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{{for|the raid that this battle plays out in|Siege of Orgrimmar}}
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{{This|the lore of the battle|the raid instance|Siege of Orgrimmar (instance)|the patch|patch 5.4.0|other uses|Orgrimmar (disambiguation)}}
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{{Conflictbox
{{Cleanup}}
 
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|name= {{Mop-inline}} Siege of Orgrimmar
{{battle
 
  +
|conflict= [[Alliance-Horde war]]
|name=Siege of Orgrimmar
 
|conflict= [[Alliance-Horde War]]
 
 
|image=OrgrimmarSiege2.jpg
 
|image=OrgrimmarSiege2.jpg
 
|date=
 
|date=
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|next=
 
|next=
 
|conc=
 
|conc=
|place=[[Orgrimmar]] and [[Bladefist Bay]]
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|place=[[Orgrimmar]], [[Underhold]], [[Bladefist Bay]]
 
|result=[[Alliance]] and [[Darkspear Rebellion]] victory
 
|result=[[Alliance]] and [[Darkspear Rebellion]] victory
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*[[Garrosh Hellscream]] deposed as [[Warchief]], and succeeded by [[Vol'jin]]
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*End of the [[True Horde]]
  +
*Conclusion of the [[Alliance-Horde war]]
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|army1=[[Alliance]]
  +
|army2=[[True Horde]]{{KIA}}
  +
|army3=[[Sha]]
 
|side1=
 
|side1=
  +
*[[Stormwind (kingdom)|Kingdom of Stormwind]]
*[[Alliance]]
 
  +
*[[Darnassus (faction)|Darnassus Sentinels]]
**[[Kingdom of Stormwind]]
 
  +
*[[Ironforge (kingdom)|Kingdom of Ironforge]]
**[[Northwatch Expeditionary Unit|Northwatch Expedition]]{{fact}}
 
  +
*[[Gnomeregan (faction)|Nation of Gnomeregan]]
**[[Darnassus|Darnassus Sentinels]]
 
**[[Kingdom of Ironforge]]
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*[[Kirin Tor]]
  +
*[[Tushui Pandaren]]
**[[Gnomeregan (faction)|Nation of Gnomeregan]]
 
  +
[[Darkspear Rebellion]]
**[[Kirin Tor]]
 
**[[Tushui Pandaren]]
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*[[Darkspear tribe]]
  +
*[[Thunder Bluff (faction)|Tauren tribes]]
*[[Darkspear Rebellion]]
 
  +
*[[Orgrimmar (faction)|Rebel Durotar orcs]]
**[[Darkspear tribe]]
 
  +
**[[Orgrimmar Grunt|Orgrimmar guard]] (late battle)
**[[Thunder Bluff]] [[Taurens]]
 
  +
*[[Quel'Thalas (kingdom)|Kingdom of Quel'Thalas]]
**[[Orcs|Rebel Durotar Orcs]]
 
**[[Kingdom of Quel'Thalas]]
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*[[Huojin Pandaren]]
**[[Forsaken]]
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*[[Forsaken]]
**[[Bilgewater Cartel]]
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*[[Bilgewater Cartel]]
**[[Orgrimmar Grunt|Orgrimmar Guard]] (late battle)
 
 
|side2=
 
|side2=
  +
*Garrosh-loyal nation of [[Durotar]]
*[[True Horde]]
 
**[[Kor'kron Guard|Kor'kron Legion]]
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**[[Kor'kron Guard|Kor'kron]]
 
**[[Dragonmaw clan]]
 
**[[Dragonmaw clan]]
**[[Blackrock Clan]]
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**[[Blackrock clan]]
**[[Orgrimmar Grunt|Orgrimmar Guard]] (early battle)
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**[[Orgrimmar Grunt|Orgrimmar guard]] (early battle)
**[[Blackfuse Company]]
+
*[[Blackfuse Company]]
*[[Old Gods' forces]]
+
[[Old Gods' forces]]
**[[Klaxxi]]
+
*[[Klaxxi]]
 
|side3=
 
|side3=
  +
*Corrupted [[water elemental]]s
*[[Sha]]
 
**Corrupted [[Water Elementals]]
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*Fallen [[Golden Lotus]]
  +
|commanders1=*{{RaceIcon|Varian}} {{NPC||Varian Wrynn}}
**Fallen [[Golden Lotus]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Jaina2}} {{NPC||Jaina Proudmoore}}
|commanders1=
 
  +
***{{RaceIcon|Vereesa}} {{NPC||Vereesa Windrunner}}
*[[Varian Wrynn]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Mekkatorque}} {{NPC||Gelbin Mekkatorque}}
**[[Jaina Proudmoore]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Moira}} {{NPC||Moira Thaurissan}}
***[[Vereesa Windrunner]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Tyrande}} {{NPC||Tyrande Whisperwind}}
**[[Gelbin Mekkatorque]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Aysa}} {{NPC||Aysa Cloudsinger}}
**[[Moira Thaurissan]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Taylor}} {{NPC||Admiral Taylor}}
**[[Tyrande Whisperwind]]
 
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Vol'jin}} {{NPC||Vol'jin}}
**[[Aysa Cloudsinger]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Baine}} {{NPC||Baine Bloodhoof}}
**[[Admiral Taylor]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Lor'themar}} {{NPC||Lor'themar Theron}}
*[[Vol'jin]]
 
  +
***{{RaceIcon|Aethas}} {{NPC||Aethas Sunreaver}}
**[[Baine Bloodhoof]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Sylvanas}} {{NPC||Sylvanas Windrunner}}
**[[Lor'themar Theron]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|ThrallShaman}} {{NPC||Thrall}}
***[[Aethas Sunreaver]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Gallywix}} {{NPC||Jastor Gallywix}}
**[[Sylvanas Windrunner]]
 
  +
***{{RaceIcon|Goblin|Male}} {{NPC||Grizzle Gearslip}}
**[[Thrall]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Ji}} {{NPC||Ji Firepaw}}
**[[Jastor Gallywix]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Tauren|Male}} {{NPC||Gamon}}
***[[Grizzle Gearslip]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Varok}} {{NPC||Varok Saurfang}}
**[[Ji Firepaw]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Eitrigg}} {{NPC||Eitrigg}}
**[[Gamon]]
 
  +
|commanders2=*{{RaceIcon|Garrosh}} {{NPC||Garrosh Hellscream}}
**[[Varok Saurfang]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Nazgrim}} {{NPC||General Nazgrim}}{{KIA}}
**[[Eitrigg]]
 
  +
***{{RaceIcon|Orc|Male}} {{NPC||Overlord Runthak}}{{KIA}}
|commanders2=
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Malkorok}} {{NPC||Malkorok}}{{KIA}}
*[[Garrosh Hellscream]]
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Zaela}} {{NPC||Warlord Zaela}}
**[[General Nazgrim]]†
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Orc|Male}} {{NPC||Haromm}}{{KIA}}
***[[Overlord Runthak]]†
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Orc|Female}} {{NPC||Kardris Dreamseeker}}{{KIA}}
**[[Malkorok]]†
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Goblin|Male}} {{NPC||Siegecrafter Blackfuse}}{{KIA}}
**[[Warlord Zaela]]
 
  +
***{{RaceIcon|Goblin|Female}} {{NPC||Shanna Sparkfizz}}{{KIA}}
**[[Haromm]]†
 
  +
***{{RaceIcon|Orc|Male}} {{NPC||Aggron}}{{KIA}}
**[[Kardris Dreamseeker]]†
 
  +
***{{RaceIcon|Orc|Male}} {{NPC||Goro'dan}}{{KIA}}
**[[Siegecrafter Blackfuse]]†
 
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Mantid}} {{NPC||Paragons of the Klaxxi}}{{KIA}}
***[[Shanna Sparkfizz]]†
 
  +
|commanders3=*{{RaceIcon|Sha}} {{NPC||Sha of Pride}}
***[[Aggron]]†
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Pandaren|Male}} {{NPC||Rook Stonetoe}} (Corrupted){{KIA}}
***[[Goro'dan]]†
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Pandaren|Male}} {{NPC||He Softfoot}} (Corrupted){{KIA}}
*[[Y'Shaarj]] ([[Heart of Y'Shaarj|heart]])
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|Pandaren|Female}} {{NPC||Sun Tenderheart}} (Corrupted){{KIA}}
**[[Paragons of the Klaxxi]]†
 
  +
**{{RaceIcon|GreaterWater}} {{NPC||Immerseus}}
|commanders3=
 
  +
|casual1=*Moderate; likely heavier for Horde rebels<ref>[[Kor'kron Barracks#Alliance arrival]]; {{text|yell|King Varian Wrynn|Our lines are holding, but Vol'jin's rebels have taken a beating.}}</ref><ref>[[Iron Juggernaut#Quotes]]; {{text|yell|Baine Bloodhoof|Our casualties are too heavy.}}</ref>
*[[Sha of Pride]]
 
  +
|casual2=*Very heavy; defenders routed
**[[Rook Stonetoe]] (Corrupted)&dagger;
 
  +
|casual3=*Annihilated
**[[He Softfoot]] (Corrupted)&dagger;
 
**[[Sun Tenderheart]] (Corrupted)&dagger;
 
**[[Immerseus]]
 
|forces1=
 
*Alliance Vanguards
 
*Stormwind Guardsmen
 
*Kirin Tor Mages
 
*Ironforge rifleman
 
*Night elf Sentinels
 
*Gnomergan engineers
 
*Sentinel Balistas
 
*Sentinel Ancients
 
*Heavy Cannons
 
*Alliance Gryphons
 
*Darkspear rebels
 
*Troll wind riders
 
*Tauren rebels
 
*Durotar Orcish Warriors
 
*Blood elf rangers
 
*Silvermoon Swordsmen
 
*Forsaken invaders
 
*Darkspear siege towers
 
*Goblin Catapults
 
*Gob Squads
 
*Bilgewater Demolishers
 
*Bilgewater Infantry
 
*Razor Hill Grunts
 
*Pandaren Monks
 
*Golden Lotus Remnants
 
*12 Alliance Destroyers
 
*4 Landing Ships
 
*4 Alliance Battleships
 
*3 Orcish Gunships
 
*2 Alliance Air Ship
 
*2 Dalaran Air Vessels
 
*4 Blood elf Destroyers
 
*3 Forsaken Vessels
 
*3 Goblin Frigate
 
*4 Goblin Zepllines
 
|forces2=
 
*Kor'kron Ellite Guards
 
*Kor'kron Infantry
 
*Kor'kron Cavalry
 
*Kor'kron Demolishers
 
*Orgrimmar Grunts
 
*Kor'kron Wyvern Riders
 
*Dark Shamans
 
*Orcish Catapults
 
*Dragonmaw Proto-Drakes
 
*Dragonmaw Shamans
 
*Dragonmaw infantry
 
*Dragonmaw anti-landing cannons
 
*Goblin Anti Air Batteries
 
*Goblin Canon Towers
 
*Blackfuse Goblin defenders
 
*Warrior Clansmen
 
*Klaxxi Paragon's
 
*Klaxxi Warriors
 
|forces3=
 
*[[Sha]]
 
*Corrupted [[Jinyu]]
 
*[[Water Elementals]]
 
*[[Pandaren]] Spirits
 
|casual1=Moderate
 
|casual2=Heavy, defending force annihilated
 
|casual3=Annihilated
 
 
}}
 
}}
'''The Siege of Orgrimmar''' is the culmination of events resulting from [[Warchief]] [[Garrosh Hellscream|Garrosh Hellscream's]] actions during [[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm|Cataclysm]] and [[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria|Pandaria]] campaigns. By knowingly performing numerous war crimes against ally and enemy alike, Garrosh made an enemy of the [[Horde]], [[Alliance]], and [[pandaren]], having only his orcish loyalists, hired goblins, [[Paragons of the Klaxxi|mantid]] and the power of [[Y'Shaarj]] to battle the united front.
 
   
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The '''Siege of Orgrimmar'''<ref>''[[War Crimes]]'', chapter 6</ref><ref>''[[Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded]]'', pg. 64</ref> was the culmination of the [[Alliance-Horde war]] that began years prior, before the [[Cataclysm (event)|Cataclysm]], and saw a full-scale assault on the [[orc]] [[Capital City|capital]] of [[Orgrimmar]] in [[Durotar]]. The battle was also a conclusion to [[Garrosh Hellscream]]'s actions during the Cataclysm and the [[Pandaria]] campaign, as the infamous [[Warchief]] prepared to make a final stand against his enemies and former allies.
In the end, Garrosh's army fell at the overwhelming strength of the united forces and he himself was defeated by their strongest [[Adventurer|heroes]]. Captured, [[Thrall]], [[Varian Wrynn|King Varian]], and Lord [[Taran Zhu]] agreed that Garrosh should stand trial for his crimes in [[Pandaria]].
 
  +
  +
The siege itself began as the combined campaign of the [[Alliance]] and [[Darkspear Rebellion]] pushed the [[True Horde]] of Garrosh Hellscream to the very gates of Orgrimmar itself. This happened alongside a naval blockade and landing at [[Bladefist Bay]], and before long Hellscream's enemies stormed the city and drove into its [[Underhold|underground reaches]].
  +
  +
Extremely diverse, the attacking forces were made up of the Alliance military led by King [[Varian Wrynn]], in addition to the many [[Horde]] races that turned against the Warchief due to his actions; most Horde leaders also rallied against Hellscream, most notably [[Vol'jin]], [[Thrall]], [[Baine Bloodhoof]], and [[Lor'themar Theron]]. At the same time, the orcish loyalists<ref>[http://us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/13841334060?page=4#65 Bashiok]</ref> of the True Horde were bolstered by hired [[mercenary]] [[goblin]]s, [[Paragons of the Klaxxi|mantid]], and the power of the [[Old God]] [[Y'Shaarj]].
  +
  +
In the end, Garrosh's army fell to the overwhelming strength of the forces arrayed against them, with the Warchief himself confronted and defeated by their strongest [[Adventurer|heroes]] deep beneath the city. Captured, Garrosh was spared by [[Taran Zhu]] and the Horde and Alliance leadership, who agreed that he should stand trial for his crimes in Pandaria.
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  +
The end of the siege marked the temporary conclusion of war between the Alliance and Horde, as a tenuous ceasefire was struck between King Wrynn and the Horde's new Warchief, Vol'jin. Despite his defeat, Garrosh would not remain in chains and eventually escaped to instigate the [[war in Draenor]].
   
 
==Prelude==
 
==Prelude==
After being lifted from his depression by Thrall in [[Garadar]], the Warchief brought Garrosh to battle the [[Scourge]] in [[Northrend]]. Despite the glory he received from participating in the [[War against the Lich King]] and later being crowned Warchief, Garrosh's bloodlust only grew with time. The [[Attack on Theramore Isle|Destruction of Theramore]], the [[Quest:De-Subjugation|oppression]] of the [[Darkspear tribe]], and increasing willingness to use [[Divine Bell|evil magic]] drove his allies away from him. Garrosh's paranoia about his supposed allies culminated in his attempted [[Dagger in the Dark|assasination]] of [[Vol'jin]].
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After being lifted from his depression by [[Thrall]] in [[Garadar]], Thrall made Garrosh the overlord of his armies during the war with the [[Scourge]] in [[Northrend]]. Despite the glory he received for participating in the [[war against the Lich King]] and later being declared [[Warchief]], Garrosh's bloodlust and ambition only grew with time. The [[Attack on Theramore Isle|Destruction of Theramore]], the [[De-Subjugation|oppression]] of the [[Darkspear tribe]], use of [[Divine Bell|evil magic]], and the thoughtless endangerment of the non-orc races drove his allies away from him. Garrosh's paranoia about his supposed allies culminated in his attempted [[Dagger in the Dark|assassination]] of [[Vol'jin]]. Soon it became clear to Vol'jin that Garrosh did not want the Horde to be a family of the downtrodden, but rather an instrument to building up orc power.<ref>[[Vol'jin of the Darkspear (Alliance)]]</ref>
   
This proved to be the last straw, as Vol'jin then set about uniting the leaders of the Horde under the [[Darkspear Rebellion]]. The Alliance, also wishing to depose the mad warchief, contacted Vol'jin and began making plans for a united attack on Orgrimmar after the destruction of the [[Vale of Eternal Blossoms]].
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Fed up with Garrosh's tyranny, Vol'jin set about uniting the dissenting leaders of the Horde under the [[Darkspear Rebellion]]. The Alliance, who had also suffered from Garrosh's warmongering, also wished to depose the mad warchief. The Alliance contacted Vol'jin and helped his uprising in the [[Barrens]]. In exchange, the Horde rebels would try to secure [[Bladefist Bay]] for them when their fleet came.<ref name="B:BA>[[Battlefield: Barrens (Alliance)]]</ref>
   
 
==Preparations for the Siege==
 
==Preparations for the Siege==
As the Alliance managed to breach Garrosh's blockade over Kalimdor, their fleet was sent to [[Northwatch Hold]] to regroup with the remaining ships. High King [[Varian Wrynn]] has rallied the [[Alliance]] war fleet and has managed to breach [[Garrosh Hellscream|Garrosh]]'s blockade over [[Kalimdor]]. Their fleet comprising of reinforcements from [[Stormwind]], [[Dalaran]], [[New Tinkertown]], and [[Ironforge]]; sailing on Alliance ships armed with heavy artillery, has set sail for [[Bladefist Bay]], blocking every access to [[Orgrimmar]] and preventing any reinforcements coming from the sea. Also, the [[night elf]] [[Sentinels]] under [[Tyrande Whisperwind]]'s command began marching with siege weapons towards [[Orgrimmar]], planning to use them once [[Vol'jin]]'s [[Darkspear Rebellion|forces]] attacked the [[Before the Gates|gates]].
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High King [[Varian Wrynn]] has rallied the [[Alliance]] war fleet and has managed to breach [[Garrosh Hellscream|Garrosh]]'s blockade over [[Kalimdor]]. Their fleet comprising of reinforcements from [[Stormwind]], [[Dalaran]], [[New Tinkertown]], and [[Ironforge]]; has begun to converge on [[Orgrimmar]]. With the [[True Horde]] distracted by the [[Darkspear Rebellion]], the Alliance fleet made plans to take Garrosh's forces by surprise and make landfall on [[Bladefist Bay]];<ref>[[Gathering Intelligence]]</ref> thus opening up a second front to [[Orgrimmar]]<ref name="B:BA /> and barring any enemy reinforcements coming from the sea. Furthermore, the [[night elf]] [[Sentinels]] under [[Tyrande Whisperwind]]'s command began marching with siege weapons towards [[Orgrimmar]], planning to use them once [[Vol'jin]]'s [[Darkspear Rebellion|forces]] attacked the [[Before the Gates|gates]].
   
In the meantime, [[Vol'jin]] and [[Baine Bloodhoof]] rallied their forces, gaining control of most of [[Durotar]] and the [[Barrens]]; they also obtained the support of the [[Bilgewater Cartel]] rebels, which supplied them with heavy siege weapons. Many orcish citizens of Durotar who opposed Garrosh joined the rebelling forces as well. The [[blood elves]] and the [[Forsaken]] sent reinforcements across the sea from Lordaeron, planning to regroup them with the rest of the rebels once the Alliance attacked Bladefist Bay. Garrosh, however, was prepared for the siege and managed to bring reinforcements to the city before the start of the rebellion. The [[Dragonmaw clan]] under [[Zaela]]'s command was charged to protect the port against the invading naval forces, [[General Nazgrim]] and his forces were sent to defend the main gate, and the [[Kor'kron]] legions were placed inside the city, guarding the underground entrance to Garrosh's compound. The Blackfuse Company brought heavy cannons as well as anti air batteries for the siege. Garrosh also gained the aid of the [[Klaxxi]], earning reinforcements from them as well.
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In the meantime, [[Vol'jin]] and [[Baine Bloodhoof]] rallied their forces, gaining control of most of [[Durotar]] and the [[Barrens]].<ref>[[Battlefield: Barrens]]</ref> They also obtained the support of the [[Bilgewater Cartel]] rebels, which supplied them with heavy siege weapons. Many orcish citizens of Durotar who opposed Garrosh joined the rebelling forces as well. The [[Blood elf|blood elves]] and the [[Forsaken]] sent reinforcements across the sea from Lordaeron, and planned to regroup with the rest of the rebels once the Alliance secured [[Bladefist Bay]].<ref name="SoP">[[Sha of Pride]]</ref> Meanwhile, [[Thrall]] and [[Varok Saurfang]] infiltrated Orgrimmar to rally any dissidents they can find and if possible, Thrall will attempt to confront Garrosh himself.<ref>[[Battle of Razor Hill]]</ref> Vol'jin later sent the [[Gob Squad]] to investigate why people were disappearing in Durotar. Their investigation led them to [[Ragefire Chasm]], where the Gob Squad discovered that Garrosh's forces have been hatching [[proto-drake]] eggs, proliferating weapons, and dealing with [[Dark shaman|dark shamanism]]. All evidence pointed to Garrosh planning some sort of invasion and also searching for some sort of artifact in the [[Vale of Eternal Blossoms]]. The Gob Squad reported their findings to Vol'jin, who no doubt suspected Garrosh of plotting something nefarious.<ref>[[Secrets of Ragefire]]</ref>
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Garrosh, however, was prepared for the siege and managed to bring reinforcements to the city before the start of the rebellion. The [[Dragonmaw clan]] under [[Zaela]]'s command was tasked with protecting the port against the invading naval forces. [[General Nazgrim]] and his forces were sent to defend the main gate, and the [[Kor'kron]] legions were placed inside the city, guarding the underground entrance to Garrosh's compound. The [[Blackfuse Company]] brought heavy cannons, anti-air batteries, and their inventions to help defend Orgrimmar. Garrosh also gained the aid of the [[Klaxxi]], bolstering his forces from them as well.
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[[File:Garrosh and Taran Zhu.jpg|thumb|Garrosh defeats Taran Zhu]]
  +
After the [[Kor'kron]] and a goblin excavation team discovered the [[Vault of Y'Shaarj]] and brought the titan cache containing the dormant [[Heart of Y'Shaarj]] to [[Garrosh Hellscream]],<ref>[[Dark Heart of Pandaria]]</ref> Garrosh went to the [[Vale of Eternal Blossoms]]. At the Vale, Garrosh fought [[Taran Zhu]] and used the energy of the Vale's pools to revive the [[Old God]]'s heart. Once the revitalized Heart of Y'Shaarj was his to utilize, Garrosh planned to use it as his ultimate weapon against his enemies.
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Champions of the Alliance and Horde followed [[Lorewalker Cho]] through the scarred [[Vale of Eternal Blossoms]] to investigate the cause of its destruction. As they explored the unearthed [[mogu]] ruins, the raiders encountered [[Immerseus]], a living essence of the Vale's pools that was corrupted by [[sha]] influence.<ref>[[Immerseus]]</ref> After defeating Immerseus, the group returned to the surface. There the group fended off [[The Fallen Protectors|the corrupted spirits of the Vale's fallen protectors]] at the place where the [[Golden Pagoda]] once stood.<ref>[[The Fallen Protectors]]</ref> Afterwards, the adventurers proceeded to what remains of [[Big Blossom Excavation]] and the titan vault that was uncovered before the disaster. Inside, the construct [[Norushen]] was trying to quarantine the heart chamber and attacked the adventurers, believing they were corrupted by the [[Sha of Pride]]. After Norushen was defeated, it acknowledged the adventurers' good intentions to cleanse the corruption and allowed them to enter.<ref>[[Norushen (tactics)]]</ref> In the heart chamber, they discovered a wounded Taran Zhu blaming the outsiders for the [[Sha of Pride]]'s release. Lorewalker Cho escorted Taran Zhu out of the vault while Norushen and the adventurers attempted to vanquish the Sha of Pride. The Sha of Pride was ultimately defeated by the adventurers, but not before the Sha killed Norushen. Lorewalker Cho brought [[Jaina Proudmoore|Lady Jaina Proudmoore]] and [[Lor'themar Theron]] to aid in the fight but when they arrived, the Sha was already vanquished. Jaina and Lor'themar found [[Gorehowl]] in the heart chamber and discovered that Garrosh was responsible for the Vale's destruction. Although tensions remained high between the Horde rebels and the Alliance, the two factions agreed to a temporary alliance in order to bring Garrosh to justice.<ref name="SoP" />
   
 
==Beginning of the Siege==
 
==Beginning of the Siege==
 
[[File:OrgrimmarSiege.jpg|thumb|left|The start of the siege.]]
 
[[File:OrgrimmarSiege.jpg|thumb|left|The start of the siege.]]
After securing the flanks and the arrival of all of the troll, orcish, goblin, and tauren rebels to Razor Hill, the [[Darkspear Rebellion]] made it's march towards Orgrimmar.
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After securing the flanks and the arrival of all of the troll, orcish, goblin, and tauren rebels to Razor Hill, the [[Darkspear Rebellion]] made its march towards Orgrimmar.
Blood elf, Forsaken, and Eastern orcish rebel forces began sailing across the seas after regrouping in Lordaeron and Pandaria, securing both from Garrosh's remaining forces there. The Alliance's main armada, boarded by most of their leaders, set sail from Northwatch Hold and rendezvoused with the rebel armada in a united front to besiege [[Bladefist Bay]]. Vol'jin's forces set up camp a distance from the gates, as there were too many Kor'kron forces to attempt to siege the city immediately. Battles and skirmishes between them began in front of the city, while Vol'jin and Baine attempted to hold off Garrosh until the reinforcements arrived. Eventually the Alliance and Rebel forces clashed with the Kor'kron in an epic battle in front of the gates, with Blackfuse's largest creation, the [[Iron Juggernaut]], halting the Rebellion's advance. Once reinforcements arrived and destroyed the mechanical scorpion, Tyrande's [[Glaive thrower|Glaive throwers]] brought the gate down.
 
   
  +
Blood elf, Forsaken, and eastern orcish rebel forces began sailing across the seas after regrouping in Lordaeron and Pandaria, securing both from Garrosh's remaining forces there. The Alliance's main armada, boarded by most of their leaders, set sail from [[Northwatch Hold]] and rendezvoused with the rebel armada to form a united front during their landfall on [[Bladefist Bay]]. Vol'jin's forces had not been able to secure the bay, however, and the united armada was met with hostile Dragonmaw orcs, who have fortified themselves along the bay's shore. The united armada stormed [[Dranosh'ar Landing]]; defeating the [[Dragonmaw clan]] and bringing down [[Zaela]] and her mighty proto-dragon, [[Galakras]].<ref>[[Galakras]]</ref>
==Path To the Underhold==
 
The united forces surged into Orgrimmar, rescuing captured Horde and Alliance civilians and prisoners including [[Ji Firepaw]]. After encountering [[Eitrigg]], the army was attacked by Garrosh's most powerful [[Kor'kron Dark Shaman|Dark Shaman]], wielding twisted and polluted versions of their elemental powers. After defeating them and numerous Kor'Kron, the army freed [[Gamon]] and assaulted [[Ragefire Chasm]], seeing that most of the [[Warlock|warlocks]] in Orgrimmar had been burned and hanged as traitors. The last barrier between the united front and Garrosh's Underhold was his strongest general: [[Nazgrim]]. Expressing his sorrow that it has come to this, yet anticipation of facing his fellow Horde, whom with he had shared so much of his career as a soldier, and his rivals in the Alliance; Nazgrim threw himself at them, using every skill and tactic he had as a [[Warrior]] in the name of his Warchief. He fell alongside his own reinforcements, knowing that the Horde would be led to a brighter future after Garrosh's downfall.
 
   
  +
[[Vol'jin]]'s forces set up camp a distance from the gates, barely holding off Garrosh's forces. They've sustained heavy casualties and lost all of their [[vehicle|siege weapon]]s, leaving Vol'jin and [[Baine Bloodhoof|Baine]] little choice but to endure the skirmishes with the Kor'kron until reinforcements arrive. Eventually, the Alliance and rebel reinforcements regrouped with Vol'jin's forces, turning the tide of battle. Together, they clashed with the Kor'kron in an epic battle in front of the gates; with [[Helix Blackfuse]]'s creation, the [[Iron Juggernaut]], barring the united force's advance. The mighty heroes eventually destroyed the mechanical scorpion, but the rebellion still lacked the means to besiege the city and more Kor'kron reinforcements were approaching. Fortunately, [[Tyrande Whisperwind|Tyrande]] and her [[Sentinels]] dispatched the Kor'kron reinforcements while their [[glaive thrower]]s demolished the gates of Orgrimmar. With the gates down, the united forces began invading the city.<ref>[[Iron Juggernaut]]</ref>
==Hellscream's Downfall==
 
  +
After killing the Warchief's [[Malkorok|right-hand man,]] [[Thok the Bloodthirsty|strongest beast,]] [[Spoils of Pandaria|greatest treasures]], [[Siegecrafter Blackfuse|goblin mercenaries]], and [[Paragons of the Klaxxi|Mantid allies]], Garrosh stood face to face with his predecessor, Thrall. While Thrall attempted to use his [[Shaman|shamanistic]] power of the elements against Garrosh, the World Shaman found his powers useless because of the Dark Shaman's corruption of the land around them. After quickly defeating Thrall, the heroes of the Horde and Alliance began their own attack on the mad warchief. Wielding his new weapon [[Xal'atoh, Desecrated Image of Gorehowl]] alongside the power of the [[Heart of Y'Shaarj]], Garrosh proved to be a powerful opponent, but soon fell, defeated but still alive.
 
  +
==Path to the Underhold==
  +
The united forces surged into Orgrimmar, rescuing captured Horde and Alliance civilians and prisoners (many of which were tortured<ref>[[Theramore Citizen]]</ref><ref>[[Darkspear Headhunter]]</ref>) — two of which included [[Ji Firepaw]] and [[Gamon]]. The army went on to dispatch Garrosh's most powerful [[Kor'kron Dark Shaman|Dark Shaman]], who wielded twisted and polluted versions of their elemental powers. After defeating them and numerous Kor'kron, the army met up with an injured [[Eitrigg]] outside of [[Grommash Hold]]. Eitrigg told the heroes that Garrosh was holed up in a [[Underhold|compound]] beneath the caverns of [[Ragefire Chasm]].<ref>[[Kor'kron Dark Shaman]]</ref> As the champions raided Ragefire Chasm, the champions saw that most of the [[Warlock|warlocks]] in Orgrimmar have been burned and hanged as traitors, further indicating Garrosh's brutality. The last barrier between the united front and Garrosh's [[Underhold]] was his strongest general: [[Nazgrim]]. Nazgrim regretted that it has come to this, yet was also content that he would be fighting honorably against foes he respected: his fellow Horde — whom he fought alongside with during most of his career as a soldier — and his rivals in the Alliance. Nazgrim threw himself at them, using every skill and tactic he had as a [[Warrior]] in the name of his Warchief. He died alongside his own reinforcements; satisfied with the knowledge that the Horde would be led to a brighter future after Garrosh's downfall.<ref>[[General Nazgrim (tactics)]]</ref>
  +
  +
==Hellscream's downfall==
  +
[[File:Garrosh Defeated.jpg|thumb|Garrosh is defeated by the Alliance/Horde heroes.]]
  +
After Azeroth's greatest champions killed the Warchief's [[Malkorok|right-hand man,]] [[Thok the Bloodthirsty|strongest beast,]] [[Spoils of Pandaria|greatest treasures]], [[Siegecrafter Blackfuse|goblin mercenaries]], and [[Paragons of the Klaxxi|Mantid allies]]; they found Garrosh in his [[Inner Sanctum (Siege of Orgrimmar)|Inner Sanctum]]. There, Garrosh stood face to face with his predecessor, Thrall. While Thrall attempted to use his [[Shaman|shamanistic]] power of the elements against Garrosh, the World Shaman found his powers useless because of the Dark Shaman's corruption of the land around them. After Garrosh quickly defeated Thrall, the heroes of the Horde and Alliance began their own attack on the mad warchief. Wielding his new weapon [[Xal'atoh, Desecrated Image of Gorehowl]] and augmented by the [[Heart of Y'Shaarj]], Garrosh proved to be a powerful opponent but nevertheless was defeated in battle. In the end, Garrosh collapsed from his injuries but was still alive.<ref name="GH tct">[[Garrosh Hellscream (tactics)]]</ref>
   
 
==Aftermath==
 
==Aftermath==
  +
[[File:High King Varian Warchief Vol'jin.PNG|thumb|Varian confronting Vol'jin.]]
As the leaders of both the Horde and Alliance (except [[Genn Greymane]] and [[Velen]]) enter the throne room, Thrall attempts to execute Garrosh on the spot, but is stopped by Varian, who claims the punishment is not for him alone to make. Taran Zhu agrees, claiming the need for Garrosh to stand trial in Pandaria. The leaders agree as Garrosh is taken away in chains. However, [[Jaina Proudmoore|Jaina]] sees this as an opportunity: attack the remaining Horde leaders while they are all in one place and press on their advantage to dismantle the Horde. Varian, on the other hand, only wishes to speak with the new warchief and is surprised to learn that it is not Thrall, but Vol'jin who now leads the Horde. Varian claims that, while the Horde has committed many crimes, he is willing to give peace another chance so long as the Horde retains its honor from now on.
 
  +
As the leaders of both the Horde and Alliance (except [[Genn Greymane]] and [[Velen]]) enter the throne room, Thrall attempts to execute Garrosh on the spot, but is stopped by Varian, who claims the punishment is not for him alone to make. Taran Zhu agrees, claiming the need for Garrosh to stand trial in Pandaria. The leaders agree as Garrosh is taken away in chains. However, [[Jaina Proudmoore|Jaina]] sees this as an opportunity: attack the remaining Horde leaders while they are all in one place and press on their advantage to dismantle the Horde. Varian, on the other hand, only wishes to speak with the new warchief and is surprised to learn that it is not Thrall, but Vol'jin who now leads the Horde. Varian claims that, while the Horde has committed heinous crimes, he is willing to give peace another chance so long as the Horde retains its honor from now on.<ref name="GH tct" />
  +
  +
Meanwhile, in Pandaria, [[Emperor Shaohao]] and the [[August Celestials]] use their power to grow a large, magical tree in the middle of the Vale of Eternal Sorrows, providing hope that one day, the Vale will heal. Shaohao declares the threat of the Sha and Y'Shaarj to be over.<ref>[[Why Do We Fight? (quest)]]</ref>
  +
  +
Garrosh had deployed his [[arcweaver]] [[mage]]s during the battle. It was only through [[Thrall]]'s intervention that the remaining arcweavers were not executed for treason after the siege ended, and so the mages joined the Horde.<ref>[[The Kosh'harg#Dialogue]]</ref>
  +
  +
==Forces==
  +
;[[Alliance]]
  +
*Alliance forces
  +
**Stormwind footmen
  +
**Stormwind [[Stormwind Royal Guard|Royal Guards]]
  +
**Kirin Tor [[mage]]s
  +
**Ironforge [[rifleman]]
  +
**Night elf [[Sentinels]]
  +
**Gnomeregan [[engineer]]s
  +
**Sentinel [[Glaive Thrower (Siege of Orgrimmar)|Glaive Throwers]]
  +
**Heavy Cannons
  +
**Alliance [[gryphon]]s
  +
*Darkspear rebels
  +
**Troll [[wind rider]]s
  +
**Tauren rebels
  +
**Durotar orcish warriors
  +
**Blood elf [[Elven ranger|rangers]]
  +
**Silvermoon swordsmen
  +
**Forsaken infantry
  +
**Darkspear siege towers
  +
**Goblin catapults
  +
**[[Gob Squad]] members
  +
**Bilgewater demolishers
  +
**Bilgewater infantry
  +
**Razor Hill grunts
  +
*Pandaren monks
  +
*Golden Lotus remnants
  +
*Numerous Alliance destroyers
  +
*Numerous Alliance battleships
  +
*Several Horde [[zeppelin]]s
  +
*Several Alliance [[gunship]]s
  +
*Numerous Blood elven destroyers
  +
*Numerous Forsaken battleships
  +
*Several goblin frigates
  +
  +
;[[True Horde]]
  +
*[[Kor'kron]]
  +
**Kor'kron elite guards
  +
**Kor'kron infantry
  +
**Kor'kron cavalry
  +
**Kor'kron [[demolisher]]s
  +
**Heavy cannons
  +
**Kor'kron [[wyvern rider]]s
  +
*[[Orgrimmar Grunt]]s (early battle)
  +
*[[Arcweaver]]s
  +
*[[Dark Shaman]]
  +
*Orcish catapults
  +
*[[Dragonmaw clan]]
  +
**Dragonmaw [[proto-drake]]s
  +
**Dragonmaw shaman
  +
**Dragonmaw grunts
  +
**Dragonmaw cannons
  +
*[[Blackfuse Company]] [[goblin]]s
  +
**Goblin anti-air batteries
  +
**Goblin canon towers
  +
**Blackfuse bodyguards
  +
**[[Blackfuse Engineer]]s
  +
***Blackfuse iron tech
  +
*{{npc||Heart of Y'Shaarj||heart}} of an [[Old God]]
  +
*[[Klaxxi]]
  +
**Paragons
  +
**Mantid amber weavers
  +
**Mantid warriors
  +
  +
;[[Sha]]
  +
*[[Sha]]
  +
*Corrupted [[jinyu]]
  +
*[[Water elemental]]s
  +
*[[Pandaren]] spirits
  +
  +
==Notes and trivia==
  +
*The events of this battle are represented in [[Siege of Orgrimmar (instance)|the final raid instance]] of ''[[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria|Mists of Pandaria]]''.
  +
*On the [[Isle of Thunder]], [[Jaina Proudmoore]] vowed to use her [[Staff of Antonidas|staff]] to crush Orgrimmar's walls,<ref>[[Securing A Future]]</ref> but she didn't do that.
  +
*In an interview with Jesse Cox, [[Dave Kosak]] revealed that [[Dalaran]] was planned to be in the air above Orgrimmar during the Siege, but technical limitations meant they had to scrap the idea. It is possible this is related to the limitations which prevented the [[Argent Tournament]] from being placed in [[Crystalsong Forest]].
  +
*The Siege of Orgrimmar features as an attraction in the [[Blizzard World]] in-universe map in ''[[Overwatch franchise|Overwatch]]'', but is not seen in the in-game map itself.
  +
*[[Varian Wrynn]] stated (in the aftermath of the Siege of Orgrimmar) that his reasoning for giving peace another chance with the Horde was that continuing the war would prove too costly.<ref>[[Garrosh Hellscream (tactics)#Quotes]]</ref> [[Varok Saurfang]] elaborated on Varian's mindset in ''[[A Good War]]'', stating, "There had been a stalemate, of sorts, between the Alliance and the Horde for years. Both sides were strong and had forces placed all around the world. No action could be taken without suffering a swift reprisal. That was why Varian Wrynn had decided not to crush the Horde after the Siege of Orgrimmar—he knew how many lives it would have cost his people to see it through. And, in hindsight, it would have meant the death of Azeroth, for it had taken the full strength of both the Horde and the Alliance to ensure the world’s survival."
  +
*A "second" Siege of Orgrimmar was nearly attempted at the end of the [[Fourth War]], but was avoided due to [[Varok Saurfang]]'s [[mak'gora]] against Sylvanas Windrunner.<ref>[[Before the Gates of Orgrimmar]]</ref>
  +
*Although Jaina was able to send a ship full of Theramore civilians to [[Tanaris]] thanks to [[Baine Bloodhoof]]'s warning, it is possible that most of them were captured and possibly killed anyway after the Horde's naval victories near the region<ref>[[The Art of War (quest)]]</ref> not long after the bombing of Theramore, as various [[Theramore Citizen]]s, including children, were captured and sent to Orgrimmar, and seen both dead and alive throughout the siege.
  +
  +
==Videos==
  +
<evlplayer>
  +
</evlplayer>
  +
*{{#vlink:slzQOyS5TqQ|Mists of Pandaria - Patch 5.4: Siege of Orgrimmar}}
  +
*{{#vlink:UMd1PPs2UPg|Patch 5.4 - Garrosh Defeat: Alliance Cinematic}}
  +
*{{#vlink:8A00jJxhyRY|Patch 5.4 - Garrosh Defeat: Horde Cinematic}}
  +
*{{#vlink:38p68V5w3AM|Mists of Pandaria - Why Do We Fight?}}
   
  +
==References==
Meanwhile, in Pandaria, [[Emperor Shaohao]] and the [[August Celestials]] use their power to grow a large, magical tree in the middle of the Vale of Eternal Sorrows, providing hope that one day, the Vale will heal. Shaohao declares the threat of the Sha and Y'Shaarj to be over.
 
  +
{{Reflist|2}}
   
  +
{{Conflicts in WoW since Cataclysm}}
==Trivia==
 
* In an interview with Jesse Cox, [[Dave Kosak]] revealed that [[Dalaran]] was planned to be in the air above Orgrimmar during the Siege, but technical limitations meant they had to scrap the idea. It is possible this is related to the limitations which prevented the [[Argent Tournament]] from being placed in [[Crystalsong Forest]].
 
   
{{Wars}}
 
 
[[Category:Wars]]
 
[[Category:Wars]]

Latest revision as of 16:19, 29 March 2023

This article is about the lore of the battle. For the raid instance, see Siege of Orgrimmar (instance). For the patch, see patch 5.4.0. For other uses, see Orgrimmar (disambiguation).
Mists of Pandaria Siege of Orgrimmar
OrgrimmarSiege2
Location Orgrimmar, Underhold, Bladefist Bay
Result

Alliance and Darkspear Rebellion victory

Belligerents
 

Alliance

Darkspear Rebellion

 

True Horde †

Old Gods' forces

 

Sha

Commanders and leaders
 

Alliance

 

True Horde †

 

Sha

Casualties and losses
 

Alliance

  • Moderate; likely heavier for Horde rebels[1][2]
 

True Horde †

  • Very heavy; defenders routed
 

Sha

  • Annihilated
Previous Battlefield: Barrens

The Siege of Orgrimmar[3][4] was the culmination of the Alliance-Horde war that began years prior, before the Cataclysm, and saw a full-scale assault on the orc capital of Orgrimmar in Durotar. The battle was also a conclusion to Garrosh Hellscream's actions during the Cataclysm and the Pandaria campaign, as the infamous Warchief prepared to make a final stand against his enemies and former allies.

The siege itself began as the combined campaign of the Alliance and Darkspear Rebellion pushed the True Horde of Garrosh Hellscream to the very gates of Orgrimmar itself. This happened alongside a naval blockade and landing at Bladefist Bay, and before long Hellscream's enemies stormed the city and drove into its underground reaches.

Extremely diverse, the attacking forces were made up of the Alliance military led by King Varian Wrynn, in addition to the many Horde races that turned against the Warchief due to his actions; most Horde leaders also rallied against Hellscream, most notably Vol'jin, Thrall, Baine Bloodhoof, and Lor'themar Theron. At the same time, the orcish loyalists[5] of the True Horde were bolstered by hired mercenary goblins, mantid, and the power of the Old God Y'Shaarj.

In the end, Garrosh's army fell to the overwhelming strength of the forces arrayed against them, with the Warchief himself confronted and defeated by their strongest heroes deep beneath the city. Captured, Garrosh was spared by Taran Zhu and the Horde and Alliance leadership, who agreed that he should stand trial for his crimes in Pandaria.

The end of the siege marked the temporary conclusion of war between the Alliance and Horde, as a tenuous ceasefire was struck between King Wrynn and the Horde's new Warchief, Vol'jin. Despite his defeat, Garrosh would not remain in chains and eventually escaped to instigate the war in Draenor.

Prelude

After being lifted from his depression by Thrall in Garadar, Thrall made Garrosh the overlord of his armies during the war with the Scourge in Northrend. Despite the glory he received for participating in the war against the Lich King and later being declared Warchief, Garrosh's bloodlust and ambition only grew with time. The Destruction of Theramore, the oppression of the Darkspear tribe, use of evil magic, and the thoughtless endangerment of the non-orc races drove his allies away from him. Garrosh's paranoia about his supposed allies culminated in his attempted assassination of Vol'jin. Soon it became clear to Vol'jin that Garrosh did not want the Horde to be a family of the downtrodden, but rather an instrument to building up orc power.[6]

Fed up with Garrosh's tyranny, Vol'jin set about uniting the dissenting leaders of the Horde under the Darkspear Rebellion. The Alliance, who had also suffered from Garrosh's warmongering, also wished to depose the mad warchief. The Alliance contacted Vol'jin and helped his uprising in the Barrens. In exchange, the Horde rebels would try to secure Bladefist Bay for them when their fleet came.[7]

Preparations for the Siege

High King Varian Wrynn has rallied the Alliance war fleet and has managed to breach Garrosh's blockade over Kalimdor. Their fleet comprising of reinforcements from Stormwind, Dalaran, New Tinkertown, and Ironforge; has begun to converge on Orgrimmar. With the True Horde distracted by the Darkspear Rebellion, the Alliance fleet made plans to take Garrosh's forces by surprise and make landfall on Bladefist Bay;[8] thus opening up a second front to Orgrimmar[7] and barring any enemy reinforcements coming from the sea. Furthermore, the night elf Sentinels under Tyrande Whisperwind's command began marching with siege weapons towards Orgrimmar, planning to use them once Vol'jin's forces attacked the gates.

In the meantime, Vol'jin and Baine Bloodhoof rallied their forces, gaining control of most of Durotar and the Barrens.[9] They also obtained the support of the Bilgewater Cartel rebels, which supplied them with heavy siege weapons. Many orcish citizens of Durotar who opposed Garrosh joined the rebelling forces as well. The blood elves and the Forsaken sent reinforcements across the sea from Lordaeron, and planned to regroup with the rest of the rebels once the Alliance secured Bladefist Bay.[10] Meanwhile, Thrall and Varok Saurfang infiltrated Orgrimmar to rally any dissidents they can find and if possible, Thrall will attempt to confront Garrosh himself.[11] Vol'jin later sent the Gob Squad to investigate why people were disappearing in Durotar. Their investigation led them to Ragefire Chasm, where the Gob Squad discovered that Garrosh's forces have been hatching proto-drake eggs, proliferating weapons, and dealing with dark shamanism. All evidence pointed to Garrosh planning some sort of invasion and also searching for some sort of artifact in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. The Gob Squad reported their findings to Vol'jin, who no doubt suspected Garrosh of plotting something nefarious.[12]

Garrosh, however, was prepared for the siege and managed to bring reinforcements to the city before the start of the rebellion. The Dragonmaw clan under Zaela's command was tasked with protecting the port against the invading naval forces. General Nazgrim and his forces were sent to defend the main gate, and the Kor'kron legions were placed inside the city, guarding the underground entrance to Garrosh's compound. The Blackfuse Company brought heavy cannons, anti-air batteries, and their inventions to help defend Orgrimmar. Garrosh also gained the aid of the Klaxxi, bolstering his forces from them as well.

Garrosh and Taran Zhu

Garrosh defeats Taran Zhu

After the Kor'kron and a goblin excavation team discovered the Vault of Y'Shaarj and brought the titan cache containing the dormant Heart of Y'Shaarj to Garrosh Hellscream,[13] Garrosh went to the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. At the Vale, Garrosh fought Taran Zhu and used the energy of the Vale's pools to revive the Old God's heart. Once the revitalized Heart of Y'Shaarj was his to utilize, Garrosh planned to use it as his ultimate weapon against his enemies.

Champions of the Alliance and Horde followed Lorewalker Cho through the scarred Vale of Eternal Blossoms to investigate the cause of its destruction. As they explored the unearthed mogu ruins, the raiders encountered Immerseus, a living essence of the Vale's pools that was corrupted by sha influence.[14] After defeating Immerseus, the group returned to the surface. There the group fended off the corrupted spirits of the Vale's fallen protectors at the place where the Golden Pagoda once stood.[15] Afterwards, the adventurers proceeded to what remains of Big Blossom Excavation and the titan vault that was uncovered before the disaster. Inside, the construct Norushen was trying to quarantine the heart chamber and attacked the adventurers, believing they were corrupted by the Sha of Pride. After Norushen was defeated, it acknowledged the adventurers' good intentions to cleanse the corruption and allowed them to enter.[16] In the heart chamber, they discovered a wounded Taran Zhu blaming the outsiders for the Sha of Pride's release. Lorewalker Cho escorted Taran Zhu out of the vault while Norushen and the adventurers attempted to vanquish the Sha of Pride. The Sha of Pride was ultimately defeated by the adventurers, but not before the Sha killed Norushen. Lorewalker Cho brought Lady Jaina Proudmoore and Lor'themar Theron to aid in the fight but when they arrived, the Sha was already vanquished. Jaina and Lor'themar found Gorehowl in the heart chamber and discovered that Garrosh was responsible for the Vale's destruction. Although tensions remained high between the Horde rebels and the Alliance, the two factions agreed to a temporary alliance in order to bring Garrosh to justice.[10]

Beginning of the Siege

OrgrimmarSiege

The start of the siege.

After securing the flanks and the arrival of all of the troll, orcish, goblin, and tauren rebels to Razor Hill, the Darkspear Rebellion made its march towards Orgrimmar.

Blood elf, Forsaken, and eastern orcish rebel forces began sailing across the seas after regrouping in Lordaeron and Pandaria, securing both from Garrosh's remaining forces there. The Alliance's main armada, boarded by most of their leaders, set sail from Northwatch Hold and rendezvoused with the rebel armada to form a united front during their landfall on Bladefist Bay. Vol'jin's forces had not been able to secure the bay, however, and the united armada was met with hostile Dragonmaw orcs, who have fortified themselves along the bay's shore. The united armada stormed Dranosh'ar Landing; defeating the Dragonmaw clan and bringing down Zaela and her mighty proto-dragon, Galakras.[17]

Vol'jin's forces set up camp a distance from the gates, barely holding off Garrosh's forces. They've sustained heavy casualties and lost all of their siege weapons, leaving Vol'jin and Baine little choice but to endure the skirmishes with the Kor'kron until reinforcements arrive. Eventually, the Alliance and rebel reinforcements regrouped with Vol'jin's forces, turning the tide of battle. Together, they clashed with the Kor'kron in an epic battle in front of the gates; with Helix Blackfuse's creation, the Iron Juggernaut, barring the united force's advance. The mighty heroes eventually destroyed the mechanical scorpion, but the rebellion still lacked the means to besiege the city and more Kor'kron reinforcements were approaching. Fortunately, Tyrande and her Sentinels dispatched the Kor'kron reinforcements while their glaive throwers demolished the gates of Orgrimmar. With the gates down, the united forces began invading the city.[18]

Path to the Underhold

The united forces surged into Orgrimmar, rescuing captured Horde and Alliance civilians and prisoners (many of which were tortured[19][20]) — two of which included Ji Firepaw and Gamon. The army went on to dispatch Garrosh's most powerful Dark Shaman, who wielded twisted and polluted versions of their elemental powers. After defeating them and numerous Kor'kron, the army met up with an injured Eitrigg outside of Grommash Hold. Eitrigg told the heroes that Garrosh was holed up in a compound beneath the caverns of Ragefire Chasm.[21] As the champions raided Ragefire Chasm, the champions saw that most of the warlocks in Orgrimmar have been burned and hanged as traitors, further indicating Garrosh's brutality. The last barrier between the united front and Garrosh's Underhold was his strongest general: Nazgrim. Nazgrim regretted that it has come to this, yet was also content that he would be fighting honorably against foes he respected: his fellow Horde — whom he fought alongside with during most of his career as a soldier — and his rivals in the Alliance. Nazgrim threw himself at them, using every skill and tactic he had as a Warrior in the name of his Warchief. He died alongside his own reinforcements; satisfied with the knowledge that the Horde would be led to a brighter future after Garrosh's downfall.[22]

Hellscream's downfall

Garrosh Defeated

Garrosh is defeated by the Alliance/Horde heroes.

After Azeroth's greatest champions killed the Warchief's right-hand man, strongest beast, greatest treasures, goblin mercenaries, and Mantid allies; they found Garrosh in his Inner Sanctum. There, Garrosh stood face to face with his predecessor, Thrall. While Thrall attempted to use his shamanistic power of the elements against Garrosh, the World Shaman found his powers useless because of the Dark Shaman's corruption of the land around them. After Garrosh quickly defeated Thrall, the heroes of the Horde and Alliance began their own attack on the mad warchief. Wielding his new weapon Inv axe 2h orgrimmarraid d 01 [Xal'atoh, Desecrated Image of Gorehowl] and augmented by the Heart of Y'Shaarj, Garrosh proved to be a powerful opponent but nevertheless was defeated in battle. In the end, Garrosh collapsed from his injuries but was still alive.[23]

Aftermath

High King Varian Warchief Vol'jin

Varian confronting Vol'jin.

As the leaders of both the Horde and Alliance (except Genn Greymane and Velen) enter the throne room, Thrall attempts to execute Garrosh on the spot, but is stopped by Varian, who claims the punishment is not for him alone to make. Taran Zhu agrees, claiming the need for Garrosh to stand trial in Pandaria. The leaders agree as Garrosh is taken away in chains. However, Jaina sees this as an opportunity: attack the remaining Horde leaders while they are all in one place and press on their advantage to dismantle the Horde. Varian, on the other hand, only wishes to speak with the new warchief and is surprised to learn that it is not Thrall, but Vol'jin who now leads the Horde. Varian claims that, while the Horde has committed heinous crimes, he is willing to give peace another chance so long as the Horde retains its honor from now on.[23]

Meanwhile, in Pandaria, Emperor Shaohao and the August Celestials use their power to grow a large, magical tree in the middle of the Vale of Eternal Sorrows, providing hope that one day, the Vale will heal. Shaohao declares the threat of the Sha and Y'Shaarj to be over.[24]

Garrosh had deployed his arcweaver mages during the battle. It was only through Thrall's intervention that the remaining arcweavers were not executed for treason after the siege ended, and so the mages joined the Horde.[25]

Forces

Alliance
  • Alliance forces
  • Darkspear rebels
    • Troll wind riders
    • Tauren rebels
    • Durotar orcish warriors
    • Blood elf rangers
    • Silvermoon swordsmen
    • Forsaken infantry
    • Darkspear siege towers
    • Goblin catapults
    • Gob Squad members
    • Bilgewater demolishers
    • Bilgewater infantry
    • Razor Hill grunts
  • Pandaren monks
  • Golden Lotus remnants
  • Numerous Alliance destroyers
  • Numerous Alliance battleships
  • Several Horde zeppelins
  • Several Alliance gunships
  • Numerous Blood elven destroyers
  • Numerous Forsaken battleships
  • Several goblin frigates
True Horde
Sha

Notes and trivia

  • The events of this battle are represented in the final raid instance of Mists of Pandaria.
  • On the Isle of Thunder, Jaina Proudmoore vowed to use her staff to crush Orgrimmar's walls,[26] but she didn't do that.
  • In an interview with Jesse Cox, Dave Kosak revealed that Dalaran was planned to be in the air above Orgrimmar during the Siege, but technical limitations meant they had to scrap the idea. It is possible this is related to the limitations which prevented the Argent Tournament from being placed in Crystalsong Forest.
  • The Siege of Orgrimmar features as an attraction in the Blizzard World in-universe map in Overwatch, but is not seen in the in-game map itself.
  • Varian Wrynn stated (in the aftermath of the Siege of Orgrimmar) that his reasoning for giving peace another chance with the Horde was that continuing the war would prove too costly.[27] Varok Saurfang elaborated on Varian's mindset in A Good War, stating, "There had been a stalemate, of sorts, between the Alliance and the Horde for years. Both sides were strong and had forces placed all around the world. No action could be taken without suffering a swift reprisal. That was why Varian Wrynn had decided not to crush the Horde after the Siege of Orgrimmar—he knew how many lives it would have cost his people to see it through. And, in hindsight, it would have meant the death of Azeroth, for it had taken the full strength of both the Horde and the Alliance to ensure the world’s survival."
  • A "second" Siege of Orgrimmar was nearly attempted at the end of the Fourth War, but was avoided due to Varok Saurfang's mak'gora against Sylvanas Windrunner.[28]
  • Although Jaina was able to send a ship full of Theramore civilians to Tanaris thanks to Baine Bloodhoof's warning, it is possible that most of them were captured and possibly killed anyway after the Horde's naval victories near the region[29] not long after the bombing of Theramore, as various Theramore Citizens, including children, were captured and sent to Orgrimmar, and seen both dead and alive throughout the siege.

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