Warcraft History

[Balgosa]

info from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft_Universe)

The Warcraft Universe is the fictional universe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fictional_universe) in which the Warcraft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft) series of computer games, novels and announced movie are set. Known worlds of this fantasy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy) universe include Azeroth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azeroth_%28world%29) (homeworld of most of the known races in the universe, due to this being where most of the content takes place), Draenor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draenor) (now known as Outland, homeworld of the Orcs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orc_%28Warcraft%29)), Argus (homeworld of the Eredar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Races_in_the_Warcraft_universe)), and Xoroth, one of worlds destroyed by the Burning Legion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Legion), homeworld of the Nathrezim (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Races_in_the_Warcraft_universe). As the name implies, the Warcraft Universe largely revolves around conflict.

Geography

The Warcraft Universe includes many worlds, connected by a chaotic vortex called the Twisting Nether. Travel between these worlds is a rare event, but it can be achieved by so-called portals.

The World of Azeroth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azeroth_%28world%29)

Azeroth is an Earth-like planet, inhabited by a diverse array of species. Most of the action of the Warcraft games takes place on this planet. The world is divided into four large land masses, Kalimdor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalimdor), the Azeroth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azeroth), Lordaeron (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lordaeron) and Northrend (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrend). These land masses are interspersed with a multitude of islands, most notably the Broken Isles, the Echo Isles and the largely unknown island which contains the briefly mentioned Goblin city of Undermine. There may be more landmasses in the world of Azeroth that are as yet unexplored.

Capital cities
Darnassus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darnassus) (Night Elves)
Exodar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exodar) (Draenei)
Gnomeregan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnomeregan) (Gnomes, radioactive)
Ironforge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironforge) (Dwarves and Gnome survivors)
Orgrimmar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orgrimmar) (Orcs and Jungle Trolls)
Silvermoon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvermoon) (Blood Elves)
Stormwind (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stormwind) (Humans and High Elf refugees)
Thunder Bluff (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunder_Bluff) (Tauren)
Undercity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undercity) (Forsaken Undead, formerly known as Lordaeron)
Undermine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undermine) (Goblins)
Zul'Gurub (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zul%27Gurub) (Trolls, under the control of Hakkar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakkar) the Soulflayer)
Azjol'Nerub (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Azjol%27Nerub&action=edit) (Nerubians (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerubians), abandoned)
Gun'Drak (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gun%27Drak&action=edit) (Ice Trolls (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Trolls))Nation-States of Humans
Alterac (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alterac) (destroyed, under Ogre (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogres_%28Warcraft%29) control)
Gilneas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilneas) (situation unknown)
Stromgarde (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stromgarde) (mostly destroyed, under mixed Syndicate/Renegade Ogre/Stromgarde Cavalry control)
Dalaran (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalaran) (mostly destroyed, under restoration by few survivors)
Kul'Tiras (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locations_in_the_Warcraft_Universe#Kul.27Tiras) (Administrated by Tandred Proudmoore, situation unknown)
Lordaeron (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lordaeron) (destroyed, now under mixed Forsaken (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Forsaken_%28Warcraft%29)/Scourge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scourge) control)
Azeroth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azeroth) (destroyed by orcish horde, now rebuilt and more commonly referred to as "The Kingdom of Stormwind")
Theramore Isle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theramore_Isle) (newest human nation, led by Jaina Proudmoore)Major cities
Dalaran (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalaran) (Effectively destroyed in Warcraft 3, few survivors erected a magical barrier to prepare for restoration/rebuilding)
Stratholme (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratholme) (Currently under mixed Scourge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scourge)/Scarlet Crusade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_Crusade) control)
Andorhal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andorhal) (Destroyed in Warcraft 3, currently under Scourge Control)
Tyr's Hand (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tyr%27s_Hand&action=edit) (Fell out of Alliance hands, into the control of the Scarlet Crusade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_Crusade))
Caer Darrow (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caer_Darrow) (Effectively destroyed, base for the Scourge's Cult of the Damned)Minor Cities
Hearthglen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hearthglen) (Currently under Scarlet Crusade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_Crusade) control)
Darrowshire (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darrowshire) (inhabited by spirits)
Everlook (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everlook) (Controlled by the Goblins of the Steamwheedle Cartel)
Ratchet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratchet_%28Warcraft%29) (Controlled by the Goblins of the Steamwheedle Cartel)
Gadgetzan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadgetzan) (Controlled by the Goblins of the Steamwheedle Cartel)
Booty Bay (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booty_Bay) (Controlled by the Goblins of the Steamwheedle Cartel)
Tol Barad (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tol_Barad&action=edit) (Controlled by Dalaran mages)Major races
Blood Elves (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_Elf)
Demons (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Legion) (Assorted Varieties)
Draenei (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draenei)
Dwarves (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarves_%28Warcraft%29)
Gnomes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnome_%28Warcraft%29)
Goblins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goblin_%28Warcraft%29)
High Elves (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Elves_%28Warcraft%29)
Humans (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_%28Warcraft%29)
Naga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naga_%28Warcraft%29)
Nerubian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerubian)
Night Elves (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Elf_%28Warcraft%29)
Ogres (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogre_%28Warcraft%29)
Orcs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcs_%28Warcraft%29)
Pandaren (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandaren)
Tauren (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tauren)
Trolls (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_%28Warcraft%29)
Undead (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undead_%28Warcraft%29)

[Balgosa]

The World of Draenor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draenor)

Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft_II:_Beyond_the_Dark_Portal).

Draenor (referred to as Outland after its partial destruction) is a harsh world that glares in a reddish hue. The waters seem foul but this is misleading; the planet is capable of supporting life. It is the homeland of the Orcs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orc_%28Warcraft%29) and other related races (Ogres (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogres_%28Warcraft%29), Draenor Giants, and so) that invaded Azeroth through the rift called the Dark Portal. It is also the place where some of the greatest heroes in the history of Azeroth journeyed to and disappeared, now presumed dead. The energies of this and subsequent portals opened by the Shaman Ner'Zhul were so intense that the world was ripped apart and consists now of only floating islands suspended within the Twisting Nether. The world was originally a dense green swampland but the demonic corruption of the Orcs by the Burning Legion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Legion) scarred the land so thoroughly that it was left as little more than a dusty wasteland. The dominant life forms of the world were once the Draenei (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draenei), that imigrated from Argus. Gul'dan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gul%27dan) the Warlock (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warlock) describes these beings as "a weak people -- hardly worth the effort of our raiding sweep." After the destruction of Draenor, a few Draenei, known as the Broken Ones, remained alive on Outland but their numbers were further crippled by the Fel Orcs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fel_Orcs) led by the Pit Lord (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_Lord) Magtheridon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magtheridon) who had completely conquered the remains of the planet. It wasn't until Illidan Stormrage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illidan_Stormrage) and his band of Blood Elves (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_Elves) and Naga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naga_%28Warcraft%29) arrived that the world was freed from Magtheridon's iron grip.

People of Draenor

Races native to the world of Draenor:
Orcs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orc_%28Warcraft%29)
Ogres (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogres_%28Warcraft%29)
Draenor Giants (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_%28mythology%29)Immigrated races of Draenor:
Draenei (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draenei)Note: The Draenor giants are rarely mentioned or referenced. The only reference to them was concerning the temples of the damned which were used by the Orcs in the Second War. The temples are made from the bones of the petrified corpses of a race of giants that were native to Draenor. Nothing else is known about them. The only mention of Draenor Humans (or a human-like race) are in the novel The Last Guardian as the basis for the parentage of Garona (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garona_%28Warcraft%29) the Half-Orc, who was born before the Dark Portal was first opened. Blizzard later said she was not a half-human/half-Orc, but half-Orc and half-Draenei instead (see Inconsistencies in Warcraft lore (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inconsistencies_in_Warcraft_lore)).

The World of Argus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argus_%28warcraft%29)

Nearly twenty-five thousand years ago, the Eredar race arose on the world of Argus. They were extremely intelligent and had a natural affinity for magic in all its myriad forms. Using their gifts, they developed a vast and wondrous society.
Unfortunately the eredar's accomplishments caught the attention of Sargeras, the Destroyer of Worlds. He enticed Kil'jaeden and Archimonde, two of the Eredar's leaders and transformed many of the eredar into demons.
Only Velen (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Velen_%28Warcraft%29&action=edit) and a few other eredar who had thus far refused to join Sargeras fled the planet with the help of the Naaru (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naaru). Naming themselves the draenei, or "exiled ones" in the Eredun language, the renegades barely escaped from Argus, with the Burning Legion only moments behind. No draenei has seen their original homeworld since.

People of Argus

Races native to the world of Argus:
Eredar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eredar) (native race of Argus, they have been corrupted into demons by Sargeras (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sargeras))
Draenei (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draenei) (referred to as "Draenor Humans" in 'The Last Guardian'; Draenei were originally thought to have evolved on the Orc's homeworld of Draenor (Now Outland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outland_%28Warcraft%29)), later it was realized that the eredar and the draenei were once one race. As the Eredar have been corrupted into demons, the Ancient Eredar (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ancient_Eredar&action=edit) must look more like the draenei)The Twisting Nether and the Beyond (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twisting_Nether)

A chaotic swirling mass, the Twisting Nether is the fabric of the universe. One can think of the Twisting Nether (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twisting_Nether) as the universe itself, although this is rather simplistic. It can be more accurately described as a higher plane of existence, where powerful beings exist that shape the events we see. It is not to be confused with space as we think of it for it is clear that space is a well understood concept by the races of Azeroth. The Dwarves, for instance, were originally created and bestowed with knowledge by a species of gods known as the Titans, who have large mechanical astrolabes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrolabe) which demonstrate the movements of planets, stars, and extra-solar bodies through space. The Elves, furthermore, have been shown to possess telescopes for observing objects in the night sky. This space between the stars and planets is frequently called "The Great Dark Beyond," or simply "The Beyond," and it is described by Gul'dan as a place where the spirits of the newly dead go. On the other hand, the Nether, known varyingly as the Void, is shown to be a hell-like place above (or below) space and time as mortals observe them, and is the realm of Demons, what Gul'dan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gul%27dan) describes as "the long dead." It is arguable as to whether all dead beings invariably go to the "Great Dark" and the Nether, as humans, who worship what they call "the Holy Light," have been known to perform resurrections in which a winged being of light can be seen bringing back the dead with rays of sunlight. Furthermore, Orcs routinely commune with the natural spirits of their dead ancestors through the wind and the earth. It is perhaps possible, that in Gul'dan's lifetime, before the Orcs broke free of the demonic possession, that Orcs simply were not "good enough" to go anywhere but the "Beyond."

[Balgosa]

Demons of the Burning Legion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Legion)

Known demon races from the Twisting Nether:
Eredar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Races_in_the_Warcraft_universe#Eredar)
Nathrezim (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Races_in_the_Warcraft_universe#Nathrezim)
Pit Lords (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_Lord)
Felguard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felguard)
Doom Guard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doom_Guard)
Succubi (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Succubi%28Warcraft%29&action=edit)
Tothrezim (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tothrezim&action=edit)
Infernals (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infernals)Sources

The background, plot, and setting, like most Blizzard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blizzard_Entertainment) games, is indebted to tabletop games such as Warhammer Fantasy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warhammer_Fantasy) by Games Workshop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Games_Workshop), and Dungeons & Dragons (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons) from Wizards of the Coast (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizards_of_the_Coast). The fantasy works of J. R. R. Tolkien (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien) also served as a foundation; many of the races are patterned after Tolkien's, and placenames are often made to sound like Sindarin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sindarin), the predominant Elvish language used in Lord of the Rings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_of_the_Rings). However, large portions of the setting are drawn from modern-day sources and references, ranging from Star Trek (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek) to the Cthulhu Mythos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cthulhu_Mythos), to Thundercats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thundercats) to third-world proxy wars.

Media set in the Warcraft Universe


Strategy Games
Warcraft: Orcs & Humans (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft:_Orcs_%26_Humans)
Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft_II:_Tides_of_Darkness)
Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyond_the_Dark_Portal)
Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft_II:_Battle.net_Edition)
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft_III:_Reign_of_Chaos)
Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft_III:_The_Frozen_Throne)Other
Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft_Adventures:_Lord_of_the_Clans) (Adventure game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventure_game), cancelled)
World of Warcraft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_Warcraft) (MMORPG (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MMORPG))Movie (announced)
Warcraft: The Movie (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Warcraft:_The_Movie&action=edit)Tabletop games
Warcraft: the Board Game (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Warcraft:_the_Board_Game&action=edit) - a strategic board game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Board_game) based heavily on Warcraft III from Fantasy Flight Games (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy_Flight_Games)
World of Warcraft: the Roleplaying Game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_Warcraft:_the_Roleplaying_Game) - role-playing game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Role-playing_game) from Sword & Sorcery (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_%26_Sorcery)
World of Warcraft: the Board Game (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_Warcraft_Board_Game) - a board game based on World of Warcraft, also by Fantasy Flight GamesTrading card games
World of Warcraft: Heroes of Azeroth (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_Warcraft:_Heroes_of_Azeroth) - to be released October 25, 2006Books
Warcraft: Day of the Dragon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft:_Day_of_the_Dragon)
Warcraft: Lord of the Clans (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft:_Lord_of_the_Clans)
Warcraft: Of Blood and Honor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft:_Of_Blood_and_Honor)
Warcraft: The Last Guardian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft:_The_Last_Guardian)
Warcraft: War of the Ancients Trilogy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft:_War_of_the_Ancients_Trilogy)
Warcraft: The Sunwell Trilogy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warcraft:_The_Sunwell_Trilogy)
World of Warcraft: Cycle of Hatred (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_Warcraft:_Cycle_of_Hatred)
World of Warcraft: Rise of the Horde (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_Warcraft:_Rise_of_the_Horde)

[Punchline]

Woah. Hehe... Thanks? :p

[Balgosa]

thought it might be useful lol

[kiahann]

Nice post Balgosa! Wikipedia is a nice site. I look up alot on that site.

[Balgosa]

yah ,its a home away from home lol

[Onlis]

Haha, nice post. A must read for those who haven't played through the wc3 campaign.

[Gedan]

Wicked post balgosa!, going to start trading cards I think :)

[Terwilliger]

Nice post!

[Daghur]

That's a lot of information! O.O
Nicely done there ;)

[alg]

Nice post. :)

[Onlis]

No sticky?

[alg]

/sticky this :O

[Quazimodo]

Really nice, I've always been fasinated by the Warcraft lore. At least from the strategy games. World of warcraft kind of ruined the lore in my eyes. I wonder if they'll ever release a 4th strategy game in the series.

[kiahann]

Sticked!

[the_Predator]

I once found a site which chronologically sorted all characters known in the warcraft universe... lost the link thou :(

[Quazimodo]

I once found a site which chronologically sorted all characters known in the warcraft universe... lost the link thou :(

Is this the characters from the strategy games or from the numerous books that has been released of the Warcraft lore? If its just about the games I strongly recommend you try out the strategy games as they are really stunning. At least in my oppinion. The Warcraft 1 is maybe a bit old for you.

[The Bum]

The warcraft story is a very big one :) Very nice to read

[Quazimodo]

and even better to play :P

[kiahann]

True true.

[Quazimodo]

True true.

Is that the new Draenei race in your avatar kiahann :P

[kiahann]

Orc Shaman with teir1 set :D

[Quazimodo]

Orc Shaman with teir1 set :D

lol, it's so small it looked like a draenei.

[kiahann]

lol...Okay...I can understand that

[Zaoris]

Nice post,thanks for posting here,even if I read that story many times now :)
Warcraft has a damn nice story,and is so damn cool if you play from 1st to WoW ;)

[Mahiney]

awesome dude..thanks..this gives a LOT more info than I knew already. :]

[kiahann]

Also be sure to look at the new encyclopedia at World of Warcraft official site it's neat^^

[DrIzZ]

For the Horde!!

[sherlock holmes]

nothing to say but great

[InsaneWoW]

Interesting post, You really need a website to put all that information and lore of Warcraft on + you should read the books.... :top: (When someone gets to my post, Stop by at (Link removed. Advertising.)
Like my image?
http://images.meez.com/user07/04/04_10002151203.gif

[Kaegos]

Great thread! For lore-aholics,such as myself, The War of the Ancients trilogy by Richard Knaak is a very good read if you haven't already.

[Arrexis]

nice post but tbh not needed :P could've just give the link to wowwiki for those who like lore and don't know the site.

[KrazyRobot]

Great thread! For lore-aholics,such as myself, The War of the Ancients trilogy by Richard Knaak is a very good read if you haven't already.http://mmobuzz.luke13.hop.clickbank.net/http://mmobuzz.wowzygor.hop.clickbank.net/http://mmobuzz.wctycoon.hop.clickbank.nethttp://mmobuzz.joanaguide.hop.clickbank.net/http://mmobuzz.warmil.hop.clickbank.net/http://mmobuzz.idemise.hop.clickbank.net/http://mmobuzz.hcb25.hop.clickbank.net/http://mmobuzz.wowwealth.hop.clickbank.net/
Great thread indeed.

[IceCow]

nice post but tbh not needed :P could've just give the link to wowwiki for those who like lore and don't know the site.

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[MrDoed]

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