Project Lore

Proverb is a rare yet delicious column discussing the lore of Warcraft. It is spoiler heavy for all Warcraft games, novels, and other media. Comment on this post or send a tweet to @Heartbourne and let us know what you would like to see in future columns!

The Council of Six, also known as The Six, is the ruling governance of Dalaran. They used to have a lot more to do when Dalaran was more of a city-state and had to make political decisions. Without land to manage or other kingdoms to disagree with, there isn't much for them to do, and they haven't really been featured much in Warcraft media.

The Six used to be a completely secret group. Its existence was known to the Kirin Tor (the collection of high-ranking magocrats that live and study in Dalaran), but the public was unaware of which magi were on the council. Their meetings occurred in the Chamber of Air, a room completely sealed off from the rest of the world and accessible only through spells known to The Six. It is thought to be located somewhere within the Violet Citadel, but it could very well exist in a parallel dimension. This is not unlike the Chamber of Aspects, which was believed to be inaccessible until it was unearthed beneath the Dragonblight after the Sundering. When The Six would meet with non-members, they would be in magical disguises and kept their identities a strict secret, as well as their precise location. A few talented mages have been able to infiltrate the council, such as Khadgar, but it is rare and requires exceptional skill to do so.

The Six make most important decisions regarding the governance of Dalaran. Each member has equal standing, and all matters are resolved through a direct vote. When there is a 3-3 split, they reconvene a day later to discuss their votes and reconsider. The Six does not seem to have any official leadership position. The leader of the Kirin Tor seems to be an unofficial position held by whoever represents the public face of the Kirin Tor. The leader of the Kirin Tor is often in The Six given his high status, but this is not always the case.

Since the destruction of Dalaran during the Third War, the magi of Dalaran have likely been a bit disorganized. Archimonde obliterated the city, but it was rebuilt while shielded in a magical dome. Presumably, The Six made the decision that Malygos' insanity was enough to warrant a full-fledged war, and as such the city was moved to float magically above the Crystalsong Forest to battle the blue dragonflight. As the Nexus War is over, they stuck around to deal with things like Yogg-Saron and Arthas.

Currently, Rhonin is the leader of the Kirin Tor and a member of The Six. Aethas Sunreaver (leader of the Sunreavers) is also among the members of The Six, and he likely joined shortly after Kael'thas Sunstrider, a previous elven member of The Six, defected from the organization. The only other member that is currently certain is Modera. It is unknown if her contemporary Drenden still lives, but if he does, he is likely still a member of The Six. Krasus was also once a member the six; it is unknown if he still holds that position. Ansirem Runeweaver, the leader of the Kirin Tor before Rhonin, may also be a current member.

There are a number of other great archmagi who could currently be on the council, such as Jaina Proudmoore, Khadgar, or Cedric. As The Six is very secretive, its impossible to say for certain who else is on the council or what their influence has been in recent events.