Disorder

This article is about the lore of the Disorder. For the magic school, see Chaos.

“When my new Pantheon rises, no power in the universe will stand against the Legion!”

— Sargeras

Disorder as depicted in Chronicle Volume 1.

Disorder (also called Chaos) is one of the six cosmic forces that govern the cosmic systems of the Great Dark Beyond. Acting as a counterbalance to Order, it is most commonly perceived in the physical realm as fel magic, a type of demonic, entropic, chaotic, and extremely volatile energy. This brutal and extremely addictive energy is fueled by drawing life from living beings. The demons are the main manifestation of Disorder in the physical universe, and the majority of them are part of the Burning Legion, a vast demonic army created by the fallen titan Sargeras to scour all creation, decimating everything in its path with devastating fel magic. No one knows exactly how many worlds and mortal civilizations the demons have annihilated in their unholy Burning Crusade.

Origins and characteristics

A planet ravaged by the Legion in the mortal realm.

The cosmic force of Disorder was conceived by the First Ones, as well as the other forces five other governing forces of reality. The Eternal Ones, the rulers of the Shadowlands, believe that the universe originated from six First Ones: Light, Shadow, Order, Disorder, Life, and Death. They existed in constant conflict until their battle with each other gave way to balance. A pattern was created, and each First One gave something of itself to the design, which birthed "children of their kind" who existed in both harmony and discord. The broker Firim reached a similar conclusion based on his interpretations of the First Ones' writings: that the cosmos began with six forces (or possibly a different number) existing in opposition to each other until they came together (or were brought together) and gave form to a design. Each "architect" gave a portion of themselves, and thus "the pattern was drawn". With a framework in place, all things in the universe came to be, like a fungus growing upon the frame. The six forces were now in balance, and others arose from their intersections—a simple structure growing infinitely more complex. Firim also believes that the reason the forces are locked in constant and jealous conflict is that the First Ones gave each of their "children" only a portion of their gifts, making the forces' very nature one of limitation and denial.

Fel magic

Main article: Fel

Fel magic (also called "chaos magic") is a destructive form of magic used by the demons of the Burning Legion, and often by warlocks and demon hunters among the mortal races. It is the manifestation of Disorder in the Great Dark Beyond and the Twisting Nether. Demonic, entropic, chaotic, and extremely volatile, fel magic is fueled by drawing life from living beings and consuming their souls, utterly destroying them in the process. When a soul is devoured by fel energies, it produces more fel and is utterly destroyed in the process. As fel is the language of chaos, it is the opposite end of the spectrum from arcane which represents Order. All demon blood contains tremendous fel power.

Its use frequently results in an alteration of the individual, colloquially called fel corruption, which can manifest through physical transformation normally ensues, such as a change to an individual's eyes or skin color, or heavy genetic mutations such as the growth of demonic traits like spikes, scales, and horns. Either way, corruption gives the individual increased strength, more magical potential, and can lead to transformation into a demon.

Prominent figures

The Dark Titan Sargeras leading the demonic armies of the Burning Legion in battle.

• Sargeras - Lord of the Burning Legion
• Mannoroth - Demon King of the Pit Lords
• Kil'jaeden - The Deceiver
• Archimonde - The Defiler

Twisting Nether

The Twisting Nether is an ethereal dimension of chaotic magics that connects the myriad worlds of the Great Dark Beyond. As the Light and Void collided and bled together, the most unstable energies coalesced into this astral realm, throwing it into turmoil. These energies would eventually give birth to an infinite number of demonic beings, most of whom sought only to destroy life and devour the energies of the livings. As such they return to that plane upon death, and can only be truly killed here or in places where its chaotic energies leak. Although the Twisting Nether existed outside the borders of the physical universe, its volatile energies would occasionally tear through the veil of the physical universe, flooding into reality and warping creation.

Races of Disorder

Demons

Demons are sadistic, violent beings and the main manifestation of Disorder in the physical universe. They crave magic and life, but also inflict suffering, spread corruption, and destroy all that is good and mortal. Their hunger can never be sated for long, and their innate cruelty makes a moot point of whatever temporary satisfaction they can know. As a result, destruction tends to follow these demons, whether or not they are part of the Burning Legion. Most were once mortal beings, who have been turned into demons by being infused with large quantities of fel magic. However, not all demons are evil either, many are neutral such as the observers, who serve anyone who would allow them to observe the mysteries of the universe and feed upon all sorts of magic.

Entropic elementals

Entropic elementals are manifestations of chaotic energies and are made of pure fel magic that lashes out at all life. Their entropic essences are as poisonous as they are powerful.

Gallery

• 

  Disorder as depicted in Grimoire of the Shadowlands and Beyond.

See also

• Magic
• First Ones