Edwin VanCleef

Edwin VanCleef was a a human architect involved with the reconstruction of Stormwind City. He was also involved in the construction of Nethergarde Keep. He was also one of the greatest and most wanted criminals in the Kingdom of Stormwind, the Kingpin of the Defias Brotherhood until his demise in the Defias hideout, deep in the mines of Moonbrook.

History
Edwin VanCleef was one of the architects in charge of rebuilding Stormwind City and led the construction of Nethergarde Keep. He learned the tricks of the Rogue's trade from none other than Master Mathias Shaw of 7 himself, teaching those skills to Defias members after the Stonemason Riots, during which Queen Tiffin was killed by a misguided stone.

Due to the House of Nobles refusing to pay them for their work, he rioted and formed the Defias Brotherhood. Sometime while he was leading the criminal gang, he had a daughter named Vanessa.

He was slain in the Deadmines, his head brought to Gryan Stoutmantle, then-leader of the People's Militia. His daughter vowed to get her revenge.

Possible Survival?
There have been many rumors about VanCleef having survived the assassination attempt on him. Indeed, Mathias Shaw himself noted that he was his equal. His overall common appearance could mean that whoever was slain in the Deadmines could have been almost anyone else, Gryan Stoutmantle mistakingly thinking he was the master criminal.

With his daughter having vowed revenge for his death, many think he actually died, but a fair share still think he's out there somewhere.