Sentinels

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"Sentinel" redirects here. For other uses, see Sentinel (disambiguation).
AllianceSentinels
NightElfCrest.jpg
Main leader
Secondary leaders
Race(s)
Character classes
Capital

Unknown

  Formerly

Darnassus (destroyed)

Other major settlements
  Formerly
Theater of operations
Language(s)
Affiliation
Status

Active

The Sentinels (officially the Sentinel Army)[2][3] are the primary military arm of the night elf race. Founded in the years following the War of the Ancients and the destruction of the old Kaldorei Empire, the Sentinels serve as Darnassus's army in its engagements throughout Kalimdor and beyond.

The organization is composed of devout and well-trained warriors, often with strong ties to the Sisterhood of Elune. The Sentinels form the majority night elven component of the Darnassian Army, which encompasses numerous other beings and unit types.[4][5]

In the wake of its war with the Burning Legion, High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind led the night elf race, and particularly the Sisterhood, in rebuilding their ruined society. Her order was uniquely poised to fill a power vacuum as a result of their numbers and influence, and Tyrande soon took advantage of this. From the ranks of the Sisterhood of Elune, she forged the Sentinels, whose duty it was to protect their newly-emergent society. Quickly cementing itself in this role, the Sentinels became the fledgling night elf nation's primary agents and guardians.[6]

In the millennia to come, the Sentinels would take part in many conflicts on behalf of Darnassus, most immediately in the War of the Satyr. Over time, the army's composition would begin to change, incorporating more male night elves into its ranks,[7] and utilizing more military hardware. Today, the Sentinel Army is led in battle by the distinguished General Shandris Feathermoon, with its largest base of operations (outside of Darnassus) at Feathermoon Stronghold in Feralas.

Background and history

Membership

The Sentinels were established approximately 600 years after the War of the Ancients,[6] and until recently were entirely composed of night elf women. The immense casualties suffered in the Third War would eventually force the traditional gender roles of night elven society to be set aside in favor of a more practical approach. As a result, although the Sentinels remain mostly female, an increasing number of night elf men serve in their ranks.

The Sentinels are courageous and selfless soldiers whose only goal for the last ten millennia has been to defend the night elf people. New recruits undergo extensive training and, as time permits, the more experienced warriors take part in frequent combat drills. The Third War resulted in many losses for the Sentinels, but the army still boasts a number of battle-hardened veterans.[8] Like High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind and General Shandris Feathermoon, there are still plenty of Sentinels in active service who fought in the War of the Ancients.[9]

Early history and organization

Shandris Feathermoon has led the Sentinel Army since the Third War

By the time of the Great Sundering, military service in the night elf Kaldorei Empire had become more a matter of bloodline than ability.[10] Almost all high-ranking officers were nobles, and the night elves had lived in peace for so long that very few of those officers, however privileged and well educated, possessed even a basic knowledge of tactics. Joining the army, once a selfless choice to defend the night elf people, had been reduced to a status symbol. At this time, the Windstrikers developed the gauntlets the Sentinels would wear.

The War of the Ancients against the Burning Legion made the army's deterioration all too clear. After the night elves and their allies had finally achieved victory, High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind decreed sweeping changes throughout night elf society. The Sisterhood of Elune was one of the few major organizations to survive the war largely intact, and membership in its ranks had never been a matter of breeding. Furthermore, members of the order had trained extensively in combat, tactics, and healing. Yet in spite of all their knowledge and experience, the priestesses had become somewhat distant from the rest of night elf society.

Tyrande believed that this distance was partly to blame for the cataclysmic war, and she resolved that her order would take up the duty of directing the Sentinels. Never again would the Sisters of Elune fail to guide the night elves. To this day, the General of the Sentinel Army Shandris Feathermoon still reports to Tyrande, who is both the High Priestess of Elune and, until Malfurion Stormrage returned, sole ruler of the night elf government.[8]

These warrior women practiced both the art of combat, as well as that of healing and life-giving in the name of Elune. The Sentinels quickly came to be considered the elite fighters among the night elves. In particular, they favored the moonglaive as a weapon of choice.[11][12] They are led by the priestesses of the moon under the High Priestess, Tyrande Whisperwind; her lieutenant, and General of the Sentinel Army, is Shandris Feathermoon. The Sentinels are comprised of elite night elf archers, a cavalry division known as the huntresses who ride the feral nightsaber panthers, and the mighty hippogryph riders, who assault enemies from the air. One of the most important functions of the Sentinels became guarding kaldorei towns and cities. Almost all such settlements possess a contingent of these warriors.

In addition to their defensive role, the Sentinels were also used to strike at the night elves' foes. 975 years BDP, they, along with other units, rallied under Fandral Staghelm in Silithus in the War of the Shifting Sands. Though they suffered heavy casualties in pushing the qiraji and silithid back, the night elves were successful in temporarily ending this threat to Kalimdor.

The Sentinel Army later fought in the Third War, initially working with Cenarius against the orcs of the Warsong clan. Cenarius and his Sentinel force would ultimately be overrun by the orcish forces (empowered by demon blood), with the demi-god himself falling. Later, the Sentinels were called on to directly battle the demonic Burning Legion as it pushed into Kalimdor during a wider invasion of Azeroth. Led directly by High Priestess Tyrande, they launched numerous attacks on both the demons and the Horde and Alliance in their forests. Even the Sentinels could not withstand the Legion's advance, however, and were gradually forced back to Mount Hyjal.

A sentinel on the Broken Isles

During the Battle of Mount Hyjal, the Sentinels and the rest of the kaldorei fought heroically alongside the Alliance and Horde to halt the demons. The effort cost all sides dearly, but the elves and their allies were able to buy enough time for a plan devised by Malfurion Stormrage. Atop the World Tree Nordrassil, the demon commander Archimonde would be decisively defeated when the tree's energies were intentionally ignited. The ensuing explosion decimated the demon forces and spelled victory for the night elves.

Terror of the Tides

Soon after the victory in the Third War, the Sentinels would accompany Maiev, and eventually Tyrande and Malfurion Stormrage, on a mission to the Broken Isles and Lordaeron.[13] Arriving on the Broken Isles, those under Maiev engaged with the vast naga forces loyal to Illidan Stormrage, and worked their way through the archipelago to the Tomb of Sargeras. As the conflict progressed, they were reinforced just in time by an expeditionary force from Kalimdor under Tyrande and Malfurion. Together, they shattered Illidan's remaining forces in the area, though the Betrayer escaped to the Eastern Kingdoms.

The Sentinel expedition quickly pursued Illidan to Lordaeron, where they were attacked by the Undead Scourge running rampant across the fallen kingdom. Tyrande, Malfurion, and Maiev led the night elves through the onslaught and on to Dalaran where Illidan was performing a dangerous ritual. Along the way, Tyrande was separated from the other kaldorei, fortifying a small position with a handful of Sentinels downriver. After triumphing over Illidan's naga and more undead at Dalaran, the main night elf force rescued Tyrande and her soldiers just in time, even briefly fighting on the same side as the naga to do so.[14] Their mission complete, Malfurion and Tyrande would return to Kalimdor with their Sentinels, while Maiev and the Watchers continued their hunt for Illidan.

The sub-faction called Shadowleaves existed during the Third War but its current status is unknown. It is possible that it was wiped out or decimated to a point of dissolution during the conflict between the night elves and orcs.

World of Warcraft

Sentinels guarding the portal to Darnassus

The Sentinels and the night elves would find a new home in the form of the World Tree Teldrassil, off Kalimdor's northern coast. The capital of Darnassus located here quickly became the center of kaldorei political, spiritual, and military power in the world. Over time, the calm of Teldrassil's enchanted forests would slowly fall into the shadow of a sinister presence. Crazed furbolgs and fouler beasts began to appear on Teldrassil, occupying all the attention of the ever-vigilant Sentinels and the wise druids.[15]

Further to the south, tensions with the Horde would further demand the presence of the Sentinel Army. Years after the Third War, the night elves began a massive push to retake the forests of Ashenvale. focusing their efforts on ridding the land of the Warsong Outriders once and for all. The Silverwing Sentinels in particular would answer the call, swearing not to rest until every last orc was defeated and cast out of Warsong Gulch. To this day, the battle over the area remains fierce. The Sentinels also remained wary of more local threats, such as recent furbolg attacks into Ashenvale.[16]

In Azshara, the tauren Loh'atu promised the Sentinels that he would help them with spirits of the Highborne in Shadowsong Shrine.[17]

The night elves also began deploying Sentinels to distant lands at this time, often in honoring their duties as part of the Grand Alliance. Several units were thus present in Alterac Valley assisting the dwarven Stormpike Guard. A group of Sentinels was likewise sent to pressure the Horde in Quel'Thalas, where they established themselves on Shalandis Isle with the aim of spying on the blood elves.

The Sentinels stood alongside their Alliance brethren during the invasion of Outland, and were among the first Azerothians to push through the reopened Dark Portal. They would take part in the Battle for the Dark Portal, mostly as archers in support of the front line troops, and continued to hold the line as a foothold was established. Later in the campaign, Sentinel units were active in the region of Blade's Edge Mountain, where they established the outpost of Sylvanaar.

During the war against the Lich King in Northrend, Sentinels were among the multitude of Alliance forces that composed the Valiance Expedition. Similarly, many night elf soldiers were by this time members of the 7th Legion, which spearheaded the Alliance's advance against the Scourge. A predominantly Sentinel outpost in the form of Stars' Rest was established in the Dragonblight, and served as a base for operations against the blue dragonflight in the area.

Stormrage

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During the War Against the Nightmare, Shandris commanded the Sentinels and the Sisters of Elune to help the inhabitants of the ruined Darnassus.[18] After the Nightmare Lord was defeated and Tyrande and Malfurion reunited, they attended the wedding of the night elven leaders, ensuring that no one would cause trouble as well as acting as honor guard during the ceremony.[19]

The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm

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Shortly before the Cataclysm, a dozen Sentinels guarding a crop caravan were attacked and killed by the Twilight's Hammer cult in Ashenvale. Blame for the act would, however, be manipulated to fall on the Horde and their new Warchief Garrosh Hellscream. Two soldiers arrived in Stormwind City to report the attack to High King Varian Wrynn. These events would result in a meeting between Hamuul Runetotem, Elerethe Renferal, and other druids, as well as Cairne Bloodhoof challenging Garrosh to a mak'gora duel.[20]

Cataclysm

Cataclysm This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

Teldrassil
Sentinel forces muster at Feathermoon Stronghold

Among the foremost guardians of Teldrassil, the Sentinels were some of the first to respond to emergent threats to the World Tree. By the time of the Cataclysm, a latent corruption buried deep within the tree itself had begun to emerge, and threatened to overtake the region. The Sentinels continued to draw on all available recruits to aid their efforts, especially around the area of Shadowglen.[21] These forces dealt with many new enemies across Teldrassil, particularly the corrupted Gnarlpine tribe of furbolgs based from Ban'ethil Hollow.[22] Sentinel forces were also dispatched to the Oracle Glade, to push back an encroaching colony of harpies.[23] In the end, the corruption afflicting Teldrassil was decisively purged, and the future of the World Tree secured.[24]

Gilneas

During the invasion of Gilneas, the night elves of Darnassus would send considerable aid to the Gilneans as they tried to fend off the Horde. A contingent of Sentinels with heavy siege weaponry accompanied a major fleet that landed at Keel Harbor. Together, the Sentinels and Gilneans bought the civilian populace time to evacuate by ship, delivering the humans from their ruined homeland.

Darkshore

The region of Darkshore suffered heavily from the destruction of the Cataclysm, and the Sentinels were vital in responding to the aftermath. Along the coast near Auberdine, Sentinels mounted on hippogryphs worked to rescue many civilians fleeing the ruined town. Though numerous night elves were rescued, many did not survive the ordeal.[25]

One of the most serious threats facing the Sentinel Army in Darkshore became the Shatterspear tribe of trolls to the north. Having allied with the Horde, the trolls began attacking night elf scouts and garrisons as they prepared for all-out war. The Sentinels responded by sending a contingent of troops to the north from Lor'danel. The conflict quickly escalated as both sides fought within the Ruins of Mathystra. Eventually, the Sentinel forces attacked the Shatterspear War Camp (reinforced by the Horde) in preparation for a full assault on Shatterspear Vale.[26] The kaldorei were successful in sacking the War Camp, while also slaying much of the Shatterspear leadership.

Wasting no time, a Sentinel army suddenly marched on Shatterspear Vale in full force, accompanied by ancients and siege weapons.[27] The attack overwhelmed the troll defenders, who were pushed back into their encampment. There, the invading Sentinels crushed the remaining defenders, while also killing the Shatterspear leader Jor'kil the Soulripper. The decisive victory in Shatterspear Vale ended the troll threat in Darkshore for the foreseeable future, while securing Lor'danel's northern flank.

Throughout Darkshore, the Sentinels, serving as the region's local defenders, continued to battle the Twilight's Hammer cult.[28] As part of this, the ruined town of Auberdine was retaken and the Twilight's Hammer plans in the area dashed. The cult's presence in Darkshore, and the damage caused by their actions, was ultimately contained, though the local population had suffered greatly.

Feralas
Worgen recruits joining the Sentinels

On Kalimdor, the Sentinel Army suffered determined attacks from the Hatecrest naga in Feralas. Nelara was tasked with the evacuation of the civilians from the Feathermoon Stronghold.[29] The naga eventually drove them from the Stronghold. The night elf forces, led by Sentinel General Shandris Feathermoon, relocated to the mainland where they built a new fortress.[30] The Sentinels remained undeterred, however, and launched a massive effort to push the naga out of their territory. With help from Alliance heroes, Shandris and her forces were successful in crushing the invaders' ranks and slaying their leader.[31]

The new war effort in Feralas at this time would lead to several changes for the Sentinels themselves, such as the addition of the Moonclaw worgen to their ranks for the first time. General Feathermoon herself would mentor at least three of the worgen to serve as her lieutenants.[32]

In other parts of Feralas, the night elves worked against Cho'gall and the Gordunni ogre clan, who sought to abuse ancient powers within Dire Maul. To properly wage this campaign, the Sentinels called on their allies from the forests, including local wisps, hippogryphs, and treants. Their forces rallied, the kaldorei confronted Cho'gall himself in Dire Maul's arena, where they decisively defeated him. This victory would end Twilight's Hammer influence in Dire Maul, and firmly drive the cult from Feralas.[33]

Under orders from Shandris Feathermoon, Sentinel and Alliance forces would further make war on the Woodpaw gnolls in southern Feralas. The gnolls were eventually dealt with, and the Sentinels further rallied the region's faerie dragons and mountain giants for their war effort. Other threats neutralized at this time included the silithid infesting the Writhing Deep,[34] and the ogre garrison at the Gordunni Outpost.[35]

Sentinels forces would also engage with the Grimtotem clan in and around New Thalanaar in Feralas's far east. The tauren laid siege to the outpost in an attempt to seize the area, and fighting between them and the kaldorei defenders would spill over into neighboring Thousand Needles. This particular conflict would continue for some time, even after the end of the Cataclysm.[36]

Ashenvale
Maestra's Post is assaulted by the Horde

The war for Ashenvale would see some of the fiercest fighting for the Sentinels in all of Kalimdor as Warchief Garrosh Hellscream began a renewed campaign to conquer the region. Across the zone, Sentinel forces worked to halt or turn back the Horde's advance centered on Astranaar, with varying degrees of success.

Small-scale skirmishes with the Horde would occur at Bathran's Haunt, and in the areas surrounding Astranaar. Astranaar itself was also attacked by Hellscream's Hellions from the air, and the town was subsequently set on fire. Sentinel and Alliance forces were eventually able to control the blaze, while using glaive throwers to repel the airborne attackers.[37] Throughout the coming campaign, Astranaar would remain intact as the Sentinels' main base in Ashenvale.

Early in the conflict, the fortified position at Silverwind Refuge was one of the first bases to fall to the Horde, who turned the resident water elementals against the sentinel defenders. The surviving forces would regroup at Stardust Spire, as Silverwind became the Horde's launching point for the coming campaign. The Sentinel Army would strike would go on the offensive against the Warsong Lumber Camp to the east, with the intention of interrupting their logging efforts there.[38] Accompanied by Ancients of War, the sentinels rampaged through the camp itself, slaying Overseer Gorthak, and laid siege to the nearby Splintertree Post.

In preparing to try and retake Silverwind Refuge, the night elves based from Stardust Spire chose to deal with the befouled water elementals of Mystral Lake.[39] Eventually, they were able to purge many of the elementals, as well as the corruption's source: Tideress.

Like Astranaar and other outposts, Maestra's Post was also targeted by the Horde. Ground forces accompanied by demolishers battered the small Sentinel garrison commanded by Sentinel Onaeya. Despite the odds, the tide was turned by the intervention of Alliance heroes, who led small Sentinel strike teams to effectively cripple the Horde forces and their artillery. Responsible for controlling the surrounding area of the forest, Maestra's Post continued to act as a strategic asset for the kaldorei.[40]

The vanguard of orcs from the Warsong clan made contact with Sentinel troops stationed at Raynewood Tower and Raynewood Retreat, another of the night elves' forward outposts. The tower's defenders were aided in their struggle by local dryads. Raynewood would eventually be reinforced with the Forest Heart, allowing the defenders to summon the Shade of Shadumbra against their foes. The essence of this great cat was highly effective at tearing through the Warsong ranks, defeating at least 50 of the attackers along with much of their artillery.[41] This marked a major Sentinel victory that decisively preserved Raynewood.

Night elf cannoneers at Trueshot Point

As the conflict began to spill over into the neighboring Stonetalon Mountains, Sentinel huntresses and other Alliance forces struck against Horde elements around the border. Specifically, Krom'gar Incinerators destroying the local flora were attacked and routed.[42] At Silverwind Refuge, the Sentinels further gathered intelligence on the new Horde weapon known as The Bomb, while also dealing with Chief Bombgineer Sploder.[43]

Stonetalon Mountains

The Sentinel Army formed a large part of the Alliance's campaign against the Horde throughout Stonetalon. Fighting would prove especially fierce around Thal'darah Overlook, where Sentinels (along with other Alliance forces) held off a determined Horde siege. In the midst of the battle, the nearby Thal'darah Grove would be bombed by the Horde, though this night elven settlement was unaffiliated with the Darnassian Army.[citation needed]  Prior to this at Windshear Hold, a squadron of Sentinel huntresses were sent to scout the Horde's intentions; though many were captured, they would ultimately be freed by Alliance agents.[44]

In the wake of the destruction of Thal'darah Grove, the Sentinel forces at Thal'darah Overlook attempted to punch a hole through the Horde's lines to make contact with the base at Farwatcher's Glen. Using glaive throwers, they were successful in cutting through the sieging force and reaching the glen to the south.[45]

Away from the conflict with the Horde, at Stonetalon Peak, Sentinels would find themselves attacked by minions of the Old Gods as a wave of corruption swept across the area. Many sentinels were overcome by this malignant force, and turned on their sisters as they tried to fight back the tide. Under the direction of Sentinel Mistress Geleneth, the night elves gradually began to make progress, destroying the invading n'raqi and laying their corrupted brethren to rest.[46][47]

Trueshot Point would be set up as an extension of Stardust Spire into Stonetalon Mountains. There, Darnassian cannoneers commanded by Kalen Trueshot began using gnomish cannons to strike against Horde air forces in Stonetalon to great effect.[48]

Elsewhere

In the Eastern Kingdoms, a group of Sentinels and night elves were sent to the Wetlands in search of the Greenwarden, where they established Greenwarden's Grove. There they would come into conflict with the Dragonmaw clan, though the Sentinels were easily able to hold off the orcs' attacks.[49]

The night elves continued to hold a military foothold in Azshara in the form of Talrendis Point, which became a target of the Horde based from Orgrimmar. While the Sentinels held the front line against orc grunts, Horde agents would slip through and help undermine the defense from the rear.[50]

Wolfheart

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Soon after the evacuation of Gilneans, the Sentinels participated in the Ashenvale war.

Following Maiev's betrayal, Tyrande appointed Shandris to assist Jarod Shadowsong in choosing from among the Sentinels some possible candidates for his new security force.[51]

Mists of Pandaria

Mists of Pandaria This section concerns content related to Mists of Pandaria.

The Sentinels would travel to Pandaria upon its discovery, becoming the first Alliance forces to arrive in the Krasarang Wilds, where they established the Incursion. This force had been sent by Tyrande Whisperwind herself to search for a prophesied "source of Light", which they believed to be the Pools of Youth. In searching for the pools, the night elf expedition clashed with the local mogu, as well as a similar expeditionary force of Horde Sunwalkers. Afterwards, the kaldorei moved on to the Vale of Eternal Blossoms under Sentinel Commander Lyalia, where they reached the Shrine of Seven Stars.

The Sentinels later made up part of the united Alliance war effort in the Landfall campaign. Collectively named Operation: Shieldwall, this invasion force waged a major campaign against the Horde in Krasarang Wilds from Lion's Landing. Sentinels were particularly involved in recovering the Divine Bell, though it was later stolen under their watch from Darnassus itself by agents of Garrosh Hellscream.

They also participated in the Battlefield: Barrens in the Northern Barrens, transporting and escorting war resources taken from the Kor'kron out of the area.

The Sentinel Army took part in the Siege of Orgrimmar along with other Alliance armies, landing forces in Bladefist Bay as they pushed towards the city gates. Tyrande herself led a force of mounted sentinels that punched through Orgrimmar's main gate using siege weapons, preventing a protracted siege from developing. These sentinels would also buy time for other forces to get into the city and continue the battle.

Warlords of Draenor

Warlords of Draenor This section concerns content related to Warlords of Draenor.

Several Sentinel guards accompanied the Alliance into Shadowmoon Valley, guarding Starfall Outpost. They also had a small presence in Nagrand and in Stormshield on Ashran.

If chosen, they can also guard the Lunarfall garrison.

Legion

Legion This section concerns content related to Legion.

At the start of the Burning Legion's third invasion, Sentinel units gathered in Stormwind City and accompanied the Alliance forces into the first battle on the Broken Shore. They were also present in several areas of the Legion's assaults across Azeroth where they established military camps to protect Alliance assets.

Later, General Shandris Feathermoon and several members of the Sentinels joined the Unseen Path based in Trueshot Lodge in Highmountain and assisted the hunters in their campaigns, such as fighting the Legion in the Violet Hold.

Several Sentinels also accompanied Valorn Stillbough and Belysra Starbreeze to Twilight Grove in Duskwood.

The Sentinels' largest operation on the Broken Isles came during the Nightfallen rebellion in Suramar. Tyrande Whisperwind personally led a large night elven army to the region to support the nightborne rebels in their war against Grand Magistrix Elisande. Along with blood elf and Kirin Tor reinforcements, the kaldorei laid siege to Suramar City, before pushing into the metropolis itself. A major Sentinel war camp was subsequently set up on the city limits. They would suffer several setbacks at the gate of the Nighthold, but the rebellion was ultimately successful.

Before the Storm

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Captain Cordressa Briarbow's unit was sent to act as guards for the Explorers' League team that was sent to Silithus. They were ultimately killed by the goblins of the Horde.[52]

Battle for Azeroth

Battle for Azeroth This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

War of the Thorns
Night elven defenders face orcish invaders in the War of the Thorns
Main article: War of the Thorns

As part of the opening stages of the Blood War, the Horde readied itself for conquest on Kalimdor. Believing the focus of the conflict to be in Silithus, the Alliance dispatched much of the Sentinel Army by sea as reinforcements to the region. As the fleet was en route, it was revealed that the Horde had instead stolen a march on Ashenvale with the intent on pushing straight to Teldrassil. Thinly-spread Sentinel forces in the area were unable to withstand the united Horde attack, and most of the region's outposts quickly fell.

With only the Darnassian City Guard to protect many of their holdings, the kaldorei would eventually lose Astranaar, as the invaders pressed on to Darkshore. Captain Delaryn Summermoon and Malfurion Stormrage directed the defense of the night elven territories, as the Sentinels worked frantically to slow the Horde. The most concentrated fighting initially occurred in southern and central Darkshore. Though the Sentinels inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, their numbers were overwhelming. The Sentinel commanders are especially targeted and killed by Horde rogues.[53]

At Wildbend River, the Darnassian Army was able to temporarily stop the Horde's advance, with both sides drawn into a military stalemate. Meanwhile, the fleet bound for Silithus returned with the majority of the Sentinel Army, further reinforcing the lines. All remaining Sentinel forces in Darnassus were now called on to join the fight.[54] Despite their stalwart defense, the remainder of Darkshore would eventually fall to the Horde when they flanked Lor'danel via Felwood. The Sentinels continued to resist the Horde in the area, even after the Burning of Teldrassil that marked the end of night elf dominance in the region. Some sentinels in Darnassus were rescued before its destruction along with some civilians. Many of these displaced kaldorei would take refuge in Stormwind City.[55]

Battle for Lordaeron

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Sentinel units made up some of the attacking force during the Siege of Lordaeron, which was launched in response to the events at Teldrassil.

War campaign

The remaining Sentinels in Ashenvale were in command of Sentinel Tara Thenysil.[56] Huntress Jalin led her Sentinels against Silverwind Refuge, attempting to retake it for the Alliance.[57] Big Baobob allied with the Sentinels.[58]

Sentinel divisions

Organizations

Units

A Sentinel seen in the cinematic for World of Warcraft

Members of the Sentinel Army can be proficient in a wide variety of skills, from nightsaber and hippogryph riding to the use of siege weaponry. As such, the army is able to fill many unique roles on the battlefield. Primary examples of these include:

  • Archers compose the first rank of the Sentinel army. These night elves are expert marksmen and use the concealing forests of Kalimdor to their advantage. Their lightning-quick ambushes are legendary, for few warriors can match the proud archers' speed and cunning. These are the basic sentinel type, and have formed a key part of kaldorei armies since the days of the War of the Ancients.[59]
  • Huntresses are the elite cadre of the Sentinel army. Drawing their strength from the moon goddess, Elune, these warrior women ride the feral nightsaber panthers into battle. Huntresses are strong and swift, and merciless to those who would defile the sanctity of the forests. Huntresses also have a close bond with the owls of the forest. These owls relay information and spy for the Sentinel army. They are the mounted warrior version of sentinels, and often act as heavy shock troops.
  • Hippogryph riders provide aerial support in battle, as well as scouting and reconnaissance. Hippogryph-mounted sentinels usually act as airborne archers, and form an effective mobile rapid-response unit.[60]
  • Glaive throwers serve as the main siege weapon of the Sentinels, and can be operated by a single individual. Hurling imposing metal glaives across large distances, they can be used to punch through even the toughest of fortifications. Glaive throwers can also be turned to the skies as an effective anti-air deterrent.[61]

Notable members

For an exhaustive list of Sentinel units, see List of Sentinels.

Name Role Status Location
Alliance  Shandris Feathermoon General Alive Various
Alliance  Tyrande Whisperwind High priestess of Elune, commander-in-chief Alive Various
Alliance  Delaryn Summermoon Captain of the Darnassian City Guard Deceased Ashenvale; Darkshore
Alliance  Myara Sunsong Captain of the Darnassian Army Alive Darnassus
Alliance  Raene Wolfrunner Ruler of Ashenvale Alive Astranaar, Ashenvale
Alliance  Huntress Jalin Huntmistriss and commander at Stardust Spire Alive Stardust Spire, Ashenvale
Alliance  Kalen Trueshot Commander of aerial defenses at Trueshot Point Alive Trueshot Point, Stonetalon Mountains
Alliance  Moon Priestess Amara Moon Priestess, Sentinel Alive Teldrassil
Alliance  Velinde Starsong Priestess, Sentinel Deceased Last seen in Duskwood
Alliance  Su'ura Swiftarrow Warsong Gulch Battlemaster Alive Silverwing Grove, Ashenvale
Alliance  Aethalas Warsong Gulch Battlemaster Alive Warrior's Terrace, Darnassus
Alliance  Lylandris Warsong Gulch Battlemaster Alive Military Ward, Ironforge
Alliance  Elfarran Warsong Gulch Battlemaster Alive War Room, Stormwind
Alliance  Lylandor Warsong Gulch Battlemaster Alive Lower City, Shattrath City
Alliance  Tysha Moonblade Ranking Sentinel at the Ruins of Mathystra Alive Darkshore
Alliance  Adella Sentinel Alive Feralas
Alliance  Silvia Sentinel Alive Feralas
Alliance  Tambre Sentinel Alive Feralas
Alliance  Shindrell Swiftfire Sentinel Alive Astranaar, Ashenvale
Alliance  Illiyana Moonblaze Silverwing Supply Officer Alive Silverwing Grove, Ashenvale
Alliance  Sentinel Selarin Sentinel, in charge of the Auberdine Refugee Camp Alive Auberdine Refugee Camp, Darkshore
Alliance  Luciel Starwhisper Sentinel, directing efforts against the Warsong Lumber Camp Alive Forest Song, Ashenvale
Alliance  Melyria Frostshadow Ranking Sentinel at Raynewood Tower Alive Forest Song, Ashenvale
Alliance  Sentinel Thenysil Sentinel commander[62] in Ashenvale Alive Astranaar, Ashenvale
Alliance  Sentinel Onaeya Ranking Sentinel at Maestra's Post Alive Maestra's Post, Ashenvale
Alliance  Huntress Selura Huntress in charge of security at Whisperwind Grove Alive Whisperwind Grove, Felwood
Alliance  Sentinel Dawnshadow Recruiting Officer at the Lunarfall Garrison Alive Warlords of Draenor Lunarfall, Shadowmoon Valley

Types

Warcraft III Beta Sentinel

In the RPG

General Shandris Feathermoon

The RPG Icon 16x36.png This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

The Sentinels, also known as Sentinel Army, are an elite guard belonging to the night elves.[63] Given the threat of invasion that constantly looms, few roles are as critical to the defense of the land as the sentinel. Sentinels perform guard duty.[64] Sentinel is an ancient title, its skills are rooted in ancient tradition from even before the time of Queen Azshara.[65]

Sentinels are proficient with all simple and martial weapons and with light and medium armor, due to her extensive study of her foes and training in the proper techniques for combating them. In addition, sentinels are proficient in the use of arrows as a melee weapon. As a class, it shares elements from archer, hunter, and scout classes.[63] Their hatred of orcs has also fueled their participation in the Alliance. After the death of Cenarius during the Third War, many sentinels, druids and warrior night elves began a great hunt. Some night elves happily hunt orcs as a repayment for Cenarius’ murder.[66] Druids of the wild now strive to heal and restore the land, while sentinels keep their eternal watch for enemies both seen and unseen.[67]

Sentinels share almost the exact customs as high elf rangers, to the point where you can only tell the difference by race. Many Sentinels fulfill their duties as huntresses, riding astride great nightsaber panthers, or as windwarriors astride hippogryphs.[68] Sentinels are also the night elf version of elven ranger class.[63]

Notes and trivia

  • Many members of the Sentinel Army are themselves referred to as 'Sentinels', though this is not universal.[5]
  • During the Battle for Azeroth beta, A [110] Long Away said that the Sentinels are divided into the Fourth and Fifth Fleets.
  • There was a garrison of the Sentinels in Auberdine. They and the druids remained as separate as possible from the towns-folk because they were considered misfits and outcasts.[69]
  • The Sentinels revere the moonwells as shrines to Elune.[70]
  • At some point, the night elves which included the Sentinels visited Orgrimmar as a part of a diplomatic entourage.[71]
  •  [Marble Arrowhead] mentions that it may have belonged to a Highborne sentinel.
  • The Sentinel was also a scrapped night elf unit in the Warcraft III beta. Its model was recycled for the Huntress base unit. Its original Battle.net description was the following: "Sentinels are the leaders of the Sentinel army. These powerful warriors draw their strength from the moon goddess, Elune, and show little compassion or mercy to those who would disrupt the natural harmony of the Night Elves' proud culture. Sentinels are fond of using owls as scouts and are able to maintain a primitive telepathic rapport with their owls. Through this link, the Sentinels are able to see far across any environment as if they were looking through their owl's eyes. Sentinels are strong and swift, but unlike most Night Elf warriors, they wear sturdy suits of light armor. Like all Night Elf women, Sentinels are able to Shadowmeld at night."[72]
  • The Warrior's Terrace is a gathering spot for the Sentinels.[73]
  • While not seen in the game but in World Editor, the faction the player controls in the night elven campaign is called the Sentinels[74] even when controlling Illidan.[75]
  • Besides the Shadowleaves, the Moonhunters, Starseekers and Nightblades also belonged to the Sentinels.
  • Most members of the Sentinels are females, even the worgen who joined them, but several all-male Sentinel units such as the Ashenvale Ambushers, Ashenvale Assailants and Ashenvale Skirmishers also appear. Stormshield Sentinels may also appear as males. Another male Sentinel was Xanon.
  • Sentinel guards and wisps can be found among the crews of night elven boats, the latter ones helping find the souls that were lost at sea.[76]

Speculation

Questionmark-medium.png
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.

Gallery

Fanart

See also

References

  1. ^ Sentinel Amarassan
  2. ^ Lelanai
  3. ^  [War Belt of the Sentinel Army]
  4. ^ A [37] Forces of Nature: Wisps
  5. ^ a b c A Looming Threat (Alliance)#Notes
  6. ^ a b World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 114
  7. ^ Darnassian Archer (War of the Thorns); both female and male variants seen in large numbers
  8. ^ a b The Warcraft Encyclopedia: Sentinels
  9. ^ Wolfheart, pg. 23, 41
  10. ^ World of Warcraft: Stormrage, pg. 9
  11. ^ Wolfheart, chapter 4
  12. ^ Stormrage
  13. ^ Shards of the Alliance
  14. ^ The Brothers Stormrage (WC3 NightElf)
  15. ^ The World of Warcraft Townhall/World Map
  16. ^ The World of Warcraft Bestiary
  17. ^ N [47] Spiritual Unrest
  18. ^ Stormrage, chapter 23
  19. ^ Stormrage, chapter 30
  20. ^ The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm
  21. ^ The Balance of Nature#Notes
  22. ^ A [7] Resident Danger
  23. ^ A [10] The Enchanted Glade
  24. ^ A [10] The Vengeance of Elune
  25. ^ A [10] The Last Wave of Survivors
  26. ^ A [13] Denying Manpower
  27. ^ A [14] The Front Line
  28. ^ A [13] The Twilight's Hammer
  29. ^ Seeds of Faith
  30. ^ A [37] The Battle of Sardor
  31. ^ A [37] General Skessesh
  32. ^ A [36] General Shandris Feathermoon
  33. ^ A [37] Might of the Sentinels
  34. ^ B [39] Stinglasher
  35. ^ B [39] Taming The Tamers
  36. ^ Traveler: The Spiral Path, pg. 114
  37. ^ A [23] Astranaar's Burning!
  38. ^ A [21] Agents of Destruction
  39. ^ A [26] Retaking Mystral Lake
  40. ^ A [21] A Squad of Your Own
  41. ^ A [23] Defend the Tree!
  42. ^ A [26] Hellscream's Legacy
  43. ^ A [25] The Goblin Braintrust
  44. ^ A [26] Free Our Sisters
  45. ^ A [30] Thal'darah's Vengeance
  46. ^ A [29] Back to the Depths
  47. ^ A [29] Putting Them to Rest
  48. ^ A [25] The Only Way Down is in a Body Bag
  49. ^ A [25] The Crazed Dragonmaw
  50. ^ H [20] Let Them Feast on Fear
  51. ^ Wolfheart, chapter 29
  52. ^ Before the Storm
  53. ^ Elegy
  54. ^ A [110] A Looming Threat
  55. ^ Stormwind Harbor NPCs
  56. ^ Siege of Astranaar (Horde)
  57. ^ Recapture Silverwind Refuge (Horde)
  58. ^ Ancient Defenses (Horde)
  59. ^ War of the Ancients Trilogy
  60. ^ A [110] A Looming Threat
  61. ^ A [23] Return Fire
  62. ^ Siege of Astranaar (Horde)
  63. ^ a b c Arthaus. Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 73. ISBN 9781588460714. 
  64. ^ Arthaus. More Magic and Mayhem, 103. ISBN 9781588469458. 
  65. ^ Arthaus. World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 100. ISBN 9781588467812. 
  66. ^ Arthaus. World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 38. ISBN 9781588467812. 
  67. ^ Arthaus. Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 44. ISBN 9781588460714. 
  68. ^ White Wolf. Alliance Player's Guide, 127. ISBN 9781588467737. 
  69. ^ Stormrage, chapter 7
  70. ^ A [5] Crown of the Earth
  71. ^ Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects, chapter 5
  72. ^ Scrolls of Lore
  73. ^ The World of Warcraft Townhall/World Map
  74. ^ Enemies at the Gate
  75. ^ A Destiny of Flame and Sorrow
  76. ^ Mariner Everwatch#Quotes
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