Warlords of Draenor

Lore & Background

In this fractured reality, Garrosh Hellscream of the main timeline traveled back to prevent Grommash Hellscream from drinking Mannoroth's blood. Without that corruption, Grommash united the orc clans into the Iron Horde rather than falling under demonic influence immediately. This alliance was designed to crush Azeroth before the Legion could fully intervene. The expansion reveals how Gul'dan of the alternate timeline later manipulated events using fel magic and artifacts from the Burning Legion, making a pact with the Legion after the orcs' initial defiance. While the orcs believed they were fighting for independence, they were being used as pawns to open a gateway for demonic forces. The conflict highlights the tragedy of heroes who must fight versions of themselves or their allies. Ultimately, the invasion is thwarted by the combined might of Alliance and Horde champions from Azeroth. Crucially, this timeline features the main timeline Garrosh Hellscream, who traveled back in time to lead the Iron Horde; he is killed specifically during the events of Warlords of Draenor.

In Their Own Story

The air in Tanaan Jungle tastes of sulfur and old iron. You stand before the shimmering green rift, watching as armored orcs march past, their banners heavy with blood and war paint. There is no chaos here, only a terrifying order. A shadowed figure watches from the cliffs above, eyes glowing with fel fire, whispering promises of conquest to the wind.

Reader's Guide

Heroes arrive on this twisted version of Draenor to stop the Iron Horde before they invade Azeroth through a new Dark Portal. Players establish a personal garrison, recruiting followers and building defenses against the relentless orcish war machine across the continent. Campaigns unfold across diverse zones like Tanaan Jungle and Frostfire Ridge, where players uncover the truth behind Gul'dan's manipulation of the orcs. The alternate version of Grommash Hellscream leads the charge, refusing the demon blood that corrupted his main timeline counterpart in previous eras. The conflict culminates in a massive assault on the Dark Portal itself alongside allies like Thrall and Khadgar. The heroes dismantle the Legion's influence within the Horde leadership. This victory secures Azeroth but leaves the alternate world to its own fate as it eventually collapses into Outland.

Did You Know?

• This timeline diverges from the main history where Grommash Hellscream drank Mannoroth's blood.
• The expansion introduced the Garrison system, allowing players to build a personal base of operations.
• Gul'dan served as the primary antagonist manipulating events behind the scenes of the Iron Horde.
• The Garrosh Hellscream who led the Iron Horde was the main timeline Garrosh, who traveled back in time and was killed during the conflict on Draenor.