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CHAPTER 1: PRIMORDIAL DRAENOR
Part 1: Breakers vs. Primals
• Draenor/Dawgar/Rakshar – no world soul, but plenty of Spirit
• Elements lived in relative balance
• Abundance of Spirit gave rise to untamed life, notably plant life
• Massive plant life forms known as Sporemounds roamed Draenor
• Sporemounds provoked plant life, forest, jungles, swamps
• Roots penetrated into the earth to absorb Spirit energy
• Spirit energy creates hivemind in Sporemounds known as the Evergrowth
• Aggramar comes across Draenor and notices the Sporemounds
• He wants to stop the Sporemounds from consuming the planet
• He uses the four elements to transform a mountain in a living being – Grond
• Grond carved out the surface of Draenor and did battle with the Evergrowth
• Three powerful Sporemounds—Zang (swamps), Botaan (forests), Naanu (jungles)
• Grond defeats Zang & Naanu, whose bodies become Zangar Sea & Tanaan Jungle
• Pieces ripped from Grond and the Sporemounds evolved into beings due to Spirit
• From plants came genesaurs, from Grond came colossals
• Grond’s death unleashes elementals who exist due to Sporemounds eating Spirit
• Grond’s corpse becomes a mountain range in northeastern Nagrand
• Elemental Furies make their home at the Throne of the Elements, skull of Grond
• Aggramar fits the colossals with titanic discs to imbue them with arcane power
• Aggramar senses death of nearby constellar and leaves, never to return
• Colossals lure Botaan from the Evergrowth to their rocky territority to weaken it
• Fighting continues, and the magnaron are born from the remains of the colossals
• Magnaron did not obey orders but still felt compelled to fight the Evergrowth
• Remaining colossals swarm the Evergrowth and detonate titanic discs to destroy it
• Evergrowth loses hivemind, colossal corpses lack energy so no creatures rise
• Botaan’s remains still held energy, his body creates Farahlon
• Botaan’s life energies transformed the magnaron into fleshy gronn
• Gronn continued degenerating into ogron
• Ogron eventually evolved into the ogres who in turn devolved into the orcs
• Botaan’s remains created sporelings, podlings, botaniPart 2: The Great Avians
• Spirit of Life saturated Draenor and gave rise to beasts of great size and strength
• Winged creatures survived best because they could avoid the Primals and Breakers
• Three great avians developed in Arak: Rukhmar, Sethe, and Anzu
• Rukhmar the fire bird had brilliant wings and wielded the holy power of the Light
• Sethe the wind serpent had small, weak wings and channeled the Void
• Anzu the dread raven was smaller and discovered the Arcane from ley lines
• Anzu calls on others to transform Arak into a livable place, they chase out bad guys
• Rukhmar had an affinity for the kaliri; she became arrogant and never left the spire
• Anzu had an affinity for the lesser ravens and lived below the forest canopy
• Sethe and his wind serpents lived in the shadows at the base of the spire
• Sethe grew envious of Rukhmar because he could barely fly as high as the spire
• He sought out Anzu’s help to overthrow her and rule as Twin Kings
• Anzu, however, was in love with Rukhmar and refused to betray her
• He warned Rukhmar who burned Sethe’s wings to ash; Anzu tore out his eyes
• Sethe laid a curse with his dying breath using his flesh and blood to defile the land
• Anzu eats Sethe to seal his curse, which cripples him and he no longer flies
• Sethekk Hollow is the zone where Sethe died that was corrupted by his blood
• Anzu was ashamed of his transformation and hid from Rukhmar in the forests below
• Consuming Sethe gave Anzu new power as well; he hid himself in a realm of shadow
• Humbled by Anzu’s sacrifice, Rukhmar leaves Arak for Gorgrond
• She transformed her kaliri into the arrakoa to honor Anzu’s sacrifice
• The arrakoa to one day relcaim Arak but not as long as Sethe’s curse still lingered
• The arrakoa learn of the Light from Rukhmar and discovered Arcane magic as well
• They revered both Rukhmar and Anzu as deitiesCHAPTER 2: CHILDREN OF STONEPart 3: Return to Arak
• Rukhmar dying and instructs the arrakoa to return to Arak; she dies on the trip
• Calling themselves the Apexis, arrakoa vow to create a civilization in her honor
• They studied Sethekk Hollow to learn shadow magic, embracing Light and Void
• The Anhar order studied Light, the Skalax order studied the Void and Arcane
• They explored Draenor, learned of Breakers & Primals, had disdain for land-dwellers
• A treant named Gnarlgar, one of Primals in Talador, noticed the arrakoa
• He learned of Evergrowth, hivemind, and Sporemounds from the genesaur
• Gnarlgar learned to empower other plants and manipulate them with magic
• He became caretaker to botani, groomed their culture, taught them magic
• Gnarlgar saw the arrakoa as an affront to nature, sought to destroy their artifice
• He found an ancient root of Botaan and used it to give life to a new Sporemound
• Botani sacrificed themselves to imbue mound with life energy, giving rise to Taala
• Botani raised genesaur to prepare for war; Gnarlgar created treants – the Gnarled
• Arrakoa sent scouts to investigate plants, most never came back
• Arrakoa assaulted Primals but Gnarlgar had enchanted trees against magic
• Anhar order proposed a weapon, Breath of Rukhmar, to channel sun
• Gnarlgar urged more botani to sacrifice themselves, and Taala finally stirred into life
• Some Skalaxi sorcerers went to stall the Primals, try to assassinate Gnarlgar
• Gnarlgar destroyed them but was cursed, his roots withering and rotting
• His death broke unity of the Primals, but they continue aimlessly toward Arak
• Arrakoa had time to finish weapon, which emitted fire to burn everything
• They burnt the Primals to a crisp and finally put an end to threat of Evergrowth
• Arrakoa created an empire dedicated to studying and cataloging knowledge
• Anhari and Skalaxi combined magic to create crystals to store information
• Touching crystal permitted one to absorb information/memories within
• Apexis also created mechanical constructs to do their bidding
• Anhari semi-resurrect Rukhmar but less powerful and intelligent
• Anhari built temple near weapon to honor Rukhmar; Skalaxi revered Anzu below
• Rivarly developed between the Anhari and the Skalaxi
• Anhari leader, Priest-Lord Velthreek, wanted to hoard apexis for select few
• Skalaxi leader, Sorcerer-Lord Salavass, believed all should have access to knowledge
• Civil war broke out, and the Anhari threatened to use their weapon
• Salavass used a curse to destabilize the weapon, causing explosion, killing most
• The single spire of Arak was split into numerous smaller spires by the explosion
• Apexis society was basically lost, but the arrakoa would continue to live on
Part 1: Rise of the Ogres
• Gronn were solitary, fighting over territory and food
• Ogron were brutish, rudimentary, but banded together for safety
• Ogres and orcs were fearful of ogron and revered gronn
• Orcs originally lived in caves under Gorgrond
• Skalaxi arrakoa leader, Yonzi, learns of cache of apexis crystals
• Cache buried in Talador, now occupied by ogron
• Ogron would not negotiate with arrakoa
• Yonzi sought alliance with ogron slaves, the ogres
• Arrakoa taught arcane magic to ogres, who mastered it quickly
• Titan ancestry allowed ogres to especially master stone magic
• Ogre named Gog became leader of this rebellion
• Gog fought not the ogron but instead killed a gronn
• Killing more gronn, Gog the Gronnslayer inspired other ogres
• Ogre slaves rose up and defied their ogron masters
• Arrakoa waited patiently to reclaim crystals in aftermath
• Gog, now Gorgog (King Gog), fought off arrakoa as well
• Named city Goria and told Skalaxi to leave
• Yonzi tried to attack at night but was defeated by Gog
• Gorian Empire expanded over the generations
• Ogres not focused on conquest but acquired many lands
• Gronn and ogron hunted down
• Cities of Highmaul and Bladespire Hold sprang up
• Goria became center of magic, apexis crystal highly prized
• Some ogres begin to be born with two heads
• Seen as good sign, so begin magically creating two-head ogresPart 2: Rise of the Orcs
• Ogre rebellion allowed orcs to come out of their caves
• Orcs hunted widlife of Gorgrond nearly to extinction
• Orcs began migrating out of the region to avoid conflict
• Gorgrond: Blackrock, Laughing Skull, Lightning’s Blade, Dragonmaw
• Blackrock remained in caves to study ore and earth
• Blackrock ore is the remains of Grond, magically imbued
• Dragonmaw called Nelghor-shomash in orcish (Cry of the Beasts)
• Refered to rhylaks as nelghor; name for dragons once on Azeroth
• Tanaan clans: Bleeding Hollow, Bonechewers
• Frostfire clans: Frostwolves, Whiteclaws, Thunderlord
• Frostwolves and Whiteclaws learn to live with nature, wolves
• Thunderlords prefer to dominate wildlife, hunt gronns
• Talador clans: Burning Blade, Redwalkers, Bladewinds
• Nagrand clan: Warsong
• Warsong were nomadic, raided ogre civilizations
• Shadowmoon clan lived in peace, revered the sky and stars
• Shadowmoon went on pilgrimages hoping to hear divine voices
• Some made their way to Throne of the Elements (skull of Grond)
• Pilgrims learned of the elements, birth of first shaman
• Ogres tore and ripped earth; orcs revered elements
• Shadowmoon became first shaman and created temple at Throne
• Orcs would come to be judged by elements, worthy or not
• Some orcs reached into veil and discovered the Void
• They were driven insane, had white skulls tatooed on their faces
• Lived in seclusion in caves of Nagrand, seen as “dead” to orcs
• Shaman became respected, worked alongside clan chieftains
• Annual gathering of shaman called Kosh’harg festivalPart 3: Decline of the Arrakoa
• No orc clans dared venture into Spires of Arak
• Arrakoa became dark, superstitious, haunted
• Renamed themselves “high arrakoa” but only shadow of empire
• Ruled by line of kings sharing power with Anhar order
• No longer respect dread raven Anzu
• Sethekk Hollow used as place of punishment, banishment
• Most banished die, some transformed and unable to fly (Outcasts)
• Outcasts hunted by the saberon
• Pridelord Karash of Bloodmane decided to hunt flying arrakoa
• Taught his tribe to use harpoons, spears, and nets to hunt
• Spires under siege from saberon, faith in Rukhmar wavered
• Terokk, king of arrakoa, sought to fight back
• He attacked saberon himself, ripping them apart
• Became a living legend, built a new city in the sky, Skyreach
• Anhari saw Terokk as a threat to their authority
• Priests kidnapped Terokk and daughter Lithic, thrown to Hollow
• Lithic dies; Terokk warped by the curse of Sethe
• Priests became Adherents of Rukhmar, rule Skyreach
• Terokk heard voice and gathered the fallen arrakoa
• Voice was Anzu, guiding the Outcasts to shadow magic
• Terokk and his talonpriests created city of Skettis in forest
• On border of Arak, forest became known as Terokkar
• Terokk went insane, had to be confined to shadow realmPart 4: Orcs vs. Ogres
• Orcs and ogres in conflict, Gorians uninterested in orcs
• Gorians ruled by sorcerer kings called imperators
• Ogres initially unimpressed by orc shamanism
• Upon seeing raw power, ogres seek to learn
• Imperator Molok sends army to Throne of the Elements
• Ogre sorcerers investigate area with arcane spells
• Residual energy from Grond mixed with ogre spells
• Explosion wipes out sorcerers and destroys temple
• Draenor descended into turmoil (storms, earthquakes)
• Molok sends more sorcerers; elements cry for help
• Orc shamans tried to calm elements but to no avail
• Shadowmoon elder, Nelgarm, unites clans to act
• Total war breaks out between ogres and orcs
• Orcs managed to push ogres back to capital of Goria
• Orcs wanted to avoid too much bloodshed, did not attack Goria
• Ogres began starving, trade networks cut off by land
• Molok learns about curse of Sethe from apexis crystals
• Creates red pox, highly contagious, to kill off orcs
• Nelgarm realizes the siege is doomed to fail
• Unprecedented, orcs implore elements to destory Goria
• Storm, fire, earthquake ravage city; the earth devours it
• No ogres were spared; orcs victorious but frightened
• Clans decide to disperse and go separate ways
• Red pox continued to plague every few generations
• Highmaul and Bladespire become isolated city-states
• Orcs seized ogre lands, became most advanced racePart 5: Arrival of the Draenei
• Sargeras has trouble commanding demons, needs new allies
• Sought out highly intelligent eredar to become his lieutenants
• Three wise rulers—Archimonde, Kil’jaeden, and Velen
• Velen resists and flees Argus with the help of the naaru
• Draenei refugees flee for thousands of years aboard the Genedar
• Three naaru—K’ure, K’ara, D’ore—helped flee the Legion
• Traveling in cosmos consumed lots of energy, naaru were weakened
• Naaru found world untouched by Legion, called it Draenor (Exiles’ Refuge)
• K’ara loses touch with Light, consumed by Void energies
• K’ara request the draenei eject it from the Genedar
• Velen shields other two naaru from K’ara and casts it away
• K’ara would float above Shadowmoon Valley for centuries
• Battle weakened Velen, prophecies unreliable until centuries of recovery
• Two remaining naaru too weak to guide Genedar, crash lands killing D’ore
• K’ure instructs draenei to leave shipwreck because naaru was decaying
• Velen first creates Rangari as scouts to survey their new home
• Since leaving Argus, Velen had numerous visions that helped saved draenei
• His visions now unfocused, drifting between certainty and possibility
• Having touched K’ara, he saw the Voids desired future
• Velen no longer wanted to be sole leader, so creates Exarch Council
• Exarch 1: Naielle, leader of Rangari, led by example
• Exarch 2: Hataaru, leader of Artificers, created arkonite crystals
• Exarch 3: Akama, leader of Vindicators, defenders against darkness
• Exarch 4: Othaar, leader of Sha’tari, studied naaru remains
• Draenei come upon ideal location to build settlement, former city of Goria
• Established Shattrath (Dwelling of Light)
• Maladaar, a Sha’tari, sensed that D’ore’s remains attracted dead draenei spirits
• Velen ordered D’ore moved to secluded place on outskirts of Terokkar Forest
• Mausoleum known as Auchindoun (Home for the Honored Dead)
• Exarch 5: Maladaar, leader of Auchenai, communing with dead spiritsCHAPTER 3: RISE OF THE HORDEPart 6: Just Before the Dark Portal
• Scouts discovered Genedar crash greatly impacted Draenor with its energies
• Draenei etablish outposts like Karabor along the ley lines of Draenor
• Successfully quieted Primals and Breakers for a time using Arcane and Light
• Draenei hoped to avoid conflict with local orc clans
• Shadowmoon orcs see K’ara (Dark Star) as a sign and worship it
• Some shaman tried to access K’ara’s power, shattering their minds
• Shadowmoon decided K’ara was forbidden, violaters to be exiled
• K’ure in Nagrand, like D’ore, attracted spirits, this time orc spirits (Oshu’gun)
• Orc ancestors infused with light provided guidance to living orcs
• D’ore’s remains emitted Void energies, but very little left of its form
• K’ure, however, still fully intact, which worried the draenei
• Orc exiles underground in Nagrand noticed K’ure, tapped into Void
• These outcasts began communing with void lords, who taught shadow magic
• Exiles’ skin turned sickly white, became known as Pale
• Some orcs engaged in trade with draenei, but little contact for decades
• Some orcs saw draenei as divine, none saw them as a threat
• Ogres, however, saw draenei’s isolation as a sign of weakness
• Construction of Shattrath deeply angered ogres of Highmaul
• Refined, magical technology of draenei kept ogres at bay for a time
• Imperator Hok’lon of Highmaul incited war against the draenei
• Ogre army outnumbered draenei, but the city’s defenses easily repelled attack
• Ogres regroup, Akama leads elite force of holy warriors (Maraad and Nobundo)
• Elite force kills Hok’lon and his generals, draenei leave ogres in disarray
• Velen projects voice with Light to warn ogres, who retreat and never return
• Orcs finally see draenei as potential threat as result of ogre attack on Shattrath
• Orcs fearful of draenei’s use of arcane and holy magics
• At Kosh’harg, some decide to stop trade with draenei, others see as enemies
• Bladewind orcs, living between Terokkar and Nagrand, wanted to act
• Bladewind attacked draenei caravans, garnering attention of exarchs
• Many draenei wanted to retaliate, but Velen forbade it
• Rangari saved draenei prisoners, Vindicators protected caravans
• Bladewind orcs developed respect for Rangari and Vindicators
• Years pass, skirmishes occur but no real outbreak of conflict
• One day, young Orgrim Doomhammer and Durotan cross paths with draenei
• Orgrim from Blackrock clan, Durotan from Frostwolves
• They met at Kosh’harg, challenged each other, rivalry became friendship
• Friendship between clans against tradition, they met at Frostfire/Gorgrond border
• Set out into Terokkar Forest where attacked by enraged Highmaul ogre
• Rangari party kills ogre, leader Restalaan offered haven in Telmor for orcs
• Orgrim and Durotan shocked by hospitality and draenei technology
• Velen, in Telmor to see Restalaan, requests an audience with two orcs
• Had been having dreams of united orcs marching for war
• Velen found no darkness in two orcs who were proud and honest
• Rangari escort orcs back to Gorgrond, who told tales of hospitable draenei
• Event marks last peaceful encounter between orcs and draenei
Part 1: The Second Invasion of Azeroth
• Sargeras and Legion continue Burning Crusade, destroying worlds
• Azeroth contained nascent titan spirit to rival even Sargeras
• Sargeras sought to conquer Azeroth before the void lords could
• Launched massive invasion called War of the Ancients
• Defeat by night elves infuriated Sargeras, who planned another invasion
• Needed a new means of creating a portal for his demonic armies
• Also wanted to wittle down Azeroth forces before demon arrival
• Sent his followers to recruit races to corrupt
• Sargeras focused on finding individual on Azeroth to serve as vessel
• Sargeras sought second Well of Eternity beneath Nordrassil for portal
• Kil’jaeden tasks demon Talgath with hunting down the draenei
• Always one step behind draenei, but crash of Genedar sent holy waves in cosmos
• Talgath spent a century tracking the holy energy to the draenei
• Saw the draenei were on Draenor and that their ship was crashed, no escape
• Kil’jaeden pleased, once been friends with Velen, saw flight as betrayal
• Talgath ordered to remain hidden and observe draenei, reported about orcsPart 2: The Warlords of Draenor
• Talgath observed that orcs were resilient, prone to violence
• Observed most powerful clans (WS, BR, BH, SM, TL, FW)
• Warsong nomads shaped by ogre battles, led by Grommash Hellscream
• Highmaul outnumbered Warsong, but orcs led raids with wolf riders
• Grommash pushed ogres back to walled city of Highmaul, took portions of zone
• Ogres had history of enslaving orcs for entertainment in arenas
• One slave, Kargath, led uprising, tearing of his hand to escape
• Fellow orcs did the same and followed Kargath, earned named “Bladefist”
• Shattered Hand orcs established foothold in Spires of Arak
• Bloody traditions of self-disfigurement, scarification, weapons on severed limbs
• Blackrock leader, Blackhand, arrogant, famous, respected, power hungry
• Blackrocks had largest, most organized, best equipped military
• Shamans perfected use of elemental fire, crafted enchanted weapons
• Bleeding Hollow highly suspicious, lived in remote Tanaan Jungle
• Kilrogg Deadeye saved clan from extinction from botani, arrakoa, ogres
• Gouged out eye to see vision of his death, lived life without fear from then on
• Shadowmoon relatively peaceful, practiced shamanism, visted Throne of Elements
• Wise chieftian Ner’zhul guided Shadowmoon, respected by all clans (very rare)Part 3: The Orcs of Frostfire Ridge
• Frostwolves under Garad did not seek to dominate Frostfire Ridge, live in harmony
• Three sons: Ga’nar, Durotan, Fenris
• Fenris did not accept father’s teachings, joined Thunderlord clan
• Thunderlords brave, valorous, hunted gronn and magnaron
• Talgath watched tensions increase between Frostwolves and Bladespire ogres
• Imperator Kelgrok of Bladespire wanted to expand waning ogre influence
• Ogres had cross-bred ogres and orcs to make up for dwindling numbers
• Half-breeds called mok’nathal, strength of ogre, cunning of orcs
• Mok’nathal kept as prisoners in chains, families were threatened
• Imperator unleashes mok’nathal on Frostfire to claim swathes of land
• Garad called upon union of Frostwolves, Thunderlord, and Whiteclaws
• Fenris refused, leading raids against the ogre settlements
• Whiteclaw joined Frostwolves, Ga’nar and Durotan named lieutenants
• Attack on Bladespire, no decisive victory, but freed mok’nathal + elder Leoroxx
• Garad speaks with Leoroxx, learns of mok’nathal situation, agrees to help
• Leoroxx returns to Bladespire to incite rebellion, mok’nathal rose up
• Leoroxx strangled Imperator with his slave chains, ogres fled Bladespire
• Hundreds of orc losses, including Ga’nar, Garad heartbroken
• Orcs offer home to mok’nathal who decline, knowing they will never be accepted
• Leoroxx and mok’nathal go to Gorgrond to live in seclusionPart 4: Kil’jaeden and the Orcs
• Kil’jaeden saw orc traditions and superstitions as way to manipulate them
• Kil’jaeden decides to use orcs to enact revenge upon the draenei
• Talgath upset, wanted to kill draenei himself, spoke out against Kil’jaeden
• Kil’jaeden angered but respects Talgath, tells him to leave Draenor forever
• Kil’jaeden sought out an agent among the orcs: found Gul’dan
• Born with physical weaknesses to clan on the edge of Gorgrond
• Gul’dan’s twisted form see as ill omen, eventually exiled from clan
• Clan elder took pity, told Gul’dan to seek out the Throne of the Elements
• Gul’dan, spiteful and hateful, struggled to survive as he made way to Nagrand
• Fell to his knees, pitiful and twisted, cried out to the elements for help
• Elements sensed darkness in him, rejected him as had his clan
• Sensing his abandonment and hoplessness, Kil’jaeden reached out to Gul’dan
• Offered him power to seek vengeance in exchange for service to Legion
• Gul’dan agreed, instructed in ways of fel magic, becomes first orc warlock
• Kil’jaeden warns him to keep magic hidden, only use when necessary
• Kil’jaeden finally has orc agent, but time is not right, wants orcs to be desperate
• Gul’dan told Kil’jaeden of past alliance of orc clans during elemental distress
• Inundates Throne of Elements with fel magic, elemental furies appeared
• Furies never faced fel before, weakened and fled before Gul’dan’s power
• First time Gul’dan dominated something in his life, left him feeling intoxicated
• Fel disrupts elements, causing droughts followed by heavy rain, floods, snowstorms
• Elements tormented by fel, rarely communed with orcs who grew desperate
• Gul’dan used magic to spread red pox, contaminated many during Kosh’harg
• Ner’zhul leads clans to discuss elements, Garad contaminated by red pox
• Ner’zhul urged infected to remain in Nagrand to help contain the disease
• Garad remained in Nagrand and took charge of fellow pox victims
• Durotan volunteered to remain, but Garad told him to go home and lead clan
• Last time Durotan saw father, Garad succombed, settlement named GaradarPart 5: The Corruption of Ner’zhul
• Gul’dan was poweful, but charismatic public figure needed to unite orc clans
• Gul’dan exterminated his former clan in fel fire, none knew of his history now
• Shadowmoon took pity on clanless Gul’dan, welcomed him to their clan
• Chose Ner’zhul, persistent and forthright, to become figurehead for orcs
• Ner’zhul had lost mate, Rulkan, years before, found peace communing with elements
• Elements now silent, Ner’zhul began to despair, memories of mate resurfaced
• Gul’dan preyed on Ner’zhul, gained his trust by telling of his own troubled past
• Ner’zhul took Gul’dan as shamanic apprentice, Kil’jaeden twisted his mind
• Gul’dan looked to Bladewind clan, who had conflict with draenei, to incite war
• Bladewinds were succombing to elemental disruption, red pox, lack of food
• Gul’dan convinced them draenei were responsible for red pox and elemental woes
• Bladewind respected Shadowmoon, decided to kill draenei to appease elements
• Attacked caravan, killed Vindicators, captured prisoners like Leran, Maraad’s sister
• Maraad called for action, Velen appealed for calm after seeing strange visions
• Velen had seen shadow looming over orcs, guiding their actions
• Rangari scouts reported Bladewind were sacrificing prisoners to the elements
• Maraad pleaded to save sister, exarchs agreed reluctantly to attack Bladewind
• Prisoners already dead, Maraad enraged by their mutilated bodies, rampaged
• Most Bladewind died, few survivors fled but were murdered by Gul’dan
• Gul’dan returned to Shadowmoon to report, seed of hatred sewn among orcs
• Kil’jaeden meanwhile had been preying on Ner’zhul’s emotions
• Appeared in dreams as spirit of Rulkan, warning of the draenei menace
• Ner’zhul initially unsure, changed mind when Gul’dan returned with news
• Rulkan pressed on, saying the only way to protect orcs was to eliminate draenei
• Convinced Ner’zhul to unite clans as before, orcs followed advice of a spirit
• Clans were to meet urgently at Oshu’gun
• Kil’jaeden influenced Oshu’gun, preventing orcs from communing with spirits
• Also reached out to elder shaman everywhere, posing as spirits to warn themPart 6: Forging the Horde
• All the famous orc chieftains came to meet at Oshu’gun
• Durotan came with mate, Draka, and elder shaman, Drek’Thar
• Excited at prospect of reuniting with his friend Orgrim, second to Blackhand
• Ner’zhul told of elemental unease, red pox, slaughter of Bladewind clan
• Warmongerers (Blackhand, Kargath, Grommash) wanted to unite
• Others like Durotan or Zagrel of the Whiteclaws were less keen
• Durotan shares stories of he and Orgrim’s time among the draenei
• Ancestral spirits, however, had to be listened to, even by Durotan
• Gul’dan was despised by other clans, but gave his support for unity
• Became matter of honor: even a weakling like Gul’dan supports unity, all must
• Gul’dan took note of Zagrel and others like him who dissented
• Votes were cast, almonst unanimous, from that day on known as the Horde
• Velen knew elements had upset the orcs, tried to send emissaries to make peace
• News of Horde meant the time for diplomacy had passed
• Rather than offensive, Velen and exarchs decided to defend their holdings
• Akama charged with organizing defenses, Artificers reinforce cities
• Velen considered possibly of Legion influence but as of yet saw no demon activity
• Ner’zhul grew anxious, elements totally silent following attacks on draenei
• Kil’jaeden again contacted Ner’zhul, telling him of powerful allies who could help
• Kil’jaeden appeared as radiant elemental energy, told Ner’zhul to push on
• Rulkan no longer appeared to Ner’zhul, so he went to Oshu’gun for answers
• Kil’jaeden ordered Gul’dan to seize Shadowmoon clan, Ner’zhul too unreliable
• Gul’dan met young Shadowmoon shaman, Teron’gor, taught him fel magic
• Having failed when calling on elements, Teron’gor was pleased with magic
• Gul’dan slowly continued recruiting Shadowmoon orcs to become his warlocks
• Ner’zhul reached Oshu’gun, called out, his will brought Kil’jaeden’s spell
• Voices of ancestors rushed into his head, including his mate Rulkan
• Spirits revealed he had been used, draenei were not the true enemies
• Spirits turned backs on Ner’zhul, a fate worse than death for spiritual orcs
• Ashamed, Ner’zhul made way back to Shadowmoon but was apprehened by Gul’dan
• Kil’jaeden wanted to avoid suspicion, Ner’zhul kept alive to witness fall of draenei
• Ner’zhul tortured and abused like a slave, fearful of death and faded from public eyePart 7: The Blackrocks and the Shadow Council
• Orcs crushed small draenei outposts, not successful against large cities
• Blackhand and Grommash argued over battle tactics, Horde still not unified
• Gul’dan desired to step in and lead, but Kil’jaeden still refused him
• Decided that the Horde now need a warchief to lead and unite
• Gul’dan’s lust for power second to his fear of Kil’jaeden, goes to find warchief
• Blackrock orcs most successful militarily, sought to make Blackhand warchief
• Trained Blackrock shaman to use fel magic, magically aged young orcs to warriors
• Blackhand, impressed, ordered his sons Dal’rend and Maim to be enhanced
• Gul’dan seen as useful to Blackhand, but both harbored distrust for the other
• Gul’dan creates Shadow Council to watch over orcs and maintain control
• Blackhand invited to join, but inner circle composed only of Gul’dan loyalists
• Blackhand and Gul’dan would use one another as means to an end
• First member of Council was Teron’gor, orcs sworn to secrecy
• Sought other powerful individuals on Draenor like Garona and Cho’gall
• Garona was offspring of Bladewind orc and draenei captive, gifted with languages
• Kept as prisoner, abused by Bladewind, used as an interpreter
• Fled after fall of Bladewind, strikes deal with Gul’dan and Shadow Council
• Ensorcelled by dark power, Garona becomes assassin for Council
• Cho’gall, as two-headed ogre, seen as omen of good fortune
• Lived in privilege in Highmaul, tutored by powerful ogre sorcerers
• Gained following among common ogres but hated by the aristocracy
• Fearing rebellion, nobles tried to assassinate Cho’gall, who fled Highmaul
• Thirst for vegeance, Cho’gall joins Council, but uninteressed in their politics
• Apprentice to Gul’dan, Cho’gall only wanted power, waited for day to seize it
• Gul’dan formed first necrolytes who spread plagues and raised the dead
• Shadow Council dispersed to report news and spread word of Blackhand’s might
• New power even greater than shamanism tempted many orcs
• Spied especially on orcs like Zagrel who had openly defied unification and war
• Garona sent under cover of darkness to kill Zagrel, clan falls into inner turmoil
• Durotan aware of assassination but not sure who could be responsible
• Gul’dan called clans to Oshu’gun, says elements have abandoned them
• Blackrocks had secrets to fel magic that could be salvation for orcs
• Never revealed Kil’jaeden or demons to the orcs, only his trusted followers
• Blackrocks demonstrate fel magic, shamans like Drek’Thar ask to be taught
• Gul’dan suggests a warchief is needed and proposes Blackhand
• All chieftains reluctanctly agree, Durotan out of fear for retaliation on his clan
• Blackhand named Warchief of the HordePart 8: The Drums of War
• Warchief Blackhand orders construction of new capital, the Citadel, in Tanaan
• Neutral ground where orc chieftains could gather and strategize
• Gul’dan secretly makes Citadel base for Shadow Council and its warlocks
• Council could keep tabs on the chieftains and influence from the shadows
• Blackhand instituted new structure to the Horde, giving each clan a role
• Small, mobile clans (BH, DM, SH, TL, SM, BC) to be scouts, raiders, auxiliary
• Founded new clan, Black Tooth Grin, to be scouts for the Blackrock orcs
• Mightiest clans (BR, WS, FW) to compose the backbone of the orcish army
• Some orcs unwillingly to follow outsider, Blackhand used tyranny to control them
• Public executions, threats of clan annihilation kept wary clans at bay
• Appointed lieutenants to keep order: Eitrigg, Orgrim, Varok Saurfang
• Blackrocks created new armaments, Blackhand recruits mok’nathal and ogres
• Blackrock warlocks sent to other clans to teach fel magic and embue children
• Most chiefs accepted, but Durotan was against, Frostwolf children turned anyways
• Use of fel, changing of skin to green, made Durotan question Blackhand
• Meanwhile, the Pale continued to channel K’ure, void powers rivaled the fel
• Gul’dan uninterested, but Kil’jaeden saw an opportunity to use the Pale
• Gul’dan sends Cho’gall to investigate, discovered their prophecy (Hour of Twilight)
• Pale saw prophecy as moment when shadow would envelop and snuff out life
• Cho’gall uninterested in the Hour of Twilight but wanted to learn shadow magic
• Claimed Horde was means to bring about the Hour of Twilight
• Pale committed themselves to the Horde, becoming Twilight’s Hammer clan
• Cho’gall eventually saw truth in the Pale’s prophecy and would devote himself
• Horde machinery gave upperhand, draenei started to fall and become concerned
• Use of fel magic, rise of warlocks finally showed draenei the Legion influence
• Velen finally began to have visions of the future again, but it was too late
• With no more means of fleeing Draenor, Velen and exarchs discussed a plan
• Withdrew outpost forces to Shattrath and Karabor to defend their great cities
• Elementals, distressed by fel, rallied together and planned to stop orcs as well
• Blackhand prepared clans to lay siege to Temple of Karabor
• Little resistance until volcano outside the temple suddenly erupted
• Cyrukh the Firelord took form and sent roaring firestorm to destroy Horde
• Former orc shamans visibly shaken, saw as disapproval of fel by the elements
• Gul’dan saw opportunity as elements had gathered all their power in one place
• With Council, flooded Cyrukh with fel magic and shattered his physical form
• Mountain roared, chasms erupted, Gul’dan infused warlocks with this energy
• Last connection severed between orcs and elements, mountain is Hand of Gul’dan
• Eruption of volcano frightened draenei who saw firsthand Legion’s power
• Velen was on front lines at Karabor to inspire and imbue draenei with the Light
• Fel energy siege weapons broke city walls, draenei held orcs at bay for a time
• Gul’dan and Council drew on powers of Dark Star, casting pillar of Void on Karabor
• Instantly killed many defenders, many others driven mad by waves of shadow magic
• Velen rallies survivors who make way to Karabor harbor to escape the city
• Influx of void energy permeated Karabor, now known as the Black Temple
• Gul’dan publicly says Temple to be draenei prison, really seat of power for Council
• Gul’dan tells Blackhand separation of Council from Citadel good to remain hidden
• In fact, he hoped to distance himself from warchief to work freely
• Gul’dan and Council subjected prisoners to torture to get info about ShattrathPart 9: The Blood of Mannoroth
• Kil’jaeden pleased despite Velen’s escape, wanted to capture, humiliate, torture him
• No more Dark Star to use against Shattrath, Kil’jaeden need a new plan of attack
• Empowering orcs with fel energies only gave limited power, need demon blood
• Kil’jaeden revealed plan to enslave orcs, Gul’dan willing as long as he gets power
• Gul’dan convokes clans to mountaintop near Citadel to empower orcs
• Never tells Blackhand where power comes from, only that it will help them
• Kil’jaeden opens temporary portal to Temple and Mannoroth the Destructor arrives
• Mannoroth radiated untold power, and even Gul’dan quaked before him
• Gul’dan kept Mannoroth a secret from the clans, informing only his Council
• Ner’zhul, kept close to the Council, gleaned this information from them
• Had spent years in self-loathing, but discovering demon blood plans changed him
• Sought to warn the clan leaders, but knew some were to loyal to Blackhand
• Sent secret missive to Durotan among Council orders to warn Frostwolves
• Urged Durotan not to accept the Legion’s power, Council never found out
• Atop mountain, Gul’dan unveiled pool of blood without revealing its source
• Gul’dan challenged chieftains to accept, Grommash was first to step forward
• Drank deeply, grew taller, muscles bulged, eyes turned red, let out war cry
• Only few orcs refused the blood, including Orgrim and Durotan
• Durotan had received warning, refused to drink on behalf of all his clan
• Gul’dan angered, but could not kill Durotan with imminent Shattrath assault
• Orgrim saw destruction of Draenor around him and decided not to drink
• Claimed not worthy to drink from same cup after Warchief Blackhand had
• Both Gul’dan and Blackhand saw refusal as a sign of servitude
• Blood drinkers radiated fel aura that seeped into bodies of those who did not drink
• Eventually, most orcs, including Durotan and Orgrim, would turn green
• Blackhand declared attack on Shattrath to occur that night
• Gul’dan infused mountain with fel energy, creating Throne of Kil’jaeden
• Red pox quarantined orcs (Mag’har) remained unaffected, including GarroshCHAPTER 4: THE FIRST WARPart 10: The Fall of Shattrath, Auchindoun and Skyreach
• Velen had foreseen that Shattrath was doomed and would fall
• He had seen blood-red sky, poison that twisted his people into monsters
• Initially wanted to fully evacuate Shattrath, but decided to leave bulk of army
• They would sacrifice their lives to make sure the civilians could escape
• Velen had abandoned Karabor to the Horde, but decided to stay at Shattrath
• Exarchs argued against this and persuaded him to leave as the only hope for draenei
• Velen led civilians to Telredor, remote temple on island in the Zangar Sea
• Rangari harrassed Horde to slow them, Vindicators built up defenses in city
• Kil’jaeden, no longer disguised to orcs, appeared before them near Shattrath
• To help take Shattrath, he gave warlocks knowledge of new, powerful spells
• Gul’dan and Council mixed red pox and magic to create volatile plague
• Council loaded mixture into bombs to be thrown into the city by siege engines
• Bombs released foul mist, thick red fog, that burned and choked draenei
• Warlocks used new spells to summon green meteors, infernals, to crash on Shattrath
• Maraad, Akama, Nobundo, and thousands stood against the orcs
• Maraad and Vindicators tried to help remaining civilians, but not successful
• Costly battle for the orcs, but the city of Shattrath eventually fell
• Gul’dan feared Velen’s escape would anger Kil’jaeden, sent Garona to find him
• Some draenei survived attack and fled to the tomb city of Auchindoun
• Exarch Maladaar organized the forces at Auchindoun
• Gul’dan feared draenei would call on spirit ancestors to aid against the orcs
• Teron’gor and Council dispatched to assault Auchindoun
• Maladaar, draenei, and ancestor spirits would succeeding in holding back orcs
• Desperate, Teron’gor reached into the void to summon a powerful demon
• Reached too far and summoned elemental known as Murmur
• Shockwave of its arrival tore tomb city asunder, leveling surrounding forests
• Maladaar and a few shielded themselves from blast but taken prisoner by orcs
• Murmur contained within Auchindoun, lifeless land around called Bone Wastes
• Velen’s people once again refugees, but this time trapped on dying planet
• Artificers constructed arkonite crystals to shroud Telredor from the Legion
• Maraad and other survivors trickled into Telredor after witnessing horrors
• Akama and Nobundo among those to succomb to the red pox mist
• Became smaller, shriveled, lost connection to the Holy Light (Krokul or Broken)
• Draenei feared these Broken would contaminate them, drove them out
• Unluckiest Broken became Lost Ones, lost grip on sanity and more deformed
• Velen would eventually travel to other enclaves to hide from Horde and help others
• Telredor largest haven, sea dried up around to create Zangarmarsh
• After fall of Shattrath, Blackhand turned attention to other civilizations on Draenor
• Kilrogg led BH orcs to Farahlon to destroy last bastion of Primals
• Ogre shipwrights built ships for them, Kilrogg accustomed to jungles of Farahlon
• Orcs leeched life and set forests ablaze, killing every genesaur and botani
• Warsong and Twilight’s Hammer (Grommash & Cho’gall) toppled Highmaul
• Cho’gall sought out and killed Imperator Mar’gok armed with void and fel
• Bound Mar’gok to his throne with magic and burned him alive
• Frostwolf, Thunderlord, and Whiteclaw tasked with killing gronn, ogron, magnaron
• Few holdouts of ogres left, most had died or joined the Horde
• Frostwolves and Whiteclaw held back, but Thunderlord reveled in hunting
• Mightiest gronn to escape was Gruul, fended off Thunderlord in Gorgrond
• Also considered killing mok’nathal, but Blackhand stayed his… black… hand…
• Rexxar, son of Leoroxx, joined the Horde to convince Blackhand not to kill his people
• Rexxar disagreed with father’s isolationism, longed for glory and battle
• Arrakoa had rediscovered Apexis technology, created sun cannon atop spires
• Blackhand called on Kargath Bladefist to deal with the pesky arrakoa
• Formed invasion from Shattered Hand, Burning Blade, and Dragonmaw clans
• Searing beam from cannon ignited forests and incinerated dozens of orcs
• Kargath allied with Outcast arrakoa, who infiltrated city to destroy weapon
• Kargath slaughtered high arrakoa, threw bodies from spire, then turned on Outcasts
• Some high arrakoa taken prisoner and cast to Sethekk Hollow, amusing Kargath
• Surviving Outcasts shrouded themselves in shadow and hid in Terokkar Forest
• High arrakoa transformed into Outcasts banded together under Grizzik
• Grizzik led his people to Auchindoun to hide from orcs and one day get revenge
• During Shattrath, Kil’jaeden met with Sargeras to inform him of his work
• Sargeras saw opportunity to use orcs as agents to attack Azeroth
• Kil’jaeden ordered to cease communication with Gul’dan and other orcs
• Sargeras wanted orcs unruly, brink of self-destruction, so they would beg for more
• Orcs floundered on Draenor, having conquered but also killed most of planet
• Tanaan Jungle now red wasteland known as Hellfire Peninsula (thus Hellfire Citadel)
• Blackhand turned to Gul’dan for answers, who was consumed by bitterness/anger
• Gul’dan did not reveal Kil’jaeden’s disappearance to protect self from Blackhand
• Hunger continued, Dragonmaw ate their rylaks, Warsong ate their own wolves
• Orcs had bloodlust, fought, Lightning’s Blade, Whiteclaw, Redwalkers suffered
• WS, Bonechewer, Laughing Skull, Shattered Hand, Thunderlord lost to madness
• Blackhand banished these clans from Citadel to protect orcs
• Sargares waited, having corrupted a powerful vessel on Azeroth, Medivh
Part 1: Medivh’s Origins
• Secret order called Council of Tirisfal protected Azeroth from Legion
• Magi channeled their power into one person called the Guardian
• Sargeras came across the Guardian Aegwynn, one of the greatest magi ever
• He sent his avatar to Northrend, where it was vanquished by Aegwynn
• She sealed his avatar in the ruins of an elven temple, Tomb of Sargeras
• Added her own magic to existing seals that nullified fel magic
• She had exhausted her power, was vulnerable, possessed by Sargeras
• He darkened her thoughts, turned her against the Council of Tirisfal
• Refused to give powers over to new Guardian
• Tirisgarde, group of mage hunters, formed to apprehend Aegwynn
• One Tirisgarde member was Nielas Aran, but became confidant to Aegwynn
• Aegwynn and Aran disillusioned with Council’s meddling in human kingdoms
• They have a child, Medivh, whom Aegwynn hopes to bestow with her powers
• Sargeras possessed Medivh, grew up in Stormwind with Prince Llane & Lothar
• Aegwynn, tired, retreated from the world, Nielas killed accidentally by MedivhPart 2: Awakening of Medivh
• Trauma of killing his father sent Medivh into a coma for 10 years
• When he awoke, Azeroth was living in a time of prosperity
• Humans traded with dwarves, gnomes, and high elves
• Lordaeron acted as regional leader and mediated disagreements
• Dalaran made extraordinary advances in arcane and academic fields
• Quel’Thalas spent much time fending off skirmishes from Amani trolls
• In Kalimdor, night elves explored Emerald Dream, ever vigilant for the Legion
• Night elves expected the Legion’s return one day
• Medivh reunites with Llane, now ready to become king, and Lothar, a knight
• Stormwind farmers had been pushing farther south to Stranglethorn Vale
• Brought conflict with Gurubashi trolls
• King Barathen not interested in war, but Prince Llane ready to strike
• Medivh dreamt of woman urging him to travel to a place called Karazhan
• Medivh decided to focus on helping his friends deal with the GurubashiPart 3: A Secret Mission
• Troll raiding party cut through Westfall and caused destruction
• King Barathen still declared publicly there would be no offensive
• Llane challenged him publicly, Barathen rebuked his son
• Llane and Lothar plotted to act without consent from the king to attack
• Designed a secret plan for a small group to infiltrate into Gurubashi lands
• Llane and Lothar knew the truth about Medivh, wanted to recruit him
• Medivh was reluctant at first but reminded of Guardian’s duty to protect
• Medivh acquiesced, was interesting in testing his powers for the first time
• Shrouded by magic, the three slipped into Stranglethorn Vale
• Planned to kill warlord named Jok’non in a ziggurat in Stranglethorn
• Jok’non experimenting with blood magic from Hakkar the Soulflayer
• Battle brought attention, Medivh dueled Jok’non and his strange magic
• Medivh unleashed full might and destroyed every troll in ziggurat
• Three returned home, Llane and Lothar concerned by darkness in Medivh
• Medivh did not know where spell came from, disturbed by his own powerPart 4: The Gurubashi War
• Gurubashi rallied under Zan’non, son of slain warlord
• Stormwind’s southern defensive lines besieged within days
• Barathen prepared his men for one decisive battle at the gates
• Zan’non wielded father’s magic, empowered hulking beserkers
• Barathen and his guard went headfirst into fight but he was killed
• Llane pleaded with Medivh to unleash power
• Medivh was frightened but also strangely excited about it
• He rained fire and ice down, blasted with arcane energy
• Medivh seen as great defender, had secretly enjoyed killing
• Llane Wrynn becomes new king, Anduin Lothar raised as top commander
• Medivh continued dreaming of woman, decided to go to Karazhan
• Barathen had not called on northern kingdoms for help
• Help couldn’t come quickly and relations were not the best between kingdomsPart 5: The Guardian’s Burden
• Medivh arrived at Karazhan to see the woman of his dreams, Aegwynn
• Aegwynn upset it took so long to meet, they bonded over a year
• She convinced him he needed secrecy, not to trust Council of Tirisfal
• Moroes, close friend of Aegwynn, agreed to stay and maintain tower
• Medivh spoke of his darkness, Aegwynn dismissed, not knowing about Sargeras
• Aegwynn returned to exile, Medivh began studying in Karazhan libraries
• Council heard about Stormwind, tracked Medivh to Karazhan
• Sent missives politely asking to meet with Medivh, sent students to study with him
• None stayed for long, darkness was growing, Moroes proposed having a party
• Medivh invited people from surrounding regions for feast, moods lifted
• Karazhan continued to host galas, nobles from Stormwind would come
• Council sent spies who reported Medivh wasted power living life of luxury
• Apprentices kept coming, Medivh drove them after not too long
• Kept spiraling into darkness and depressionPart 6: The Darkening of Medivh
• Medivh continued studying, inspired by history of Legion’s invasion of Azeroth
• Fascinated by the union of different races that had stopped the demons
• Believed the golden era of possible unity to be passed for Azeroth now
• Drew on experience from human-troll relations to justify this view
• Medivh decided he needed to prepare for the next inevitable invasion
• Medivh’s path mirrored Sargeras—belief the world could not be saved
• Azeroth needed to be broken—break barriers, nations, cultures, kings
• Medivh concluded he needed an army, decided to visit the cosmos
• Visited Twisting Nether, saw no sign of imminent threat to Azeroth
• Sargeras influenced him to visit Draenor, where he discovered the orcs
• Observed the orcs for years, taking on the guise of raven, noticed by orcs
• Saw destruction of draenei, destruction of planet, lack of food, power of fel
• Medivh decides to manipulate orcs, recording his thoughts in Book of MedivhPart 7: Stranger from Beyond
• Blackhand continued pressing for answer from Gul’dan, still nothing
• Medivh approached Gul’dan and Shadow Council as hooded stranger
• Gul’dan lashed out immediately with full might of powers, to no avail
• Medivh turned his powers on Gul’dan, who was humiliated and pride wounded
• Medivh told orcs they could escape Draenor if they built a giant portal
• Sent visions of bountiful land into the minds of Gul’dan and Council
• Gul’dan sensed demonic presence in Medivh, realized it was Sargeras’s envoy
• Medivh believed he was laying foundation to destroy Legion, not Azeroth
• Gul’dan still demanded payment, Medivh offered more power
• Medivh showed vision of Tomb of Sargeras, said to hold great power
• Medivh believed Gul’dan could never find or open it himself
• Still he said Gul’dan could have its power if he completed their bargain
• Gul’dan conveyed to Blackhand, sought convergence of ley lines in Peninsula
• Ordered construction of enchanted stone frame, the Dark PortalPart 8: The Council’s Suspicions
• Medivh made trips to Draenor, his absence noticed by Council of Tirisfal
• Council asked Kirin Tor to infiltrate Karazhan to find answers
• Some were disguised, some tried to open portals, but Medivh stopped all
• Four Kirin Tor members found dead but no sign of arcane magic
• Council had suspicions, stopped spying and focused on finding murdererPart 9: The Dark Portal
• Blackhand staged mock battles to train up his beleaguered people
• Durotan saw this as a disgrace to tradition, openly criticized Gul’dan and fel
• Gul’dan and Medivh worked to open portal, tear open fabric in reality
• Needed more than just their power, drained life of every living draenei prisoner
• Medivh worked from Black Morass, their efforts opened the Dark Portal
• Blackhand sent scouts, Bleeding Hollow and Black Tooth Grin, to investigate
• Warlocks accompanied them to build a stone frame on Azeroth sidePart 10: Clash of the Guardians
• All attuned to magic on Azeroth felt the opening of the portal
• Aegwynn set out to investigate, discovered portal and orcs
• Realized that it was Guardian magic + fel had opened the portal
• Set out to stop Medivh, believing him to be working with the Legion
• Accompanied by blue dragon Arcanagos, an ally from her years in exile
• Sargeras seized full control of Medivh’s mind, suppressing his thoughts
• Revealed himself to Aegwynn, she was stunned to learn the truth
• She was angered, ready to strike down Sargeras by killing her own son
• Arcanagos outmatched, burned from the inside out until only bone left
• Aegwynn incapacitated, drew on rage of friend’s death to break spell
• Sargeras became desperate, drew life from all humans in Karazhan save Moroes
• Small part of Medivh resisted, only banished Aegwynn from tower forever
• Medivh knew not where he had sent her, only that he sensed her no more
• Medivh had no memory of possession, only that he battled his own mother
• Moroes driven mad, many Stormwind nobles killed when life was drained
• Karazhan grew dark, haunted by the spirits of those lost that dayPart 11: Garona and the Guardian
• Horde forces poured through Dark Portal accompanied by Garona
• Orcs encountered and killed humans, few prisoners because couldn’t speak language
• Garona listened to one prisoner rant about a powerful mage who could destroy them
• She set out for the tower of Karazhan to track down Medivh
• Medivh in bad mood after fight with Aegwynn, immediately captured Garona
• She did not recognize the hooded stranger, only sense the darkness in him
• Medivh had not seen her on Draenor, sympathized with her as an outcast
• She had already begun to pick up the human language
• Garona had no love for the Horde, Medivh sought to have her as an ally
• He freed her, she could come back when she wanted, she reported to Gul’dan
• Gul’dan already knew, could see through Garona’s eyes without her knowing
• He had recognized Medivh, a bit disappointed that he was a human
• Once his usefulness was over, Gul’dan decided he would kill Medivh
• Still wanted location of Tomb of Sargeras, told Garona to find out from MedivhPart 12: First Contact
• Rumors and reports reached Stormwind of strange green monsters
• Lothar dispatched to find out, engaged in skirmishes with orcs
• Humans winning at first but quickly outmatched by number of orcs
• Did not see Dark Portal, Lothar only knew orcs coming from somewhere
• Scouts reported back to Blackhand, humans were aware of them, begin warPart 13: The Guardian’s Apprentice
• No one knew of battle with Aegywnn, nobles thought killed by orcs
• Council of Tirisfal and Kirin Tor occupied by orcish invasion
• Kirin Tor still sent another apprentice, Khadgar, to get information
• Young, promising, didn’t want to be apprentice to Medivh, ordered by Kirin Tor
• Tower cursed, Medivh had mood swings, Khadgar caught glimpses of spirits
• Khagdar did not fail tests like previous apprentices however
• Medivh, feeling alone, decided to keep his new apprentice around
• He revealed to Khadgar that he was the Guardian, Kirin Tor’s motives
• Khadgar surprised but not deterred, eager to study under greatest mage everPart 14: Specters and Shadows
• Khadgar received vision of himself as white-haired leader against green orcs
• Told Medivh, who feigned ignorance, they rode gryphons to Black Morass to see
• Orc warlock attacked with fel, Medivh urged Khadgar to fight back
• Khadgar struggled to defeat his enemy but ultimately succeeded
• Crossed Lothar, who wanted Medivh to join fight despite Gurubashi incident
• Medivh, to buy time for Horde, said he was uncertain about using his powers
• Lothar spoke to Khadgar, asked him to be caretaker for Medivh
• One day, Garona arrived at tower, Medivh treated her as a friend before Khadgar
• Khadgar developed friendship with Garona, believed she would betray Horde
• Khadgar realized Medivh was lying about not knowing about the orcs beforehandPart 15: Banishment of the Frostwolves
• Blackhand kept the banished clans (WS, SH, BC) on Draenor
• Viewed as too troublesome, could stay and rot for all he cared
• Most remaining clans went through portal (BR, BTG, BH, BB, DM, TH, FW)
• Despite distrust of Blackhand/Gul’dan, Durotan brought his clan through
• Gul’dan confronted Durotan, told his clan to leave forever or be destroyed
• Drek’Thar, guided by Azeroth elements, sought place of refuge for orcs
• Had abandonned fel and asked forgiveness from the elemental spirits
• Guided to remote, frost-lined mountains in the far north like Frostfire RidgePart 16: The Horde Invades
• Blackhand sought to incite panic, attacked Brightwood, Westfall, Redridge
• Llane quickly decided no chance for de-escalation, must be head on war
• Lothar named King’s Champion, saw patterns in the orcish raiders’ movements
• Sent knight Gavinred the Dire to ambush orcs along their lines of retreat
• Clerics healed with Holy Light, magi used arcane, orcs astonished at power
• Swift knights on horseback proved especially difficult to combat
• Llane sent messages to other kingdoms asking for help but received none
• Lordaeron, mostly likely to send aid, had received contradicting information
• Disgruntled Stormwind noble told them it was merely citizens rebelling
• Other nations saw Stormwind’s isolationism as arrogant, sending no helpPart 17: Gurubashi Resistance
• Kilrogg and Bleeding Hollow led efforts to attack Stranglethorn Vale
• Trolls and Bleeding Hollow accustomed to jungles, but orcs outmatched
• Gurubashi willingly ceded land to draw orcs deeper into their territory
• Weakened from attack against Stormwind, trolls unable to keep up
• Blackhand ordered retreat upon learning of needless losses of orc lifePart 18: The Holy Order of the Northshire Clerics
• Members of the Holy Order accompanied battalions to help heal their wounds
• Traced their roots to the Church of the Holy Light in Lordaeron
• Established Northshire Abbey and became critical component of Stormwind
• Clerics had been present during conflicts such as Gnoll War and Gurubashi
• Some clerics were even known to heal wounded gnolls and trolls
• Orcs ruthlessly targeted clerics who they knew could heal a fallen human
• Church traces its origins back to the Troll Wars and human general Lordain
• He gave his life to hold off Amani forces, saving his sister Mereldar, a warrior
• She had visions from the Light and dedicated her life to serving humanity
• Saw visions of five strange forms humming with holy power
• Filled her mind with holiness, protection, justice, retribution, and compassion
• Used their teachings to cure ailments and heal up wounds
• Mereldar met with other humans who claimed to have seen visions
• Created religious movement based on selflessness and the virtue of the Light
• Lordaeron codified the different strands of religion to create the Church
• Humans had affinity for Light due to ancestry, vrykul wielded it sometimes
• Worship sites in Eastweald: Light’s Hope Chapel, Stratholme, Andorhal, Tyr’s HandPart 19: The Twilight Canticle
• Twilight’s Hammer prone to disobey orders, became pain for Blackhand
• Cho’gall intervened to prevent clan from being decimated
• Had been their de facto leader, asked to become their official leader
• Twilight’s Hammer became obedient, effective soldiers over night
• Cho’gall understood them, they had heard voices of Void louder than ever
• They knew Azeroth was home to creatures of the Void yearning to corrupt
• Twilight’s Hammer heard voices of Old Gods who dwelt below the earth
• They had found the place spoken of in the prophecy of Hour of Twilight
• Cho’gall originally cared little for the Void, now had proof of its existence
• Convinced the TH that the Hour of Twilight would follow Horde’s conquest
• Clan needed to keep its intentions a secret and obey Blackhand for now
• Cho’gall attuned to Old Gods, branded skin of Pale orcs with prophecies
• Twilight Canticle was book formed from pages of their cut off skinPart 20: Frostwolf Defiance
• Continued moving north with guide of elements, avoided contact with humans
• Settled in the Alterac Mountains, Draka gave birth a son, Go’el
• Go’el’s skin was green, signaling to Durotan that the pact had cursed the orcs
• Horrified, determined to save the Horde, Durotan, Draka and Go’el go back south
• Drek’Thar sent word to Orgrim via elements, Orgrim to meet Durotan at Loch Modan
• Had learned of Shadow Council, Orgrim took a few guards and did not tell Blackhand
• Durotan revealed all—son Go’el, vision at Throne of Kil’jaeden, demon suspicions
• Orgrim admitted the Dark Portal’s energies were causing Morass to wither and die
• Durotan, Draka and Orgrim decide Gul’dan and Blackhand must be dealt with
• Orgrim told guards to accompany Durotan back north, he returned south for now
• Guards were not loyal to Orgrim, killed Durotan & Draka, Go’el left to die in cold
• Hunting party of Aedelas Blackmoore, noble of Durnhole Keep, found Go’el
• Go’el spent his entire adolescence under the care of Blackmoore
• Orgrim sent scouts who discovered what had transpired with Durotan and Draka
• Orgrim determined to avenge his friends, bided time waiting for opportunityPart 21: Conquest of Redridge
• Stormwind running short on food and supplies, economy in ruins
• Blackhand to phase 2: take Redridge, then attack Stormwind City proper
• Redridge fell easily, making orcs think humans would no longer resist
• Lothar was hoping for this, ambushed small raid on Lakeshire led by Blackhand
• Almost all orcs killed, Blackhand saved thanks to two orc warlocks
• Blamed Shadow Council for not sensing ambush, had no respect for warlocks
• Two warlocks executed, Gul’dan displeased that his disciples were killedPart 22: Blackrock Mountain
• Gul’dan unsure now, strong clans still on Draenor, weakened by long hunger
• Also learned about Medivh’s defense against trolls, Guardian, Council of Tirisfal
• Gul’dan recalled breaking the elements of Draenor to empower his orcs
• Azeroth teemed with elemental spirits much stronger than on Draenor
• Shadow Council sensed element in Blackrock Mountain, Cho’gall sensed too
• Cho’gall kept information secret, noticed elements were working for Old Gods
• Council traveled to mountain to subjugate elements, ended in disaster
• Warlocks were unable to dominate the elements, burned inside out by fire
• Dark Iron dwarves serving Ragnaros would ambush warlocks with elementals
• Cho’gall’s connection to Old Gods allowed him to negotiate with Dark Irons
• Warlocks and Shadow Council granted refuge in Blackrock Spire atop volcano
• Gul’dan disappointed by mission but pleased by Cho’gall’s usefulness
• Refuge was important because tensions rising between Blackhand and Gul’danPart 23: The First Siege of Stormwind
• Blackhand prepared to take Stormwind without help of elements
• Orcs laid siege, cutting off all access to city except by sea
• Kilrogg and Cho’gall led Bleeding Hollow and Twilight’s Hammer in assault
• City would seemingly fall by midday, then cries from orcs on rear lines
• Lothar had led bulk of army by sea around the Horde, charging through Elwynn
• Horde attack collapsed, gates of Stormwind opened to pour out soldiers
• No way to fight two-pronged attack, Horde suffered most disastrous defeat
• Blackhand, infuriated, restrained himself from executing Kilrogg & Cho’gall
• Horde withdrew to holdings in Redridge to regrouphttp://www.mmo-champion.com/threads/...1#post44908272Part 24: The Cursed Tower
• Lothar and Llane had acted on information from Khadgar, from Garona
• Gul’dan knew Garona revealed information but let her remain in Karazhan
• Details gleaned from Medivh were too valuable for Gul’dan
• Medivh seemingly lost ability to feel any emotion, worrying Khadgar
• Khadgar searched library, found spell to evoke visions of specific memories
• Khadgar unable to make the spell work as he wanted on Medivh
• Instead, used spell to see who had torn rift between Azeroth and Draenor
• Khadgar and Garona watched in horror of revelation about Medivh
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