Alliance

The Alliance of Lordaeron, Grand Alliance or simply Alliance is a political faction - and nowadays, one of two main on Azeroth - encompassing the Humans of Stormwind, Theramore, and to a lesser extend Kul Tiras; the Dwarves of Ironforge, since recently the Gnomes of Gnomeregan, the Kaldorei of Darnassus, and the Draenei.

Consisting of cultures bound by honor, nobility, as well as trade necessities, it was once centered on Lordaeron, but is now ruled from Stormwind City.

The Alliance is born in a wish from Lordaeron to protect from the Orcish threat. All seven Nations that formerly formed Arathor, along with Quel'Thalas, Ironforge, and a few other groups, bonded together in the first, then second wars. The kingdom of Alterac, however, swiftly shifted its alliegance to the Horde, and left the Alliance. Similarly, Gilneas isolated itself at the end of the Second War; while Silvermoon broke free in the Third. Gnomeregan left the Alliance, unable to help in the war effort as their own homelands were being invaded.

The Alliance acts as a coalition of economic and military forces. While laws formerly hindered mutual trade, some have been abolished, and customs have gone lighter even. A great body, it also revolves around worship of the Light. It is said to span around 800'000 people, over two continents (not counting Northrend).

Militarily speaking, the Alliance base themselves on their superior technology - which they consider as almost holy tools, especially in Ironforge - and strategic placements in battle; widespread use of the Holy Light and the fact they are genuinely unified does play its role as well. They do lack in physical strength, both with races not that strong (dwarves and gnomes, namely), and increased use of more lightly clad fighters, such as casters.

History of the Alliance

The Alliance of Lordaeron was the union of the seven human kingdoms, along with the dwarves of Khaz Modan (which also included the gnomes of Gnomeregan) and Aerie Peak, the high elves of Quel'Thalas, and others with major political influence including the Church of the Holy Light.

Following the destruction of the Kingdom of Azeroth by the Orcish Horde, its survivors fled to Lordaeron. Realizing the threat the orcs posed, Regent Lord Anduin Lothar, leader of Azeroth's refugees, was able to convince the leaders of the other human kingdoms, as well as the dwarves and gnomes, whose lands had come under siege by the Horde, to join against the orcs. The high elves joined reluctantly, being honour-bound to come to the aid of Lothar, the last descendant of the Arathi bloodline. Their reluctance turned to grudging enthusiasm when they realized that the Amani had joined the fight. Later in the war, the Wildhammer dwarves of Aerie Peak joined the conflict on the side of the Alliance.

The Alliance of Lordaeron was led by King Terenas Menethil II, who accepted ambassadors or the monarchs from all member nations and races to his capital. Rarely did the monarchs of the major realms come together. Generally they spoke through couriers and diplomats, with the occasional state visit thrown in as well. One of the inner council of the Kirin Tor had ever been present at such events (with the exception of one meeting Dalaran was not invited, lead by Lord Prestor, though spied upon by Krasus). While Terenas was highest in charge of the Alliance regarding military, each nation and race retained a great deal of autonomy and self-government in internal affairs. This agreement, however, was only effective during wartime, and led the Alliance to victory in the Second War, but to its ravaging during the attack of the Scourge.

The Alliance of Lordaeron was radically reformed after the Third War, thus creating an Alliance between the humans, the ironforge dwarves, the night elves, the draenei, and the gnomes, as well as lesser groups including high elves, half-elves, wildhammer dwarves, and a few half-orcs. The blood elves were not a member race, due to their departure to Outland or new allegiance to the Horde.

Membership in the Alliance

Humans of Stormwind

Those Humans were one of the founding members of the Alliance following Stormwind City's destruction in the First War. The city was restored to prominence after the Second. Since then it has grown to become the center of influence and trade, and is one of the last human cities and kingdom not ravaged by the plague - though they do have other matters. They add a sizeable navy and military to the Alliance's forces.

Dwarfs of Ironforge

The Kingdom of Ironforge consists mainly of Bronzbeard Clan dwarf, which still reside in the ancient city of Ironforge, capital of the kingdom and original hometown of the dwarfs. Led by the Council of Three Hammers ( Princess Moira Thaurissan of the Dark Iron clan, Muradin Bronzebeard of the Bronzebeard clan, and Kurdran Wildhammer of the Wildhammer clan ), they benefit the Alliance with their exploring skills.

Gnomes of Gnomeregan

Gnomes are small creatures, cousins of the dwarves, joining to provide technological advances that aid the Alliance. Their long-time capital was Gnomeregan, located in western Dun Morogh, and is currently being fought over against invading Troggs. The gnomes fled to Ironforge and rejoined the Alliance, which they left around the Third War to fight the trogg invasion. They are led by High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque, King of Gnomes (and inventor of many wonders, like the Deeprun Tram)

Kaldorei of Darnassus

The night elves, or Kaldorei have lived peacefully for millenia in the shadowy forests of northern and central Kalimdor, until the events of the Third War when they allied with both Horde and Alliance in order to defeat Archimonde at the Battle of Mount Hyjal, which ended said Third War. However the continuous deforesting actions of the orcs in the forests of Ashenvale and northern Barrens have forced the peace-loving, female-dominated, druidistic realm to break away from the Horde and remain allied with the Alliance alone. They are led by High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind and Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage, though other major leaders include general Shandris Feathermoon (commands the Sentinel Army).

Their new capital is Darnassus (though Eldre'thalas, or Dire Maul, used to be the capital of the Night Elves until the Sundering), and their empire likely sprawl over most of the world.

Draenei

Draenei are refugees of the eredar race fleeing their corrupted brethren since 25'000 years, seeking allies to fight against the Burning Legion and Light worshipping people. They lived on Draenor for a short while, until the orcish onslaught brought about by the Legion, and fled from their foes and the forces of Illidan Stormrage by stealing the Exodar, one of the satellites of Tempest Keep. Sin'dorei sabotaged the ship, which crashed on Azeroth in an interesting tides of events. They are led by the Prophet Velen, and have been so ever since the beginning of their journey.

Minor Alliance contributors

Other members have joined the Alliance, though they are much lesser members. The humans of Theramore, Kul Tiras, and Stromgarde have joined said Alliance; as well as Wildhammer dwarves, some Dark Iron ones, and the High Elven remnants of Silvermoon. It is to be noted Gilneas broke away from the Alliance at the end of the second war, and Silvermoon / Quel'Thalas at the end of the third.