| Satyr | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Faction/Affiliation | Burning Legion, Old Gods' forces, Illidari,[1][2] Independent |
| Character classes |
Felsworn, Rogue, Necromancer, Warlock, Barbarian, Warrior, Hunter,[3][4] Hellcaller, Pyromancer, Shadowdancer, Trickster,  [Soulstealer], Scout, Druid[5][6][7] |
| Racial leader(s) |
 Xavius Sargeras Illidan Stormrage |
| Homeworld | Azeroth, Xoroth[8] |
| Language(s) | Darnassian, Common |
| Organization(s) | Sects |
“Perhaps they were our people once. Not now. Never again.”
Satyrs (sometimes pluralized as satyr)[10] are bestial demons usually sworn to the Burning Legion, created when mortal beings are afflicted by the ancient curse of the satyr, which originated with Xavius. The Highborne sorcerer was utterly destroyed and remade into a demonic form as a punishment for his failures by Sargeras during the War of the Ancients. Xavius spread his curse to other night elves, which eventually reached other races as well. Satyrs mostly live in various sects throughout Kalimdor and mostly harry their hated night elf cousins and obey the will of the Legion.[11] Others have sworn fealty to the Old Gods and spread the Nightmare.
History
War of the Ancients
The history of the satyrs started with Xavius and the first Burning Legion invasion of the world of Azeroth. Xavius was the leader of the Highborne and loyal to Queen Azshara and the Burning Legion, tasked with opening and securing a portal connecting the Twisting Nether and Azeroth, a portal that Malfurion later managed to seal. Sargeras, creator of the Burning Legion, was enraged by Xavius' failure and tortured his disembodied spirit before deciding that Xavius might, after all, still prove useful. To that end, Sargeras created a new body for Xavius, who became the first satyr in existence. From the waist up, Xavius resembled his former night elf form, but his fingers now sported a set of sharp claws, and his head bore two horns. His goat-like lower body, however, had hooves and a long leonine tail.
Pleased with his creation, Sargeras sent Xavius back to Azeroth to further the Legion's ends. Xavius spread the demonic curse to other creatures--at first primarily other power-hungry Highborne who lived in Zin-Azshari. Despite the fact that Malfurion ultimately destroyed Xavius again, satyrs worship Xavius to this day in the hope that he will one day return and lead them.
The satyrs are not the only ones who invoke Xavius' name. Scattered individuals venerate Xavius because they hope to become satyrs themselves. Fortunately such practices are not widespread.
After the War of the Ancients, many surviving satyrs were rounded up. Thaon Moonclaw argued to execute them all but was overruled, and they were placed in an eternal sleep deep beneath the roots of Shaladrassil.[12]
War of the Satyr
- Main article: War of the Satyr
After the Legion's defeat, remaining demons and satyrs later rallied against the night elves in the War of the Satyr. The demons proved a powerful opponent to the night elves, but proved especially vulnerable to the uncontrollable Pack Form. The satyrs were ultimately defeated by the newly formed worgen of the Druids of the Scythe.[13] The war completely decimated any semblance of central leadership for the satyrs, forcing them to live in small sects to this day.[14]
Third War
Thousands of years later, during the Third War, the Satyrs play a small, but still important role in the Legion's invasion. They first appear during the Orc campaign of Reign of Chaos, after Mannoroth spills his blood into a Fountain and corrupts the surrounding area. The Satyrs (attracted by the Fountain's corrupted powers or even former Night Elves changed into Satyrs by the Fountain's corruption) try to defend the Fountain from the Orcs that try to consume its energies in order to defeat Cenarius. As a result of this confrontation, this small group of Satyrs are slaughtered by the Orcs.
Later, the Satyrs appear during the Night Elf campaign of Reign of Chaos, now as demons under the command of the Burning Legion (under the Dread Lord Tichondrius). They try to stop the Night Elves, led by Tyrande and Malfurion, from awakening the Druids of the Talon, but they are killed by the Night Elven raid. Later the Satyrs face and try to stop Illidan Stormrage, who wants to not only cleanse the land known as Felwood, but also to consume the Skull of Gul'dan, the source of fel energy that was corrupting the land. They failed to defend the Skull, and were murdered by Illidan's army. Ironicaly, the Satyrs will reappear during The Frozen Throne events under Illidan's command.
The Frozen Throne
A small group of satyrs joined Illidan's ranks alongside the naga. This group, located in Azshara, tries to stop the group led by Maiev Shadowsong from reaching their master, near the night elf docks. They also manage to capture and torture a few night elves. Luckily for the night elves, Maiev manages to free them all and kill all satyrs who tried to stop her group.
During The Frozen Throne events, this group of satyrs was still made of members of the Burning Legion, since Illidan was an agent of the Legion.
It seems that not all satyrs led by Illidan were slain. During the war in Outland, Illidan has some satyrs under his command, who probably joined his ranks during the aftermath of the Third War based on the fact that that was the only moment when Illidan (now as a demon lord) was seen in Kalimdor (the only place where you could find satyrs by that time).
World of Warcraft
Five years after the Legion's defeat, a great number of Satyrs could be found living in the lands of Kalimdor. They lived in small groups, each group with its own leader, and each group with its own goals. The ultimate goal of all the groups was still the same as the first satyrs to ever wander Azeroth: corrupt the land and its creatures. Some groups still remain in contact with the Burning Legion, while others act independently, but one thing is certain; they are not fully independent beings at all. When the Legion calls, they will answer.
Some satyrs work by themselves, spreading the corruption amongst groups of Furbolgs and Moonwells and even giving missions to anyone who accepts them. All the groups of satyrs of Kalimdor suffered great losses by members of both Alliance and Horde, and most of their leaders were killed, but it's likely that most of these groups still exist.
The Burning Crusade
Some satyrs served Illidan, their new master. They were the first occurrence of satyrs cutting their ties with the Burning Legion and serving a new master. They were very few and located in Shadowmoon Valley. This group shared territories (old draenei ruins) with other servants of Illidan, such as succubi and dread Lords, while others lived in the Black Temple and helped with its defense against the Shattrath offensive against the Temple.
Wrath of the Lich King
A small group of Satyr, known as the Unbound, lives in the Crystalsong Forest. They were turned into "crystal satyrs" as the dragons of the Blue dragonflightElaunched a devastating attack on the High Elves that had stolen their artifacts, turning the entire forest and its inhabitants into crystal. Evidence showed that they were trying to corrupt Treants and Ancients wandering there.
Cataclysm
With the threat of the Twilight's Hammer some night elves called on the help of their imprisoned satyr brethren, though very distrustful. A quest chain of this nature can be completed in Mount Hyjal with Tyrus Blackhorn, and there was one who sought redemption from their wretched demonic form: Avrus Illwhisper, who was eventually saved by Elune and turned into Avrus the Redeemed. Archdruid Navarax, leader of the Emerald Circle in Felwood, was a disguised satyr.
Some satyrs from Xoroth also tried to invade Mazthoril alongside other Burning Legion forces.
Legion
With their master Xavius returned once again, satyrs broke out of their imprisonment under Shaladrassil. They had overrun both Val'sharah and the Emerald Dream as they spread the corruption of the Emerald Nightmare for Xavius, helping the Burning Legion along the way.
Description
A Bleakheart Hellcaller in the TCG.
Masters of demonic magic,[15] all satyrs have been transformed into their current shapes by inheriting the demonic curse that originated from Xavius. These immortal demons delight most in inflicting emotional and physical pain upon their enemies. These bestial demons have increased physical strength and an incredible talent for manipulation.
Like Xavius, all satyrs have the ability to pass their curse on, and they have gleefully done so. The curse has therefore continued to spread, although it has weakened over time, and so very few satyrs are still being created. New satyrs can only be created by preexisting satyrs.
Over time the satyrs discovered that they could pass their curse on to races other than the night elves. Although most satyrs today are former night elves, satyrs have therefore also been created out of other races. According to scattered reports, there are both male and female satyrs; however, researchers have failed thus far to secure irrefutable evidence of female satyrs on Azeroth.[16] The Fallen Priestess, formerly the night elven Priestess Driana is a female satyr.
Satyrs corrupt lands and drain its magic. They feed off its purity, leeching and corrupting. The magic is stored in their hooves; the satyrs that have drawn the most magic are distinguished by their swollen, uncloven hooves.[17]
They were described as Sargeras's blessed servants.[18]
Locations
- Crystalsong Forest
- The Unbound Thicket (and surrounding areas)
Notable satyrs
Satyr sects
A satyr banner in Nazzivian.
Satyrs are organized into small sects.[14]
- Axxarien — Satyr outpost in northern Bloodmyst Isle. Led by Zevrax.
- Bleakheart — Based out of Satyrnaar in Ashenvale. Allies of the Cult of the Dark Strand.
- Deth'ryll — Formerly found in Bashal'Aran in Darkshore.
- Fallenroot — Formerly found in Blackfathom Deeps. Allies of the Twilight's Hammer.
- Felmusk — Based out of Night Run in Ashenvale. Allies of the Cult of the Dark Strand.
- Haldarr — Formerly found at the Haldarr Encampment in Azshara.
- Hatefury — Found at Sargeron in Desolace. Allies of the Burning Blade clan.
- Jadefire — Found in several areas in Felwood. Led by Xavathras and formerly Xavaric.
- Legashi — Found at the Legash Encampment in Azshara.
- Nazzivus — Found at Nazzivian on Bloodmyst Isle.
- Nethervine — Found in the Botanica of Tempest Keep in Netherstorm. Part of Kael'thas' forces.
- Sargeron — Found in the Arcatraz of Tempest Keep. Part of Kael'thas' forces. Their relation to the Hatefury is unknown.
- Shadowhoof — Found in Shadowmoon Valley. Part of Illidan's forces.
- Wildspawn – Found in Dire Maul. Led by Alzzin the Wildshaper.
- Xavian — Found in the ruin of the same name in Ashenvale.
Other satyrs
- Crystal satyrs, apparently part of a group known as the Unbound, are strange beings found in Crystalsong Forest, seemingly warped by the immense arcane energies in the forest. Very little is known about them.
- Shadow satyrs are mysterious, incorporeal creatures who serve Xavius in the Emerald Nightmare and on Azeroth.
Satyrs in Warcraft III
The Satyrs of Warcraft III, most of the times, appear as members of a faction called Corrupted Ancients, a faction made of satyrs, skeletons and corrupted treants.
Original satyrs
A satyr from Warcraft III.
- Units
- Satyr
- Satyr Trickster
- Satyr Shadowdancer (can also be hired at Mercenary Camps)
- Satyr Soulstealer
- Satyr Hellcaller
- Buildings
- Corrupted Tree of Life
- Corrupted Tree of Ages
- Corrupted Tree of Eternity
- Corrupted Ancient of War
- Corrupted Ancient Protector
- Corrupted Moon Well
Custom satyrs
- Hero
- Satyr Incinerator (Monolith custom scenario)
- Unit
- Satyr Gimp (Monolith scenario)
- Satyr Pyromancer (Orc campaign of Reign of Chaos)
- Buildings
- Satyr Portal (Monolith scenario))
- Monolith (Monolith scenario)
In the RPG
Introduction
A satyr on the cover of Lands of Mystery.
Unlike most Highborne who aided the Legion simply to gain access to more magic, those who would become satyr embraced demonic power for its own sake and swore their allegiance to Xavius, the first satyr. Xavius had been corrupted by Sargeras himself and had the power to turn other willing night elves into satyr.
These former elves were taken by the demons and twisted into shapes that more accurately reflected their nature. In place of their former sinewy elven bodies, they now possessed massive hairy forms, standing upwards of 9 feet tall. Their hands became claws, their feet replaced by cloven hooves and horns sprouted from their head. Even after the destruction of the Well of Eternity, the satyr continued to serve the Legion, working to corrupt the land and pave the way for a second invasion. During the Third War, the satyr fought with the Legion and the Scourge against the Horde and the Alliance. Satyr are often found guarding corrupted moonwells. The satyrs tend these moon wells corrupted with demonic energy. It is said that these pools are the source of new satyrs, transforming night elves into the twisted minions of the Legion. No one knows if corrupted moon wells work similar transformations in other species.[19] Though high elf satyrs are rare, they do exist. Non-elves may not differentiate between high elf and night elf satyrs, but elves and satyrs claim the differences as clear as night and day.[19] In the years since the War of the Ancients, other races have also joined the ranks of the satyrs, including; goblins, orcs, half-elves, high elves, blood elves, and Low Common speaking races.[20][21] It may be possible for members of nearly every race to become satyrs.[22] A critical hit from the Dirk of the Beast can transform others into satyr, regardless of race.[23] The black magic invoked in the transformations is known as the shadow curse.[24]
The satyr still work to spread corruption and death, and are especially prevalent in Felwood, though they inhabit most of regions of Northern Kalimdor around Mount Hyjal. Most satyr are capable of using warlock magic and are described as masters of demonic magic and so incredibly dangerous. But the satyr seem to still have connections to druidism. This can be seen at the corruption of plants they often create, and the fact that Lord Melenas can turn into a black cat and Alzzin the Wildshaper turns into a treant. They are the most hated enemy of the night elves, but are hostile to just about every other natural race in Azeroth as well. Satyrs are immortal.[25]
Culture
From the Monster Guide.
From Dark Factions.
Satyrs possess little culture. Their society is loosely hierarchical, and they are organized into groups. Each group is called a "sect". A sect of satyrs lives in the same geographical region and has a specific mission. Satyrs of different sects get along only some of the time. They live in ruins scattered throughout northern Kalimdor and Desolace; satyrs prefer places of corruption to make their homes, such as Felwood and certain areas of Darkshore. Their sects are small, usually no more than a hundred individuals. Satyrs are cruel and sadistic creatures. They enjoy tormenting other creatures, particularly intelligent ones. Satyrs patrol their territory, hoping they can find travelers they can eviscerate in the most bloody manner possible. They operate at a faster level than their former selves — while before they may have been stately and calm, they now burn with feverish energy. Their movements are swift and jagged, like predators sensing prey.[26][27]
Organization
Satyrs are organized only loosely, into a variety of sects. When the alarm sounds, all members of a sect throw themselves into battle. Like all demons, when the Legion calls, they scramble to obey.
Few creatures clash with satyrs on their own territory, however. Satyr camps are well hidden and often located in areas already dangerous, like Felwood. They are also well protected; only army divisions or powerful adventurers could hope to rampage through a satyr community. Thus, most encounters with satyr forces occur elsewhere — often on the roads and paths through the forests.
Satyrs have no sense of honor, especially concerning warfare. They do whatever is necessary to destroy their opponents, preferably causing a good deal of pain — both physical and psychological — at the same time. They prefer ambushes and scare tactics, perhaps stalking a group for several days, leaving subtle clues to their presence to make their prey more and more paranoid and fearful; then they strike. They enjoy incapacitating their enemies with nets and dark magic so they can carve them up at their leisure; they also enjoy the fear and panic they cause when they weaken and capture and bleed instead of outright kill.[28]
Few satyrs become warriors or barbarians, so they do not possess the tough, front line soldiers that other forces do. In their strongholds, they must rely on corrupted ancient protectors to serve in this capacity; but when they strike out at others, they are weak in this area. Many satyrs become rogues, and this disparity is one reason they prefer ambushes and guerilla tactics — hopefully, satyr rogues can incapacitate enemy warriors soon after combat is joined, thereby leaving them free to strike at vulnerable spellcasters and war machine crews.
Satyr rogues who distinguish themselves — or show a certain penchant for painful traps and ambushes — are called satyr tricksters. Satyr ranged support usually comes from magic. A few satyrs become necromancers or warlocks; some become dark spellcasters called soulstealers or hellcallers. Satyr rogues are fairly common. Some rogues take some training as warlocks in order to add some curses to their repertoire; these individuals are called shadowdancers. Warlocks, necromancers, hellcallers, and rogues work well together; the rogues dart in to disembowel their enemies while the spellcasters summon reinforcements, enhance their allies, hamper their enemies, and call up blasts of entropic flame.[29]
Encampments
Most of the Satyr's camps, if not all of them, have no large buildings—most of them are made of small tents and a few firepits. Some encampments are built in the ruins of former Highborne settlements.
In some camps there can be found corrupted Moon Wells, sacrificial altars and wooden walls to defend themselves from outsiders. One structure that can be spotted in many Satyr camps is a strange red monument, a defiled night elf shrine of some kind. While its use is unknown, it looks like an important structure for the satyrs, since it's not uncommon to be seen.
Names
Satyr naming practices are similar to those of their original race, but focus on their unique and corrupt natures. Their surnames often develop from their evil deeds, while some go without surnames. A few satyrs don’t change their names after their transformations.[26]
- Male Names: Zalan, Delmanis, Makron, Zevrim.
- Female Names: Akhzor, Marigore, Nektis, Zydaxxis
- Tribe Names: Banebreath, Darkthought, Thornhoof, Vileclaw[26]
Languages
Satyrs speak Eredun, and whatever was the primary language of the satyr's former life. Darnassian, Low Common, Goblin, Orcish, and Thalassian are often secondary languages (unless one of these was the satyr's primary language in his former life then it remains one of their primary languages). Satyrs pick up the languages of their enemies and those creatures who they might find useful.[30]
Speculation
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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.
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Demons are said to be reborn in the Twisting Nether and return upon death.[31] Satyr are described as immortal demons[16] and are classified as such in the game, but none of the killed named satyr have returned yet. It could be thus speculated that satyrs are not true demons or that they are just an exception to the rebirth.
- Terestian Illhoof died twice in the tower of Karazhan so it is possible that he was reborn in the Nether but it is also worth a note that Karazhan is a cursed place and the spirits that lurk there seem to be bound there as stated by Dougan. If he was reborn in the Nether, it means that he returned to the exact place where he previously died.
Myth
In Greek mythology, Satyrs were woodland spirits who occasionally accompanied Dionysos on his exploits. Unlike the Warcraft satyr, who are devious and evil, these Satyrs were simply wild. The Satyrs could representations of the animal that lay barely chained within the male gender. Alternatively, they were a metaphor for no responsibility and freedom; either way, they were classified as Dionysian (chaotic), and Hesiod simply uses the term "Satyr" to mean "male follower of Dionysus" (the opposite number of the Maenads). They were typically portrayed in Greek and Roman art with erections. The Romans compared the Satyrs to the Faunus, a carefree and benevolent woodland sprite; for that reason, Satyrs are often portrayed with goatish features. In typical modern fantasy, a Faun is a human with the legs and horns of a goat (the Roman Satyr), while a Satyr has elements of goat anatomy all over.
Gallery
Satyr by Samwise.
Xavius, the first satyr.
A satyr in Val'sharah, as seen in the Legion announcement trailer.
Concept art of a female satyr in The Art of World of Warcraft: Legion.
References
- ^ Zandras: Quest:Proof of Allegiance
- ^ Ambassador Jerrikar
- ^ Garaxxas
- ^ TCG Crown of the Heavens/145
- ^ WoW TCG Card: Xavius
- ^ Lord Melenas
- ^ Alzzin the Wildshaper
- ^ Xorothian Satyr
- ^ TCG War of the Ancients, 184
- ^ Powering the Portal: Ashenvale
- ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual
- ^ Quest:Archdruid of the Vale, Thaon Moonclaw gossip text
- ^ Curse of the Worgen
- ^ a b Ask CDev #3
- ^ The Old Wizard's Almanac
- ^ a b The Warcraft Encyclopedia/Satyrs
- ^ Quest:Satyr Hooves
- ^ The Demon Soul pg. 126
- ^ a b Manual of Monsters, pg. 90
- ^ Monster Guide, pg. 117-118
- ^ Manual of Monsters, pg. 202
- ^ Shadows & Light, pg. 87
- ^ Shadows & Light, pg. 165
- ^ Dark Factions, pg. 121
- ^ Dark Factions, pg. 24
- ^ a b c Dark Factions, pg. 20
- ^ Dark Factions, pg. 122
- ^ Dark Factions, pg. 183
- ^ Dark Factions, pg. 184
- ^ Monster Guide, pg. 118
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1
See also
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