Illidan Stormrage
Weapons	The Twin Blades of Azzinoth, Fel Magic
Origin	Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
Activities	Leading the Burning Legion
Service	Thousands of unrecorded years
Battle Status	Victorious over Riku.

Known as the "Betrayer" to his night elf kin, Illidan is the brother of the Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage. He was a major figure in the Highborn leadership prior to the War of the Ancients, during which the night elves battled against the Highborn and their allies, the Burning Legion. Malfurion was the leader of the night elf defenders, and Illidan at first sided with him, despite his standing. However, when Malfurion chose to destroy the Well of Eternity, the source of the world's magic, to keep the Dark Titan Sargeras from using it as a portal, Illidan revealed this plan to the Highborn Queen, Azshara. Unwilling to part with the magic he had come to be so dependent on, Illidan took several vials of the Well's waters, and recreated it after Malfurion succeeded in destroying the original.

Discovering his brother's treachery, Malfurion reluctantly sentenced his brother to eternal imprisonment for bringing back the threat their people had fought so hard to destroy. For ten thousand years, Illidan wasted away in a prison beneath Mount Hyjal, until Malfurion's lover, High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind, released him, seeking his aid against the Burning Legion, who had once again invaded. Illidan, who had fostered a love for Tyrande, agreed, but was once again spurned by his brother. Seeking to prove himself to Malfurion, Illidan consumed the Skull of Gul'dan, a powerful orc warlock, in order to do battle with Tichondrius, a Burning Legion commander. Illidan killed Tichondrius, but became demonic himself from the Skull's power. Seeing the monster his brother had become, Malfurion cast him out of the night elf lands.

After the Legion was again defeated, Illidan was met by Kil'jaeden, one of the Legion's supreme commanders. Noting his service both for and against the Legion, Kil'jaeden tasked Illidan with the destruction of their mutual enemy, the Lich King. Allying with the twisted naga, Illidan recovered the Eye of Sargeras from the Dark Titan's tomb, using it to cast a spell that would rip the land of Northrend apart, destroying the Lich King in the process. Opposed by Malfurion, Tyrande, and his former jailer, Maiev Shadowsong, Illidan was forced to team up with his brother in order to rescue Tyrande from undead forces. Illidan made up with his brother, before leaving the world of Azeroth.

Assisted by the naga Lady Vashj and the blood elf Prince Kael'thas, Illidan attempted to flee Kil'jaeden's wrath on the shattered world of Outland, but failed. Given one last chance by the demon lord, Illidan returned to Azeroth to attack the Lich King personally. Thwarted by the death knight Arthas, Illidan was badly beaten and returned to Outland. From his base at the Black Temple, Illidan now seeks to conquer the whole of Outland in preparation for Kil'jaeden's coming reprisal. Having declared himself Lord of Outland, Illidan is prepared to crush any who oppose him.

Battle vs. Riku (by CuchulainSetanta)Edit

Riku is making his way to the summit of the Black Temple, having fought his way through many of Illidan's minions. Stepping out, he sees the Lord of Outland with his back to him, crouched over while looking over the Skull of Gul'dan. Illidan glances behind him and sees the young warrior, who gets into his fighting stance. Illidan gets to feet, tosses the Skull aside, and unveils the Twin Blades of Azzinoth. He then spreads his wings and leaps over to Riku.

Riku brings up Way to the Dawn, blocking Illidan's strike. Illidan unleashes several more strikes, which Riku struggles to block in time. Gathering his inner darkness, Riku fires a dark fireball at Illidan, who is caught off guard, being blasted backwards. Riku rushes in to take advantage of the night elf/demon's weakness, but Illidan recovers, spinning backwards and cutting Riku on the shoulder.

Riku rolls out of the way of another strike, grabbing his shoulder in pain. Illidan takes to the air again, this time unleashing a rain of fel fire. Riku jumps out of the way just in time, and turns...just in time to see Illidan swooping in with his blades. Riku starts to bring up his Keyblade, but is too late. Illidan stabs him directly through the heart with both blades, then, in one swift motion, pulls them out and decapitates Riku. Illidan cleans the blood off his blades, saying to himself "They are never prepared..."

Winner: Illidan Stormrage

Expert's OpinionEdit

Riku is a skilled combatant, but he has only been fighting for about two years. Illidan, on the other hand, has the advantage of over ten thousand years of combat experience. This, along with his ability to fly, made him the victor.

To see the original battle, weapons and votes, click here.