Phase 2: Rune Stones and Holy Light: An Annalistic Narrative of a Human Epic in World of Warcraft

Stormwind's Past

The Rebellious Girl and Her Love

Since the establishment of the Council of Tirisfal, successive Guardians had faithfully fulfilled their duties, either retiring peacefully or falling in battle. As years turned into decades, the time came once again for the passing of the Guardian's mantle. The former Guardian, Scavell, remained in his position for many additional years due to the lack of a suitable successor.

A young woman named Aegwynn stepped into the council's view, her wit and excellence convincing the Tirisfalen to entrust her with the powers of the Guardian. However, Aegwynn's stubbornness and rebellious nature proved troublesome for the council. Fortunately, Aegwynn was a capable Guardian—powerful and duty-bound—prompting the council to repeatedly tolerate her reckless behavior.

On the cusp of her retirement, Aegwynn sensed a dark presence emanating from the icy plains of Northrend. She journeyed to the Temple of the Dragonflights, imploring the Aspects to uphold their ancient duties and join her against the demons. To everyone's surprise, the figure who confronted them was none other than the lord of the Burning Legion, the fallen Titan Sargeras. Although it was merely an avatar containing a fraction of his power, its terrifying darkness was insurmountable. Aegwynn fought Sargeras with all her might, a battle that rent the skies and earth asunder. In a desperate move, she unleashed her most potent spell, slaying Sargeras' avatar. Unbeknownst to her, this victory was a false triumph from the start.

In her moment of weakness, Sargeras' dark spirit infiltrated the depths of Aegwynn's soul, exerting invisible influence that steered her thoughts away from the righteous path. Aegwynn decided to seal away Sargeras' remnants in the sunken city of Suramar, home to a sealed demonic portal. She entombed Sargeras' corpse beneath the waves, hoping it would never be found. This place later became known as the Tomb of Sargeras.

Returning to Dalaran, Aegwynn discovered the council secretly manipulating the politics of the Seven Kingdoms. Under Sargeras' influence, Aegwynn grew estranged from the council and refused to relinquish her Guardian powers upon the end of her century-long tenure. In the following days, Sargeras' influence increasingly corrupted the Guardian's mind, fostering doubt and fear. Driven by profound unease, Aegwynn constructed a tower in the remote Deadwind Pass—Karazhan—a sanctuary to evade the council's watchful eye.

Enraged, the council resolved to reclaim the Guardian's power by force. They formed a secret order of hunter-mages, the Tirisgarde, who trained specifically to hunt down the disobedient Guardian. Among them was the exceptional Nielas Aran.

Over months of confrontations, Nielas and Aegwynn found common ground in their dissatisfaction with the council's actions. Their prolonged proximity inevitably ignited a spark of romance, and soon after, Medivh, their son, was born. Aegwynn imbued him with the Guardian's power, aspiring to create a Guardian entirely independent of the council.

Yet, concurrently, Sargeras' dark spirit also infiltrated Medivh's being—he had been the target all along. To raise Medivh safely, Nielas and Aegwynn relocated to Stormwind, where Medivh would one day assume the mantle of Guardian.

The Sons of Stormwind

Nielas, through his extraordinary talents, became a royal mage of Stormwind, making Medivh a member of the court. Medivh's childhood companions were two noble-born youths: King Barathen Wrynn's son, Llane Wrynn, and Anduin Lothar, descendant of Arathi. Mischievous and fond of pranks, the trio were nonetheless beloved by the people of Stormwind.

When Medivh turned fourteen, the Guardian's power within him erupted. Nielas struggled to contain it but was torn apart by the unleashed energy, plunging Medivh into a coma. He slept in the Northshire Abbey near Stormwind, awakening to a world he hardly recognized.

Llane Wrynn had ascended the throne and fathered a prince, Varian Wrynn, while Anduin Lothar had risen to fame as a military commander. Medivh, however, had lost his father, left only with the immense magical power coursing through his fingers. Unbeknownst to him, Sargeras' dark influence was warping his thoughts, grooming him to become the perfect instrument for the Legion's next assault on Azeroth.

The Fallen Guardian

A woman's voice echoed persistently in Medivh's mind, urging him towards Karazhan. Upon reaching the tower in Deadwind Pass, he met his mother Aegwynn for the first time. Under Aegwynn's tutelage, Medivh grew stronger and vowed to fulfill his role as Guardian.

In the following years, Medivh relentlessly hunted demons, but under Sargeras' sway, his thoughts darkened. Witnessing the cruelty and chaos of human politics, Medivh arrived at the same conclusion as Sargeras—that humanity could not unite to fend off another demonic invasion. Someone needed to eliminate all nations, governments, cultures—the sources of division.

As Guardian, Medivh felt this responsibility fell upon him. But he couldn't do it alone; he required an army.

The Dark Portal

Medivh utilized the Guardian's power to breach Azeroth's boundaries, searching the Twisting Nether. Guided by Sargeras, he discovered Draenor and its orc clans teetering on the brink of destruction.

Assuming the form of a raven, Medivh observed Draenor corrupted by fel magic, documenting his findings and new spells in the renowned Book of Medivh. Convinced the orcs were the ideal army he sought, Medivh revealed himself to Gul'dan and, with his formidable might, subjugated the pitiful orc.

He told Gul'dan of a bountiful world called Azeroth, where the orcish race could be saved. All they needed was a gateway, through which Gul'dan could lead his Horde to conquer this pristine land. To secure Gul'dan's allegiance, Medivh divulged the location of the Tomb of Sargeras and promised him immense power.

Thus, Gul'dan directed the Horde to construct a colossal portal on the eastern Hellfire Peninsula, while Medivh raised a corresponding gateway in southern Eastern Kingdoms. With concurrent incantations from both sides of the portals, the Dark Portal was forged, bridging two worlds and unleashing the malevolent orcish hordes upon the tranquil realm of Azeroth.

Origins of the Orcs

Like the myriad races of Azeroth, the orcs too are descendants of the titanic creations. Before Sargeras fell into darkness, his mighty lieutenant Aggramar visited the ancient world of Draenor, then covered by three colossal spore colonies:

• Zangar, the embodiment of swamps and fungi.
• Botani, the eternal verdancy of the Wildgrowth Forest.
• Nya'nuu, the dense shrubbery and groves.

These spore colonies delved deep into Draenor's core, sapping the world's precious anima, which in turn birthed intelligence within them. Yet, their unceasing plunder threatened to annihilate Draenor's ecosystem, turning the planet into a desolate wasteland.

Aggramar could not allow a nascent world to perish and thus unleashed a tempest comprised of the four elements onto Draenor's tallest peak, imbuing it with life and naming it Gorumond. Gorumond obeyed its master's will, uprooting two of the spore colonies, only to be torn apart by the evolving Botani.

• Zangar's decayed corpse formed the fungal seas, known as Zangar Sea.
• Nya'nuu's shattered remains returned to the earth, becoming Tanaan Jungle.
• The crumbled body of Gorumond shaped the mountains in the region later known as Nagrand.

But the war did not conclude with the giants' and spores' demise. From the corpses of the colonies emerged the proto-shrublings, the Primal Ancients, who answered to Botani and forever guarded the forests.

From Gorumond's fragmented body, behemoths known as Grimals arose, while minute stone fragments imbued with elemental energies gave birth to Draenor's first elemental spirits. In Gorumond's head, the mightiest elemental spirits were born:

• Rage of Fire — Esonarthus
• Rage of Water — Ebulosus
• Rage of Earth — Godawg
• Rage of Air — Karadrios

Unlike the Elemental Lords of Azeroth, nourished by abundant anima, Draenor's elements exhibited tranquility and wisdom. They mourned Gorumond's fall and vowed to safeguard the shadow of his remains. This place, hallowed by the Rages of Elements, would later be named the Throne of Elements.

The Grimals, carrying on Gorumond's legacy, continued their assault on the Wildgrowth and the Primal Ancients for millennia. In the course of these battles, the corpses of fallen Grimals birthed Molten Giants, the Mag'har. Determined to eradicate Botani, the Grimals unleashed their final titan blessings, causing a cataclysm that destroyed Tanaan alongside themselves.

• Devoid of remaining life essence, the Grimals' corpses could no longer spawn new life, sinking beneath Gorgrond to form the renowned Blackrock veins.
• Unlike the Grimals, Botani's remnants retained vast life energy, spawning a lush jungle at the site of its death, later known as Farahlon.

As Botani perished, a shower of spores descended, weakening the titan-forged strength of the Mag'har. Over generations, they degenerated: from Mag'har to the half-flesh, half-stone Gronn, then to the One-Eyed Giants, who under persistent spore influence further devolved into Ogres, and ultimately, into the orcs we know today.

The smallest of Gorumond's lineage, orcs lacked the physical prowess of their ancestors but possessed unparalleled wisdom and social cohesion. Through tight-knit communities and collective action, they thrived in Draenor's brutal environment, eventually rising to dominance over the world.

The Rise of the Horde

Formation of Clans

After surviving eras dominated by the arakkoan empire of Apexis and the ogre Gorian Empire, the orcish race emerged from the depths of their subterranean lairs to populate the surface of Draenor in various directions, giving rise to diverse and distinct clan societies.

• In Gorgrond, four clans emerged: Blackrock, Skullsplinter, Thunderlord, and Dragonmaw. The Blackrock Clan gained fame for their mastery in forging weapons from blackrock.
• Eastward, orcs who braved the harsh Tanaan Jungle developed superstitious beliefs. Those retaining reason formed the Bloodmaul Clan, while the more feral broke away to establish the smaller Bonemaul Clan.
• Westward, orcs reaching the frigid Frostfire Ridge became the Frostwolf and Whiteclaw Clans, learning to coexist and fight alongside the wolves of the land.
• The aggressive Thunderlord Clan roamed Frostfire's desolate snowscapes, often hunting the mighty magnaron.
• Southwards, fertile Talador saw the rise of the Warsong, Redwalker, and Razorfen Clans amidst its plains and mountains.
• The Warsong Clan ventured further southwest to settle in the verdant grasslands of Nagrand, embracing a nomadic lifestyle.

Lastly, in Shadowmoon Valley in Draenor's southeast, the enigmatic Shadowmoon Clan was born, revering the stars, practicing astrology, and worshiping elemental spirits. The shamanistic path naturally spread among orcish clans from here.

The Shadowmoon Clan also initiated the biennial Kosh'harg festival, a gathering of shamans embraced by all clans. During these festivities, hostilities were set aside as clans shared in celebration, and the Shadowmoon Clan became the de facto leaders of the orcish peoples.

Arrival of Strangers

To bolster the Burning Legion's ranks, Sargeras corrupted the eredar, but Prophet Velen saw through the fallen Titan's scheme. With aid from the naaru K'ure, K'ara, and D'ore, he led a faction of survivors aboard the Genedar, escaping Argus. These refugees named themselves draenei, meaning "exiled ones," and eventually landed on a distant world they named Draenor—"refuge of the displaced" in Eredun.

For centuries, the draenei and orcs coexisted peacefully, with minimal interaction. Young orcs like Orgrim Doomhammer and Durotan even visited the draenei city of Shattrath. However, this fragile peace was shattered by the arrival of dark forces.

Gul'dan

Born crippled, Gul'dan faced ridicule and discrimination within his clan. His kin, intent on preserving their clan's strength and honor, plotted to rid themselves of this perceived stain.

An aged shaman intervened, believing Gul'dan's pure heart outweighed his physical limitations. He told Gul'dan that the shamanistic path could not heal him, suggesting a pilgrimage to the Throne of Elements for the blessings of the elemental spirits.

Gul'dan, aided by a cane, embarked on a perilous journey to the Throne of Elements. The spirits, sensing his hatred and selfishness, rejected his plea for power. In his despair, the whispers of a Burning Legion emissary filled Gul'dan's mind, promising him devastating power if he served as the Legion's agent.

Gul'dan's inner darkness magnified, and he accepted Kil'jaeden's offer. Fel energy surged through him, enhancing his frail body. Embracing the apocalyptic power at his fingertips, Gul'dan became the first orc warlock.

Destruction of Draenor

Empowered, Gul'dan first targeted the Throne of Elements, corrupting its power. Draenor suffered unnatural disasters: droughts, floods, and blizzards ravaged Terokkar Forest, rivers ran dry, and food sources dwindled.

Gul'dan also unleashed a devastating red plague that claimed the lives of hundreds of orcs in mere months. To steer the orcs towards self-destruction and servitude to the Legion, Kil'jaeden ordered Gul'dan to manipulate Shadowmoon Clan leader Ner'zhul. Using Ner'zhul's influence, a war against the draenei was instigated.

Chieftains from various clans gathered in Shadowmoon Valley, uniting under Ner'zhul's counsel to form the initial Horde. Gul'dan secretly nurtured a cabal of orc warlocks, the Shadow Council, who controls the Horde from the shadows. Following Ner'zhul's fall from grace, Blackhand was elected the first Warchief of the Horde.

Under Gul'dan's manipulation, orcs drank the blood of Mannoroth, a gift from the demons that augmented their strength, turned their brown skin green, and bound them to the Legion's banner. Empowered by fel magic, the Horde decimated draenei civilization. Velen led a fraction of survivors into hiding beneath their ruined cities.

With the Horde's victory secured, Sargeras commanded Kil'jaeden to sever ties with the orcs. Without guidance, facing a ruined environment, and on the brink of extinction, Gul'dan and the orcs would willingly venture to the destination predetermined by the Legion. Amidst doubt and fear, infighting, and self-conflict, the arrival of Sargeras' chosen envoy—Medivh—heralded a new beginning, one that would forever alter the fate of both worlds.

The Battle of the Guardians

The opening of the Dark Portal demanded immense magical energy, and when the connection between Azeroth and Draenor was fully established, a surge of arcane energy rippled across both worlds. Sensitives to magic across Azeroth felt the disturbance, though few could discern its origin. Yet, there was one who could not be fooled – Aegwynn, once the Guardian herself.

Aegwynn hastened to the Dark Portal in the Swamp of Sorrows, where she bore witness to hordes of green-skinned creatures infused with fel energies. Most devastatingly, she detected the Guardian's power she had imparted to her son resonating from the Portal. Aegwynn knew that Medivh, her beloved son, had fallen under the sway of the Burning Legion.

Accompanied by the noble blue dragon, Arcanagos, Aegwynn journeyed to Karazhan, seeking to persuade Medivh back to the path of light. Instead of her son, she encountered the master of the Burning Legion, Sargeras, who had commandeered Medivh's body. The dark presence that controlled Medivh matched the one that had lingered in her own mind. Aegwynn realized, to her horror, that her negligence had allowed Sargeras to corrupt Medivh since his infancy.

Her once-celebrated victory over Sargeras now seemed a hollow illusion, exposing the depth of her failure. Where others might have crumbled under such a revelation, Aegwynn's indomitable spirit was fueled by rage. She vowed to defeat Sargeras anew, even if it meant sacrificing her son.

Resolved, Aegwynn launched into combat with Sargeras. Mid-battle, Sargeras ensnared Aegwynn, striking down Arcanagos with a blast of fel fire that reduced the noble dragon to a charred skeleton.

As Aegwynn battled Sargeras, the nobles of Stormwind were gathered for a soirée at Karazhan, unaware of the calamity unfolding. Desperate guests scrambled for escape, but Sargeras offered no mercy, draining their life energies. Only Medivh's butler, Moroes, survived the encounter, his memories of the night's horrors selectively erased by Medivh.

Empowered, Sargeras commanded Medivh to obliterate Aegwynn. Despite his possessed state, Medivh instinctively resisted, using the amassed life force to hurl his mother out of Karazhan, disappearing without a trace.

With the battle concluded, Sargeras retreated once more into the depths of Medivh's soul. Medivh retained no memory of his possession but was haunted by a vague recollection of conflict with his mother. Moroes, having witnessed the human guests reduced to husks, was driven mad. Though Medivh attempted to erase his memories, the trauma irrevocably altered him.

Karazhan itself was transformed by the confrontation, its opulence replaced by a sinister aura. Haunted by the anguished spirits of the slaughtered nobles, the once-grand edifice became a place of dread and eerie occurrences.

War's Eve

Garona and the Guardian

Frustrated by the sudden disappearance of the entity that had guided him, Gul'dan, who believed it to be a noble demon, sought to uncover its true identity. Meanwhile, the orcs in the Swamp of Sorrows occasionally ambushed caravans, capturing numerous human prisoners. Initially, interrogation wasn't necessary as the orcs could not understand their language, but Garona, a half-orc, half-draenei captive with remarkable linguistic abilities, changed this dynamic.

• Garona: Recognizing her intellect and agility, Gul'dan placed a potent curse on her, allowing him to sense everything she did, turning her into a loyal servant of the Shadow Council.

Quickly mastering some human tongue, Garona gleaned information about Medivh and Karazhan during casual conversations with captives. Venturing alone to Deadwind Pass, she was unexpectedly apprehended by Medivh. Expecting death, Garona was spared; Medivh, seeing an opportunity, taught her more of the human language and released her, promising that the doors of Karazhan would always be open to her.

First Contact

With the growing orcish horde, reports of mysterious green-skinned creatures reached King Llane, prompting him to send Lothar with a detachment of knights to investigate the Swamp of Sorrows. Soon after arriving, they clashed with orcs. Initially victorious, Lothar’s forces were overwhelmed by reinforcements. Forced to retreat, he reported to the king that a powerful enemy was mobilizing, necessitating immediate preparations for war.

The Horde, aware of their exposure, understood the humans would not tolerate their presence. For both sides, the inevitability of a full-scale conflict loomed.

Khadgar

Confounded by the orcish invasion, the Kirin Tor of Dalaran and the Council of Tirisfal, despite their strained relationship with Aegwynn and Medivh, dispatched Khadgar to study under Medivh in hopes of easing tensions.

• Dalaran, Kirin Tor, the Council of Tirisfal, and the Tirisgarde: Dalaran is the city founded by mages; the Kirin Tor is the organization they established; the Council of Tirisfal represents the most powerful and esteemed mage leaders; and the Tirisgarde serves as a secret security force against threats.

Khadgar reluctantly obeyed, arriving at Karazhan to find it steeped in darkness and haunted by apparitions revealing glimpses of past, present, and ominous futures. None before him had passed Medivh's tests, but Khadgar's wit and resilience surpassed expectations. Completing every challenge flawlessly, he earned Medivh's acceptance amidst the latter's isolation and torment.

Khadgar frequently envisioned himself leading armies against green-skinned foes, white-haired and aged. When shared with Medivh, the Guardian feigned ignorance about the orcs, concealing his true involvement.

As the orcish threat escalated, Medivh took Khadgar to various battlefronts, release the pressure on the Horde. Encountering Lothar, Medivh declined assisting his old friend, citing control issues over his power, while covertly facilitating the Horde's growth.

Post-meeting with Lothar, Medivh's absences grew more frequent and he returned exhausted, fueling Khadgar's suspicions. Khadgar's concerns deepened with the visits from Garona, whom Medivh warmly welcomed and insisted Khadgar treat with respect. Despite initial tensions, Khadgar and Garona formed a friendship, with Khadgar believing her genuine in her disavowal of the Horde, unaware of Gul'dan's constant surveillance.

Time revealed inconsistencies: Medivh had claimed ignorance of the orcs but clearly knew Garona. Khadgar harbored doubts, which widened into a rift between mentor and pupil, setting the stage for a confrontation that would shake the foundations of their relationship.

The First War of the Orcs

Frostwolves

The Frostwolf Clan participated in the Horde's assault on the Kingdom of Stormwind, but Chieftain Durotan saw valor, courage, and resolve in their enemies. Durotan knew the war lacked honor and was purely an invasion, compounded by the fel corruption that was swiftly turning nearby lands into barren wastelands. The Frostwolves became reluctant warriors, unable to align with the Horde's objectives.

Infuriated, Gul'dan privately confronted Durotan, ordering the Frostwolves to leave the Swamp of Sorrows and cut ties with al lHorde members. Durotan understood that Gul'dan's leniency was rooted in fear of exposing his true intentions should he destroy the Frostwolves.

Unwilling to abandon the Horde or forsake his people, Durotan's decision was complicated by his pregnant wife Draka. He could accept his own fate but refused to doom Draka and their unborn child. After much deliberation, Durotan led the Frostwolves northward, navigating the unfamiliar terrain of Azeroth with the aid of their traditions.

Frostwolf shaman Draka communed with the elements of Azeroth, recalling the shamanic ways of their ancestors. He declared a rejection of fel magic, returning to the old ways and seeking guidance from the elements.

Guided by the elements, the orcs found refuge in the frigid Alterac Mountains, a landscape reminiscent of their Frostfire Ridge home. There, the Frostwolves settled. Soon after arriving in Alterac, Draka gave birth to a son, whom Durotan and Draka named Go'el.

Their joy was marred by fear and anger when they discovered Go'el, despite neither parent drinking the Blood of Mannoroth, was born with green skin, cursed by the fel taint. Durotan could no longer tolerate Gul'dan's machinations or the legacy of fel corruption. He and Draka decided to let the rest of the clan begin anew in Alterac while they returned to the Horde with their infant, intent on exposing the truth.

Draka used his shamanic powers to send a message to Orgrim Doomhammer through the elements, who received the whispers in dreams, alerting him of Durotan's approach and the wish to meet in the borderlands of Loch Modan.

Orgrim, already plagued with doubts, welcomed his old friend. Witnessing the green-skinned Go'el solidified their belief that Gul'dan and Blackhand must be removed for the sake of Azeroth. Orgrim returned to the Horde, feigning loyalty while Durotan stayed hidden, waiting for the right moment. Orgrim then arranged for guards to escort Durotan's family back to Alterac.

However, Orgrim's decision proved fatal. The guards, loyal to the Shadow Council, upon hearing their plans, assassinated Durotan and Draka and left baby Go'el to die in the freezing wilderness.

The next day, Lord Aedelas Blackmoore of Durnholde Keep stumbled upon the scene while hunting, taking the orphaned orc child to his keep and renaming him Thrall, hoping to unlock the secrets of the orcs.

Back in the Horde, Orgrim, realizing the guards had not returned, sent scouts who discovered Durotan's bodies. The scouts, recognizing the betrayal, killed the traitorous guards before they could reach Gul'dan, reporting the news to Orgrim.

Heartbroken but restrained, Orgrim couldn't avenge Durotan yet, biding his time for an opportunity to liberate all orcs.

The Siege

As Durotan's murder occurred, the Horde's conflict with Stormwind escalated. Warchief Blackhand ordered the raids deeper into the kingdom, seizing Elwynn Forest, Westfall, and Redridge Mountains. King Llane, recognizing the orcs' unique threat, appointed Anduin Lothar as "Warrior of the King," commanding all of Stormwind's forces against the Horde.

Llane sought aid from other nations but was met with refusal due to Stormwind's historical isolationism. The Horde advanced on Stormwind City, with Blackhand commanding Kilrogg Deadeye and Cho'gall to lead the Bleeding Hollow and Twilight's Hammer clans respectively.

The city's defenses faltered under the orcish onslaught until Lothar led a surprise cavalry charge from the sea, forcing the two main attacking clans to split their forces. Stormwind's hidden forces struck, sandwiching the Horde between them and Lothar's troops.

The Horde, caught off guard, suffered heavy losses, forcing Blackhand to retreat. Embarrassed, Blackhand refrained from punishing Kilrogg and Cho'gall to avoid internal strife, retreating to Redridge Mountains.

Fall of the Guardian

Stormwind's defense was not by chance; Llane and Lothar acted on intelligence provided by Garona, who had been feeding them information. Capitalizing on Horde plans, Lothar orchestrated the victory at minimal cost.

Observing through Garona, Gul'dan did nothing to intervene, consumed with finding the Tomb of Sargeras, a promise made by Medivh. He would use Garona's connections, regardless of the Horde's setbacks.

Medivh, increasingly hollowed by Sargeras' corruption, became a shell devoid of emotion and humanity. Seeking answers, Khadgar used an ancient spell to witness Medivh's treachery. Unfortunately, Medivh detected them and unleashed his wrath.

Escaping, Khadgar and Garona reported to King Llane and Lothar, who, despite disbelief, marched on Karazhan. As the battle raged, Gul'dan seized the moment, exploiting a weakness in Medivh's mental defenses to search for the tomb's location.

Sargeras attempted to seize control of Garona's mind, intending to turn her against her allies, but the attempt failed, leaving her mentally shattered. Khadgar too was targeted, his soul partially extracted, aging him rapidly.

In the climax, Khadgar struck down Medivh, banishing Sargeras to the Twisting Nether. On his deathbed, Medivh regained clarity, expressing gratitude to the Stormwind champions. The Guardian's duty ended, concluding his tragic life.

Medivh's death unleashed catastrophic energies, corrupting the surrounding lands. The once sunny Elwynn Forest transformed into the perpetually darkened Duskwood.