The Tale of the Druids of the Blaze with Nobbel87

The story of the Druids of the Flame takes us back to the Cataclysm period, but to understand it properly, we’ll have to go even further back and talk a little bit about the history of the Night Elves. Over 10,000 years ago, the Night Elves and their allies faced the threat of the Burning Legion and managed to save the day. To contain the powers that had drawn the Legion in, the Aspects decided to plant a World Tree called Nordrasill. Several enchantments were placed upon the tree to reinforce the Night Elves' connection to nature. This led to the creation of the "Cenarion circle", a group of druids led by Malfurion that would slumber and help heal and grow nature while Tyrande Whisperwind led her people.

Years later, during the War of the Shifting Sands, Fandral Staghelm, a prominent Night Elf, suffered a great loss when his son was executed by General Rajaxx. Fandral, struggling with grief and despair, made a fateful decision. Seeking to regain their immortality, Fandral proposed the idea of planting a new World Tree called Teldrassil. However, his request to have the tree blessed by the dragon Aspects was denied.

Under the influence of the Nightmare Lord Xavius, who manipulated him by impersonating his lost son, Fandral carried out his plan regardless. The result was Teldrassil, a flawed and unpredictable home for the Night Elves. The corruption within Fandral and the Emerald Nightmare slowly became apparent, and he was eventually exposed and locked away.

With the destruction of Nordrasill and the emergence of Deathwing, the corrupted Black Dragon Aspect, a new threat loomed over Azeroth. Deathwing sought to bring about the Hour of Twilight, aided by various forces like the Twilight's Hammer, Al'Akir, and Ragnaros. In response, heroes of Azeroth united to push back the darkness. They journeyed to Mount Hyjal and battled Ragnaros' forces.

The Druids of the Flame

During the conflict, the Twilight's Hammer forces targeted Fandral Staghelm, who had been imprisoned by the green dragon Alysra. Alysra betrayed her allies and handed Staghelm over to Ragnaros, resulting in his transformation into a major-domo of the Firelands. Fandral became the first Druid of the Flame, capable of transforming into fiery forms.

Among those who joined Fandral was Leyara, his daughter-in-law, who had lost her husband and found solace in his offer. In an attempt to speed up Nordrasill's recovery, a ritual was performed by the Cenarion Circle, the Earthen Ring, and the new Druids of the Flame. However, their actions were interrupted by the Twilight's Hammer, leading to a confrontation.

The battle against Ragnaros took the heroes to the Firelands, where Leyara played a key role. She attacked Hamuul Runetotem, severely injuring the Tauren druid. However, Hamuul eventually recovered and, along with other allies, confronted and defeated Leyara.

Rise and Fall of Ragnaros

The united forces of Azeroth pressed forward, defeating Alysrazor and other elemental forces. In their final assault on Ragnaros' lair, Majordomo Staghelm stood as a major obstacle. However, Malfurion, Hamuul, and Cenarius joined forces to neutralize his threat. With Ragnaros' defeat, his true demise occurred, though the element of fire would always find another bearer.

Since the events of Cataclysm, much has transpired for the Night Elves. They have suffered great losses, including the burning of Teldrassil by Sylvanas and the Horde. Tyrande has embraced her Night Warrior path, and the future remains uncertain for the Night Elves.

Time will tell what becomes of the Druids of the Flame and their connection to the elements. In the meantime, while we wait for further story development, feel free to check out our products for Dragonflight 10.2.