Unlike the other races of the Horde, orcs are not native to Azeroth. Initially, they lived as shamanic clans on the lush world of Draenor. They abandoned their peaceful culture when they were tricked into the service of the demon lords of the Burning Legion, who corrupted the orcs.

Lured to the world of Azeroth, the orcs were forced to make war upon the human kingdoms in what would become known as the First and Second Wars. Though the Horde nearly succeeded in annihilating humanity, it ultimately devoured itself from within and collapsed. The defeated orcs spent many years within guarded prisons, unable to function without the prospect of conquest and warfare. After many years, the young Warchief Thrall rose and the Orcs freed themselves from the chains of demonic corruption and embraced their shamanistic heritage.

After freeing his people, Thrall led them across the ocean to Kalimdor. There, alongside their new allies the mighty Tauren and the deadly Trolls they faced their old oppressor, the Burning Legion. With the aid of the humans and night elves, the orcs defeated the Legion and set out to find their own path in their adopted world. The orcs claimed the harsh wastelands of Durotar as their kingdom in Kalimdor.

You did not take part in the glories of your people, you were only a child after all. Yet now you've grown and are returning from the Valley of Trials to which you were sent for your early training. You prospered there and now you find yourself heading north toward the capital Orgrimmar.

You consider your future and your plans. You have a great destiny and the freedom to choose what you do in the wide world, yet you also have certain responsibilties to your people and your clan.

Who are you?


Choose your name and sex.

You name is only your first name, not your family name as we'll be rolling for you family in the next update. You can use a name generator to find a name, or adapt one from Warcraft. Orcish female names tend to have softer endings such as 'Aggra' or 'Draka'. I chose 'Vark' for a male character in another fic. You don't have to chose this, but it will be amusing for me if you did. You can use parts of famous names, but not all of them. For example, Grommash and Garrosh are similar names because of the familial relation.

[Write in Name]

[ ] Male
[ ] Female

Optional mood music


In Orcish history the 'Horde' is a relatively recent invention. Previously the Orcs operated in clans, with some specialising into specific niches based on environmental pressures and cultural traditions. Sometimes other races such as the Trolls have been integrated into the Horde as allies or vassals, but the old Orcish clans still exist. Choose one clan below, and understand that your clan will be important as a support network, a family and an obligation. The Clan can survive without a single Orc, but a single Orc may perish without the Clan.

In this quest your clan will be important, but you'll be able to decide this importance. Will you turn your back on your clan and risk ostracism? Or will you embrace it?

These clans have been ranked in order of prestige and membership. Some clans have thousands of members, others have only a dozen.

Mighty Clans

These clans are the mightiest in the Horde, whether from prestige, population or strength you'll always find comrades in battle, but you'll also have the most problems if they ostracise you.

[ ] Warsong

Perhaps the strongest single Orcish Clan in Kalimdor the Warsong lead the charge in any battle. Yours is the spearhead and you well remember the glories of the past. Your greatest leader, Grom Hellscream, was the first to drink the demonblood, but he was also the one to liberate the Orcs. You have good relations with most other clans and hold positions of great prestige in the martial areas of the Horde such as Thrall's bodyguards the Kor'kron. Your clan were one of the only ones to never be captured and interred by the humans, however, it is also your clan who slew the Night Elf god Cenarius, and you are more fel-tainted than most orcs due to having drunk demon-blood not once by twice. Of course it wasn't you who's done any of this, this is merely the legacy you carry as an Orc of the Warsong. Your clan are skilled in wolf-riding and battle.

[ ] Frostwolf

Your clan are skilled in wolf-riding, with the famous bond with your partners displayed in your clan name. Your clan were one of the only ones to never drink demon-blood, and as such you are slightly less physically powerful than other clans who did, however you make up for this in your connection to the elements which is stronger than most. the Warchief of the Horde, Thrall, is one of the Frostwolf, as are many of his advisers. This may open many doors for you, but you also know that much of your clan is still in the Eastern Kingdoms defending their lands.

[ ] Blackrock

The Blackrock were one of the most powerful clans on Draenor, founded in the caves of Gorgrond and mining the ores your clan were named for yours are skilled forgers and blacksmiths. Your people are grey-skinned from dwelling underground and go into battle heavily armed and armoured. Many of your people serve Blackhand's Horde in the Eastern Kingdoms, but your clan were so large and prosperous that you still comprise a large faction within the Horde of Kalimdor, with several of Thrall's advisors such as Saurfang or Eitrigg being Blackrock orcs. Your clan are the most industrially advanced of all the clans.


Common Clans

These clans were never the strongest, and in their weakness have specialised in certain areas both in Draenor and on Azeroth. They are strong in certain areas, but they also tend toward certain extreme traditions.

[ ] Bleeding Hollow

The Bleeding Hollow clan is one of the most famous clans, somewhat related to the tradition of your chiefs of sacrificing an eye to receive a vision of their demise, but also due to the actions of your most recent chief, Kilrogg Deadeye. Kilrogg took the Bleeding Hollow from a clan of skulking cowards, hiding in the jungles of Tanaan in fear of the Arakkoa attacking at any time, to many victories over the hated birdmen leading to the eventual destruction of your enemy's civilisation. Your clan is skilled in jungle warfare and many of your people remain with the Horde expeditions into Stranglethron Jungle across the sea.

[ ] Shattered Hand

The Shattered Hand were named for an act of Sacrifice made by your founder Kargath and his fellow orcs that lead to a successful rebellion and freedom from slavery under the Ogres. To escape his chains Kargath cut off his own hand and fixed a blade to the stump, and self mutilation has become a tradition of your clan. The most traditional of your Clan ritually mutilate themselves after battles and in time you may be expected to do so, however many of these traditional elements remained on Draenor. In Thrall's Horde however the Shattered Hand are rather the name for the security and intelligence forces, a function which grew out of your Clan's specialisation on Draenor of the more subtle arts.

[ ] Thunderlord

The Thunderlords are an ancient clan, old when the Breakers still walked Draenor. Your clan were great hunters and held much power, though after crossing Gul'dan your clan were greatly weakened. Now many of you serve as hunters and trappers in the wild places of Kalimdor, and among other things comprise most of the brave windriders of the Horde, bonding with wyverns to bring death from above.

[ ] Dragonmaw

The Dragonmaw are expert beast-tamers and beast-breakers and your chieftain Zuluhed the Whacked once held the Dragonqueen Alexstrasza prisoner. Most of your clan has sworn loyalty to Blackhand's sons across the sea, but you find yourself in Kalimdor. Yours is a reasonably powerful clan, particularly because of your dragonriders, and if you return to them you might bring a gift in return for a dragon yourself. Membership of this clan would likely earn you the enmity of the Dragonflights though...


Obscure clans

These clans are small or uninfluential in the Horde of Kalimdor. Perhaps their members are far away or lack prestige for various reason. These clans would create some of the most conflict and therefore potentially interesting stories.

[ ] Burning Blade

Your clan is a complex one. On Draenor yours were the finest swordsmen in the world, using magic and skill to fell even the largest of foes, and using fel energy to enhance your abilities. On Azeroth your clan is split, scattered and broken by the demonic invasion of the Third War many of your clan still serve the Burning Legion, attempting to infiltrate the Horde and bathe the world in green fire once again. Others however are loyal and attempt to root out corruption and infiltrators. Which side to you fall on?

[ ] Mok'Nathal

You are barely a clan, and have no banner.

The Sons of Nath are half-ogres, created by Ogre Magi and bred as a slave race with the strength of Ogres but the intelligence of Orcs. While being born of the intermingling of these two blood does not necessarily make you Mok'Nathal, in practice most of the few half-ogres of Azeroth identify with this clan. You are stronger than most Orcs, but your people are few with many wandering across Kalimdor. Your clan is prestigious both for the physical prowess of its members, but also for the occupation of many as beastmasters who command several creatures in battle. To Ogres you are a curiosity, and your 'leader' Rexxar has also been the chief of Ogre clans in the past. CANNOT BE TAKEN WITH 'For the Clan' MOTIVATION.

[ ] Mag'har

You are barely a clan, and have no banner.

Mag'har means 'uncorrupted'. Before the Orcs drunk the demonblood some were quarantined with a plague and therefore did not partake in your people's dishonour. Your skin remains brown unlike your fel-tainted green brethren. The original quarantined orcs were of all clans so you don't identify with any in particular, yet you've now come to Azeroth, though how you don't recall. Many will still regard you with suspicion, not knowing the significance of your skin colour, but at least you can proudly say that you've never served the demons. There are few of your kind on Azeroth and few would believe your story. You are a stranger at every hearth and your self-belief is little substitute for the support of a clan. CANNOT BE TAKEN WITH 'For the Clan' MOTIVATION.

[ ] Stormreaver

The Stormreavers were a powerful clan, founded by Gul'dan himself, Darkness Incarnate and the apprentice of Ner'zuhl as bodyguards and servants. Yours is an unusual clan due to its formation, but also because yours is barely a clan at all. There are few of you left, and most of them are ancient warlocks wandering the world with only the ghosts of their former comrades for company.

[ ] Shadowmoon

The Shadowmoon were once a powerful tribe, primarily due to their pursuit of shamanism and spiritual traditions. Ner'zhul was of the Shadowmoon and this tribe led the Orcs into demonic servitude. Your clan were a major force in many of the events involving the Horde, whether on Draenor or Azeroth but most of the clan was destroyed when Ner'zuhl's spellcraft tore Draenor apart. Those that survive served the Pitlord Magtheridon and you've been sent to Azeroth for some specific purpose. MUST BE TAKEN WITH 'For the Clan' MOTIVATION.

[ ] Twilight's Hammer

The Twilight's Hammer aren't a clan in the strictest sense of the word. Your clan was founded by Cho'gall the Ogre Mage and apprentice of Gul'dan, and formed largely as a cult to serve him and his teachings. The 'true' clan is formed of orcs and ogres who follow Cho'Gall, while a larger organisation of all races has sprung up around this core. Your clan are destructive and powerful, yet you are also secretive and you don't fully know what Cho'gall's motivations are, nevertheless, you serve... MUST BE TAKEN WITH 'For the Clan' MOTIVATION.

[ ] Clanless

You have no clan. Perhaps you're an orphan, lost in the medley of Thrall's new Horde. You have no obligations to any clan, but nor do you have any family to protect you. You might be able to join a Clan, but currently you face suspicion in every town you come across and you are unwelcome in most places you go. To be without a Clan among Orcs is a terrible fate, with only criminals and exiles sharing your lonely existence, some may assume you to be part of these groups and attack you preemptively. Even a tiny clan or a dishonoured one is better than this. MUST BE TAKEN WITH 'For Yourself' MOTIVATION.




On Azeroth an individual can have many uses to society. Each of these will come with benefits and drawbacks. Some will be naturally gifted in certain areas, while others will fall into occupations for social reasons. You are not, and will never be locked into one class. A warrior can pick up a gun and become a hunter and the Horde's shamans collectively became warlocks following their corruption by the Burning Legion. You can also multi-class, a paladin is merely a priest with a warrior's training.

Just as your clan choice was divided, so too are your class choices divided based on popularity and prestige. More popular classes will offer easier advancement and training, while more prestigious classes will offer faster advancement, but also more responsibilities. With each class you're at the beginning of your career so don't expect to be destroying armies just yet.

Consider your class and clan choices together. Thunderlord + Hunter will produce a better hunter due to the specialisation of clan and class together. Similarly, Blackrock + Warrior will tend toward heavier armament than others due to their blacksmithing traditions. In the next update you'll be able to choose a secondary class if you want to, reducing your capabilities in both areas, but also give you a wider skillset.

Common Classes

Most Orcs are employed in one of these classes. As such you'll always be able to find work and trainers, and in time you may become greater. However, these classes are perhaps not the most prestigious...

[ ] Warrior

It can be said that all Orcs are warriors really. Whether with axe or spear you can stand in a shield wall or duel many opponents and win. Similarly this class makes excellent use of your size and strength. Nevertheless, you're vulnerable to essentially everything you're not such as magic and ranged warfare, and it can be difficulty to find equipment given technological underdevelopment of the Orcs.

[ ] Hunter

Another common class among Orcs, a hunter stalks their prey, tracking, trapping or running them down. You have certain skills in dealing with the products you might encounter, such as in skinning or leatherworking, but for the most part you'll spend a lot of time on your own rather than in cities. For now you hunt boars to feed your people, what would you hunt in future?

[ ] Crafter

While you're a good fighter with an axe like any other grunt, you've always found yourself more attracted to the creative pursuits. Instead of hitting things you want to build and create! While this isn't an unusual activity you've often been mocked as a peon as the class system of the orcs does not value skilled labourers. This is an usual profession, but there are many who've become great through their crafting rather than their fighting, will you make weapons? Machines? Magics? It's up to you, though with any you'll need teaching.

Rare Classes

These classes are known to the Orcs, but are uncommon, and in some cases rare. They are common enough for there to be at least one in most larger settlements, but you'll find it difficult to get consistent training, similarly, the usual nature of these classes may create their own problems.

[ ] Shaman

Shaman are the spiritual guides of the Orcs. Once forgotten, following Thrall's reformation of the Horde the Orcs' connection to the elements returned to them and once again Earth, Water, Wind and Fire heed the call of Shamans across Kalimdor. Your connection was discovered early and you're never alone now with your powers providing versatility and might. The Warchief Thrall too is a shaman and even without that the position is one of great prestige, though it comes with considerable responsibilities to calm the elements as well. You're also aware that the elements can forsake a shaman for certain reasons, and you're terrified of this happening to you.

[ ] Warlock

While the warlocks of the Eastern Kingdoms are Mages who've gone astray, the warlocks of the Horde follow the traditions of Ner'zhul and Gul'dan, far more focused on ritual and violence than their brethren, an Orc warlock is a fearsome foe, commanding fire, shadow and demonic magics. While the taint of the Fel hasn't taken hold of you yet, you know that it will in time. Warlocks are ostracised in the Horde, and Thrall's mighty Doomhammer is always hovering over their heads, ready to destroy them if necessary.

[ ] Rogue

The Orcish Rogue is not a subtle individual, more often favouring the ubiquitous axe rather than the slim dagger. Some of the clans of Draenor practiced a dishonourable form of warfare, striking from the shadows and using poisons and this tradition has been continued through the wars. This is not a prestigious profession, but its a needed one. Having said that, unless you're from one of the clans who already practice the Rogue's arts you may find it difficulty to get training in this area.

Obscure Classes

These classes are unknown to Orcs, though they have been encountered in the past. You won't be able to find a teacher for these any time soon and you won't advance far without teaching, though each has the potential to be powerful. Furthermore, the Orcs are a traditional people, is it wise to choose something so strange?

[ ] Arcanist

You'd heard of Mages, of course you had... But you'd never thought you'd become one. When the shaman shook his head and told you that you didn't speak to the elements you'd been confused, after all you could make the fire come and ice sprout from your fingers. Eventually the elder had explained to you that this was Arcane magic, as the Mages used. Orcs have never been a scholarly people and the Arcane, you were told, requires great study. You've never heard of an Orc Mage, but perhaps you'll be the first?

[ ] Druid

The Orcs are a deeply spiritual people, revering the elements and the natural spirits of the animals they share the land with. Generations ago the Orcs of Terokkar Forest on Draenor worshipped a great wolf spirit, and when the Orcs arrived on Kalimdor their allies the Tauren told them of Lo'Gosh. You've always felt a connection to the Ghost Wolf, his will is strong like yours and he has given you power over nature. It isn't much, and you initially confused this power for that of a shaman. Happily the Tauren are loyal allies and you hope to speak to one of their druids to learn more about this power. MUST BE TAKEN WITH 'Mag'har' OR 'Frostwolf' CLAN.

[ ] Lightwielder

When did you first encounter the Light? Was it from a blessing of a passing priest, from the tales of the might Paladins of Stormwind? Regardless, you can feel it now, settling into your soul, as strong as any shaman feels the elements. The Light aids you, and you've begun to wield it. You couldn't call yourself a Priest or a Paladin yet, but you might follow their example if you wished to know more of this strange magic... this strange faith.

[ ] Monk

It had been a strange creature who'd introduced you to the ways of the Monk. He had told you to put down your weapons and shown you that flesh and spirit are far stronger than any steel. The creature had been half drunk during the time you'd spoken to him, so you hadn't learnt much, but he'd shown you a few exercises to follow if you wanted to walk the Jade Path.

[ ] Necrolyte

Necrolytes use the dark energies of the Void to master death in all its forms, from the dark arts of Necromancy to the binding and wielding of shadow magic against their foes. In time you might match the powers of a Necromancer or Death Knight, but for now you are merely an amateur, experimenting with a magical tradition you've heard about only in stories. It will be very difficult to find a teacher who specialises in this field.



You aren't even sure what you want to do yet, or where your path will lead. However, as you trudge north away from the Valley of Trials you consider what motivates you. This motivation will affect the Quest, so consider it carefully as you may find certain options simply not presented due to particular motivation. In the next post you'll have the option to choose a secondary motivation.

[ ] For the Horde

You'll march under the symbol of the Horde. The Tauren and the Darkspear Trolls have helped the Orcs and you are stronger together than you are alone. Your diversity will bring you glory. However, greater integration also means you have a duty to help in situations that do not concern you, to resolve the ancient grudges of tribes far away, or assist in activities you find objectionable, such as the works of the Forsaken.

[ ] For the Orcs

Strength and Honour. These are the only virtues worth respecting. Yes your allies have helped you in the past, but so did the Ogres and the Goblins in the First and Second Wars and where are they now?. Only Orcs can be trusted, only Orcs are strong. You'll fight for the benefit of your people first, and others second, as long as they don't stand in your way... However, while Orcs are truly a mighty people, you know that they are also constrained by tradition. You will honour these traditions, whether convenient or not.

[ ] For the Clan

While the Clan has diminished as the central political unit of Orcish culture over time, you were taught to follow your clan chief first, rather than your Warchief. Thrall is the leader of the Horde, and of the Orcs, but he is not the chief of your clan. While often the policies of clan and Horde align, sometimes they do not, and you may find your loyalties split...

[ ] For Azeroth

You've observed that regardless of who's fighting, everyone seems to lose. There are great threats to Azeroth and you plan to stand against them, regardless of who you have to fight with, whether Orcs or otherwise.

[ ] For Yourself

For the Horde? Why? Why fight for Clan or even race? The only thing important is your own survival. You'll prioritise this over other allegiances, though this doesn't prevent you from supporting other causes as necessary.




Please discuss these options actively before voting and feel free to query any particular point. Also discussion and posts obviously assist in more people seeing this thread which is to the benefit of all.

I'm inclined to leave these as free votes, but we may move to a plan system later in the quest.