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{{Race links}}
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{{Bettername}}
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{{Stub/Lore}}
{{for|the playable race|Orc (playable)}}
 
{{Racebox
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{{War
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| prev=[[Gilneas civil war]], [[War against the Nightmare]]
| image = 3D-Orc.png
 
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| conc=[[Elemental War]] ([[Elemental Unrest]])
| caption = A CGI representation of an orc
 
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| next=
| name = Orcs, Born of the Red World
 
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| name=Alliance–Horde War
| capital = [[Orgrimmar]] ([[Horde]]), [[Blackrock Mountain]] ([[Dark Horde]]), [[Hellfire Citadel]] ([[Fel Horde]])
 
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| image=Southern Barrens Cataclysm.jpg
| faction = [[Horde]], [[Dark Horde]], [[Fel Horde]]
 
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| side1=*[[Alliance]]
| character = [[Hunter]], [[Rogue]], [[Shaman]], [[Warlock]], [[Warrior]], [[Death Knight]] (WoW); [[Blademaster]], [[Farseer]], [[Peon]], [[Raider]], [[Windrider|Wind rider]], [[Grunt]], [[Necrolyte]] (RTS); [[Beastmaster]], [[Pyremaster]], [[Spirit champion]], [[Barbarian]], [[Bone crusher]], [[Berserker]], [[Necromancer]], [[Assassin]], [[Spymaster]] (RPG)
 
  +
**[[Kingdom of Stormwind]]
| mount = [[Wolf]], [[Wyvern]]
 
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***[[SI:7]]
| homeworld = [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]] (by way of [[Draenor]])
 
  +
***[[7th Legion]]
| language = [[Orcish]], [[Taur-ahe]]
 
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**[[Kingdom of Ironforge]]
| slang = [[Common (language)|Common]], [[Low Common]] & [[Goblin (language)|Goblin]]
 
  +
***[[The Three Hammers]]
| leader = [[Garrosh Hellscream|Garrosh Hellscream, Warchief of the Horde]], [[Thrall|Thrall, son of Durotan, Former Warchief of the Horde]] ([[Horde]]), [[Rend Blackhand|Warchief Rend Blackhand]] ([[Dark Horde]]), [[Kargath Bladefist|Warchief Kargath Bladefist]] ([[Fel Horde]])
 
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****[[Bronzebeard clan]]
| exact = 6' 6" - 8' 6" (198 to 259 cm) (male),<br />6' - 8' (183 to 244 cm) (female)<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 174</ref>
 
  +
*****[[Explorers' League]]
}}
 
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****[[Wildhammer clan]]
  +
****[[Moira]] loyal [[Dark Iron clan]]
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***[[Stormpike clan]]
  +
****[[Stormpike Guard]]
  +
***[[Stonefist clan]]
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**[[Gnomeregan]]
  +
***[[Tinker Town]]
  +
**[[High elf]] exiles
  +
***[[Highvale high elves]]
  +
***[[Farstrider Lodge|High elven ]][[Farstriders]]
  +
**[[Darnassus]]
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***[[Howling Oak]]
  +
***[[Cenarius's children]]
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*** [[Highborne]] night elves
  +
***[[The Sentinels]]
  +
****[[Silverwing Sentinels]]
  +
**[[Draenei|Exodar draenei]]
  +
***[[Broken]] of [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]
  +
**Kingdom of [[Gilneas]]
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***[[Gilneas Liberation Front]]
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**[[Bloodfang pack]]
  +
**Kingdom of [[Stromgarde]]
  +
***[[League of Arathor]]
  +
**Nation of [[Theramore]]
  +
**[[Kul Tiras|Nation of Kul Tiras]]
  +
***[[Baradin's Wardens]]
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| side2=*[[Horde]]
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**[[Durotar|Nation of Durotar]]
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***[[Warsong Clan]]
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****[[Warsong Outriders]]
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****[[Hellscream's Reach]]
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***[[Kor'kron Guard]]
  +
***[[Frostwolf clan]]
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***[[Shattered Hand clan]]
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***[[Rageroar clan]]
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***[[Dragonmaw clan]]
  +
***[[Stonemaul clan]]
  +
***[[Stonard]] [[orc]]s
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***[[Orc Sea Dog]]s
  +
***[[Sen'jin Village]]
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**[[Bilgewater Cartel]]
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***Bilgewater [[Hobgoblin]]s
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**[[Kingdom of Quel'Thalas]]
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***[[Blood elves|Blood Elven]] [[Farstriders]]
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***[[Blood Knight|Order of the Blood Knights]]
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***[[Magisters]] of [[Silvermoon]]
  +
***[[Reliquary]]
  +
***[[Stonetalon]] [[Kobold]]s
  +
**[[Forsaken]]
  +
***[[Royal Apothecary Society]]
  +
***[[Defilers]]
  +
***[[Deathstalkers]]
  +
***Forsaken [[Val'kyr]]
  +
**[[Darkspear tribe]]
  +
***[[Echo Isles]]
  +
**[[Shatterspear tribe]]
  +
**[[Revantusk tribe]]
  +
**[[Tauren|Confederation of Mulgore]]
  +
***[[Sunwalkers]]
  +
|commanders1=*{{npc||Varian Wrynn||King Varian Wyrnn}}
  +
**{{npc||Thassarian}}
  +
**{{npc||Halford Wyrmbane}}
  +
**{{npc||Joanna Blueheart}}
  +
**{{NPC||Archbishop Benedictus}}
  +
**{{npc||Mathias Shaw}}
  +
***{{npc||Commander Arrington}}&dagger;
  +
*Lady {{npc||Jaina Proudmoore}}
  +
**{{npc||Captain Fairmount}}
  +
**{{npc||Captain Darill}}
  +
*{{npc||Magni Bronzebeard||King Magni Bronzebeard}}&dagger;
  +
**[[Council of Three Hammers]]
  +
***{{npc||Muradin Bronzebeard}}
  +
****{{npc||Brann Bronzebeard}}
  +
***{{npc||Falstad Wildhammer}}
  +
****{{npc||Kurdran Wildhammer}}
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***{{npc||Moira Thaurissan||Queen-Regent Moira Thaurissan}}
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**{{npc||Vanndar Stormpike}}
  +
*{{npc||Auric Sunchaser}}
  +
**{{npc||Jalinde Summerdrake}}
  +
**{{npc||Vyrin Swiftwind}}
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*{{npc||Gelbin Mekkatorque||High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque}}
  +
**{{npc||Elgin Clickspring}}
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**{{npc||"Doc" Cogspin}}
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*{{npc||Tyrande Whisperwind}}
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**{{npc||Shandris Feathermoon}}
  +
***{{npc||Su'ura Swiftarrow}}
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**{{npc||Gwen Armstead}}
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**{{npc||Broll Bearmantle}}
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**{{npc||Ordanus}}
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**{{npc||Archmage Mordent Evenshade}}
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**{{npc||Master Thal'darah}}
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**{{npc||Belrysa Starbreeze}}
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***{{npc||Vassandra Stormclaw}}
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***{{npc||Lyros Swiftwind}}
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***{{npc||Talran of the Wild}}
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*{{npc||Radulf Leder}}
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**{{NPC||Amaren}}
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*{{npc||Velen||Prophet Velen}}
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**{{npc||Nobundo||Farseer Nobundo}}
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**{{npc||Exarch Cyn}}
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*{{npc||Genn Greymane||King Genn Greymane}}
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**{{npc||Liam Greymane||Prince Liam Greymane}}&dagger;
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**{{npc||Darius Crowley||Lord Darius Crowley}}
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***{{npc||Lorna Crowley}}
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**<s\>{{npc||Vincent Godfrey||Lord Vincent Godfrey}}</s>&dagger;
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***{{npc||Baron Ashbury}}&dagger;
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***{{npc||Lord Walden}}&dagger;
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**{{npc||Krennan Aranas}}
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*{{npc||Ivar Bloodfang}}
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*[[Lord Admiral]] {{npc||Tandred Proudmoore}}
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**{{npc||Commander Marcus Johnson}}
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|commanders2=*{{npc||Garrosh Hellscream||Warchief Garrosh Hellscream}}
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**{{npc||High Warlord Cromush}}
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**{{npc||Overlord Krom'gar}}&dagger;
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***{{npc||General Greebo}}&dagger;
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***{{npc||Kilag Gorefang}}
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**{{npc||Warlord Gar'dul}}&dagger;
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**{{npc||Admiral Hatchet}}
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***{{npc||Warlord Torok}}
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**{{npc||Overseer Gorthak}}
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**{{npc||Gargok}}
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**{{npc||Dispatch Commander Ruag}}
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**{{npc||Korm Bonegrind}}&dagger;
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**{{npc||General Warhowl}}
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**{{npc||Legionnaire Nazgrim}}
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**General {{npc||Drek'Thar}}
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**{{npc||Karga Rageroar}}&dagger;
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**{{npc||Warlord Zaela}}
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**{{npc||Rexxar}}
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***{{npc||Tharg}}
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****{{npc||Orhan Ogreblade}}
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*{{npc||Primal Torntusk}}
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*{{npc||Vol'jin}}
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**{{npc||Zen'tabra}}
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**{{npc||Champion Uru'zin}}
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**{{npc||Vanira}}
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*{{npc||Cairne Bloodhoof}}&dagger;
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**{{npc||Baine Bloodhoof}}
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***{{npc||Hamuul Runetotem}}
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***{{npc||Tahu Sagewind}}
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****{{npc||Aponi Brightmane}}
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***{{npc||High Chieftain Cliffwalker}}
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*{{npc||Lor'themar Theron||Regent Lord Lor'themar Theron}}
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**{{npc||Grand Magister Rommath}}
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**{{npc||Halduron Brightwing}}
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**{{npc||Lady Liadrin}}
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***{{npc||Magister Astalor Bloodsworn}}
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***{{npc||Knight-Lord Bloodvalor}}
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***{{npc||Lord Solanar Bloodwrath}}
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**{{npc||Tae'thelan Bloodwatcher||High Examiner Tae'thelan Bloodwatcher}}
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**{{NPC||Subjugator Devo}}
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*[[Trade Prince]] {{npc||Jastor Gallywix}}
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**{{npc||Trade Prince Donais}}
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**{{npc||Boss Mida}}
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***{{npc||Kazit}}
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**{{npc||Sassy Hardwrench}}
  +
**{{npc||Doc Zapnozzle}}
  +
**{{npc||Foreman Dampwick}}
  +
**{{npc||Ace (NPC)||Ace}}
  +
**{{npc||Gobber}}
  +
*{{npc||Sylvanas Windrunner}}
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**{{npc||Master Apothecary Faranell}}
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**Fallen Prince {{npc||Galen Trollbane}}
  +
**{{npc||The Black Bride}}
  +
**{{npc||Nathanos Blightcaller}}
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**{{npc||Dark Ranger Thyala}}&dagger;
  +
**{{npc||Dark Ranger Alina}}
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**{{npc||Koltira Deathweaver}}
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**<s\>Fallen Lord {{npc||Vincent Godfrey}}</s>
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**{{npc||Forward Commander Onslaught}}&dagger;
  +
**{{npc||High Executor Crenshaw}}
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| begin=Shortly after the [[Cataclysm (event)|Cataclysm]]
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| end=
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| place=[[Great Sea]], [[Kalimdor]] and [[Eastern Kingdoms]]
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| result=Undetermined, ongoing
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| battles=[[Invasion of Gilneas]], [[Battle for Gilneas]], [[Conflict in Arathi Basin]], [[Conflict in the Barrens]], Battle for [[Tol Barad]], [[Warsong Gulch|Conflict in Ashenvale]], Conflict in [[Alterac Valley]], Conflict in [[Twin Peaks]]}}
  +
The '''Alliance–Horde War''' is an intercontinental war that will begin shortly after the [[Cataclysm (event)|Cataclysm]], as part of the expansion set ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm]]''.
   
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==Background==
The '''''orcs''''' are one of the most prolific races on [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]. Originally hailing from the harsh, alien world of [[Draenor]], the orcs were once a noble [[shamanistic]] people who cultivated a mighty tribal society centered around survival, regulating themselves through ritualized combat and personal honor. Tragically betrayed by [[Gul'dan|one]] of their spiritual leaders and delivered into the hands of the [[Burning Legion]], the orc clans fell deep into demonic enslavement and were led into Azeroth as an unholy vanguard of the Legion ment to destroy everything in their path. Yet, the shamanistic tradition of the orcs managed to rekindle from the ashes, and a young [[shaman]] by the name of [[Thrall]] arose to become a living symbol of his people's true identity in their darkest hour, causing many of the orcs to rise up against their demon masters and break free from their control. Several of the orcish clans that had existed on Draenor since ancient times reemerged and were united under Thrall's guidance, and the shaman warchief led the orcs out of the [[Eastern Kingdoms]] they had been forced to invade and into the continent of [[Kalimdor]], in order to begin a new existence for themselves and their newfound allies. There, they founded the nation of [[Durotar]] and the great city of [[Orgrimmar]]. Today, Thrall's orcs are a redeemed people who have reclaimed their destiny from dark influences, fighting no longer for the sake of destruction but for their very right of survival in their adopted world.
 
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Five years after the [[Battle for Mount Hyjal]], the fragile truce between the [[Horde]] and [[Alliance]] had all but evaporated. In the wake of the [[Third War]] and [[The Founding of Durotar]], the [[Forsaken]] entered a partnership of convenience with the Horde while the [[night elves]] and [[gnomes]] emerged from ages of solitude to join the Alliance. For another year the armistice held, though tensions continued to mount as worldwide conflicts drew the two sides closer to all-out war and fighting erupted in strategic [[battlegrounds]]. Despite these frequent skirmishes, the Horde and Alliance often set aside their differences and joined forces to face a number of threats. In time the [[blood elves]] and [[draenei]] led them through the [[Dark Portal]] to wage the [[War in Outland]] against the [[Burning Legion]].
   
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Following the year-long campaign in [[Outland]], the Horde returned to Azeroth with a new ally in the [[Mag'har]], led by [[Garrosh Hellscream]]. Soon, the long-missing [[Varian Wrynn]] put an end to {{npc||Onyxia}}'s schemes and returned to reclaim the throne of [[Stormwind]]. Attempts at diplomacy between [[Thrall]] and Wrynn soon fell apart as a peace conference in [[Theramore]] was ambushed by the [[Twilight's Hammer]]. Attention quickly turned northward, however, as the looming threat of the {{npc||Lich King}} bore down on the mortal races of Azeroth.
==Introduction==
 
[[File:OrcCrest.jpg|thumb|left|The Orc Crest under [[Warchief Thrall]].]]
 
   
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Garrosh Hellscream and Varian Wrynn, appointed as the supreme commanders of the [[Horde Expedition]] and [[Alliance Vanguard]] respectively, who had previously butted heads in Theramore, led their forces to [[Northrend]] where they [[War against the Lich King|waged war against the Scourge]]. Though fighting a common enemy, tensions between the Horde and Alliance grew swiftly until spilling over after the [[Battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate]]. During the resulting [[Battle for the Undercity]], Varian Wrynn, grief-stricken over the loss of {{npc||Bolvar Fordragon}}, and the state of the former [[Capital City]] of [[Lordaeron]], lashed out at Thrall and declared war against the Horde. Hostilities continued to escalate for the remainder of the [[War against the Lich King]], until the Lich King was finally defeated.
To their enemies, they are fearsome and savage adversaries, without parallel in their cunning and ferocity. To their allies, they are a fearless and honorable people, reknowned for their strength and determination. The orcs who followed [[Thrall]] to [[Kalimdor]] form the largest group of a race that has rediscovered its true spirit, shunning the cruel ways of demonic power for the paths of strength and wisdom. Some orcs still cling to demonic practices, yet their time is fading. When the orcs were freed from the [[Burning Legion]], they experienced a spiritual revolution as the unnatural bloodlust left their bodies, connecting them with states of heart and mind that were common to their ancestors. This new generation of orcs for the most part follows Thrall as he forges ahead to reform the Horde through [[shamanism]] and tribal tradition. Still, not all of the orcs are pleased with these movements. They, who are many of the surviving [[warlock]]s, renounce all that Thrall proclaims the orcs are and seek to overthrow the shaman anew, in order to retake control of the Horde for themselves.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 12</ref>
 
   
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With both factions recovering from war, the Alliance and Horde attempt to resume their tentative peace. Yet political tensions rise as the night elves of Darnassus have refused trade with the Horde and barred them from Ashenvale in protest of the Wrathgate. Relations worsen as Twilight Hammer orcs under the guise of Horde forces, kill and skin night elf sentinels to frame the Horde. In an effort to quell the rising tensions, [[Hamuul Runetotem]] attempted to pursue diplomatic talks with his fellow night elf druids. Yet the talks became violent when the druid meeting was attacked by Twilight Hammer orcs believed to be sent by Garrosh Hellscream, acting warchief of the Horde.
To orcs, prowess in battle bestows great personal honor on an individual. This notion of honor pervades every echelon of orcish culture, and the loss or gain of honor holds equal significance to all orcs regardless of their stature in society. Even the naming of orcs is temporary until they have performed rites of passage; only when orcs bring honor to themselves and thus to their clan do elders grant them adult names based upon their deeds. Orcs may appear quick to anger but they are tempered by the wisdom of their shaman, who are revered across Horde society. While many in the [[Alliance]] still perceive the orcs as brutish or even mindless, they have forged a complex culture embracing many occupations and many different races. No doubt Thrall's leadership aided in bringing this about, yet it is apparent that the Alliance has underestimated the orcs' ability to construct a society which is often highly influential in the world.
 
   
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Three years have passed since the military forces of the Horde and Alliance first set foot on the shores of Northrend, and they now wage war amidst the [[Cataclysm (event)|disasters]] wrought by {{npc||Deathwing}}'s return to the world. Thrall has left the Horde to lead the [[Earthen Ring]]'s efforts in preventing the [[Rift (Maelstrom)|rift]] beneath the [[Maelstrom]] from tearing apart the world, and has appointed Garrosh Hellscream as Warchief of the Horde in his absence. King Varian Wrynn, convinced that the Horde has remained unchecked for too long, continues to lead the Alliance.
Though prone to fits of berserking rage in warfare, orcs display a feral grace under those conditions which can rival even the finest fencing of an [[elven]] noble. They reach their physical adulthood rather quickly, causing them to be among the most populous races on [[Azeroth]] despite the destitution they've endured over the last generation. This advantage is often offset however by the fact that orcs instinctively tend to respond to conflicts with reckless tenacity, to the point that incidents of orcs fighting to the death over trivial issues are not uncommon. Despite this, the orcs of today stand in drastic contrast to those who were enslaved by the Burning Legion, and who represented a bestial and diabolical force that was barely being controlled by warlock magic. Few of such demon-worshiping cults are left nowadays, for the remnants of these groups are actively being hunted down not just by the Alliance, but by the new Horde itself.
 
   
==History==
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==Conflicts==
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===Eastern Kingdoms===
[[File:outland.jpg|left|thumb|An orc overlooking Draenor.]]
 
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Employing the [[Val'kyr]] to raise a mighty army, the [[Forsaken]] have begun an bold campaign to secure their hold over [[Lordaeron]]. The town of [[Hillsbrad Fields]] was attacked by the Forsaken, forcing many of its residents to flee to the town of [[Southshore]]. A few farmers and [[Magistrate Burnside]] led a valiant resistance but was eventually defeated and imprisoned by the Forsaken war machine. Those who stayed to defend Hillsbrad eventually became prisoners in what is now known as the [[Sludge Fields]], a Forsaken prison facility that secretly experiment on its prisoners to create a new breed of Forsaken zombie.
   
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The Forsaken forces later march onto the town of Southshore and completely annihilate all life with in the region by deploying the [[New Plague]]. [[Magistrate Henry Maleb]] led the [[Hillsbrad Refugees]] to [[Fenris Keep]], where they have been taking refuge. The [[Ruins of Southshore]] is left inhospitable, and will be so for several decades. The ramifications of the Forsaken Blight forced the high echelons of the Horde to reconsider the free use of such a potent weapon. Warchief Garrosh has since forbidden further production or deployment of the New Plague. Instead, the Forsaken will use a diluted version of the [[Forsaken Blight]].
===Early history===
 
The orcs of [[Draenor]] had lived in a noble shamanistic society, roaming in tribes the grasslands of [[Nagrand]] on their dusty world of Draenor, for over 5,000 years. They lived in peace with the [[draenei]] and were at war with the [[ogre]]s. Eventually, the presence of the draenei drew the Burning Legion to Draenor. After investigating of the world, the powerful demon lord [[Kil'jaeden]] tricked the respected shaman [[Ner'zhul]] into striking a bargain with him. He convinced Ner'zhul that the draenei were conspiring against the orcs, and were planning on attacking. In exchange for their service to the [[Burning Legion]], Ner'zhul and all of the orcs would receive the power necessary to conquer vast new lands, and Kil'jaeden would have an army able to crush the draenei. To obtain this power, the orcs would need to first drink from the blood of [[Mannoroth]] the Destructor, a mighty [[Pit Lord|pit lord]] of the Burning Legion. [[Grom Hellscream]] was one of the first to drink, and easily convinced the other chieftains and their clans to follow suit. This put them under the [[Blood Curse]].
 
   
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By orders of the new Warchief of the Horde, [[Garrosh Hellscream]], the Forsaken mobilise and move into [[Gilneas]] to secure a port for the Horde in southern Lordaeron. The Gilneans, now transformed into [[worgen]], attempt to fight off the invaders as best they can. Eventually the [[night elf|night elves]] arrive in Gilneas, bringing both vital military aid and the truth behind the worgen curse. Likewise, Orcs reinforce the Forsaken forces, causing an escalation into an all-out battle between the Alliance and the Horde in the region. The Forsaken, against the orders of the Warchief to cease production, unleash their devastating [[New Plague|Forsaken Blight]] against Gilneas. Many of the survivors flee across the sea to [[Teldrassil]], where the night elves grant them sanctuary.
===The Rise of the Horde===
 
With the mass murder of the [[draenei]], the elements refused to aid the orcs in their war. Believing that the elements had turned on them, the orcs turned to Ner'zhul. [[Gul'dan]] was then introduced as the new leader of the Horde. Slowly the entire race was corrupted into rampaging clans that would later be forged into the [[History of the Horde|Horde]]. Over the next few decades the draenei and many other indigenous races of Draenor were almost utterly destroyed. Completely devoured by their demonic bloodlust and without new enemies to fight, many orc clans began fighting amongst themselves. Petty rivalries escalated into full scale bloodbaths, and total chaos descended upon orcish society. The few remaining draenei took advantage of this and started a guerrilla campaign that continues to this day.{{Citation needed}}
 
   
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Even with Gilneas falling into the hands of the Forsaken, the fighting between the Gilnean worgen and the Forsaken continues. Bloodfang worgen who had recently allied themselves with the [[Gilneas Liberation Front]], with the help of [[7th Legion]] reinforcements from [[Stormwind]], destroyed three Orc gunships that had arrived. The ships were full of supplies, weapons and soldiers.<ref>[[Quest:The Warchief's Fleet]]</ref> Later, the Forsaken kill some of the [[Hillsbrad]] refugees on [[Fenris Isle]] and resurrected them, bolstering Forsaken forces and somewhat making up for the loss of the three [[orc]] gunships.<ref>[[Quest:Rise, Forsaken]]</ref> However, after this attack, many of the Hillsbrad refugees decide to take the Worgen curse offered by Darius, rather than be resurrected as Forsaken. Later, the Forsaken discovered that lord [[Darius Crowley]] and [[Ivar Bloodfang]] are having a meeting in [[Deep Elem Mine]], and Sylvanas sent a squadron of elite [[Veteran Forsaken Trooper]]s under the leadership of [[Master Forteski]] to trap and slay the Worgen leaders. However, the Forsaken soon discovered that instead of trapping an enemy, they were trapped themselves. As a result, the whole squadron of elite Forsaken Troopers were destroyed.
During this time, Ner'zhul, no longer willing to watch his race destroy itself, betrayed Kil'jaeden and was subsequently replaced as Spiritual Leader of the clans by Gul'dan. Gul'dan cared little for the Horde and easily agreed to follow Kil'jaeden in exchange for even more power. Kil'jaeden taught Gul'dan how to project himself into the [[Twisting Nether]] and to commune with the dead. Gul'dan was changed by these encounters and realized how to attain even more power. Gul'dan also changed the way the orcs were ruled by giving [[Blackhand]] the title of Warchief during the war.
 
   
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A convoy of [[Veteran Forsaken Trooper]]s and Forsaken catapults were ambushed by the [[Bloodfang pack]] while attempting to cross [[Olsen's Farthing]] in [[Silverpine Forest]]. The ambush resulted in all those Forsaken troopers being killed and the destruction of the Forsaken catapults.<ref>[[Quest:Honor the Dead (Silverpine Forest)]]</ref> [[Warlord Torok]] sent Sea Dogs to fight the Hillsbrad worgen that were swimming to the [[Decrepit Fields]] from Fenris Isle. The Sea Dogs attacked the Hillsbrad worgen but were eventaully defeated after killing many worgen.
[[File:Outland Orc Base.jpg|thumb|Orcs have bases in [[Outland]].]]
 
Gul'dan gathered all warlocks who shared a desire for ultimate power and attempted to the share knowledge of communing with the dead. Many died in the process, but the few who survived formed the initial ranks of the [[Shadow Council]]. Through careful manipulation and intricate machinations, the Shadow Council became the real ruling body of the Horde, with the clan chiefs under their thumbs. By using the promise of new lands to conquer on worlds other than Draenor, the Shadow Council was able to form a tenuous unity within the Horde. Gul'dan and his warlocks began probing the [[Twisting Nether]], desperately searching for new worlds within easy reach before the clans' bloodlust exploded beyond control. Gul'dan also founded the schools of [[Necromancy]] to spread the new demonic magics to even more orcs.
 
   
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[[Druid]]s in the Gilneas Liberation Front used their bear form in guerilla warfare against [[Horde]] forces at the [[Forsaken Front]], which resulted in the loss of a few Horde battalions. Eventually the Horde forces learn of this tactic, and it becomes ineffective after counter-measures are implemented.<ref>[[Quest:A Wolf in Bear's Clothing]]</ref>
=== Visions of Medivh ===
 
One night, an extremely powerful entity touched the thoughts of many orc warlocks. Gul'dan sought the advice of Kil'jaeden as to what this new presence might be, but his summons went unanswered. If Gul'dan's own tutor Kil'jaeden feared this entity, then it could prove to be a powerful tool if he could re-establish contact with it. Weeks later, Gul'dan was finally successful and opened up communication with [[Medivh]], a sorcerer on some distant world. Gul'dan attempted to probe the designs of this Medivh, but Medivh's mind moved far too quickly for Gul'dan to discern much of any value. Gul'dan knew with near-certainty that Medivh was attempting the same, and did not want Medivh to gain an advantage, and so quickly broke contact.
 
   
  +
Eventaully, the tide turned. The worgen and their Alliance allies were driven back. The town of [[Ambermill]] was conquered by Forsaken forces and another town, [[Pyrewood Village]], was burned to the ground. In a desperate final push, Alliance and Gilnean forces met the Forsaken army on the [[Battlefront]] for one final battle. The Forsaken emerged victorious and the Gilneas Liberation Front was defeated. While the future of Gilneas remains uncertain, the Alliance invasion of Silverpine ended in failure.
Medivh later returned to the dreams of the warlocks on Draenor, presenting them with images of the land of [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]. The Shadow Council, despite the debate over Medivh's true intentions, decided to do Medivh's bidding if he could furnish a way to bring the horde into Azeroth. Those warlocks who were not members of the Council but had experienced the vision, were killed to keep the coming invasion secret. Weeks passed with no further word from Medivh and some members of the Council believed he was playing tricks on them. But then the rift appeared.
 
   
  +
Forsaken forces have since tried to invade the Hinterlands and launched an all out assault on the Highvale elves of [[Quel'Danil Lodge]]. The combined Alliance forces were able to repel the invasion.
===The Invasion of Azeroth===
 
[[File:Orcs.png|thumb|Orcs' symbol in ''Warcraft I''.]]
 
[[File:OrcVictory.jpg|thumb|Orcs stand triumphant after battle.]]
 
   
  +
With the weakening of the [[Scourge]] after the War against the Lich King, the Alliance forces led by {{npc||Thassarian}} have claimed the western part of [[Andorhal]], and the [[Forsaken]] forces led by {{npc||Koltira Deathweaver}} have claimed the eastern part of the city. The two factions are currently fighting each other for control of the whole city.<ref name="WOR 17178">[http://www.worldofraids.com/topic/17178-cataclysm-lore-details/ Cataclysm Lore Details - World of Raids Forums]</ref> During the [[Battle for Andorhal]], the Forsaken, their ranks bolstered by the use of the [[val'kyr]] to raise their slain foes, push the Alliance out of the city and claim Andorhal as their own.
With time and much effort the orcish warlocks were able to expand the rift enough to allow orcs to squeeze through. Though their first scouts were driven mad, either by the rift itself or by what they had seen, the council was able to confirm that on the other side of the rift was the world Medivh had shown them. A small contingent of orcs was sent through the stabilized rift, now known as the [[Dark Portal]], to scout and construct a base of operations.
 
   
  +
Following the events at Silverpine Forest, the [[Bloodfang pack]] have since been fighting a guerrilla war with the Forsaken forces at [[Hillsbrad]]. They are later found allying with the [[Stormpike Guard]] and have been amassing their forces at [[Purgation Isle]]. Due to the efforts of [[Kingslayer Orkus]] and Horde adventurers, their plans to launch an all out attack were uncovered. [[High Warlord Cromush]] asked for reinforcements from the [[Frostwolf Clan]], but were denied by [[Drek'thar]], who despises the Forsaken's cruel genocidal campaign. Cromush panics at the Frostwolf Clan's abandonment but later composes himself and sends Horde adventurers to blow up the Alliance vanguard forces before their offensive on Hillsbrad could begin.
The caution urged by the Shadow Council fell on deaf ears when the clan chieftains learned of how seemingly weak the native [[human]]s of the area were. Bloodlust soon overcame the Horde, and they launched a preemptive strike against the most powerful establishment of humans in the area, the Kingdom of [[Stormwind (kingdom)|Stormwind]]. Lead by [[Cho'gall]] of the [[Twilight's Hammer Clan]] and [[Kilrogg Deadeye]] of the [[Bleeding Hollow Clan]], this attack ended in a humiliating defeat for the Horde. Each chieftain blamed the other for this failure, and the Horde split into two factions. The Shadow Council attempted to reunite the Horde, but could not act directly, and so they chose an avatar to act as their puppet ruler: [[Blackhand]] the Destroyer was named Warchief of all the Horde once again.
 
   
  +
Forsaken forces are later found establishing [[Galen's Fall]] for their impending invasion on the nation of [[Stromgarde]]. To aid them in their efforts, they have recruited the fallen prince of Stromgarde, [[Galen Trollbane]]. He aids Horde adventurers in taking the legendary sword, [[Trol'kalar]]. so that the Forsaken may use it as a weapon against the living.
===War continues===
 
Under Blackhand's iron fist, order was restored. It was then that Medivh once again made contact with Gul'dan. Medivh seemed even more powerful, but less sane. Medivh ordered Gul'dan to have the Horde destroy the Kingdom of Stormwind, and make Medivh the new ruler of the humans. Gul'dan initially refused to do Medivh's bidding; after all, the Horde had a new target and Medivh's usefulness, in Gul'dan's eyes, had run out. Desperate to see his plans succeed, Medivh tempted Gul'dan by promising to reveal the location of the [[Tomb of Sargeras]], the lord of the Burning Legion and Kil'jaeden's master. And so the [[First War]] between the Horde and the humans of Azeroth occurred, ending with the destruction of the Kingdom of Stormwind.
 
   
  +
In the [[Twin Peaks]] near [[Grim Batol]] in the [[Twilight Highlands]], the dwarven [[Wildhammer clan]] fight against the orcish [[Dragonmaw clan]], having recently rejoined the Horde, battle for control of this strategic mountainous region. The Twin Peaks are crucial for staging effective offensives against the [[black dragonflight]] and the [[Twilight's Hammer]], who currently control the Twilight Highlands.<ref>[http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/cataclysm/features/twinpeaks.html World of Warcraft: Cataclysm - Features - Twin Peaks Battleground]</ref> To the south, the humans of [[Marshtide Watch]] battle the [[Stonard]] orcs in the [[Swamp of Sorrows]].
Near the beginning of that conflict the [[Frostwolf Clan]], one of very few clans of orcs that had rejected the demonic gifts of Kil'jaeden, was exiled to Azeroth and its leader [[Durotan]] was murdered by Gul'dan's forces as a warning. His infant son was left for dead but was taken in by a nobleman from [[Lordaeron]] fleeing the carnage of Stormwind. The Frostwolves, leaderless, fled to the far northern mountains. Toward the end of the war, a surgical strike was launched by the humans to kill the treacherous Medivh. As Medivh was assaulted, Gul'dan felt the psychic trauma waves that Medivh emanated and realized that his chance to obtain the power of [[Sargeras]] was about to slip out of his grasp. He entered Medivh's mind and attempted to steal the location of the Tomb of Sargeras while Medivh was weakened and distracted. It was at this moment that Medivh died, and Gul'dan, having been in his mind at the time of death, was thrown into a coma.
 
   
  +
===Kalimdor===
When he awoke, Gul'dan learned of a major power shift within the horde. Blackhand the Destroyer had been overthrown by [[Orgrim Doomhammer]] after he had learned of Blackhand's role in corrupting the Horde. Doomhammer was not as gullible or easily swayed as Blackhand had been, and quickly discovered the Shadow Council's presence in orcish affairs. He completely eradicated the Council through accusations of treason. Gul'dan survived only by 'swearing' allegiance to Doomhammer, and by promising to provide a vast undead army for the Horde's use. He formed the [[Stormreaver Clan]] and began the process of re-animating the corpses of fallen knights with the spirits of the fallen members of the Shadow Council.
 
  +
All-out battles have erupted in the [[Barrens]], [[Ashenvale]], and the [[Stonetalon Mountains]]. Due to the [[Cataclysm (event)|Cataclysm]] the Barrens have been split into the Northern Barrens and the [[Southern Barrens]].
   
  +
In the Southern Barrens [[Alliance]] forces have invaded the eastern lands while the [[Horde]] has mainatined control of the west. The Alliance has constructed a new military outpost to try to solidify their control of their new territory while the Horde has done the same to prevent further Alliance expansion. The central region between the two forts has become a war zone as the factions fight for control. The Alliance launched an attack on the peaceful village of [[Camp Taurajo]], which ended in a massacre of the townspeople. This act of cruelty by the Alliance has bolstered the Horde's resolve, and the Horde has begun to drive the Alliance back as a result. Also in the initial Horde counter-attack, the dwarven fortress of [[Bael Modan]] was destroyed.
These new Death Knights, along with other fel projects(such as the capture of the [[Alexstrasza]]), gave the Horde enough strength to advance steadily north despite facing the might of the unprecedented [[Alliance]] of all the human nations ([[Lordaeron]], [[Stromgarde]], [[Kul Tiras]], [[Gilneas]], [[Alterac]] and the magical forces of [[Dalaran]]). The elven nation of [[Quel'Thalas]] sent support to the Alliance, and after the Horde took their beloved lands of Khaz Modan, the [[dwarves]] and [[gnomes]] gladly joined the ranks of the Alliance. When the Kingdom of Alterac betrayed the Alliance, the victory of the Horde seemed inevitable, but the Horde was to suffer a betrayal of their own.
 
   
  +
In the [[Northern Barrens]], the Horde defensive post [[Mor'shan Rampart]] is under attack by the Alliance. In turn [[Northwatch Hold]] is now under attack by Horde forces.<ref name="WoW Forums 19377467311">{{ref web |url=http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=19377467311&sid=1 |title=Cataclysm Compilation (7/10) - E. Kingdom 2 |accessdate=2010-07-11 |author=Frejya}}</ref>
=== Gul'dan's folly ===
 
With victory in sight, Gul'dan convinced Cho'gall of the Twilight's Hammer clan that he knew the location of the Tomb of Sargeras. Together, along with the Stormreaver clan, they abandoned their posts and set out to claim the demonic power for their own. This loss of nearly a third of the Horde brought their campaign to a standstill at the doorstep of Lordaeron. Doomhammer, furious with the insubordination at such a critical time, deployed a large portion of his own forces to attack the deserting clans and their leaders. This allowed the Alliance forces to rally and crush the Horde while they were divided. With the destruction of the Dark Portal the Second War ended. Although a number of powerful men in the kingdom of [[Lordaeron]] wanted the orcs rounded up and executed, [[King Terenas]] ignored them and had the orcs placed in internment camps with hopes that they would one day lose their bloodlust. There, cut off from their demonic rulers and with no way to replenish their fel stamina, the orcs languished and eventually slipped into lethargy.
 
   
  +
In [[Ashenvale]], the Horde has been recently able to conquer more of the ancient forest and have cut down even more trees. This allowed the Horde to wrest control of [[Silverwind Refuge]]. Meanwhile [[Zoram'gar Outpost]] has its defenses improved and a new Horde camp, [[Hellscream's Watch]], has been built overlooking the [[Night Elf]] village of [[Astranaar]]. The Horde has begun launching air raids on Astrannar from the new camp. [[Maestra's Post]], [[Raynewood Retreat]], and surrounding towers have also been attacked by the Horde. Despite Silverwind Refuge and other Alliance outposts being conquered by the Horde, Alliance forces continue to hold what ground they have left.
===Thrall's rise===
 
Several years after the Second War, [[Thrall]], the son of [[Durotan]], escaped from his cruel human master [[Aedelas Blackmoore]] at the Durnholde internment camp and set out to find the rest of his people. In his travels he encountered [[Grom Hellscream]], who along with his Warsong Clan had been hiding out in the wastelands of Azeroth in hopes of another chance at conquest. Thrall became friends with Grom, and eventually met Orgrim Doomhammer, who had escaped from the humans' prison several years before. From Doomhammer he learned about his father and the Frostwolf clan, and the betrayal of his father by the Shadow Council. After learning this, Thrall made his way to the exiled Frostwolf clan stronghold, where the shaman [[Drek'Thar]] taught him about the orcs' noble heritage and how they had been corrupted by demons. Thrall swore to free his people from the chains that bound them, and as Drek'Thar's new student, embarked upon the path of the shaman. Together with Grom and Doomhammer, Thrall successfully launched attack after attack against the internment camps to free the captive orcs. It was difficult to rouse the orcs from their lethargy, but Thrall was able to prove to them that their destiny was not yet at its end, and the clans rallied behind the new Horde. Unfortunately, during the attack on the last internment camp, Doomhammer was struck down. In tribute to the fierce and proud orc, Thrall donned Doomhammer's black armor and the hammer which bore his name to lead his people from their captivity. This internment camp was later captured by the Horde, renamed in honor of Doomhammer, and is now the Horde outpost of [[Hammerfall]] in the [[Arathi Highlands]].
 
   
  +
Off the coast of Kalimdor, on the [[Lost Isles]], and the island off [[Azshara]], the [[Bilgewater Cartel]] goblins with aid from stranded [[Orcs]] fight against Alliance forces and attempt to establish a new city to replace the loss of [[Kezan]].<ref>http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/cataclysm/media/</ref> In [[Azshara]] Alliance forces are attacking [[Valormok]], a largely undefended [[Horde]] outpost in Azshara.<ref name="WoW Forums 19377467311" />
[[File:Orc Horde Kodo Animated Gif.gif|thumb|A troop of orcs marching to a kodo's war drums.]]
 
Thrall knew the human nations would not stand idly by and let the Horde regroup or settle down. Fortunately for Thrall, a prophet appeared in the form of a raven and advised him to leave Azeroth for the distant land of [[Kalimdor]]. Thrall, having no better alternatives, captured some human ships and set sail for the new land, taking all of his orcs out of Lordaeron. During the journey, the orcs helped a tribe of [[troll]]s escape from their sinking island. The Darkspear trolls were immensely grateful for Thrall's assistance and swore allegiance to his new Horde. When they arrived in Kalimdor, they were greeted by [[Cairne Bloodhoof]] and his [[tauren]]. The orcs helped Cairne fend off the [[centaurs]], and in return, he told the orcs the location of the Oracle. The [[Warsong clan]] however, was sent to [[Ashenvale]] to cut lumber as punishment for attacking the humans without permission. There they battled the [[Night elves]]. The [[Pit lord]] [[Mannoroth]] took advantage or the fact that the orcs were losing to empower them with his blood, and thus bring them back under his control. Thrall allied with the human sorceress [[Jaina Proudmoore]] at the indication of the Prophet (who was actually [[Medivh]]). They captured Hellscream and turned him back to normal. Thrall then went with him to confront the Mannoroth. Mannoroth quickly subdued Thrall, but Grom was able to kill the demon, though it cost him his life, and free the orcs from their demonic master.
 
   
===The founding of Orgrimmar===
+
===Great Sea===
  +
The war even extends to the Great Sea where naval battles are fought for control of key trade routes.<ref>[http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/cataclysm/features/vashjir.html World of Warcraft: Cataclysm - Features - Vashj'ir]</ref>
With the [[Battle of Mount Hyjal]] over, and with it the immediate threat to the world, Thrall set out to found the new orcish homeland in Kalimdor. He named the land Durotar in honor of his father, and founded the city of [[Orgrimmar]] in honor of Orgrim Doomhammer. With the orcs' new allies, the [[tauren]], becoming part of the Horde and with the support of the Lordaeron survivors led by [[Jaina Proudmoore]], Thrall was able to build quickly. However, this was not to last. Grand Admiral [[Daelin Proudmoore]], Jaina's father, arrived in Kalimdor (having left before the war was over to look for any surviving forces) and launched an attack against the fledgling orc nation. During the initial assault the [[Darkspear]] trolls lost their new home on the [[Echo Isles]] and with the help of the Mok'Nathal half-orc [[Rexxar]], came to live with the orcs in Durotar. The witch doctor [[Vol'jin]] pledged the tribe's eternal allegiance to the Horde in return.
 
 
Thrall, not knowing what humans had attacked him, initially suspected Jaina's forces, but her loyalty was proven when she helped the orcs destroy the invading forces of her father Admiral Proudmoore.
 
 
==Culture==
 
[[File:Orcfamily.jpg|thumb|An Orc family.]]
 
[[File:Orc Altar of Storms W3.JPG|thumb|Though once a symbol of evil and corruption, the Horde has reclaimed the [[Altar of Storms]] as part of their rebirth.]]
 
Orcish society has always been characterized by hardy and rugged living. As a result they are staunch pragmatists, and never shy from killing if it will protect the future of the orc or his clan. All orcs, regardless of gender or station, are expected to pull their own weight and weakness is considered a grave liability. The weakness of one contaminates the strength of all, and it is punishable by the greatest humiliation an orc can receive: exile. Different orc clans however have different personalities; [[Thrall]] and the [[Frostwolves]] are notable for having brought a measure of mercy and compassion to the Horde, typically seen in Thrall's kinder treatment towards [[peon]]s, who were once viewed as a despicable sub-race. On the other hand, clans such as the [[Warsong]] remain who still cling to the rigid, spartan beliefs valued in the [[History of the Horde|original Horde]] as it was first established on Draenor.
 
 
Yet regardless of their clan affiliations, orcs prize honor over all other things in life — first to bring honor to their clan (and by extension, the Horde) and secondly bringing honor to the self and to their sense of self-worth as an individual. Likewise, hospitality is considered one of the greatest honors that can be bestowed. The orcs and [[tauren]] have become fast and unswerving allies because the tauren gladly offered the orcs shelter in a strange new land as well as their assistance regardless of the cost to themselves.
 
 
There is no discrimination between genders in orcish society. Women are able to pursue the same career choices as men, rise to positions of power and are even expected to answer to the call for battle just as men are. Strength (both physical and mental), courage, initiative and independence are prized traits in all orcs. Traditionally, children are seen as children of the parents, but are raised as children of the clan. However, because of the newly unified Horde and the current diaspora of individual orc families creating homes and settling down in various areas around Durotar, [[the Barrens]] and beyond, this typical clan scheme has been changing, and life is beginning to become more centered around the nuclear family rather than the greater clan.
 
 
One tradition of the orcs on Draenor was a ceremony for newborns of the clan. The infant's parents would stand in a body of water near the encampment with the entire clan observing from shore. The mother would hand the baby to the father, who would then proclaim the child as his, through himself and his father, and present the baby for the clan's blessings. The clan chieftain would then hold the baby and declare the infant under their protection, with the hope that they bring honor and glory to the clan. The chieftain's heir would then give a blessing. Finally the Elder Shaman would ask for the blessing of the elemental and wild spirits, and the hope that the ancestors would watch over the newborn.<ref>''[[Warcraft: Legends Volume 4]]'', page 133, 134</ref>
 
 
In some clans, if the child appears sickly or frail, they will instead be drowned, likely by the father. A common expression of scorn is that an orc "should have been drowned at birth". This is likely the reason that the parents would stand in the water when presenting a newborn. The [[Blackrock clan]] and [[Bonechewer clan]] were noted for doing this without any qualms. The [[Frostwolf clan]] however, were known to have rejected such cruel practices.<ref>''[[Warcraft: Legends Volume 4]]'', page 134, 136, 144</ref>
 
 
Orcs instinctively revere the rugged forces of the natural elements, and as such, Shamans are held in high regard. They generally have a close relationship with the nature elements and angering them is considered a grave offense.<ref>{{quest|The Spirits of Stonetalon}}</ref>
 
 
[[Wolf|Wolves]] are a major symbol of the orcs, serving as guards, scouts, pets, partners and mounts. Many such wolves came from Draenor. Horde shamans can speak to them and summon spectral wolves and many serve a giant wolf spirit.<ref>{{quest|Welcoming the Wolf Spirit}}</ref>
 
 
Orc Culture…
 
*is concerned with survival over artistic achievement.
 
*reveres its elderly and honors its ancestors.
 
*does not apologize for past actions, nor does it demand apologies from its enemies.
 
*values valor over cunning—as long as valor doesn’t lead to disaster.
 
*resembles "Primitive" human societies, but is, like those societies, far more sophisticated when examined closely.
 
*distrusts arcane magic, especially the magic of warlocks—but does not (yet) shun arcanists.<ref>''[[Horde Player's Guide]]'', 138</ref>
 
 
===Spirituality===
 
Orcish religion takes the form of an animistic worldview that has strange parallels with the practices of the [[Kaldorei]]. Orc shaman draw their power from the forces of the elements and the spirits of nature, forming a very intimate connection with the world that surrounds them. This awareness has led to even more revelations of their race’s true nature, as the orcs realize that they live more in harmony with the world than many of the races of the Alliance.<ref name="WoWRPG46">''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 46</ref>
 
 
===Slavery===
 
The practice of slavery has historically existed in orc society, and while in modern times it seems to occur less, the practice still continues among the orcs, though it is unclear how widespread it is. Despite Thrall's work to ensure that no orc would be cast into slavery ever again<ref>''[[Warcraft III]]'' manual, 22</ref>, a small number of orcs have been found enslaved by other orcs in the Horde, for example [[Bloodeye Redfist]]. It appears that some orcs are also willing to enslave members of other races, both Horde and Alliance.<ref>http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/wowissue0_pg2.jpg</ref><ref>http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/wowissue0_pg4.jpg</ref><ref>http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/wowissue0_pg5.jpg</ref> Many of these slaves were once criminals whom were brought to justice. It is unclear why the orcs still allow slavery, and to what extent, or why they choose to ignore it.
 
 
The fact that the [[Crimson Ring]], a gladiatorial circuit that very often includes slaves, is described as underground<ref>http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/wowissue0_pg1.jpg</ref> seem to indicate that slavery is an illegal or heavily discouraged practice. However the secrecy may be due to the nature of the matches, which many times include battles to the death. Surprisingly the Crimson Ring's gladiatorial death matches and the enslaved gladiators are in the open at times, some of the tournaments taking place in Orgrimmar's and other Horde arenas<ref>Quest:The Battle For The Undercity (Horde), "For every time I was thrown into one of your damned arenas..."</ref>. Bloodeye was well known enough to be described as a "champion of the orcs".
 
 
Another example is the case of Jinxo, who had been captured by the orcs, and was going to be sold into slavery to a goblin, had she not developed a plan for escape.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 42</ref>
 
 
===Languages===
 
Orcs know Orcish and Common. Orcs tend to only favor the languages of their allies, for example Goblin, Taur-ahe, and Low Common.<ref name="WoWRPG46"/> They have probably learned Zandali, Gutterspeak, and Thalassian in recent times as well.
 
 
===Orcish names===
 
[[File:Orc Korean Commercial Cinematic.JPG|thumb|An orc from a Chinese commercial.]]
 
 
Most orcish names derive from words in their language that have some complex meaning or hidden significance to their families. Typically, this is the name of a favorite thing or relative. Family names don't exist; most orcs have last names related to some great deed of heroism or honor. However, in the case of truly incredible deeds, an orc might take on the last name of his father to ensure that the chronicle of that terrific deed lives on.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 46</ref> The concept of honor is seen in every level of orc society, even in their naming practices. An orc’s first name is given early in life, often derived from a family name or the name of a great hero. The tribe bestows the second name after the orc reaches maturity, this name based upon some great deed. Such a practice gives rise to surnames such as Doomhammer, Elfkicker, Foe-ender, Skullsplitter, Thumper, and the like. This second name may be changed if a new one seems more appropriate.<ref>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 50</ref>
 
*Male Names:
 
Grom, Thrum, Drog, Gorrum, Harg, Thurg, Karg.
 
*Female Names:
 
Groma, Hargu, Igrim, Agra, Dragga, Grima.
 
*Family Names:
 
Doomhammer, Deadeye, Forebinder, Elfkiller, Skullsplitter, Axeripper, Tearshorn, Fistcrusher, Nosebasher, Scruton.
 
 
{{speculation}}
 
Orcish surnames are usually derived from great acts or merits a previous ancestor was lauded for, but some exceptional orcs earn their own surnames ([[Kilrogg Deadeye]], [[Kargath Bladefist]]), and many prefer to use the names of their fathers ([[Thrall]], Son of [[Durotan]]). Only the family leader can hold an eponymous title (For example, there can only be one Doomhammer or Deadeye at a time), and the rest of the clan identify themselves through their line of birth.
 
 
Two types of orc names appear to have arisen: two syllables separated by an apostrophe and a simple name shortened from a longer one. The two-syllable ones — Gul'dan, Drak'Thul, Dal'Rend — appear to have initially been only used for spellcasters, but later exported (Gar'Thok was a Grunt colonel). The second type was highly cultural; only those with powers over the warrior could use their full name, such as Shamans and chieftains, or the orc's personal religious leader. For example [[Brox]]'s full name was Broxigar, a term which he allowed only [[Tyrande]] and [[Krasus]] to use. [[Grom Hellscream]]'s full name was Grommash, which [[Mannoroth]] used to address him as demonstration that Hellscream was his. This is very inconsistent, however; most of the known orcish names (such as [[Durotan]], [[Orgrim]], [[Nazgrel]], and [[Kargath Bladefist|Kargath]]) are never documented being used in short forms, this is perhaps because they have no shortening.
 
 
===Notable clans===
 
;Horde
 
* [[Frostwolf clan]]
 
* [[Warsong clan]]
 
* [[Shattered Hand clan]] (Azeroth)
 
* [[Mok'Nathal clan]]
 
* [[The Mag'har]]
 
* [[Thunderlord clan]]
 
* [[Dragonmaw clan]]
 
 
;Dark Horde
 
* [[Blackrock clan]]
 
* [[Black Tooth Grin clan]]
 
* [[Dragonmaw clan]](Azeroth)
 
 
;Fel Horde
 
* [[Shattered Hand clan]] (Outland)
 
* [[Bonechewer clan]]
 
* [[Bleeding Hollow clan]]
 
* [[Dragonmaw clan]] (Outland)
 
* [[Shadowmoon clan]]
 
* [[Laughing Skull clan]]
 
 
;Other Clans
 
* [[Stormreaver Clan]]
 
* [[Twilight's Hammer Clan]]
 
* [[Burning Blade Clan]]
 
 
==Appearance==
 
[[File:OrcCinW2.jpg|thumb|left|An orc as seen in an early cinematic.]]
 
[[File:DrusennatheVigilant.jpg|thumb|Female orc]]
 
 
Orc males are massive and brutish looking creatures. Weighing in at 250 to 300 pounds and standing from 6 to 7 feet in height, they are not a small race. Even orc women tend to be only a half-foot or so shorter and 50 to 100 pounds lighter than most males (and some of them are equal in stature to their male counterparts), having broad shoulders and muscular, powerful bodies. Orcs tend to have coarse and bristly hair and beards, often black or brown in color, graying with age. Orc males sometimes choose to grow beards that are wild and untamed, while others prefer them to be braided and tasseled. These beards always hang from the chin, as orcs do not grow heavy facial hair above their upper-lip. Orcs are green-skinned, usually ranging from a light chartreuse yellow or olive to a dark forest or emerald green, and [[fel orc]]s often possess red skin. Untainted orcs, however, have brown skin. Orcs wear a variety of clothing styles, from furs and hides in some clans to heavy metal armor in others. They favor clothes of hide, and armor and arm themselves with a variety of gear.<ref name="WoWRPG45"/><ref>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 50, 51</ref>
 
 
Orc eye colors include blue, brown, hazel, amber, red and orcs who drank the blood of [[Mannoroth]] had eyes that glowed a bright, blood red. Pure blue eyes are quite rare in the orcish race, and are seen as a sign of great destiny.<ref>''[[Lord of the Clans]]'', ??</ref>. [[Thrall]] has blue eyes, and [[Garona]] in some depictions is shown with blue eyes, though this may be more a sign of her [[half-orc]] heritage and not her fate. An orc's face would be described by some races of [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]] as monstrous, their hideousness comparable to that of [[troll]]s. Orcs have large heavy jaws from which protrude sharp, tusk-like teeth, heavy brows, a broad and flat snout-like nose, and pointed ears. A fair amount of sexual dimorphism exists between the orc sexes, with male orcs possessing more extreme orcish physical characteristics, most noticeably broader shoulders and larger tusks. Male orcs (as depicted in World of Warcraft) possess a slight slouch, while females stand entirely erect. Orcs, especially orc warriors, are fond of tattoos of orcish symbols that have abstract, yet personal meaning to the individual orc, such as a clan symbol or a battle standard. In orcish society, scars are a source of pride for an orc; the amount of scars an orc has received in battle marks his experience as a warrior.
 
 
Their blood is black—as seen in the "Tutorial" ''Warcraft III'' cinematic and as quoted from [[Daelin Proudmoore]]. However, other sources show that their blood is red.
 
 
===Skin color===
 
All original orcs were brown-skinned; from bark-like brown to reddish-brown. However, their bodies react when exposed to warlock magic; though the nature of this change is somewhat different in other fel-touched races. The nature of orcish fel magic means that all nearby orcs, including those who avoid warlock magic, take on a green pigmentation and gain body mass (though why the Mag'har are much bigger than Durotar orcs in World of Warcraft is unknown). This color change appears to be genetic as Thrall, who had little direct exposure to warlock magic until recently, has had green skin from birth.
 
 
As this corruption progresses, the orc's eyes may become flaming orbs of red or green and their skin will soon change from green to scarlet, transforming them into [[fel orc]]s. Through certain rituals, this state is reversible. However, should the orc continue to drink large amounts of demonic blood, they enter the final irreversible stage of transformation and mutate horrifically; growing additional fangs and erupting with horns from their backs, arms and hands.
 
 
Currently, orcs of the [[Horde]] have a wide variety of "natural" pigments, ranging between shades of light green, dark drab olive, brown to grayish brown.<ref name="WoWRPG45"/><ref>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 51</ref>
 
 
<gallery>
 
File:SaurfangTheYounger.jpg|Brown, the skin color of orcs untouched by warlock magic.
 
File:Blackrock_Outrunner.jpg|Gray, the skin tone most frequently seen on the orcs of the [[Blackrock clan]].<ref>''World of Warcraft''</ref>
 
File:Saurfang_Northrend.jpg|Green, the predominant skin color of the orcs of the [[New Horde]].
 
File:WarCraft Raneman021c.jpg|Burning fel-eyes, one of many signs of corruption among [[tainted orc]]s.
 
File:Chief_Overseer_Mudlump.jpg|Red, the skin color of the [[fel orc]]s.
 
File:Rumpus.jpg|Fangs and spikes are further mutations displayed by fel orcs.
 
File:Watchkeeper-Gargolmar.jpg|Some fel orcs have darker skin than the rest.<ref>Beside this one, [[Kargath]].</ref>
 
File:Gurtogg_Bloodboil.jpg|A heavily mutated fel orc.
 
File:OrcdkSkins.jpg|Deathknight skin tones added in WotLK: black, blue-green, and white.
 
</gallery>
 
 
==Orc relations==
 
In the newly established Horde, the orcs have strong ties to the recent race members of the Horde who are originally from Kalimdor. The ties between the orcs, tauren, and jungle trolls are unquestionable. In the aftermath of the Third War, Thrall, Cairne, and Vol'jin reluctantly allowed the Forsaken to join the Horde ranks, and with the reopening the [[Dark Portal]] the Horde recruited a fifth race to its ranks, the Blood Elves. Although the Horde has five notable races, the Horde also counts as its members Mok'nathal, a race of half orcs, and the Stonemaul Ogres. Recently, Thrall has tried to establish a connection to the Ironforge Dwarves in order to minimize wars between the two races. This can be seen in a quest chain taking a Horde player into the [[Blackrock Depths]] to find the daughter of Magni Bronzebeard. However, it is safe to assume the dwarves will not improve relations anytime soon due to their current affiliation with the Alliance. Either way, this mission proves to be a failure since the princess refuses to return to Ironforge. In the [[Wrath of the Lich King]], the Horde becomes allied with the Taunka — an ancient offshoot of the Tauren — and the Tuskarr. The Taunka are Horde specific but the Tuskarr are a naturally neutral race. Orcs have a long history of violence with humans, though they grudgingly respect their strength<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', 20</ref> and some still cling to old hatreds even despite the fact that they fought alongside each other during the Third War.<ref>''[[Cycle of Hatred]]'', 13-14</ref> However, while they don't like humans generally, the orcs do respect their own leader [[Jaina Proudmoore]], especially since she had chosen to side with them over her father.
 
 
==Notable orcs==
 
{{main|Notable orcs}}
 
{{:Notable orcs}}
 
 
==Player race==
 
*See [[Orc (playable)]]
 
 
==Trivia==
 
* ''Warcraft'' is one of the very few fantasy franchises where orcs are put in a positive light. This is still true after two games with the traditional bloodthirsty interpretation. In fact, reviewers often credit the humorous voices and comments of Horde units from ''Tides of Darkness'' (making the "bad guys" more fun to play) as the direct influence on the choice to portray their redemption.
 
*Orcs have a great influence in the ''[[Warcraft]]'' game series; an unusual thing to see in fantasy and medieval folk lore, where the orcs are just easily-killable, bestial and brainless enemies.
 
*Orcs played a major part in every ''Warcaft'' novel up until [[Night of the Dragon]].
 
*Several of the orcs' allies — including the [[ogres]], the [[blood elves]], and the [[Forsaken]] — were at one time enemies of the Horde.
 
*Orcish culture and history has several similarities to the culture and history of the Huns:
 
:- They both invaded a new continent and shattered the whole life of the inhabitants.
 
:- Both reached the capital city of this continent (Rome and Stormwind).
 
:- Both were later pushed (nearly) completely back into their own land.
 
 
==See also==
 
*[[Mag'har]]
 
*[[Half-orc]]
 
*[[Fel Orc]]
 
*[[Orcish claws of attack]]
 
*[[Horde_technology#Orc_technology|Orc technology]]
 
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
{{reflist}}
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{{Reflist}}
 
 
{{Sapient species alien to Azeroth}}
 
{{Orcs|doc=}}
 
[[Category:Orcs| ]]
 
[[Category:Horde races]]
 
[[Category:Outland]]
 
[[Category:Racial classes]]
 
[[Category:World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]
 
[[Category:Horde Player's Guide]]
 
[[Category:Alliance Player's Guide]]
 
[[Category:Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]
 
   
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{{Wars}}
[[es:Orco]]
 
[[fr:Orc]]
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[[Category:Cataclysm]]
[[pl:Orkowie]]
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[[Category:Wars]]

Revision as of 12:43, 21 March 2011

Template:War The Alliance–Horde War is an intercontinental war that will begin shortly after the Cataclysm, as part of the expansion set World of Warcraft: Cataclysm.

Background

Five years after the Battle for Mount Hyjal, the fragile truce between the Horde and Alliance had all but evaporated. In the wake of the Third War and The Founding of Durotar, the Forsaken entered a partnership of convenience with the Horde while the night elves and gnomes emerged from ages of solitude to join the Alliance. For another year the armistice held, though tensions continued to mount as worldwide conflicts drew the two sides closer to all-out war and fighting erupted in strategic battlegrounds. Despite these frequent skirmishes, the Horde and Alliance often set aside their differences and joined forces to face a number of threats. In time the blood elves and draenei led them through the Dark Portal to wage the War in Outland against the Burning Legion.

Following the year-long campaign in Outland, the Horde returned to Azeroth with a new ally in the Mag'har, led by Garrosh Hellscream. Soon, the long-missing Varian Wrynn put an end to Onyxia's schemes and returned to reclaim the throne of Stormwind. Attempts at diplomacy between Thrall and Wrynn soon fell apart as a peace conference in Theramore was ambushed by the Twilight's Hammer. Attention quickly turned northward, however, as the looming threat of the Lich King bore down on the mortal races of Azeroth.

Garrosh Hellscream and Varian Wrynn, appointed as the supreme commanders of the Horde Expedition and Alliance Vanguard respectively, who had previously butted heads in Theramore, led their forces to Northrend where they waged war against the Scourge. Though fighting a common enemy, tensions between the Horde and Alliance grew swiftly until spilling over after the Battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate. During the resulting Battle for the Undercity, Varian Wrynn, grief-stricken over the loss of Bolvar Fordragon, and the state of the former Capital City of Lordaeron, lashed out at Thrall and declared war against the Horde. Hostilities continued to escalate for the remainder of the War against the Lich King, until the Lich King was finally defeated.

With both factions recovering from war, the Alliance and Horde attempt to resume their tentative peace. Yet political tensions rise as the night elves of Darnassus have refused trade with the Horde and barred them from Ashenvale in protest of the Wrathgate. Relations worsen as Twilight Hammer orcs under the guise of Horde forces, kill and skin night elf sentinels to frame the Horde. In an effort to quell the rising tensions, Hamuul Runetotem attempted to pursue diplomatic talks with his fellow night elf druids. Yet the talks became violent when the druid meeting was attacked by Twilight Hammer orcs believed to be sent by Garrosh Hellscream, acting warchief of the Horde.

Three years have passed since the military forces of the Horde and Alliance first set foot on the shores of Northrend, and they now wage war amidst the disasters wrought by Deathwing's return to the world. Thrall has left the Horde to lead the Earthen Ring's efforts in preventing the rift beneath the Maelstrom from tearing apart the world, and has appointed Garrosh Hellscream as Warchief of the Horde in his absence. King Varian Wrynn, convinced that the Horde has remained unchecked for too long, continues to lead the Alliance.

Conflicts

Eastern Kingdoms

Employing the Val'kyr to raise a mighty army, the Forsaken have begun an bold campaign to secure their hold over Lordaeron. The town of Hillsbrad Fields was attacked by the Forsaken, forcing many of its residents to flee to the town of Southshore. A few farmers and Magistrate Burnside led a valiant resistance but was eventually defeated and imprisoned by the Forsaken war machine. Those who stayed to defend Hillsbrad eventually became prisoners in what is now known as the Sludge Fields, a Forsaken prison facility that secretly experiment on its prisoners to create a new breed of Forsaken zombie.

The Forsaken forces later march onto the town of Southshore and completely annihilate all life with in the region by deploying the New Plague. Magistrate Henry Maleb led the Hillsbrad Refugees to Fenris Keep, where they have been taking refuge. The Ruins of Southshore is left inhospitable, and will be so for several decades. The ramifications of the Forsaken Blight forced the high echelons of the Horde to reconsider the free use of such a potent weapon. Warchief Garrosh has since forbidden further production or deployment of the New Plague. Instead, the Forsaken will use a diluted version of the Forsaken Blight.

By orders of the new Warchief of the Horde, Garrosh Hellscream, the Forsaken mobilise and move into Gilneas to secure a port for the Horde in southern Lordaeron. The Gilneans, now transformed into worgen, attempt to fight off the invaders as best they can. Eventually the night elves arrive in Gilneas, bringing both vital military aid and the truth behind the worgen curse. Likewise, Orcs reinforce the Forsaken forces, causing an escalation into an all-out battle between the Alliance and the Horde in the region. The Forsaken, against the orders of the Warchief to cease production, unleash their devastating Forsaken Blight against Gilneas. Many of the survivors flee across the sea to Teldrassil, where the night elves grant them sanctuary.

Even with Gilneas falling into the hands of the Forsaken, the fighting between the Gilnean worgen and the Forsaken continues. Bloodfang worgen who had recently allied themselves with the Gilneas Liberation Front, with the help of 7th Legion reinforcements from Stormwind, destroyed three Orc gunships that had arrived. The ships were full of supplies, weapons and soldiers.[1] Later, the Forsaken kill some of the Hillsbrad refugees on Fenris Isle and resurrected them, bolstering Forsaken forces and somewhat making up for the loss of the three orc gunships.[2] However, after this attack, many of the Hillsbrad refugees decide to take the Worgen curse offered by Darius, rather than be resurrected as Forsaken. Later, the Forsaken discovered that lord Darius Crowley and Ivar Bloodfang are having a meeting in Deep Elem Mine, and Sylvanas sent a squadron of elite Veteran Forsaken Troopers under the leadership of Master Forteski to trap and slay the Worgen leaders. However, the Forsaken soon discovered that instead of trapping an enemy, they were trapped themselves. As a result, the whole squadron of elite Forsaken Troopers were destroyed.

A convoy of Veteran Forsaken Troopers and Forsaken catapults were ambushed by the Bloodfang pack while attempting to cross Olsen's Farthing in Silverpine Forest. The ambush resulted in all those Forsaken troopers being killed and the destruction of the Forsaken catapults.[3] Warlord Torok sent Sea Dogs to fight the Hillsbrad worgen that were swimming to the Decrepit Fields from Fenris Isle. The Sea Dogs attacked the Hillsbrad worgen but were eventaully defeated after killing many worgen.

Druids in the Gilneas Liberation Front used their bear form in guerilla warfare against Horde forces at the Forsaken Front, which resulted in the loss of a few Horde battalions. Eventually the Horde forces learn of this tactic, and it becomes ineffective after counter-measures are implemented.[4]

Eventaully, the tide turned. The worgen and their Alliance allies were driven back. The town of Ambermill was conquered by Forsaken forces and another town, Pyrewood Village, was burned to the ground. In a desperate final push, Alliance and Gilnean forces met the Forsaken army on the Battlefront for one final battle. The Forsaken emerged victorious and the Gilneas Liberation Front was defeated. While the future of Gilneas remains uncertain, the Alliance invasion of Silverpine ended in failure.

Forsaken forces have since tried to invade the Hinterlands and launched an all out assault on the Highvale elves of Quel'Danil Lodge. The combined Alliance forces were able to repel the invasion.

With the weakening of the Scourge after the War against the Lich King, the Alliance forces led by Thassarian have claimed the western part of Andorhal, and the Forsaken forces led by Koltira Deathweaver have claimed the eastern part of the city. The two factions are currently fighting each other for control of the whole city.[5] During the Battle for Andorhal, the Forsaken, their ranks bolstered by the use of the val'kyr to raise their slain foes, push the Alliance out of the city and claim Andorhal as their own.

Following the events at Silverpine Forest, the Bloodfang pack have since been fighting a guerrilla war with the Forsaken forces at Hillsbrad. They are later found allying with the Stormpike Guard and have been amassing their forces at Purgation Isle. Due to the efforts of Kingslayer Orkus and Horde adventurers, their plans to launch an all out attack were uncovered. High Warlord Cromush asked for reinforcements from the Frostwolf Clan, but were denied by Drek'thar, who despises the Forsaken's cruel genocidal campaign. Cromush panics at the Frostwolf Clan's abandonment but later composes himself and sends Horde adventurers to blow up the Alliance vanguard forces before their offensive on Hillsbrad could begin.

Forsaken forces are later found establishing Galen's Fall for their impending invasion on the nation of Stromgarde. To aid them in their efforts, they have recruited the fallen prince of Stromgarde, Galen Trollbane. He aids Horde adventurers in taking the legendary sword, Trol'kalar. so that the Forsaken may use it as a weapon against the living.

In the Twin Peaks near Grim Batol in the Twilight Highlands, the dwarven Wildhammer clan fight against the orcish Dragonmaw clan, having recently rejoined the Horde, battle for control of this strategic mountainous region. The Twin Peaks are crucial for staging effective offensives against the black dragonflight and the Twilight's Hammer, who currently control the Twilight Highlands.[6] To the south, the humans of Marshtide Watch battle the Stonard orcs in the Swamp of Sorrows.

Kalimdor

All-out battles have erupted in the Barrens, Ashenvale, and the Stonetalon Mountains. Due to the Cataclysm the Barrens have been split into the Northern Barrens and the Southern Barrens.

In the Southern Barrens Alliance forces have invaded the eastern lands while the Horde has mainatined control of the west. The Alliance has constructed a new military outpost to try to solidify their control of their new territory while the Horde has done the same to prevent further Alliance expansion. The central region between the two forts has become a war zone as the factions fight for control. The Alliance launched an attack on the peaceful village of Camp Taurajo, which ended in a massacre of the townspeople. This act of cruelty by the Alliance has bolstered the Horde's resolve, and the Horde has begun to drive the Alliance back as a result. Also in the initial Horde counter-attack, the dwarven fortress of Bael Modan was destroyed.

In the Northern Barrens, the Horde defensive post Mor'shan Rampart is under attack by the Alliance. In turn Northwatch Hold is now under attack by Horde forces.[7]

In Ashenvale, the Horde has been recently able to conquer more of the ancient forest and have cut down even more trees. This allowed the Horde to wrest control of Silverwind Refuge. Meanwhile Zoram'gar Outpost has its defenses improved and a new Horde camp, Hellscream's Watch, has been built overlooking the Night Elf village of Astranaar. The Horde has begun launching air raids on Astrannar from the new camp. Maestra's Post, Raynewood Retreat, and surrounding towers have also been attacked by the Horde. Despite Silverwind Refuge and other Alliance outposts being conquered by the Horde, Alliance forces continue to hold what ground they have left.

Off the coast of Kalimdor, on the Lost Isles, and the island off Azshara, the Bilgewater Cartel goblins with aid from stranded Orcs fight against Alliance forces and attempt to establish a new city to replace the loss of Kezan.[8] In Azshara Alliance forces are attacking Valormok, a largely undefended Horde outpost in Azshara.[7]

Great Sea

The war even extends to the Great Sea where naval battles are fought for control of key trade routes.[9]

References