What Jaina Proudmoore has ever seen. She was grateful to Varian's guards, who had helped them fight their way through the crowd and reach Jaina, Kalec, Varian, Anduin, and Vereesa in their places.

All the race leaders of the Horde had gathered as well, their colorful clothing, skin, and sheer presence in stark contrast to the Alliance. The August Celestials wisely placed members of the factions that did not side with the Horde or the Alliance in the middle of the hall, preventing skirmishes from starting. Jaina was surprised to see what appeared to be an elf there, with massive horns crowning her scarlet-haired head. Her face was beautiful, but expressed an almost imperceptible sadness. Jaina's heart fluttered.

"Alexstrasza," she said softly.

"I wish she hadn't come," Kalec sighed as he sat down next to Jaina. “It can be very painful for her to watch this.”

It seemed to Jaina that Alexstrasza, the great Life-Binder and former Aspect of the Draks, would be above such things as courts and other ways of administering justice to the young races. She always behaved with dignity, courage, nobility and compassion, even when faced with unimaginable horrors and deep personal losses. Her sister, the green dragon Ysera, sat beside her, holding Alexstrasza's hand, looking around with childish curiosity and wonder.

"Alexstrasza should be here," Jaina said. “Not for judgment. For myself. Same as me".

"Wrathion is here too," Anduin said. “I invited him to come to watch, listen and think for himself what would be best for Azeroth. I'm glad he decided to do it."

Jaina followed Anduin's gaze and saw a creature she was curious about, often referred to as the Black Prince. Few knew about him, even fewer knew about his true nature.

"That's good," Jaina said, quiet enough for only Anduin to hear. "Looks like all dragonflights have representatives here."

Wrathion, as far as everyone knew, was the only uncorrupted black dragon in history.

Deathwing's son escaped the twisted touch of the Old Gods thanks to the intervention of the Reds while he was still in the egg. Though he was lucky in that regard, Jaina had to admit that his life had not been idyllic. The red dragonflight, under the command of Alexstrasza, sought a way to purge the black dragonflight. One red dragon, Reastrasza, resorted to extreme measures in an effort to carry out this order. Reastrasza kidnapped the black dragoness and forced her to lay eggs. In cooperation with the dwarf inventor, Reastraza managed to clear one egg from the madness that had engulfed the entire black race. Deathwing was furious and destroyed the egg, he thought. Anticipating this, Reastraza managed to replace the egg with another, sacrificing not only her own life, but also the life of her unhatched cub.

Wrathion, although still in the shell, was fully sentient and clearly aware of what was happening. He knew that he would grow up under the scrutiny of the red dragons and probably spend his whole life like this. His "free life" began when his egg was stolen by a robber and he hatched, remaining free from the influence of the red race. How he fled was an unsolvable mystery to the Reds, but here he was alive and seemed to be in his right mind.

Anduin and Wrathion met and became friends of sorts in Pandaria, although Anduin admitted that their friendship consisted of discussing their opposing views. Wrathion's "age" was difficult to determine. If we evaluate the actual years of life - he was a baby of two years. But, since he was a dragon, he had innate intelligence and wisdom, and his human form was about Anduin's age in years.

Jaina, throughout Anduin's life, often felt like his mother, and worried about this new friend of his. On the one hand, Anduin had few acquaintances of a similar age. On the other hand, Jaina feared that Wrathion might be, so to speak, a "bad influence". Ironically, the reason is not that he was a black dragon. Before the horrors of madness corrupted him, Neltharion - better known as Deathwing - was the Aspect of the Earth, a wise protector. This was just one of the things Wrathion told Anduin that worried Jaina. She noticed that the Black Prince was sitting as far away from Alexstrasza as possible. Given his past, she couldn't blame him.

He looked mostly human, albeit dramatic: dark skin, unusual baggy trousers, tunic and turban. To his left stood an orc woman whose face seemed to be constantly on alert, and to his right, equally formidable-looking, stood a female human. He smiled at Anduin and looked with his burning eyes, the only thing that pointed to his true form, to Jaina. He bowed his head with a smile, but one that seemed to find something amusing in Jaina. Jaina wondered what made him laugh.

The Pandaren guards stood by, steadfast and patient, like a calm mountain lake, yet capable of bursting into a whirlwind of motion in less than a heartbeat if need be. If violence starts, all clashes will be held with fists. Jaina felt the presence of the suppression field like some kind of oppressive fog, and no one could enter the temple with weapons.

"This looks familiar," Varian muttered.

"What exactly?" Jaina asked.

"That," he replied, and nodded to the seats that were beginning to fill with spectators. “This is the same look I saw when I fought in the gladiatorial pits. They are out for blood."

"They won't get it today," Vereesa said. She didn't need to add: But if there is justice, then they will receive theirs by the end of this action.

"They'd better not want it," Varian said. “All that we have achieved will be lost if the court turns into chaos. Including a huge number of lives.

Jaina turned her attention to the judges' seats. Baine and Tyrande were already at their tables. Each sat in a chair assigned to him. This didn't surprise Jaina. What surprised her was that there were two more who were waiting for the arrival of Taran Zhu, the Celestials, and Garrosh. Jaina recognized Chromie, an extremely powerful bronze dragon, who chose the most harmless of all possible forms - a dwarf. But she didn't recognize the handsome high elf Chromie was talking to. Both wore the brown cloak of their pack and sat at a small table on either side of a cloth-hidden object.

While the Jainas were wondering why the two bronze dragons were present at the trial, and apparently taking part in the process, a pandaren entered the temple, dressed head to toe in long formal robes. He carried a spear bearing the banner of the Shado-Pan. He struck the floor three times with the handle of his spear, and the hushed crowd sat down in their places.

“Respect for the law is an essential trait of the pandaren people. Law is the means by which crimes can be solved correctly and by which balance can be restored. it historical event in which, for the first time in our long history, outsiders will participate. Looking for the right words, we will traditionally name the one who is being judged and the one or those who seek justice. So, with all solemnity, we open the trial of Garrosh Hellscream for crimes against the peoples of Azeroth. Please stand to greet the August Celestials, who will listen with open hearts to the testimonies presented here, and show respect to the one who will be the judge in this trial, Shado-Pan Sovereign Taran Zhu.

Everyone obeyed, rising from their chairs. Chi-Ji, Xuen, Niuzao, and Yu-long entered the balcony. They all seemed to move without any effort. Their grace and beauty, even in these new guises, made Jaina hold her breath as always. She asked Aisa about the reasons for choosing new guises. The pandarenka replied that it was an expression of respect for the Horde and the Alliance. They were special and unique not only in their looks, but also in the energy that seemed to emanate from them. Taran Zhu may be the least different from his everyday image, as he was a mortal being, but even so he was imposing, and he carried himself powerfully and at the same time with calmness. He sat down in Fa'shua's chair, wielding a small mallet, struck the gong three times, letting the echo fade before speaking.

"You can sit down," he said, his clear, quiet voice perfectly audible even in such a huge room. “Before the arrival of the Accused, I warn all present that I will not tolerate any violation and interference in the process. Anyone who breaks this rule will be held in a cage until the end of the trial. In addition, given the uniqueness of this situation, there will be a correspondingly unique manner in which evidence is presented.”

He nodded to the two bronze dragons. They stood up and pulled off the concealing cloth, revealing an hourglass.

Jaina knew what they were going to do before they even spoke. Their voices explaining how this artifact, the Vision of Time, would work faded away, a roaring hum filling their ears. For a moment she could not breathe, for a moment she was sinking again, as in destruction ...

The pain in her tightly clenched hand brought her back to the present. Her breath came back, and she exhaled softly as air filled her lungs again. The roar subsided, though Jaina could still hear her loud heartbeat, as fast as a rabbit's. She turned to Kalec, who was expressing acute concern with his handsome face. Jaina licked her dry lips and nodded, speaking through her lips, I'm fine".

He looked unsure, but loosened his hand. Jaina took several slow, deep breaths. The bronze dragons finished their explanation and retreated.

Taran Zhu nodded to the guard. "You can bring in a prisoner."

The effect of these four words was disturbing. Everyone in the room suddenly became alert, their eyes focused on the door that led out into the street and into the lower chambers.

Garrosh Hellscream entered, led by six guards on either side of him: two of the Horde, a troll and a tauren, two of the Alliance, a night elf Guardian and a draenei paladin, and two of the biggest and most muscular pandaren Jaina had ever seen. Garrosh's distinctive armor, pauldrons made from the tusks of the demon who enslaved their race, slain by the orc's illustrious father, Grom, is gone. He wore only a belted cloth tunic and simple shoes. The fabric obviously didn't fit him and strained his massive body and shoulders. Dark lines, Sha's heritage, like webs covering his body, were placed next to the tattoos on his brown skin. Chains, each link larger than Jaina's arm, bound his neck, wrists, and legs, reducing his long stride to a slow hobble due to his injured leg. His face was impassive, and showed neither intimidation nor pride.

For a moment, the silence was absolute, broken only by the clanging of chains and the clatter of the boots of the guards.

Then the real chaos began.

In waves, both the Alliance and the Horde, and even some called neutrals rose from their seats, some even jumping and shaking their fists. Although Jaina hated areas of suppression more than anyone else, she was grateful for them now. She realized that she did not want Garrosh to be killed at the hands of an angry mob. She wanted him to hear, and thanks to the bronze dragons, saw everything he did. The devastation he caused. The hatred that he spawned. She wanted him to know the whole Azeroth turned against him.

And she realized, with a sense of shame, that even if she couldn't kill him, she wouldn't let a random angry guy in the crowd have that honor.

The response from the pandaren was swift. Most of the guards stationed in the hall were monks whose own bodies were weapons, and the most violent ones were quickly calmed down and removed from the arena. All of Garrosh's guards drew their weapons and closed ranks around him, turning their backs on the orc and turning to the crowd with calm faces.

Other than the guards, the only ones who seemed unperturbed were Taran Zhu, the four Celestials, and Garrosh Hellscream himself. The orc's brown, tattooed face seemed to have been carved from stone, judging by his emotions.

Taran Zhu's voice conveyed a stern warning to everyone: “You all have witnessed what happens if you try to disrupt the course of this court. Those who did so will be kept under guard until the end of the trial, after which they will be released. Anyone who further violates this solemn event will join them. ”

He nodded, and the guards around Garrosh returned to their positions at his side. Garrosh was led to Taran Zhu's table where he stopped. Two massive pandaren took up guard positions behind him. Jaina knew that the only thing they would do before another outbreak of violence was blink. The other four guards bowed to Taran Zhu and walked away. Taran Zhu looked at the orc for only a moment. "Garrosh Hellscream. You are charged with war crimes and crimes against the very essence of the peaceful existence of life on Azeroth, as well as crimes against Azeroth itself. You are also being charged for all events committed in your name or by your allies."

Garrosh just stood there, quiet and still.

Taran Zhu continued. “The accusations are: Genocide. Murders. Forced deportation. Abductions and disappearances of individuals”.

The list of these heinous crimes alone was weighty enough to make Jaina tense. She looked to where Vol'jin and other leaders of the Horde were. She heard about what happened to the trolls during the reign of Garrosh, and what the orc was trying to do with Vol'jin himself.

“Enslavement. Child abductions. Torture. Murders of prisoners. Forced pregnancy.

Anduin winced, and Jaina couldn't blame him. She thought of Alexstrasza and the horrors that had been wrought upon the Life-Binder and the red dragonflight. Kalec sat quietly next to Jaina. She looked at him, but saw that it was he who was examining her with concern. He knew what they would say next and hugged her.

She gathered her courage.

"The senseless destruction of cities, towns and villages, not justified by either military or civil necessity."

Dol of Eternal Blossoms.

Theramore.

"Do you have any answer to these accusations, Garrosh Hellscream?"

Aggra was ordered to teach him the traditional arts of shamanism. Although there were initial disagreements between Aggra and Thrall, they quickly found mutual language and began a romantic relationship that led to married life. Thrall's wife has already given birth to two children - Duran and a second, whose name and gender are still unknown.

Split

fiction in the Warcraft universe.

Twilight of the Aspects

The source of information in this section is fiction in the Warcraft universe.

When Thrall realized he couldn't fully focus on healing the Maelstrom, Aggra tried to let him feel the Spirit of Life's touch. The green dragons later turned to Thrall for help, and his wife convinced him to agree, even though the shaman felt that he now belonged to Whirlpool. Although Aggra was not around for the rest of the adventure, Thrall had enough thoughts of her to keep her from giving up even in the most difficult situation. In the end, he returned to the Whirlpool, told his wife about everything that had happened, and prepared to save Azeroth with her.

Elemental Power

cataclysm to World of Warcraft.

Thrall and Aggra took part in a meeting at Nordrassil shortly before the invasion of the Firelands began. Also present were the four Aspects and Malfurion Stormrage. They wanted to perform a ritual in which the Earthen Ring and the Cenarion Circle would unite for the first time to heal the World Tree and save the world. Ysera personally greeted Aggra, knowing her full name and her origins in the Frostwolf clan.

The ceremony was interrupted by a sudden earthquake and five meteors falling from the sky. As the smoke cleared, five night elves belonging to the Twilight's Hammer cult became visible. The enigmatic leader announced that Thrall remains the last hindrance to the coming of the Hour of Twilight. The stranger used a special curse that turned Thrall's elemental connection against him. Aggra screamed as she saw her lover's body rise above the ground and split into four spheres - fire, water, earth and air. Malfurion promised that the stranger would still regret his act, and summoned roots from the earth. But a flash of flame destroyed the roots and robes of the cultists, revealing their identities and new status - fire druidsled by Fandral Staghelm. They got away after a brief skirmish with Malfurion.

According to Ysera, the ceremony could not continue without Thrall, and they should have prepared for him to be lost forever. Aggra declared that she would not renounce her lover and would save him. She realized that Go'el's soul was divided into four worlds The elemental realm. The hero, who was also present at the ceremony, agreed to help and go on a journey with her.

Aggra and the hero traveled to Skyhigh, Abyssal Deep, Deepholm, and the Firelands, where pieces of Thrall's soul were tormented by various negative emotions, expressed as elementals of the local element. While the hero fought them, Aggra called out to her lover, trying to awaken memories in him. Finally, in the Firelands, the last piece of Thrall's soul was released and he was reborn. Together with Aggra, he returned back to the World Tree, promising that something interesting would happen there.

At the World Tree next to Aggra and Thrall now stood not only the four Aspects and Malfurion, but also Muln Earthfury, Jaina Proudmoore, Nobundo, Tyrande Whisperwind. Thrall announced that he did not intend to waste a second, and made an offer to Aggra to become his wife in the traditions of the orc ancestors. Aggra agreed.

Fall of the Destroyer

As the Aspects contemplated their plan to destroy Deathwing, Thrall went on a spiritual journey, where he felt at one with the earth and fell into Deathwing's trap, which began torturing him. Aggra discovered his body and stayed by his side until he was released from captivity.

After Deathwing was destroyed by the forces of Thrall, the Aspects, and mortal heroes, Alexstrasza touched Aggra's abdomen, implying that she was carrying a child.

Fall of Theramore

The source of information in this section is fiction in the Warcraft universe.

Upon learning of Theramore's destruction, Aggra understood the pain her husband felt. When Thrall received a vision of an unknown figure intent on destroying Orgrimmar with hordes of water elementals, Aggra wanted to travel with him. However, Thrall convinced his wife that he must go alone, since it was only one who received the vision. Aggra nevertheless agreed with him and wished him luck.

Pandaria

The source of information in this section is an addendum Mists of Pandaria to World of Warcraft.

During the campaign in Pandaria, it was revealed that Aggra and Thrall were staying in Durotar, caring for their newborn son. The wounded Ox'jin sent heroes of the Horde to Thrall, who, having learned the latest news, agreed to leave his wife and child. he has to do everything for the trolls, no matter how long it takes.

Trial of Garrosh Hellscream

The source of information in this section is fiction in the Warcraft universe.

At the trial of Garrosh Hellscream, which took place in the Temple of the White Tiger in Pandaria, the newly pregnant Aggra arrived with her husband and son. She was concerned that Velen was the first witness for the prosecution called by Tyrande, and became angry when Tyrande did not allow Velen to speak sincerely. When the Dragonmaw clan attacked the members of the court to free Garrosh, a group of pirates who arrived with them attacked Aggra. However, the orc easily dealt with the pirates, protecting her own children, and was soon reunited with Thrall. Aggra tried to heal Jaina Proudmoore, who was severely injured in that battle.

Alternate Draenor

The source of information in this section is an addendum Warlords of Draenor to World of Warcraft.

When war broke out on the alternate Draenor, Aggra initially stayed on Azeroth to take care of the children. However, later she arrived in the Nagrand city of Vor "var along with Thrall and the local Draka. After the fall of Telaar, she sent dark hunters there to scout, led by Kajassa. Later, Aggra was next to Durotan during the attack on Grommashar and next to her husband after killing Garrosh Hellscream at the Prophecy Stones.

Blizzcon-2013 died down, at which the announcement of a new addition to World of Warcraft: Warloards of Dreanor took place. As always in such cases, we received a lot new information for discussion and reflection. And I think that one of the questions that still leaves some of the fans at a loss is the plot of Warlords of Dreanor. In one of the previous posts, we discussed this topic, but I think that it makes sense to dot the i again. So, let's begin.

One of the results of the Siege of Orgrimmar is Garrosh's capture in order to bring him to justice. But before the trial, Garrosh manages to escape. With the help of the dragon of the Bronze Dragonflight, which we know is in charge of the time streams, he gets into the past of Draenor. Why exactly there? The motive is simple - Garrosh wants to create a true Horde, in which there are no trolls, tauren, blood elves, goblin hucksters and half-decayed people. The choice of landing point is also due to the fact that Garrosh wants to prevent a "blood pact" with the Burning Legion. It was this event that led to the fact that the orcs found themselves in many years of slavery to the demons of the Legion, and ultimately due to which his home world, Draenor, was destroyed.

There is an important point to keep in mind here. Garrosh does not change the past our time line. Going back in time to about thirty-five years ago, he creates alternative line time, whose events do not affect ours in any way. Ours is fine. That is, of course, not quite, because the “blood pact”, the invasion of the cursed orcs into Azeroth, the destruction of Draenor is not the desired order of things. The point is that Garrosh's actions do not lead to changes in our lines time.

In the created alternative reality Garrosh prevents the Legion from enslaving the orcs and unites the orc clans. Using technology brought from the future, he creates the Iron Horde. Moreover, he is building a new Dark Portal. Now the gates play the role of not only interplanetary transportation, but also a time machine. And now the Iron Horde is preparing to invade the present our lines time. The Dark Portal on our side begins to glow red, and not the poisonous green as it is now, and orcs of the racially loyal Iron Horde begin to penetrate into Azeroth from it.

In this scenario, the integrity of our reality is all right. All the wars that should happen are happening. Draenor is destroyed, Ner'zhul becomes the first Lich King and creates the Scourge, Arthas massacres Stratholme and finds Frostmourne, the Legion invades Azeroth a second time, Illidan is freed from captivity, Deathwing arranges a total exterminatus. The order of things has been preserved.

And our goal in this case looks very simple. As Dave Kozak said, we just need to close the door that Garrosh opened.

Everything seems to fit together, but inconsistencies still remain. It's not just that there will be two Garrosh in an alternate reality. Personally, I don't understand his motivation. What does he want? To prevent the destruction of the native world, to create a true Horde? Yes, that's understandable. He also, of course, wants personal dominance and Azeroth lands. And here the question becomes what is called an edge. If he wants to conquer Azeroth, then why open a portal in our time?

From a strategic standpoint, it would make more sense to invade old Azeroth. Why? Yes, because in our time he will have to fight on at least two fronts - with the Alliance and the "infidel" Horde, led by Vol'jin. And by and large, he will be opposed by two more forces - the Wushu Pandaren led by Shaohao and the Scourge. Don't forget her either. Yes, while she is immersed in cryostasis and behaves quietly, but only because Bolvar sits on the Frozen Throne. If the need arises, he is quite capable of unleashing the army of the dead and smearing the Iron Horde against the wall.

If I were Garrosh, I would organize an invasion of Azeroth in an alternate timeline. Firstly, all the information about the opponents is on hand. The plans for Stormwind, Ironforge, Silvermoon, and Darnassus are well known, as are the migration routes of the tauren and the location of the troll clans at that time. Secondly, the Alliance as such does not yet exist. Attack the scattered nations of Azeroth without letting them unite, and then move to Northrend and burn the nerubians out of their holes. And for a snack, land in Pandaria, about which Garrosh from the future also knows everything.

The only motive that can somehow explain his behavior is a sense of revenge. Garrosh wants to punch everyone who crushed him in the Siege in the face. From a common sense point of view, this is not reasonable. Though, as we've seen, Garrosh's emotions have always come first.

I don’t know about you, but for me, in general, everything fell into place.
However, maybe you have other versions of the plot?
/discuss

Today's blog post is about a speech by Steve Denuser, Senior Narrative Designer at Blizzard, from an interview with Polygon. And my opinion about the issues of Horde identity raised in this interview.

The remaining issues of the Battle for Azeroth blog are available here.

Over the course of WoW's storyline, we have already seen the flames of war flare up between the Alliance and the Horde. It has always been part of Warcraft's DNA. This conflict has always been, as it were, on the verge of boiling, and at certain moments it got out of control. During the campaign in Pandaria, just such a skirmish occurred that led to the hunt for Garrosh. In the end, the Horde and the Alliance teamed up to end him, but even after that, certain events occurred in which both sides continued to fight each other again. And now we want to focus on this confrontation between red and blue.

What drives the Horde?

There has always been a question of what really drives the Horde. This guide has changed and evolved over time. Is the Horde a loose collection of outcasts that no one else wants to deal with? Or is it a society driven by ideals of honor and courage? It happens that players focus only on those aspects of the Horde that are close to them, and at the same time ignore elements that are unpleasant for themselves. But the fact is that all these aspects are part of the history of the Horde.

Yes, we've had conflicts like the Siege of Orgrimmar, but none of them have really settled the issue of what the Horde really is. Battle for Azeroth is a great opportunity to look at both the facets - both honor and evil - that formed storylines Hordes over the years, and connect them. And maybe this will give the Horde a chance to look inside themselves and become something new, a chance to become stronger than ever before.

But in order to get to this point of change, you have to see all the scars that have been received along the way. An honest understanding of the history of this path is the only way to transcend yourself and move on. And nothing illustrates the path of the Horde better than the deeds of Sylvanas, Saurfang, and other heroes. They embody different facets of what the Horde is.

To lead the Horde to the future, it is necessary to face its past head on.

Rethinking the Alliance

The Alliance also has its differences. There are also various sharp corners that surged outwards over the course of its existence. The Alliance is waiting for a rethink. In particular, this applies to night elves who have lost their home. How will they react to this? The Alliance will have to go through some serious introspection in order to understand what drives their faction, and which way they will have to move on. They want revenge on the Horde or build better world? Here is the question they have to answer.

Is it possible a future where the Horde and the Alliance will cease to exist? Both factions have room for growth and change. The same goes for their relationship.

It is also worth remembering here that factions are very much tied to the identity of the player characters. People see these banners and understand what is behind them. People even have personal sympathy for these factions. They fought for their faction, fought with its enemies, held the line, defended their capitals. And further in this spirit. We can't just take it and throw it aside. It's already part of Warcraft's DNA. But that doesn't stop us from creating a story about what role these parties play in the world, as well as how they interact with each other.

This addition will just allow us to focus on these issues and resolve them in a way that satisfies players on both sides.

Opinion

Let me tell you something about this interview. In general, I am now a little drowned in texts, scripts and translations, and both morally and physically I also feel not so hot. And so I'm still slowing down with some things, and I generally put some things on the back burner. I started reading this interview with Polygon from the end, and my desire to spend time on it disappeared almost immediately...

For the rethinking of the Alliance themselves. Isn't it too obvious? In my opinion, the answer here was given in the BfA introductory video - in the Battle for Lordaeron, which followed the burning of Teldrassil.

“Anduin, are we going to genocide the Horde or are we going to build a new better future?”

Anduin furiously thrashes the Darkspear troll with Shalameyn. Some time later, he surveys the battlefield and throws away his father's sword to heal the wounded. His eyes fill with tears from the emotions caused by the influx of Light energy.

- Yeah. I thought so.

That is, the Alliance will break off the chains a little, and then return to its usual role again. There's nothing wrong with that, but for now, it's hard for me to imagine Blizzard taking any other path here. But we'll wait and see.

But the part about the Horde hooked me. By the way, I didn't spit on every interview about the motives of the Horde in BfA, scribbling a joke about gray morality, like some - let's consider this a disclaimer.

The fact is that since the end of MoP and War Crimes, I had certain doubts about the stories about the overthrow of Garrosh, his trial and the accession of Vol'jin. I think that all these events did not fix much. The one for which all those who rebelled against Garrosh seemed to care.

The accession of Sylvanas is a consequence of the system of power of the Horde, in which the leader receives absolute power not only over the Horde as an alliance, but also over its constituent states. I mean, Sylvanas' word in Silvermoon is more important than Lor'themar's. Only a rare blood elf would agree with this (anticipating possible questions, ).

Garrosh's trial did not change the outlook of the members of the Horde army. Why should a common grunt from Orgrimmar be opposed to the march on Teldrassil if he's been a part of the battles for Ashenvale since Thrall's time? Why should he care about the capture of Kul Tiras if he was involved in the siege of Gilneas?

An army of Forsaken with the telling name "Defilers" tried to capture the Arathi Highlands and drive out the Stromgardians, who were already barely holding their lands. Even under Thrall.

Orgrimmar itself, the orc capital, is named after Orgrim Doomhammer, leader of the Old Horde who led the Horde to conquer the Eastern Kingdoms. Bladefist Bay is named after Kargath Bladefist, famous for his cruelty.

But wait. I'm not at all saying that the Horde is evil. It would be more than stupid, to say the least. There have always been, and still are, plenty of positive heroes and worthy ideals in the Horde. And Thrall himself has always been very passionate about peace between the factions.

Here I am trying to convey the idea that the Horde is constantly jumping between the archetypes of the evil empire and the type of light and noble barbarians (such a direct opposite of “grimdark”, yes).

Garrosh's trial did nothing to fix that. But here we saw that Steve is aware of this problem - although it is not certain that this is exactly what the problem is. The Horde is just that. But if Blizzard can do something about it - be it more open recognition by the Horde of their dark side, or the final victory of the Noblebarite team - then I will be very happy for them.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. I still plan to address this issue of Horde identity in more detail when the opportunity arises.

Thank you for reading this issue to the end.

And see you next time! *)

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Power leaders came to Pandaria to judge Garrosh Hellscream, the deposed Warchief of the Horde. An Alliance delegation was approaching the Temple of the White Tiger, including Varian Wrynn, Jaina Proudmoore, Kalecgos, and Vereesa Windrunner. Both Jaina and Vereesa felt only hatred towards Garrosh, because it was the warchief who ordered the mana bomb, enhanced by an artifact stolen from the blue dragons, to be dropped on Theramore, wiping the city to the ground. Then, protecting Jaina, the archmage Ronin, Vereesa's husband, died, and the elf's heart hardened. Vereesa did not understand why Varian did not allow Go'el (Thrall) to deal the mortal blow to the defeated Garrosh, instead handing over the leader of the Horde to the pandaren; Taran Zhu assured the leaders of the peoples of the Alliance and the Horde that the criminal would be given a fair sentence.

Leaders of the Horde were already at the entrance to the temple: Vol'jin's new warlord, Bane Bloodhoof, Lor'themar Theron, Jester Gallywix, Thrall, his wife Aggra with a baby in her arms. From the temple gates, the pandaren greeted the assembled leaders of Azeroth, asking them to keep peace and respect for each other. Of course, in the light of recent events, the hearts of many were filled with pain and bitterness, and yet they did not dare to object, to violate the shaky peace established with such difficulty.

A little later, following the call of the sacred celestials, others arrived: Anduin Wrynn - Prince of Stormwind, Tyrande Whisperwind, Shandris Moonfeather - leader of the Wardens, Velen, Genn Greymane, Gelbin Mekkatork, Moira Thurissan, Muradin Bronzebeard, Falstad Wildhammer from the Alliance side; Eitrigg, Varok Sorfang, and Sylvanas Windrunner joined the Horde representatives.

Four sacred celestials stepped into the hall, accompanied by Taran Zhu, who announced that Garrosh Hellscream would be judged. He himself will act as a judge, and the elected representatives of the Alliance and the Horde, according to the ancient end of the pandaren, the accuser and defender, respectively. Much to the annoyance of many of those present, Varian Wrynn and Vol'jin agreed to the trial, thus honoring the will of the wise celestials. It fell to Bane to defend the criminal, a mission that the tauren hated, but which he accepted for himself, while High Priestess Tyrande would act as accuser.

Taran Zhu informed Bane and Tyrande that bronze dragons would also be present at the trial, one of which, Kairozdorm, managed to create a wonderful artifact, the Vision of Time. By combining the grains of the sand of time contained in the Hourglass of Time once created by Nozdormu and the particles of the earth of the Timeless Isle, the dragon managed to create a relic that allows you to create perfectly controlled time portals through which you can see the images of other times. Of course, the amount of sand in the Vision of Time is not infinite, so Bane and Tyrande are only allowed to use the artifact a limited number of times to present certain historical moments as irrefutable evidence during their trial. Thus, it is possible to avoid ambiguity in the presentation of certain events, so that Garrosh's trial is truly fair.

The trial began the next day. In addition to representatives of the Alliance and the Horde, the former aspects arrived in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms - Alestrazza and Ysera, and - at the personal invitation of Anduin Wrynn - Wrathion, recommended by the Black Prince. The accusations made by Taran Zhu were not acknowledged by Garrosh, and seemed to be genuinely enjoying the comedy; Did the former war leader really not realize that all of Azeroth had turned against him?

As the first witness, Tyrande called Velen, asking the Prophet to tell them about the coexistence of the draenei race with the orcs on Draenor, about the defilement brought by the last demons of the Burning Legion. The Vision of Time showed those present images of the past - the first meeting of the young Orgrim and Durotan with the draenei in the city of Telmor ... and the massacre that happened years later, when these same orcs led the kindred who attacked this city, for it was the will of Ner'zhul and other warlocks. With this vision, Tyrande showed those present at the trial the depth of the vile betrayal committed by the orcs against the draenei Bane, however, noted that many orcs, like Durotan or Grommash, were disgusted by the orders of the big ones, but they did not dare to oppose the will of them.

Tyrande's next vision was of Malkorok and the Kor'kron beating and killing the Horde who opposed Garrosh's policies. Bane, however, felt it necessary to point out that there is no direct evidence that these zealots followed Garrosh's direct orders.

Tyrande called another witness, Varok Sorfang, and the venerable orc's vision revealed an image referring to the confrontation with the Lich King in Northrend, as Varok and Garrosh discussed the strategy of that military campaign; the impulsive young orc was ready to walk over the corpses, if only to achieve the desired goal. However, in response to a follow-up question from Bane, Varok admitted that he was seeking to face the trampled Warchief in a sacred duel of honor, Mac'gora, and if Garrosh prevailed, then he would have a chance at redemption.

But there were those few who did not turn their backs on Garrosh and still followed those ideals professed about the True Horde. Warlord Zela, who miraculously survived the Siege of Orgrimmar, took refuge in Grim Batol along with her Dragonmaw clan, hoping to find a way to save her leader from imminent execution. In addition, the dragon, their ally, has found others - those who will represent the power that should grant freedom to Garrosh.

On the second day of the trial, Tyrande invited Prince Anduin to the chamber, and the Vision of Time showed an episode in which the heir to the throne of Stormwind atop Kun-Lai Peak bravely confronted Garrosh at the Divine Spike, neutralizing the chaotic energies of him with the Hammer of Harmony. Then the enraged orc almost killed the young man, because his plan to endow the Horde with the power of Sha was thwarted! But even after what happened, Anduin did not want Garrosh dead, because, like Varok Sorfang, he firmly believed that mortals tend to change for the better ...

Anduin's words in the courtroom made Garrosh think. Could he, so sure of his own rightness, really refuse blindly to the true needs of the Horde in this constantly changing world? ..

Vereesa Windrunner, who devoutly hated Garrosh for taking away her beloved husband, Ronin, was afraid of a possible acquittal of the celestials, therefore, in order to verify the death of the overthrown leader, she turned to Sylvanas for help, offering her sister to carry out her plan - to poison Hellscream with a certain powerful poison...

On the third day of the hearing, Vol'jin was called in as a witness. He told how the trolls were moved to the slums of Origrimmar by Garrosh's orders, and after the Vision of Time showed images of an assassination attempt carried out by the Kor'kron on the orders of Garrosh, eager to get rid of his annoying adviser, who did not want to have anything to do with ancient mogu magic - unlike himself military leader. Bane, however, did not fail to draw the attention of the court to the fact that Vol'jin, in fact, from the very beginning of Garrosh's reign, refused to recognize him as his ruler, therefore, perhaps Hellscream treated the troll as a traitor to the Horde, and wanted to get rid of him, feeling a threat to himself and his people.

Day four - and Go'el (Thrall) appeared before the court, telling about his vision of the Horde, about the brotherhood between the peoples included in it, and about how Garrosh trampled on his ideals, just like the legacy of his father. When asked by Bane if Thrall felt he was partly responsible for entrusting the future of the Horde to Garrosh, the orc replied in the negative, but the Protector allowed himself to be doubted by showing the audience a vision in which the Druids of the Flame managed to split the essence of Go'el, placing it on the elemental planes of existence and releasing the hidden fears of the shaman. A lonely, desperate shadow of an orc wailed that he had failed the Horde as a warlord, and Garrosh would surely destroy it... The next vision that Bane drew attention to was the last conversation between Cairn Bloodhoof and Thrall, which happened before the latter handed over power Garrosh, he himself went to study shamanism in the Outlands. Then the wise tauren convinced the orc of the recklessness of such a decision, but Thrall did not listen to his old friend. And the consequences of choosing that turned out to be truly terrible.

On the fifth day of the trial, Tyrande invited Alexstrasza, the Lifegiver, as her witness to tell the audience about the allies Garrosh did not disdain in recent times, namely the Dragonmaw orc clan. Representatives of this, led by Nekros, with the help of the Demon Soul artifact, captured Alexstrasza in Grim Batol during the Second War, forcing the dragon to give birth to cubs, which later became riding dragons for the orcs; the latter forced the red dragons to take the lives of other creatures - in other words, to do exactly what contradicts their very essence! However, despite all the evil that the orcs had done to her and her children, Alexstrasza declared that she would readily forgive them, for living creatures that were not consumed by Darkness tend to change. Already the third witness interrogated in court made such a statement, and the resolve of those who previously with all sincerity wished for Garrosh's death was somewhat shaken.

Day six was marked by the interrogation of the orc Gakkord, who had previously belonged to the Kor'kron, but left the service, unable to see the atrocities perpetrated by Garrosh. The Vision of Time revealed the images of young magnataur, brought by order of the military leader from Northrend, so that the parents of the monsters, fearing for the lives of the cubs, would fulfill the will of the Horde, supporting them at the hour of the invasion of Ashenvale. The adults were slaughtered, while Garrosh ordered the cubs to be released on the coast of Azshara, where the naga dealt with them. Disgusted at what Garrosh had done, Gakkord and many other Kor'kron left the service...

Tyrande was determined to trust what she had begun to the end, to make sure that Garrosh Hellscream would inevitably be executed. Therefore, hoping to remove Bane from the role of Protector, she invited the tauren Perith Stormhoof, who served Bane, and before Cairn, and knew the innermost secrets of the leaders of his people, as the next witness. The next Vision of Time saw that terrible night when Cairn died, and the Grimtotem clan, led by Magatha, captured Thunder Bluff. The fact that the miraculously surviving Bane and his few companions, including Perith, decided to turn to Jaina Proudmoore for help was a real shock for those present in the hall. Then Jaina assured Bane that she would keep the Alliance from turning against the Horde... Tyrande's next vision showed events shortly before the destruction of Theramore, when Perith, following Bane's orders, warned the sorceress of Garrosh's ambitious plans to capture Kalimdor and the threat from the Horde. for the Alliance fortress.

Such a trusting relationship between the leaders of the Alliance and the Horde was a revelation for other representatives of these factions, however, contrary to the aspirations of Tyrande, Garrosh did not abandon Bane as the Protector, and the hearings continued in the same composition.

On the seventh day of the hearing, Jaina Proudmoore testified for the prosecution about the destruction of Theramore by a mana bomb, a terrible crime committed on the orders of Garrosh. But even though she hated Garrosh with all her heart, she admitted that she did not hate the Horde, for "The Horde is not Garrosh." The last revelation was not to Tyrande's liking, for the Night Elf realized that those present were aware that the actions of the overthrown war leader were not so unambiguous as it seemed at first glance, and he did not personify evil incarnate.

But neither Sylvanas nor Vereesa abandoned their plans to poison the hated Garrosh. Moreover, a heartbroken Vereesa expressed a desire to join her sister in the Undercity, and Sylvanas welcomed this decision - she will make Vereesa a banshee, and they will rule the Forsaken, and then, perhaps, the Horde.

Day eight - and King Varian Wrynn appeared as a witness for the defense. Bane ordered Kairozdorm to reveal the Vision of Time, in which the King of Stormwind, along with SI:7 employees, infiltrated Ironforge to dethrone Moira, who was holding his son hostage, shortly after the Cataclysm. However, on that day, Varian spared Moira, just as much later he held the hand of Go'el, who intended to defeat Garrosh. Bane continued to insist that change for the better could be inherent in any individual, including those in power... to which Tyrande objected to comparing Varian and Garrosh in the highest degree incorrectly, because the king of Stormwind never stooped to such base means as a bomb mage, never thought about the destruction of entire races or cities.

The final, ninth day of the hearings marked the final speeches of the Prosecutor and the Defense Counsel. Tyrande reminded the holy celestials and those present in the courtroom of the crimes committed by Garrosh Hellscream, insisting that the accused did not deserve a second chance, for he would certainly use it for evil. Bane, on the other hand, delivered a heartfelt speech, urging the Azerothians to look into their hearts, to abandon the mutual hatred that Garrosh incited in them, because it only matters how the individual lived, what he did in this life, what memory he left about himself.

Vereesa, meanwhile, managed to poison the food intended for Garrosh, however, unable to bear the consciousness of guilt, she confessed to Anduin, making the final decision - she would return to Dalaran and devote herself entirely to the children, Giramar and Galadin. And the prince of Stormwind told about this to his sworn enemy, filled with violent fury, thereby saving him from death.

However, when at the hearing it was granted the last word, Garrosh stated that he had no remorse for what he had done, and would have destroyed thousands of cities and towns of the Alliance, would have expelled all other races from the Horde, if he had such an opportunity. And in the next moment, Kairozdormu was shattered by the Vision of Time, and a huge temporal-spatial portal formed in the center of the courtroom, into which Garrosh and Kairozdormu, triumphantly grinning, disappeared. In order to wreak havoc and throw the pursuers off the trail, angry, hate-filled heroes from other, alternative and distorted timelines came out of the rift - Thrall, Bane, Vol'jin, Jaina, Kalecgos, others ... The battle between the latter and their hypostases belonging to this reality , began, and the Temple of the White Tiger was attacked by allies of Kairozdormu - pirates, as well as led by the Green orcs of the Dragonmaw clan, sitting on the backs of dragons of infinity.

Individuals from other timelines managed to be torn out of the current one, just like the attack of Zela's servants was repelled. The latter, convinced of the successful completion of her mission, did not fail to retreat along with the Dragonmaw orcs and the dragons of infinity, hiding in the Blackstone Spire, but the Alliance and Horde warriors soon sought out the Dragonmaw commander and put an end to her.

Taken from: http://demilich.by/