Second War

Following the fall of Stormwind during the First War, Regent Anduin Lothar led human refugees north across the Great Sea to Lordaeron. King Terenas Menethil II convened the Council of Seven Nations, forging the Alliance of Lordaeron alongside the high elves of Quel'Thalas, the Bronzebeard dwarves of Ironforge, and the gnomes of Gnomeregan. Meanwhile, Warchief Orgrim Doomhammer consolidated the Horde, forging alliances with forest troll tribes and the Steamwheedle Cartel while subjugating red dragons through the Dragonmaw clan to invade the northern continents.

The Horde launched devastating land and naval offensives, quickly overrunning Khaz Modan and driving the dwarves and gnomes behind the sealed gates of Ironforge and Gnomeregan. Advancing north across the Thandol Span and through the seas, orcish forces burned their way through Hillsbrad and the Hinterlands before laying siege to Capital City itself. The kingdom of Alterac betrayed the Alliance, guiding orc divisions through mountain passes. Despite devastating dragon attacks, the Alliance rallied around the newly created Knights of the Silver Hand and paladins who wielded the Holy Light against orcish warlocks and death knights.

The war turned when the warlock Gul'dan deserted the Horde with his followers to pursue personal power, forcing Doomhammer to divert critical forces from the front lines. The Alliance counterattacked, breaking the siege of Lordaeron and systematically driving the Horde back south across the Thandol Span, liberating Khaz Modan along the way. In the final mountain passes of the Burning Steppes, Anduin Lothar fell in single combat against Doomhammer, but his lieutenant Turalyon rallied the troops and routed the orcs. The Alliance pursued the survivors all the way to the Black Morass, shattering the remnants and demolishing the Dark Portal.