Horde

This article is about the recent history and current state of the Horde. For its past, see History of the Horde.

The Horde
The Horde crest
Ruling body	Horde Council
Leaders	Thrall Baine Bloodhoof Rokhan Desolate Council Lor'themar Theron Gazlowe Ji Firepaw Thalyssra Mayla Highmountain Geya'rah Talanji Kiro Cindrethresh
Core races	Orc  Jungle troll  Tauren  Forsaken  Blood elf  Goblin  Pandaren  Dracthyr
Allied races	Nightborne  Highmountain tauren  Mag'har orc  Zandalari troll  Vulpera
Other races	Ogre  Half-ogre (Mok'nathal)  Forest troll  Taunka Hozen Hobgoblin
Capital cities	Orgrimmar, Darkspear Isle, Thunder Bluff, Undercity, Silvermoon City, Bilgewater Harbor
Allied cities	Thunder Totem, Suramar City, Dazar'alor, Vulpera Hideaway
Zones of influence	Lordaeron, Central Kalimdor, Northern and central Broken Isles, and southern Zandalar
Languages	Draconic, Goblin, Gutterspeak, Orcish, Pandaren, Shalassian, Taurahe, Thalassian, Vulpera, Zandali
Main factions	Orgrimmar, Darkspear Trolls, Thunder Bluff, Undercity, Silvermoon City, Bilgewater Cartel, Huojin Pandaren, Dark Talons
Notable factions	Dragonmaw clan, Forest Hozen, Highmountain Tribe, Zandalari Empire, Mag'har Clans, Voldunai, The Mag'har, The Nightfallen, Revantusk tribe, Sunreavers, The Taunka tribes See more forces

The Horde is made up of orcs, forsaken, tauren, trolls, blood elves, and most recently, goblins. Misunderstood and cast aside, these diverse and powerful races strive to overcome their differences and unite as one in order to win freedom for their people and prosper in a land that has come to hate them.

In the Horde, action and strength are valued above diplomacy, and its leaders earn respect by the blade, wasting no time with politics. The brutality of the Horde's champions is focused, giving a voice to those who fight for survival.

The Horde (also called the New Horde or Thrall's Horde) is one of the two major political factions of the mortal races in Azeroth, its counterpart being the Alliance. The Horde, a faction led by off-worlders and composed of outsiders has survived these obstacles by bonding together, fighting as family, comrades, or even uneasy allies.

During Garrosh Hellscream's reign, the faction was plunged into a state of civil war, divided between Hellscream's pan-orc government he referred to as the "True Horde" and the Darkspear Rebellion, comprised of the remaining Horde races, as well as orcs that have decided to oppose Garrosh, under leadership of Vol'jin. After the Siege of Orgrimmar upon the defeat of Garrosh, Vol'jin is crowned as the new Warchief of the Horde with every leader supporting the choice, even Thrall himself. This also marks the first time, when the Warchief's position was held by a person that isn't an orc, signifying a sense of a unity between all the member races of the faction, in Vol'jin's own words - The Horde is a family.

Horde Logo

Members

"I'll tell ya what de Horde is. De Horde that me an' Thrall built. It be a family. When de whole world try ta put us down, da family come an' pick us back up."
Warchief Vol'jin

Major members

Major member races include:

Orc Clans

The Orcish Icon of Battle

 Orc - The surviving orcs of Azeroth's First, Second and Third Wars, who were released by Thrall from the Internment camps of Lordaeron and led by him to form their new destiny in Kalimdor while attempting to re-embrace their once honorable, shamanistic ways and fight the corruption of demonic magic. Capital is Orgrimmar in Durotar.

• Led by: Unknown
• They have a large presence in Central Kalimdor. After the Dark Portal opened the orcs make bases in Outland to investigate their past. They also have bases in Northrend where they fought against the Scourge.

The Orcs in the Horde are from the following clans:

• Frostwolf clan - Thrall's own clan, and one of the few clans in the Eastern Kingdoms.
  • Led by Farseer Drek'Thar
• Warsong clan - A powerful warrior clan that battles the night elves for Ashenvale.
  • Led by: Unknown
• Blackrock clan - Many Blackrock clan orcs joined with Thrall under Orgrim or when he freed them from internment camps. Notable individuals are Eitrigg and Varok Saurfang. Furthermore, the former Warchief Garrosh Hellscream granted the new Blackrock Clan formed by Rend amnesty and recruited a formidable amount of them into the ranks of the Horde. Members of the Black Tooth Grin Clan are also in this faction.
  • Led by: Unknown
  • Black Tooth Grin clan - A split off faction of the Blackrock clan created by Rend Blackhand and Maim Blackhand as a way to maintain power. It later reformed into the new Blackrock clan under Nefarian. Some of its members were later recruited by Garrosh.
    • Led by: Unknown
• Bleeding Hollow - The clan returned to Draenor after the Second War, but as it was torn apart some members crossed safely into Azeroth at the same time as the Warsong clan. They were captured and later rescued from the internment camps, and now they serve the new Horde. Additionally they have a notable presence in the Mag'har.
  • Led by Jorin Deadeye
• Shattered Hand - The Azerothian part of the clan have joined Thrall and serve as the Horde's guild of assassins.
  • Led by Gordul
• Dragonmaw - The Dragonmaw clan residing in the Twilight Highlands, have recently joined the new Horde.
  • Formerly led by Warlord Zaela
• Shadowmoon - Scouts and peons are seen serving the New Horde at Shadowmoon Village.
  • Led by: Unknown
• Burning Blade - The blademasters were once part of the Burning Blade, although the clan consumed itself in the throes of demonic corruption, these few swordsmen are still part of the Horde.
  • Led by: Unknown
• Rageroar - A newly created clan that was assaulting Northwatch hold. It is almost destroyed at the end of the Alliance questline.
  • Led by Karga Rageroar
•  Half-ogre - Many of Azeroth's Half-Ogres assist the Horde when called on.
•  Half-orc - Many aligned with their orcish relatives. Some joined the Alliance.
• Wyvern - The Horde has befriended many of these intelligent beasts of Kalimdor, whom they use as riding and flying mounts.
• Black Dragons - The Dragonmaw have enslaved members of the Black Dragonflight to serve them as mounts.
  
• Proto-Dragon - With the end of the black dragonflight, the Dragonmaw clan now subverts proto-drakes for the needs of the Horde.

Darkspear Tribe

The Troll Icon of Shadows

 Jungle troll - Originally from a small chain of islands in the Great Sea. Eventually joined Thrall’s journey to Kalimdor and moved to the Echo Isles, but were then rooted out by the Kul Tiras marines. They are forever indebted to the orcs for saving their tribe and giving them a home. Capital is Darkspear Isle, the largest of the Echo Isles, off the coast of Durotar.

• Led by Warchief Vol'jin
• Prior to the reclamation of the Echo Isles, Sen'jin Village in mainland Durotar was the main Darkspear settlement. Darkspear settlements are commonly found in Kalimdor or Outland.
• The Ravasaur Trainers in Un'goro Crater are a group of Darkspear troll elite raptors riders that provide their mounts to members of the Horde who prove themselves able to survive the creature's poison.

United Tauren Tribes

The Tauren Icon of the Earth Mother

 Tauren - A race of noble creatures, native to Kalimdor, who befriended the orcs and offered them spiritual guidance and aid. Capital is Thunder Bluff in Mulgore.

• Led by High Chieftain Baine Bloodhoof.
• They also have many camps in Kalimdor. They have also sent ambassadors to their cousins, the taunka, in Northrend.
• Sunwalkers - Paladins who take their power from An'she.
  • Led by Aponi Brightmane

The Tauren of the Horde come from various tribes:

• Bloodhoof - The first Tauren tribe to side with the Horde, they are led by Baine Bloodhoof in the wake of his father's death at the hands of Magatha Grimtotem.
  • Led by Baine Bloodhoof.
• Ragetotem - Proud warriors and the fiercest of Thunder Bluff. Formerly led by Sark Ragetotem.
• Dawnstrider - Experienced enchanters and skilled shamans.
• Runetotem - These tauren have recently discovered the ways of the druid.
  • Led by Hamuul Runetotem.
• Highmountain - A tribe with several notable members who fought (and still fight) against the Burning Legion. Trag Highmountain is a former member of the tribe.
  • Led by Sulamm / Ornamm
• Skychaser - The spiritual leaders of the tauren shaman. They were nearly wiped out during the Grimtotem coup to take over Thunder Bluff.
• Thunderhorn - Most of the Thunderhorn tribe are hunters, the greatest among the tauren.
• Grimtotem - The Grimtotem tauren that survived the battle at Thunder Bluff and chose to follow Jevan Grimtotem and ally with the Horde.
  • Led by Jevan Grimtotem
• Cloudsong – They picked up the role of spiritual leaders of the tauren shamans after the Skychaser tribe was nearly wiped out.
• Eagletalon – This tribe hunts the harpies of Mulgore.
• Mistrunner – The Mistrunners tribe is dedicated to the druidic path and seeks to heal the earth and ease the suffering of the Earthmother.
• Stonehoof – The Stonehoof are the most talented smiths among the tauren.
  • Led by Zangen Stonehoof.
• Wildmane – This tribe has largely joined the Runetotem in seeking the ways of the druid.
• Winterhoof – The Winterhoof tribe represents some of the greatest herbalists and alchemists the tauren have to offer.
• Stonespire Tribe - A tauren tribe that lived in the Southern Barrens. Most were killed by the forces of Bael'dun Keep but there are a few survivors.
• Cliffwalker - A tribe based in Cliffwalker Post with strong ties to druidism.
  • Led by High Chieftain Cliffwalker.
• Dawnchaser - A tribe of Horde tauren from Thunder Bluff that have come to Pandaria. One of their main outposts in Pandaria is located in the Krasarang Wilds at Thunder Cleft.
  • Led by Cheftain Dezco

Forsaken

The Undead Icon of Torment

 Forsaken - Known as the Forsaken, this group of undead was released from the control of the Lich King and have entered into an alliance of convenience with the other members of the Horde. The group also consists of other undead creatures, such as the Val'kyr, who chose to join the Forsaken after the Lich King's death. The capital is the Undercity, beneath the ruined City of Lordaeron in Tirisfal Glades.

• Led by Queen Sylvanas Windrunner.
• They also have holdings in Silverpine Forest and the Hillsbrad Foothills, as well as towns in the Howling Fjord and the Dragonblight in Northrend.
• Royal Apothecary Society - A faction of Forsaken alchemists trying to create a new plague to wipe out the Scourge and, perhaps, humanity..
  • Led by Faranell
  •  Leper gnome - A few leper gnomes have sworn fealty to Sylvanas and act as assistants to the apothecaries.
• Deathguard - The bulk of the Forsaken military force. They are mostly stationed in the Tirisfal Glades, Silverpine Forest, and the Hillsbrad Foothills, as well as Forsaken outposts in Northrend.
• Cult of the Forgotten Shadow - The official Forsaken religion. There is no official leader but some minor characters have a major influence over it.
• Deathstalkers - The Forsaken military faction of assassins and rogues.
  • Led by Aleric Hawkins

The Forsaken employ various different types of undead.

• Skeleton - Sylvanas and her necromancers are known to summon skeletons to battle.
•  Undead elf - Various former high elven citizens serve the Banshee Queen.
• Banshee - Sylvanas has many banshee allies and is known as the banshee queen.
• Val'kyr - Following the death of the Lich King, many Val'kyr swore fealty to Sylvanas and raise slain enemies as Forsaken. They are, however, only capable of raising humans.
• Abomination - The Forsaken keep a large amount of abominations in their service.
• Zombie - The Forsaken has some zombies within their ranks such as Algernon and Boyle.

Sylvanas was able to produce the following during the events of the Third War:

• Obsidian Statue - During the Third War, Sylvanas was able to produce Obsidian Statues.
• Ghouls - When Sylvanas first was freed from Arthas, all she had was her banshees and a small group of ghouls.
• Crypt Fiends - During the Third War, Sylvanas had a group of crypt fiends in her forces.
• Gargoyles - Sylvanas was also able to produce a few gargoyles. Koltira Deathweaver also made the use of multiple gargoyles in the Battle of Andorhal
• Frost Wyrms - Sylvanas eventually learned how to raise Frost Wyrms.

Kingdom of Quel'Thalas

The Blood Elven Icon of Blood

 Blood elf - Dealt a devastating blow during the Scourge invasion of Quel'Thalas, the high elves cast off their name and dubbed themselves the "blood elves," in honor of the fallen. Tirelessly working to reclaim their homeland from the lingering Scourge and the ever-vengeful Amani, the sin'dorei sought to join the reformed Horde with the strong backing of their former ranger general, Lady Sylvanas Windrunner. With the Sunwell restored and the monumental betrayal of their prince behind them, a bright future now lies ahead for the blood elves of Quel'Thalas. Capital is Silvermoon City in Eversong Woods, in northern Quel'Thalas.

• Led by Regent Lord Lor'themar Theron.
• Magisters - The primary magic users of Quel'Thalas.
  • Led by Grand Magister Rommath.
• Farstriders - The ancient order of Thalassian rangers. Now blood elves, they are dedicated to safeguarding their homeland from any and all threats, near and far while maintaining the old, nature-revering ways of their people.
  • Led by Halduron Brightwing.
• Blood Knights - Silvermoon's order of blood elf paladins formed after the capture of the Naaru M'uru at Tempest Keep. Once, they drained power from the Naaru but, after the events at the Sunwell Plateau during the War in Outland, the Naaru's spark transformed the Sunwell into a font of Holy Light from which these paladins could draw power.
  • Led by Lady Liadrin.
• The Sunreavers - A faction of blood elves who represented the Horde in Dalaran. Named after Archmage Aethas Sunreaver, the Sunreavers sought to have the blood elves admitted as members of the Kirin Tor, and joined the Horde Expedition in Northrend. They were eventually forced to leave the city some time later after Jaina Proudmoore came into power.
  • Led by Aethas Sunreaver
• The Sunreaver Onslaught - The Sunreaver Onslaught is the Horde reputation faction introduced in Patch 5.2. It is personally led by Lor'themar Theron, Regent Lord of Quel'Thalas, and bears the namesake of the Sunreavers.
  • Led by Lor'themar Theron
• The Sunfury - A ruthless blood elven military force once under the command of Prince Kael'thas. Many have since returned home to Quel'Thalas, following the betrayal of their prince to the Burning Legion.
  • Led by Lor'themar Theron
• The Reliquary - A group of examiners and archaeologists out to give the Horde a monopoly on magical artifacts.
  • Led by Tae'thelan Bloodwatcher.
• The Sunsworn - A military force of blood elves headed by the Blood Knights, they have combined forces with rangers and magi and based themselves in Talador. They have also deployed the blood elves' recently-acquired blood golem technology.
  • Led by Lady Liadrin
• They also have holdings in the Ghostlands, alongside the Forsaken and an encampment in Hellfire Peninsula in Outland, to support blood elf pilgrims traveling through the Dark Portal from Azeroth. The Reliquary has a number of blood elven camps in and adjacent to the Badlands, Tanaris, and the Blasted Lands.
• Arcane Guardian - The blood elves use arcane guardians to protect themsleves from invaders, the golems patrol all around Silvermoon City.
• Blood Golem - Lor'themar managed to acquire access to some of the Thunder King's Animus Golems during his campaign at the Isle of Thunder. The Blood Knights also bring them to Draenor.

Bilgewater Cartel

The Goblin Icon of Kezan

 Goblin - With the Cataclysm consuming their home island of Kezan, the goblins of the Bilgewater Cartel are shipped across the sea, intended for slave labor in Azshara, when they are caught in a naval crossfire between an Alliance fleet and a single Horde vessel off the Lost Isles. While there, they are attacked by the Alliance and ally with the orcs to defeat both their mutual foe, the hostile natives of the Lost Isles, and dissent from within their own ranks. Current home is Bilgewater Harbor in the heavily-reshaped Azshara. The goblins also have a district led by Boss Mida within the orcish capital of Orgrimmar.

• Led by Trade Prince Jastor Gallywix.
• Bilgewater Battalion - The new army and defence force of the Bilgewater Cartel of goblins created after the cartel pledged allegiance to the Horde.
  • Led by Uncle Bedlam
• Hobgoblins - huge chemically altered goblins have come with the goblins. In-game goblins can summon them to access the bank.

Huojin Pandaren

The Pandaren Icon of Pandaria

 Pandaren - The pandaren followers of Huojin hail from the Wandering Isle, and have now decided to join the Horde ranks, giving the similiarities in the moral code of its races. Huojin philosophy states that inaction is the greatest injustice, and that there is no shame in defending one's homes and loved ones regardless of cost.

• Led by Ji Firepaw, these followers now are integrated in the Horde community and have a small base of operations in Orgrimmar's Valley of Honor.

Horde 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:

Classic

• Frostwolf clan – This clan settled in the hidden Alterac Mountains after their exile by Gul'dan. However the Stormpike Dwarves later arrived to search for artifacts causing conflict between the two.
  • Led by Drek'thar
• Defilers – A force of Forsaken sent to gather resources of Arathi Basin, found themselves fighting a vicious war with the League of Arathor, humans who are native to the land of Arathi who in turn are fighting to gather resources for the Alliance.
  • Led by The Black Bride
• Warsong Outriders – Following the Third War, the Warsong clan that invaded Ashenvale and began deforestation have not ceased their operation and have come into direct conflict with the Silverwing Sentinels.
  • Led by Gargok

Burning Crusade

• Thrallmar - is the name for the Horde expeditionary forces to Outland, who quickly found many native allies. Consist of all the Horde races. The expedition's settlements are scattered all over Outland's zones, except Nagrand and Netherstom.
  • Led by Nazgrel
• Mag'har - Mag'har are orcs from various clans that escaped corruption and remained in Outland throughout all three wars.
  • Led by Greatmother Geyah

Wrath of the Lich King (Horde Expedition)

• Warsong Offensive - The main forces of the horde's expedition to northrend, led by Varok Saurfang.
  • Kor'kron Guard - the elite fighting forces of the Horde, serving the Horde Expedition in Northrend.
  • Led by Varok Saurfang
• Taunka - Ancient relatives of the tauren, were thought to be lost until re-discovered by Garrosh Hellscream and his orc forces upon their arrival to Northrend. They are welcomed into the Horde soon after Roanauk Icemist is rescued.
  • Led by Roanauk Icemist
• Hand of Vengeance - A group of Forsaken forces that have been sent to Northrend by Sylvanas Windrunner to bring Undercity's vengeance upon the Lich King. Their method is the delivery of the latest strain of their deadly Plague.
  • Led by Anselm / Wroth / Harris
• Sunreavers - Formerly the blood elven members of the Kirin Tor, named for their leader, Aethas Sunreaver. The Horde, traditionally barred from Dalaran, was allowed entry into the city due to their efforts but was later outcast during the Purge of Dalaran. Now it fights as a part of the Sunreaver Onslaught to strengthen the might of Quel'thalas.
  • Led by Aethas Sunreaver

Cataclysm

• Hellscream's Reach - An elite Horde regiment comprised solely of veterans of multiple tours of duty. Handpicked by Garrosh himself, he has commanded them to take complete control of Tol Barad.
  • Led by Garrosh Hellscream -
    Unknown

Mists of Pandaria

• Dominance Offensive - The major Horde force for the Pandaria campaign.
  • Led by Garrosh Hellscream
    Unknown
• Forest Hozen - A faction of hozen that has made their home in Jade Forest and was in constant war against the Jinyu. They find themselves allied with the Horde after the Horde gains their favor by rescuing some of their members, sating their appetite for fish, and killing some of their most fearsome enemies. Armed and equipped by the Horde, this tribe of hozen are recruited to fight the Horde's war against the Alliance.
  • Led by Chief Kah Kah
• Sunreaver Onslaught - Outcast from Dalaran, the Sunreaver Onslaught fight to obtain powerful mogu artifacts from among the ruins of Thunder Isle, and to secure their future if the Horde falls to anarchy.
  • Led by Lor'themar Theron

Warlords Of Draenor

• Vol'jin's Spear - Horde forces in Ashran, stationed at Warspear.
  • Led by High Warlord Volrath

• Frostwolf Orcs - Renowned for their prowess as one-on-one combatants, is a strong, close-knit clan whose bond with wolves only adds to their strength—though their numbers remain smaller than most clans. Though the clan spends much of their time in Frostfire Ridge, they migrate to Nagrand with the seasons.
  • Led by  Durotan

• Sunsworn - Are a military force of blood elves. Headed by the Blood Knights, they have combined forces with rangers and magi and based themselves in Talador. They have also deployed the blood elves' recently-acquired blood golem technology.
  • Led by Lady Liadrin

• Laughing Skull clan - In an attempt to avoid extinction from the Iron Horde, the Laughing Skulls have allied with the Frostwolves and the Horde.
  • Led by Kaz the Shrieker

Allies

Wrathion and the leaders of the Horde.

Although not officially part of the Horde, the following groups have allied themselves with the Horde:

• Eastwind Rest - After being aided in retaking their town, the Pandaren of Eastwind Rest have joined the Horde.
  • Led by Elder Shiao and Farmhand Ko
• Honeydew Village - Though not officially aligned with the Horde. The villagers of Honeydew Village appear affilated with the Horde and grant Horde members sanctuary in their village.
  • Led by Mayor Honeydew

Other members

Stonemaul - This faction joined the Horde after Rexxar bested Kor'gall in a duel for the leadership of the clan. After, Rexxar disappeared into the Barren wilderness and made the ogre Mok'Morokk the leader of the clan. Although Mok'Morokk fell prey to temptations of power after Rexxar's departure and so the Stonemaul Village, actual former capital of the clan, was raided by Onyxia's brood. Mok’Morokk led the clan to Brackenwall Village, current capital, where he ruled unquestioned until an unknown challenger drove him out. Currently many support Tharg as a new leader.

• Led by Rexxar

Dunemaul - Shortly after the shattering the Dunemaul band joined the Horde due to the efforts of Megs Dreadshredder and the Dunemaul "Emissary" who are stationed at the Dunemaul Recruitment Camp.

• Organized by Megs Dreadshredder

Mok'nathal - This clan of hunters and beastmasters were discovered by Rexxar during his activities in Outland.

• Led by Leoroxx

Revantusk - Situated in the Hinterlands, The Revantusk have also been known to have Dire Trolls such as Ongo'longo among them. At Elder Torntusks return, the Revantusk have joined the Horde as full members.

• Led by Primal Torntusk and her husband Elder Torntusk

Shatterspear - Personally recruited by Garrosh Hellscream to fight against the Night Elves. mostly situated the Shatterspear Village. The village was all but wiped out by Night Elf forces, and while there were some survivors that joined the Horde and various other organizations the tribe itself effectively no longer exists.

• Led by Jor'kil the Soulripper

Twilight Highlands tribe - Another, seemingly Jungle Troll, aids the Horde in the Twilight Highlands; oddly, they are native to the region.

• Led by Jon-Jon Jellyneck

War beasts

The Horde contains many beasts trained to assist their warriors in battle.

• Raptors - Darkspear are commonly around reptiles, admiring their strength. They brought these beasts from Stranglethorn and have used them as mounts ever since.
• Bats - Bats are the traditional flying mounts to Jungle Trolls. Many trolls use bats for suicide runs and burning buildings. The Forsaken also use bats as mounts.
• Dragonhawk - The elves of Silvermoon have used the majestic dragonhawks of Quel'Danas as mounts for centuries.
• Wolves - Even during their time on Draenor the orcs used wolf mounts. They are treated as equals and hunting partners among the Horde.
• Spider - The forsaken and specifically their Dark Rangers have began to breed and tame spiders.
• Skeletal Horse - The Forsaken used these noble animals as mounts in life so they found it fitting to raise them into death as their mounts.
• Proto-Dragon - During the Northrend Campaign, Garrosh domesticated many proto-dragons. Furthermore, with the end of black dragonflight, the Dragonmaw clan now subverts proto-drakes for the needs of the Horde.
• Hawkstrider - Because of their beauty and grace the blood elves have decided to make the Hawkstriders their war mount of choice.
• Wyvern - Impressed by the Orcs' commitment to honor and victory, the Wyverns allowed the Orcs to ride them into combat.
• Kodo - The tauren hold them in high esteem, and breed them as mounts.

Subjugated

These factions listed are not full members of the Horde but subjugated servants.

Boulderslide - They became servants of the Horde thanks to the efforts of Subjugator Devo.

• Led by Subjugator Devo

Black Dragons - The Dragonmaw have enslaved members of the Black Dragonflight to serve them as mounts.

• Led by Zaela

 Magnataur - Garrosh domesticated many by holding their young hostage.

Former Horde members

Main article: Old Horde

Orcs' symbol in Warcraft I.

Zul'Aman - Allied with the Horde during the Second War after their leader, Zul'jin was rescued from the Alliance of Lordaeron by Horde warriors.

• Led by Zul'jin

Ogre clans - The ogres followed the orcs through the Dark Portal.

• Led by Orgrim Doomhammer

Steamwheedle Cartel

• Their leader, Trade Prince Steamwheedle realized that was an error joined in the Horde after the defeat of the factions in the Second War.

Shadow Council - Most of the faction was slayed by the ex-Warchief Orgrim after the First War.

• Daemon - These dreaded hell spawns were summoned by the warlocks of the Shadow Council to do their bidding.

Red dragonkin - These noble creatures were subjugated by the Dragonmaw Clan using the Demon Soul.

• Led by Zuluhed / Nekros

Black dragonkin - These servants of the Old Gods briefly allied themselves with the Horde of Draenor out of convenience.

• Led by Deathwing

Kingdom of Alterac - A traitor human kingdom that allied with the Horde during the second war and later temporarily allied with the Horde of Draenor. They have since engaged in hostile relations with the New Horde.

• Led by Aiden Perenolde

Death Knight order - Order of undead magic users created from the corpses of the fallen knights of Azeroth and the spirits of the orcish warlocks from the First War.

• Led by Gul'dan

Thunderlord clan - Was one of the original orc clans and part of the Horde of Draenor. All of its members seem to have been forcibly turned into Fel Orcs by the Illidari and Burning Legion.

• Led by Fenris the Hunter
• Formerly Led by Rend Blackhand and Maim Blackhand

Stormreaver clan - A clan formed by Gul'dan for his personal protection. It later betrayed the Horde to look for the Tomb of Sargeras and was slaughtered by the vengeful Blackrock clan. A few ex-members such as Drak'thul survive but none known have joined the Horde.

• Led by Gul'dan

Twilight's Hammer clan - A clan leaded by Cho'gall, the first ogre mage. Cho'gall was made the leader of an orc clan after its previous chieftain was executed for disobeying the Shadow Council. The clan's name was then changed to Twilight's Hammer; its original name and that of its former chieftain was stricken from all records. Under Cho'gall's leadership, the clan became increasingly nihilistic and eventually sought the destruction of all creation. This was true of their clan even before the orcs joined the pact with Mannoroth.

• Led by Cho'gall

Dreadmaul - After losing Dreadmaul Hold a portion of the Dreadmaul tribe have become slaves to the conquering Horde forces while another portion of the clan fight to reclaim their former home..Some still remain and continue to fight the Horde for their home. They have managed to break free by allying themselves with the Iron Horde.

• Led by Toothsmash the Annihilator, formaly Okrilla

Leadership

The current leaders of the Horde.

Horde

Ner'zhul

• Gul'dan / Warchief Blackhand
  • Warchief Orgrim Doomhammer (Azeroth) / Warchief Ner'zhul (Draenor)
    • Warchief Thrall
      • Warchief Garrosh Hellscream
        • Warchief Vol'jin

Nation of Durotar

Thrall

• Garrosh Hellscream
  • Vol'jin

Orc clans

Ner'zhul

• Gul'dan / Blackhand
  • Orgrim Doomhammer (Azeroth) / Ner'zhul (Draenor)
    • Thrall
      • Garrosh Hellscream
        • Unknown

Darkspear tribe

Sen'jin

• Vol'jin

United Tauren tribes

Cairne Bloodhoof

• Baine Bloodhoof

Forsaken

Sylvanas Windrunner

Quel'Thalas

Lor'themar Theron

Bilgewater Cartel

Trade Prince Gallywix

Huojin Pandaren

Ji Firepaw

History	Rise of the Horde		First War		Second War		Interbellum										Third War									World of Warcraft	The Burning Crusade				Wrath of the Lich King	Cataclysm	Mists of Pandaria	Warlords of Draenor
Horde		Blackhand the Destroyer			Orgrim Doomhammer	Ner'zhul	None								Orgrim Doomhammer	Thrall																Garrosh Hellscream		Vol'jin
Shadow Council		Gul'dan
Blackrock Clan		Blackhand the Destroyer			Orgrim Doomhammer																												Malkorok	Unknown
Frostwolf Clan		Durotan		Drek'thar											Thrall											Drek'thar
Bleeding Hollow Clan		Kilrogg Deadeye																									Jorin Deadeye
Twilight's Hammer Clan		Cho'Gall
Burning Blade Clan		No known leaders															No known leaders
Dragonmaw Clan		Zuluhed the Whacked				Nekros Skullcrusher																									Warlord Zaela		Unknown
Warsong Clan		Grommash Hellscream				Grommash Hellscream									Grommash Hellscream						Unknown										Garrosh Hellscream			Unknown
Bonechewer Clan		Hurkan Skullsplinter				Tagar Spinebreaker
Thunderlord Clan		Fenris Wolfbrother				Fenris Wolfbrother
Shadowmoon Clan		Ner'zhul				Ner'zhul
Shattered Hand Clan		Kargath Bladefist				Kargath Bladefist
Laughing Skull Clan		Ogre-Mage Mogor				Ogre-Mage Mogor
Stormreaver Clan					Gul'dan
Black Tooth Grin Clan					Rend Blackhand Maim Blackhand
Horde Death Knights					Teron Gorefiend
Amani Trolls					Zul'jin
Ogres		No known leaders
Steamwheedle Cartel					Trade Prince Steamwheedle
Red Dragonflight					Alexstrasza (enslaved by Nekros Skullcrusher)
Black Dragonflight						Deathwing
Orc Clans		Blackhand the Destroyer			Orgrim Doomhammer	Ner'zhul	None								Orgrim Doomhammer	Thrall																Garrosh Hellscream		Unknown
Darkspear Trolls																	Sen'jin	Vol'jin
Tauren																				Cairne Bloodhoof												Baine Bloodhoof
Stonemaul Ogres																									Rexxar	Mok'Morokk						Unknown
Forsaken																										Sylvanas Windrunner
Quel'Thalas																											Lor'themar Theron
Taunka																															Roanauk Icemist
Bilgewater Cartel																																Jastor Gallywix
Huojin Pandaren																																	Ji Firepaw

• 

  Lor'themar Theron, Lord of Quel'Thalas

• 

  Jastor Gallywix, Trade Prince of the Bilgewater Cartel

• 

  Garrosh Hellscream, former Warchief of the Horde

• 

  Vol'jin, Chieftain of the Darkspear and current Warchief of the Horde

• 

  Sylvanas Windrunner, Dark Lady of the Forsaken

• 

  Baine Bloodhoof, High Chieftain of Mulgore

History

See also: Old Horde, History of the Horde, Dark Horde, Fel Horde, Iron Horde and True Horde

In the past, the Horde referred to the orcs and their battle thralls from both Draenor and Azeroth, such as trolls and ogres. Following its utter defeat at the end of the Second War, the Horde's dark power was broken, allowing Thrall to awaken the dormant spirituality of his people and free them from the Burning Legion's control.

During the events of the Third War, Thrall has made lasting bonds with the tauren chief Cairne Bloodhoof and the troll shadowhunter Vol'jin of the Darkspear clan. The ties between the three races are very close, as both share many similar cultural views. With the help of the tauren, both the orcs and the tribe of trolls have established a place for themselves in Kalimdor. Since then, certain ogre tribes, as well as the Forsaken and blood elves have chosen to affiliate themselves with the Horde.

The present Horde is mostly about surviving in a land that has come to hate them. The orcs are hated because, much like the Forsaken, they were manipulated by corrupt forces that channeled their aggression on unsuspecting foes, thus leaving behind a legacy of brutality and domination. In fact, many races of the Horde have a history of being unscrupulous. Though redeemed and trying to make amends or simply trying to survive, they are not forgiven nor trusted by many members of the Alliance who believe them to be their old selves still. The trolls, tauren and their other allies are the ones who understood them, and so they are hated for that.

In the Third War, before the liberation of the Forsaken from the Scourge and the defection of the blood elves, the Horde allied themselves with the Alliance to rid Azeroth of the Burning Legion. Since then old animosity has risen again, resulting in open conflict on several battlefields, keeping relations between the Horde and Alliance in a state of Cold War. However, the two factions still officially kept a truce despite the rising conflicts until the Battle for the Undercity, when King Varian Wrynn officially declared war.

By the time the mists concealing Pandaria dissipated, cracks within the Horde started to emerge. The war had intensified with the surprise mana-bombing of Theramore Isle on Garrosh's orders, the actions of which Baine Bloodhoof and Vol'jin openly disapproved of. In response, Garrosh ordered the Kor'kron to suppress any potential dissent, going as far as subjugating the Darkspear trolls on their own territory. Horde leaders were weary of Garrosh's attempts to harness the sha for his own ends, and the blood elves became increasingly discontented with Garrosh treating them as expendable in his attempts to do so. The exposure of Sunreaver agents taking orders from Garrosh eventually led to the Sunreavers' expulsion from Dalaran, stoking further recriminations from the blood elf leadership towards Garrosh.

Organization

Although the Horde is a coalition of diverse races with different cultures, agendas, and values, one thing remains constant with in the Horde: respect is earned by the blade. Orgrimmar is the obvious center for now, and the Warchief of the Horde stands as the undisputed leader. The warchief holds dominion over the entire Horde. The warchief maintains the Horde, is able to declare war for the entire Horde, take any precaution to ensure the stability and security of the Horde's member states, and has the final say in the induction of new Horde members.

The Horde makes no compromises when it comes to excellence, and the power and ferocity of their warriors is legendary. Misunderstood by many as evil, the Horde possesses a strong code of honor and strict laws for disobedience. All members of the Horde have to swear a blood oath to join the faction and are thus obligated to follow the warchief's commands and support the warchief in war if the warchief calls upon them for aid. The position of warchief can be attained by having the previous warchief chose a successor or challenging the current warchief to a Mak'gora: a prearranged duel with deadly weapons between two people following a formal procedure in the presence of witnesses and traditionally fought until one party yields or is killed, usually to settle a quarrel involving a point of honor. Above all else, the title warchief is granted to those who display strength and decisive action. Warchiefs must be able to gain respect via combat effectiveness and martial conquests but also have enough tact to keep the Horde united and stable.

The warchief may accept ambassadors and advisors from all the different tribes and members of the Horde to makes sure their voice is heard in the running of the fledgling hegemony but ultimately, only the warchief may have the final say in matters concerning the entire Horde.

Each race within the Horde may chose a single leader to govern their people and their people's kingdoms and also to represent their people in the high Horde echelon.

Grunts, Berserkers and Tauren warriors fighting together in the Third War

Equal in size, the Horde also has its complexities, much like the Alliance. The main six races of the blood elves, tauren, undead, trolls, goblins, and orcs have countless friends among the races of Azeroth: the Revantusk forest trolls of the Hinterlands, the Stonemaul Ogres and various individuals like the Mok'Nathal beastmaster Rexxar.

Despite their somewhat monstrous appearance, the majority of the Horde is not evil; much like the Alliance, it is comprised of diverse factions and individuals who possess a wide range of values and virtues. Even so, there is one expectation that must be met when joining the Horde: regardless of gender or station, all are expected to pull their own weight and give their talents for the betterment of the Horde. When weakness is a liability to the future of the Horde, it is the duty of the strong to usurp control from the incompetent and redeem the Horde. Lok'tar ogar! Victory or death - it is these words that bind one to the Horde. For they are the most sacred and fundamental of truths to any warrior of the Horde. For the Horde, failure is not an option.

Culturally, orcs and tauren believe in redemption more than most other races on Azeroth and are willing to give almost anyone a chance, regardless of reputation. The Revantusk seem to have even accepted, (if not at least tolerate) their ancient enemy the blood elves. Largely because of these beliefs, a number of mortal races and many diverse factions can be found in service to the Horde.

The Unification

The Horde in Kalimdor, which acts as the bulk of the Horde's forces, serve under the Warchief's leadership. They include most of the orcs, the tauren, the Darkspear trolls, the goblins of the Bilgewater Cartel, and a number of less prominent races within the Horde - such as the Stonemaul ogres. The Horde in the Eastern Kingdoms, comprising of the Forsaken and the blood elves, act with more independence from the Kalimdor Horde but ultimately answers to the warchief out of necessity for the Horde's support. These races all see the Horde differently. Some see it as an instrument of vengeance, hellbent to carve out a future for its people. Others see it as a refuge for those who need shelter, a commonwealth of the downtrodden, built for mutual support. While some view it as an alliance of convenience, a confederacy of unlikely partners free to pursue their own agendas. Whatever their motivations, they are united to claim Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms for themselves in order secure key provisions and supplies needed to support their people, and forcibly remove Alliance incursions from their own lands. This Horde is the result of the actions in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos.

Nation of Durotar

Orcish city of Orgrimmar

The orcs of Durotar follow Warchief Garrosh in the absence of Warchief Thrall. Their culture is split mostly between the orcs' warrior spirit and their shamanistic roots, which has recently wrought on conflict between the younger and older generations. Dedicated to carving out an existence in a world that has come to largely revile them, the orcs have recently turned their attention to reinvigorated conquests. Ashenvale and Stonetalon are among their first targets, and ultimately Warchief Hellscream intends to unite the entirety of Azeroth under a single banner.

Darkspear tribe

Troll city of Darkspear Isle

The Darkspear of the Broken Isles have a very savage and dark history studying voodoo arts and worshiping the loa, however after Thrall had saved their tribe from extinction, Vol'jin son of Sen'jin pledged his tribe to the Horde. Some trolls have now began to study shamanism and more recently druidism, some of these trolls even mix shamanism with voodoo arts, most of the members of the tribe have or are attempting to give up the ways of cannibalism and the other traits of their race's darker history. After retaking much of their territory from the treacherous Zalazane, the Darkspear have been invited to join a revitalized troll empire under the Zandalari's leadership - though Vol'jin has declined this offer.

United Tauren Tribes

Tauren city of Thunder Bluff

The noble tauren of Kalimdor are a race that had hunted the lands of central Kalimdor for generations, however when Thrall and his orcs had arrived onto the lands of Kalimdor they had already been driven near extinction by the marauding centaur that rampaged through their lands. Under the leadership of their high chieftain Cairne Bloodhoof and the young warchief Thrall, the tauren managed to drive back most of the centaur. Since then, Cairne has pledged his people to the Horde. After Cairne's death, the young Baine Bloodhoof has arisen to take his father's place and lead the tauren into a brighter future. With the recent Alliance incursion into the Barrens, the tauren have created a mighty gate to protect their homeland of Mulgore. Even if their Horde allies turn down dark paths during this war, the tauren have resolved to be the light that guides them through it.

Bilgewater Cartel

Goblin city of Bilgewater Harbor

The cunning Bilgewater Cartel goblins from Kezan, one of the most (if not the most) powerful goblin cartels that dominates trade in the south seas, have recently joined the Horde. After Deathwing assaulted Kezan and the goblins were forced to flee, their first escape ships were attacked by an Alliance fleet. With a common enemy, the goblins assisted the captive former Warchief Thrall in breaking his bonds and obliterating the Alliance on the Lost Isles. Their future was tested when their leader, the angered Trade Prince Gallywix, attempted to defeat Thrall and take over Azshara for himself, though this ultimately ended in failure. Thrall mercifully allowed him to retain his position as Trade Prince, and thus the Bilgewater goblins were accepted into the Horde.

Forsaken

Forsaken city, Undercity in the Ruins of Lordaeron

The Horde of the Eastern Kingdoms was initially next to non-existent, with only the Frostwolf orcs and other smaller forces in operation around the continent. In recent years, however, the Horde's presence has been bolstered by the inclusion of the Forsaken of Eastern Kingdoms and the blood elves of Quel'Thalas. While considered members of the Horde, their bonds with the western Horde are perhaps not on the same level as the orcs, trolls and tauren.

The Forsaken were once part of the Scourge, forced into mindless servitude under the Lich King. After the Lich King's grip began to weaken, the banshee queen Sylvanas Windrunner broke free from his will, and went on to both free and rally other undead beings to join her own empire of undeath, dubbed the "Forsaken." Under Lady Sylvanas' leadership, the Forsaken used any means necessary to conquer the fallen kingdom and remove both the dreadlords and other foes threatening their dominion. After expelling the Scourge from capital city and massacring the last remaining holdouts of the Alliance, they took over the catacombs of the former capital, renaming the city "Undercity."

With the backing of the tauren, Thrall warily accepted the Forsaken into the Horde, though this alliance of convenience has been tested - great betrayal at the hands of Grand Apothecary Putress has put the Forsaken on a tight leash, made tighter by the new Warchief's less lenient stance on their modus operandi.

Kingdom of Quel'Thalas

Elven city of Silvermoon

The blood elves of Quel'Thalas preside over the other major kingdom of the Eastern Horde. After the Scourge onslaught essentially culled the high elven race, with over 90% of their people killed, the remaining 10% vowed to avenge the destruction of their once-great nation and dubbed themselves the "blood elves" in honor of their fallen brethren. After retaking their homeland with the volatile new powers the magisters advocated, the kingdom of Quel'Thalas was offered aid from an unlikely source - the Forsaken, whose queen, Lady Sylvanas, had lost her life in her attempt to protect Quel'Thalas from the Scourge. With their assistance, the blood elves were able to fend off the lingering Scourge in the kingdom, and were able to enter the Horde as an equal nation of its own.

Quel'Thalas suffered another dark hour in recent years, when its twisted scion Kael'thas Sunstrider attacked his homeland in a mad bid to usher the Burning Legion's master into Azeroth. He was put to death for this on Quel'Danas, and Lor'themar Theron has thus become the sole leader of the blood elven people.

Videos

Lore For Noobs

• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 1
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 2
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 3
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 4
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 5
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 6
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 7
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 8
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 9
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 10
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 11
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 12
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 13
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 14
• Lore For Noobs The Horde Part 15

References

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