The Great War was a world wide conflict during the Sword Age from 2431 through 2481 AE, pinning The Legion from the West against the The Fallen from the East. The Light was led by Alric and the Nine avatara, while the Dark was led was Balor and The Fallen Lords. During this time many allies joined the Light and stood against the dark and their fallen leaders. The Nine, along with the Dwarven King, Fir'Bolg King, Skrael King, Durak, Kyrand, and many other notable members of the Legion--joined to protect their world against the threat of Balor, the newest incarnation of the Leveler and the most deadly yet.
Among Balor's forces were hordes of undead, his lieutenants being the shades--but not only did he have these and the Fallen Lords, but he also held warriors in his power, such as Fang Grinder, the Untamed King, and others.