The issue I've had with Tyrande since Warcraft 3 is that her portrayal in the game seems to be pretty inconsistent. In Warcraft 3 she struck me as a headstrong person ruled by their passions, aloof and somewhat cold-hearted (not traits I would associate with a priestess of a deity that seems almost completely devoted to peace and tranquility). She recklessly kills off the wardens of Illidan's Barrow prison and releases him from imprisonment, stating that Malfurion has no right to deny her anything.

In Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne her behavior seems to have been ramped down a touch, although she still comes across as brash and more a warrior of Elune than a priest dedicated to Elune's ideals... but there's less headstrong arrogance to her words and actions. Then in WoW she seems more in the priestly vein, removed from the major political structures and less involved in the day-to-day affairs of the Night Elf people. She does have some strong moments (e.g. the Eranikus questline and events), but she's more or less a background character.

Personally, I don't think either her or Malfurion are really what the Night Elves need in a faction leader. Malfurion is too far removed from most Night Elves, and his focus is better consolidated on the Cenarion Circle and more wide-ranging Druid affairs of Azeroth. Tyrande has a similar issue in that her focus is first on the Night Elf religious society devoted to Elune, and the Night Elf state comes second. I think a more martial example like Jarod Shadowsong would serve the Night Elves best in Alliance affairs and their issues with Horde expansionism and aggression. Malfurion and Tyrande both mean well, but their attention is just too divided.

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