the threat of the Horde.[7] When the humans proposed an Alliance of their seven nations, the Wildhammer and Ironforge dwarves, the gnomes, and the high elves, the elves were honor-bound to join it due to their ancestral connection with the former Arathi tribe of humans, of whom Anduin Lothar was the last pure-blooded scion. Under Anasterian Sunstrider, they were the least enthusiastic of the Alliance and put forth only a token army.

Meanwhile, the Horde had brought ogres into Azeroth and allied with the goblins and forest trolls. They then turned their sights on the north, launching the Second War.

The orcs' northern campaign, in which the trolls were meant to take back their ancestral homes from the high elves, managed to burn down the borderlands of Quel'Thalas, slaughtering many high elves in the process and corrupting the Runestone at Caer Darrow. This enraged Silvermoon, which promptly pledged its full support to the war. The Horde eventually splintered under internal political pressure, and the Alliance charged southwards to crush it. The Second War was won.

In the aftermath, some high elves blamed the humans' poor leadership for the burning of their forests. King Terenas of Lordaeron reminded them that nothing of Quel'Thalas would have remained if not for the hundreds of humans that gave their lives to defend it, but nevertheless, the high elves largely abandoned the Alliance. Alleria Windrunner, sister to Sylvanas, and a cadre of her elven rangers remained loyal to Alliance High Command, but they were eventually lost on the other side of the Dark Portal. Her sister Vereesa also advocated continued support to the Alliance after the Grim Batol incident, but Anasterian was not swayed.

It should be noted that although the high elves retreated from the Alliance, a large number of them remained in Dalaran and were loyal to the Alliance through the Kirin Tor.

Sylvanas Windrunner battling the Scourge as they march for Silvermoon


The high elves were still recovering from their grievous injuries at the hands of the Horde, but faced the Scourge in battle regardless. This time, there would be no human army to rescue them. The high elven army, lead by the Ranger General Sylvanas Windrunner, made counter attacks every time the scourge advanced. Despite their tactics and magic the elves were pushed back from the outer, to inner elf gates. Finally Arthas and his army, as well as new banshees, including Sylvanas, advanced on Silvermoon and crushed the defenders.

The Sunwell was used to resurrect Kel'Thuzad, and fouled with evil in the process. The Scourge then set about to commit genocide on a massive scale. Only about ten percent of the entire race survived. Some of them were lucky enough to be away from their home at the time (many were housed at Dalaran and others had already fled with Jaina), but the majority of them survived only by defending themselves or hiding.

Soon, Dalaran, with the second greatest concentration of high elves, was destroyed as well. Although this defeat was swift and no genocide would occur here, outside the original battle. Many elves died afterward from bandits that came to sift through the wreckage.


Epic elven ranger.

The remaining elves throughout the continent were scattered, and clung to the Alliance for protection, until Kael'Thas began to organize them by reclaiming every last elf on the Eastern Continents. Some had already left with Jaina Proudmoore to form the city-state of Theramore in Kalimdor before the destruction of Quel'Thalas. These elves had mostly severed ties with Quel'Thalas prior to its fall, and keep the name of high elf to this day. They take two out of the seven seats on the ruling council that advises Lady Jaina and play a key role in the governing of the city-state. Occasionally, ships have come from Lordaeron bringing more of their people to the diverse city, although some have begun to migrate back to Quel'Thalas since the Alliance is incapable of healing their addiction and ending their agony. All high ranking high elves in the Alliance have ready access to arcane currents to feed upon, which keeps them from feeling the same level of agony as their brethren. For example, a large Moon Well, a fount of mystical energies, sits in the park of Stormwind open for all to observe and bathe. The elven body automatically absorbs energy from the area around it, and such a high saturation that rivals the Well of Eternity's waters supplies their demand nicely. [citation needed]

Also, a small unit of high elven rangers under the command of Ranger Captain Fellari Swiftarrow, and the zealous Scarlet Crusade, together battled against the undead. A large statue in honor of the capable elven leader has been erected in the Scarlet Monastery.

Some high elves live in the Hinterlands, and some high elves took refuge in Zul'Aman. Several bands of high elves, survivors from Quel'Thalas, fled south and now wander throughout the forest. Those who stay one step ahead of the trolls survive; those who do not are dead (and probably eaten by the cannibalistic trolls). Scourge patrols, hunting the elven refugees, also stalk through the land.[8]

The high elves of Quel'Thalas renamed themselves the blood elves and have since rebuilt the city per the instructions of Prince Kael'thas.

Due to the unreasonable orders of the Alliance leader Garithos, Kael's people were left without sufficient troop strength and were forced to ally themselves with the Naga to survive. Garithos, who had expressed his bias against Kael previously, found out about the Naga incident and took this opportunity to sentence Kael's people to death for this "treason", and the elves were locked in the prison under Dalaran awaiting execution. Prince Kael'thas and Lady Vashj, Handmaid of the Naga Queen, rescued Kael's people, and together they fled to Outland. They soon joined Illidan in Outland, and he in turn taught them how to sate their hunger for magic by feeding on alternative sources (he has suffered this addiction as an immortal for 10,000 years, cut off from the Well of Eternity). The blood elves began to hunt and use Demons in order to steal their powers, although they do not worship them — they merely use them as tools. The blood elves have situated themselves in Outland and Quel'Thalas, and account for the vast majority of the high elves' previous population. Those few elves of the Alliance who have remained as high elves have become enemies to their once brothers-in-arms. The Alliance high elves are known as the Silvermoon Remnant. The blood elves who did not travel with Kael'thas to Outland have allied themselves with the Horde through their connections to the Banshee Queen Sylvanas Windrunner, leader of the Forsaken and one time Ranger General of Quel'Thalas. Although the blood elves harbor very little trust for the Horde, they also have come to hate much of the Alliance — humans (and to a lesser extent dwarves) in particular. Their relationship with their ancestor race the night elves is not flourishing, but they are not dire enemies either, as distance between their locations has meant less contact between each other and fewer situations to arise that would cause fighting.

Some of the blood elves led to Outland by Kael'thas, including Kael himself, eventually broke away from those left in Silvermoon. The Silvermoon elves, who considered themselves a part of the Horde, began to oppose Kael'thas as disturbing new facts came to light. Illidan had gone mad, and Kael'thas had abandoned him and sworn allegiance to the demons of the Burning Legion. In addition to the separation this caused between Kael'thas's group and the Horde, a large army of elves who had followed Kael'thas to Outland defected and joined the Sha'tar. This faction, the Scryers, is not aligned with the Horde nor the Alliance.

Current status

High elves are currently found primarily scattered throughout human societies, thereby being forced to rely on the hospitality of the younger race. This dependency has resulted in some high elves vigorously trying to find a new homeland, with possibly a new source of magic. The status of their blood elven counterpart has resulted in them being shunned by most of the Alliance, particularly the night elves.

Human cities hold the highest population density of high elves. Dalaran currently has the highest concentration. On the continent of Northrend, a faction of high elves are led by Vereesa Windrunner against the blood elves under the name of The Silver Covenant. Despite the open hostility, many others have decided to stay with the Kirin Tor as neutral.

The high elves even maintain a presence in Lordaeron. Ranger Lord Hawkspear and Aurora Skycaller maintain a vigil over the Eastern Plaguelands, sheltering their people within the intact elven lodge there. Deep within the Hinterlands, the high elves of the Quel'Danil Lodge have their sights set on forming diplomatic alliances with other members of the Alliance.

Remnants of the Alliance Expedition's high elven ranger cadre are currently stationed at the sizable Allerian Stronghold in Outland.

After the defeat of Kil'Jaeden the blood elves took the Sunwell back with the help of the Shattered Sun Offensive, and the high elves were allowed to share the Sunwell. Captain Auric Sunchaser from the Alliance Expedition rangers represents the high elves at the well itself. The blood elves and high elves are still openly hostile to each other.

Recolored high elf magi by bannanahamma-d31py28
High Elven Mage


High elves
Two high elves: Joy Ar'nareth and Rayan Dawnrisen

The high elves are a people without a home, now dwelling in the lands of humans after the forces of Prince Arthas and the lich Kel'Thuzad destroyed the city of Silvermoon. Now, most of the remaining true high elves dwell among humans, living in small communities and villages. Daros Moonlance can be found in Darnassus and he is so far the only High Elf inside. Many of the high elves journeyed with Prince Kael'thas, the last leader of the Sunstrider dynasty, to join with Illidan and the naga. These elves eschewed their high elven ancestry in search for some way to placate their magical addiction and became the blood elves, and now use alternative magical sources to safeguard their lives. The destruction of the Sunwell has forced the high elves into decline, causing them to doubt the future of their once-proud race and drawing animosity toward them from other races who feel that the high elves have betrayed the Alliance. Most of the high elves have placed themselves under a self-imposed exile, ashamed of the damage that they have wrought upon the world of Lordaeron with their abuse of arcane magic. While humans still accept the high elves because of the aid that both races provided each other during the most recent attacks of the Burning Legion, reinforcing the same bond that they had in both the Troll Wars and the Second War, many of the other races will only deal with the high elves if absolutely necessary. This is especially true after the acts of Kael'thas Sunstrider. The night elves in particular do not care for the company of high elves (as they have personal memories of the war that spawned them) and in some cases can be openly hostile toward their sun-blessed brethren. The passing of time may heal these wounds, but the use of arcane magic will always draw a rift between these two breeds of elf.[9]

The Lands of Conflict RPG book (which takes place before World of Warcraft[10]), states that the high elven population is approximately 24,810 and the half-elven population is approximately 9,550, not including Theramore, Dalaran, and several less significant cities. Stormwind (pop. 200,000)[11][12] alone has the most, with a total of 20,000 high elves, and 8,000 half elves.

When Kael'Thas founded the blood elves, approximately 90%[2] of the surviving high elven population left and joined his cause.

High elves are one of the playable races in the Warcraft RPG, but not in the World of Warcraft MMO.


High elves in old age
OldVyrin Swiftwind
An in game high elf before The Burning Crusade was released.

High elves stand slightly taller than humans do. A high elf is usually a little over 6 feet in height and weighs between 100 to 175 pounds, depending on gender. The elves are slim, with sharp symmetrical features, often an exaggeration of perfect beauty. The high elves are uniformly fair in complexion, with white to flaxen colored hair. Their eyes are incredibly intense in color, seeming to glow with an inner light. While many high elves have blue or green eyes (ex. Alleria),[13] violet and red are not unheard of.[3] The structure of high elven eyes (based on artwork) shows that they are generally like humans with a pupil and iris surrounded by "white", but tend to be able to see much farther than humans are capable. The life span of high elves is several hundred years. They reach adulthood at 110 years, a "venerable" age at roughly 350 years, and most dying of old age at approximately 263 years. A few may reach "venerable" age at roughly 350 years with maximum lifespan between 354 and 390 years,[14] and even fewer may live as long as two thousand years.[15][16] Most high elves (especially those of the Alliance) do not wear red or black for fear of being mistaken as blood elves.[17] They have shorter ears and much smaller, lighter bodies than night elves. In addition, their ears usually point upwards whereas those of the night elves do not.

High elves have white, red, orange brown, black, and blonde colored hair and fair skin, most have brilliantly intense sapphire coloured eyes that glow (at least in World of Warcraft). In World of Warcraft high elves have blue, sapphire glowing eyes (but have more variation according to lore, including green eyes[3][13]). The blood elves have only green, emerald glowing eyes to show their magic addiction and their newly acquired addiction to fel magic.

Blood elves and high elves are for the most part the same race in terms of underlying physical biology.[16] However, blood elves have glowing green eyes and their hair and skin are much paler or otherwise unnaturally coloured,[18] due to the absorption of fel energies during the period the Sunwell was lost. For the most part however, they are considered separate due to cultural differences more so than because of physical ones.[19]


In World of Warcraft, the high elves closely resemble blood elves appearance-wise (they in fact share the same model, although High Elves have blue eyes as opposed to the green eyes of Blood Elves), but their voices are more mild-mannered like those of night elves (in the game, they use the same voices as Night Elves, although unsuitable lines, such as "Elune'adore", "Ishnu'alah" or "Goddess watch over you", are not used). Taela Everstride at Allerian Stronghold even says, somewhat bemusedly, "No, don't feel bad. I get that a lot... I'm a high elf, not a blood elf. Don't worry, I won't suck the magic out of you." However, other than greeting voices, high elves and blood elves do appear to share similar voice emotes in-game, particularly during combat. Before World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, in game high elves used modified night elf models.


Highelf buildings
High elven buildings often use a blue or green color scheme, possibly to differentiate them from the red-hued architecture of Quel'Thalas:- both the buildings destroyed in the Third War by Arthas and the identical new blood elf constructions.




High elves were once strong worshipers of the Holy Light, but this has died down as many have rejected it in favour of arcane magic. Although after the invasion of the Scourge and the break off from the blood elves, many have looked to The Light, they do so loosely and are much less devout than humanity. High elven Priests are common. The high elves have made significant contributions to this evolving religion, which originated from human cults. Even a few high elves have become paladins, without the help of magic like the blood elves.[20]

High elves have also developed advanced Destroyer ships, and used them in the Second War.



Ironically during the second war, Milan mentions his devotion to a pantheon of gods and not a creator God. The Alliance that time was monotheistic believing in one God with Ancients,Old Gods or Titans not mention. It is unknown weather this belief was constraint to Milan himself or weather the polytheism was predominantly shared among people of his race. The pantheon may have included Night Elf deities too, though Night Elves weren't mentioned until Warcraft Three.


High elves are proficient in archery, divine and arcane magic, as well as swordsmanship. They use guard towers for defense, and their armies take advantage of their natural strengths and typically serve supporting roles when working with other races. The high elves had a special affinity with dragonhawks before the Scourge attacked Quel'Thalas. The dragonhawks would often serve as flying mounts for the elves, but since the high elves abandoned their homeland, they have had to live without these creatures, who remain in the hands of the blood elves.

Magical addiction

In World of Warcraft, high elves have glowing blue eyes. Elves seen with green eyes are usually blood elves, who feed upon fel magic.






  • Male Names: Mariel, Athaniar, Anandor, Tharama, Viridiel, Malanior.[21]
  • Female Names: Anarial, Freja, Driana, Coria, Alanassori, Melanion, Azshara.[21]
  • Family Names: Boughstrider, Dawnblade, Lightbringer, Morningray, Suntreader.[21]

Notable high elves

Main article: High elf NPCs
Name Role Condition Location Allegiance
IconSmall SylvanasHE Lady Sylvanas Windrunner Former Ranger-General of the elves. Was assassinated and brought back by Arthas to serve the Lich King. Later regained her freedom and is now the leader of the Forsaken. Undead Undercity Forsaken (Formerly high elves, Scourge)
IconSmall Dath'Remar Dath'Remar Sunstrider A former Highborne night elf, this man led his exiled people to what would later become the Eastern Kingdoms, and founded the kingdom of Quel'Thalas. Deceased Unknown High elves
IconSmall Alleria Alleria Windrunner The eldest of the Windrunner sisters, she was one of the famed heroes during the Second War. Unknown Unknown Alliance of Lordaeron
IconSmall High Elf Female Grand Magus Telestra High elf that allied with Malygos to sustain her magical powers. Killable Coldarra The blue dragonflight
IconSmall Vereesa Vereesa Windrunner Former ranger of Quel'Thalas and the youngest of the Windrunner sisters. She is married to Rhonin and leads the The Silver Covenant. Alive Northrend Alliance of Lordaeron, The Silver Covenant
IconSmall High Elf Male Anasterian Sunstrider King of Quel'Thalas during the Second War and Third War, he was killed during Arthas's attack on the Sunwell. Deceased Unknown Alliance / Silvermoon
IconSmall High Elf Male Captain Darill One of the many elves to cross the sea to Kalimdor, Darill is a captain of the Theramore soldiers stationed at North Point Tower. Alive North Point Tower Theramore / Alliance
IconSmall HighElf Male Relfthra A long standing member of the Order of Tirisfal. Unknown Unknown Order of Tirisfal
IconSmall High Elf Male Thalressar Co-founder of Allerian Stronghold, lieutenant of Alleria and the Sons of Lothar. Unknown Unknown Alliance Expedition, Sons of Lothar
IconSmall High Elf Female Fiora Longears An ambitious elf that traveled from Theramore to Auberdine, she discreetly sends adventurers to aid the night elves in Ashenvale. Alive Darkshore Alliance
IconSmall High Elf Female Instructor Malicia A mini boss in Scholomance and Twilight Cult leader at Malicia's Outpost, she is evidence that the Lich King can obtain followers even among the high elves. Killable Western Plaguelands The Scourge
IconSmall High Elf Male Captain Auric Sunchaser Originally part of the Alliance Expedition, he leads the high elves in the Allerian Stronghold while Alleria is away. Alive Allerian Stronghold Alliance
IconSmall High Elf Male Ravandwyr An apprentice of Archmage Vargoth, he is one of the last Dalaran high elves in Outland. Alive Netherstorm Dalaran
IconSmall High Elf Male Milan of the Elven House of Scribes A scribe who recorded the events of the Second War — from the Alliance point of view — in the "Annals of the Great Alliance". Unknown Unknown Alliance of Lordaeron

High elven relations


  1. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 113
  2. ^ a b c d
  3. ^ a b c World of Warcraft The Roleplaying Game, pg. 36
  4. ^ a b
  5. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 67
  6. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 99
  7. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 129
  8. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 98-99, 115
  9. ^ World of Warcraft The Roleplaying Game, pg. 36-37
  10. ^ World of Warcraft The Roleplaying Game, pg. 9
  11. ^ World of Warcraft The Roleplaying Game, pg. 13
  12. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 52
  13. ^ a b Tides of Darkness, pg. 117
  14. ^ World of Warcraft The Roleplaying Game, pg. 36, 174
  15. ^ Warcraft The Roleplaying Game, pg. 42
  16. ^ a b
  17. ^ Alliance & Horde Compendium, pg. 68.
  18. ^ Monster Guide p.64
  19. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 12,123-131
  20. ^ World of Warcraft The Roleplaying Game, pg. 77
  21. ^ a b c d e World of Warcraft The Roleplaying Game, pg. 37

See also

External links

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