Watchers

This article is about the night elf organization. For the titan-forged beings, see titanic watcher. For other uses, see Watcher (disambiguation).

Watchers
Main leader	Maiev Shadowsong
Formerly	Sira Moonwarden (temporarily)
Secondary leaders	High Council  Saynna Stormrunner
Formerly	Anyndra †  Naisha †
Race(s)	Night elf  Keeper of the grove  Wildkin
Formerly	Draenei  Broken
Character classes	Warden, Priestess of the Moon, Huntress, Druid
Capital	Vault of the Wardens
Base of operations	Wardens' Redoubt, Watchers' Aerie, Warden Towers, Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Barrow Dens
Theater of operations	Kalimdor, Broken Isles, Dragon Isles, Outland
Sub-group(s)	Shadow Wardens
Affiliation	Darnassus, The Wardens, Armies of Legionfall
Status	Active

“I live to serve my people, my goddess; expecting neither personal gain or glory.”

— Drelanim Whisperwind

The Watchers are an order composed of the jailers and marshals of night elf society, guarding their barrow-prisons and hunting down dangerous criminals across Azeroth. Though their members came from a number of backgrounds, their original members were volunteers of the Sisterhood of Elune. A circular blade called an Umbra Crescent is the favored weapon of the Watchers, most famously wielded by their leader Maiev Shadowsong, along with typical glaives. They are chosen for their courage and their steadiness in the face of danger. The highest rank that can be bestowed on a Watcher is that of Warden.

History

After the Sundering

Illidan Stormrage's prison in the Barrow Deeps.

Shortly after the Great Sundering in 10,000 BDP, Malfurion Stormrage sentenced his brother Illidan to imprisonment for having created a second Well of Eternity. In inflicting this punishment, Malfurion hoped to prevent Illidan from continuing his reckless pursuit of arcane power. By this point in time, however, Illidan was already an extraordinarily powerful sorcerer, and Malfurion dared not leave his captive twin to be guarded by only one or two jailors. One of the senior Sisters of Elune, Maiev Shadowsong, had already shown her competence in guarding Illidan before he was brought to trial. The archdruid accordingly asked Maiev to gather additional volunteers from the Sisters of Elune, and called this new group the Watchers, for he charged them with ensuring that Illidan never escaped the barrow prison. As their leader, Maiev would answer to the head of night elf government, High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind. The keeper of the grove Califax personally guarded Illidan's cell in the Barrow Deeps.

The Watchers were created specifically and exclusively to be Illidan's jailors, but as further threats came up, Tyrande broadened the Watchers' role to include guarding other prisoners. Maiev took grim pleasure in these added responsibilities. Watchers became jailors and marshals: they policed the barrow prisons and hunted down dangerous criminals. Outside of the barrow prisons, members of the Watchers worked alone. These deadly women were not a militia, nor were they considered part of either the Sisterhood of Elune or the Sentinels. As the group's leader, Maiev was given the rank of warden, which she later awarded to a select few who had proven their exceptional fighting abilities, tracking skills, and tenacity.

Right after the War of the Ancients, the secret Vault of the Wardens facility was carved into the mountainside deep on the Isle of the Watchers in Azsuna, and sealed with magical wards both to keep intruders out, and to ensure that the terrors locked within could never escape. Over the following millennia, most of the most dangerous foes the Wardens have encountered were locked away within the Vault. Being posted there was once considered prestigious. Among their prisoners, Ash'Golm was one of Ragnaros' lieutenants who burned a violent scar across the forests of Kalimdor before the Wardens finally managed to bind him. Unable to fully destroy him, they locked him in a prison of ice. When the Wardens discovered that the demonic beholder's magical emissions could be reflected back to their source, to debilitating effect, they used this knowledge to ensnare Glazer, and crafted a special prison of mirrors to contain its power.

At some point, the overfiend Immolanth led a Legion army that conquered and eventually ruled a distant nexus world, until the Wardens somehow managed to imprison him within the Vault of Law.

When her brother Jarod disappeared one night, the Watchers became Maiev's sole companionship, and as the years stretched into centuries and then millennia, she came to see the Watchers as her family.

Third War

During the Third War in 20 ADP, Tyrande Whisperwind felt that Illidan had more than paid his debt to society after he had been incarcerated for over ten thousand years; furthermore, she knew that he would be a valuable ally against the Burning Legion. The High Priestess of Elune led a band of kaldorei soldiers into the Barrow Deeps, where she called on the Watchers to release the Betrayer, however, they openly defied her. Among them, Califax told Tyrande that the place was forbidden even to her and that releasing Illidan would doom them all. Since they would not surrender their charge, the Sentinels fought and killed a number of Watchers until they freed their most prized prisoner.

Terror of the Tides

This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.

Maiev Shadowsong, leader of the Watchers.

Infuriated by Tyrande's actions, Maiev swore she would track Illidan down and put him back in prison. In light of the demon's undeniable might, Maiev took most of the Watchers with her on the hunt. They pursued Illidan across Azshara where they came upon the devastated seaport town of Nendis, its denizens slaughtered and mutilated. After clashing with mur'gul, satyrs and demon-tainted beasts from the wilderness, they came face to face with Illidan's monstrous new naga allies attempting to sink the ships docked in the harbor while their master sailed away. By defeating the naga, they recovered enough vessels to follow the Betrayer to the Broken Isles.

Once they landed, the Watchers made camp in the ruins of Kaldorei cities lost during the War of the Ancients. They fought their way through the naga once more and pressed their hunt for Illidan into the depths of the Tomb of Sargeras. Within, Maiev deciphered the orcish runes left behind by Gul'dan and grew worried that Illidan would retrieve a magical artifact and become significantly more difficult to recapture. She and the other Watchers had to battle the remains of the Stormreaver clan as well as the tomb's own demonic guardians, undead, wild creatures, and the naga led by Lady Vashj. Illidan eventually used the Eye of Sargeras' power on the tomb's stone walls, trapping the Watchers in one of its sections while seawater flooded the area. Only Maiev was able to escape; her sisters in arms were buried alive, including her first lieutenant Naisha. Maiev would not forget her Watchers, swearing that she would avenge them all.

Fleeing from the collapsing Tomb, Maiev met with the Watchers camped outside. She warned them of Illidan's acquired artifact and urged them to retreat back to Kalimdor to enlist the aid of Malfurion Stormrage. Alas, Illidan had other plans and cornered the Watchers with his naga to halt their escape. A long and hard-fought battle ensued between the two armies as the Watchers stood their ground, entrusting a small party to escort a runner through the naga's lines and onto the shore where they could sail to sea. Against the odds, the Watchers were able to hold back Illidan's attacks long enough for Malfurion and Tyrande Whisperwind to arrive with reinforcements aboard the Night Elf Fleet. Though the presence of the High Priestess caused much displeasure to Maiev, they fought together and were able to win the day against the naga. Tyrande herself sought to stop Illidan, but he was able to flee once more, this time to the distant lands of Lordaeron.

Undeterred, Maiev led her Watchers to the Eastern Kingdoms where they reluctantly aided prince Kael'thas Sunstrider and his blood elves in crossing the undead-infested forest of Silverpine. Upon reaching the river Arevass, Tyrande stood behind to hold back an overwhelming force of undead, however, she fell in the waters of the stream below and despite the pleas of prince Kael, Maiev and her Watchers did not go to her rescue, believing they had a greater mission at hand.

The chase for Illidan eventually led them to the ruins of Dalaran, where the Betrayer had begun a mighty ritual using the Eye of Sargeras; such was its potency that it began to tear the roof of the world asunder. Maiev deceived Malfurion into believing Tyrande was torn apart by the undead in an effort to maintain his support for the Watchers. Along with the blood elves, the Watchers assaulted the ruins and interrupted the incantation wrought by Illidan's naga sorceresses. The magical instability that followed destroyed the Eye of Sargeras and left Illidan surrounded by the Watchers. Ensnared by Malfurion, Illidan could not flee as Maiev sentenced him to death. But before the killing blow could be given, Prince Kael revealed that Tyrande was still alive. Outraged at this discovery, Malfurion ensnared Maiev instead and called her a betrayer while letting Illidan free on the accord that he would aid him in recovering Tyrande.

Discontent with the outcome faced in Dalaran, and believing that justice still had to be done, Maiev led her Watchers to continue following Illidan while he saved Tyrande. When the Betrayer left Azeroth through a portal, Maiev and her Watchers charged inside after him. The gateway led them to the shattered world of Outland where they were, at long last, able to catch Illidan and bind him in an enchanted prison once more. His second incarceration was short-lived; during the transit back to their camp, the Watchers were assaulted by a joint force of blood elves and naga, led by Kael'thas and Lady Vashj, who took Illidan's prison and released him afterwards. The pursuit was not over.

Some time later, the Kirin Tor cleared and sealed up the Tomb of Sargeras, while its remaining artifacts were given to the Watchers' custody.

Fall of the Betrayer

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

The Fall of the Betrayer.

In spite of the losses suffered, the Watchers stayed true to their mission of bringing Illidan Stormrage to reckoning. By the Year 26 ADP, Anyndra was Maiev's second-in-command, and only thirty Watchers still marched with her. The following years proved Outland to be an unforgiving and hostile place, the Watchers suffered heavily from thirst and heat, and they were confronted by many perils which they only narrowly survived, such as fel reavers, and ravagers. Maiev, who had until then never doubted their commitment to the hunt, knew she had to keep a closer eye on her own Watchers and their wavering morale, though many of them remained stalwart regardless of their dire situation. Even as she considered a closer eye on her troops, Maiev herself was often consumed by deep ruminations on Illidan that led her to inadvertently risk exposure or walk her troops into traps, for which she cursed Illidan.

The Watchers initially ventured from Hellfire Peninsula to Zangarmarsh, seeking the Broken sage Akama, in an effort to gather allies against Illidan. However, they were met with new terrible living conditions, mainly the spores that saturated the very air and settled within the Watchers' clothes and armor. Phosphorescent fungi began to grow from their skin, and only careful cleaning or healing magic could remove them. Huge stinging insects deposited brain-eating larvae within their bodies, which Maiev also blamed on Illidan after one stung and killed Kolea.

In the village of Orebor Harborage, Akama refused to aid the Watchers directly, but revealed to Maiev that Illidan was carrying the pit lord Magtheridon to Hellfire Citadel, this prompted the Watchers to make haste back to Hellfire Peninsula where Maiev planned a suicide attack to assassinate Illidan in full view of his army. At the last minute, Maiev was lost in fantasies of beheading Illidan when Anyndra broke her ponderings and Sarius warned her that Illidan was looking in her direction. This led her to call off the attack and retreat in search of allies braver than Akama.

Leaving Hellfire behind, the Watchers traveled to Nagrand where they set up camp and began recruiting hundreds of draenei and Broken youths to their army by visiting town after town to convince the people of Outland of the danger posed by Illidan. Here they encountered the Kurenai, who invited them to Telaar. The town's leader, Arechron, allowed them to recruit in his village and told them of Shattrath, the Aldor, and the naaru. From the Kurenai, the Watchers recruited five scores of young fighters mounted on elekk, then they departed for Shattrath.

In Shattrath, they sought an audience with A'dal and distrusted the blood elves in the city. Sarius pitied them, while Maiev wondered if they were spies for Kael'thas, refusing to collaborate with the Scryers, despite Voren'thal the Seer personally making himself available. In the end, they parted ways from A'dal after he told Maiev he had no aid to give, leading to the Watchers appealing to the Aldor instead, who likewise could not offer any help. During their stay, Akama informed the Watchers of the new generation of demon hunters Illidan was making and of Kael'thas' departure from Illidan's service. Feeling time was wearing thin, the Watchers prepared themselves for action.

The Watchers passed through Zangarmarsh once more and attempted to sabotage the water-pumping engines of the Coilfang, but failed. They freed several Broken slaves held captive by the naga, but Maiev disregarded them as useless.

While the Watchers worked with Akama and the Ashtongue in secret, Illidan was able to discover the plot and manipulated Akama by tearing out a portion of his soul. Akama then contacted Maiev and planned a meeting at Orebor Harborage, telling her to ready her Watchers for fighting. Thinking that the time to act had finally come, the Watchers quickly rode to the village after a brief clash with ogres. Akama arrived late, but he delivered wonderful news of an opportunity to strike at Illidan during a moment of vulnerability at the Hand of Gul'dan where the Betrayer would attempt to open a new gateway. At the prospect that Illidan could flee from her grasp once again with a new portal, Maiev prepared her Watchers and made for Shadowmoon Valley at once, with assurances of support from the Ashtongue.

Illidan's body encased in a crystal prison by wardens as the Illidari returned from Mardum.

In Shadowmoon, the Watchers and the Ashtongue took furtive positions at the Hand of Gul'dan while the ritual was in process. When the order to strike was given, the Watchers and their allies outnumbered the Illidari, and many of them quickly fell at the sudden onslaught. Then, Illidan gave a signal, and portals began to open all around them, bringing massive reinforcements. Despite attempts to block the portals, the Watchers were quickly overrun and decimated to the last one standing, including Anyndra and Sarius. Only Maiev was spared to suffer capture at the hands of the Betrayer.

Three months later, Maiev was liberated from her cell by her own jailer, Akama. The following day, Maiev reached the pinnacle of the Black Temple and slew Illidan alongside Akama and the heroes. Her long hunt was finally over, all her promises of reckoning fulfilled, and her Watchers avenged. Though she would continue to be haunted by the deaths of her followers and a sense of hollowness.

Illidan's lifeless body was encased in a crystal by Maiev, a fate shared by the surviving demon hunters, who were then transported to the Vault of the Wardens.

Wolfheart

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

Searching for something to live for following Illidan's death, Maiev left Outland and journeyed to Darnassus, where she was permitted to train a new generation of Watchers, all of whom were just as fearless and dangerous as the originals. When the Highborne mage Thera'brin was assassinated and his corpse was found by the Watchers' training grounds, it seemed to be intended to impute the Watchers. Maiev offered her services to investigate the matter and bring the murderer to justice, to which Malfurion Stormrage and Tyrande Whisperwind consented. In truth, however, she was secretly the one responsible for the Highborne killings along with her loyal Watchers. Maiev had planned to slaughter the Highborne and their leaders first, and then give Malfurion a slow rotting death. She felt that Malfurion condemned them by taking away their immortality, and also despised him for forgiving the Highborne and accepting them back into night elf society. It is suspected that the trauma caused by years of dedication to her duty, combined with the torture inflicted upon her when she was Illidan's prisoner had finally driven her mad.

Jarod Shadowsong later freed Malfurion and joined him in confronting Maiev and her Watchers. Jarod distracted Maiev while Malfurion was rescuing the Highborne, whom Maiev had captured in a deadly trap. Jarod subsequently drove Maiev off, unable to kill his own sister. The Highborne were safe, and most of the new Watchers were dead, though their mistress had vanished into the night. With Maiev gone, Tyrande decided to question the remaining Watchers and appoint a new leader from the innocent ones.

Cataclysm

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

Main article: Shadow Wardens

Several watchers guarding Archdruid Fandral Staghelm's prison within the Hyjal Barrow Dens.

Within the underground prison complex of Hyjal Barrow Dens beneath Mount Hyjal, the Barrow Deeps Watchers were guarding several prisoners, including Fandral Staghelm. During the Cataclysm in 28 ADP, they repelled Twilight Assassins sent to free the archdruid. After the escape of Fandral, Malfurion Stormrage asked for the help of Captain Saynna Stormrunner and her Shadow Wardens to hunt down the Druids of the Flame in the Firelands. They took the loss of Fandral from their custody very seriously, so it didn't take much prodding to bring the Shadow Wardens to the fight.

On the Molten Front, the Shadow Wardens helped the druids against the minions of Ragnaros at the Forlorn Spire. They were also part of the strike force at Ragnaros' Reach, assisting Witherbranch in killing Lieutenants of Flame. The Shadow Wardens considered the Druids of the Flame as heretics, imprisoning some of them to be questioned and then eliminated.

Warlords of Draenor

This section concerns content related to Warlords of Draenor.

During the war in Draenor in 31 ADP, a contingent of wardens, led by Cordana Felsong, was sent by Maiev Shadowsong to protect Khadgar alternate Draenor. They eventually established Starfall Outpost, stationed at Yrel's Watch, and affiliated themselves with the Alliance forces. Cordana was, however, corrupted by Gul'dan with the Orb of Dominion and joined the Burning Legion's side.

The Tomb of Sargeras

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

When Gul'dan traveled to the Broken Isles, he left behind him a burned ship and Nightfallen corpses, which were all discovered by the Watchers. Anticipating that Gul'dan would come for Illidan's body, Maiev ordered her Watchers to rally at the Vault of the Betrayer, ready to relocate all that is inside. After the orc warlock opened the way for the Burning Legion at the Tomb of Sargeras, Maiev veered north to fortify the Vault of the Wardens, while Archmage Khadgar attempted to buy her time.

Legion

This section concerns content related to Legion.

See also: The Wardens

The Vault of the Wardens in Azsuna.

At the outset of the third invasion of the Burning Legion in 32 ADP, Gul'dan targeted the Vault of the Wardens and, with the aid of Cordana Felsong, they succeeded in overrunning the prison complex and retrieving the corpse of Illidan Stormrage. During the assault, the demons led by Bastillax killed most of the wardens, while Maiev was imprisoned in Black Rook Hold. In the aftermath, Sira Moonwarden became the interim leader in her absence, while the survivors were determined to rebuild their prison and hunt down the terrifying beasts that were let loose when it fell.

Since their ranks have been decimated by the Legion, they had to train new recruits, and tasked adventurers to hunt down prisoners who have escaped from the Vault of the Wardens. The few remaining members searched for Maiev's whereabouts, to little avail, until her brother Jarod Shadowsong finally found and rescued her at Black Rook Hold. The Wardens also maintained several Warden Towers scattered throughout the Broken Isles, which were later contested by both the Gilneas Brigade and the Forsaken's Queensguard.

In spite of their shared hatred, the Illidari agreed to cooperate with the Wardens, tracking down some of the more powerful creatures that escaped from the Vault of the Wardens, in exchange for information to locate the Sargerite Keystone. Among them was the man'ari eredar Mal'Dreth the Corruptor who convinced several of the Warden adepts to turn traitor and work for the Legion. Despite their bargain, the Wardens were still not satisfied and requested the elimination of the Devouring Darkness, Hertha Grimdottir, and Theryssia as a 'sign of good faith'. It was only after the demon hunters rescued Malace Shade from the Felskorn vrykul, killing their demonic leader Lochaber in the process, that the Wardens revealed the keystone was all this time safeguarded within the Vault of the Betrayer. This information eventually led the adventurers to kill Cordana and recover the artifact from her corpse.

Following the creation of the Armies of Legionfall, members of the Wardens, including the now freed Maiev and several Warden Vigilants, joined the faction and participated in the Assault on Broken Shore. As Illidan arrived late to the battlefield, Maiev snarked that her wardens were doing all the work while his demon hunters played with their felbats.

In the Tomb of Sargeras, Naisha could be found raised as a banshee, having died "defending" the tomb. Maiev tasked the heroes to release her from torment. After the Cathedral of Eternal Night was reclaimed by Azeroth's heroes, Maiev appointed her Wardens to guard its upper halls.

Battle for Azeroth

This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

The Wardens during the Battle for Darkshore.

After the War of the Thorns in 33 ADP, Maiev's wardens arrived in Stormwind City to meet with Tyrande Whisperwind and High King Anduin Wrynn, requesting aid for revenge against the Horde.

In Darkshore, they defended Tyrande during the Night Warrior ritual alongside other kaldorei and Alliance forces at Bashal'Aran. Several wardens were eventually slain and raised into undeath by the Forsaken under the orders of Sylvanas Windrunner, despite the best efforts of Tyrande and Malfurion Stormrage. Embittered that Elune and the kaldorei had allowed such a fate to befall upon them, Dark Wardens such as Sira Moonwarden and Lyani Shadestalker joined the Forsaken in order to get vengeance. Lyani was eventually slain by the Alliance in the Underhold.

During the Battle for Darkshore in 34 ADP, Malfurion and Jarod rallied further allies among the Ancients and Wardens to capture Lornesta Mine and Cinderfall Grove, from which resources could be mined to reinforce their holdings. Maiev and Sira served as the commanders of the Alliance and Horde forces. Sira notably accused Maiev of having abandoned the Wardens when Sira was left in charge. Under Maiev's leadership, the Alliance ultimately claimed victory and retook the region from the Horde, with Bashal'Aran as their new stronghold, while Sira and her forces escaped.

Shadows Rising

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

In the aftermath of the Fourth War, Sira Moonwarden abandoned the Horde to join the Banshee loyalists, only to be captured and sent to the Stormwind Stockade, where she was subsequently interrogated by Tyrande Whisperwind, Maiev, and Shandris Feathermoon.

Dragonflight

This section concerns content related to Dragonflight.

In Year 40 ADP, after a contingent of Sentinels disappeared while investigating a resurgence of demonic corruption in Felwood, Tyrande Whisperwind asked for the help of the Watchers. Their leader Maiev Shadowsong personally agreed to investigate the matter, while recruiting night elven champions to aid her. Upon their arrival to Felwood, Maiev informed the Starshade siblings that a priestess of the Moon had been sent to purify a moonwell from fel corruption, and vowed that they would finish what was started and heal the land. Together, they discovered that Lord Hel'nurath was behind the resurgence and ultimately destroyed the demons and his followers within the Shadow Hold.

After Amirdrassil bloomed on the Dragon Isles several wardens joined the festivities. Since she had far more important duties to tend to on Kalimdor and beyond, Maiev asked for volunteers to serve as the Wardens of Bel'ameth. Watchers could later be found throughout the towers, where Mirana Starlight hoped they might learn their duties and what it means to serve. Meanwhile, Malathra Nighthelm was charged with watching over the captured Primalists as they repent for their crimes.

Exploring Azeroth

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

By the Year 42 ADP, the threats within the Vault of the Wardens had been contained by the Watchers, and the wards were holding at full power. During her travel across the Broken Isles, First Arcanist Thalyssra of the kingdom of Suramar managed to convince the Watchers that she had a reasonable interest in knowing what was happening in a place filled with such dangerous prisoners. Some of their members also guarded the Tomb of Sargeras.

Organization

At first, volunteers from the Sisterhood of Elune made up the Watchers, and so the organization was composed solely of night elf women. As their duties were broadened, the Watchers accepted night elf women from other professions as well as men and druids, such as Sarius. A mixture of volunteerism and military promotions caused the organization's size to grow somewhat, although the Watchers remained a relatively small group. While in Outland, the Watchers recruited hundreds of draenei and Broken to bolster their ranks in the fight against Illidan Stormrage. These recruits were trained to move silently in the forests like night elves, but were ultimately wiped out in the battle at the Hand of Gul'dan.

Maiev Shadowsong acts as the leader of the Watchers since its foundation after the War of the Ancients. When she disappeared, it was Sira Moonwarden, their quartermaster, who temporarily replaced Maiev as interim leader. After Cordana Felsong's betrayal and attack on the Vault of the Wardens, Maiev threatened her that she would have to answer for her actions before the High Council. It is unknown who is part of the council.

Skilled as they are, Watchers can adapt to whatever weapons work best for the moment. As quartermaster of the Wardens, it was Sira Moonwarden's duty to issue and train every single member in the use of the moonglaive. As a result, she could identify the wielder of any moonglaive by the weapon alone. They use sabercats and hippogryphs as mounts.

In order to keep Illidan Stormrage imprisoned for eternity, the Watchers prepared spells that would heal any harm he might inflict on himself, keeping him alive without need for water or food. Within the Vault of the Wardens, which was replete with magical safeguards, they use powerful containment crystals to encase each prisoner in their cell.

Notable members

Main article: Members of the Watchers

Lieutenant Naisha in the Trading Card Game.

Name	Role(s)	Status	Location
Maiev Shadowsong	Leader of the Watchers.	Alive	Various
Anyndra	Second-in-command to Maiev.	Deceased	Hand of Gul'dan
Arko'narin Starshade	Member of the Watchers.	Alive	Various
Califax	Guardian of Illidan's cell.	Deceased	Barrow Deeps
Cordana Felsong	Former Warden of the Watchers.	Deceased	Various
Ja'ara	Member of the Watchers.	Alive	Unknown
Kolea	Member of the Watchers.	Deceased	Zangarmarsh
Marin Bladewing	Quartermaster of the Watchers.	Alive	Various
Naisha	Lieutenant of Maiev.	Deceased	Tomb of Sargeras
Neva	Second-in-command to Maiev.	Deceased	Unknown
Sarius	Druid of the Watchers.	Deceased	Hand of Gul'dan
Saynna Stormrunner	Captain of the Shadow Wardens.	Alive	Hyjal Barrow Dens
Shalis Darkhunter	Member of the Watchers.	Alive	Various
Tas'ira	Member of the Watchers.	Deceased	Unknown

Notes and trivia

• The statues named Owl of the Watchers give players useful buffs.
• Located in the Warden's Court, the Pool of Judgment's waters let the user gaze into the past in order to better judge someone for their actions.
• According to Maiev, Shalasyr was well skilled in the martial arts training of the Sisterhood of Elune and would have made a good Watcher.
• Califax was one of Maiev Shadowsong's favorite Watchers and Illidan was amused by his death, telling Tyrande that Maiev would be angry.
• In their Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos appearance, the Watchers used mystics, male spell-casting units, an exception in the night elven society at that time. Their ranks also included intelligent wildkin.
• The night elven guards Moonleaf, Leesa'oh, Jhang and Moonshade all bear the Watcher title, but are not associated with the Watchers.
• It is possible that the wildkin among their ranks, given their unique ability to speak, were actually druids using [Moonkin Form].

Inconsistencies

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.

Leadership conflict

At the end of Wolfheart, after Maiev betrayed Darnassus, Tyrande wanted to pick an innocent member of the Watchers to replace her and lead them, while Jarod Shadowsong was to lead a new security force composed from the members of the Sentinels. Later, the Ultimate Visual Guide stated that "Jarod now leads the Watchers, which act as a security force" and labeled him as "Leader of the Watchers". The updated Visual Guide changed the sentence to "Jarod now leads a security force of night elves", but kept his title, which was likely an oversight.

In fact, these statements were largely ignored in later development, as for unknown reasons, Maiev was still considered leader of the Watchers despite her betrayal in Wolfheart.

• The Tomb of Sargeras audio-drama states that Maiev was the leader of Cordana Felsong during Warlords of Draenor, despite the events of Wolfheart, and that she was "sent" to aid Khadgar.
• In Legion, Maiev was stated to be "leader of the Watchers" on the official website. Jarod Shadowsong was aware that The Wardens were searching for her, and mentioned that he "volunteered to join the search" with so few of them remaining, indicating he has been in contact with the Wardens on the Broken Isles. Tyrande and Malfurion also knew about Maiev on the Broken Isles.

This controversy was largely rendered moot as of the Battle for Darkshore, as both Maiev and Jarod have openly joined with their kaldorei kin under the Alliance.

Members conflict

• In  [45] Destiny Unfulfilled, Maiev and two Wardens appeared to take Illidan's body and the captured Illidari demon hunters to the Vault of the Wardens. However, according to the Illidan novel, every Watcher in Maiev's group had already been killed, and only Maiev survived to be taken prisoner.
  • It could be speculated that there were other surviving Watchers that were not mentioned, or that more Watchers had come with the Azerothian forces of the Alliance and Horde and re-united with Maiev at the Black Temple.
• In  [45] Destiny Unfulfilled, the wardens accompanying Maiev are using the new Legion model. In Cataclysm, wardens use an alternate, updated Legion model. In Legion, the wardens we see use the first model again.
• In Warcraft III: Reforged, the mystics in the Barrow Deeps are inexplicably high elves. This is most likely an oversight caused by the Reforged update.

Gallery

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  Owl of the Watchers
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  Wildkin members of the Watchers during the Third War.
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  Lesser warden and her torture room.
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  Mystics and their magical library.
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  A Warden of the Barrow Deeps in Warcraft III: Reforged.
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  A wildkin of the Watchers in Warcraft III: Reforged.
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  A sentry of the Watchers in Warcraft III: Reforged.
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  Prison of Illidan in Reforged in The Search for Illidan mission.
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  Naisha in Reforged.