Variálen Alathor was a researcher who took great interest in the history and species of Azeroth. While a Shadow Priest by training, studying ruins of past civilisations was his passion, and he seemed especially drawn to the ones left by the Trolls. His life-long dream was to write a complete history of Trolls despite the humongous volume of the task. Variálen also occasionally served as a mercenary for the Horde, having little love for Alliance and a constant need for money (due to his research). He was occasionally assisted by a fellow Sin'dorei called Aenor Dawnblade in his research, and the two of them became quickly close friends.