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World of Warcraft Server Realm Names Lore

Aggramar - Aggramar the Avenger: Vanir Titan of the Pantheon. Once Sargeras' lieutenant, Aggramar took over Sargeras' position within the Pantheon when Sargeras abandoned his race to create the Burning Legion. Aggramar is now in charge of combating the Burning Legion and eliminating demonic taint in the Universe.

Alleria - Sister to Vereesa Windrunner and Sylvanas Windrunner, this Ranger of Quel'Thalas followed Turalyon and Khadgar into the Twisting Nether onto Draenor in an attempt to exterminate all of the Orcs. Alleria was a fabled Ranger for the Alliance during the Second War, but never realized fully just how dangerous the Orcs were until she saw the ruins of Quel'thalas, and searched for her family in what was left of it.

Alleria's thirst for vengeance caused her to create a cadre of Rangers who was solely dedicating to hunting down any free Orc left in Azeroth and eradicate them. Alleria's quest led her straight through the Dark Portal on the heels of Khadgar and the Bleeding Hollow Clan.

Alleria fought valiantly against the forces of Ner'zhul, but in the end, she knew the sacrifice she would have to make, and assisted in closing the Portal from Draenor, sacrificing her way home. Last heard, she was lost within the Twisting Nether and will be an NPC in World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade.

Archimonde - An overlord of the Burning Legion. He is a very powerful Eredar warlock that lead the second invasion of the Burning Legion upon Azeroth. He was defeated by the combined forces of the Alliance, Night Elves, and the Horde at Mount Hyjal. His remains can still be seen at the World Tree in Mount Hyjal within World of Warcraft.

Argent Dawn - A neutral faction in modern day Azeroth who believes that the Horde and Alliance are not to be enemies, but allies in the fight against the Undead Scourge. The Argent Dawn, however, has an Undead member. The Argent Dawn generally battles to erradicate all evil that threatens Azeroth and recruits members that fight for the same goal ... be Undead or else. The main Argent Dawn Outpost is Light's Hope in Eastern Plaguelands (World of Warcraft).

Arthas - Prince of Lordaeron, started taking drastic measures during fights against the initial Scourge invasion of Lordaeron that turned many of his friends against him, including his mentor Uther. Followed the Scourge to Northrend, where he was lured to the runeblade Frostmourne to defeat them, unbeknownst to him getting the Lich King to take over his soul. He came back leading the Scourge, and took over Lordaeron after killing his own father, King Terenas Menethil II. Crowning himself King Arthas. Later, Arthas returned to Northrend to defend the Lich King against Illidan's attacks, whereupon he merged with the Lich King, becoming into one entity.

Azgalor - One of the few Pit Lords, a race of Demons that seem to be generals of the Burning Legion.

Azjol-Nerub - An ancient subterranean kingdom in Northrend founded by a race of humanoid spiders, the Nerubians. When Ner'zhul was extending his power in Northrend, the warriors of this kingdom fought against him until finally succumbing to the power of the Lich King. For more look under "War of the Spider". The earthquakes created by Illidan, using the Eye of Sargeras from Dalaran, to destroy the Icecrown of the Lich King, caused long-forgotten evils to surface from beneath Azjol-Nerub: the Faceless Ones and the Forgotten One -- which looks like C'Thun.

Blackhand - Former Warchief of the Horde (Warcraft I: Orcs and Humans). He was killed and succeeded by Ogrim Doomhammer. Rend Blackhand, one of his two sons, is now the warchief of the Blackrock Mountain Orcs, and currently takes residence in Upper Blackrock Spire, serving Lord Victor Nefarious (aka Nefarian the black dragon).

Blackrock - Clan of Orcs from which Blackhand and Doomhammer came. Rend Blackhand is the warchief of the Blackrock Clan, who currently taken residence in Upper Blackrock Spire.

Bleeding Hollow - A legendary clan among the old Orcish Horde, they were veterans of both the first and second wars. They were one of the few orc clans to make it back to Draenor after the defeat of the Horde in the second war, and were revered by all of the clans for their battles in Azeroth. They are considered veteran warriors. The Bleeding Hollow clan joined Ner'Zhul after they made it back to Draenor.

Bloodhoof - Referring to Cairne Bloodhoof, High Chieftan of the Tauren. It also refers to his tribe, the Bloodhoof Tribe.

Bloodscalp - Vicious tribe of jungle trolls living in Stranglethorn Vale.

Bonechewer - Bonechewer was a canniballistic Orc Clan led by Tagar Spinebreaker. They wear the bones and ruined organs of their enemies. They stayed in Draenor during the second war and were erradicated by Khadgar's forces. The Laughing Skull Clan ordered Khadgar to destroy the Bonechewer and Thunderlord Clans by the Blade's Edge Mountains in Draenor in exchange of handling to him the Spellbook of Medivh. Once destroying both clans, Khadgar was given the spellbook with which he proceeded to shut down the Dark Portal.

Boulderfist - After the Ogres broke apart from the Horde, the Boulderfist ogres made their homes in the Arathi Highlands.

Bronzebeard - A royal Dwarvern family. The eldest brother is Magni Bronzebeard, king of Ironforge. The middle child is Muradin Bronzebeard, helped Arthas in his fight against the undead, in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, but was killed when Arthas acquired Frostmourne. The youngest child is Brann Bronzebeard, founder of the Traveller's Guild, subset of the Explorer's Guild. He disappeared searching for his lost brother in Northrend. Later on, appeared once more exploring Silithus to find out more about the Qiraji menace within Ahn'Qiraj Ruins. He is once more missing, thought to be captive within Ahn'Qiraj. Read about Brann's adventures in Warcraft RPG: Lands of Conflict -- exploring Eastern Kingdoms and World of Warcraft RPG: Lands of Mystery -- exploring Undermine, Northrend, Kalimdor, Echo Isles and the South Seas.

Burning Blade - An Orc clan from the second war that still follow the ways of the Burning Legion, working to bring them back to Azeroth again. The Burning Blade, Argus Wake and Searing Blade -- according to Thrall -- should be considered as one and the same with the Shadow Council, as their tools. The Burning Blade is featured in the pocketbook World of Warcraft: Cycle of Hatred by Keith R.A. DeCandido. Read our interview.

Burning Legion - An army of demons assembled from the Twisting Nether. Sargeras is their lord and charges them with destroying every planet in the universe. They consist of powerful demons such as Eredars, Dreadlords, Pit Lords, Infernals, and many other assortments of demons.

Cenarion Circle - A druidic alliance based out of Moonglade concerned with healing the aftermath of the legion's invasion. They are named after the great Demigod Cenarius, who taught the Night Elves druidism.

Cenarius - A demi-god slain by Grom Hellscream and the Warsong clan while empowered by Mannoroth's bloodlust, which turned them into Chaos Orcs. Cenarius is father of Zaetar and Remulos. Zaetar fathered the Centaures. Remulos fathered the Dryads and Keepers of the Grove. Read more about Cenarius here.

Crushridge - Clan of Ogres.

Daggerspine - A Naga tribe. They can be found in the cove in Arathi and along the shoreline in eastern Hillsbrad, off Southshore.

Dalaran - The first Human nation created after the Arathor Kingdom of Arathi Highlands expanded post-Troll Wars. Mage city, home of the Kirin Tor. Taken over by Arthas and the Scourge. It is the place where Archimonde was summoned into Azeroth by Kel'Thuzad using the Spellbook of Medivh during Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. Archimonde destroyed the high towers of Dalaran leaving the city in ruins. In Warcraft III: Frozen Throne, the Alliance started rebuilding Dalaran. However, some Undead Scourge and Demons still roamed the ruins. Illidan and his naga came to Dalaran to safely cast and channel a spell with the Eye of Sargeras to crush the Icecrown and kill the Lich King with earthquakes. Malfurion, Maiev and Kael'thas were able to destroy the Undead Scourge and demons still roaming Dalaran. Kael'thas and the Blood Elves were left behind by Garithos to repair the Observatory towers of Dalaran. However, later on Kael'thas was imprisoned along with his Blood Elves for treason when Garithos caught them consorting with the Naga. Lady Vashj rescued Kael'thas and his Blood Elves and reopened the portal created by Kel'Thuzad to lead them to Outland. Afterwards, the mages of the Alliance returned to Dalaran to rebuild the city. A magic dome was created to safeguard Dalaran from any attacks while the city is rebuilt. Archmage Ansirem Runeweaver watches vigilantly the dome from the outside, analyzing and calibrating the strength of the dome. More details of Dalaran in Warcraft RPG: Lands of Conflict - page 90.

Darkspear - An island-jungle tribe of trolls that were invaded by Murlocs. Thrall and his band of orcs, barely made it through the Maelstrom in their travel west to Kalimdor -- as suggested by Medivh -- and landed at the shores of the Darkspear Tribe Island. Thrall saved the Darkspear tribe from the Murlocs, and grateful to Thrall, joined the Horde. Their island, however, sunk underwater with the enigmatic powers of a Ghostly Elven Sea Witch. Settling at the Echo Isles, unfortunately, the Darkspear Tribe was attacked by Alliance forces. Thrall sent Rexxar and Horde members to help the Darkspear Tribe in their desperate need. Later on, Thrall sent Rexxar to Theramore to find out why Jaina was attacking the Horde. However, they discovered that the attacks did not came from Jaina, but from her father Admiral Daelin Proudmoore (Warcraft III: Frozen Throne). Thrall and Rexxar's forces killed the Admiral and respected Jaina's forces and fortress. Vol'jin -- new leader of the Trolls -- took residence at Thrall's Chamber in Orgrimmar, while the Darkspear Tribe resides at Sen'jin village in southern Durotar. Darkspear Trolls are welcome to Orgrimmar as part of the Horde.

Dark Iron - In reference to the Dark Iron Dwarves from Blackrock Mountain. Details of them may be found at the War of the Three Hammers.

Deathwing - Leader of the black dragon flight. Formally known as Neltharion the Earthwarder -- one of the Five Dragon Aspects. Neltharion's madness was originated by the Old gods. The dark whisperings in his mind led him to serve the Old gods 10,000 years ago. They ordered him to create the Demon Soul: blood of Neltharion shaped in Goblin anvils to look like a simple golden disc. Infused by Old gods magic and shielded by Neltharion's magic, the Dragon Aspects weren't able to see beneath the simple surface of the disc. Neltharion proposed the Dragon Aspects to infuse their powers within the disc as a ultimate weapon against the Burning Legion during the first invasion. Neltharion and the Dragon Aspects flew toward the palace of Zin-Azshari to battle the Burning Legion. Neltharion rose up the Demon Soul to show the power of the new weapon. However, demon and Night Elves alike were wiped in the attack, leaving all Dragon Aspects in awe-expression. Trying to stop Neltharion, with a whim the Blue Dragonflight was annihilated by the Demon Soul. The use of the Demon Soul caused Neltharion to transmute. His skin cracked open on his chest revealing searing magma, and his eyes flared in fire. Becoming into Deathwing. The Old gods betrayed him. He was merely a puppet.

However, the Old gods' true purpose was to lure Sargeras to send the Burning Legion to steal and use the Demon Soul to power up the spellcasting of the Highborne allowing them to strenghten the portal. Once Sargeras had set foot in Azeroth, the Old gods would have been freed automatically from their underground prison (Details from War of the Ancients Trilogy books by Richard A. Knaak). The Old gods slashed at Deathwing when he tried to retrieve the Demon Soul from the spellcasting hub. The Burning Legion was defeated and the implosion of the Well of Eternity caused earthquakes that sundered the middle jungles allowing the sea to rush in to fill the gap. The Great Sea and the Maelstrom were born. Deathwing was not seen for a long time. The Dragon Aspects asked Malfurion to bury the Demon Soul at a unrevealed location. Ten Thousand years later, Deathwing somehow located the Demon Soul, and managed to indirectly lead Zuluhed the Chieftain of the Dragonmaw Clan to it. Zuluhed's shamanistic powers weren't able to tap into the Demon Soul. He then gave it to his servant Nekros the Warlock, who was able to tap a minimal part of its potential. Deathwing joined the Horde as an ally and lived in Draenor. He got ahold of the Skull of Gul'dan at his lair of Draenor (Read the campaign of Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal).

Later, he was able to escape Draenor before Khadgar sealed the Dark Portal. Meanwhile, in Azeroth, with the Demon Soul the Dragonmaw Clan was able to capture Queen Alexstrasza and the red dragonflight to keep the Alliance in check. Krasus the red dragon and Rhonin were able to defeat the Dragonmaw Clan and free Alexstrasza. The Dragon Aspects defeated Deathwing, who escaped in agony. He has been missing or thought dead twice since Warcraft 2. One of those times he was thought dead was when he was attacked by a Naval Fleet and fell into the sea. However, the Dragon Aspects didn't kill Deathwing. Warcraft: Day of the Dragon mentions at the last page that it will be a long time before Deathwing attempts to cause any harm. He is still alive somewhere. Licking his wounds. His son is Nefarion (Blackwing) and his daughter is Onyxia. They do not know where their father is, or if he is alive. But have decided to follow on his plans where he left over. Nefarian attempts to create a Chromatic Dragonflight to seize and purge the World of Azeroth.

Destromath - One of the few Pit Lords, a race of Demons that seem to be generals of the Burning Legion.

Dethecus - A Dreadlord.

Doomhammer - Named after Orgrimm Doomhammer, the Warchief of the Orcish Horde in Warcraft II. He defeated Warchief Blackhand who was corrupted by the warlock Gul'dan, and forced Gul'dan and his Shadow Council to submit to him.

Orgrim Doomhammer was betrayed by Gul'dan shortly when Gul'dan pulled his Stormreaver forces along with the Twilight's Hammer Clan to search for the Tomb of Sargeras (Details here). Orgrimm Doomhammer ordered the Horde to search and kill the Stormreaver and Twilight's Hammer Clans and to bring the head of Gul'dan.

Orgrimm Doomhammer fought an epic battle with Anduin Lothar in the Burning Steppes and killed him, but Lothar's death enraged the alliance and made them fight with such ferocity that they drove the orcs far back and defeated them that day. He was eventually defeated and captured by the Alliance and held in an internment camp. Doomhammer was brought to King Llane as slave. However, shortly, he escaped and became a hermit for a decade.

When Thrall escaped from Aedelas Blackmoore, abandoning Durnholde Keep (Hillsbrad) to find his brethren, Thrall found Grom Hellscream and the Warsong Clan -- the only clan not captured in internment camps and decided to free the horde. However, first he had to find his origins. A blue blanket with a wolf was all he had. It was found wrapped around baby Thrall. Grom recognized it as the flag of the Frostwolf Clan. Grom told Thrall to search the Frostwolf Clan by the snowy Alterac Mountains. There Thrall learned shamanistic ways with Drek'Thar as mentor. Time later, Grom sent Doomhammer to Alterac to meet a new young orc. Although Thrall did not know who the hermit was, he dueled him. Doomhammer wanted to test Thrall in battle. Thrall defeated Doomhammer, and he revealed his true identity to Thrall. Grom, Thrall and Doomhammer worked together to free the internment camps.

Reaching the fifth internment Camp, located in Arathi Highlands, Doomhammer fell in battle when a human stabbed a lance through his chest cowardly from behind. Doomhammer requested Thrall to take the mantleship as new Warchief of the Horde and asked him to take up Doomhammer's black iron armor and hammer to encourage the orcs to obey him as new Warchief of the Horde. The internment camp is now a Horde outpost, renamed as Hammerfall -- in honor of Doomhammer.

Draenor - The red homeworld of the Orcs. It was destroyed by the unstable magics of several portals being opened at once by Ner'zhul. The planet was torn apart by earthquakes crumbling into chunks. What's left of Draenor is known as the Outland. An asteroid belt of floating chunks and debris located in the Twisting Nether.

Dragonblight - An arctic wasteland on Northrend where the Dragonflights go to die. It is a dragon graveyard. When the icy prison of the Lich King first crashed upon Northrend, he became aware with his mental powers of a human settlement near the Dragonblight. The first Undead Plague was unleashed upon them ... as a test for the plague that would later be unleashed upon Andorhal from Scholomance. Ner'zhul's necromancers created huge Frostwyrms by rising the bones of the dragonblight.

Dragonmaw - An orc clan that was part of the invasion of Azeroth. Lead by their chieftain Zuluhed the Whacked, the Dragonmaw is a small but elite faction within the old Horde. They were very loyal to Blackhand and after his defeat they pledged their loyalty to Blackhand's sons. The Dragonmaw were responsible for the capture of the Dragon Aspect Alexstrasza. Nekros the orc warlock used the Demon Soul to control Alexstrasza and used her red dragonflight to attack the Alliance. This clan took up residence in Grim Batol, in eastern Wetlands. It will be a instance in World of Warcraft, according to Tigole.

Dunemaul - Ogre clan in Tanaris.

Durotan - Father of Thrall. Leader of the Frostwolf Clan, Durotan first suspected Gul'dan treacherous deals with demons after the First Crossing. Due to Durotan's great reputation among standing clans, Gul'dan didn't risk getting in trouble with the clans by killing him. When Durotan tried to oppose the Warlock, Gul'dan used Blackhand the Warchief to banish Durotan and the Frostwolf Clan from the Horde. Although Blackhand was the Warchief, secretly, it was Gul'dan the true leader of the Horde using Blackhand as his puppet. The Frostwolf Clan took residence within the snowy Alterac Mountains. Time later, when Orgrim Doomhammer killed Blackhand and became the new Warchief of the Horde, Durotan attempted to warn Doomhammer of Gul'dan's treachery. Doomhammer sent his grunts to escort Durotan and his wife Draka to safety. However, Gul'dan knew of this and sent Stormreaver assasins to kill Durotan and his wife. The Assassins left baby Thrall alive so that Durotan would see the beasts of the wild feast upon his baby shortly before his own life expired. Aedelas Blackmoore -- leader of the Internment camps and lord of Durnholde Keep in Hillsbrad, found the corpses and baby Thrall. Thrall later became Warchief of the new Horde and with advice of the Prophet -- who turned out to be Medivh -- led his people to Kalimdor. Thrall renamed the new lands of the orcs as Durotar, in honor to his own father Durotan.

Earthen Ring - The Earthen Ring is a collection of the Horde's wisest-- druids and shamans. Sort of like a council of elders. They are investigating the corruption of some Water Elementals in the southern lake of Ashenvale and the mysterious intentions of the Twilight's Hammer Clan in Blackfathom Deeps.

When the Forsaken wanted to join the Horde, it was the Earthen Ring that convinced Thrall and Cairne that they should be allowed to join.

"Having done battle with the Undead on many occasions, Orc warchief Thrall and Tauren chieftain Cairne Bloodhoof of the Horde were immediately suspicious of the Forsaken's motives. However, due to growing political tensions, the warriors acquiesced to a council of sages known as The Earthen Ring. The council argued that it was the Horde's duty to aid the Forsaken, who wrestled with inner demons just as the Orcs had for generations."

Eldre'Thalas - A city populated by highborne Elves lead by the Queen Azhara 10,000 years ago. After the sundering, the city of Eldre'Thalas was affected by the earthquakes of the cataclysm and decimated during the first invasion of the burning legion. The city is now known as the ruins of Dire Maul (Feralas).

Elune - The moon goddess of the Night Elves. Elune was believed to live beneath the waters of the Well of Eternity, and despite its destruction, the Sentinels still honour her with every breath they take. More details here.

Eonar - The Titan patron of life. Wife of Aman'Thul the Highfather and mother of Golganneth the Thunderer. Eonar was the Titan of the Pantheon who blessed Queen Alexstrasza as Dragon Aspects of Life and Ysera as Dragon Aspect of the Emerald Dream. More details here.

Eredar - A powerful race of demons of the Twisting Nether that are aligned with the Burning Legion. They are very good with magic. The Eredar seem to be the most powerful known demons, and in control of the Burning Legion. The two most notable Eredars are Archimonde and Kil'Jaeden -- lieutenants of Sargeras.

Feathermoon - Feathermoon is named after Shandris Feathermoon, General of the Sentinel forces, second only to Tyrande Whisperwind. Also refers to the island fort she commands, located at thewestern coast of Feralas.

Firetree - Unknown. I suspect it is located at the Elemental Plane or Outland.

Frostmane - A troll tribe, located in Dun Morogh.

Frostwolf - Frostwolf clan was originally led by Thrall's father, Durotan. Drek'Thar the blind Farseer took charge as provisional Chieftain waiting for the return of Durotan for almost two decades. However, when Thrall arrived, Drek'Thar found out that Durotan was assassinated. Drek'Thar dedicated to train Thrall in the ways of the Shaman. You can read this backstory in Warcraft: Lord of the Clans. (pre-Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos). Currently, in World of Warcraft -- Thrall still leads the Horde in Orgrimmar, while Drek'Thar the Farseer governs the Frostwolf Clan in Alterac Battlegrounds.

Garona - She is half-orc, from a human-like race native to Draenor. Metzen said she is not half-draenei as some think. Garona was a Half-orc spy that assasinated King Llane during the first war. Garona's loyalty resided in Gul'dan, the orc Warlock. She was captured by spies loyal to Orgrim Doomhammer and revealed the existence of the Shadow Council near Stormwind keep. Garona served Gul'dan as ambassador to meet with Medivh. Khadgar and Garona introduced each other with political details of the Human and Orcish races in an attempt to know each other. Garona read human books at the library of the Tower of Kharazhan. Garona and Khadgar witnessed at the library through a vision of the future how Garona slashed King Llane's throat. She couldn't believe she would do such thing. However, when Khadgar and Garona faced Sargeras within Medivh's body at the bottom of the Tower, Sargeras grabbed Garona's forehead and altered her mind. Shortly, she fled the tower and apparently obeyed the command to kill King Llane. You can read about this in Warcraft: The Last Guardian. Players of World of Warcraft closed beta swear that Garona was an NPC at Raventhold Manor in Hillsbrad under the title of Grand Assassin. Time will tell what Blizzard has in store for her. Read some Garona backstory from the Warcraft: Orcs and Human Manual.

Gilneas - Human nation, west of Hillsbrad and south of Silverpine Forest. It used to be a member of alliance, but isolated itself when King Terenas Menethil II imposed a tax to maintain the Orc internment camps after the Second War. Lord Genn Greymane decided to break from the Alliance and ordered the construction of the Greymane Wall -- isolating Gilneas from the Alliance territories. The Greymane Wall has been there for over 10 years. Far before the plague hit Andorhal. You can read juicy details of Gilneas in Warcraft RPG: Lands of Conflict, page 96

Gorefiend - The surname of the Death Knight hero of Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness and Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal, Teron Gorefiend. When Orgrim Doomhammer annihilated the Shadow Council, Gul'dan -- weakened after Gul'dan was driven into a coma while inside Medivh's mind at the time of his death -- rose up the corpses of Alliance Paladins and infused the corpses with the spirits of the Shadow Council orcs. Orgrim Doomhammer agreed with Gul'dan to create the Deathknights. However, Doomhammer did never suspect Gul'dan would use the Paladin corpses as vessel for the orc spirits of the Shadow Council. Teron Gorefiend served Gul'dan loyally. When Gul'dan died, Ner'zhul offered the Deathknights a deal in exchange of servitude. Ner'zhul figured out how Gul'dan stabilized the Dark Portal created by Medivh from Draenor's side. And sent Gorefiend to Azeroth to gather artifacts of power that would allow Ner'zhul to open rifts to other worlds to conquer. Read the Horde Campaigns of Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal. Gorefiend wanted a whole world for him as reward. However, when Khadgar and the Expeditionary Forces attacked the Horde in Draenor, Ner'zhul rushed to open the new rifts to escape. This caused the fabric of reality around Draenor to collapse, destroying Draenor. Khadgar was able to seal the Dark Portal so that Azeroth wouldn't be harmed by the backlash. Ner'zhul escaped through one of the rifts. However, he met doom as Kil'Jaeden and the Burning Legion captured him and his orcs. Khadgar led the heroes through another of the portals, and their fate is uncertain. However, Warcraft RPG: Shadow and Light talks about the Burning Crusade and an alliance of Humans and otherworldly aliens fighting alongside to end the Burning Crusade. Metzen also confirmed in BlizzCon that the heroes are alive and kickin'ass. As for Gorefiend, knowing that he wished a world of his own, speculation is that he might have escaped the destruction of Draenor through one of the rifts, and that the world he conquered was the world of the Worgen. There is speculation that he currently resides inside of Karazhan, at Medivh's Tower. Read the Duskwood quest that mentions the Dark Riders of Kharazhan - which has spawned the speculations. Blizzard has not confirmed Gorefiend in Kharazhan.

Gorgonnash - One of the few Pit Lords, a race of Demons that seem to be generals of the Burning Legion.

Gurubashi - Gurubashi is the largest tribe of Trolls to remain after the great resolution of the Troll - Night Elf war. Read the Two Empires Story.

Haomarush - Fallen Orc killed by Arthas and his Scourge in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos.

Hellscream - Fallen Warlord Grom Hellscream, leader of the Warsong Clan. When the Warsong clan settled in Ashenvale, they quickly made enemies with the Night Elves and their Demigod Cenarius by chopping the Woodlands. They were once again corrupted by the Pit Lord Mannoroth when faced with annihilation by Cenarius's army. Grom was the first to drink Mannoroth's blood from a defiled fountain. With their new chaotic powers, they killed Cenarius and defeated his army, but carried the taint of the Burning Legion. They were liberated when Grom Hellscream killed Mannoroth in an epic battle with Thrall. Hellscream charged Mannoroth and delivered a mortal wound to him, but Mannoroth took Hellscream with him to his death. Hellscream's actions finally freed the Horde from the taint of the Burning Legion. His monument can be found in southeastern Ashenvale, near the Warsong Lumber Camp.

Hyjal - Mount Hyjal in northern Kalimdor, is where the World Tree is located. Illidan dropped three vials of water taken from the original Well of Eternity upon the river of Mount Hyjal, attempting to create a new Well. However, Jarod Shadowsong and the Host of Elf Warriors found Illidan and stopped him before using all of the vials. The Queen dragon Alexstrasza placed an enchanted acorn from G'hanir upon the iridiscent magical lake and the World Tree grew giantly, absorbing the arcane magic from the lake. This allowed to mask its presence from the Burning Legion, and the Night elves learned druidism to use their new power responsibly -- healing the land. In Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, the Burning Legion and their Undead Scourge ravaged Mount Hyjal killing thousands. Medivh had orchestrated the meeting of Tyrande, Malfurion, Thrall and Jaina Proudmoore as the last stand against the Burning Legion. Mount Hyjal was where the epic battle took place. Archimonde was destroyed before he was able to absorb the magic off the World Tree. Although the World Tree was sacrificed to kill Archimonde, Malfurion already said in Warcraft III: Frozen Throne expansion that the World Tree's roots were healing well. In World of Warcraft, Mount Hyjal will be a massive instanced Zone for 40-raid players. Early in Closed Beta, I was able to enter. The World Tree has grown again. The Massive skeleton of Archimonde is interwitned within the roots of the World Tree. Below the tree is a big lake. However, the bottom of the lake is over 500 feet deep. At the bottoom is a bubbling fissure. Mount Hyjal also seems to host a copy of Onyxia's Lair as a sub-instance. Could it be Deathwing? No one knows for sure. It seems we will be able to enter Mount Hyjal in the future. However, there will be two Mount Hyjal instances: One accessible through Winterspring's Darkwhisper Gorge which already has Archimonde's skeleton; and the second Mount Hyjal will be accessible via the Caverns of Time where we will fight alongside Thrall, Jaina and Malfurion against Archimonde.

Icecrown - The Lich King's capital in Northrend, where the Frozen Throne is located.

Illidan - Illidan Stormrage, twin brother of Malfurion Stormrage. He was one of the greatest Night Elf sorcerers in the land. Before the first invasion of the Burning Legion, his brother convinced him to give up arcane magic before the impending doom of the Burning Legion arrived.

Malfurion was ready to attack Azshara and her Highborne to stop the summoning of the portal that would allow the leader of the Burning Legion entry into Azeroth. But, his brother Illidan betrayed them by warning Azshara in order to preserve the magic he is so addicted to. However, Illidan's obsession with arcane magic led him to gather seven vials of water from the original Well of Eternity before it was destroyed. Illidan survived the Sundering and headed to Mount Hyjal, where he planned to create a new Well of Eternity. However, he was only able to empty three vials before the Night elves stopped him.

Illidan was imprisoned within the earth by his brother for his betrayal, and for the danger he posed. For 10,000 years he was imprisoned until Tyrande Whisperwind, against the wishes of Malfurion, freed him and asked for his assistance to defeat the Burning Legion. He agreed. He was duped by Arthas to consume the skull of Gul'dan, a powerful artifact that enhanced his already formidable powers many times over, and set forth to kill the dreadlord Tichondrius. When Illidan did this he sealed the defeat of the Burning Legion, both benefitting the Undead Scourge who did not want to be ruled over by Tichondrius or those over him, and everyone else that the Burning Legion threatened.

Afterwards Illidan made a deal with Kil'Jaeden. The Demon lord asked him to destroy the Lich King for his betrayal to the Burning Legion. This was the main focus of the Warcraft III: Frozen Throne expansion. He had a plan that was foiled by his own brother Malfurion at Dalaran (Read details here). Illidan and Malfurion joined forces when Kael'thas revealed Malfurion that Maiev lied. That Tyrande didn't die as she swore. Illidan and his naga forces rescued Tyrande, and shortly after, Illidan and the naga escaped to Outland. Maiev and her sentinels captured Illidan. Time later, Lady Vashj brought Kael'thas and his Blood Elves to Outland, and freed Illidan from Maiev's clutches. Illidan decided to seal the rifts of Outland to isolate the Burning Legion and to to avoid Kil'Jaeden's wrath (but to no success). Although Illidan sealed the rifts and defeated Magtheridon the Pit Lord, proclaiming himself new lord of Outland, Kil'jaeden's avatar was projected before Illidan -- threatening to tear him if he did not fulfill his task. Illidan again sought out to destroy the Frozen Throne, with the help of the Naga and Blood Elves set out an army to defeat the Lich King in Northrend. He was intercepted by Arthas and they had an epic battle, with Arthas winning. Illidan, injured, was recovered by his army and fled back to Outland to lick his wounds, where he is currently thought to reside and plan revenge upon Azeroth. However, his defeat has brooded a madness within him. According to Malfurion in World of Warcraft, his brother's mind is filled with revival of the Arthas encounter a thousand times a day, to the point Illidan thinks he was victorious over Arthas (Read more here)

Kargath - Kargath Bladefist was an Orcish hero in Warcraft II. Ner'zhul asked Teron Gorefiend of the Shadowmoon Clan to find Kargath Bladefist as an ally to rescue Grom Hellscream -- held captive by the Laughing Skull Clan. Kargath helped to rescue Grom Hellscream (Read more here). After the rifts started to tear Draenor apart, Grom Hellscream and Kargath Bladefist escaped through the Dark Portal as Khadgar casted the spell to seal it. The Horde town of Korgath is named after him. The Horde outpost is located in the northeastern corner of Badlands. Kargath was the leader of the Shattered Hand clan. The rogue class trainers of Orgrimmar, in the Cleft of Shadows, train new rogues to join the Shattered Hand Clan. Upon completition of the training you are taught the Shattered Hand salute.

Kalecgos - A Blue Dragon that is a main character in the first Warcraft Manga: The Sunwell Trilogy novel. "In the main story, though, a woman named Anveena discovers a wounded blue dragon who can also assume a rather handsome human form. She quickly becomes enamored of this dragon, Kalecgos -- even taking him home to meet her parents -- and risks her own safety to assist him. He is pursued by a band of hunters who work for a ruthless High Elf named Dar'Khan. Dar'Khan wants the Sunwell, a lost source of Elven magic, and believes that Kalecgos knows its location. The story becomes more than just a series of fights and chases when Anveena and Kalecgos are joined by a female dragon who says she is Kalecgos' future mate, which creates a potential love triangle." Read our book review to know more of Kalecgos.

Kel'Thuzad - A former powerful wizard of Dalaran that wanted to explore the necromantic/demonic side of magic. However that was forbidden in Dalaaran and he found solace in the words of the Lich King -- who telepathically summoned his presence. Kel'Thuzad traveled to Northrend and reached Icecrown. There the Lich King transfigured Kel'Thuzad into a Undead Necromancer. Kel'Thuzad returned to Lordaeron where he initiated the Cult of the Damned. The Barov family of Caer Darrow joined the Cult of the Damned and donated their castle and lands. From within the halls of the Scholomance, the plague was brewed and unleashed upon the unsuspecting Caer Darrow habitants. The enhanced plague was then spread in Andorhal crates and shipped to most of Lordaeron. Prince Arthas discovered that the Undead was created by killing Humans and that the Andorhal crates were the source of the plague. Prince Arthas and Jaina Proudmoore killed the human form of Kel'Thuzad in Andorhal. Later when Prince Arthas fell to temptation in Northrend and grabbed Frostmourne to kill Dreadlord Mal'Ganis, Arthas' soul was forfeit to Ner'Zhul -- becoming Arthas the Deathknight. Arthas led the Undead Scourge toward Quel'Thalas -- killing 90% of the Elven Kingdom and ressurected the rotting remains of Kel'Thuzad's corpse using the Sunwell. His rebirth transformed Kel'Thuzad into a Lich. Kel'Thuzad rescued Arthas from certain death when he confronted Sylvanas (read the campaign in Warcraft III: Frozen Throne). King Arthas left to Northrend due to the Lich King's summon -- as Illidan's forces were about to reach the Icecrown. Arthas left his majordomo Kel'Thuzad behind to pet the Undead Scourge and to reign on his behalf until his return. Kel'Thuzad now watches the Undead Scourge from his Necropolis Naxxaramas -- which floats above the city of Stratholme. Naxxaramas will be a 40-raid players instance in World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade with 18 Bosses -- including a Frostwyrm encounter and the showdown with Kel'Thuzad. This event will be key to opening the Dark Portal in World of Warcraft -- as it is Kel'Thuzad who last held the Spellbook of Medivh when opening the portal of Dalaran to summon Archimonde into Azeroth in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos.

Khadgar - A human wizard who helped kill Medivh. Companion to Lothar. Apprentice to Medivh. Khadgar was sent by the Kirin Tor to spy upon Medivh. You may read more of Khadgar in Warcraft: The Last Guardian. We have an excerpt of the book with Khadgar talking with Medivh about the tower of Kharazhan, magic and Time. Warcraft RPG: Shadow and Light - page 41 also has a bios of Khadgar.

Kil'Jaeden - An overlord of the Burning Legion, he is second in command only to the dark Titan Sargeras. He is an Eredar warlock of great power. Sargeras gave him the task to search the Twisting Nether for new races that could serve the Burning Legion. Kil'jaeden found Draenor and made first contact with Ner'zhul offering great power. However, Ner'zhul backed off fearing the harm of his people. It was in Gul'dan that Kil'jaeden found true loyalty -- and the Horde Clans united as a single force of destruction tainted by the bloodlust of Mannoroth's blood.

However, the Horde was a failure in its attempt to seize Azeroth. With Gul'dan dead, Ner'zhul attempted to create new rifts using artifacts from Azeroth to conquer other worlds. However, Kil'jaeden intercepted Ner'zhul and his servants and captured them after escaping through one of the rifts before Draenor was torn apart.

Kil'jaeden destroyed Ner'zhul's body and kept his soul imprisoned within an icy crystal, augmenting the powers of Ner'zhul, but keeping a leash on him. Kil'jaeden ordered the Lich King to create a plague that would turn the humans into Undead to bolst their armies -- as the second wave to weaken the Alliance, heralding the second invasion of the Burning Legion itself. However, the Lich King betrayed the Burning Legion by telling Illidan how to defeat the back up forces of the Burning Legion. Arthas adviced Illidan to destroy the Skull of Gul'dan, which empowered the Undead blight. Illidan however ate the bait and instead absorbed the powers of the Skull of Gul'dan into himself, transforming him into something else: no longer Elven nor demon.

With the defeat of Archimonde at Mount Hyjal, Kil'jaeden recruited Illidan as new servant. He gave Illidan the order to destroy the Lich King, in exchange of power. When the spell of the Eye of Sargeras in Dalaran was disrrupted by Malfurion's forces, Illidan failed to destroy the Icecrown. Illidan sealed the rifts of Outland attempting to escape the wrath of Kil'jaeden. However, Kil'jaeden's avatar came forth upon Illidan with an ultimatum.

There is a location in Kalimdor named in honor to Kil'jaeden. The Satyrs and the orc warlocks of the Shadow Council named it Jaedenar. A Dreadlord commands the Shadow Council's forces.

Kilrogg - Killrogg Deadeye, the Orcish leader of the Bleeding Hollow clan who invaded Azeroth during the Second War. His clan self-mutilates an eye in honor to their leader Kilrogg. Warlocks use a spell that creates an Eye of Killrogg to explore and spy upon the field of unsuspecting enemies.

Laughing Skull - The Laughing Skull was one of the Orc Tribes of Draenor. They were the most treacherous, having some of the best Horde Assassins and Rogues among them. They were lead by an Ogre follower of Gul'dan back when he was alive. Because the old leader of the Laughing Skull insulted Gul'dan, he had the Ogre kill the leader and take control of the clan.

The Laughing Skull clan stole the Book of Medivh from the Ner'zhul's fortress Vanguard, before Khadgar's army could retrive it, and struck a deal with Khadgar to hand over the Book when their main rival clans on Draenor -- the Bonechewer and Thunderlord Clans were destroyed. Upon fulfilling his deal, the book was given to Khadgar, who proceeded to cast the spell to seal the Dark Portal. Read the Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal campaign

Lightbringer - Uther Lightbringer was the first Paladin and founded, with his master Archbishop Alonsus Faol, the order of the Silver Hand during the Second War. He was loyal to King Terenas of Lordaeron and mentored his son, Arthas. When Arthas wanted to purge the city of Stratholme, Uther refused his order and it was then that Arthas gave a royal decree to disband the Order of the Silver Hand. He was later caught alone and killed by Arthas and a swarm of Undead Scourge. His tomb can be found in Western Plaguelands, south of Andorhal and east of Chillwind Point. Uther's first appearance was in Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, where the mission is to escort young Uther.

Lightning's Blade - An orc clan during the Second War. Little more is known.

Llane - Llane, Medivh and Lothar were youth friends, and had many adventures together such as killing trolls in Strangletorn Vale. Llane was the King of Azeroth (Stormwind) during the first Orcish invasion (Warcraft I: Orcs and Humans. He was eventually assasinated by the Orc Assassin, Garona. He shows up in Warcraft: The Last Guardian and a backstory of Llane in his youth at the Game Manual.

Lothar - Sir Anduin Lothar the Grand Commander of all Alliance forces during the second War and friend to King Llane and Medivh.

He convinced the members of the Alliance to join forces, some see him as the founder of the new Alliance. Close friend of King Terenas and Admiral Daelin Proudmoore. Lothar was also the last blood descendant of the original leaders of the nation of Strom.

Lothar beheaded Medivh after assisting Khadgar deep at the bottom of the Tower of Kharazhan, and helped banish Sargeras's spirit to the Twisting Nether by doing so.

After the First War, Lord Lothar led an exodus of refugees from Stormwind and Khaz Modan to the northern nation of Lordaeron; where King Terenas and Lothar convinced the seven human nations, the dwarven and the high elven kingdoms to unite to form a new Alliance. Lothar went to a diplomatic encounter with Orgrim Doomhammer at Blackrock Mountain -- where instead found death in a duel against Orgrim Doomhammer. The death of Lothar eventually enraged Turalyon and the Alliance forces who fought with such ferocity that they defeated Orgrim Doomhammer and drove the orcs far back, pushing the Horde back to the Dark Portal. Some escaped to Draenor, while others were captured and imprisoned in internment camps -- except the Warsong Clan who remained unchecked. A massive memorial statue was built in Burning Steppes in honor to Sir Anduin Lothar -- pointing a finger in defiance toward Blackrock Spire.

Magtheridon - A Pit Lord that ruled Outlands until Illidan and his Naga and Blood Elves came and defeated him. Magtheridon is now a pet of Illidan. We will fight Magtheridon in an instance dungeon at World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade.

Mal'Ganis - The Dreadlord Arthas fought in Stratholme, and tracked to Northrend. Mal'Ganis set a trap for Arthas there and forced him to find Frostmourne as the only way to defeat the scourge he set out to fight. He was slain by Arthas when he obtained Frostmourne.

Malygos - One of the five Dragon Aspects, leader of the Blue dragonflight. He lords the Aspect of Magic in Azeroth. The Pantheon Titan that blessed him was Norgannon the Dreamweaver -- creator of the Stonewatchers. Malygos was the besft friend of Neltharion and because of this, Neltharion used Malygos. The Old gods wanted Neltharion to create the Dragon Soul known later as the Demon Soul. With it -- Neltharion had to convince the Dragon Aspects and all their dragonflights to give part of their powers to the Dragon Soul as a weapon against the Burning Legion. Neltharion asked Malygos to help him convince the other Dragon Aspects to do so. In due time, Neltharion led the dragons toward Zin-Azshari as herald -- holding the Dragon Soul. Thousands of red, blue, bronze, green and black dragons could be seen above in the sky with Neltharion leading the flights. When Neltharion wielded the power, he destroyed both demon and Night Elves alike leaving the dragonflights in astonishment. The Blue dragonflight was the first to try to stop Neltharion, and in turn with a gesture of his hand the blue dragonflight was pulverized into oblivion with the Demon Soul. This backstory is in War of the Ancients Trilogy. The loss of his whole dragonflight and his beloved female consorts drove Malygos into a brooding depression that led to madness. He returned to his lair in Northrend, where his solitude and madness consumed him for ten thousands of years.

When the horde returned during the Second War, Deathwing(aka Neltharion) lured Zuluhed the chieftain of the Dragonmaw Clan to find the Demon Soul. A magic shield placed upon it by the Dragon Aspects doesn't allow Deathwing use the Demon Soul himself. The servant of Zuluhed, Nekros the warlock used the Demon Soul to capture Alexstrasza and her red dragonflight as machines of war against the Alliance.

Krasus, red dragon consort of Alexstrasza, implored Malygos to help rescue her. The promise of creating a new blue dragonflight if he helped rescue the Dragon Aspect of Life gave Malygos new hope. This backstory is in Warcraft: Day of the Dragon. The freedom of the Queen offered Malygos a new dragonflight. It is small and limited, but it is growing. More recently, in the Warcraft Manga: The Sunwell Trilogy -- on sale now -- Malygos sent one of the younger blue dragons, named Kalecgos, to the Plaguelands to investigate a strange magic source. A new lifeform hatched from an egg, and contains mysteriosly, the essence of the Sunwell. Currently in World of Warcraft, blue dragons may be found in Mathzoril cave in Winterspring led by the Matron Protectorate Haleh. The main lair of Malygos however is in Northrend.

Mannoroth - Pitlord demon that instrumented the corruption of Orc society and invasion of Azeroth by the Orcs. He had an epic battle with Thrall and Grom Hellscream where he was charged and mortally wounded by Grom, but took Grom with him in death. The lance of Mannoroth may be found at the top of the Demon Fall Canyon -- south of the Warsong Lumber Camp. There demons hold a strange ritual and the two broken shards of his lance float in mid-air. The chestplate of Mannoroth and his corpse is held as trophy in front of Thrall's Building near the entrance of the Drag, by the Valley of Wisdom.

Medivh - The last guardian, it's power passed onto him by the previous one, Aegwynn. What she didn't know is that the spirit of Sargeras resided within the infant body. Machinated the opening of the portal that allowed the Orcs into Azeroth. When Lothar beheaded him, the spirit of Sargeras fell into the Abyss. Later Aegwynn resurrected Medivh and came back to instruct the various leaders of humans and orcs to make their way to Kalimdor if they wished to save the world from the Undead Scourge. Medivh helped unite all of the factions together to make a last stand against the Scourge and the Burning Legion at Mount Hyjal. The backstory of Medivh may be read in Warcraft: The Last Guardian. The resurrection of Medivh by Aegwynn may be read in World of Warcraft: Cycle of Hatred.

Moonrunner - Unknown.

Nathrezim - The Nathrezim (or Dreadlords) are a dark race of vampiric demons who conquered a number of populated worlds by possessing their inhabitants and turning them to the shadow. They are one of two demonic races that corrupted Sargeras. Eventually Kil'Jaeden of the Eredar (the other demonic race that led to Sargeras' fall) enslaved them and took them under his command. You may read about the Nathrezim in Warcraft RPG: Manual of Monsters - page 192; and a bios of Tichondrius the Darkener at Warcraft RPG: Shadow and Light - page 62.

Ner'zhul - Orcish shaman that survived the sundering of Draenor by escaping through a rift. He was the leader of the Shadowmoon clan. However he was captured within the Twisting Nether by the Burning Legion, dissected and tortured, then encased into a diamond solid block of ice and thrown in a crash course into Northrend. From there on, he was the Lich King. Placed by Kil'jaeden into Azeroth as harbinger of the Undead Scourge as the second wave to weaken the Alliance, to give path to the second invasion of the Burning Legion. However, Ner'zhul the Lich King betrayed the Burning Legion by giving Illidan the means to weaken the Legion in Azeroth, leading to the defeat at Mount Hyjal, and by sending Arthas to Lordaeron to dethrone the Dreadlords' rule. Kil'jaeden placed a bounty upon Ner'zhul's neck sending Illidan as new servant to destroy the Icecrown. The earthquakes caused by Illidan with the Eye of Sargeras created a bigger fissure in the icy prison that started a leak of power that weakened the Lich King. In an attempt to save his life, he ordered King Arthas to return to Northrend, where Ner'Zhul's spirit and King Artas merged -- giving a new vessel and body to Ner'Zhul. Arthas the Lich King now rebuilds the Icecrown in Northrend and has a battle of his own keeping him busy. The Scarlet Crusade -- sent by Balnazaar to destroy Arthas the Lich King keeps attempting to reach the Icecrown. Read the memorial statues of the Scarlet Crusade.

Perenolde - Perenolde is the family name of the nobles of Alterac. Alterac was the weakest human nation of the Alliance. Lord Perenolde betrayed the Alliance to the Horde during the Second War out of fear of being destroyed by the Horde. As a result, Alterac was destroyed long before the Scourge arrived by the Alliance, and Lord Perenolde was deposed from his throne as a traitor. A Deathknight in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is named Baron Perenolde. This has given path to think Lord Perenolde heard the call of the Lich King and became a Deathknight. However, some lore scholars say it was only a easter egg -- random generated name. Nothing official. A few years ago, his son, Aliden Perenolde, decided to try to restore power in Alterac. However, he is doing that through underhanded means. He currently leads the Syndicate in a misguided attempt to restore prestige to the Perenolde name, trying to get ahold of the lands of Alterac, Hillsbrad and Arathi now that the Alliance of Lordaeron is at its weakest.

Proudmoore - Admiral Daelin Proudmoore was the Grand Admiral of Kul'Tiras, a human merchant island nation. He defended Azeroth from the Horde in the Second War providing Naval support to the Alliance. His daugter, Jaina Proudmoore, led the surviving humans of Lordaeron across the sea to Kalimdor upon urgings by Medivh. She allied with orcs and night elves against the Scourge and Burning Legion, and won. Then founded the city of Theramore. When the father showed up in Kalimdor, searching for his daugther, he invaded the orc lands and aimed to destroy Orgrimmar before it was fully built. Jaina wanted peace with the Horde, and was forced to make a decision to take sides with her father or the Horde. She chose the Horde, and Rexxar and the Horde killed him. Currently, the pact between Thrall and Jaina is crumbling, and the thin peace is leading the humans and orcs of Kalimdor into the brink of war. Read World of Warcraft: Cycle of Hatred -- a prelude to World of Warcraft MMORPG, by Keith R.A. DeCandido -- Star Trek writer.

Admiral Proudmoore's hatred was more a personal one than just the losses of the Second War. His eldest son died in a fleet attacked by red dragons mounted by Dragonmaw clan orcs. His surviving offsprings are Jaina Proudmoore (Ruler of Theramore), Admiral Tandred Proudmoore (New ruler of Kul'Tiras), and Finnal Goldensword (Half-elf) which he fathered -- with high elven sorceress Kilnar Goldensword -- outside his legal marriage.

Sargeras - Lord of the Burning Legion. Once the champion of the Titans, he is now a Dark Titan, twisted and evil. He formed the Burning Legion and made it his mission to destroy every world ordered by the Titans. His avatar was defeated by Aegwynn at the Storm Peaks of Northrend, and entombed his avatar in the depths of the Great Sea within an ancient Highborne temple. Gul'dan raised the temple from the depths to the surface -- the Broken Isles -- off the western coast of Stormwind. Rumor is that Sargeras has returned and his dark secrets will be unfold within the halls of the Tower of Kharazhan. Nothing has been officially confirmed, except a dark evil residing within the tower nowadays. You can read in-depth about Sargeras in Warcraft RPG: Shadows and Light. A summary is found here. Of course, read Warcraft: The Last Guardian for the battle of Aegwynn and Sargeras, and the backstory of the opening of the Dark Portal.

Scarlet Crusade - The faction whose mission it is to rid the land of the Undead. They see no difference between the Undead Scourge, and the struggling-for-survival Forsaken. They have the mentality that if you're not with them, you're against them. If you're not with the Scarlet Crusade, you carry the taint of the scourge and be removed. Therefore they will attack almost any other faction on sight, believing them to be Scourge assassins or otherwise a threat. They are headquartered in the Scarlet Bastion in Stratholme, with locations in Tyr's Hand (Eastern Plaguelands), Hearthglen (Western Plaguelands), and the Scarlet Monastery (Tirisfal Glades). The founders of the Scarlet Crusade are High Inquisitor Isillien and High General Abbendis. Isillien was a former Priest of Lordaeron serving as liason for the Knights of the Silver Hand. Isillien and Abenddis worked for King Terenas, training Priests and Paladins. However, when Prince Arthas disbanded the Order of the Silver Hand, calling Uther the Lightbringer a traitor, and after the Undead Scourge destroyed and controlled the Ruins of Lordaeron, the few surviving Priests and Paladins were united by Isillien and Abbendis -- founding the Scarlet Crusade to retake Lordaeron and to erradicate the Undead.

However, the Dreadlord Balnazaar posessed General Abbendis, and corrupted Isillien. Dreadlords' psychic assaults corrupt their victims indeed. More details of the Scarlet Crusade may be found in Warcraft RPG: Lands of Conflict - page 95, 110-111 and 165-168. Read our review of World of Warcraft quests concerning the Scarlet Crusade, and lore behind Tirion Fordring and his son, Scarlet Crusade Highlord Taelan Fordring.

Scilla - Unknown

Shadow Council - Kil'jaeden, seeking to tighten his hold over the orcs, helped Gul'dan found the Shadow Council, a secretive sect that manipulated the orc clans and spread the use of warlock magics throughout Draenor.

Shadow Moon - An Orc clan in Draenor. It was lead by the shaman Ner'Zhul.

Shadowsong - Maiev Shadowsong was the jailor of the night elf betrayer Illidan. For ten thousand years she guarded over Illidan's prison in the Barrow Den.

Illidan was released by Tyrande Whisperwind--against the wishes of Malfurion Stormrage--in order to assist in the Night Elves' fight against the Burning Legion. After Illidan made a pact with Kil'Jaedan, Maiev started hunting him down to imprison him once again. She followed Illidan to the tomb of Sargeras, where Illidan recovered the eye of Sargeras. His naga army nearly destroyed her army of watchers and she called for aid from Malfurion and his Night Elves. Brother waged war against brother and Illidan fled to the Eastern Kingdoms where he would go to the ruined city of Dalaran to use the eye and channel a spell destroying the Frozen Throne.

Maiev and Tyrande hunted him there while Malfurion communned with the damaged lands of the Eastern Kingdoms. Tyrande made a last stand at a bridge, a sacrifice that saved Kael and his people along with Maeiv from the Undead Scourge. The bridge was destroyed and she fell downstream a river. Maiev told Malfurion that she was torn to shreds in front of her very eyes, and consumed Malfurion with thoughts of vengeance against his brother.

Maiev's lie was soon uncovered however when Kael assured Malfurion that Tyrande could still be alive, and Illidan aided his brother Malfurion in Tyrande's rescue. In return Illidan was freed from his bondage, and he fled to the lands of Outland. Consumed by her desire for vengeance, Maiev followed Illidan blindly. She and her Watchers found Illidan by himself and captured him in Outland, but he was soon saved by the Naga and Blood Elves loyal to him. Defeated and left with a desire to get vengeance upon Illidan, her current location is not known. Warcraft RPG: Shadows and Light says Maiev died in Outland with no one to sorrow or remember her. That entry might rise speculation that she could be now a spirit fo vengeance in Outland as an ethereal NPC in World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade. That's mere speculation. According to Warcraft RPG: Manual of Monsters a Spirit of Vengeance is the embodiment of revenge. When a powerful creature takes to the grave with intense feelings of hatred and business unfinished, she will occasionally rise again as a greater spirit of vengeance. A greater spirit of vengeance seeks to slay all living creatures in an effort somehow to bring peace to itself. It bears no feelings of guilt or remorse or pity. It takes its task seriously, treating all beings with equal disregard and sparing none that get in its way. Sounds like Maiev, pretty well.

Jarod Shadowsong is Maiev's younger brother. Jarod took over command of the Kaldorei armies after the death of both Lord Ravencrest and Lord Desdel Stareye in the War of the Ancients Trilogy.

His leadership as well as diplomacy between the Kaldorei, Tauren, Earthen and Furbolgs staved off the armies of the Burning Legion long enough for the Well of Eternity to be ruptured, throwing out the Burning Legion.

Shattered Hand - An orc clan led by Kargath Bladefist in Draenor. They practiced self-mutilation rituals to demonstrate loyalty to their clan. The Shattered Hand clan did not cross over into Azeroth during the first and second wars, but remained in Draenor. Orcs who rise to the status of warrior within the clan offer their left hands to be broken or completely removed. The Shattered Hand seems to have had members in Azeroth after all, put in internment camps. The Rogue trainers of the Cleft of Shadows in Orgrimmar are Shattered Hand rogues and assassins. Upon completing a series of quests, you are officially recruited and taught the Shattered Hand salute. A knife-slidding gesture across the throat.

Silver Hand - The order of Paladins that was founded by Uther Lightbringer. It was disbanded by Arthas when Uther refused to purge Stratholme. Recently, Tirion Fordring has vowed to reform the order with himself as its Highlord after the death of his son, Taelan Fordring.

Silvermoon - The once capital city of Quel'Thalas is now a ghostland full of High Elves spectres and banshees, not aligned with the Undead Scourge. 90% of the High Elf population was killed by Arthas the Deathknight and the Undead Scourge in his quest to reach the Sunwell to resurrect Kel'Thuzad and to take hold of the Sunwell. It was a High Elf named Dar'Khan who betrayed Quel'Thalas. His thirst for magic made him a target of Arthas' telepathic calls and promises of power. Dar'Khan revealed to Arthas how to find the three moonkeys that when united could open the magical gates of Silvermoon. The idea was that Dar'Khan would absorb the Sunwell within himself. Arthas had other plans, however ... using Dar'Khan as a puppet. However, the Wizards of Quel'Thalas stopped Dar'Khan and mysteriously the Sunwell exploded, scarring the Sunwell Grove. The Essence of the Sunwell disappeared. Arthas resurrected Kel'Thuzad with the remaining energies of the Sunwell, and brought Dar'Khan back to life, sending him on a quest to search the Essence of the Sunwell. Recently, Malygos sent a young blue dragon named Kalecgos to the Plaguelands in search of a strange magic emanation. Dar'Khan was chasing the lead as well. A new lifeform hatched from an egg ... containing the essence of the Sunwell that had disappeared from the Sunwell Grove years ago. Read more details at Warcraft Manga: The Sunwell Trilogy. Additionally, Warcraft RPG: Lands of Conflict has a good info describing Silvermoon, Quel'Thalas, Blackened Woods and Zul'Aman. The Blood Elves that did not go to Outland with Kael'thas remained in Azeroth. Silvermoon City will be the starting location for the Blood Elf Race in World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade.

Skullcrusher - Last name of Nekros Skullcrusher, an orc warlock who had the Demon Soul, a powerful artifact. He was a part of the Dragonmaw clan, who took up residence in Grim Batol, Wetlands. In the novel Warcraft: Day of the Dragon, Nekros Skullcrusher is described an a former warrior who turned to warlock magik after losing his leg. In orc society this was too much of a handicap to attain and keep leadership. He didn't know how to tap into the full power of the Demon Soul, and fantisized not only about being leader of his clan, but thought that he could be Warchief... if he could only figure out the Demon Soul. He was the one in charge of the red dragons, and when