User:Armen80721/Tol'vir/Alliance

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.

The Alliance (aka Grand Alliance) 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. 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

The Human Icon of Courage

 Human - The primary race of the Alliance that makes up the bulk of their forces. Any human kingdoms that have not fallen remain to fight with the Alliance.

• They are strongest in the Eastern Kingdoms. They also have many cities and camps in Outland and Northrend.

The following nations remain in the Alliance:

• Stormwind - One of the founding members of the Alliance of Lordaeron following Stormwind City's destruction in the First War. The city was restored to prominence after the Second. One of the last few human bastions not affected by the disasters of the Third War. Capital is Stormwind City in northwestern Elwynn Forest, in the continent of Azeroth.
  • Led by High King Varian Wrynn.
  • SI:7 - A covert organization that undertake clandestine tasks for the good of Stormwind and the Alliance.
  • Church of Light - Based in the Cathedral of Light, this organization serves as the main clergy for the worship of the Holy Light.
    • The Knights of the Silver Hand. Originally clerics and warriors, Alonsus Faol created this new martial order of the church to combat the orcish Horde. They are led by Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker.
  • Morgan's Militia - A small group trying to claim the Burning Steppes for Morgan.
  • Westfall Brigade - A human military organization dedicated to the protection of Westfall.
  • Night Watch - A human military organization dedicated to the protection of Duskwood.
  • Bravo Company- A group of humans who operate in Redridge.
  • Stormwind Fleet - A sizable naval fleet enables Stormwind to expand across the seas.
• Kingdom of Dalaran - A city state founded by magocrats who were charged with cataloging and researching every spell, artifact, and magic item known to mankind. It was a staunch supporter of the Alliance of Lordaeron until its destruction by the Scourge and the Burning Legion during the Third War. In the aftermath, the mages worked tirelessly to rebuild their magical city under the protection of a magical dome. When completed, they lifted their city to the skies of Northrend to fight the Scourge and the Blue dragonflight. The Kirin Tor declared neutrality during the War against the Lich King but later pledged itself to the Alliance after it was discovered that the Sunreavers were abusing their resources to aid the Horde.
  • Led by the Kirin Tor
• Theramore - Founded by various human and high elf refugees that ventured to Kalimdor in the midst of the Scourge onslaught of the Third War, coming from all the human nations, although primarily from Lordaeron. Destroyed by the Horde shortly before the discovering of Pandaria.
  • Formerly led by Lady Jaina Proudmoore.
• Stromgarde - Stromgarde was the first great nation of the humans (known as Arathor) from which all other nations developed. Stromgarde was one of the biggest proponents of the Alliance during the Second War but squabbles over land as well as philosophical differences with how to handle the captured orcs lead King Thoras Trollbane to secede from the Alliance. The nation rapidly declined after the Third War, losing almost all of it's capital city and many other territories. It did not rejoin the Alliance until after the events of the Third War. The capital was Stromgarde Keep, but the majority of the city was lost after the Third War and now Refuge Pointe camp is the largest known settlement in the region fully controlled by the kingdom.
  • Lord Danath Trollbane is the last remaining heir to the throne.
  • League of Arathor - A force of the kingdom fighting the Forsaken.
• Kul Tiras - An old human kingdom of merchants and sailors. Sustained a heavy attack by Horde forces during the Second War, but largely avoided and survived the Third War. Many of its citizens joined the expedition forces of Jaina Proudmoore to Kalimdor where they founded the nation of Theramore (which has the same sigil as Kul Tiras. Seeing as Jaina Proudmoore is the only known heir of Daelin Proudmoore, it may indicate that Kul Tiras is under Theramore's jurisdiction). Capital is Boralus.

Horse - For centuries the humans have been using horses as mounts.

The Dwavern Icon of the Forge

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  Banner of Stormwind

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  Banner of Dalaran

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  Banner of Theramore

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  Banner of Stromgarde

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  Banner of Kul Tiras

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  Flag of Gilneas

Kingdom of Ironforge

 Dwarf - The Kingdom of Ironforge consists mainly out of the Bronzbeard 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 Ironforge. During the Cataclysm to prevent the mountain from collapsing. King Magni Bronzebeard performed a ritual in the heart of Old Ironforge which saved the mountain but the process petrified him into diamond statue. With its king impaired, Ironforge was left in political turmoil after Moira declared her son the rightful ruler of the kingdom. In order to prevent civil war, the leaders of each clan formed a council to govern the dwarf races and share the kingdom. Capital is Ironforge, located in northern Dun Morogh.

• The Kingdom of Ironforge controls several settlements in Khaz Modan.
• Led by the Council of Three Hammers.
• Bronzebeard dwarf - Long ago, the Bronzebeards gained dominance over all Ironforge, but when the shattering happens, Ironforge was left in political turmoil. In order to prevent civil war, the other clans of three hammers formed a council to share control of the kingdom.
  • Explorers' League - A faction set to uncover the dwarven origins, also has outposts in Northrend including a base camp in the Storm Peaks and a small outpost in the Howling Fjord.
  • Stormpike clan - A respected dwarven clan, and are well known for their fine and discerning tastes being affiliated with the Kingdom of Ironforge.
  • Stormpike Guard - Led by General Vanndar Stormpike; for more information see more below.
• Wildhammer dwarf - Based in Aerie Peak, Hinterlands. Formerly they lived in Ironforge and their own capital of Grim Batol; both were abandoned after a series of civil wars with the other dwarven clans. Thane Kurdran Wildhammer has been placed in command of the Alliance armies in Twilight Highlands to unite the rest of the Wildhammer clans which have splintered into their own clans and bring them into the Alliance. Within the Highlands they battle against the Dragonmaw Clan. The main clan also has minor clans within:
  • Firebeard clan
  • Thundermar clan
  • Mullan clan
  • Dunwald clan
  • Moore clan
• Dark Iron dwarf - After years of hostilities against the other dwarves, the clan has broken in two. Those under the guidance of Moira Thaurissan rejoined the dwarves of Ironforge.
  

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.
Boar - When the Explorers' League moved to Stranglethorn they faced many dangers, from trolls to wild beast. To counteract the threats, they begun to tame and befriend the local boars. A strong and dangerous Hambone emerged from the care of the league.

The Gnomish Icon of Technology

Gnomeregan

 Gnome - Cousins of the dwarves, joining with their long-time allies to provide technological wonders to aid the Alliance in its fight against its enemies. Their Long-time capital was Gnomeregan, located in western Dun Morogh, but it was invaded by a race of troggs. The gnomes had to flee and find refugee in their cousins' arms in Ironforge, where they built Tinker Town. After Operation Gnomeregan, the Gnomes established New Tinkertown.

• 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.

The Night Elven Icon of Wisdom

 Leper gnome - Only one is known to have rejoined his former comrades.

Darnassus

 Night elf - The night elves have lived peacefully for centuries in the shadowy forests of northern Kalimdor until the events of the Third War when they allied with the survivors of Lordaeron and the Thrall's Horde at the behest of Medivh in order to defeat Archimonde at the Battle of Mount Hyjal. However the continuous deforesting actions of the orcs in the forests of Ashenvale have forced them to break away from the Horde and remain allied with the Alliance alone. Capital is Darnassus, located on the new World Tree of Teldrassil, which was completely healed recently, off the coast of northern Kalimdor.

• Led by Tyrande Whisperwind and Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage.
  • The Night Elves control directly several larger outposts, including Astranaar, Feathermoon Stronghold in Feralas, the port of Lor'danel in Darkshore, and Sylvanaar in Blade's Edge Mountains.

 Highborne - The Highborne have returned to the night elven society, now in Darnassus, after their long exile to make amends and begin to train new generations of night elven mages after the shattering.

• Led by Archmage Mordent Evenshade.

The Night elves have many allies from nature:

• Children of Cenarius - Work closely with the night elves throughout Kalimdor.
• Ancient - Who work in the Alliance also assist the Night Elves.
• Mountain giant - Some assisted the elves during the Third War.
• Wisp - Believed to be spirits of fallen night elves, they continue to lend their help assistance as builders in death.
• Faerie dragon - These magical beasts act as companions to the elves.
• Saber - The Nightsabers are the traditional mounts of the Sentinels.
  
• Hippogryphs - Intelligent creatures the elves use as mounts.
  
• Bog beast - Although a rarity, one does serve the Alliance.
• Chimaera - these noble beasts gave the elves air support in the Third War.

The Draenei Icon of Argus

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.

The Worgen Icon of Gilneas

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.
• 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.

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. They can be found scattered in Stormwind, Dalaran, and formerly in Theramore before its destruction, and various 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.
• Unicorn - The High elves, are now using unicorns after losing their access to hawkstriders.
  

 The Kurenai, or "Redeemed", a surviving clan of Broken draenei residing in Outland, Nagrand. They are led by Arechron.

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 Frostborn - They reside in the Storm Peaks, a lost race of dwarves led 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 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.

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. They are led by Elder Lusshan.

The nerubians of Azjol-anak are a group of the few remaining nerubians that are still living. They reside within Azjol-Nerub and are strongly opposed to Anub'arak's undead Anub'ar. They ordered to kill Anub'arak for his crimes. After his death it is revealed that the Azjol-anak have an enormous secret stash of their own eggs hidden safely, so that after the wipe out of the Scourge from Azjol-Nerub, they can begin repopulating their people.

• Led by Seer Ixit.

Notable Leaders

Humans' symbol in Warcraft I.

• King Terenas Menethil II†
• Lord Anduin Lothar†
• Uther The Lightbringer†
• High King Anasterian Sunstrider†
• Prince Arthas Menethil†
• King Magni Bronzebeard†?
• High King Varian Wrynn
  • Anduin Wrynn
  • Highlord Bolvar Fordragon†?
• 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†
• Seer Ixit;

History	Second War				Interbellum	Third War									World of Warcraft	The Burning Crusade	Wrath of the Lich King	Cataclysm	Mists of Pandaria
Alliance Army	Anduin Lothar		Turalyon		No known leader												Varian Wrynn
Stormwind	Anduin Lothar Varian Wrynn		Varian Wrynn												Bolvar Fordragon Anduin Wrynn Katrana Prestor / Onyxia		Varian Wrynn
Lordaeron	Terenas Menethil II										Othmar Garithos
Stromgarde	Thoras Trollbane														Galen Trollbane			Unknown
Kul Tiras	Daelin Proudmoore
Dalaran	Antonidas																		Jaina Proudmoore
Alterac	Aiden Perenolde
Gilneas	Genn Greymane																	Genn Greymane
Church of the Holy Light	Archbishop Alonsus Faol					Archbishop Benedictus												Unknown
Knights of the Silver Hand	Uther the Lightbringer
Ironforge Dwarves	Magni Bronzebeard																	Muradin Bronzebeard
Wildhammer Dwarves	Kurdran Wildhammer				Falstad Wildhammer
Dark Iron Dwarves																		Moira Thaurissan
Gnomeregan	Gelbin Mekkatorque														Gelbin Mekkatorque
High Elves of Quel'Thalas	Anasterian Sunstrider										Kael'thas Sunstrider (Blood Elves)						Vereesa Windrunner (The Silver Covenant)
Theramore											Jaina Proudmoore
Darnassus															Tyrande Whisperwind			Tyrande Whisperwind Malfurion Stormrage
Exodar																Prophet Velen
Tushui Pandaren																			Aysa Cloudsinger
Azjol-anak																		Seer Ixit

History

Alliance of Lordaeron

The Symbol of Lordaeron

Alliance Hunters.

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, Alliance refugees, and the Horde. This alliance of Azeroth's defenders defeated the Burning Legion at the Battle of Mount Hyjal. While the night elves and Kalimdor Alliance, led by Theramore, became permanent, tensions began to erupt with the Horde. With Lordaeron's fall and the devastation of the northern kingdoms, the rebuilt city of Stormwind became the new base of the Alliance, with the Ironforge dwarves becoming their staunchest and closest geographical allies. The gnomes of Gnomeregan had been unable to help in the Third War as they were dealing with their own issues closer to home — namely a trogg invasion of their city. Because an invasion of troggs paled in comparison to the might of the Scourge, the gnomes decided they would fight their war alone. In the end they were forced to flee Gnomeregan and with their king, Gelbin Mekkatorque, settled in Ironforge with the dwarves as refugees. Indebted to their allies for their hospitality in their time of need, the gnomes again offered their services to the Alliance. The night elves, dealing with the loss of their immortality and having been exposed to the world outside their forests once more, decided they would have to make alliances with the wider world. Because of the animosity with the orcs for their continuing lumbering of Warsong Gulch, the night elves in the end joined the Alliance.

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. 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.

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

Varian Wrynn

Velen

Gelbin Mekkatorque

Alliance races

The Alliance is not a uniform governmental body, but is a coalition of mutual military and economic aid. Diplomacy is key with in the Alliance and decisions are traditionally made by being voted on by the Alliance's most influential members. 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. 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.

High 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.

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, securing 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 the 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

The Alliance

Council of Three Hammers

Genn Greymane

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.

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 hold fast to the principles of honor and justice and seeks to maintain the honor and might of the human nations. The humans of the Alliance are determined 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 the other dwarven 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.

Malfurion and Tyrande

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.

See also

• Alliance technology