#loremonth

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I wanted to visually compare the amount of territory the trolls held pre-Sundering to how much land they have now, so I made this map! (That and I really just wanted to put together a map of ancient troll structures – which, technically, this map is not. There are a lot of centuries-old troll ruins on here, but there are also many “new”/currently inhabited troll settlements, which is kind of how this map got the title, “Current and Former Troll Settlements as of the Second War”).

Each settlement is color-coded based on the tribe that occupies it. The colors – with the exception of the sand trolls, who were originally Gurubashi – are the exact same ones used for the various tribes in Chronicle Volume I.

I ended up redoing a significant portion of this map maaaany more times than I’d like. First, I put it on a Cataclysm map instead of a Classic map (dumb mistake, but I hadn’t yet thought of it in terms of pre-Second War ruins. I was still kind of thinking of the map as an “all existing troll ruins” thing). THEN, after that, I kept having to delete or add ruins because I either didn’t know my lore well enough to realize a town didn’t exist until after the Second War or I just missed ruins out of ignorance. On that note, it’s very possible that I’ve still left out some troll ruins, for which I apologize.

I originally planned on doing a pre-Sundering troll ruins map to go with this, but ultimately decided against it because there just wasn’t enough information to piece it together accurately. (It’s nowhere near as easy to say a certain troll ruin was built pre-Sundering like it is for Highborne ruins). That said, I might still end up working on it sometime in the future, just not as an official part of Troll Lore Month.

Things intentionally left out:

Most of the settlements on Zandalar

I was worried that Zandalar, as small as it is, would end up way too saturated if I tried to fit in every single troll village on the continent, so I only included the ones I thought most significant: the capital city, the former capital city (as it is implied), the royal tombs, the three seals, and Bwonsamdi’s temple.

The non-Loa altars in Zul’Drak

The Drakkari once worshipped ‘Gods’ alongside their loa. Altars to them can actually be found all over Zul’Drak, but I opted not to include them in favor of highlighting the much more significant Loa altars.

The Echo Isles & Sen’jin Village

As the title indicates, only Second War-onward settlements are marked on the map. IIRC, while the Darkspear may have left Stranglethorn Vale anytime between a decade and several centuries ago depending on your source, they didn’t actually settle the Echo Isles until after they joined Thrall’s Horde, an event that only happened in the recent past.

On that note, the original set of islands the Darkspear settled on aren’t on this map either and that’s only because it’s unclear where they are.

Molten Cay

Molten Cay, which is one of the island expeditions, actually has a set of troll ruins on it. (I’m willing to wager they’re Gurubashi ruins, but that’s beside the point). It only got left out because I have zero idea where the island is actually supposed to be.

 Other things worth noting:

Stranglethorn Vale

Not sure if this is indeed true or not, but some cursory research leads me to believe that the location of several ruins in Stranglethorn Vale are different in Classic than they are on live, something which may or may not be attributed to the Cataclysm. Unfortunately, I based all of my locations on current Cataclysm maps (my Classic character isn’t quite high level enough to go through STV yet and live, my bad). That said, the region is so saturated it may almost not make that much of a difference anyway if the ruins are slightly off.

Voodress Village

Since Voodress is only in the RPG, it’s not canon. More importantly, the location I’ve marked for it on this map is highly likely to be inaccurate because I don’t know where on Kezan the village is supposed to be as it was never mentioned.

I’lalai

Gets a “presumed” because it’s unclear where I’lalai was, but there’s cause to believe it’s the set of troll ruins located off the coast of Stranglethorn Vale since I’lalai was thought to be destroyed in the Sundering.

Ruins of Tethys

Gets a “presumed” for different reasons. This settlement uses the same exact troll tile set as the nearby Drakil’jin Ruins, but I was suddenly not 100% sure it was a troll ruin because it’s never explicitly stated (that, and the fact that a taunka elder ghost hangs out there during Lunar Festival).

Kul Tiras Looks Weird

So… fun fact. I’m using a pre-Cataclysm map from Chronicle Volume I which was released before they ever conceived of the in-game shapes for Zandalar, Kul Tiras, or the Broken Isles (apparently). I cheated and cropped Zandalar from a Volume III map onto this map, but deliberately left out both Kul Tiras and the Broken Isles because they don’t have any troll ruins on them, so I just didn’t think it was worth the hassle.

Winterax Hold

The location for Winterax Hold is undoubtedly imprecise since Winterax Hold is in the battleground Alterac Valley and I don’t know if we know where Alterac Valley is located canonically (other than the Alterac mountain region, which is where I put Winterax Hold).

Revantusk Village

While Revantusk Village deserves to be on this map in its own right (it was either built circa Second War or much sooner when the Amani left to “reclaim some of their ancestral homeland in the Hinterlands”), I’d like to point out that the village is built on a set of what is likely ancient troll ruins. That means Revantusk Village may actually be the site of an ancient troll town, which I think is pretty cool (not to mention it takes the phrase “reclaim some of their ancestral homeland” pretty literally).

Zul’Mashar

Small nitpicky detail, but there’s a subzone in Zul’Mashar called ‘Mazra’Alor’ and I left it out because it’s technically inside the settlement and doesn’t count as a separate one, but it bugs me enough to mention it.

The undead Mossflayer trolls also have a crypt in the southern part of the zone, but it uses a human crypt tileset and I’m not sure if, lore-wise, it’s originally a troll catacomb or a human crypt? So I just left it out.

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Introducing Troll Lore Month!

The results are in and I’m excited to announce you have all voted for trolls for February Lore Month! They won with 34 votes, a mere six votes ahead of night elves. Worry not if the race you voted for did not get chosen – there are plenty more months in the year.

What is Lore Month?

For the entire month of February 2020, I will be providing you with an in-depth look at everything troll from their history and culture to the very people who make up the disparate troll tribes themselves. Alongside my regularly scheduled posts, I will be delving into troll lore in a series of short and long posts dedicated to not only revealing random facts but also going into great detail about specific aspects of their culture, both past and present.

How is this different from what I normally do?

Lore Month gives me an opportunity to cover certain races in-depth that I may not normally be able to otherwise. I’d like to think Lore Month stands somewhere between my weekly lore facts and Highborne Lore Project in terms of detail. In other words, Lore Month is by no means a comprehensive source of information on a given race, but it also is not just a brief lore summary.

What have I done so far?

As a quick primer before any official Troll Lore Month posts, here are some posts I’ve already written on the trolls if you’re interested:

Horde Cultural Beliefs About the Afterlife

Screenshots on the Zandalari Caste System

Lore Fact #60: On Troll Cannibalism Practices

Lore Fact #59: On Yazma

Lore Fact #39: On King Rastakhan

Lore Fact #22: On Old Drakkari Worship Practices

Lore Fact #4: On Loa Worship

Tags: #lore month, #troll lore month, #loremonth

As always: any questions, concerns, comments, or suggestions? Let me know!

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Previous Lore Months:

Nightborne (June 2018)

Kul Tirans (August 2018)

Blood Elves (September 2019)

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Lore Fact of the Week #64

An old Bloodscalp legend tells of the Gurubashi Empire’s fall some time ago at the hands of Neptulon, the Tidehunter [Item: Bloodscalp Lore Tablet]. It is never stated when the events described in the tale took place, but it is possible that the story was meant to convey the Gurubashi trolls’ interpretation of the Sundering.

This tale, simply called the “Fall of Gurubashi,” loosely goes like so: For reasons unknown, long ago the elemental lord of water, Neptulon, sent his kraken minions to destroy I’lalai, a troll city located somewhere in the lush southern jungles of the Eastern Kingdoms. The city’s leader, infamously known as Min’loth the Serpent, moved to protect the town and its inhabitants by erecting a magical barrier. Aware that the barrier alone would not stop Neptulon’s servants, Min’loth also endeavored to cast a binding spell on the kraken, but they ultimately proved to be far more powerful than him or his magic. And so, enraged at being attacked by a mere mortal, the kraken rushed toward I’lalai and brought the fury of the ocean crashing down upon the city and surrounding jungle, drowning all who lived within it. Once the waters reached the mountains of Zul’Gurub, they stopped and retreated, placated by the destruction they had wrought. Nonetheless, the ocean would remain to engulf I’lalai, drowning the city forever as punishment [Item: The Third Troll Legend, Item: Bloodscalp Lore Tablet].

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Troll Lore Month Closing Post

For the month of February (and a tinsy bit of March) 2020, I gave everyone an in-depth look at everything troll from their history to the individual tribes that make up all of trollkind and more. I delved into troll lore in a series of mostly long posts dedicated to not only highlighting random lore facts but also covering and explaining certain aspects of troll culture, both past and present.

What did I do?

Posts have been archived under the #lore month and #troll lore month tags. You can also find them here or below if you missed any:

A Map of the Current and Former Troll Settlements as of the Second War

A Preface on the History of the Tribes’ Relationships & A History of the Trolls’ Intertribal Relationships

Lore Fact #64: A Gurubashi Retelling of the Sundering

Zandalari Cuisine

Troll Alcoholic Beverages

A List of Known Zandalari Monarchs

You can read the Troll Lore Month introduction post here, which includes all additional lore posts I wrote on trolls prior to Troll Lore Month.

Will there be more in the future?

Troll Lore Month may be officially over for now, but that does not mean I’m done writing about trolls! Unfortunately, I didn’t get to write nearly as many lore posts as I had initially planned, so it’s possible (but not guaranteed) I’ll still be churning out troll content in the near future. Regardless, you are always welcome to ask me more questions about trolls and I will do my best to answer them.

On that note, I’m switching over from doing Lore Months to Lore Weeks again for a short while and cannot say when the next Lore Month will be taking place quite yet. That said, I have no plans to stop doing Lore Months anytime soon (especially on top of our quarantine situation these days), so keep an eye out for the next one!

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For Nightborne Lore Month (June 2018), see here

For Kul Tiras Lore Month (August 2018), see here

For Sin’dorei Lore Month (September-October 2019), see here

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A History of the Trolls’ Intertribal Relationships

Approx. 16,000 – 15,000 Years Before the Dark Portal Opens: The Formation of the Tribes

The first and most powerful tribe of trolls to arise is the Zandalar tribe, who lay claim to the highest peaks of the Zandalar mountain range and build a grand city of gold called Zuldazar [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 70]. Over the next several centuries, the Drakkari, Amani, and Gurubashi tribes form and amass enough strength to rival the Zandalari’s own [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 72]. A smaller tribe composed of dark trolls also comes together, although they remain largely independent from the others, uninterested in their desire for land and power [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 93].

During this time, the Drakkari, Amani, Gurubashi, and Zandalari all occasionally engage in skirmishes over hunting grounds, but major conflicts are few and far in between [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 72].

When the C’Thrax, Kith’ix, emerges and begins waging war on the trolls, the Zandalari move to unite the disparate tribes into one force – known as the Empire of Zul – strong enough to overcome the monstrous creature and its armies of aqir [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 72]. Realizing that the minions of the Old Gods must be defeated for good lest they rise up to threaten trollkind once more, the Zandalari convince the various troll factions to pursue the aqir wherever they flee across ancient Kalimdor. In return, the Drakkari, Amani, and Gurubashi are allowed to settle any land they find [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 73].

Both the Drakkari and Amani push north, whereas the Gurubashi pursue the insectoid aqir to the south. After centuries of fighting, the tribes eventually claim victory and, consequently, the land that was promised to them. Now located across far-reaching parts of ancient Kalimdor, the factions grow distant and become increasingly insular without war to bind them together. Nonetheless, the Zandalari continue to maintain a significant degree of influence over all of the trolls for years to come [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 73-74]. In fact, according to the non-canon RPG, trolls from each of the tribes gather in Zandalar every six years to discuss political matters [RPG: Lands of Mystery, pg. 82].

At some point between the formation of the tribes and the Third War, the Frostmane and Winterax tribes split off from the Drakkari Empire and settle in Dun Morogh and the Alterac Mountains respectively [Page: Winterax Tribe, Page: Eimear].

Approx. 10,000 Years Before the Dark Portal Opens: A Sharper Divide

The Razorbranch, a small tribe of jungle trolls living on the fringes of Gurubashi territory in modern-day Tanaris, are cut off from the rest of the Gurubashi Empire by the Sundering [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 76, Troll Compendium: Sand Trolls]. Following the catastrophic event, Tanaris undergoes dramatic climate change and quickly becomes a harsh desert wasteland. Forced to adapt to their new environment, the Razorbranch eventually rebrand themselves the Farraki and become known as the sand trolls [Twitter: Matt Burns, Troll Compendium: Sand Trolls].

Approx 2,800 Years Before the Dark Portal Opens: The Amani Encroach

The Zandalar tribe, seeking to reassert the trolls’ dominance in the Eastern Kingdoms by strengthening the Amani following their defeat at the hands of the high elves several thousand years prior, send a handful of emissaries to Zul’Aman to aid them in war against the quel’dorei [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 129]. Although the Amani are initially successful in battle, the high elves’ alliance with the humans ultimately proves too powerful for the trolls to overcome. The Zandalari emissaries, dismayed at their failure, return to Zandalar [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 131].

According to an outdated source, this is when many of the forest troll tribes break off from the Amani Empire and split into small, independent groups. Some – namely the Mossflayers, Vilebranch, Revantusk, and Witherbark – depart the Amani capital, Zul’Aman, in favor of reclaiming their tribal ancestral grounds in the Hinterlands and other regions in the northern Eastern Kingdoms [Troll Compendium: Forest Troll Tribes].

Approx 1,500 Years Before the Dark Portal Opens: The Loa of Blood

Desperate to reclaim their former glory after the Sundering destroyed much of their territory, the Gurubashi begin sacrifices to the loa of blood, Hakkar, in exchange for strength and power. Bolstered by the loa, the Gurubashi conquer and claim massive swaths of land in the southern Eastern Kingdoms, although it soon proves evident that Hakkar’s endless bloodlust will ultimately be turned on them. Horrified by this realization, some of the Zandalari sail to Stranglethorn Vale and put an end to Hakkar and his most crazed adherents, the Atal’ai [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 138].

Just as the Troll Wars fractured the Amani, so too do the Gurubashi fall apart after Hakkar’s defeat [Troll Compendium: Jungle Troll Tribes]. The Shatterspear tribe relocates across the world to northern Darkshore while both the Skullsplitter and Bloodscalp tribes stay in Stranglethorn Vale where they proceed to fight each other over territory [Troll Compendium: Shatterspear Tribe, Skullsplitter Tribe, Bloodscalp Tribe]. The Darkspear also remain in Stranglethorn for a time, but their violent warring with the Skullsplitter tribe and the constant abuse they suffer at the hands of the other jungle trolls ultimately causes them to leave and settle elsewhere [Troll Compendium: Darkspear Tribe, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 54, Quest: Split Bone Necklace, RPG: Horde Player’s Guide, pg. 142].

Approx. 6 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The Second War

Although the Amani Empire fractured into many independent tribes centuries earlier, they all agree to unite and join the Horde after Orgrim Doomhammer frees the Amani leader, Warlord Zul’jin, from a human prison camp in Hillsbrad [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume II, pg. 146-147, 160, Troll Compendium: Forest Trolls]. However, their alliance is short-lived as most of the forest troll tribes leave the Horde after the orcs’ crushing defeat and the trolls’ own failure to destroy Silvermoon City during the Second War. That said, one tribe, the Revantusk, stays and remains their ally [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume II, pg. 173, NPC: Elder Torntusk Dialogue, RPG: Horde Player’s Guide, pg. 9].

At this point, the already tenuous relationship between the various Amani tribes breaks down even further. The Revantusk took the Second War as an opportunity to claim more land in the Hinterlands, an action that enrages the Vilebranch and incites them to attack the Revantusk [Troll Compendium: Vilebranch Tribe]. The Witherbark also turn against the Horde-allied tribe, likely because of their decision to stay allied with the orcs [Troll Compendium: Witherbark Tribe, Revantusk Tribe].

Sometime after the Second War, both the Firetree and Smolderthorn forest troll tribes join with the Dark Horde and take up residence in Blackrock Spire [Troll Compendium: Firetree Tribe, Smolderthorn Tribe].

Approx. 21 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: A Growing Unity

Fleeing from the Alliance navy, Thrall and members of the new Horde temporarily take refuge on a chain of islands inhabited by the Darkspear trolls. After helping each other fend off Kul Tirans and murlocs alike, Thrall invites the Darkspear into the Horde [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 53-54]. They accept, making them the second tribe of trolls to officially join the Horde after the Revantusk.

Approx. 25 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: Hakkar’s Return

The Atal’ai, eager to bring Hakkar into the mortal plane once more, return to the capital of the Gurubashi Empire and begin enslaving Gurubashi trolls to use as sacrifices. King Rastakhan, leader of the Zandalari at the time, sends several of his personal emissaries to oversee and deal with the threat. The Zandalari emissaries travel to Stranglethorn Vale where, through their connection to the Darkspear tribe, they employ the help of Horde adventurers to defeat the loa of blood once and for all [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 123, NPC: Exzhal Dialogue].

Following Hakkar’s defeat, Bloodscalp trolls torture and kill Bloodlord Mandokir, the leader of the Gurubashi tribe [Quest: Who’s a Big Troll?].

Approx. 26-27 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The Empire of Ice

While the vast majority of the Drakkari stay in Northrend, the small Icetusk tribe departs on large canoes to escape the Lich King [Quest: Icetusk Fur Coat].

Just as in the past, a contingent of Zandalari trolls travel to Zul’Drak mostly to witness and chronicle the impending end of the Drakkari Empire, although some take a more active role and attempt to put a stop to the ice trolls’ blasphemous actions [NPC: Chronicler To’kini Dialogue, NPC: Hexxer Ubungo Dialogue].

The Winterax tribe, a group of ice trolls from the Alterac region, return to Northrend and rejoin the rest of the Drakkari for a time [Page: Winterax Tribe].

Approx. 28 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The Shatterspear

The Shatterspear are recruited into the Horde by Garrosh Hellscream, which unites them with both the Revantusk and Darkspear tribes [Page: Shatterspear Tribe]. Unfortunately, the death of their chieftain at the hands of the Alliance shortly thereafter greatly weakens them, leading many of the Shatterspear trolls to leave the tribe, although some decide to remain in the Horde [Ask CDev, Round 4].

Approx. 28-30 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The Empire of Zul Reborn

Shortly after the Cataclysm, King Rastakhan – under the Dark Prophet Zul’s advisement – begins negotiations to unite the disparate troll tribes for the first time since the Empire of Zul’s  dissolution thousands of years ago [Object: The Dark Prophet Zul, NPC: Vol’jin Dialogue, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 74]. Zul, acting as Rastakhan’s liaison, initially unites the main Gurubashi and Amani tribes, although the Darkspear, led by Vol’jin, refuse to join because of their allegiance to the Horde [Trailer: Patch 4.1: Rise of the Zandalari, Vol’jin: Shadows of the Horde, Chapter 23, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 209]. It is only when the notorious Thunder King Lei Shen returns a few years later that Zul is able to fully, albeit briefly, unite all of the major troll tribes. He even succeeds in rallying the Frostmane tribe, a group of Drakkari indigenous to Dun Morogh, although the ice trolls are cut down by members of the Alliance, ultimately preventing them from joining with the Zandalari [Scenario: Blood in the Snow].

To cement the union of the tribes, each of their leaders come together in a Council of Elders that consists of representatives from the Drakkari, Amani, Farakki, Gurubashi, and, most importantly, the Zandalari [Dungeon Journal: Throne of Thunder, Council of Elders]. Unfortunately, the Council of Elders and, consequently, the united troll empire, fall apart after Lei Shen’s defeat.

Approx. 33 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: A Horde United

Under Queen Talanji’s rule, the Zandalari officially join the Horde, an action that unites four troll tribes: the Darkspear, the Revantusk, the Zandalari, and what remains of the Shatterspear [Quest: Allegiance of the Zandalari, NPC: Elder Torntusk Dialogue, Page: Shatterspear Tribe].

Present Day

Many of the troll tribes currently harbor a strong disdain for the Horde and, consequently, any Horde-allied trolls, especially the Darkspear [NPC: Bloodscalp Speaker Dialogue, Troll Compendium: Firetree Tribe]. While some simply dislike the Horde because they see them as weak, others hold grudges against several of the races that make up the Horde – particularly the high elves, undead, and trolls [NPC: Firetree Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Mossflayer Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Skullsplitter Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Frostmane Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Winterax Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Smolderthorn Speaker Dialogue]. The Amani’s long-standing conflict with the high elves of Quel’thalas, for example, makes them particularly unfriendly toward the Horde and its former leader, Sylvanas Windrunner [NPC: Mossflayer Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Firetree Speaker Dialogue]. Moreover, some of the tribes resent the Darkspear and Revantusk for allying with the orcs, seeing them as having betrayed their own kind [NPC: Bloodscalp Speaker Dialogue, Troll Compendium: Firetree Tribe].

Although the Zandalari have always maintained a modicum of influence over the rest of the trolls, their decline in the last several years has led the other tribes to look down on them as well. Many of the troll speakers in Zandalar comment that the Zandalari are weak, stagnant, and both unlikely and unable to hold power for much longer [NPC: Bloodscalp Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Mossflayer Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Skullsplitter Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Frostmane Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Winterax Speaker Dialogue].

As things stand, the Darkspear consider both the Amani and Skullsplitter tribes to be their mortal enemies [Quest: Zul’Marosh, Quest: Split Bone Necklace].

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On Trolls: Alcohol

Amani

Amani Mule

Darkspear

Brewdoo Magic

Crimson Stripe

Echo Isles Pale Ale

“Ain't much a pint a' this won't fix!"

Jungle River Water

Spirit Spirits

This brew gives the drinker a small glimpse into the spirit realm for a short period of time.

Stout Shrunken Head

Gurubashi

Stranglethorn Brew (presumed)

Zandalari

Bijou on the Beach 

Boozy Boot

“Drink it quick. It’s leaking!”

Bwonzombie

Grotto Punch

Jani Juice

“Looks disgusting, tastes delicious.”

Loa Sweat

“Magically delicious.”

Mojo’ito

Saurid Sipper

“Goes down as smooth as a saurid’s scales!”

Tangy Haw’liday Cider

"Warm, delicious, and makes ya tingly all over. Now every day be a Haw'li day!"

Tiki Tumbler

“Comes in a Souvenir Tiki Tumbler.”

Trolwhip

“Made from fresh sunfruit and the blood of enemies. But mostly sunfruit.”

Xibala Kombucha

“It may be alive.”

Other

Tikari & K.A.Y.T.

"An imported troll rum beautifully mixed with kiwi, apple, Yellow #42, and tangerine."

[warcraft-lore-archives]

On Sin’dorei: Eye Color

Artistic depictions of the quel’dorei have been rather liberal in their portrayal of elven eyes, showing elves with everything from non-glowing, ostensibly ‘human’ eyes to glowing eyes in a variety of colors, some of which are not even seen in-game. The high elves in the novel Tides of Darkness and Sylvanas’ Warbringer short all appear to have non-glowing eyes, which stands in stark contrast to the ever-glowing blue eyes of their in-game counterparts* [Warbringers: Sylvanas, Tides of Darkness, Chapter Seven, Chapter Fourteen]. On the other hand, many forms of media such as the World of Warcraft comic, the movie, and Hearthstone hero art for Alleria Windrunner and Lady Liadrin, among others, exclusively depict quel’dorei and sin’dorei with glowing eyes. Since all in-game high elf, blood elf, and void elf models’ eyes glow, it seems that they are not intended to have ‘normal’ human eyes. However, given the number of discrepancies, especially in recent content, it could very well be that elven eyes have much more variety than what is represented in-game.

A Background

Eye color in elves appears to be determined by the specific type of magic they are exposed to over a long period of time, whether that be through consistent use of it, absorption, or simply being around it. This phenomenon actually occurs in human spellcasters in a slightly different way, although the effect is not as permanent in humans like it is in elves. Jaina Proudmoore, for example, has been shown as having glowing blue eyes when casting frost spells and orange eyes while casting fire spells [Cinematic: An Unexpected Reunion, Hearthstone Hero Art: Jaina Proudmoore]. Interestingly enough, elves’ eyes can also temporarily change color through spell casting or magic absorption. Immediately after siphoning arcane magic from a trident, Valeera Sanguinar’s eyes, which are normally a glowing green, temporarily changed to purple [World of Warcraft Comic, Issue #7]. Similarly, Vereesa Windrunner has glowing purple eyes as she casts what seems to be an arcane spell in her Hearthstone card art [Hearthstone Card: Vereesa Windrunner].

In most cases, eye color directly correlates to the relevant magic type. The high elves’ blue eyes may appear something of an oddity at first glance, considering they subsisted on an arcane fount for millennia. If channeling the energies of the Sunwell is the cause of their eye color, then it may strike one as weird that arcane magic - something that is commonly associated with the color purple - has given them blue eyes. However, raw arcane energies are shown to be both purple and blue in color. Mage spells like arcane blast and arcane barrage, for example, have blue effects, not to say anything about how all of the mage spells in the Warcraft movie are also blue [Video: WOW PTR 7.3 – Mage Animation – Draenei Female, Video: WarCraft: The Beginning: All Magic Effects]. Moreover, arcane elementals are primarily blue [Page: Arcane Elemental]. In other words, it is not all that farfetched for high elves to have gotten blue eyes from feeding on the arcane energies of the Sunwell.

It is also worth adding that a night elf’s eyes change from silver to gold if they have druidic potential or begin practicing druidism [Warcraft Encyclopedia: Night Elf]. The color gold does not have any obvious associations with druidic magic – in fact, it is usually indicative of the Light –, and yet it is widespread among kaldorei druids. (It may be important to point out that Malfurion’s eyes are green rather than gold in the Terror of Darkshore cinematic, a color oft tied to nature) [Cinematic: Terror of Darkshore]. Therefore, while eye color in elves is typically dependent on the type of magic they use, it is not unusual for their eye color to be a different color than that which is most commonly associated with the magic in question.

Sin’dorei

Although most sin’dorei have green eyes, the color does not come from heavy use of fel magic so much as it does constant exposure to fel magic. Not dissimilar to the orcs, simply being around fel energies for a prolonged period of time turned the blood elves’ eyes green after the Third War [Ask CDev, Round Three].

Recently, however, some of the sin’dorei’s eyes have started changing to a golden color. Just like how high elves’ eyes were blue because they subsisted on the arcane energies of the first Sunwell, now their eyes are beginning to turn gold due to the Light energies in the newly restored Sunwell. This effect is much more pronounced in light users like paladins and priests, but it is possible that over time, all blood elves will come to have golden eyes, especially since they all rely on the energies of the Sunwell to sustain them [Video: Developer Interview BFA Press Event, Video: World of Warcraft Blood Elf Intro, Hearthstone Hero Art: Lady Liadrin].  

Quel’dorei

Unlike the rest of their brethren, the high elves are depicted as having a wide variety of eye colors outside of the game. According to the novel Tides of Darkness, their eye color can vary anywhere from grey to blue, green, and even brown. Out of the three Windrunner sisters, who are all high elves in the novel, only Vereesa is described as having the typical high elven blue eyes. Alleria, on the other hand, has emerald-green eyes – something which has been retconned by her in-game appearance – while Sylvanas’ are gray in color [Tides of Darkness, Chapter Seven, Chapter Fourteen, NPC: Alleria Windrunner]. Additionally, Lor’themar is said to have dark brown eyes [Tides of Darkness, Chapter Fourteen]. In the current iteration of the game, however, most high elves have blue eyes. 

Ren’dorei

The ren’dorei’s eyes glow blue, similar to – although a markedly different shade than – their quel’dorei brethren, something which almost certainly has to do with their exposure to void energies. Not unlike arcane magic, the void has a predominantly purple color scheme, something which is obvious when looking at Alleria’s void form or the void portals on Argus, among other things. However, while the color blue is not overt in shadow or void spells, it is present in voidwalker models and, more importantly, the void elf aesthetic – specifically their clothing, skin color, and hair color, just to name a few. Since void energies visibly altered the void elves’ hair and skin to shades of blue and purple, it is not unreasonable to assume that void magic is also the cause of their blue eyes.  

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* Some have speculated that the high elves in Sylvanas’ Warbringer short were depicted with regular eyes solely to distinguish them from Arthas and his legion of undead, all of whom have glowing blue eyes. Had the high elves also had glowing blue eyes, it may have been confusing for an unknowing audience.

[warcraft-lore-archives]

On the Sin’dorei: Magical Addiction

A Background

After seven thousand years of constant exposure to the radiant energies of the Sunwell, the high elves unknowingly developed a dependence on the very arcane magic the fount was sustaining them with. When the Sunwell was destroyed at the tail end of the Third War, the newly renamed blood elves were dismayed to discover that they were growing sick without the magical fount. It was then that they realized they had become addicted to the Sunwell’s energies after relying on it for generations, and so the blood elves set off in search of a cure for their ailment. Through Prince Kael’thas Sunstrider’s efforts, the elves learned how to siphon magic from artifacts, the environment, and mana-bearing creatures as a means of temporarily sating their hunger for magic [Blood of the Highborne, Chapter Four, The Warcraft Encyclopedia: Blood Elves]. 

Symptoms & Effects

Magic withdrawal is marked by a variety of symptoms including, but not limited to, lethargy, sweats, aching pain, and difficulty focusing. Over time, one can even develop a resistance to the magic they feed on, meaning they need an ever-increasing amount of magic to ease their addiction pangs. However, blood elves who indulge their addiction to excess run the risk of transforming into one of the wretched [Blood of the Highborne, Chapter Four]. Given that the hunger for magic is intense and particularly strong doses of arcane magic can induce anything from emotional numbness to drunkenness, it is not difficult for the sin’dorei to lose themselves to their addiction [Blood of the Highborne, Chapter Four, Quest: Bloodgem Crystals].

Although all elves are addicted to magic, some suffer from withdrawal far more than others. The very young and the very old, for example, are particularly susceptible and are likely to die without a source of magic to feed on. On the other hand, the elven Farstriders are less affected by magical dependence than their brethren [Blood of the Highborne, Chapter Four].

The hunger for magic is an endless one that is not easily sated. Within several hours of feeding on mana, the yearning for magic returns [Blood of the Highborne, Chapter Four]. 

Addiction in the Post-TBC Era

There has been some debate as to whether or not the sin’dorei are still addicted to magic following the Sunwell’s revival. While it appears that they no longer have any symptoms of withdrawal or experience magical cravings as they once did, their addiction may not actually be cured once and for all by the new Sunwell like some believe [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 159]. Dialogue added after The Burning Crusade strongly implies that the elves are still addicted to magic. For example, the narrator of the blood elf introduction cinematic says, “Over time, the Sunwell’s light could cure the blood elves of their cursed state” [YouTube: World of Warcraft Cataclysm Blood Elf Intro]. Moreover, Reliquary leader Tae’thelan Bloodwatcher continues to look for a permanent cure for his race’s ailment in Cataclysm [NPC: Tae’thelan Bloodwatcher Dialogue]. It is also worth mentioning that, even with the reignited Sunwell to feed on, a group of high elves at Quel’lithien lodge succumbed to the lure of a magical artifact and turned into withered [Quest: Wretched Hive of Scum and Villainy]. 

Seeing as the blood elves’ reliance on the magical fount was the catalyst for their addiction in the first place, then it stands to reason that even though the new Sunwell is a unique fusion of light and arcane magic, the fount is more of a palliative than a cure. If it were to be destroyed again, the blood elves would likely relapse, bereft of the Sunwell’s sustaining energies once more. Additionally, as was the case with the elves of Quel’lithien lodge, it is still possible to overindulge on magic and become one of the withered. In short, while the blood elves no longer suffer from any form of withdrawal, they are still dependent on the magical fount and, by extension, arcane magic.

[warcraft-lore-archives]

A Timeline of the Sin’dorei People

Approx. 7,300 Years Before the Dark Portal Opens: The Highborne Exile

The Highborne, the forefathers of the blood elves, are exiled from kaldorei society for their unwillingness to desist in practicing the arcane arts. Led by Dath’Remar Sunstrider, they build a fleet of ships and set sail for the east, where they settle Tirisfal Glades some years later. This is when the Highborne begin to resemble their modern descendants, as their skin loses its violet color and they shrink in stature due to being cut off from the second Well of Eternity [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 117-118].

Approx. 6,800 Years Before the Dark Portal Opens: The Founding of Quel’Thalas

Dath’Remar leads his people north after concluding that Tirisfal Glades is unsuitable for settlement as the land is suffused with dark energy that is slowly driving some of the Highborne insane [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 118]. After an arduous journey, the Highborne establish the kingdom of Quel’Thalas and create the Sunwell on the northern tip of the Eastern Kingdoms. This is when Dath’Remar steps down as leader [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 120-121].

In time, the Highborne of Quel’Thalas would eventually be known as the high elves [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 120].

Approx. 2,800 Years Before the Dark Portal Opens: The Troll Wars

Dath’Remar’s great-grandson, Anasterian Sunstrider, comes to power [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 121].

Although the high elves lead a prosperous kingdom, it is not without contest, for the land they are settled on originally belongs to the Amani trolls. During the time that would later be known as ‘The Troll Wars,’ the Amani launch aggressive, powerful attacks on the elven denizens of Quel’Thalas, forcing them to seek help from the nearby human kingdom of Strom [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 129]. As part of a deal made between the two kingdoms, the high elves reluctantly instruct the humans in the ways of arcane magic in return for their assistance in fending off the trolls. As luck would have it, the one hundred human magi taught by the elves are instrumental in turning the conflict in their favor. The human and elves’ combined victory against the trolls indebts the high elves to Strom, which ultimately leads to them joining the Alliance a couple thousand years later during the Second War [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 130-131].

Approx. 5 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The Second War

The orcish invasion of Azeroth forces the humans to turn to the high elves for help, just as the latter did during the Troll Wars many centuries prior. Reluctantly, King Anasterian Sunstrider supplies the Alliance with a rather meager amount of high elven forces [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume II, pg. 156-157].

Approx. 6 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The Second War, Continued

The orcish Horde, now allies of the very Amani trolls that detest the high elves, encroach on the borders of the elven kingdom. They raze the countryside and use enslaved red dragons to burn down a portion of Quel’Thalas’ forest, drawing the wrath of the elven people. This event forces the high elves into the war and compels them to join the Alliance [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume II, pg. 164].  

Approx. 15 – 18 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: Neutrality

Lady Katrana Prestor, the black dragon Onyxia in disguise, seeds the destruction of the Alliance and convinces nobles of various kingdoms that the orcish internment camps were a grave waste of money and time. The high elves, still ruled by King Anasterian Sunstrider, are the first to secede from the Alliance [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 34, 90].  

Approx. 20 - 21 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The Sunwell’s Fall

Sometime in the weeks leading up to the Third War, Lor’themar Theron is promoted to Ranger Lord of the Farstriders. Sylvanas Windrunner serves as Ranger General at this time [Blood of the Highborne, Chapter Two].

As the Third War begins, Arthas and his legion of undead march on Quel’Thalas in a quest for the Sunwell. With the aid of inside information provided to him by the elven magister Dar’Khan Drathir, Arthas overcomes Silvermoon City’s magical defenses and lays waste to the kingdom. He resurrects Kel’Thuzad as a lich in the Sunwell’s depths, inadvertently leading to the corruption of the magical fount [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 61-62].

King Anasterian Sunstrider, considered elderly at this time, dies in battle while defending the Sunwell, passing on the leadership of the high elves to his son Kael’thas Sunstrider [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 63, Blood of the Highborne, Chapter Two].

Although the Sunwell is not destroyed by Kel’Thuzad’s unholy resurrection, it has been polluted to such an extent that it will poison and eventually kill the very high elves it is sustaining. With that in mind, Prince Kael’thas Sunstrider makes the grave decision to destroy the Sunwell. Immediately after doing so, he renames his people the blood elves to honor the sacrifices of their fallen brethren [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 88, Blood of the Highborne, Chapter Three].

Roughly ninety percent of the high elven population dies in Arthas’ conquest of Quel’Thalas [World of Warcraft Website: Blood Elf].

Approx. 21 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: Warcraft III

Prince Kael’thas Sunstrider departs from Quel’Thalas to aid the Alliance in the fight against the undead, leaving Lor’themar Theron to serve as regent lord in his absence [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 90].

While fighting alongside the Alliance, Kael’thas and his regiment of blood elves are assigned to serve under Grand Marshal Othmar Garithos. Garithos, who harbors a deep resentment for the elven people, orders Kael’thas into such a perilous encounter with the undead that he is forced to accept help from the naga. This event reinforces Garithos’ distrust of the blood elves and leads to him imprisoning them in the dungeons of Dalaran. Prince Kael’thas and his followers eventually escape to Outland with the help of the naga [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 93].

It is on this alien world that Illidan teaches Kael’thas and his blood elves how to siphon magic from objects, the environment, and creatures – including demons – as a way of feeding their magic addiction [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 95, 139, The Warcraft Encyclopedia: Blood Elves]. One of Kael’thas’ most loyal followers, Grand Magister Rommath, is sent back to Azeroth to teach the rest of the blood elves how to drain magic [The Warcraft Encyclopedia: Blood Elves].

Kael’thas, hopeful that Illidan will find a permanent cure for his peoples’ addiction to magic, follows the demon hunter to Northrend where they intercept Arthas at the behest of Kil’jaeden. Unfortunately, Illidan suffers a grave defeat and departs. The victorious Lich King hunts down what remains of the blood elven forces and transforms them into San’layn to serve him [Page: Quel’Delar: The Sister Blade].

Approx. 21 – 22 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: Exile of the High Elves

Lor’themar Theron, unwilling to lead a divided nation, decides to exile the high elves for their refusal to feed their addiction by draining magic from living creatures [Short Story: In the Shadow of the Sun].*

Approx. 25 - 26 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: Events Leading up to The Burning Crusade

On Azeroth, the blood elves subjugate a naaru sent to them by Prince Kael’thas. A small organization, known as the Blood Knights, bend the naaru to their will, allowing them to wield the Light at their discretion, although doing so proves to be exceptionally painful [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 145, Blood of the Highborne: Chapter Four].  

It is also at this time that Lor’themar Theron begins engaging in negotiations to join the Horde. In desperate need of allies and skeptical that the Alliance will offer them any aid after what happened at Dalaran during the Third War, Lor’themar turns to Warchief Thrall and his former friend, Sylvanas Windrunner [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 150, Blood of the Highborne: Chapter Four]. By the start of the Burning Crusade, the blood elves officially join the Horde [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 151].

On Outland, a faction of Kael’thas’ best and brightest magi desert after their leader Voren’thal has a vision that the naaru, not Kael’thas, will be the blood elves’ salvation. The Scryers, as they are called, take up refuge in Shattrath and aid the Alliance and Horde in battle against the Burning Legion [Quest: City of Light, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 141].

Approx. 26 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The End of the Sunstrider Dynasty

When the blood elves venture from Azeroth to Outland, they are dismayed to discover that their prince has succumbed to the seductive lure of fel magic and formed a pact with their enemy, the Burning Legion. His actions alienate his people and all but solidify Lor’themar Theron’s position as the official ruler of the blood elves [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 156].

Kael’thas, well under the sway of Kil’jaeden by this point, invades Quel’Danas with the intent to reignite the Sunwell and use it as a portal to bring his demonic master into the world. Together, the Horde and Alliance invade Sunwell Plateau and put an end to the corrupt Sunstrider prince for good.

Much like during the Third War, the newly reborn Sunwell is made corrupt by Kael’thas’ actions. However, the magical fount is purified by the heart of M’uru, the very naaru that the blood elves enslaved a year prior. The Sunwell’s restoration finally puts an end to their magical cravings [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 159].

At some point, Umbric and his followers are exiled from Silvermoon City for their exploration of void magic [Quest: The Ghostlands, Quest: Telogrus Rift, NPC: Magister Umbric Dialogue].**

Approx. 30 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: Mists of Pandaria

Regent Lord Lor’themar Theron initiates conversations with King Varian Wrynn about possibly rejoining the Alliance. However, the events leading up to the Purge of Dalaran put an abrupt end to their negotiations, as the blood elven Sunreavers are held responsible for stealing the Divine Bell from Darnassus [Page: Lor’themar Theron].

The Sunreavers exiled from Dalaran by Jaina Proudmoore become a central force in the fight against Lei Shen on Thunder Isle [Page: Sunreaver Onslaught].

 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

* In “In the Shadow of the Sun,” Lor’themar says he exiled the high elves five years prior. Since the short story takes place right after the events at Sunwell Plateau and Chronicle states that The Burning Crusade covered the entirety of year 26, it’s assumed that Lor’themar exiled the high elves around this time.

** It’s never stated exactly when Umbric and his group of elves left Silvermoon City, although it appears to have been at least a few years ago, since he says, “We’ve been working for years to comprehend the powers the void might provide” [Quest: Telogrus Rift]. Given that his research into the void was said to be a threat to the Sunwell, it’s possible he was exiled after the Sunwell was restored during The Burning Crusade [Quest: Remember the Sunwell]. However, because of Rommath’s vague wording, it’s just as likely that Umbric was exiled any time after the Third War. 

[warcraft-lore-archives]

Sin’dorei Lore Month Closing Post

What is Sin’dorei Lore Month?

For the month of September (and a tinsy bit of October), I gave everyone an in-depth look at everything blood elf (plus high elf and void elf), from their history to their culture and beyond. I delved into sin’dorei lore in a series of short and long posts dedicated to not only highlighting random lore facts but also covering and going into detail about certain aspects of sin’dorei culture, both past and present.

What did I do?

Posts have been archived under the #lore month and #sin’dorei lore month tags. You can also find them below if you missed any:

A Timeline of the Sin’dorei People

On Sin’dorei: Magical Addiction

On Sin’dorei: Political Divisions

On Sin’dorei: Eye Color

Lore Fact #52: Prince Kael’thas’ Tutor

Lore Fact #53: The Shepherd’s Gate

Lore Fact #54: Kael’thas’ Verdant Spheres

You can read the Sin’dorei Lore Month introduction post here, which includes additional posts I wrote on sin’dorei lore prior to Sin’dorei Lore Month.

Will there be more in the future?

Sin’dorei lore month may be over for now, but that does not mean I’m done writing about the blood elves, high elves, or void elves. You are always welcome to ask me more questions about them, but even if you don’t, it’s likely that I will continue to write posts about the sin’dorei in the future, especially since there will always be something more to cover!

As far as future Lore Months go, I have yet to decide when I’ll be doing the next one. As Blizzcon is this November, I’ll be taking November off and revisiting the idea in December at the earliest. If that falls through, I can definitely guarantee that there will be more come 2020!

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For Nightborne Lore Month (June 2018), see here

For Kul Tiras Lore Month (August 2018), see here

[warcraft-lore-archives]

Introducing Sin’dorei Lore Month!

The results are in and you have all voted for… the blood elves! They won with 45 votes, a whole seventeen ahead of the night elves. Worry not if the race you voted for did not get chosen – there are plenty more months in the year.

What is Lore Month?

For the entire month of September 2019, I will be providing you with an in-depth look at everything blood elf (plus high elf and void elf), from their history and culture to the very elves who make up the sin’dorei people themselves. Alongside my regularly scheduled posts, I will be delving into blood elf lore in a series of short and long posts dedicated to not only revealing random facts but also going into great detail about specific aspects of their culture, both past and present.

How is this different from what I normally do?

Lore Month gives me an opportunity to cover certain races in-depth that I may not normally cover otherwise. I’d like to think Lore Month posts stand somewhere between my weekly lore facts and Highborne Lore Project in terms of detail. In other words, Lore Month is by no means a comprehensive source of information on a given race, but it also is not a simple summary of lore.  

What have I done so far?

As a quick primer before any official Sin’dorei Lore Month posts, here are some posts I’ve already written on information related to the blood elves if you are interested:

Void Elves & Magic Addiction

Are Blood Elves Still Dependent on the Sunwell?

Blood Elf Lifespans & Aging

A Brief Primer on the Void

Tags: #lore month, #blood elf lore month, #sin’dorei lore month

As always: any questions, concerns, comments, or suggestions? Let me know!

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 

Previous Lore Months:

Kul Tirans (August 2018)

Nightborne (June 2018)

[warcraft-lore-archives]

After much delay, I’m excited to announce that I am doing Lore Month again for February 2020! I realize I’m cheating a little since February is a short month, so I’m announcing this poll now and closing it early so I have sufficient time to do research and write up a post (or few) before February officially begins.

If you’re unfamiliar with what Lore Month is, it’s a month-long project in which I give you an in-depth look at the lore and culture of a single race from World of Warcraft. In the past, I’ve covered the blood elves/high elves/void elves (September 2019), Nightborne (June 2018), and Kul Tirans (August 2018). I also did a much shorter version of Lore Month in the form of Druid Week in April of 2018.

With that said, it is time to vote for the race you’d like to see me cover this February! For right now, I’m only putting select races on the poll, but virtually any WoW race is fair game so please let me know for the future if you want to see something that’s not there and I will add it to next Lore Month’s voting poll.

Voting will close 11:59 PM on Sunday the 26th so spread the word! I will announce what race officially won the following day, Monday the 27th, and ideally, launch the first post of Lore Month 2020 on the first day of February.

Good luck and may the race you voted for win! (But if not, no fear, because there will always be more Lore Months in the future). 

[warcraft-lore-archives]

Every part of the Legends of the Tidesages.

Bonus:

Tideguard Victoria says that Lord Stormsong’s father was the one who guided them to Stormsong Valley many years ago [Quest: Eye of the Storm]. There’s a memorial to an Admiral Waylon Stormsong in Boralus, but it’s unclear if this is Lord Stormsong’s father or merely the progenitor of House Stormsong [Page: Waylon Stormsong]. 

[warcraft-lore-archives]

On Kul Tiras - Alcohol

Kul Tiran beer is much more flavorful than alcoholic beverages found on the mainland [NPC: Andegel Dialogue].

Admiral’s Black Rum

“A bottle of rum aged too many years; overpowered by smoky oak and burnt tar flavors.”

Admiralty-Issued Grog

Anchormaker

“The working man’s drink, with a shot of stronger stuff at the bottom.”

Anchor Drop

“Sure to take you right to the bottom.”

“Aurora Borealis”

“At this time of day? At this elevation? Localized entirely within this bottle? Yes.”

Bitter Darkroot Vodka

Blacktooth Bloodwine

Brennadam Apple Brandy

Corlain Estate 12 Year

“Crafted in the tradition of Drustvar whiskies, this spirit is bottled at cask strength to be highly flammable, should the need arise.”

Dark and Stormy

Dead Man’s Ale

“Columns of tiny bubbles spiral to the surface before settling into a thin head of wispy froth.”

Drop Anchor Dunkel

“A dark, malty beer with a mild caramel flavor. This’ll keep you anchored to your barstool.”

Foaming Turtle Broth

“Smells bad, tastes worse.”

Hook Point Porter

“A bold, roasty character from the wrong side of town. Watch your back around this bruiser or you might wash up cold.”

Hook Point Schnapps

Kul Tiran Tripel

“Hits like an anchor, but doesn’t weigh you down.”

Kul Tiras Red

Kul Tiras Wine

Long Forgotten Rum

“Age has not made this better.”

Mildenhall Mead

“Make it Mildenhall.”

Patina Pale Ale

“Layers of rich, malty flavor represent the layers of patina that make up the signature Boralus aesthetic.”

Pontoon Pilsner

“A light, easy beer with a clean finish. Smooth drinkin’, smooth sailin’.”

Sausage Martini

“Savory and sweet, the flavor of apples and fine Drustvar sausage with a hint of smoke. It shouldn't work and yet it does. Garnished with a miniature sausage."

“Sea Dog” Grog

“Guaranteed to swab the poop deck.”

Snowberry Berliner

“A crowd favorite, this beer hits you up front with sour before falling back into the familiar sweetness of snowberries that Kul Tirans come to favor.”

Thornspeaker Moonshine

“Triple distilled and has a heck of a bite.”

Tradewinds Kolsch

“A perfect beer for sitting out on the dock, basking in the sunlight. Considerably crushable.”

Whitegrove Pale Ale

[warcraft-lore-archives]

On Kul Tiras: The Navy, Ships, & Crews

The Kul Tiran Navy

The Third Fleet, “The Doomed Fleet” (status: destroyed during the Second War, 5 ADP)

Ships: 

Pride of Tiragarde

Fathomdasher

Songswallow

Gale’s Reprieve

Drustvaria

Intrepid

Wave Mistress

Crew (all deceased):

Marshal M. Valentine, Captain of the Pride of Tiragarde and Marshal of the Kul Tiran Third Fleet

Derek Proudmoore 

Lookout Gerard (Pride of Tiragarde)

Knight-Captain Ellis R. Ladimore (Captain of the Fathomdasher)

Sergeant Major Allison Flint (Fathomdasher)

Corporal Jameson Keefe (Fathomdasher)

Private Lorelai Whetstone (Fathomdasher)

Private James Simmons (Fathomdasher)

Lieutenant Commander Andrew Avrinn (Captain of the Songswallow)

Master Sergeant Murgatroyd Smith (Songswallow)

Sergeant J. Mills (Songswallow)

Private Geoffrey Van Houten (Songswallow)

Provisioner Jarrod (Songswallow)

Commander Priscillia Hawes (Captain of the Gale’s Reprieve)

Knight-Lieutenant Samuel Robertson (Gale’s Reprieve)

Quartermaster O’Keefe (Gale’s Reprieve)

Corporal Eloise Hesterfield (Gale’s Reprieve)

Private Sarah Gallows (Gale’s Reprieve)

Knight-Champion Dirk Longfellow (Captain of the Drustvaria)

Sergeant Chris Lee (Drustvaria)

Sergeant Evan Morris (Drustvaria)

Corporal Aloysius Millsworth (Drustvaria)

Private Ava MacArthur (Drustvaria)

Captain Halyndor (Intrepid)

First Mate Snellig (Intrepid, presumed)

First Mate Fitzsimmons (Wave Mistress)

Other

Ships:

Abyssal Melody 

The Relentless

The Siren’s Daughter

The Stormy Pearl (presumed sunk)

The Valorous Rose

Crew Members:

Lord Admiral Daelin Proudmoore (deceased)

Lord Admiral Katherine Proudmoore

Tandred Proudmoore

Admiral Waylon Stormsong (deceased)

Rear Admirnal Hainsworth

Lieutenant Tarenfold

Lieutenant Alverold

Lieutenant Benedict

General Cadarin

Captain Thornby

Old Man Colburn (former)

Private Hendel (former)

Captain Gastrod (The Siren’s Daughter, deceased)

Guard-Commander Trunksal (The Siren’s Daughter, deceased)

Captain Beamwind (The Stormy Pearl, deceased)

Helmsman Miria (The Valorous Rose, deceased)

The Pirate Armadas

——————————————–

Irontide Raiders

Ships:

The Plunder Runner (status: sunk)

The Bloodwake (status: sunk)

Crew Members (all presumed deceased):

Captain Harlan Sweete

Captain Leadfist

Captain Bertson

Skycap’n Kragg

First Mate Trixie Tornsail

Chief Mate Katie Six-Toes

Richard Tornsail

Auditor Dolp

Gary Cofferdam

Reed ‘The Flirt’ Fisc

Chopper Redhook

Luna ‘Stabby’ Roscoe

Beckett ‘Salty Dog’ Ogden

Calico McGee

Two Faced Tom

Dread Captain Lockwood (presumed)

Black-Eyed Bart <Scourge of the Great Sea> (presumed)

Carla Smirk <Pirate Instructor> (presumed)

——————————————–

Bilge Rats

Crew Members:

Captain Eudora

Wiley Jaki (deceased)

Quartermaster Ssylis

——————————————–

Cutwater Corsairs

Crew Members:

Captain Jolly

Burnsy the Blade (deceased)

Barry Brackville

Fishfood

Hareth Goldenmane

Saraleigh Smithereens

——————————————–

Blacktooth Brawlers

Crew Members:

Captain Raoul

Lieutenant Elsbeth Wavecutter (deceased)

Skullcrusher Cotner (deceased)

——————————————–

Crimson Cutthroats

Crew Members (all presumed deceased):

Arvon the Betrayed

Mareen Sherwood

Wallis Crowder

Thorn Sutton

——————————————–

“Virtuous” Blades

Crew Members:

Captain Shad Sharpwit

——————————————–

Fogsail Freebooters

Crew Members:

Captain Rhenik (deceased)

Owings (formerly First Mate, now Captain after inciting a mutiny)

Quartermaster Killian

Navigator Swink (deceased)

Boatswain Taryn (deceased)

Unnamed Crew (status: disbanded)

Crew Members: 

Captain Flynn Fairwind

First Mate Harlan Sweete (deceased)

——————————————–

The Ashvane Trading Company

Ships:

Siren’s Call

Crew Members:

Captain Hartford (Siren’s Call, deceased)

Captain Redmond (Siren’s Call)

Commodore Calhoun (Siren’s Call, presumed)

——————————————–

Other Ships, Crews, & Pirates

Captain Keelson (The Maiden’s Virtue, smuggling ship) (status: shipwrecked off of Castaway Point)

Captain Wintersail 

Barean Westwind (Kul Tiran turned Grand Admiral of the Scarlet Fleet)

Duke Falrevere (RPG) (former Kul Tiras naval officer turned Bloodsail Buccaneer)

Magrann & Jessi Falrevere (RPG) (children of Duke Falrevere)

Commodore Wallace Boltscrew (RPG) (Kul Tiran turned Bloodsail Buccaneer)

Lester Zank (RPG) (Kul Tiran turned Bloodsail Buccaneer)

[warcraft-lore-archives]

Introducing Kul Tiran Lore Month!

   What is it?

The results are in and you have all voted for… the Kul Tirans! According to the last time I checked the poll at 11:53 PM PST, Kul Tirans won with 44 votes, just six votes ahead of Blood Elves and ten votes ahead of the Zandalari. Fear not if the race you voted for didn’t get chosen – there’s always more months in the year!

Without further ado, for the entire month of August, I will be providing you with an in-depth look at everything Kul Tiran from their history and culture to the very humans who make up the Kul Tiran people themselves. Alongside my normal projects, I will be delving into Kul Tiran lore in a series of short and long posts dedicated not only to revealing random facts but also going into great detail about certain aspects of Kul Tiran culture, both past and present.

Because you have chosen the Kul Tirans, please understand that I will be taking a significant amount of material from Battle for Azeroth for my Lore Month posts. Since Lore Month lasts the entirety of August and Battle for Azeroth does not come out until August 13th, many of my Lore Month posts will contain spoilers. As such, I will be tagging these posts accordingly with the tags: spoilers, expansion spoilers, battle for azeroth spoilers, and bfa spoilers. Fret not, though, as I have some posts pre-written already about the Kul Tirans that are completely spoiler free! If spoilers put you off, be sure to go back through Kul Tiran Lore month posts once you hit max level so you don’t miss anything!

   How is this different from what I normally do?

Doing Lore Month gives me an opportunity to cover certain races in-depth that I may not normally cover otherwise. I’d like to think Lore Month posts stand somewhere between my weekly lore facts and Highborne Lore Project. While Lore Month is by no means a comprehensive source of information on a given race, it is also not necessarily going to be a summary of lore for beginners (although that doesn’t mean this can’t be a place to start for beginners!).

This is my second Lore Month, so I have a better idea of what this project intends to be now. A lot of my Nightborne Lore Month posts were long and detailed and, while they were interesting, so many long posts can be boring and tedious to read through. I’m hoping that this time around, I will be able to produce more content by covering some things in great detail while only shedding light on others.

   What have I done so far?

As a quick primer before any official Kul Tiran Lore Month posts (which will be tagged as such), here are some posts I’ve already made on or pertaining to the Kul Tirans if you’re interested:

(Disclaimer that the posts below include content from early Battle for Azeroth Alpha. The posts most definitely include spoilers, but because they were taken so early in the expansion’s development, it’s also possible that some of the lore in these posts has been changed and is now outdated)

The Order of Embers

The Drust

As always: any questions, concerns, comments, or suggestions? Let me know!