How would the story be if the Night Elves were in Horde in the first place?

[Orby]

I mentioned in another thread that if WoW never happened I am pretty sure Night Elves would have never joined either faction. Them joining the alliance was based on gameplay only and Blizzard built a story on them joining around that. Forsaken are similiar too.

If Warcraft 4 had happened, Night Elves would have been their own campaign, alone with Humans, Orcs, and Undead, basically like how they are in Warcraft3.

[Ardenaso]

Two comments. What do you mean by "disregard WoD" regarding the bloodlust? And there was no chance in hell of the night elves joining the Horde post-Cenarius.

I mean the part where in WoD retcons that you no longer need demons to bloodlust

I was thinking the Tauren could bridge the orcs with the Night Elves

- - - Updated - - -

I could imagine if Thrall got to the Night Elves before the Tauren or Trolls Thrall would have probably leaned to respect the forests in the name of preserving balance with the elements. But if that happened Thrall may not have saved Cairne, so the Tauren would have been wiped out by the Centaur. And if Thrall also didn't rescue the Trolls by the Naga, they also would have been wiped out. Since Orcs would be protecting the forests, and Goblin shredders with the Venture Co. would be running rampant for resources in their zones, it could be that the Orcs would never recruit Gazlowe to help construct Orgrimmar, which basically puts the Orcs in Darkshore closer to the Night Elves to be mutually beneficial.

I could probably imagine the Orcs close to the coast-line in order to fish so they disrupt as little forest as possible while they continue to adapt to druid culture. And if the Orcs were occupied in Darkshore, then the Night Elves may have turned to the Orcs to actually fight the Shatterspear that threaten the Night Elves in a small part of the zone which would have potentially tainted any future relationship the Orcs would have with Trolls going forward.

As well, if the Orcs were busy helping the Night Elves on the other side of Kalimdor, this means Thrall and Jaina wouldn't have had as much of a friendship and the early tentative peace between Orcs and Humans would be even weaker than it was back then - possibly even jeopardizing the unity of Azeroth's forces against the Burning Legion's invasion during the Third War and the Battle at Mount Hyjal. However, it's possible that with the Orc's aid that the World Tree Nordrassil would never be lost and the Night Elves could have kept their immortality.

Going forward, this means that Teldrassil would probably never have to be planted, and it would never be corrupted - leaving the Emerald Dream devoid of taint and allowing Malfurion to take on a much more active role in Night Elf society. And as Malfurion isn't lost to the Dream and his sleep influenced by Fandral Staghelm, it's possible that Fandral would have been ousted earlier and his eventual fall to Ragnaros would have been avoided as well. Since Thrall was so instrumental in stopping the demonic influence of Ragefire Chasm, he may even play a role in dismantling demonic threats to Night Elf culture in general.

When C'thun unleashes his invasion with the Qiraji, it's possible that the Orc and Night Elf combined forces would be overwhelming to the Old Gods, forcing them to re-prioritize their efforts to try and hinder or otherwise corrupt Night Elves and Orcs. With the Orcs and Night Elves basically keeping to themselves in Kalimdor and with the Orcs on a far less friendly set of affairs to the Humans, it's less likely that the Night Elves or Orcs would have lent aid as early to stop the Scourge forces of Naxxramas before it became a much bigger problem and ended up threatening more of the world. The Lich King by extension would probably sour any remaining inkling of hope for peace between the combined Night Elf and Orc forces to the Humans. And, assuming Humanity isn't wiped out by the Scourge it's possible that the Night Elves and Orcs may even finish them off to prevent something like the Lich King from happening again. Yet, without Humanity the Night Elves and Orcs wouldn't have the might of Tirion Fordring for the eventual needed crusade to dismantle the Lich King. However, with the immortality of the Night Elves intact it's possible that they would overwhelm the Lich King's undead forces.

With the Scourge having more reign over the Eastern Kingdoms earlier, it's possible that Quel'thalas and Undercity could have fallen to the Scourge before the Night Elves and Orcs got around to helping. Though, it's also possible that maybe Illidan's conflict with Arthas may spur the Night Elves and Orcs into early action against the Lich King as well.

With Orc and Night Elf culture mingling for so long before Cataclysm, it could be that Thrall could have ended up taking on Druidism rather than Shamanism. Without his work at the Maelstrom, Thrall would never have left Garrosh in charge of the Horde which would eventually no doubt lead to a lot less bloodshed but it would also mean that Thrall wouldn't be tending to the Maelstrom and he may also not be able to act as surrogate Earth Aspect in order to stop Deathwing. In an ideal timeline, Thrall would probably remain as a Shaman and somehow Tyrande or Malfurion would be able to lead the Orcs in his stead while the other of them manages the Night Elves during the Cataclysm. As long as Thrall is able to eventually act as Earth Warder for the Dragon Soul, Deathwing can still fall. Though, it's possible as well that the Night Elves with their immortality could be a significant threat to Deathwing by themselves. However, due to the conflict the Qiraji could have had against Night Elf and Orcish combined forces earlier augmented by the Night Elves' immortality, it could mean Deathwing breaks through and goes directly for the World Tree first in order to take its protection away -- again leading to a timeline where Thrall still needs to act as Earth Warder.

If the Blood Elves fell earlier to the Scourge, this would mean that Kael'thas wouldn't have had the opportunity to summon Kil'jaeden to Azeroth. As well, with the Orcs' history with the Draenei, it's possible that even though the Draenei were assisted by the Night Elves that they never would have united. Ultimately the Draenei would be necessary to dismantle the Legion and eventually the Void according to the prophecies of Velen, so it's also possible that Velen would have still pushed for his people to ally with the Night Elves and Orcs when it is necessary. The Worgen may still have their wall broken down - either by Scourge, or by Deathwing's upheaval. It's possible the Worgen still end up in an alliance with the Night Elves due to their connection with Goldrinn, but it's also possible that their humanity at this point prevents any kind of alliance with the Night Elves and Orcs. It could be if the Night Elves ever understand the strength the Worgen have over the Undead, and if their strength would be needed at all, that maybe a tentative alliance is formed that allows them to work together long enough to assist with removing the Lich King from power.

If the Human kingdoms fall too early to the Scourge, or even if the Eastern Kingdoms fall to the Scourge early, it could mean that the Dwarfs don't end up making it to Northrend. Without Brann's archaeological findings of Ulduar, it's possible Yogg'Saron would have a tight grip on Northrend in the event the Lich King was dismantled. However, with Malfurion and Thrall instrumental in this potential offensive on the Lich King, the taint of the land may still be discovered and yet may still be stopped regardless.

With Garrosh never coming into power, expeditions to Pandaria never happen and Pandaria faces a significantly weaker Sha threat (just Mantid) - but they also don't get assistance against the combined Thunder King and Zandalari forces. With the Darkspear earlier wiped out to Naga without the aid of Thrall, and with the Thunder King and Zandalari victorious in Pandaria, Vol'jin would never ascend to Warchief. And again, without Garrosh coming to power, the Iron Horde is never created and never makes its way into the main world of Azeroth. And now, in current events, if the Forsaken are dismantled by the Scourge early, this means that Sylvannas' genocide of the Night Elves doesn't occur and Sylvannas' breaking the ceiling of the world into the Shadowlands wouldn't happen either.

In this kind of reality, the ending race combined forces may look something like this for the Core Races:

Elven Horde: Night Elves, Orcs
Isolated/Uninvolved: Dwarfs, Gnomes
Hostile to Elven Horde: Goblin
Potential Allies or Neutral: Draenei, Worgen
Potentially Extinct: Tauren, Trolls, Forsaken, Blood Elves, Humans, Pandaren

As for Allied Races, the Zandalari's primary empire would possibly fall to G'huun without the aid of Azeroth forces, unless the Thunder King and the Mogu took action to stop it which is well within their motivations to do so. It's possible Zandalar would still fall, and that Pandaria would still be a dominant seat of power for the Thunder King and Zandalari, with the Zandalari greatly weakened by G'huun initially being unleashed. Without any reason for the Night Elves and Orcs to be in Pandaria or Zandalar, the Night Elves and Orcs may never be called to action to help stop the Old God until it reaches its influence beyond Zandalar. And with the fall of Zandalar, Vulpera would perish. If left unchecked, Kul Tiras could also fall. Additionally, with the Gnomes not present for the battle in Ulduar, Mechagnomes don't become a thing. Dark Iron would never end up allying with the Dwarfs without Wrynn around to unite the clans unless they all unite against the Scourge, or if they ever held out long enough for Moira's son to get the throne. Void Elves may not exist if the Blood Elves got wiped out by the Scourge earlier.

As for Dark Iron, them working to unleash Ragnaros may go uncontested for a while, as Orc forces wouldn't be as invested to go into Blackrock. Ragnaros would probably pose a very real threat to the World Tree if it hadn't already fallen to Deathwing. The Old Gods, if any remained hidden long enough or bode their forces well enough, would probably put a lot of their effort into trying to back Ragnaros. The Dark Iron would ultimately end up hostile to Night Elves and Orcs as they would almost entirely be siding with Ragnaros. Though, it could be that the Dwarfs and Gnomes having an entire focus on them could dismantle them early, assuming they weren't obliterated if the Scourge was left unchecked long enough to dominate the Eastern Kingdoms... so maybe Ragnaros doesn't even happen anyway.

Nightborne and Highmountain would remain in similar isolation in all likelihood, but would still remain as potential allies for the Night Elves and Orcs. Lightforged would at the very least would ally with the Draenei, and considering how willing the Lightforged are to work with Orcs in ending the Legion would probably be more receptive than not of past transgressions - especially considering the turn of face the Night Elves have probably done for them in all good influence.

There's absolutely a ton of what-ifs for all the races, but for Allied Races this is how I think it could look like:
Don't Occur: Mag'har, Void Elves, Mechagnomes
Probably Allies to Elven Horde: Nightborne, Highmountain, Lightforged
Potentially Extinct: Zandalari, Kul Tiran, Dark Iron
If Living, Hostile: Dark Iron

It was a lot to get through but I like to think I covered a lot of ground.

Awesome read! I'm thinking the Worgen could be with the Horde instead and given that they are somewhat still hated by the Alliance at that point that's another leverage for them to be Horde.

[plz delete account]

The ending of campaign suggests that all the races in Kalimdor will now work together to protect Hyjal. There is a possibility that orcs and Jaina would join the night elves with them being the leaders.

- - - Updated - - -



They are both savage. The difference is that night elves became savage for purpose.

- - - Updated - - -



Horde has too beautifully built structures. Have you seen Blackrock Foundry and Hellfire Citadel?

- - - Updated - - -



Exactly. Zandalari and Gorian Empire are above Tyrande culturally.

- - - Updated - - -



But what about the opposite? What if Jaina and Thrall pledged their loyalty to Tyrande?

Not even the same. You're comparing intentionally industrial designs with classical, eyepleasing builds.

[Beloren]

Wow, really not even trying to think outside the box are you?
It's a hypothetical situation.

Night elves are savage when compared to blood or high elves. They live in trees and in forests. They are one evolutionary process removed from trolls

Actually they are not savage at all. Not even compared to High elves. Just different. Living in trees doesn't make you a savage.. and teh druids that did so, do so for class reasons.

You have night elves that live in great cities like Suramar (those that have become nightborne) and Eldre'thalas (that's in a ruin state of dis-repair).

High/blood elves do look more civlizsed, because they are based more on humans, whiles night elves are showing you what the original elf is really like.. highly civilziaed but not quite in the same way as you think. When you look at nightborne they look pretty savage, yet pretty civilized.

At least that's how I see it.

[ravenmoon]

They are one evolutionary process removed from trolls

That's irrelevant. so are blood elves, and they devolved - an evolutionary change whether 1 step or 3 doesn't increase or decrease your level of savagery or civility.

The night elves create the greatest and most civilized civiliation on Azertoh ever, and those who survive the sundering, continue living as Kaldorei but without all the amenities their magic previously afforded them because they believe using it would bring about the demons that would destroy the world.

Instead they focus on duties helping the dragons and wild gods, maintaining a vigil against the legion for 10,000 years.

Once that vigil ends, they go build a city, we see other night elves like the Shen'dralar and Nightborne emerge from night elf cities, pretty much civilised.

Besides I think high elves might argue the blood elf behaviour is savage since they abandoned their principals, this is the same race without any evolutionary change. IT's got nothing to do with evolution - unless you greatly devolve like the Lost Ones do - and got everything to do with how you behave and live. If you go murdering people just because they come to check on you and lop of their heads and suck them dry - you might be considered savage. Does it mean you actually are?

- - - Updated - - -

On topic however. The story would have been different for night elves if they were in the horde.

I would say they'd have gotten a lot more development, but they may have changed also.

I also feel night elves on teh horde would have made teh factions a lot more balanced, and blizzard would not havve sstarted all this race swapping business. likely High elves woudl have been the playable Thalassians on the Alliance, and the Draenei would have been alliance, with Draenei and Goblin being the scond playable races.

- - - Updated - - -

I mean the part where in WoD retcons that you no longer need demons to bloodlust

I was thinking the Tauren could bridge the orcs with the Night Elves

- - - Updated - - -



Awesome read! I'm thinking the Worgen could be with the Horde instead and given that they are somewhat still hated by the Alliance at that point that's another leverage for them to be Horde.

Absoltuely they could have.. i keep telling people, the story can be written top oint a race wherever blizz wants, we have seen several alliance races been swapped over, so it shouldn't surprise anyone.

The Worgen could just as easily ahve been written to be dark partners witht he forsaken and loathing humans after the worgen curse consumed Gilneas.. TEh alliance feeling betrayed by the Gilneans from the 2nd war, don't trust them and Genn being rash and hot tempered stubborn man preferring the stronger outlook of the horde.

Could have worked.

however.. by far the best option was to have kept the WC3 factions going. Night elves feel their own world, as do the scourge. THe lore on the night elves is so rich and diverse, they've got a complete set, only humans, orcs and undead have similar. They shoudl have been the faction heads. The thalassians arvery huamnised elves, and shoud have been on the alliance, the illidari could ahve been a faction of their own, but f the game was set to 4 factoins, the Illidari would be with the night elves, the naga with the undead, the Eredar would go horde (because the orc slaughter would have been against the broken). The broken would be called Draenei and be with the Alliance. Goodly Eredar would be with the night elves (if such would have been done)

[sam86]

that was also a last minute decision if I am not mistaken).

u are mistaken
the only 'last minute' race was gnomes, at first they were going to give goblins to alliance then decided to make them neutral, they wanted to give horde forsaken since wc3 era to make it the 'monsters' faction

regarding topic: again high elves or belves join alliance is the worst stockholm syndrome ever, Kul'tiras should been an alliance nation since it is shown even in wc3, that way u get 2 humans (yeah boring but screw it) dwarf and gnomes, that way it would make more sense why human lead alliance, due to being the majority, even if they are least qualified to lead
nelfs fit more horde, they are very similar to tauren, they fit more between tauren nature-loving nature and orcs savagery, trolls personality in early wow at least was orcs but not really so won't make difference anyway
and i don't like forsaken in horde either

- - - Updated - - -

however.. by far the best option was to have kept the WC3 factions going. Night elves feel their own world, as do the scourge. THe lore on the night elves is so rich and diverse, they've got a complete set, only humans, orcs and undead have similar.

i do agree that wc3 made me fit most 4 factions instead of the 2 we got
but the game won't work with 4 factions, they weren't expecting even 1/10 of wow success, imagine just 200k player over 4 factions trying to do 40 men raid, that would been impossible
forsaken are boring typical evil, but that's how they were in wc3, we can't claim they were changed, nelfs on other hand got the worst treatment when they jumped from wc3 to wow, they lost a lot of their identity (no fairie dragons, no chimera, etc), and are set as support for the 'amazing' human leaders who even if they do mistake still lead a faction of 250 years old, 10k+ years old, a literal f8cking IMMORTALS old, but hey the 16 year old Anduin of course has more experience than Tyrande, because he is human and humans are amazing

[plz delete account]

That's irrelevant. so are blood elves, and they devolved - an evolutionary change whether 1 step or 3 doesn't increase or decrease your level of savagery or civility.

The night elves create the greatest and most civilized civiliation on Azertoh ever, and those who survive the sundering, continue living as Kaldorei but without all the amenities their magic previously afforded them because they believe using it would bring about the demons that would destroy the world.

Instead they focus on duties helping the dragons and wild gods, maintaining a vigil against the legion for 10,000 years.

Once that vigil ends, they go build a city, we see other night elves like the Shen'dralar and Nightborne emerge from night elf cities, pretty much civilised.

Besides I think high elves might argue the blood elf behaviour is savage since they abandoned their principals, this is the same race without any evolutionary change. IT's got nothing to do with evolution - unless you greatly devolve like the Lost Ones do - and got everything to do with how you behave and live. If you go murdering people just because they come to check on you and lop of their heads and suck them dry - you might be considered savage. Does it mean you actually are?

- - - Updated - - -

On topic however. The story would have been different for night elves if they were in the horde.

I would say they'd have gotten a lot more development, but they may have changed also.

I also feel night elves on teh horde would have made teh factions a lot more balanced, and blizzard would not havve sstarted all this race swapping business. likely High elves woudl have been the playable Thalassians on the Alliance, and the Draenei would have been alliance, with Draenei and Goblin being the scond playable races.

- - - Updated - - -


Absoltuely they could have.. i keep telling people, the story can be written top oint a race wherever blizz wants, we have seen several alliance races been swapped over, so it shouldn't surprise anyone.

The Worgen could just as easily ahve been written to be dark partners witht he forsaken and loathing humans after the worgen curse consumed Gilneas.. TEh alliance feeling betrayed by the Gilneans from the 2nd war, don't trust them and Genn being rash and hot tempered stubborn man preferring the stronger outlook of the horde.

Could have worked.

however.. by far the best option was to have kept the WC3 factions going. Night elves feel their own world, as do the scourge. THe lore on the night elves is so rich and diverse, they've got a complete set, only humans, orcs and undead have similar. They shoudl have been the faction heads. The thalassians arvery huamnised elves, and shoud have been on the alliance, the illidari could ahve been a faction of their own, but f the game was set to 4 factoins, the Illidari would be with the night elves, the naga with the undead, the Eredar would go horde (because the orc slaughter would have been against the broken). The broken would be called Draenei and be with the Alliance. Goodly Eredar would be with the night elves (if such would have been done)

...the Naga were already allied with the blood elves and the Broken. they would've gone Alliance.

[zlygork]

keep in mind that the member of said Horde (who is still regarded as a hero by many) killed Cenarius.

I keep seeing this mentioned in this kind of topics, but also keep in mind that a member of said Horde (who is still regarded as a hero by many) was instrumental in saving Nordrassil from the legion.

[ravenmoon]

...the Naga were already allied with the blood elves and the Broken. they would've gone Alliance.

Not so sure, if the Illidari were not going to be togehter, it doens't mean teh compoenent races would have still remained togehter. That would mean night elves on the same siade as thalassian.In all likely they would ahve gone different factions but had some sort of bond if they parted amicably.

- - - Updated - - -

I keep seeing this mentioned in this kind of topics, but also keep in mind that a member of said Horde (who is still regarded as a hero by many) was instrumental in saving Nordrassil from the legion.

More a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend sort of thing.

[plz delete account]

Not so sure, if the Illidari were not going to be togehter, it doens't mean teh compoenent races would have still remained togehter. That would mean night elves on the same siade as thalassian.In all likely they would ahve gone different factions but had some sort of bond if they parted amicably.

- - - Updated - - -


More a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend sort of thing.

The Illidari in this case would be more a class like we have now; but I'd expect to see it spread amongst the Naga, Orcs (as Illidan was fucking with them before the time of Vanilla), Blood Elves, Night Elves, Broken, and Draenei. 3 factions would have access to the Illidari in this instance. 2/2/1

[Feanoro]

Glad I'm not the only one who saw the original dev team's lack of creative talent boil down to 'thrash metal fanfiction'in the long scheme of things they did.

Afrasiabi and Danuser strike me as the types who'd take Dethklok seriously.

[matrix123mko]

Not even the same. You're comparing intentionally industrial designs with classical, eyepleasing builds.

There is a beauty in heavy iron and steel. And spikes are very satisfying.

[plz delete account]

There is a beauty in heavy iron and steel. And spikes are very satisfying.

Not nearly the same kind as the beauty classical buildings possess.

[Aucald]

Not nearly the same kind as the beauty classical buildings possess.

I would agree, but "beauty" as a concept is pretty subjective.

[Venziir]

Night Elves aren't savage, they're highly civilized, especially when compared to Orcs, Trolls and Tauren who just live in mud huts.

Also seems unlikely they'd ever join the Horde, keep in mind that the member of said Horde (who is still regarded as a hero by many) killed Cenarius.

That's funny since the very first sentence ever used in a Warcraft game to describe a Night elf was, indeed; "savage".

[Eggroll]

Night elves are savage when compared to blood or high elves. They live in trees and in forests. They are one evolutionary process removed from trolls

What you are not seeing is that nelves CHOSE to live the simple life, not because they can't help but live this way (like orcs, tauren or trolls). They made a conscious choice to do so. All their ancient nelven architecture clearly tells they are much more advanced in every aspect. They can also be savage and feral if they let out their druidic side and wardens and sentinels are formidable fighters.

Also they are the most advanced magic users seeing as Aszhara is the most powerful sorceress Azeroth has seen so far.

OT: well, obviously the Alliance hasn't done anything for the nelves in the past xpac. They let them be slaughtered in cold blood. I just don't see what could happen to make nelves join the Horde.

[Super Dickmann]

But what about the opposite? What if Jaina and Thrall pledged their loyalty to Tyrande?

From a storytelling perspective, I don't think it'd open many opportunities either. Tyrande doesn't want to be a queen, it's one of her key little qualities. She wouldn't want their fealty, she'd probably just settle for their cooperation. It'd require her to be very much out of character, likewise Thrall putting himself in a subservient position and the humans accepting a very different lifestyle, so plausibility-wise it wouldn't pan out very well. You'd need a very different kind of night elf leadership to make the idea of them going imperialist viable, and I can't see a scenario where Tyrande and Malf both kick the bucket and a character with that kind of perspective takes over.

[ravenmoon]

What you are not seeing is that nelves CHOSE to live the simple life, not because they can't help but live this way (like orcs, tauren or trolls). They made a conscious choice to do so. All their ancient nelven architecture clearly tells they are much more advanced in every aspect. They can also be savage and feral if they let out their druidic side and wardens and sentinels are formidable fighters.

Also they are the most advanced magic users seeing as Aszhara is the most powerful sorceress Azeroth has seen so far.

Indeed, @Trassk You also see evidence of this whenever blizzard shows night elf things.

1. For the druidic, loving living in nature types - you see the barrow dens quuite civilizedly decorated - elegant but simple implements, beautifully crafted, mats, pillows, vases etc. You see the tree homes are actually homes in trees and they have craft tot hem, with know how and skill.

2. It doesn't end there, cos these aren't the only night elves, look at the Preistesses move back into a temple, and Darnassus rebuilt

3. Skip to the Highborne of Eldre'thalas, the Nightborne in Suramar, the Moonguard in their stronghold - you have evidence and a culture of high society and civilization.

If you're like me, and you looked in closer, you realise that Warcraft night elves have a lot more to them. They are the original elf race and they have many facets - the authors of magecraft, druidcraft and demon hunter craft, not to mention a strong organised religion and hunting tradition too. They are very diverse and we have been shown this.

From the start we were told about their great civilization and magical mastery. We were first shown the female warrior sentinel, then priest, then the druid, the demon hunter and although we read about them, we eventually got to see the Highborne in 1.1, then we were shown much more of the Illidari, of the highobrne, Moonguard, the Nightborne were introduced (an off shoot of the night elves in a version kaldorei society)

You have cities and palaces and temples, but also great forests, caves in styles that seem to vary based on your discipline rather than your tribe. Still you do have various nations - the Shen'daralar are a nation compared to say the Darnassians, and so are the Nightborne per say. Yet you have Priests preferring temples, highborne and civilzians preferring cities , druids preferring forests, and demon hunters preferring wastelands brimming with demonic energy. You have night elves easily inter mingline within all these types of habitats.

They are all marked by their own unique style. Suramar/Zin'Azshari/Eldre'thalas are night cities different from the likes of Silvermoon/Dalaran/Ulduar/Stormwind - but like all races in wow, the major ones, you have rural architecture and urban.

In life a person may choose to live a more humble life with nature, in the foest and in the country. Rural doesn't mean un-civilised, some of the most advanced people prefer that habitat while others love the fast and higher pace of urban life. It varies. ANd night elves like most major races have diversity.

The commonality is summed up nicely in the WC3 manual - they are a magic based group , specialising in spell power and ranged attacks. This si shown to span to the highest levels of both arcane and nature magic. In the Warcraft lore, the night elf has achieved the highest state in both arcane and nature, not the high elf. They wanted to define the night elf as the original elf, so they are a little bit less humanised than the high/blood elf which is basically Elves mixed with humans - hence why night elves are just written to be more intense in typical elven things like lifespan, magical ability, forest love etc.. and is why the Nightborne addiction was far more intense than that suffered by the blood elves

[Rozz]

The easiest way to tackle this is just to have NEs undergo an elven schism in place of Thalassians. The majority could form a nation akin to the Zandalari(in terms of attitude and diplomacy), while the rest remain neutral or go Alliance (similar to HEs). The NE-Worgen plot could also be reworked for orcs instead, having a few token characters assist in their redemption/control story-line. This can lead towards both races bonding over their sense of duty, combat, and hatred for the Legion.

There can still be initial conflict, just don't have the orcs murder Cenarius. Better yet, have Cenarius survive and recognize that the orcs are being manipulated and it would be in their interest to help. I'm surprised some people here are ignoring that the Draenei and Orcs managed coexistence several times while having graver conflicts (and a wider cultural/technological gap), because of marble pillars.

[ravenmoon]

The easiest way to tackle this is just to have NEs undergo an elven schism in place of Thalassians. The majority could form a nation akin to the Zandalari(in terms of attitude and diplomacy), while the rest remain neutral or go Alliance (similar to HEs). The NE-Worgen plot could also be reworked for orcs instead, having a few token characters assist in their redemption/control story-line. This can lead towards both races bonding over their sense of duty, combat, and hatred for the Legion.

There can still be initial conflict, just don't have the orcs murder Cenarius. Better yet, have Cenarius survive and recognize that the orcs are being manipulated and it would be in their interest to help. I'm surprised some people here are ignoring that the Draenei and Orcs managed coexistence several times while having graver conflicts (and a wider cultural/technological gap), because of marble pillars.

Yeh, that could work.

If blood elves can work on the horde, so can night elves. Night elves are both more advanced and more savage than blood elves. They are more intesne..becuse they're supposed to be the original elf, so less human - which means immortal, more magical, more different. This allows them to be able to be more palletable to the horde than the high elves ever were in the first place.