Kor'kron
- Not to be confused with Kor'kron Guard (Kun-Lai Summit), Kor'kron Guard (Isle of Conquest), or Kor'kron Guard (Orgrimmar).
 Kor'kron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Main leader |
 General Talgar |
| Formerly |
  Malkorok † High Overlord Varok Saurfang |
| Secondary leaders |
Overlord Agmar Overlord Or'barokh Okrilla |
| Formerly |
Earthbreaker Haromm † Kardris Dreamseeker † Commander Ag'troz † Commander To'karg † Commander Knucklecrusher † Dranosh Saurfang † |
| Race(s) |
Orc  Mag'har orc  Jungle troll  Blood elf  Goblin  Tauren  Forsaken  Taunka Dire orc |
| Base of operations | Underhold, Orgrim's Hammer, Agmar's Hammer, Shadowmoon Village, Dazar'alor |
| Theater of operations | Azeroth, Shadowmoon Valley |
| Affiliation | Horde, Orgrimmar, Thrallmar, Warsong Offensive, Valarjar (allied) |
| Formerly | True Horde |
| Status | Active |
The Kor'kron (or the Kor'kron Guard[1][2][3] / Kor'kron guard)[4][5][6] are an elite fighting force of the Horde, once serving as the personal bodyguards of the Warchief and enforcers of their command.[7] With some exceptions, they are fiercely loyal to whoever is leading the Horde, not any particular individual.[8][9] While the Kor'kron now answers to the Horde Council, in the absence of a Warchief they ultimately defer to Thrall.[10] They can be considered the Horde's closest counterpart to the Alliance's 7th Legion.[11]
Under Garrosh Hellscream's regime, the Kor'kron greatly expanded in power, albeit narrowing its racial composition down to almost universally orcs. They served as the Warchief's primary soldiers during the Siege of Orgrimmar, until Hellscream's forced removal from power. The Kor'kron sustained heavy causalities during the siege, including the death of its leader, Malkorok, and several other celebrated generals. With Vol'jin's ascension as Warchief of the Horde, the surviving Kor'kron were placed in prisons, save for those who had defected such as Gakkorg.[12]
By the time of Burning Legion's third invasion of Azeroth, the Kor'kron made their return as several members could be spotted in the ranks of the Horde again.
History
Cycle of Hatred
Warchief Thrall originally traveled alone and free. However, after the demonic betrayal of his closest advisor Burx, the warchief decided it would be wiser to be alert at all times and to always have someone watch his back. As such, he began surrounding himself with an honor guard.[13]
World of Warcraft
After Thrall had revived the order,[8] the elite band of orcs served as his bodyguards.[14] They were stationed in the Warchief's own fortress of Grommash Hold in Orgrimmar.
The Burning Crusade
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This section is a lore stub. |
During the invasion of Outland, a detachment of Kor'kron was dispatched to Outland where they serve as the defenders of Shadowmoon Village in Shadowmoon Valley, the closest Horde outpost to the Black Temple.[15] From there, they wage war against the Burning Legion as well as the legions of Illidan Stormrage.[16]
Wrath of the Lich King
At the beginning of the war against the Lich King, the Kor'kron were deployed in Northrend in full force[17] as part of the Horde Expedition. The fortress at the base of Angrathar the Wrathgate was called Kor'kron Vanguard, and was under the command Warlord Dranosh Saurfang.
Warchief Thrall later sent a legion of Kor'kron under Bragor Bloodfist to the Undercity to replace the Forsaken forces deployed to the front lines in Northrend; and following the events of the Wrathgate, they were tasked to keep an eye on the Royal Apothecary Society to ensure that they discontinued work on the New Plague.
In Dragonblight, the fortress Agmar's Hammer was created as a major Horde base in the region, under the leadership of Overlord Agmar. He was later present to lead the warriors of the Kor'kron on the Isle of Conquest, where they fought the 7th Legion under the command of Halford Wyrmbane.
The Kor'kron under the command of High Overlord Varok Saurfang fought their way through Icecrown Citadel at the side of the Ashen Verdict and engaged the 7th Legion in an aerial battle between the Orgrim's Hammer and the Skybreaker outside of the citadel.
Cataclysm
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This section is a lore stub. |
With the coming of the Cataclysm, Varok Saurfang remained in Northrend as commander of a skeleton crew in Warsong Hold.[18] They also had minor involvement in the Twilight Highlands against Cho'gall's forces. They were involved in many of the recent events of the Alliance-Horde war, serving as counterparts of the 7th Legion. Kor'kron warriors also accompanied the newly-appointed Warchief, Garrosh Hellscream, to Mulgore to fight against the quilboar.[19]
Later, just prior to the Ashenvale war, six Kor'kron guards accompanied Garrosh to Bilgewater Harbor to meet with Briln.[20] Later, they accompanied him to Ashenvale to attack the Alliance. At some point during the ferocious battle, one guard warned Garrosh of the danger the Alliance posed. King Varian Wrynn also managed to kill two soldiers. As the Alliance pushed the Horde, Kor'kron guards realized that the battle had been lost, and went to hold and convince the battle-thirsty Garrosh to retreat.[21]
During the last battle against Deathwing, Ka'anu Reevs of the Kor'kron Air Command jumped on the back of the dragon before being tossed to sea moments later.
Mists of Pandaria
By the time of the rediscovery of Pandaria, Warchief Garrosh Hellscream granted the Blackrock clan amnesty, and a formidable amount of them could be found in the Horde.[22] The new leader of the Kor'kron, Malkorok, was also a Blackrock orc. They served as some kind of secret police force to Garrosh, punishing anyone who questioned the warchief.[23][24]
Some Kor'kron had dark gray skin and might have been Blackrocks, like the Kor'kron Assassins.
Landfall
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Two months after the mist collapsed, Garrosh Hellscream, accompanied by his Kor'kron, arrived with the bulk of the Horde fleet and oversaw the construction of Domination Point. However, Garrosh had another clash of opinions with Vol'jin[25] and ordered the troll's outright murder, sending him off on a mission with the Kor'kron and one of Garrosh's assassins.[26] Vol'jin survived the attempt on his life, and it was revealed that Garrosh put the Echo Isles under martial law, sending his Kor'kron forces to round up the Darkspear trolls.[27] However, Thrall and Horde adventurers traveled to the Echo Isles and freed them from their control by killing enough Kor'kron so the Darkspear could overwhelm the rest and take them prisoners.[28]
Malkorok and his Kor'kron later accompanied Garrosh through his entire search for the Divine Bell. After Garrosh learned of the location of the Divine Bell by Shan Kien,[29] he tasked Blademaster Ishi with acquiring it. Ishi led a small force of Kor'kron into the Ruins of Korune where the bell was hidden,[30] only to discover that the night elves had already found the bell and brought it to Darnassus.[31] Later on, Garrosh amassed Horde forces at Emperor's Reach with the Divine Bell, Malkorok, and his Kor'kron in tow.[32] The warchief then rang the bell, turning some of the present Kor'kron into sha, as they could not control the power of the Divine Bell. The bell was then shattered during a showdown between Garrosh and Anduin Wrynn.[33]
Some Kor'kron were present at Domination Point, guarding the fortress. They also participated in the Assault on Zan'vess.
Escalation
- Main article: Kor'kron Commander
At some point, Kor'kron Elites took over the job of guarding Orgrimmar and had an increased presence throughout town.[34] It was also been discovered that the Dark Shaman working in the Ragefire Chasm were a secret part of the Kor'kron.[35]
As the building conflict between Garrosh's loyal Kor'kron and the rebelling forces of Vol'jin's Darkspear Rebellion increased in intensity, Kor'kron troops wearing what looked like a recolored Warsong clan tabard were now operating all over the Northern Barrens, suggesting that at least some Warsong members were also following Garrosh. Some Kor'kron soldiers dropped Indecipherable Plans, hinting that something darker was going on in Orgrimmar.
Siege of Orgrimmar
The Kor'kron composed the Garrosh-loyalists' main army during the Siege of Orgrimmar, joining forces with the Dragonmaw clan to defend the city from the Alliance and the Darkspear Rebellion. Many Kor'kron were slain during the ensuing battles, losing ground to the invaders both above and beneath Orgrimmar. Both Malkorok and General Nazgrim lost their lives in the conflict, as well as many orcs within the Kor'kron's ranks.[36][37]
Following Vol'jin's ascension as warchief, there were not many Kor'kron left due to most of them having sided with Garrosh, and the handful of survivors were all in prisons (save for defectors such as Gakkorg). During Garrosh's trial in Pandaria, Baine Bloodhoof noted that Vol'jin had not yet selected his own special guards but that they would likely include more than a few trolls.[12]
Warlords of Draenor
At the start of the war in Draenor, all of the Kor'kron guards in the Undercity left, leaving only Bragor Bloodfist with the new title of "Hand of the Warchief". Under odd circumstances, the body of Overseer Kraggosh could be found in a cage.
The Warspear Mine Guards on Ashran in alternate Draenor were seen wearing the Kor'kron tabard.
Legion
Following the Battle for Broken Shore, one orc with the Kor'kron tabard was present at the funeral ceremony for Vol'jin seen cheering for his successor, Warchief Sylvanas Windrunner.[38]
During the Burning Legion's third invasion, they became a recruitable option for the Valarjar after the freeing of Eitrigg,[39] and a pair of Kor'kron Headhunters could be seen on board The Sunstrider, escorting Lady Liadrin, Aethas Sunreaver and the adventurer on their venture towards Azuremyst Isle to join the invasion of Argus.[40]
Following the end of the Argus Campaign, the Kor'kron continued to act as elite orc guards of Grommash Hold.[41]
Battle for Azeroth
During the events of the Fourth War, several Kor'kron members were present, notably Commander Mokor who trained Horde soldiers in Dazar'alor and Lieutenant Akaro who participated in the Battle for Stromgarde.
At some point, two Kor'kron guards, a blood elf, and two jungle trolls were seen escorting a shipment through Darkshore woods to the Horde encampment. With the exception of one of the trolls, they were all killed by Malfurion Stormrage and Tyrande Whisperwind.[42]
Exploring Azeroth
Following the war against the Jailer, the brothers Bronzebeard reported that the Kor'kron stronghold Agmar's Hammer in Dragonblight was still active under the leadership of Overlord Agmar.[43]
Heartlands
In the years following the Fourth War, under the command of General Talgar, the Kor'kron were called upon by Overlord Geya'rah to Hammerfall in order to help train and deter action from Stromgarde.
Ten days following the destruction of Dalaran by Xal'atath, Danath Trollbane proposed securing the 7th Legion and the Kor'kron within the Arathi Highlands as their strike force for Khaz Algar. When Thrall, Aggra, and Jaina arrived at the Highlands, they discovered the fallen bodies of a skirmish between the Horde and Alliance. Aggra traveled to Hammerfall, where she sought to stay Geya'rah's hand, while requesting the Kor'kron.
In time, an injured and poisoned Thrall was delivered to Hammerfall by the Kor'kron. After Thrall recovered, Aggra warned that Geya'rah would not grant him an audience. However, when Thrall sought to enter her chambers, the Kor'kron stood aside, making Thrall realize that in the absence of a warchief the Kor'kron would defer to him.
After receiving word that the Alliance were attacking the Go'Shek Farm, Geya'rah gave the order for battle. Even as the Kor'kron charged into battle, both Aggra and Eitrigg revealed that they would stand down if Thrall gave the order. However, Thrall refused as he felt countering Geya'rah's command would only sow chaos on the field and he sought to sway her instead. Thus he took to the battlefield to rendezvous with her, while Aggra was able to recruit the elementals to aid in reducing the fighting, and Jaina Proudmoore did her best in reducing casualties while seeking to stop Regent Marran Trollbane.
Having come to see the battle upon the Go'Shek Farm as one without honor, Geya'rah sounded a horn and called for the Kor'kron and Mag'har to hold and called upon the 7th Legion and Stromic army to do the same. The Alliance followed suit and when Marran protested, she found herself arrested by Danath Trollbane himself, who formally apologized to Thrall, Aggra, and Geya'rah for her actions. With the Kor'kron and 7th Legion now united, Thrall and Jaina now had their strike force.[10]
Notable
- Main article: Category:Kor'kron
Horde
True Horde
| Name | Role(s) | Affiliation(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
  Malkorok
|
Garrosh Hellscream's Right Hand, Leader | Deceased | The Underhold, Siege of Orgrimmar |
| Haromm
|
Dark Shaman | Deceased | Orgrimmar (during Siege of Orgrimmar) |
| Kardris Dreamseeker
|
Dark Shaman | Deceased | Orgrimmar (during Siege of Orgrimmar) |
| Ag'troz
|
Commander | Killable | Northern Barrens (during Battlefield: Barrens) |
| Ruskan Goreblade
|
Commander | Killable | Northern Barrens (during Battlefield: Barrens) |
| Greska
|
Commander | Killable | Northern Barrens (during Battlefield: Barrens) |
| Kar Greyskull
|
Commander | Killable | Northern Barrens (during Battlefield: Barrens) |
| Jessina
|
Commander | Killable | Northern Barrens (during Battlefield: Barrens) |
| Knucklecrusher
|
Commander | Killable | Northern Barrens (during Battlefield: Barrens) |
| Ruka
|
Commander | Killable | Northern Barrens (during Battlefield: Barrens) |
| Se'sha
|
Commander | Killable | Northern Barrens (during Battlefield: Barrens) |
| To'karg
|
Commander | Killable | Northern Barrens (during Battlefield: Barrens) |
Mounts
- The Kor'kron use only the mightiest wolves for their mounts, bedecking them in armor that would break the backs of lesser creatures.[44]
- Vicious in battle and surprisingly loyal,[45] the mighty Kor'kron war scorpion served as the inspiration for the Iron Juggernaut,[46] a mechanical monstrosity that guarded the gates of Orgrimmar during the Siege.
- Bred for their aggressive, unpredictable demeanor by the Kor'kron stablemasters, the Black War Kodos' trumpeting call signifies that blood will soon be shed.[47]
Notes and trivia
- Many members of the Kor'kron wear the Exalted Plate collection. The collection has the same black and gold color scheme as Orgrim Doomhammer's former plate armor, which might imply that the Kor'kron served him before Thrall took the armor and later revived the order.[8]
- Thrall himself was protected by blademasters as his honor guard during the Third War,[48] though the practice had seemingly ended by the times of Cycle of Hatred.
- The Rallying Banners of the Iron Horde in Gorgrond depict the Kor'kron symbol.
- During the Warlords of Draenor beta, the Warspear Blood Guards wore the Kor'kron tabard.
- During the Battle for Azeroth early alpha, the Horde Vanguards were known as Kor'kron Vanguards instead, and even featured hozen.
- During the Iron Horde Incursion in the Blasted Lands, cut rare elite mobs included orcs wearing the Kor'kron tabard, Champion Logor and Elementalist Utrah.
- Since the incursion, Okrilla now wears the Kor'kron tabard as well.
Speculation
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This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.
|
- Many orcish NPCs such as the Orgrimmar Elite Infantrymen, the Orgrimmar Elite Shieldguards, the members of the Okril'lon, the members of Hellscream's Vanguard, Shokia and Sergeant Gorrok were depicted as wearing classic Kor'kron armor. It is possible they were all Kor'kron themselves.
See also
- Kor'kron Annihilator
[Kor'kron Flare Gun]- Kor'kron Troop Transport
- Kor'kron Lumber Crate
- Kor'kron Meat Crate
- Kor'kron Meat Rack
- Kor'kron Oil Barrel
- Kor'kron Oil Drum
- Overturned Kor'kron Caravan
References
- ^ Blood Guard Gulmok#Quotes
- ^ Underdev/Escalation
- ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 123
- ^ World of Warcraft Trading Card Game: The Hunt for Illidan. Blizzard Entertainment. 163: Overlord Or'barokh.
- ^
[25-30] News of Victory
- ^ Captain Gort
- ^
[90] A Little Field Work
- ^ a b c The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm, pg. 179
- ^ [15-35] De-Subjugation
- ^ a b Heartlands
- ^ Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 72
- ^ a b War Crimes, chapter 24
- ^ Cycle of Hatred, epilogue
- ^ The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm, pg. 42
- ^ [25-30] Warchief's Command: Shadowmoon Valley!
- ^ [25-30] A Grunt's Work...
- ^ [15-30] Message from the West
- ^ The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm, pg. 15
- ^ As Our Fathers Before Us
- ^ Wolfheart, chapter 14
- ^ Wolfheart, chapter 28
- ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 114
- ^ Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War, chapter 23
- ^ Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War, Epilogue
- ^ [15-35] Domination Point
- ^ Dagger in the Dark
- ^ [15-35] The Horde Is Family
- ^ [15-35] De-Subjugation
- ^ [15-35] Trapping the Leader
- ^ [15-35] The Ruins of Korune
- ^ [15-35] The Divine Bell
- ^ [15-35] The Bell Speaks
- ^ [15-35] Breath of Darkest Shadow
- ^ Updated Garrosh Model, 5.4 World Changes, Jun 10 Hotfixes, Blue Posts, GW2 Shoutcasts. MMO-Champion (2013-06-13). Retrieved on 2013-06-13.
- ^ Secrets of Ragefire
- ^ General Nazgrim (tactics)
- ^ Malkorok (tactics)
- ^
[10-45] The Battle for Broken Shore - cinematic
- ^
[45] Return of the Battlelord
- ^ [45] Two If By Sea
- ^ Before the Storm, chapter 2
- ^ Terror of Darkshore
- ^ Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 72
- ^ Mount Journal entry for
[Reins of the Kor'kron War Wolf]
- ^ Mount Journal entry for
[Reins of the Kor'kron Annihilator]
- ^ Adventure Guide entry for Iron Juggernaut
- ^ Mount Journal entry for
[Black War Kodo]
- ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, pg. 84