Stormwind Harbor

Stormwind Harbor in Lost Honor.

Stormwind Harbor in-game.

Stormwind Harbor is a large port and shipyard, consisting of a series of wharfs, dry docks, and fortifications located in the northwestern area of Stormwind City, with the access point set between the Park and Cathedral Square districts. The harbor serves as a major strategic base for both the Kingdom of Stormwind and the Alliance navy. Here, many Alliance warships are constructed and fleets assembled; it is likely the largest and most important Alliance naval base in the Great Sea and potentially beyond. From a civilian perspective, transport ships regularly sail from the harbor to numerous other destinations across Azeroth, such as Rut'theran Village in Kalimdor, and Valiance Keep in Northrend.

The harbor has been expanded in recent years and is much safer to enter than in the past.^[1] It is heavily fortified to protect against attack, presumably by the Horde, whose navy is also known to operate off the western coast of the Eastern Kingdoms.^[2] To this end, there are numerous tiered plateaus leading from the harbor up to the city proper, upon which are stationed articles of heavy artillery in the form of cannons (whether on the ground or mounted in towers). Additionally, on the lower tiers, numerous ballistae and steam tanks can be found aimed out to sea.

The Stormwind Harbor Guards is a military subgroup of the Stormwind City Guard, operating and patrolling the Stormwind Harbor. It is necessary for a crew to have regulatory papers to moor at the Stormwind Harbor.^[3] While they are usually killed on sight by the Stormwind Army,^[4] in very rare cases, pirates may obtain a royal pardon for past crimes if they manage to accomplish a mission of great importance to the kingdom. If successful, they will be allowed to moor at the kingdom's harbor.^[5]

History

First War

Stormwind Harbor was in existence at least by the time of the First War. When the Old Horde sacked the city, Anduin Lothar covered the survivors' retreat to the harbor, from where they set sail for Lordaeron, destroying most of the remaining boats to prevent the Horde from following them.^[6]

Scourge Invasion

This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

The Stormwind leadership set up in the harbor during the Scourge's assault.

The harbor after the Scourge Invasion, as seen in Journey Trailer.

Immediately proceeding the commencement of the war against the Lich King, Stormwind Harbor was preemptively attacked by Scourge forces, including frost wyrms and abominations. The Alliance command, including King Varian Wrynn and Highlord Bolvar Fordragon, was set up on top of the harbor's walls, overlooking the battle below. The units on the battlefield consisted of members of the Stormwind Harbor Guards.

Stormrage

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

During the War Against the Nightmare, while the Emerald Nightmare's mist enveloped Stormwind City, the harbor was plunged into darkness.^[7]

Cataclysm

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

During the Elemental Unrest, Twilight's Hammer units were seen at the harbor.

At some point, Bwemba and her party of the Darkspear tribe arrived to the harbor, asking for the help of the Alliance against the Zandalari threat in Stranglethorn Vale. Consequently, a group of harbor guards led by Commander Sharp kept them at bay and sought the help of adventurers to remove them.^[8]

Blood of Our Fathers

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

Each year during the Remembrance Day, the port is full of hulls in every color, shape, and size, as the celebration always brought a host of pilgrims to honor and celebrate humanity's heroes. During the Remembrance Day after Cataclysm, there were even more boats present than usual, as many civilians sought the protection of Stormwind following the ravages caused across Azeroth by Deathwing.^[9]

Tides of War

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

Following the destruction of Theramore at the hands of Warchief Garrosh Hellscream and the Horde, a large Alliance fleet under the command of King Varian Wrynn set sail from Stormwind Harbor with the intention of launching an assault on the orc city of Orgrimmar in response.

Following the conclusion of the battle and the subsequent destruction of much of the fleet, it was revealed that a new armada was under construction in the harbor, the designers utilizing new and improved techniques to ensure the new ships were even better than before.^[10]

Siege of Orgrimmar

This section concerns content related to Mists of Pandaria.

During the final battle with Garrosh Hellscream in the Siege of Orgrimmar (on heroic mode), the Heart of Y'Shaarj notably transported Garrosh's adversaries to Stormwind Harbor. This version of the harbor, however, proved to be one in a dystopian future, where the True Horde has succeeded in overwhelming all opposition, with Stormwind and its harbor in ruins.

Similarly, the [Vision of Time] also grants a vision of the ruined harbor in a possible future. Whether this is the same future as the one presented by the Heart of Y'shaarj is unclear, however, in both visions of Stormwind Harbor, the Alliance and Horde leaders who stood against Garrosh and his True Horde can be seen impaled upon spikes mounted on the seawall.

Legion

This section concerns content related to Legion.

The harbor before the assault on the Broken Shore.

Stormwind Harbor is the launching point for the Alliance forces sent to attack the Broken Shore. Accepting [10-45] Legion: The Legion Returns puts the player into a phased version of the harbor, where the weather is always rainy and gloomy. Ships, soldiers, siege weapons, and flying machines are being prepared by all the races of the Alliance. Several things can be seen there:

Alliance Recruits engaging in a variety of things, like sleeping, training, reading books, or enjoying the last meal before the assault on the Broken Shore. A platoon of them salutes the adventurer as they go to their ship.
Recruiter Lee, Recruiter Barker, and Recruiter Gearburns handling the flow of volunteers looking to join the army.
Officer Carven and Officer Blythe, promoted from the days of the war against the Lich King and discussing the whereabouts of the third fleet.
Gnome engineers working on Gnomeregan Gyrocopters.
Many followers from Lunarfall, such as Archibald Arlison, are present. Several are dueling at the sparring ring. Sergeant Crowler was also there, watching over the followers.
A lecture under the guidance of Matthew Deyling about the various demons of the Burning Legion. Milton Sheaf nearby came with tomes and scrolls from the Royal Library, which he lent to the recruits willing to know about the strengths and weaknesses of the Legion.
Some vendors have come down from the city to sell to the troops. Rebecca Laughlin is selling her tabards and Owen Vaughn reagents. Lenny "Fingers" McCoy, thus far standing around idly in the Old Town, is now trying to con recruits with his "lucky charms".
Len-Shu, Su-Lai Snowpetal and Haomi preparing a banquet of dumplings, baked fish, fried rice, ribs, baked fowl and grilled fish for the recruits. All three used to be available as followers for both sides in WoD, come Legion, they seem to have sided with the Alliance.
The humongous DX-9000 Spider Tank "Legionkiller".
Loranea, Voraatios the Benedictive and Bemora with their Light-Infused Crystals from the Exodar, which were used to enhance the weapons of those going to fight the demons.
Alasdair Whitepeak, Brother Zuo, Kinndy Brightsocket and Doc Lightspanner working on blessing bandages for the front. Interestingly, Brother Zuo used to be a Horde follower at Frostwall.
Gussof Forgefire and Tasha Highfoot preparing high-quality armor polish for the troops.
Thurgrum Deepforge and his Ironforge Blastsmiths delivering cannons and cannonballs forged at the Great Forge to Clavicus Knavingham, Stormwind quartermaster.
Duke August Foehammer and a platoon of 7th Legion Submariners.
Captain Angelica (and her First Mate Tidesong)'s battleship. Knight Dameron, ex-Wintergrasp quartermaster, is standing by the ship.

Battle for Azeroth

This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

Please add any available information to this section.
After the Burning of Teldrassil, many night elf and worgen refugees found haven in Stormwind and can be found on and near the northern dock. Night elf ships, including the one to Rut'theran Village, have been retired and replaced with ships from Kul Tiras under the direction of the new dockmaster Aron Kyleson who is in charge of the Relentless, a transport ship for diplomats coming from Boralus.^[1]

The ship to Rut'theran Village was retired, with a new ship to Boralus in Kul Tiras taking its place.

After the Alliance captured Princess Talanji and Prophet Zul of the Zandalari Empire, Talanji's ship was placed within the harbor. Thus, when the Horde led a strike team into the city to rescue the captured Zandalari, they would make haste to docks. En route, they clashed with Alliance soldiers who were returning from the Battle for Lordaeron before ultimately being confronted by Jaina Proudmoore. However, before a battle could commence, Zul revealed that he set Stormwind aflame. With Stormwind burning, Jaina rushed to join efforts in putting out the fires, while the Horde and Zandalari were able to make their way to Talanji's ship and escape to Zuldazar. Despite this, six Alliance ships followed them, but only one returned as the others were destroyed by the Golden Fleet.^[11]

As the war progressed, many deceased Alliance soldiers were laid here.^[12]

Features

Lighthouse

Stormwind Harbor lighthouse

A short distance from the mainland, northwest of the harbor itself, sits the lighthouse. Naturally, the lighthouse serves to guide the many ships into the harbor using its powerful light which is perpetually shining. The lighthouse is one of the key features of the harbor and is visible from almost all areas of it.

It has sat empty for some time, since the harbor has become much safer to enter in recent years. A tombstone, supposedly that of a former keeper and whose inscription has faded over time, is present behind it.^[1] In truth, the bloodied crown of King Terenas Menethil is buried here, likely done so by refugees of Lordaeron,^[13] or possibly by Thoras Trollbane.

Wharfs

The harbor wharfs

Stormwind Harbor contains several wharfs and jetties protruding into the bay. It is from these that the ships entering and leaving the harbor dock and launch from. The wharfs serve both a civilian and military function, as vessels associated with both are known to regularly make use of them. Notably, the southernmost dock appears to be both operated and guarded by Darnassus, it serving as the link between the human and night elf capitals.

The gate

The contents behind the large gate in the harbor, which is located on its northern face, is currently unknown. Due to the similarity it shares with hangers, it is possible that it is used to build or house Alliance gunships. This is also supported by the fact that there are currently no known locations where these airships are made, despite the Alliance possessing at least several of them. Whatever is truly behind the gate, it must be of some great import or value, judging by its impressive security.

Dry docks

The harbor is also home to a set of dry docks. These docks are responsible for the creation and maintenance of warships in the Alliance navy and can be found in the harbor's northwest, near to the lighthouse. The docks appear to be currently specializing in dealing with the powerful Icebreaker class of destroyers, which were first used in the campaign in Northrend.

Harbor fortress

The fortress has a commanding view of the entire harbor

As part of the harbor's potent defenses, a fortress is located at the highest tier, with a commanding view of the entire port. it is located on the edge of the Stormwind City Cemetery and boasts a range of cannons protruding from its interior. Similar to the other fortifications, the fortress' primary function appears to be to ward off any assault on the harbor - or the city - from the sea, although it may also function as a guardhouse for the harbor guards.

Travel connections

The Relentless pulling out of the harbor.

Boat

Rut'theran Village from southern dock (before Burning of Teldrassil)
Boralus from southern dock (after Burning of Teldrassil)
Valiance Keep from northern dock

Note: During the quest [30-35] Call of Duty, the boat to Valiance Keep is phased out and inaccessible, replaced with the mercenary ship going to Vashj'ir. If you need a ride to Valiance Keep, either complete the Vashj'ir quest first or abandon it and reaccept it later.

Portal

Darkshore from southern dock (after Burning of Teldrassil)

Points of interest

The Assurance (Repair, General Goods, Reagents, Food & Drink)

Inhabitants

Excludes The Assurance.

Guards

Trainers

(Night elf dock)

Sheldras Moontree <Druid Trainer>
Nara Meideros <Priest Trainer>

NPCs

Mobs

Bluetip Thresher

Removed

Auberdine Sentinel (night elf dock)
Nayura <Dockmaster>

Notes and trivia

The Crustacean sailed from Gadgetzan to the Harbor every week.^[14] At some point after the Cataclysm, it was destroyed by Malus and his Hidden.^[15]
Stormwind City is the only capital city containing a harbor within the city boundaries; sea access to Darnassus is through Rut'theran Village, which is not located within the city itself. Stormwind is also the only capital city with an open waterfront within its city boundaries.
Approximately every half hour, a Prisoner disembarks from The Bravery and is escorted by four Stormwind City Guards to the Stormwind Stockade.
Thargold Ironwing offers a free scenic gryphon tour around the harbor, but also uses this cover to keep an eye out for anything that could be useful to SI:7.^[1]
The gatehouse granting access to the harbor was built by human, dwarven, and gnomish construction workers all under the supervision of Foreman Wick.
The waters around the harbor are inhabited by hostile Bluetip Threshers.
Greydon Thorne and Ceya Northbrooke first met here more than 12 years^[16] before the Cataclysm.
Steven Allen is stationed behind the boats, and is taking a day off after his big work on the Stormwind Harbor, because he technically made it. Steven Allen is a Senior 3D Artist at Blizzard Entertainment who designed the harbor.

Gallery

The harbor gatehouse being built (patch 2.4.3).
The harbor gatehouse being built (patch 2.4.3).
The harbor gatehouse finished (patch 3.0)
The harbor pre-Cataclysm.
A huge gate, probably a Hangar.
Side view of the harbor.
A cannoneer gazing at the harbor lighthouse, beside one of the harbor's numerous cannons.
The harbor dry docks, where two Icebreakers are being processed.
Steam tanks being prepared in the harbor.
The fishing is great in Stormwind City!
In Lost Honor.
The Bravery departing the docks.