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| + | :''Were you looking for the article on the [[eternal ingredient]]s in [[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King]]?'' |
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| − | {{infobox faction |
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| + | :''For other beings of reverence see [[religion]]s, [[Ancient guardian]] and [[demigod]]s.'' |
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| − | | image = AllianceCrest.jpg |
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| − | | faction = Alliance |
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| − | | name = The Alliance |
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| − | | leader = {{npc||King Varian Wrynn}} (King of Stormwind)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Muradin Bronzebeard}} / {{npc||Kurdran Wildhammer}} / {{npc||Moira Thaurissan}} (The Council of Three Hammers)<br/> |
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| − | {{npc||Jaina Proudmoore}} (Ruler of Theramore, Co-Leader of the Western Alliance)<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 167</ref><br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Genn Greymane}} (King of Gilneas)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Tyrande Whisperwind}} (High Priestess of Elune, Co-Leader of the Western Alliance)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Malfurion Stormrage}} (Co-Leader of Cenarion Circle, Co-Leader of Darnassus)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Velen||Prophet Velen}} (Leader of the Draenei)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Gelbin Mekkatorque}} (King of [[Gnomes]], High Tinker of Gnomeregan)<br /> |
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| − | | leaders = {{npc||Anduin Wrynn}} (Prince of Stormwind) |
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| − | {{npc||Broll Bearmantle}} (Head of Druid Affairs in Darnassus)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Vereesa Windrunner}} (Ranger General of the Silver Covenant)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Shandris Feathermoon}} (General of the Sentinel Army)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Lord Darius Crowley}} (Leader of the Gilneas Liberation Front)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Brann Bronzebeard}} (Leader of the Explorer's League)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Falstad Wildhammer}} (High Thane of Aerie Peak)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Velog Icebellow}} (Regent Lord of the Frostborn)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Arechron}} / {{npc||Nobundo}} (Leaders of the Kurenai and Alliance Broken)<br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Galen Trollbane}} (Prince of Stromgarde)<!--Remove when Cataclysm goes live--><br /> |
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| − | {{npc||Auric Sunchaser}} / {{npc||Danath Trollbane}} (Leaders of the Sons of Lothar)<br /> |
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| − | | capital = [[Stormwind City]], [[Ironforge]] |
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| − | | capitals = [[Darnassus]], [[Exodar]], [[Theramore]], [[Aerie Peak]] |
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| − | | language = [[Common (language)|Common]] |
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| − | | slang = [[Darnassian]], [[Draenei (language)|Draenei]], [[Dwarven]], [[Gnomish]], [[Worgen (language)|Worgen]], [[Thalassian]] |
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| − | | races = {{Race|Worgen}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Half-Orc }}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Human}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Half-Elf }}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|High Elf }}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Ironforge Dwarf}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|DarkIron Dwarf}} {{C-inline}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|FrostDwarf}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Wildhammer Dwarf}}<br /> |
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| − | {{RaceIconExt|Gryphon}} [[Gryphon]]<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Gnome}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Nightelf}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Highborne}}{{C-inline}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Draenei}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Broken Draenei}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Furbolg|[[Stillpine|Stillpine furbolg]]}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Ancient}}<br /> |
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| − | {{RaceIconExt|Hippogryph}} [[Hippogryph]]<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Cenarius' Children}}<br /> |
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| − | Few individuals from other [[races]]<br /> |
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| − | | theater = [[Eastern Kingdoms]], [[Lordaeron]], [[Northern Kalimdor]], [[Theramore Isle]], [[Azuremyst Isles]], [[Outland]], [[Northrend]], [[Great Sea]] |
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| − | | pop = 800,000 approx. ([[Church of the Light]]) |
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| − | }} |
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| + | '''Eternals''' are Azeroth's immortal beings. These [[demigod]]-like beings are immortals with nearly divine powers.<ref>''[[Shadows & Light]]'', 9</ref> Eternals are conduits to divine power for several faiths; these include titans, [[Elune]] and other Ancients such as [[Cenarius]], [[Ursoc]] and [[Ursol]], [[Malorne]] the Waywatcher, [[Agamaggan]], [[Aviana]], [[Queen Azshara]] and [[Lord Xavius]],<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 250-251</ref> the voodoo [[Loa]] spirits,<ref name="MoM22">''[[Manual of Monsters]]'', 22</ref><ref name="MoM45"/> the Elemental Lords and Old Gods,<ref name="MoM22"/><ref name="S&L67"/><ref name="S&L99"/> etc. Eternal is the term used for many of the gods, goddesses, demigods, deities, divinities, and other revered beings who have interacted in Azeroth's history and molded the world. |
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| − | The '''Alliance''' (aka '''Grand Alliance'''<ref>''[[World of Warcraft]]'' manual, p.171</ref>) is one of two major political [[faction]]s of the mortal races in [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]], its counterpart being the [[Horde]]. The Alliance consists of powerful cultures and groups bound not by desperation or necessity, but by their deep commitments to abstract concepts like nobility and honor.<ref>"[[Beginnings and Ends]]"</ref> The Alliance was once also known as the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] when its leadership was centered in [[Lordaeron]]. However, the Alliance was forced to move the bulk of its forces to Kalimdor and to the southern Eastern Kingdoms continents of [[Khaz Modan]] and [[Azeroth (continent)|Azeroth]] after a [[plague]] of undeath ravaged the Kingdom of [[Lordaeron]] several years ago. It has since lost many members as well as gained new allies. |
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| − | ==Major members== |
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| − | The major partners in the Alliance are: |
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| + | ==Background== |
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| − | * {{Race|Human|notext}} The '''[[human (playable)|humans]]''' of [[Kingdom of Stormwind|Stormwind]]. |
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| + | Eternals are the divine-like beings of Azeroth and the other planes, who shape the large arcs of history for good and ill.<ref name="S&L67">''[[Shadows & Light]]'', 67</ref> Many beings transcend the bounds of mortal power and play key roles in the world’s long history, either obvious or subtle. These beings are known as eternals. Wielding godlike powers, they battle to destroy or save the world, to disrupt or cultivate life upon Azeroth (and elsewhere).<ref name="S&L69">''[[Shadows & Light]]'', 69</ref> |
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| − | ** One of the founding members of the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] following [[Stormwind City]]'s destruction in the [[First War]]. The city was restored to prominence after the [[Second War|Second]]. One of the last few human bastions not affected by the disasters of the [[Third War]]. |
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| − | ** Led by King {{npc||Varian Wrynn}}. with his son, Prince {{npc||Anduin Wrynn}}. |
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| − | *** Other leaders include: {{npc||Mathias Shaw||Master Mathias Shaw}}, Leader of [[SI:7]] and Lady {{npc||Jaina Proudmoore}}, Ruler of [[Theramore]] |
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| − | ** Capital is [[Stormwind City]] in northwestern [[Elwynn Forest]], in the continent of [[Azeroth (continent)|Azeroth]]. |
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| − | ** The [[Kingdom of Stormwind]]'s influence extends into the surrounding lands, including [[Sentinel Hill]] in [[Westfall]], [[Lakeshire]] in the [[Redridge Mountains]] and [[Darkshire]] in [[Duskwood]]. |
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| − | ** Other Strongholds and affiliated human towns are [[Nethergarde Keep]] in The [[Blasted Lands]], the [[Rebel Camp]] in [[Stranglethorn Vale]], [[Menethil Harbor]] in The [[Wetlands]], the town of [[Southshore]] in [[Hillsbrad Foothills]] and [[Chillwind Camp]] in [[Western Plaguelands]]. |
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| − | ** A sizable naval fleet enables Stormwind to expand across the seas, with outposts in the [[Borean Tundra]], the [[Howling Fjord]], the [[Grizzly Hills]] and the [[Dragonblight]] in southern [[Northrend]]. |
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| − | ** For centuries the humans have been using [[horse]]s as mounts. |
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| + | These are beings known only in legends to the peoples of Azeroth. Yet they are beings who have shaped not only the course of history in the world of Azeroth, but often the world itself: the Elemental Lords, ruling over planes of pure power and awaiting the time when they will once again serve the banished Old Gods; the Titans, whom the dwarves believe created Azeroth and many of its races; the great and powerful dragons who watch over the titans’ creation; the moon goddess Elune, and the demigod-like beings She created to protect and guide the creatures of the land. They are the ancient powers. While mortals fight wars to lay claim to villages and kingdoms, the powers wage a perpetual struggle to determine who will dominate the whole of the universe, with Azeroth the nearest battlefield. Though rarely seen, the influence of the ancient powers is ever-present. It is known that They wrought Azeroth from pure chaos and formed it into the world it is today.<ref name="S&L67"/><ref name="S&L69"/> |
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| + | Most of the divine beings of Azeroth (known as eternals) are distant entities. They exist to assist those caught in the conflicts of a cruel, violent world. Never directly intervening in the affairs of the world, They use divine magic as a proxy. With their many healing and protective spells, practitioners of divine magic are at the vanguard of the Gods’ efforts to ensure Their peoples' survival. Priests whisper prayers to evoke power from beings such as Elune the Moon Goddess. Shadow hunters invoke the names of dark Gods (loa), ancient powers whose legends are stained in cruelty and bloodshed, but who are also capable of benevolence when appeased. For example a shadow hunter might venture onto grounds consecrated to the Old Gods and spill his own blood to entice the forces of primeval cruelty to come and visit their worst afflictions upon him.<ref>''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', 22, 45</ref> |
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| − | * {{Race|Dwarf|notext}} The '''[[Dwarf (playable)|dwarves]]''' of [[Kingdom of Ironforge|Khaz Modan]]. |
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| − | ** The Kingdom of Ironforge consists mainly out of the [[Bronzbeard Clan]] of dwarves, which still reside in the [[Ironforge|ancient city]] of all dwarven clans. They pledged to the Alliance following the [[Bleeding Hollow clan|Bleeding Hollow]]'s invasion of [[Khaz Modan]]. |
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| − | ** Led by the [[Council of Three Hammers]], consisting of Princess [[Moira Thaurissan]] of the [[Dark Iron clan]], [[Muradin Bronzebeard]] of the [[Bronzebeard clan]], and [[Kurdran Wildhammer]] of the [[Wildhammer clan]]. |
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| − | ** Capital is [[Ironforge]], located in northern [[Dun Morogh]]. |
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| − | ** The Kingdom of Ironforge controls several settlements in Khaz Modan, including [[Kharanos]] and [[Thelsamar]]. More distant outposts such as [[Dun Garok]] and [[Bael Modan]] are the result of exploration and service to the Grand Alliance. |
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| − | ** The [[Explorers' League]], a faction set to uncover the dwarfish origins, also has outposts in [[Northrend]] including a base camp in the [[Storm Peaks]] and a small outpost in the [[Howling Fjord]]. |
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| − | ** The Dwarves, living in the high mountains of Khaz Modan, have tamed and befriended the native [[ram]]s, whom they use as mounts. |
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| + | The ancient powers rule supreme in their particular bastions, unsurpassed in power, knowledge and ability. Each also possesses its own personality and agenda, which has led each to interact with mortals in its own way. In some cases, an ancient power may take an interest in a hero early in her life. The powers have an innate understanding of prophecy and divination surpassing that of mortals, and they are often aware of a hero’s fate long before the hero takes her first steps onto the path of adventure. A power may send monsters to kill a nascent hero years before she has an opportunity to meddle in the power’s schemes, or it may subtly assist her by quietly guiding her toward allies, information or hidden artifacts that will help her achieve her destiny. When unable to act or unwilling to show their hands, the ancient powers use mortal heroes and villains as agents to further their own agendas — Sargeras used Azshara as his servant in an attempt to open the Well of Eternity, and the human wizard Rhonin was the cat's-paw of the dragons during the Second War. Heroes may be approached by an ancient power and asked to undertake a quest. They must take care when serving an Eternal, however, as completing a task for a power may mean incredible reward in thanks for a service well performed — or utter destruction as the Eternal hides its tracks.<ref name="S&L67"/> |
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| + | A number of the eternals died during the War of the Ancients. This doesn’t, however, mean that those powers can have no influence in later eras. Many of the fallen powers still have followers 10,000 years later, such as the furbolg who follow in the path of the long-dead ursine demigods Ursoc and Ursol. Further, though written history says they perished, can eternals who possess the special quality of immortality truly die? Perhaps a "fallen" eternal simply sleeps away centuries while his wounds heal...<ref name="S&L68">''[[Shadows & Light]]'', 68</ref> |
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| − | * {{Race|Gnome|notext}} The '''[[gnome (playable)|gnomes]]''' of [[Gnomeregan Exiles|Gnomeregan]]. |
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| − | ** Cousins of the dwarves, joining with their long-time allies to provide technological wonders to aid the Alliance in its fight against its enemies. Their Long-time capital was [[Gnomeregan]], located in western Dun Morogh, but it was invaded by a race of [[trogg]]s. The gnomes had to flee and find refugee in their cousins' arms in Ironforge, where they built [[Tinker Town]]. |
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| − | ** Led by High Tinker {{npc||Gelbin Mekkatorque}}, King of Gnomes. |
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| − | ** Gnomish outposts can be found in [[Blade's Edge Mountains]] in [[Outland]] and the [[Borean Tundra]] in [[Northrend]]. |
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| − | ** The highly intelligent and resilient gnomes have devised their own unique robotic mount to use: the [[mechanostrider]]. |
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| + | Eternals usually only appear before mortals only when they have truly earned the audience through their actions, such as by performing a great service to the eternal or by making a formidable stand against its plans. The tangled web of relationships among the eternals means that a favor performed for one may be a slight to several others. |
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| + | Ancient powers operate not just on levels of power far above mortals, but also on a vastly different time scale: the youngest have lived a hundred mortal lifetimes, and their goals can lay millennia away. Events of the mortal world may be more than meaningless in the larger scope of history to Eternals. For those who are asked to undertake a mission on behalf of an Eternal, the Eternal may be unable or simply unwilling to explain the reasons behind the task to "mere mortals" who cannot possibly comprehend. The immortal lifespan of Eternals allows them to collect on debts from many decades previous, and they hold grudges much longer. For example; the great dragon Neltharion spent a lifetime disguised as a human noble, infiltrating the royal courts of Lordaeron and consolidating power in order to avenge himself upon the other dragon Aspects.<ref name="S&L69"/><ref name="S&L68"/> |
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| − | * {{Race|NightElf|notext}} The '''[[Night elf (playable)|night elves]]''' of [[Darnassus]]. |
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| − | ** The night elves have lived peacefully for centuries in the shadowy forests of northern [[Kalimdor]] until the events of the [[Third War]] when they allied with the survivors of Lordaeron and the {{npc||Thrall}}'s Horde at the behest of {{npc||Medivh}} in order to defeat {{npc||Archimonde}} at the [[Battle of Mount Hyjal]]. However the continuous deforesting actions of the orcs in the forests of [[Ashenvale]] have forced them to break away from the Horde and remain allied with the Alliance alone. |
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| − | ** Led by High Priestess {{npc||Tyrande Whisperwind}} and Archdruid {{npc||Malfurion Stormrage}}. |
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| − | *** Other leaders include: General {{npc||Shandris Feathermoon}} commands the [[Sentinel|Sentinel Army]] and Archdruid {{npc||Broll Bearmantle}}. |
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| − | ** Capital is Darnassus, located on the new (failed) World Tree of [[Teldrassil]], off the coast of northern Kalimdor. |
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| − | ** The sentinels control directly several larger outposts, including [[Astranaar]] and [[Forest Song]] (jointly with the draenei) in [[Ashenvale]], [[Feathermoon Stronghold]] in [[Feralas]], the port of [[Auberdine]] in [[Darkshore]], and [[Sylvanaar]] in Blade's Edge Mountains. |
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| − | ** The forest dwelling night elves have befriended many beasts and magical creatures over the centuries, including [[Nightsaber]]s and [[Hippogryph]]s (whom they use as mounts) and other magical creatures that helped them in their conflicts like [[mountain giant]]s, [[chimaera]]s and [[faerie dragon]]s. |
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| + | Eternals in the [[Warcraft universe]] include the [[titan]]s, the [[Old God]]s, [[demigod]]s, and other powerful entities worshipped or venerated by the mortal races on Azeroth, often as part of [[Creation Myth]]s of various people in the world. |
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| + | ==History of the Eternals== |
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| − | * {{Race|Draenei|notext}} The '''[[draenei (playable)|draenei]]''' of [[Exodar|the Exodar]]{{Bc-inline}}. |
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| + | Below is a brief history covering eternals from the earliest known accounts to the present. |
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| − | ** Refugees of the [[eredar]] race fleeing their corrupted brethren, seeking allies to fight against the [[Burning Legion]]. They lived on Draenor until the orcish onslaught, and fled from the Legion and the forces of {{npc||Illidan Stormrage}} by stealing the Exodar, one of the satellites of [[Tempest Keep]]. |
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| − | ** Led by the Prophet {{npc||Velen}}. |
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| − | *** Long-time capital was [[Shattrath City]] on [[Draenor]], now known as [[Outland]]. Current capital is the Exodar, located in the western portion of [[Azuremyst Isle]], off the coast of northern Kalimdor. |
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| − | ** Draenei outposts include [[Azure Watch]] on Azuremyst Isle, [[Blood Watch]] on [[Bloodmyst Isle]], Forest Song (jointly with the night elves) in Ashenvale, the [[Harborage]] in the [[Swamp of Sorrows]], the [[Temple of Telhamat]] in [[Hellfire Peninsula]], and [[Telredor]] in [[Zangarmarsh]]. |
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| − | ** The draenei have brought with them their huge [[elekk]] beasts from [[Outland]], whom they use as mounts. |
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| + | ===The Dawn of History=== |
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| + | Most of the ancient powers were encountered during Azeroth's earliest days. It was the golden age of the powers, the dragons and Elune's servants watched over the young world, [[Elemental Lord]]s thought the untamed land as comfortable as their home plane. Legends claim that the world's creators still lurked in the shadows finishing the details of their creation.<ref name="S&L67"/> |
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| + | ===The Shattered World=== |
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| − | * {{Race|Worgen|notext}} The '''[[Worgen (playable)|worgen]]''' of [[Gilneas]]{{C-inline}}. |
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| + | In the aftermath of the War of the Ancients and the sundering of the world, the Burning Legion was forced off Azeroth. Azshara vanished, and the dragons went into hiding. Even the elementals retreated, and thousands of years would passed before mortal spellcasters discovered how to summon them back across the planar boundaries. Though the eternals who survived were largely unseen for almost 10,000 years, they were occasionally encountered. The eternals were humbled by Azshara's bold attempt to rise to their level of power, and remained reserved and distrustful of both mortals who sought them out and mortals whom they employed.<ref name="S&L67"/><ref name="S&L68"/> |
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| − | **Formerly one of the strongest of the human nations, Gilneas was one of the founding members of the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]], sealing itself off from the world after the [[Second War]] to avoid being brought into "other people's conflicts". People and lands transformed by the worgen plague that resulted in civil war engulfing Gilneas. They will officially rejoin the Alliance in ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm]]''. |
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| − | ** Led by {{npc||Genn Greymane||King Genn Greymane}} and {{npc||Lord Darius Crowley}}. |
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| − | ***Long-time capital was [[Gilneas City]] in central Gilneas. Following the Cataclysm and the [[invasion of Gilneas]], the survivors have settled in the night elf capital of Darnassus, at [[The Howling Oak]]. |
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| − | ***Other towns include [[Duskhaven]], [[Stormglen]] and [[Keel Harbor]] in Gilneas, [[Surwich]] near the [[Dark Portal]] in the [[Blasted Lands]], [[Talonbranch Glade]] in [[Felwood]] and [[Raven Hill]] in [[Duskwood]]<ref>http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/downloads/ssotd/images/screens/ss1327.jpg</ref>. |
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| + | ===Current Age=== |
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| + | Seers and scholars maintain that the Horde's arrival through the Dark Portal heralded the return of the ancient powers to mortal events. In the years since, the great dragons and the Elemental Lords have involved themselves in the war, and both Cenarius and Sargeras have returned. As the dwarves delve deeper into the lost secrets of the Titans, some have wondered whether the Titans ever truly left. Some have found they have unwittingly been drawn into or run afoul of the schemes of a returned eternal. The Eternals appear to have recovered from any uncertainty they suffered during their millennia of retreat, however, and those who seek them out do so at their own risk.<ref name="S&L68"/> Nearly every eternal has followers in the current age, from the worshippers of Elune among the night elves to the demon cults that revere the Burning Legion.<ref name="S&L69"/> |
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| + | ==List of eternals== |
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| − | ===Alliance Forces=== |
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| + | All Eternals are demigod-like beings. They are immortal and wield divine power, but not all of them aspire to be Gods. |
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| + | ===Burning Legion=== |
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| − | ;Azeroth |
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| + | The Burning Legion is undoubtedly potent and some of its leaders possess demigod-like power. Those who worship demons draw terrible divine magic from their dark faith.<ref name="WRPG155"/> Most demons are not eternals. [[Sargeras]], [[Archimonde]], and [[Kil'jaeden]] are the only confirmed exceptions.<ref>''[[Shadows & Light]]'', 58-60</ref> |
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| − | The uneasy truce between the Alliance and the Horde in the aftermath of the Third War was soon broken when several battlegrounds between various forces of the factions have erupted: |
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| + | *{{RaceIcon|DarkTitan|Male}} [[Sargeras]] - The Fallen Titan and Lord of the burning Legion |
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| − | * [[League of Arathor]] - The main force of the nation of [[Stromgarde]]. In order to supply their war to reclaim the [[Arathi Highlands]] (and help supply themselves and The Alliance with valuable resources) the League has invaded the [[Arathi Basin]] along with Forsaken forces, with whom they fight vigorously over the rich land. |
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| + | *{{RaceIconExt|Kil'jaeden}} [[Kil'jaeden]] - The deceiver, and the acting leader of the Burning Legion |
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| − | * [[Stormpike Guard]] - A dwarven expedition to the [[Alterac Valley|Valley of Alterac]] in order to search for relics and treasures from the past, have led to open war with the orcs of the [[Frostwolf clan]] that resides in the southern parts of the same valley. |
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| + | *{{RaceIconExt|Archimonde}} [[Archimonde]] - The left hand of the fallen titan Sargeras and field commander of the Legion's forces |
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| − | * [[Silverwing Sentinels]] - The continuous deforesting efforts of the [[Warsong Outriders|Warsong Orcs]] that have settled in southern [[Ashenvale]] have left the sentinels no choice. The Silverwing sentinels wing was appointed to begin a massive push of the orcs out of the elven homelands. |
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| + | ===The titans=== |
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| + | The [[titan]]s are immortal entities who travel across the cosmos bringing order to worlds such as [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]], the Titans were powerful enough to chain the Old Gods, and some accounts give them titles such as "Patron of All Life". |
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| + | They are led by a group called the [[Pantheon]] which includes: |
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| + | * {{RaceIcon|Aesir|Male}} [[Aman'Thul]] - the High Father. |
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| + | * {{RaceIcon|Titan|Female}} [[Eonar]] - the Lifebinder. |
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| + | * {{RaceIcon|Aesir|Male}} [[Norgannon]] - the Lorekeeper. |
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| + | * {{RaceIcon|Titan|Male}} [[Khaz'goroth]] - the Shaper. |
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| + | * {{RaceIcon|Aesir|Male}} [[Golganneth]] - the Thunderer. |
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| + | * {{RaceIcon|Titan|Male}}[[Aggramar]] - the Avenger. |
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| + | ===The Old Gods=== |
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| − | ;Outland Forces |
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| + | The [[Old Gods]] were the evil rulers of [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]] before being defeated by the [[titan]]s.<ref name="S&L67"/> They were the masters of the Elemental Lords.<ref name="S&L99">''[[Shadows & Light]]'', 99</ref> Three remain imprisoned beneath the world, but continue to be worshipped by the [[Twilight's Hammer]] Cult and the [[naga]]. |
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| − | * The [[Sons of Lothar]] – Remaining members of the former [[Alliance Expedition]] to [[Draenor]] following the [[Second War]], who were joined by the new forces of the Alliance with the re-opening of the [[Dark Portal]]. |
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| + | *{{RaceIconExt|OldGod}}{{RaceIconExt|GiantEye}} [[C'Thun]] - God of Qiraj |
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| − | ** Consists mainly of humans, high elves ([[Quel'Thalas]]'s [[Elven ranger|rangers]]) and [[Wildhammer clan|Wildhammer dwarves]]. |
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| + | *{{RaceIconExt|Yogg-Saron}}{{RaceIconExt|Vrykul|Female}} [[Yogg-Saron]] - The Beast with a Thousand Maws |
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| − | ** Stationed mainly in [[Honor Hold]] in [[Hellfire Peninsula]], [[Allerian Stronghold]] in [[Terokkar Forest]] and the [[Wildhammer Stronghold]] in [[Shadowmoon Valley]]. |
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| + | *{{RaceIconExt|OldGod}} [[N'Zoth]] - The spark of the Emerald Nightmare |
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| − | * The [[Kurenai]], or "Redeemed", a surviving clan of [[Broken]] draenei residing in Outland, Nagrand. They are led by {{npc||Arechron}}. |
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| + | *{{RaceIconExt|Serpent}} [[Ula-tek]] - A serpent goddess, believed to be a old god.{{RPG-inline}} |
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| + | The old gods exist beyond Azeroth |
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| + | *{{RaceIconExt|OldGod}} [[Summoned Old God|Ancient and powerful evil]]- The master of the [[Sethekk]] and [[Dark Conclave]] [[Arakkoa]] in the [[Outlands]]. |
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| + | ===God=== |
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| + | [[God]] was a deity connected to certain members of the Church of the Holy Light, referenced in early Warcraft Lore and sources, and alluded to in ''Day of the Dragon''. The belief also included [[angel]]s, Heaven, and Hell. |
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| + | ===Drakkari God=== |
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| − | ;Northrend Forces (Alliance Vanguard) |
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| + | A group of four gods in form of statues, that the drakkari give sacrifices and receive blessings, although they could be considered loas, they were never stated to be such. |
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| − | ** [[Valiance Expedition]] - The main forces of the Alliance expedition to Northrend, led by {{npc||Highlord Bolvar Fordragon}}. |
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| + | *[[Zim'Torga]] - The Mother of Prosperity |
||
| − | *** [[7th Legion]] - A group of Alliance veterans from past wars bent on fighting the threat of Naxxramas in Dragonblight. |
||
| + | *[[Zim'Abwa]] |
||
| − | ** [[The Silver Covenant]] - A militant core of high elves that have united under the banner of {{npc||Vereesa Windrunner}} who opposes Dalaran's acceptance of the horde races. They join the Alliance forces in Northrend. |
||
| + | *[[Zim'Rhuk]] - The Wise One |
||
| − | ** [[The Frostborn]] - They reside in the [[Storm Peaks]], a lost race of dwarves led by {{npc||Yorg Stormheart}} (who is actually {{npc||Muradin Bronzebeard}} with a serious amnesia), and after succeeded by {{npc||Velog Icebellow}}. |
||
| + | *[[Dubra'jin]] |
||
| − | ** The [[Explorers' League]], led by {{npc||Brann Bronzebeard}}, searches for rare artifacts and digs into dwarven history. |
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| + | |||
| + | ===The Earthmother, Skyfather and the Deepmother=== |
||
| + | The [[Earthmother]] is a benevolent and primitive earth goddess whom the [[tauren]] worship above all else. She is the harmony of nature itself.<ref name="WRPG52">''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 52</ref> She is described as the creator of the land, of the sun and moon, and of the tauren people. |
||
| + | The [[Sky Father]] is a mysterious deity that the tauren worship as a equal of the Earthmother. |
||
| − | ===Other members, factions and allies of the Grand Alliance=== |
||
| − | * The human nation of [[Theramore]], based in [[Theramore Isle]], [[Dustwallow Marsh]]. |
||
| − | ** Led by the Third War hero of the alliance, Lady {{npc||Jaina Proudmoore}}. |
||
| − | ** Founded by various human refugees that ventured to Kalimdor in the midst of the scourge onslaught of the third war, coming from all the human nations. |
||
| − | ** The nation is affiliated with the [[Stormwind (faction)|faction of Stormwind]]. |
||
| − | * The human nation of [[Stromgarde]], based in [[Stromgarde]] City and [[Refuge Pointe]] camp, [[Arathi Highlands]]. |
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| − | ** Led by Prince {{npc||Galen Trollbane}}. |
||
| − | ** Stromgarde was the first great nation of the humans (known as [[Arathor]]) from which all other nations developed. However, the nation rapidly declined after the [[Third War]], losing it's capital city and many other territories. |
||
| − | ** The nation is affiliated with the [[Stormwind (faction)|faction of Stormwind]] and the forces of the [[League of Arathor]]. |
||
| − | * The human nation of [[Kul Tiras]], based in the capital of [[Boralus]], Kul Tiras Isle and [[Crestfall]] Island. |
||
| − | ** Led by Lord {{npc||Tandred Proudmoore}}. Formerly led by his father, hero of the Second War, the Lord Admiral {{npc||Daelin Proudmoore}}. |
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| − | ** An old human kingdom of merchants and sailors. Sustained a heavy attack of the horde forces during the second war, but largely avoided and survived the third war. Many of its citizens joined the expedition forces of Jaina to [[Kalimdor]] where they founded the nation of Theramore (which has the same banner as Kul Tiras what may idicate it being a sub territory of Kul Tiras). |
||
| − | * The [[Wildhammer clan]] of dwarves, led by High Thane {{npc||Falstad Wildhammer}}, based in the [[Aerie Peak]], [[Hinterlands]]. Formerly they lived in [[Ironforge]] and their own capital of [[Grim Batol]]; both were abandoned after a series of [[War of the Three Hammers|civil wars]] with the other dwarven clans. |
||
| − | ** Though not always enthusiastic members of the Alliance, the Wildhammer clan has never failed it and always pledged their precious [[gryphon]]s and heroes to the alliance's causes. |
||
| − | * The [[High elf|High Elves]] that remain untouched by fel magic and are loyal to the Alliance who are currently scattered in many Alliance's settlements, such as those led by {{npc||Ranger Lord Hawkspear}} at [[Quel'Lithien Lodge]] in the Eastern Plaguelands, those under {{npc||Jalinde Summerdrake}} and her forces at [[Quel'Danil Lodge]], the ones in Theramore under {{npc||Captain Darill}}, or the ones in Dalaran as part of the [[Silver Covenant]] among other places. |
||
| − | * Some [[half-orcs]] are members of the Alliance (with others being members of the Horde). |
||
| − | * The [[children of Cenarius]], working closely with the night elves throughout Kalimdor. |
||
| − | * The furbolgs of [[Stillpine Hold]], led by {{npc||High Chief Stillpine}}, have been cooperating with the draenei, an outgrowth of their good relations with the night elves. |
||
| − | * The [[Wintersaber Trainers]] in [[Winterspring]] are a group of night elven elite saber riders that provide their mounts to members of the Alliance who prove themselves worthy. |
||
| − | *A number of [[Dark Iron Dwarves]] will join the Alliance under the the guidance of {{npc||Moira Thaurissan}} after the Cataclysm.{{C-inline}} |
||
| − | *The [[Bloodfang pack]], led by Packleader [[Ivar Bloodfang]], ally themselves with the [[Gilneas Liberation Front]] and the [[Stormpike Guard]] in the war against the [[Forsaken]].{{C-inline}} |
||
| + | The [[Deep Mother]] is much like the earthmother, however it's a Murloc deity never associated with the tauren mythology, but instead is primitive sea goddess.{{RPG-inline}} |
||
| − | ==Alliance of Lordaeron== |
||
| − | {{main|Alliance of Lordaeron}} |
||
| − | The modern Alliance is the successor to the Alliance of Lordaeron, which was created at the behest of King {{npc||Terenas Menethil II}} of [[Lordaeron]] and Lord {{npc||Anduin Lothar}} of the kingdom of Stormwind following the [[First War]], five years after the reckoning. The human, dwarf, gnome, and high elf races allied together to fight off the [[orc]]ish [[History of the Horde|Horde]]. |
||
| + | ===Elune=== |
||
| − | ==Aftermath of the Second Invasion== |
||
| + | Elune - [[Elune]] is the benevolent [[moon]] Goddess of the [[Night elf|night elves]]. She is one of the few full deities on Azeroth, the personification of the [[White Lady]], and one of the Ancient Guardian. The tauren refer to her as Mu'sha, the Left Eye of the Earthmother. She is the counterpart to An'she.<ref>http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/442.xml</ref><ref>http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/392.xml</ref> |
||
| − | [[File:Alliance Heros.jpg|thumb|Notable figures from the Third War, from left to right: {{npc||Muradin Bronzebeard}}, {{npc||Antonidas}}, {{npc||Uther Lightbringer}}, and {{npc||Prince Kael'thas}}.]] |
||
| − | Events of the [[Third War|Second Invasion]] led to an alliance with both the night elves and the Horde. The former became permanent, while the latter did not. |
||
| + | ===An'she=== |
||
| − | Following the Second Invasion, many of the surviving high elves rebranded themselves as [[blood elf|blood elves]] and rejoined the Alliance shortly after the invasion, only to leave it again following an attempted purge by Grand Marshal {{npc||Garithos}}. The true high elves remain loyal to the new Alliance, most notably the ones dwelling in [[Theramore]] under Lady {{npc||Jaina Proudmoore}} and in the [[Hinterlands]] at [[Quel'Danil Lodge]]. More recently, high elves have grouped together in Northrend as the [[Silver Covenant]]. |
||
| + | [[An'she]] is a male sun deity in [[tauren mythology]], the right Eye of the Earthmother and the counterpart to the goddess Mu'sha (Elune), the moon. It gives the [[Sunwalkers]], the tauren paladins, their power and acts much like the [[Light]], wherever he is not the light is unknown. |
||
| + | ===Loas=== |
||
| − | A few years later, the draenei joined the Alliance. Stranded a world away from home, they are trying to establish a new base on Azeroth from the wreckage of the Exodar as well as gain the trust and cooperation of the Alliance. |
||
| + | {{main|Loa}} |
||
| + | The [[Loa]]s are primal troll gods, each representing a different animal or domain. |
||
| − | During the events of the [[Cataclysm]], another race joined the ranks of the Alliance; the worgen of Gilneas. |
||
| + | ===Elemental Lords, the elemental spirits and other elementals=== |
||
| − | ==Organization== |
||
| + | Former servants of the evil [[Old God]]s, the [[Elemental Lord]]s once ruled Azeroth. Yet when the titans defeated the Old Gods, they banished the Elemental Lords and all elementals to a planar prison known now as the [[Elemental Plane]]. |
||
| − | [[File:Allianceraces.jpg|thumb|''Alliance Races'' by Chris Metzen[http://www.sonsofthestorm.com/viewer.php?artist=metzen&cat=warcraft&art=23]. From left to right: [[High elf]], [[half-elf]], [[night elf]], [[dwarf]], and [[human]].]] |
||
| − | [[File:Heroraces.jpg|thumb|''Hero Races'' by Chris Metzen[http://www.sonsofthestorm.com/viewer.php?artist=metzen&cat=warcraft&art=21]. [[Wildhammer dwarf]] and [[gnome]] (Alliance).<ref>The gnomes and Wildhammer dwarves are members of the Alliance. The furbolgs and pandarens are [[Independent]] though friendly to the Alliance.</ref>]] |
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| − | [[File:Uncorrupted draenei.jpg|thumb|''Draenei Male'' by Glenn Rane]] |
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| − | [[File:Half-orc.jpg|thumb|Half-orc]] |
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| − | [[File:Worgen artwork1.jpg|thumb|Worgen]] |
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| − | [[File:Lorderan Tabard.jpg|thumb|The Seal of Lordaeron is used prominently in Alliance culture.]] |
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| + | *{{RaceIconExt|EarthLord}} [[Therazane]] the Stonemother, Lord of [[Deepholm]] |
||
| − | The Alliance is not a uniform governmental body, but is a coalition of mutual military and economic aid. Housing the Alliance Assembly, [[Theramore]] was once considered the official home of the new Alliance, when Stormwind was bound under [[Onyxia]]'s thrall under the guise of Katrana Prestor. The inability of Stormwind to act forced both [[Theramore]] and the [[night elf|night elves]] to step in, resulting in a growing gap of cooperation between the two continents. This, however, is no longer the case with King Varian's return and the death of Onyxia. Varian's direct aid to the Night Elves has won their trust, and Jaina's constant presence with him as an advisor (and to temper his edges) has firmly reunited Theramore and Stormwind once more. |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|FireLord}} [[Ragnaros]] the Firelord, Lord of [[Firelands]] |
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| + | *{{RaceIconExt|AirLord}} [[Al'Akir]] the Windlord, Lord of [[Skywall]] |
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| + | *{{RaceIconExt|WaterLord}} [[Neptulon]] the Tidehunter, Lord of [[Abyssal Maw]] |
||
| + | [[Draenor]] seems to have it's own version of the elemental lords of which only Cyrukh is known: |
||
| − | In the past, certain rules, customs, and regulations were a constant hindrance to mutual actions across the entire Alliance. This made cooperation sluggish, and considerably slowed the rate at which the Alliance was able to reclaim its former lands and glory. Despite the problems and intrigues within their leadership, all parts of the Alliance are steadfast in their desire to reclaim and rebuild, and all members share a distrust of the Horde. Approximately 800,000 souls belong to the allied races spanning two continents (based on membership numbers of the Church of Light)<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', ???</ref>. The Alliance is a great and peaceful body overall, their might being legendary, but their desire for peace, even stronger. Above all, where {{npc||Jaina Proudmoore}} and {{npc||Tyrande Whisperwind}} are good at coordinating their efforts on Kalimdor, Lady {{npc||Katrana Prestor}} of Stormwind was doing a fine job of undoing the Alliance in the [[Eastern Kingdoms]],<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 163</ref> however she has been slain in lore and King {{npc||Varian Wrynn}} has now taken his rightful place as king.<ref>[[World of Warcraft: Issue 14]]</ref> |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|FelFireLord}} [[Cyrukh the Firelord|Cyrukh]] |
||
| + | The shamans draw their power from five natural elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and the Wilds. The [[Elemental Spirits]] are primordial [[elementals]] which embody these elements. They do not appear to be connected with the Old Gods, nor do they appear connected to their Elemental lieutenants. The Spirits communicate with the shamans through trances, dreams, images and emotions. Their exact motivations remain unknown, and it is unclear whether they act according to some grander design, or whether they act in reaction to events that threaten the balance. Each World seems it's own version of the 5 elemental spirits.<ref>[[Unbroken]]</ref> |
||
| − | Even now, as always, humans are the glue that hold the Alliance together, being the most numerous and diplomatic of the member races. The armies of Stormwind are stationed through out the Eastern Kingdoms, trying to retake regions such as Duskwood, Westfall, and The Redridge mountains. The armies of Ironforge are mainly stationed in Khaz Modan along with their Gnome allies, and the Night Elven armies are mainly defending northern Kalimdor from Horde's deforestation of the Ashenvale. The remaining Draenei forces are still trying to secure their new home on Azuremyst Isle, and are also stationed in Outland. The recently brought in Gilnean armies are defending themselves from the endless onslaught of the Forsaken. |
||
| + | There is one elemental that differs from all other Murmur the Primordial essence of sound |
||
| − | ==Strengths== |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|SoundLord}} [[Murmur]] - the essence of sound |
||
| − | ===Technology=== |
||
| − | {{main|Alliance technology}} |
||
| − | Technologically speaking, the Alliance is strong, with gnomish and dwarven inventions. |
||
| + | ===Dragon Aspects=== |
||
| − | Heavily armored vehicles with massive guns often help take well-defended structures, or even serve to simply destroy an enemy’s morale. The appearance of three or four armored vehicles can often break an enemy’s morale without ever firing a shot. However, they are well armed in case they do need to fire. |
||
| + | Before leaving Azeroth, the titans empowered five dragons with tremendous power. They were to serve as [[Dragon Aspect|Aspects]], guardians over the world, together with their dragonflight. |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|DragonBronze}}{{RaceIconExt|Nozdormu}} [[Nozdormu]], the Timeless One. |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|Alexstrasza}}{{RaceIconExt|Alex}} [[Alexstrasza]], the Life-Binder. |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|DragonGreen}}{{RaceIconExt|Ysera}} [[Ysera]], the Dreamer. |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|Malygos}}{{RaceIconExt|Malygos2}} [[Malygos]], the Spell-Weaver. |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|Kalec}}{{RaceIconExt|Kalecgos}} [[Kalecgos]] succeeded Malygos after his death. |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|Deathwing}}{{RaceIconExt|DeathwingHuman}} [[Neltharion]], the Earth-Warder, who would succumb to madness and take the name [[Deathwing]]. |
||
| + | ===Mortals=== |
||
| − | All too frequently, war is the primary driver of technological advancements. The Ironforge dwarves spearheaded this trend, developing gunpowder and firearms as a way to achieve an edge against their foes in combat. Flying machines, originally just curiosities or at best scouting tools, are now being outfitted with flak cannons and bombs. Who knows where these advancements will lead? Technology is the system by which an entire society provides for the wants and needs of its population. |
||
| + | These are mortals that have been claimed to be Eternals. |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|Medivh}} [[Medivh]] - The Guardian <ref>''[[Shadows & Light]]'', 44</ref> |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|Satyr}} [[Xavius]] - First of the Satyr and Nightmare Lords |
||
| + | *{{RaceIconExt|NagaSeaWitch}} [[Queen Azshara]] - Empress of Naztajar |
||
| + | ==Notes== |
||
| − | Thus, the dwarves of Ironforge are said to be more technologically advanced than the tauren of Mulgore, who are themselves far more advanced than, say, kobolds or troggs.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 100, 181</ref> The Alliance views technology as an extension of a new way of thinking. Humans view technology as a powerful tool, as gnomes and dwarves invent new weapons, devices, and vehicles of war that the humans can benefit from. |
||
| + | *The term "eternal" was coined by [[Bob Fitch]] and [[Chris Metzen]] because “immortal” didn’t feel right and “divine” also felt a bit awkward, although it was used in ''[[Warcraft III]]'' for units such as Cenarius (''Whitewolf Quarterly'', Fall 2004). |
||
| + | *All eternals are immortal, but not all immortals are eternals. |
||
| + | *Any [[dragon]], [[elemental]], [[fey]], [[humanoid]], [[monstrous humanoid]], [[outsider]], or [[undead]] could potentially become an eternal.<ref name="S&L69"/> |
||
| + | *Note that in the RPG game, contacting an eternal is the same as an [[Outer Plan]]e demigod for the purpose of the ''Contact Other Plane'' ability. No beings are generally more powerful than eternals in the Warcraft universe, so making contact with a "lesser deity" or anything more powerful than a demigod is impossible.<ref>''[[Shadows & Light]]'', 46</ref> |
||
| + | == References == |
||
| − | Dwarves and gnomes are the true masters of steam and brass; for them, forge and artifice has always been a way of life. The ability to craft magnificent weapons of destruction appeals to the dwarven sense of war, and firearms have become a respected aspect of their culture. Dwarven riflemen are feared, and their steam tank crews are also given tremendous respect for their skill in guiding their magnificent weapons of war. |
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| + | {{reflist|2}} |
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| − | |||
| + | {{Gods and demigods}} |
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| − | It is clear to all of the Alliance races that the battlefields are changing thanks to technology. Firearms are a tremendous equalizer, and a trained sniper can be as deadly to a knight as a dragon’s breath. The machines of war provide protection and weapons that level the field even against the mightiest of monsters. That the Alliance is aware of this bodes well for their future.<ref>''[[More Magic and Mayhem]]'', 164</ref> Also, with the inclusion of the draenei into the Alliance, the advanced technology of the draenei is now available. |
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| + | {{Nature and Divine}} |
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| − | |||
| + | [[Category:Eternals| ]] |
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| − | ===Tactical mastery=== |
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| + | [[Category:Lore]] |
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| − | Strategy in combat is the first step toward winning, and the Alliance uses to its fullest. They take advantage of their typical numerical advantage, to overwhelm opposition with shield and sword. They posses great Arcane spell casters which can be seen taking out many troops single-handedly from behind the front line. They have some great shock infantry with the dwarves and draenei, who prove very resilient on the battlefield. The Alliance is also known for its heavy cavalry where mounted human [[knight]]s and paladins have more than once broken through ranks of Orcs, demons and undead. These mounted warriors have long symbolized the strength of the Alliance armies. |
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| + | [[Category:Religions]] |
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| − | |||
| + | [[Category:Demigods]] |
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| − | Typically they will utilize flanking tactics, night elven and high elven archery, combined with superior technology and maneuvers to turn battles in their favor allowing heavier troops like human knights and dwarven riflemen to finish their enemies off with the blade and shot. The scouts and rogues of organizations within the Alliance such as SI:7 are used to gather intelligence on the enemy forces and can even be used in sabotage tactics behind enemy lines. Their commanders are very smart, studying the art of war from a young age, and are able and adept commanders who will utilize their armies to the fullest, on the battlefield. |
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| + | [[Category:World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]] |
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| − | |||
| + | [[Category:Manual of Monsters]] |
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| − | ===Holy magic=== |
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| + | [[Category:Shadows & Light]] |
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| − | Most Alliance races are well-versed in the ways of the Holy Light, making their paladins and priests formidable opponents. The power of the holy light is also advantageous against the Forsaken as well as other forms of undead due to their extreme weakness against the power with spells such as Exorcism.<ref name="WorldOfWarcraft">[http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/classes/paladin/spells.html World Of Warcraft: Paladin Spells]</ref> While the [[Third War]] witnessed the deaths of many paladins at the hands of the Scourge, the arrival of the Draenei on Azeroth provided a new force of Light-wielding warriors for the Alliance. |
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| + | [[Category:Magic & Mayhem]] |
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| − | |||
| + | [[Category:Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]] |
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| − | ===Unified=== |
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| + | [[Category:Dark Factions]] |
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| − | The Alliance has strong unity between its races since its core members have been allied together since the beginning, excluding the night elves and the draenei. The humans, dwarves, high elves, and gnomes have been allies since the Second War and are often tied together. The Alliance has also never truly fallen apart, although there is often disagreements between the Alliance on Kalimdor, led by Jaina Proudmoore and Tyrande Whisperwind, and those traditionally based out of the Eastern Kingdoms, now led by King Varian Wrynn. |
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| − | |||
| − | ===Tradition=== |
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| − | The Alliance represents older bonds of brotherhood than the Horde, especially between the Humans, Dwarves, High Elves, and Gnomes. And while the Draenei are new to Azeroth, the other races retain ancient holdings. This stands in stark contrast to the Horde, all of whom, with the exception of the Blood Elves, have undergone significant migrations in the past decade. This gives the Alliance more established infrastructure and generally more territorial control, if not a higher level of dedication — Orgrimmar and Thunder Bluff, and the Forsaken squatting in Lordaeron's sewers and ruins, stand in stark contrast to the strong walls of Stormwind and Ironforge. |
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| − | |||
| − | ==Weaknesses== |
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| − | Although the Alliance has built an impressive army in the past years, finding strength in its diversity and numbers, weak points still exist that the Alliance’s enemies can take advantage of when fighting. For example, some lackluster commanders exist within the ranks. Though through this they still maintain a very impressive army.<ref name="APG182">''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 182</ref> |
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| − | |||
| − | ===Pride=== |
||
| − | The Alliance is proud of itself. Their people are sophisticated and learned, and they excel in the intellectual pursuits such as arcane magic and engineering. Even after three bloody wars, they still view themselves as overall smarter than the Horde, and believe that greater brain power wins out over primal force. This is even after they fought alongside the Horde in the Third War and saw how they had changed. They underestimate the Horde, especially the new Horde under Thrall, and could easily be guilty of underestimating their enemies’ abilities.<ref name="APG182"/> |
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| − | |||
| − | ===Arcane magic=== |
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| − | {{main|Alliance magic}} |
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| − | Though their powerful command of the arcane is a point of strength in the Alliance’s arsenal, it also shows a weakness. The magi are weak and easy to kill, if an enemy can break through their protections.<ref name="APG182"/> The benefits of these spellslingers in combat are very rich, causing destruction from a distance unchecked by the enemy. |
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| − | |||
| − | ===Physical strength=== |
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| − | The front lines of the Alliance’s armies are always in danger against the physically stronger Horde, especially the orcs and tauren.<ref name="APG182"/> Draenei are the strongest Alliance race, and the arrival of the Worgen in [[Cataclysm]] will probably add another brute force to Alliance aswell. |
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| − | |||
| − | ===Territory=== |
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| − | Though the Alliance has a vast amount of territory, its distribution is almost one sided, most of the Alliance territory is in the Eastern Kingdoms. The Alliance presence in Kalimdor is weak, confined mainly to Teldrassil, the islands of Azuremyst and Bloodmyst, and Darkshore (the only mainland Alliance territory in Kalimdor). Though they have also made a strong establishment in Dustmallow Marsh on Theramore Isle. It should be noted that there is a rapidly growing revanchist movement among the Alliance ranks, fueled increasingly now that Varian Wrynn has returned to Stormwind; should the Horde attempt to overwhelm any of the vulnerable Alliance holdings, then it would likely spark all out war, and thus this weakness would prove to be a strength. |
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| − | |||
| − | ==References== |
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| − | {{reflist}} |
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| − | |||
| − | {{Grand Alliance}} |
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| − | {{factions}} |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | [[da:Alliance]] |
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| − | [[fr:Alliance]] |
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| − | [[Category:Alliance| ]] |
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[[Category:Alliance Player's Guide]] |
[[Category:Alliance Player's Guide]] |
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| − | [[Category:World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]] |
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| − | [[Category:More Magic and Mayhem]] |
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Revision as of 21:07, 22 July 2011
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This article contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.
|
- Were you looking for the article on the eternal ingredients in World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King?
- For other beings of reverence see religions, Ancient guardian and demigods.
Eternals are Azeroth's immortal beings. These demigod-like beings are immortals with nearly divine powers.[1] Eternals are conduits to divine power for several faiths; these include titans, Elune and other Ancients such as Cenarius, Ursoc and Ursol, Malorne the Waywatcher, Agamaggan, Aviana, Queen Azshara and Lord Xavius,[2] the voodoo Loa spirits,[3][4] the Elemental Lords and Old Gods,[3][5][6] etc. Eternal is the term used for many of the gods, goddesses, demigods, deities, divinities, and other revered beings who have interacted in Azeroth's history and molded the world.
Background
Eternals are the divine-like beings of Azeroth and the other planes, who shape the large arcs of history for good and ill.[5] Many beings transcend the bounds of mortal power and play key roles in the world’s long history, either obvious or subtle. These beings are known as eternals. Wielding godlike powers, they battle to destroy or save the world, to disrupt or cultivate life upon Azeroth (and elsewhere).[7]
These are beings known only in legends to the peoples of Azeroth. Yet they are beings who have shaped not only the course of history in the world of Azeroth, but often the world itself: the Elemental Lords, ruling over planes of pure power and awaiting the time when they will once again serve the banished Old Gods; the Titans, whom the dwarves believe created Azeroth and many of its races; the great and powerful dragons who watch over the titans’ creation; the moon goddess Elune, and the demigod-like beings She created to protect and guide the creatures of the land. They are the ancient powers. While mortals fight wars to lay claim to villages and kingdoms, the powers wage a perpetual struggle to determine who will dominate the whole of the universe, with Azeroth the nearest battlefield. Though rarely seen, the influence of the ancient powers is ever-present. It is known that They wrought Azeroth from pure chaos and formed it into the world it is today.[5][7]
Most of the divine beings of Azeroth (known as eternals) are distant entities. They exist to assist those caught in the conflicts of a cruel, violent world. Never directly intervening in the affairs of the world, They use divine magic as a proxy. With their many healing and protective spells, practitioners of divine magic are at the vanguard of the Gods’ efforts to ensure Their peoples' survival. Priests whisper prayers to evoke power from beings such as Elune the Moon Goddess. Shadow hunters invoke the names of dark Gods (loa), ancient powers whose legends are stained in cruelty and bloodshed, but who are also capable of benevolence when appeased. For example a shadow hunter might venture onto grounds consecrated to the Old Gods and spill his own blood to entice the forces of primeval cruelty to come and visit their worst afflictions upon him.[8]
The ancient powers rule supreme in their particular bastions, unsurpassed in power, knowledge and ability. Each also possesses its own personality and agenda, which has led each to interact with mortals in its own way. In some cases, an ancient power may take an interest in a hero early in her life. The powers have an innate understanding of prophecy and divination surpassing that of mortals, and they are often aware of a hero’s fate long before the hero takes her first steps onto the path of adventure. A power may send monsters to kill a nascent hero years before she has an opportunity to meddle in the power’s schemes, or it may subtly assist her by quietly guiding her toward allies, information or hidden artifacts that will help her achieve her destiny. When unable to act or unwilling to show their hands, the ancient powers use mortal heroes and villains as agents to further their own agendas — Sargeras used Azshara as his servant in an attempt to open the Well of Eternity, and the human wizard Rhonin was the cat's-paw of the dragons during the Second War. Heroes may be approached by an ancient power and asked to undertake a quest. They must take care when serving an Eternal, however, as completing a task for a power may mean incredible reward in thanks for a service well performed — or utter destruction as the Eternal hides its tracks.[5]
A number of the eternals died during the War of the Ancients. This doesn’t, however, mean that those powers can have no influence in later eras. Many of the fallen powers still have followers 10,000 years later, such as the furbolg who follow in the path of the long-dead ursine demigods Ursoc and Ursol. Further, though written history says they perished, can eternals who possess the special quality of immortality truly die? Perhaps a "fallen" eternal simply sleeps away centuries while his wounds heal...[9]
Eternals usually only appear before mortals only when they have truly earned the audience through their actions, such as by performing a great service to the eternal or by making a formidable stand against its plans. The tangled web of relationships among the eternals means that a favor performed for one may be a slight to several others.
Ancient powers operate not just on levels of power far above mortals, but also on a vastly different time scale: the youngest have lived a hundred mortal lifetimes, and their goals can lay millennia away. Events of the mortal world may be more than meaningless in the larger scope of history to Eternals. For those who are asked to undertake a mission on behalf of an Eternal, the Eternal may be unable or simply unwilling to explain the reasons behind the task to "mere mortals" who cannot possibly comprehend. The immortal lifespan of Eternals allows them to collect on debts from many decades previous, and they hold grudges much longer. For example; the great dragon Neltharion spent a lifetime disguised as a human noble, infiltrating the royal courts of Lordaeron and consolidating power in order to avenge himself upon the other dragon Aspects.[7][9]
Eternals in the Warcraft universe include the titans, the Old Gods, demigods, and other powerful entities worshipped or venerated by the mortal races on Azeroth, often as part of Creation Myths of various people in the world.
History of the Eternals
Below is a brief history covering eternals from the earliest known accounts to the present.
The Dawn of History
Most of the ancient powers were encountered during Azeroth's earliest days. It was the golden age of the powers, the dragons and Elune's servants watched over the young world, Elemental Lords thought the untamed land as comfortable as their home plane. Legends claim that the world's creators still lurked in the shadows finishing the details of their creation.[5]
The Shattered World
In the aftermath of the War of the Ancients and the sundering of the world, the Burning Legion was forced off Azeroth. Azshara vanished, and the dragons went into hiding. Even the elementals retreated, and thousands of years would passed before mortal spellcasters discovered how to summon them back across the planar boundaries. Though the eternals who survived were largely unseen for almost 10,000 years, they were occasionally encountered. The eternals were humbled by Azshara's bold attempt to rise to their level of power, and remained reserved and distrustful of both mortals who sought them out and mortals whom they employed.[5][9]
Current Age
Seers and scholars maintain that the Horde's arrival through the Dark Portal heralded the return of the ancient powers to mortal events. In the years since, the great dragons and the Elemental Lords have involved themselves in the war, and both Cenarius and Sargeras have returned. As the dwarves delve deeper into the lost secrets of the Titans, some have wondered whether the Titans ever truly left. Some have found they have unwittingly been drawn into or run afoul of the schemes of a returned eternal. The Eternals appear to have recovered from any uncertainty they suffered during their millennia of retreat, however, and those who seek them out do so at their own risk.[9] Nearly every eternal has followers in the current age, from the worshippers of Elune among the night elves to the demon cults that revere the Burning Legion.[7]
List of eternals
All Eternals are demigod-like beings. They are immortal and wield divine power, but not all of them aspire to be Gods.
Burning Legion
The Burning Legion is undoubtedly potent and some of its leaders possess demigod-like power. Those who worship demons draw terrible divine magic from their dark faith.[10] Most demons are not eternals. Sargeras, Archimonde, and Kil'jaeden are the only confirmed exceptions.[11]
Sargeras - The Fallen Titan and Lord of the burning Legion
Kil'jaeden - The deceiver, and the acting leader of the Burning Legion- Archimonde - The left hand of the fallen titan Sargeras and field commander of the Legion's forces
The titans
The titans are immortal entities who travel across the cosmos bringing order to worlds such as Azeroth, the Titans were powerful enough to chain the Old Gods, and some accounts give them titles such as "Patron of All Life". They are led by a group called the Pantheon which includes:
- Aman'Thul - the High Father.
- Eonar - the Lifebinder.
- Norgannon - the Lorekeeper.
- Khaz'goroth - the Shaper.
- Golganneth - the Thunderer.
- Aggramar - the Avenger.
The Old Gods
The Old Gods were the evil rulers of Azeroth before being defeated by the titans.[5] They were the masters of the Elemental Lords.[6] Three remain imprisoned beneath the world, but continue to be worshipped by the Twilight's Hammer Cult and the naga.
- C'Thun - God of Qiraj
- Yogg-Saron - The Beast with a Thousand Maws
- N'Zoth - The spark of the Emerald Nightmare
- Ula-tek - A serpent goddess, believed to be a old god.
The old gods exist beyond Azeroth
- Ancient and powerful evil- The master of the Sethekk and Dark Conclave Arakkoa in the Outlands.
God
God was a deity connected to certain members of the Church of the Holy Light, referenced in early Warcraft Lore and sources, and alluded to in Day of the Dragon. The belief also included angels, Heaven, and Hell.
Drakkari God
A group of four gods in form of statues, that the drakkari give sacrifices and receive blessings, although they could be considered loas, they were never stated to be such.
The Earthmother, Skyfather and the Deepmother
The Earthmother is a benevolent and primitive earth goddess whom the tauren worship above all else. She is the harmony of nature itself.[12] She is described as the creator of the land, of the sun and moon, and of the tauren people.
The Sky Father is a mysterious deity that the tauren worship as a equal of the Earthmother.
The Deep Mother is much like the earthmother, however it's a Murloc deity never associated with the tauren mythology, but instead is primitive sea goddess.
Elune
Elune - Elune is the benevolent moon Goddess of the night elves. She is one of the few full deities on Azeroth, the personification of the White Lady, and one of the Ancient Guardian. The tauren refer to her as Mu'sha, the Left Eye of the Earthmother. She is the counterpart to An'she.[13][14]
An'she
An'she is a male sun deity in tauren mythology, the right Eye of the Earthmother and the counterpart to the goddess Mu'sha (Elune), the moon. It gives the Sunwalkers, the tauren paladins, their power and acts much like the Light, wherever he is not the light is unknown.
Loas
- Main article: Loa
The Loas are primal troll gods, each representing a different animal or domain.
Elemental Lords, the elemental spirits and other elementals
Former servants of the evil Old Gods, the Elemental Lords once ruled Azeroth. Yet when the titans defeated the Old Gods, they banished the Elemental Lords and all elementals to a planar prison known now as the Elemental Plane.
- Therazane the Stonemother, Lord of Deepholm
- Ragnaros the Firelord, Lord of Firelands
- Al'Akir the Windlord, Lord of Skywall
- Neptulon the Tidehunter, Lord of Abyssal Maw
Draenor seems to have it's own version of the elemental lords of which only Cyrukh is known:
The shamans draw their power from five natural elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and the Wilds. The 
[Elemental Spirits] are primordial elementals which embody these elements. They do not appear to be connected with the Old Gods, nor do they appear connected to their Elemental lieutenants. The Spirits communicate with the shamans through trances, dreams, images and emotions. Their exact motivations remain unknown, and it is unclear whether they act according to some grander design, or whether they act in reaction to events that threaten the balance. Each World seems it's own version of the 5 elemental spirits.[15]
There is one elemental that differs from all other Murmur the Primordial essence of sound
- Murmur - the essence of sound
Dragon Aspects
Before leaving Azeroth, the titans empowered five dragons with tremendous power. They were to serve as Aspects, guardians over the world, together with their dragonflight.
- Nozdormu, the Timeless One.
- Alexstrasza, the Life-Binder.
- Ysera, the Dreamer.
- Malygos, the Spell-Weaver.
- Kalecgos succeeded Malygos after his death.
- Neltharion, the Earth-Warder, who would succumb to madness and take the name Deathwing.
Mortals
These are mortals that have been claimed to be Eternals.
- Medivh - The Guardian [16]
- Xavius - First of the Satyr and Nightmare Lords
- Queen Azshara - Empress of Naztajar
Notes
- The term "eternal" was coined by Bob Fitch and Chris Metzen because “immortal” didn’t feel right and “divine” also felt a bit awkward, although it was used in Warcraft III for units such as Cenarius (Whitewolf Quarterly, Fall 2004).
- All eternals are immortal, but not all immortals are eternals.
- Any dragon, elemental, fey, humanoid, monstrous humanoid, outsider, or undead could potentially become an eternal.[7]
- Note that in the RPG game, contacting an eternal is the same as an Outer Plane demigod for the purpose of the Contact Other Plane ability. No beings are generally more powerful than eternals in the Warcraft universe, so making contact with a "lesser deity" or anything more powerful than a demigod is impossible.[17]
References
- ^ Shadows & Light, 9
- ^ World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 250-251
- ^ a b Manual of Monsters, 22
- ^ Cite error: Invalid
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- ^ a b Shadows & Light, 99
- ^ a b c d e Shadows & Light, 69
- ^ Magic & Mayhem, 22, 45
- ^ a b c d Shadows & Light, 68
- ^ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedWRPG155 - ^ Shadows & Light, 58-60
- ^ Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 52
- ^ http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/442.xml
- ^ http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/encyclopedia/392.xml
- ^ Unbroken
- ^ Shadows & Light, 44
- ^ Shadows & Light, 46
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