User:AJF3876/Sandbox
- Humans, night elves, dwarves, gnomes, draenei, and the savage worgen make up the illustrious Alliance. Proud and noble, courageous and wise, these races work together to preserve order in Azeroth. The Alliance is driven by honor and tradition. Its rulers are champions of justice, hope, knowledge, and faith.
- In a time when chaos and uncertainty reign, the Alliance remains steadfast in its determination to bring light to the darkest corners of the world.[1]
The Alliance (aka Grand Alliance[2]) is one of two major political factions of the mortal races in Azeroth, its counterpart being the Horde. The Alliance consists of powerful cultures and groups bound not by desperation or necessity, but by their deep commitments to abstract concepts like nobility and justice.[3] The Alliance was once also known as the Alliance of Lordaeron when its leadership was centered in Lordaeron. However, the Alliance was forced to move the bulk of its forces to Kalimdor and to the southern Eastern Kingdoms continents of Khaz Modan and Azeroth after a plague of undeath destroyed the Kingdom of Lordaeron several years ago. It has since lost many members as well as gained new allies.
Membership
Major members
Human Nations
Human - Humans are the primary race of the Alliance, making up the bulk of its numbers and being the glue that hold it together. Forging bonds with the other races of the Eastern Kingdoms, humans are a race which show their capabilities with both diplomatic solutions and conflict.
- They are strongest in the Eastern Kingdoms. Humans also hold a colonial presence in both Northrend and Kalimdor.
All human nations are members of the Alliance:
- Lordaeron - One of the founding members of the Alliance of Lordaeron, spearheading its armies throughout the Second War and beyond. Currently the de-facto head of the Alliance, Lordaeron is its most powerful member nation, although Stormwind's re-rise to prominence is beginning to change that. Lordaeron's capital is Lordaeron, located in the Tirisfal Glades on the north shores of Lordamere Lake.
- Led by
King Arthas Menethil. - Scarlet Crusade - An order of religious soldiers devoted to the protection and safe-keeping of Lordaeron's lands. Led by Alexandros Mograine.
- Knights of the Silver Hand - A group of the most powerful human paladins who task themselves with ensuring the Alliance's militaries remain powerful whilst not forsaking the ideals of The Light.
- Led by
- Stormwind - Originally the most powerful human kingdom, Stormwind is both the youngest and most war-torn kingdom as of the current age, having been destroyed during the First War and rebuilt after its liberation at the end of the Second War. Well on its way to becoming the most powerful human kingdom once again, Stormwind golden age is only just beginning, and its armies and economy grow only stronger. Stormwind's capital is Stormwind City, located in the northwestern part of Elwynn Forest.
- Led by
King Varian Wrynn. - Morgan's Militia - A small group trying to claim Blackrock Mountain for Morgan, whose family historically held the lands before they were driven out.
- Night Watch - A Stormwind militia organization dedicated to the protection of Duskwood, which has seen a curse descend upon the area in recent years.
- Stormwind Fleet - Stormwind holds one of the most powerful Alliance fleets, and this fleet allows its power projection capabilities to expand tremendously.
- Led by
- Gilneas - The most uneasy and stubborn member of the Alliance, Gilneas initially only remained after the Second War because of a compromise where it would gain trade concessions from Alterac. The most industrial and modern human nation, Gilneas is a powerful state, and the racist attitudes of its denizens towards non-humans (though these racist thoughts are held less towards allied races like high elves and dwarves and more towards orcs and night elves) is a well-known feature that distinguishes Gilnean people. Though Gilneas was initially a reluctant member, its attitudes have grown more cordial towards the Alliance in recent years. Gilneas' capital is Greymane City, located in the center of the Gilnean peninsula.
- Led by
King Genn Greymane
- Led by
- Stromgarde - A founding member of the Alliance, Stromgarde is the direct successor to the most ancient human state, Arathor. Led by the Trollbane family since the exile of the Arathi bloodline, Stromgarde has cultivated a martial personality and its soldiers are renowned as the bravest and proudest of the human nations. Stromgarde's capital is Stromgarde, located in the southwestern part of the Arathi Highlands.
- Led by
King Galen Trollbane
- Led by
- Kul Tiras - A merchant and marine orientated nation, Kul Tiras has been one of the Alliance's staunchest supporters since the Alliance was founded. Possessing the most powerful navy in the world, Kul Tiras' culture has naturally been sea-orientated, being an island nation. Lending its powerful marines and navy to the Alliance's assistance, Kul Tiras was a major contributing force in driving away Horde forces from the Baradin Bay during the Second War. Kul Tiras' capital is Boralus, located on the western coast of the island of Kul Tiras.
- Led by
King Daelin Proudmoore
- Led by
- Dalaran - A city-state run by mages, Dalaran is powerful for its small size and its mages and wizards have been valued parts of Alliance forces since the Second War. Although Dalaran suffered and part of it was razed by Teron Gorefiend and his forces in their search for artifacts, Dalaran has largely recovered and is still a staunch supporter of the Alliance. Dalaran is a city-state just south of Lordamere Lake and lying nestled between the Alterac Mountains, Silverpine Forest and the Hillsbrad Foothills.
- Led by
Archmage Antonidas. - Kirin Tor - The Kirin Tor are the ruling body of Dalaran and the most powerful organization of wizards, mages and sorcerers in the world. Dedicated to the acquisition and discovery of magical artifacts around the world, most of Dalaran's proven magi find themselves joining this organization sooner or later.
- Led by
- Alterac - The weakest human kingdom, Alterac has been beset by troubles in recent years. Having collaborated with the orcs during the Second War, Alterac was swiftly occupied by the forces of Stromgarde and Lordaeron. Losing its eastern lands to Stromgarde, many of its trade amenities to Gilneas, and having Lordaeron appoint its ruler, Alterac has since then slowly been attempting to regain its prestige as a loyal member of the Alliance under the leadership of King Aliden Perenolde, who distances himself from his father as much as possible and retains a staunch hatred of orcs. Alterac's capital is Alterac, located in the central valley of the Alterac Mountains.
- Led by King Aliden Perenolde
- Led by
Horse - For centuries the humans have been using horses as mounts.
Kingdom of Ironforge
Dwarf - The Kingdom of Ironforge consists mainly out of the Bronzebeard Clan of dwarves, which still reside in the ancient city of all dwarven clans. They pledged themselves to the Alliance following the Bleeding Hollow's invasion of Khaz Modan. After the War of the Three Hammers, the Bronzebeards gained dominance over all of the city of Ironforge. Providing their engineering, metal-working and crafting prowess to the Alliance, the Kingdom of Ironforge is among the most powerful Alliance members and is a vital part of the Alliance's forces.
- The Kingdom of Ironforge controls several settlements in Khaz Modan.
- Led by
King Magni Bronzebeard. - Bronzebeard dwarf - Long ago, the Bronzebeards gained dominance over all of the city of Ironforge and the vast majority of Khaz Modan, establishing the Kingdom of Ironforge and becoming the most powerful dwarven clan. Focusing on industry, engineering, metal-working and crafting, the Bronzebeard dwarves have always had a penchant for such delights and share their works with the Alliance.
- Explorers' League - A group of explorers and archaeologists working to uncover the secrets of the dwarves heritage and, to a lesser extent, that of the other races. Having set up outposts around the world for this task, their work is currently most focused on Uldaman.
- Stormpike clan - A respected dwarven clan, they are well known for their fine and discerning tastes and for being affiliated with the Kingdom of Ironforge.
Wildhammer dwarf - Based in Aerie Peak, Hinterlands. Formerly they lived in Ironforge and for a brief period after that, occupied Grim Batol as their capital; both were abandoned after a series of civil wars with the other dwarven clans. More rustic and outside-orientated than their Bronzebeard cousins, they Bronzebeards and Wildhammers nevertheless share a special friendship and get along quite well, with both sharing a mutual disdain for the hostile Dark Iron dwarves.
Gryphon - The Wildhammer train Gryphons to act as mounts and companions.
Ram - The Dwarves, living in the high mountains of Khaz Modan, have tamed and befriended the native rams, whom they use as mounts.
Gnomeregan
Gnome - Cousins of the dwarves, the gnomes have been allies of the Alliance since its inception. Contributing their technological prowess to the Alliance's armies, the gnomes were initially represented by the dwarves of Ironforge. However, in recent years, recognizing their influence (with the gnomish population around 1/4th that of the dwarves at this point) and contributions, the gnomes were granted their own representative on the Alliance Council.
- Led by
High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque. - Gnomish outposts can be found in Blade's Edge Mountains in Outland and the Borean Tundra in Northrend.
Mechanostrider - The highly intelligent and resilient gnomes have devised their own unique robotic mount to use: the mechanostrider.
Kingdom of Quel'Thalas
High elf - The high elves have lived in their enchanted homeland of Quel'Thalas since the exile of their highborne ancestors millennia before. Having forged a bond with humans during the Troll Wars, the high elves answered their oath to aid the humans though begrudgingly. They fully mobilized their forces after the orcs directly attacked their lands, and though they have scaled back their support of the Alliance, they do still attend its Council meetings as full members and do provide powerful military contributions. Quel'Thalas' capital is Silvermoon, located on the northern coast of the Eversong Woods.
- Led by King Anasterian Sunstrider.
- Magisters - The primary magic users of Quel'Thalas, they serve as one of the three major factions in the government of Quel'Thalas. The Magisters are by far the oldest group working within' Quel'Thalas, with the founders of Quel'Thalas being mages before they honed their skills in archery and martial combat.
- Led by
Grand Magister Rommath.
- Led by
- Farstriders - A group of high elves devoted to safeguarding the land of Quel'Thalas and its people, the Farstriders are a group of rangers and archers who have undoubtedly awe-inspiring skills with archery and hunting. Serving as one of the three major factions in the government of Quel'Thalas, the Farstriders are typically engaged in disagreements with the Magisters.
- Sun Knights - The smallest ad most recently created faction in Quel'Thalas' government, The Sun Knights are Silvermoon's order of high elf paladins, and they are largely a product of Magister creation. Typically being the tie breaking voice in disagreements between the Magisters and the Farstriders, the Sun Knights are renowned for their devotion to the safety of the high elven people.
- Led by
Lady Liadrin.
- Led by
- The High Elves control directly several outposts of notable size outside of Thalassian lands. The most sizeable of them are Quel'Danil Lodge in the Hinterlands, Quel'Lithien Lodge in the Eastern Darrow Region and Farstrider Lodge in Loch Modan.
The High elves have formed bonds with several species native to their enchanted lands:
Hawkstrider - For millennia, the Hawkstriders of Quel'Thalas have been the high elves traditional mounts, serving them well through any use they may have.
Dragonhawk - The majestic dragonhawks of the Isle of Quel'Danas have been tamed and used as flying mounts by the high elves for almost as long as the hawkstriders.
Mountain giant[4] - Some assisted the elves during the Third War.
Faerie dragon[5] - These magical beasts act as companions to the elves.
Saber - The Nightsabers are the traditional mounts of the Sentinels.
Hippogryphs[6] - Intelligent creatures the elves use as mounts.
Bog beast - Although a rarity, one does serve the Alliance.
Night Elves were able to produce the following during the events of the Third War:
- Mountain giant[7] - Some assisted the elves during the Third War.
Chimaera[8] - these noble beasts gave the elves air support in the Third War.
Azuremyst Draenei
Draenei - Refugees of the eredar race fleeing their corrupted brethren, seeking allies to fight against the Burning Legion. They lived on Draenor until the orcish onslaught, and fled from the Legion and the forces of Illidan Stormrage by stealing the Exodar, one of the satellites of Tempest Keep. Current capital is the Exodar, located in the western portion of Azuremyst Isle, off the coast of northern Kalimdor.
- Led by the Prophet
Velen. - Draenei outposts include Azure Watch on Azuremyst Isle, Blood Watch on Bloodmyst Isle, Forest Song (jointly with the night elves) in Ashenvale, the Harborage in the Swamp of Sorrows, the Temple of Telhamat in Hellfire Peninsula, and Telredor in Zangarmarsh.
Broken - A sect of the Broken have also joined their unmutated brethren, under the leadership of Farseer Nobundo. Some Broken in the Alliance serve as shaman, like Nobundo, and some work as laborers within the Exodar itself.
Elekk - The draenei have brought with them their huge elekk beasts from Outland, whom they use as mounts.
Nation of Gilneas
Worgen - Formerly one of the strongest of the human nations, Gilneas was one of the founding members of the Alliance of Lordaeron, sealing itself off from the world after the Second War to avoid being brought into "other people's conflicts". Eventually the Worgen managed to breach the land and started spreading their curse among much of the populace. They officially rejoined the Alliance when the Night Elves managed to save them from invading Forsaken. Long-time capital was Gilneas City in central Gilneas. Following the Cataclysm and the invasion of Gilneas, the survivors have settled in the night elf capital of Darnassus, at the Howling Oak.
Human - Not all members of Gilneas became worgen, some remain as pure humans.
- Led by King Genn Greymane.
- Other towns include Duskhaven, Stormglen and Keel Harbor in Gilneas, Surwich in the Blasted Lands, Talonbranch Glade in Felwood and Raven Hill in Duskwood.[9]
- The Gilneas Liberation Front consists of Gilneans who stayed behind to protect their homeland.
Tushui Pandaren
Pandaren - Tushui are a pandaren faction of the Wandering Isle, that has decided to join the Alliance ranks, considering the coalition's code of conduct very similiar to their own. Tushui are living a venerable life through meditation, rigorous training, and moral conviction. They don't have their own capital city, but most of them made their home in the human city of Stormwind, along with their leader who can teach aspiring monks of the Alliance their famed combat techniques.
- Led by Aysa Cloudsinger.
Alliance Forces
- Azeroth Forces
The uneasy truce between the Alliance and the Horde in the aftermath of the Third War was soon broken when several battlegrounds between various forces of the factions have erupted:
- League of Arathor - The main force of the nation of Stromgarde. In order to supply their war to reclaim the Arathi Highlands (and help supply themselves and The Alliance with valuable resources) the League has invaded the Arathi Basin along with Forsaken forces, with whom they fight vigorously over the rich land. Led formerly by Sir Maximus Adams and currently by Radulf Leder.
- Stormpike Guard - A dwarven expedition to the Valley of Alterac in order to search for relics and treasures from the past, have led to open war with the orcs of the Frostwolf clan that resides in the southern parts of the same valley. Led by General Vanndar Stormpike and based in Dun Baldar.
- Silverwing Sentinels - The continuous deforesting efforts of the Warsong Orcs that have settled in southern Ashenvale have left the sentinels no choice. The Silverwing sentinels wing was appointed to begin a massive push of the orcs out of the elven homelands. Led by Su'ura Swiftarrow and based in Silverwing Grove.
- Baradin's Wardens - A fierce army that has historic ties to the island stronghold of Tol Barad. They have joined the forces of the Alliance in an effort to repel the Horde, gain control of the strategic island and re-open the island to serve as a prison once again. Led formerly by Duke Reginald Baradin II and currently by Marcus Johnson.
- Outland
- The Sons of Lothar – Remaining members of the former Alliance Expedition to Draenor following the Second War, who were joined by the new forces of the Alliance with the re-opening of the Dark Portal.
- Consists mainly of humans, high elves (Quel'Thalas's rangers) and Wildhammer dwarves.
- Stationed mainly in Honor Hold in Hellfire Peninsula, Allerian Stronghold in Terokkar Forest and the Wildhammer Stronghold in Shadowmoon Valley.
- The Kurenai, or "Redeemed", a surviving clan of Broken draenei residing in Outland, Nagrand. They are led by Arechron.
- The Alliance Vanguard.
- Valiance Expedition - The main forces of the Alliance expedition to Northrend, led previously by Highlord Bolvar Fordragon.
- 7th Legion - A group of Alliance veterans from past wars bent on fighting the threat of Naxxramas in Dragonblight.
- Westfall Brigade - Veteren soldiers of the old People's Militia, they are charged with finding a safe route into northern Northrend territories.
- The Silver Covenant - A militant core of high elves that have united under the banner of Vereesa Windrunner who opposed Dalaran's acceptance of the blood elves. They join the Alliance forces in Northrend.
The Frostborn - They reside in the Storm Peaks, a lost race of dwarves led by Yorg Stormheart (who is actually Muradin Bronzebeard with a serious amnesia), and after succeeded by Velog Icebellow.
- Frosthold is their home city and primary base.
- The Frostborn have a special bond with the Stormcrest Eagles of the Storm Peaks.
- The Explorers' League, led by Brann Bronzebeard, searches for rare artifacts and digs into dwarven history.
- Valiance Expedition - The main forces of the Alliance expedition to Northrend, led previously by Highlord Bolvar Fordragon.
Pearlfin Jinyu - A faction of jinyu that has made their home in Jade Forest and was in constant war against the Hozen. They were the first natives encountered by the Alliance survivors that have shipwrecked on Pandaria's shores. Though initially distrustful of strangers, they became part of the Alliance forces, after it was discovered that Hozen are already in league with the Horde.
Other members and allies
The furbolgs of Stillpine Hold.
- Led by High Chief Stillpine, the Stillpines have been cooperating with the draenei, an outgrowth of their good relations with the night elves.
High elf - A few high elves have chosen to join the Alliance in recent years (to the chagrin of the Alliance's new elven allies), though their compliance in the secession from the Alliance of Lordaeron following the Second War has resulted in bitter memories.[10] They can be found scattered in Stormwind and Theramore, and minor settlements.
- The High Elves of Dalaran, presumably led by Vereesa Windrunner.
- The High Elves of Quel'Danil Lodge, presumably led by Jalinde Summerdrake.
- The High Elves of Allerian Stronghold led by Auric Sunchaser, who is also the High elves representative at the Sunwell.
- The Scarlet renegades, based in the Scarlet Monastery.
- Rebels that want to take control of the Scarlet Crusade with the support of the Alliance.
- According to their crazed leader, their goal is the transformation of the Undercity into a "Scarlet paradise".
- Led by Joseph.
- The feral worgen of the Bloodfang pack.
- Led by Packleader Ivar Bloodfang, the Bloodfang pack allied themselves with the Gilneas Liberation Front and the Stormpike Guard in the war against the Forsaken.
The Wintersaber Trainers in Winterspring are group of night elven elite saber riders that provide their mounts to members of the Alliance who prove themselves worthy.
Former members and allies
- Kingdom of Alterac - Alterac was one of the founding kingdoms of the Alliance, however it turned out Alterac had betrayed the Alliance and had been assisting the Horde since the beginning of the Second War. Alterac would later continue to oppose the Alliance; first by lending aid to the Horde of Draenor, later by forming the Syndicate and attacking Stromgarde.
- Led by Aliden Perenolde
Kingdom of Quel'Thalas - Dealt a devastating blow during the Scourge invasion of Quel'Thalas, the bulk of the surviving high elves took up the name "blood elves," the most powerful of which (led by Kael'thas Sunstrider) joined their former human and dwarven allies for a brief tenure in service of what was dubbed the "New Alliance." After strained relations wrought on by racial mistrust, the blood elves were slated for death, and subsequently fled to Outland. Regardless, the regency of Quel'Thalas engaged in diplomatic relations with the modern Alliance, though ultimately opted to join the reformed Horde instead.[11]
- Led by
Kael'thas Sunstrider; later led by 
Lor'themar Theron.
- Led by
Kingdom of Dalaran - declared neutrality in the war against the Lich King. Though the kingdom is officially neutral some members remain to help the Alliance.
- Led by Kirin Tor
The fierce and cruel Grimtotem tribe Tauren of the Grimtotem Post in Stonetalon Mountains. This cooperation has disappeared, for the Alliance had plans to end Darkcloud's life.[12]
- Led by Grundig Darkcloud.
- Led by
Laughing Skull clan - Temporarily allied themselves with the Alliance Expedition on Draenor. In exchange for helping the Laughing Skull clan defeat the opposing clans and dominate the northern reaches of Draenor, Mogor would lend the Expedition his soldiers and give them the Book of Medivh. Surprisingly, Mogor was true to his word though he was ultimately left behind when Draenor was torn apart. The Orc Members of the Laughing Skull ended up turned into Fel Orcs and Mogor(or a similarly named ogre) ended up killed in the Ring of Blood Arena.
Non-factional races and hybrids
- The half-humans of the Grand Alliance.
- Many are a part of the Alliance and the most reside in Stormwind.
Many half-elves are members of the Alliance.
Some half-orcs are members of the Alliance.
Notable Leaders
King Terenas Menethil II
Lord Anduin Lothar
Uther The Lightbringer- High King Anasterian Sunstrider
- Prince Arthas Menethil
- King Magni Bronzebeard
- King Varian Wrynn
High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind
Arch-Druid Malfurion Stormrage
Lady Jaina Proudmoore
The Council of Three Hammers
King Genn Greymane- High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque
- Prophet Velen
- Archmage Antonidas
- Grand Admiral Daelin Proudmoore
High General Turalyon- King Thoras Trollbane
| History | Second War | Third War | Grand Alliance | Cataclysm | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruler | Lordaeron | Terenas Menethil II Uther the Lightbringer | ||||||
| Stormwind | Varian Wrynn | Bolvar Fordragon Anduin Wyrnn Katrana Prestor / Onyxia |
Varian Wrynn | |||||
| Ironforge | Magni Bronzebeard | The Council of Three Hammers | ||||||
| Gnomeregan | Gelbin Mekkatorque | |||||||
| Theramore | Jaina Proudmoore | |||||||
| Darnassus | Tyrande Whisperwind | Tyrande Whisperwind Malfurion Stormrage | ||||||
| Exodar | Prophet Velen | |||||||
| Gilneas | Genn Greymane | Genn Greymane | ||||||
History
Alliance of Lordaeron
- Main article: Alliance of Lordaeron
The Alliance of Lordaeron was the union of the seven human kingdoms, along with the dwarves of Khaz Modan (which also included the gnomes of Gnomeregan) and Aerie Peak, the high elves of Quel'Thalas, and others with major political influence including the Church of the Holy Light.
Aftermath of the Second Invasion
Events of the Second Invasion led to an alliance with both the night elves and the Horde. The former became permanent, while the latter did not.
In the absence of his liege Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider, the regent of Quel'Thalas, Lor'themar Theron, looked into a number of potential alliances, though after failed renegotiations with the Alliance, opted not to rejoin it a third time -- instead allying with the reformed Horde. A small number of high elves who did not become sin'dorei have chosen to rejoin the Alliance in recent times.[13] However, the night elves in particular took it upon themselves to warn their new Alliance allies of the high elves; the Highborne's part in bringing about the War of the Ancients figured heavily in the night elves' retelling of high elf history.[14]
A few years later, the draenei joined the Alliance. Stranded a world away from home, they are trying to establish a new base on Azeroth from the wreckage of the Exodar as well as gain the trust and cooperation of the Alliance.
During the events of the Cataclysm, another race joined the ranks of the Alliance; the worgen of Gilneas.
Organization
The Alliance is not a uniform governmental body, but is a coalition of mutual military and economic aid. Stormwind is described as the most powerful force in the now multiracial Alliance and has thus been charged with maintaining the Alliance and its treaties.[15] It has also been shown to be the most influential kingdom and therefore the de facto driving force of Alliance politics. During the Alliance Elemental Invasion Meeting, Stormwind was where the main super powers of the Alliance conferred to discuss world issues and mutual defense. The majority of Alliance citizens also recognizes Stormwind City as the heart of the Alliance.[16]
King Varian Wrynn coordinates the workings of the Alliance's armies in order to safeguard the Alliance's interests and defense. To help him with this task, Varian regularly confers with Grand Admiral Jes-Tereth (commander of the Alliance's fleets), Alliance battlemasters, and diplomats. But the most important asset to King Varian's rule is the support of Ironforge, which holds an almost equal amount of political clout as Stormwind in Alliance politics.[17]
Even now, as always, humans are the glue that hold the Alliance together, being the most numerous and diplomatic of the member races. The armies of Stormwind are stationed through out the Eastern Kingdoms, trying to retake regions such as Duskwood, Westfall, and The Redridge mountains. The armies of Ironforge are mainly stationed in Khaz Modan along with their gnome allies, and the night elven armies are mainly defending northern Kalimdor from Horde's deforestation of the Ashenvale. The remaining draenei forces are still trying to secure their new home on Azuremyst Isle, and are also stationed in Outland. The recently brought in Gilnean armies are defending themselves from the endless onslaught of the Forsaken.
The Unification
Proud and noble, courageous and wise, the Alliance races work together to preserve order in Azeroth. The Alliance is driven by honor and tradition and are bound together by a sense of brotherhood. The races of the Alliance look out for one another. Every member is expected to provide aid to Alliance members in need, whether they be human, gnome, or draenei. When united against a common foe, their loyalty to one another and their resolve becomes unquestionable.[18]
The Humans can be considered the main race of the Alliance. Ever since the Alliance was created, humans have made up its bulk. When the human nation of Lordaeron learned of the fall of Stormwind, the human kingdoms strategically united to form the Alliance of Lordaeron and finally end the threat of the vile orcish Horde. Even when the Scourge ravaged Lordaeron, the devastated human kingdoms sought refuge in the southern kingdoms, with many brought under the protection and security of the restored Kingdom of Stormwind. The humans eventually regrouped and made Stormwind City the heart of the new Alliance. Under the heroic leadership of King Varian Wrynn, humanity seeks to forge a new destiny for Azeroth. A destiny that many hope will usher in an age of lasting peace for the Alliance.
The Bronzebeard Dwarves could be thought of as humanity's most loyal allies. After the Horde invaded the lands of Khaz Modan in the Second War, the dwarves joined the Alliance of Lordaeron to repel them. Ever since then, they have remained stalwart allies to protect Khaz Modan and all of Azeroth itself. They live in the city of Ironforge, ready to lend a hand to the Alliance whenever called upon. They are also closely tied with the Wildhammer Dwarves, who assisted the Alliance of Lordaeron as well by providing them with the air support that they used to combat Red Dragons. The only clan that did not pledge themselves to the Alliance was the Dark Iron Clan: a group of dwarves that declared war on their other clans for reasons of the past. However after the Shattering, a small faction of them have joined the Alliance under Queen Moira Bronzebeard to provide their sorcery and their strength.
The Gnomes are very close friends to the dwarves; even sharing the lands of Khaz Modan with them. When the dwarves joined the Alliance, the gnomes also agreed to lend their technology to the Alliance of Lordaeron. Although they were represented by leaders of their dwarf friends and had no independent voice, they still played a vital part in the war by providing submarines and flying machines for the war effort. During the Third War, the Alliance of Lordaeron called on them for aid. Yet they were forced to decline because they were suffering from their own internal problems. Gnomeregan, the gnomes capital city, was invaded by the deformed troggs. A great betrayal by Sicco Thermaplugg instigated their exile from their homeland. After the Scourge purged Lordaeron, the gnomes who were driven from their homes sought refuge in Ironforge and offered their services to their allies once again. Without their capital city, the gnomes looked to Ironforge for shelter and a location to plan the retaking of their once great kingdom. After the Shattering, their High Tinker, Gelbin Mekkatorque, liberated the surface of Gnomeregan. Grateful to their allies for the hospitality given to them in their time of need, the gnomes have become more dedicated to the Alliance than ever before. They have even begun to adopt the teachings of the Holy Light, the primary religion of their allied neighbors.
The Night Elves are the first of the Alliance not to join during the Second War but instead they had assisted the Alliance (and Horde) in ending the Third War and defeating Archimonde. Although it is not known if they had just kept this Alliance and were declared official members or joined the Alliance at a later date. The night elves also make up the bulk of the Alliance forces in Kalimdor, their ancestral lands. Conflict over the rights to Ashenvale has strained the relationship between the Horde and the night elves; evaporating what ever tenuous pact remained between them during the Third War.
The Draenei ("Exiled Ones" in their native tongue) are a peaceful race hailing from the planet Argus. The draenei (formely known as "Ereder") were approached by the lord of the Burning Legion, Sargeras and were promised power and wealth in exchange for servitude. Though the offer tempted many, the prophet Velen sensed a trick. He was later approached by one of the wise Naaru, who revealed to Velen the Burning Legion's destructive agenda and advised him to lead his people away and help assemble the fabled Army of Light: a force destined to combat the Burning Legion. Velen, with some doubt, led a faction of his Ereder away from Argus and traveled through many worlds; trying to evade the Burning Legion's wrath and working to turn the Burning Legion's prophetical defeat into a reality. They eventually crash landed onto the planet of Draenor: the home of the orcish race. For a while, the orcs and draenei lived in peace. Yet that peace ended when the Burning Legion found where the draenei had been hiding. The Legion then sowed distrust into the orcs and used them to try to wipe out their draenei neighbors. The orcs were deceived into adopting many of the Burning Legion's demonic magics and fell into a war mongering state. The orcs formed the vile Horde, nearly annihilated the draenei and warred and conquered many of the species on Draenor. The surviving draenei escaped extinction by fleeing world to world again on their Exodar. Years later, a hijacking of their ship by blood elves forced them to crash land on Azeroth; more specifically the Azuremyst Isles. With them stranded in this new world, the draenei sought allies in the Alliance. When the Dark Portal reopened, the draenei offered their services in the Alliance's crusade against the Burning Legion in Outland. After the war, many kept their pledge of friendship to the Alliance, although some stayed in Outland to heal their former adopted home world and those they left behind.
The Worgen are actually former humans from the nation of Gilneas. They had given the Alliance of Lordaeron support during the Second War but their stubborn king, Genn Greymane, retracted himself and all of Gilneas from the Alliance. The history of how they became worgen lies within an archmage named Arugal, who sought to summon werewolf like creatures to help battle the Scourge. The worgen could not be controlled however, and turned on their Gilnean masters. The Curse of the Worgen epidemically spread among many of the Gilnean denizens; making the majority of them worgen themselves. Around the time of the Shattering, Gilneas was attacked by the Horde (and more specifically the Forsaken). The night elves, who were aiding the Gilneans recover from their worgen epidemic, also assisted them in combating the Forsaken. Eventually, the Gilneans could not overcome the combined might of the Horde invaders and sailed across the sea to seek sanctuary in the night elf city of Darnassus. The Gilneans were welcomed back into the Alliance and with their allies' support, they seek to reclaim their stolen lands.
- ^ Darkmoon Faire Cataclysm Promotion: Fortune card
- ^ World of Warcraft manual, p.171
- ^ "Beginnings and Ends"
- ^
[15-30] Forces of Nature: Mountain Giants
- ^ [15-30] Forces of Nature: Faerie Dragons
- ^ [15-30] Forces of Nature: Hippogryphs
- ^ [15-30] Forces of Nature: Mountain Giants
- ^ Chimaera (Warcraft III)
- ^ http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/downloads/ssotd/images/screens/ss1327.jpg
- ^ The Warcraft Encyclopedia/High Elves
- ^
[1-30] Allegiance to the Horde
- ^
[15-30] Grimtotem Chiefs: Grundig Darkcloud
- ^ http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/encyclopedia/429.xml
- ^ http://www.wow-europe.com/en/info/encyclopedia/429.xml
- ^ The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm
- ^
[1-20] Joining the Alliance
- ^
[Hillsbrad Town Registry]
- ^ [10] The Alliance Way
