Artwork © Blizzard EntertainmentClassic baseline · Forever beta stories
Timeline
Before the Third WarThe Hammer and the Burden
Orgrim Doomhammer tested Thrall before revealing who he was. The young orc’s refusal to accept a life of hiding convinced the former warchief that he had found an ally. Together with the Frostwolves and Warsong, they began freeing the camps.
Thrall entered among the prisoners and rekindled their confidence, showing them that the old spiritual traditions had not vanished. The campaign gave the orcs a reason to act together again. It also cost them Orgrim, mortally wounded during the fighting.
The dying leader entrusted Thrall with his armor, the Doomhammer and command. Thrall had sought his own freedom; now the safety of others rested on his choices. He carried the inheritance toward the fortress where his captivity had begun.
Sources (1)
The Fall of the Master
Thrall returned to Durnholde with an army and attempted to negotiate the captives’ release. Blackmoore answered by revealing that he had murdered Taretha. The friend who had made escape possible became the victim of his revenge.
Thrall’s attack broke the fortress and brought him face to face with his former master. Blackmoore died, but victory could not restore Taretha. The freedom Thrall had won was inseparable from what it had cost her.
He spared those who surrendered. Mercy did not excuse Blackmoore’s rule; it prevented the defeated from being treated as nothing more than their commander’s property. The Horde’s new leader had to decide what liberation would mean once its enemies could no longer fight.
Sources (1)
