Lore Ideas

[Arinnaya]

This will be perhaps boring, but I found it a nice idea to exchange a bit about the background lore of Azeroth, with the eyes of ourselves (this time, no official sources, just some thoughts about how we imagine some aspects of this not extensively highly-detailed world. I will add a section of some thoughts about the Religions of Azeroth, and the Holy Light Feel free to complain with it in any way... I would also gladly welcome, if you could add your own chapters about Arcane magic and Mages, or Fel magic, and the Burning Legion... So here it goes (remember, this is only based partially upon official lore):

Religions in Azeroth and the Holy Light
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The many races, nations and factions of Azeroth follows many different religions. One of the most widespred ones is the belief in the Holy Light, more precisely the Order of Light.

The Order has a history of several hundred, or even thousand years, and though the details of the foundation of this holy istitution was recorded well, the origins of this faith are shrouded in mystery, the details lost over the millenia. One thing is certain: as many other traditional institutions, this is also traced back to the Arathi people, and their kingdom, Strom.
It is a widespread opinion, that the new religion of the Humans was based upon elements of the High Elven beliefs. However, convincing proofs are lacking, to prove this statement. Even though later the Order of Light has gained many followers on elven lands, some of the Quel'dorei have retained their original religion, still paying tribute to a pantheon of gods. Some of these are shared with the Night Elven ones. For example, Goddess Enulaia, the Gatekeeper, the Protector of Silvermoon, is sometimes thought as but a different manifestation of Elune, the Great Goddess of the Night. Some High Elven beleivers even follow the Divine Sun, as a supreme entity. Scholars believe, they might have contributed to the human religon significantly, just as the Highborne mages did with Arcane magics.

Long before the Horde begun its invasion on these tranquil lands, was the center of religious studies founded in the human world, but not in Lordaeron, but in Azeroth (in stict sense), at Northshire. The settlers from the North have not only brough their religion with them, but founded a beautiful cathedral, where apprentices and monks could study peacefully amidst the nature, while
holy warriors of the Silver Hand were trained in times of peril.

Basically, everyone is allowed to become a member of the Order, but most applicants begin their training about 10-12 years old, some even as early as 8 (especially Paladins). Minimum duration of training as a Priest is 9 years. During the first years, the youngster is treated as an apprentice, performing mundane tasks, while learning the basic principles: Respect, Tenacity, and Compassion. Along the years following, the young student becomes independent of his former master, continuing study under the supervision of the Council, while gradually gaining the first divine spells and abilities. Having surpassed the exam, the young Priests are encouraged to take a younger one under their wings, showing them the principles. This is in order to fully develop their persuasive and charismatic abilities of spreading the seeds of faith, when they finally graduate. After all the years past, the new Priest is free to leave the Monastery once. However, they all know, that membership within the order lasts for a lifetime. Even if they are on the most foreboding corners of the world, this fraternal organisation will command mutual help and unquestioned devotion from its members.

The terms of service are strict. Iif one commits a minor sin, the ordered penitence will do. However, with major crimes, such as sacrilege, common murder, thievery, adultery, blasphemy, or turning to a forbidden deity, will invoke immediate dismemberment from the Order.
To ensure the unwavering loyalty of members, the Paladins have recently founded an order within the order: the Inquisitors. These utterly trustworthy holy members are given tasks to constantly watch over the others (mostly paladins, however, inobedient priests might also fall into this cathegory). They are not involved with most other 'wordly' maters, and thus pose no threat to those who do not follow the divine path. Still, villains will need to fear them, just as any other Paladin of the Silver Hand.

As a member of the order of the Light or the Silver Hand, one can marry when they wish. But there are serious rules to follow. For a paladin, the official license from his overwathcher is required. For a priest, rules are less strict, but they generally still tend to remain bachelors/maidens. The main cause for this is the fact, that unlike the paladin, a priest looses all chance of advancing within the ranks of the order, if he/she marries. (This will not hinder level advancing, though, and they will keep all previously achieved ranks). It is worth to say, that all of them can only marry once in their lifetime: divorce is impossible and second marriage is (usually) not tolerated. An important notice: while cross-race youngsters are not discouraged from the priestly path, marriages between members of different races are strictly forbidden. One to even to consider this will reviled.


Northshire quickly became the centre of the Order. Over the centuries, the Faith in the Holy Light has surpassed all borders, even between races, and has found mayn converts among the Dwarves, especially in Ironforge, and even spreading into the seclusive elven kingdom of Quel'Thalas. Initially, most of the dwarves were either unaware of the divine domains, or some of them followed the elementals. These cults were particularly strong among the Dark Iron clan, that has later sworn alleigance to the Firelord, one of the greatest elemental demigods in the world. However, some of them still worship other various divinities secretly, like Therazane, the Stonemother (but they often do this in disguse, to avoid conflict with the leadership).
Very recently, a new religion has been founded among the Ironforge dwarves: the Mystery of the Makers. This religion is still in its forming stage, so has no official canon of rules, leadership, or solid structure of teachings. However, the discovery of the Titans' powers long thought to be lost, has already gained numerous followers among the Dwarves. even non-priests flock to the excavation sites, and strive to be imbued with the powers of the Creators once again.

Though it might be strange to hear, despite the strict rules of obedience within the Order, syncretism is not forbidden. As long as it does not break the rules, one can become member of multiple religious communities. This is not easy, however, even if the rules do not directly point against eachother. Participation in both religion's festivities and ceremonies with full devotion might be nearly impossible, as almost all demand full attention for a lifetime.
The Order of the Light allows - besides officially - to accept the teachings of the Mystery of the Makers as well as the Church of Elune, though there are not many examples of anyone doing this. What is more, the Night Elven beliefs differ considerably from the ones expected from a Lightbringer of the Order. the followers of Elune do not only strive to reach balance between the Light and Shadows, but also have a different structure of clergy.

Among Humans, the leader of the community is usually a male, and this is no different in the Order as well. Among the Night Elves, the ones following Elune are mostly females, and the high-ranking ones are exclusively Priestesses. a new male member can gain acceptance, but will never gain any high ranks, not even after centuries of service.
Night Elven Priestesses also count as military generals - many have at least a few levels in Hunter skills, or they are multiclass Priest/Hunters. Among the Kaldorei, the ways of the Hunters are considered noble, sometimes even holy. This is highly different from the Humans, where the ones to follow roguish ways are immediately cast out of the Order.

The religions that are not tolerated by the Order are various: Followers of the Legion, the Old Gods, or the Elemental Lords, or the Troll Loa (especially Hakkar) fall into this cathegory. For a priest, just to consider neutrality towards these factions is a heresy.

For the Animism of the Horde Shamans, there are simply not enough contacts between the warring factions, to learn more about eachothers beliefs. Therefore it is neither allowed, neither forbidden to learn about this way of view. It is simply a path untrodden by any.

[Nork]

ooo, i juts love Warcraft Lore. Its so interssting and quite wekk written as well. I am more of a Warcraft historian then a knowladgeable person into the ways of magic.

Gods and Titans:

Hundreds of thousands of years ago, before the sundering of Azeroth. When the land was one. The Ancient Gods, including Ragneros, Haxxar and C'Than, ruled the lands with such malice and hatred, that no liveing thing could muster a life and evolve. Seeing such cruelty, the Titans came to Azeroth to free it from the tyranny of the Gods. A massive battle ensewed, desolating much of the world, but the Titans prevailed and imprisoned the Gods beneath the Earth, never to see the light of day again. They created a race, called the Earthen, who lived beneath the ground, hence the name, who would be the 'wardens' of the prisons and ensured that the Gods would never be made free.

The Saundering:

Soon after the Gods were imprisoned, the Elves made themselves known to the Titans. Amazed that a single race had managed to survive and evolve during the reign of the Gods. They decided that they would bless the race with power and magic. So, at the very center of the world, the Titans made 'The Well of Eternity' and was the source of the Elves 'Arcane' magicical powers. Soon the Elves split off into diffrent factions, as each one was affected diffrently by the magic. Some evolved to become the Cenarions. Others became affected by light and left for darker lands, becoming the Night Elves. Other's belived that they were the only race of Elves that deserved the magic and only they should be granted the power. As such, they became known as the High Elves.

When the Elves discovered Immortality within the Well of Eternity. The Titans granted them this gift, in the form of an acorn. Which, planted, grew to become the world tree, every Elf in the land was bound to it and so, ensured that no harm would ever come to it, by planting it on the tallest mountain and charging a group of Elves to its defence. But immortality became the Elves un-doing. Soon they began to abuse there power and it began to taint there wisdom. Some started to evolve faster than what time intended and the Satyr's were born. More devestatingly so, the power being rendered from the Well of Eternity, drew the attention of the Burning Legion. Sending forward scout partied and spies. They saw there chance to bestow Azeroth, through Sageras. Not the weakest of Titans, but easily the most corruptable.

Soon Sargeras folded to the Legions will and, useing the very power within Well of Eternity, summoned a portal so that the Legion's armies could advance foreward. But they under-estimated Azeroths will. Fighting back the demonic armies, once again the Elves banded together, for the lust of one thing, immortality and the Arcane. After fighting back the demons, they saw too it that they would never be able to venture forth again, by destroying the Well. But they did not realise that Azeroth itself had grown to depend on the Well, the roots of which went all the way down the the World 'Lay Lines'. Upon destroying the Well. The very heart of Azeroth was ripped intwain and the lands begun to sink. Fleeing for there lives. The Elves fled west, to Kalimdor, where they stayed, obliviouse to the fact that they were not the only survivors, that there were more lands that had survived in the East and were not to know till after the secound war, when Thrall first sets foot on kalimdor.

I know a tonne more stuff, but this is just the basic history, i also know all abought the summoning of Ragneros, Haxxar and C'Than. All abought Silithus and the gates. Also the history behind the Dwarves. If you want to know more, just let me know and i will weave stories and junk.

[Arinnaya]

Races, nations, and languages
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Azeroth is home to the most different types of indigenous, intelligent creatures. Some have even came from distant words, using the dimension-twisting portals of the Nether. Living for a long time together, many cultures of great influence have evolved since the beginning. This chapter of fan-lore will aim to give some thoughts and concepts about these cultures, with special regard to the languages of the world.

The Shadowy elves of Kalimdor carry one of the most ancient cultural traditions in the world. It is no coincidence - they tend to live up to several thousand years - that their language is also ancient. Kalimag or Darnassian, as Humans sometimes call it, is indeed highly conservative. Those that speak Thalassian can sometimes make out a few words, though mutual understanding in live speech is impossible, due to the 7,500 years of their separate evolution. Still, the Elven Languages have a lot in common. High Elves find the language of their nocturnal brothers highly archaic. Dryads and sons of Cenarius can occasionally be about as proficient in this language as their own, though it is rarely spoken by outsiders. In turn, most of Night Elves do not speak any other language, not even common.
Kalimag is often written in a decorative way, though experts can easily distinguish this from the magical runescript. Though Night Elves have no great libraries, the greater temples, like the Grand Temple of the Moon in Darnassus, still hold many pieces of literature, especiallly those of religious concern. These ones are never translated to other languages, given that their usage is restricted to the Elunites.
Druids prefer to keep their tradition oral, so one may faind it hard to seek for written traditions on them. But certain centres of Kaldorei lore may offer unparalelled wisdom, like the (now ruined) library of Eldre'Thalas.


The fair Elves of Quel'Thalas have diverged from the Kaldorei long time enough to develop a different culture. Though outsiders might immediately see the similarities as well. The language of the High Elves, Thalassian (often, misguided humans call it Sindrassian) has a soft sounding, similarly to Kalimag, though it is much further evolved. The Quel'dorei are not immortal, even if they live longer than any human or dwarf could imagine. Their speech contains a lot of neologisms comapred to Night Elves, making mutual understanding practically impossible. Still, some expressions of the ancient elven languege are preserved in Thalassian only: those of arcane magic. Some proverbs are verbal components of spells themselves, something impossible to translate, or even understand the meanings of. It is no coincidence, that the words of magic, even the one for 'Magic' in the common language of Humans, is of elven origin. Human mage-apprentices still learn Thalassian , even if they are never going to speak it, something that reminds us of the Latin-speaking scolars of the real-world Middle Ages. Besides, it is an official language of the Magocracy of Dalaran as well.
Many elves have taken a course of darker prospects, since the destriction of their ancient homeland. These refugees, now comprising the major portion: the Sin'Dorei, or 'Blood Elves', often evoke fearful emotions from any other civilized races, with their mad bid for vengeance and power. Despite the new rift between them , and the traditional minority, it had no great effect on their languages. Thus 'Sindrassian' is not a valid term, as it is the same as the language of the High ones.
The Quel'Dorei always use the magical Runescript if it comes to writing. There are many libraries conataining original books, most of them treating with arcane lore or magics. In turn, many centres of human mages still uses Thalassian language, and their Runescript, to record their spellls.


The Humans of Arathor have a long history behind their back, though this seems almost nothing compared to the long past of the Dragonkind, or others. The main language of the humans, common was about as influenced by others, as the whole human culture. The words of spellcasters (especially mages, priests only to a smaller extent) are heavily influenced by Thalassian: most of the expressions is of High Elven origin. Among engineers, miners, or weaponcrafters, the situation is similar: their technology is clearly of dwarven origin, as judged by their words. Dwarven expressions are hard to separate from Gnomish ones, as the two nations always keep exchanging their inventions as well as their idioms. It is the best of Human nature to learn all wisdom from others, and then apply it in a creative way. In turn, many other races tend to learn the language of the Humans, as it has relatively easy grammar, and short, easily pronouncable words. As a result, it became the most widely known and accepted language in Azeroth: Common. Elves, Gnomes and Dwarves usually have an at least basic knowledge of it. Among others, it is a much more sparse phenomenon: some Orcs have learnt the language of their captors during the years of slavery: yet they loathe to use it, even if they understand it perfectly. Trolls or Tauren rarely come into close contact with any of the more urban races to learn their words.
A special situation applies to the Undead: with death, they have not forgotten their original language, and they use it as well, even later. But very recently, the followers of Sylvanas, tha Dark Lady, have devised an 'encoded' version of common, called Gutterspeak. It is only used by officials of the Forsaken, with the open purpose of not letting the cunning Humans spy their intentions so easily. The details of Gutterspeak are still a mystery to the living ones, and the Deathguards strive that it remains so.


The Language of the Trolls is hard to judge in common, since due to their tribal nature, and isolation, it encompasses many different variants. Better speak of a whole language family. Still, two mainstream versions can be distinguished: the ones of Amani origin (Ice Trolls and Forest Trolls), and the Gurubashi ones (Jungle and Dark Trolls). Mutual understanding between these two group is hard-to-impossible. Nowadays, the most widespread dialect is of the Jungle Trolls, thanks the Darkspear Tribe's presence on Kalimdor. The Trollish languages are rarely spoken outside their tribes, even the trolls tend to communicate in Orkish with their allies. It is also rarely written. As a result, they tend to use other beings' writing systems. Though most do not even suspect, the Trolls have a long written history: the writing the Troll Empire's dark scholars used, is now illegible for most of its descendants: only the most skilled in the lore of the Zandalarians can read these pieces of memory, which are most often unearthed in the ruins of their ancient capitals.


Dwarves and Gnomes share most of their culture: with the fall of Gnomeregan, this is even more true. During the millenia of the early dwarven kingdoms, they tended to work together: as a result, now their language is closely related, and even mutual understanding is possible in some cases. Dwarves worked most as miners and smiths, while the Gnomes designed their almost-magical engines and edifices. The origin of the Gnomes is still unknown for the scholars: The same was true for a long time for the dwarves. Until recently, when they discovered clear evidence for soemething they have barely believed before themselves: they are indeed created by the Titans when the world was young, as earthen constructors of mountains and dales. As a strange fact: the Troggs, a barely intelligent rampaging tribal race only recently unearthed, are their brothers. Some begin to suspect if it extends to the Gnomes as well, though the little folk had no interests in such speculations - yet.
Among Dwarves, there are three dialect: the Ironforge pronounciation is regarded as standard. Living on the foreboding peaks of Aerie, the Wildhammers have a strange - sounding speech, but it can be understood by those who have enough patience to listen carefully. The most different version of Dwarven is spoken by the Dark Irons of the Blackrock. Not one Ironforge dwarf has found himself being attacked by them yelling some unintellegible words. In addition, Dark Irons rarely attemt to learn common.
Both the Dwarven and the Gnomish languages use short, gruff words, and this would make their language easy to learn. Despite this fact, outsiders rarely bother to do it actually. Some merchants, who desire more profit in Ironforge, actually speak Dwarven, but not much others. Books are common amond dwarves and gnomes: they most likely conatain technological descriptions. Most of them do noth bother with history or magic, leaving place for more practical aspects.


The Orkish language, as it is, is isolated in Azeroth, having no relatives. This makes it hard for outsiders to actually learn Orkish. Other allied Horde nations may find it easier, since they are in everidy contact with them. The written version of Orkish is hardly found: many think, it actually only exists with the demonic runes of the warlocks.
The Orkish language has its only relative in the speech of the brutal Ogres, meanwhile the Draenei have nothing in common with them. It has long been thought, that the Orcs and the Ogres have developed from a common ancestor, something given a proof by the not-so rarely found halfbreeds between them, the Mok'Nathal.
Orkish culture is also highly tribal, thus there are several variants of Orkish: most of them were isolated, some were even unintellegible to eachother, but this tendency of isolation was reversed by the foundation of the New Horde. Old clans merged together, and some new ones emerged since then: thus the way is open to the forming of some 'Standard Orkish', that can be used by all the Horde nations to communicate.

Taurens have an indeed ancient culture, yet their nomadic culture has prevented them from developing and using such inventions as writing. Yet the oral tradition was always strong, giving rise to famous epic works, many known only to the Tauren folk themselves. Outsiders rarely bother to learn about their culture, though the Taurens were always maximally polite in their diplomatic ways. Those rare ones, who speak Taurahe and Kalimag together, could realize a mild Night Elven influence on the Taurens. Even if their relations are strained today, these two folks had long historical contacts.


The mainly underwater Nagas are an offspring of the ancient Highborne, who ruled more than 10,000 years ago. Just as they elven bodies were twisted and transformed into an aquatic one, so did their language change: Nowadays, Nazja is so different from the Elven languages, that only the most skilled scholars can recognize the similarities. Though they rule the waters of Azeroth since millenia, no terrestrial creatures have learned their speech. Meanwhile, under the Great sea, it has almost become some kind of 'underwater common': The Murguls, magically muteted relatives of the Murlocks and a slave race to the Nagas, also uses Nazja, like many other subdued races.
The water-dwelling Highbornes rarely if ever know languages other than their own. To overcome the difficulties, they often use magical spells or potions when communicating with others ( mostly Blood Elves, whom they regard as brothers)
Nagas have a rich literature, that they record with their own writing, illegible for others, into books made of waterproof materials. It is also though, that these waterdwellers know more of ancient history and lore, than any other being in Azeroth.

Other nations from Elven stock usually have their own language as well: Satyrs speak a modified version of Kalimag, heavily influenced by Demonic. Harpies, on theother hand, have a fully-fledged own language, not understandable by outsiders.



The ancient Dragons use their own common language. Draconic is believed to originate from the age before the Titans. The grand, immortal dragonlords, despite their differences between eachother, theach their lesser siblings not only the language, but also the lore. Each dragonflight's knowledge extends to a unique field, in which they were blessed by the Creators.
Dragons overwatched the sky in the age of the Old Gods, and continue even nowadays. Outsiders can never gain insight into their culture, nor can anyone learn Draconic without any magical means. Though the dragons often overwatch precious artefacts, they rarely if ever provide a bit of their knowledge freely.

Stange, but true fact, that the many different races of the Burning Legion uses a unified language to communicate. Demonic can be used by fel spellcasters (mainly warlocks, and tainted ones), or the allies of the Legion. For a Paladin, Shaman, or a good-alligned Priest, to even utter the unholy words of Demonic is a heresy. Still, all the more skilled warlocks strive to learn it perfectly, since it gives a chance for more effective shadow spells, directly taught by the demon masters they serve. The Demons themselves never learn other languages at all: The more powerful ones have innate abilities, that immediately translates all words spoken to the ones present into their own mother tongue.
Books and runes of demonic are found often around the words: even in the most foreboding corners. Most of them were written by warlocks, not the demons directly, and contain interesting insights into the nature of the Nether's magic - for those affiliated with the Legion.