Quick Overview
After taking leadership of the Horde, Orgrim Doomhammer struck at the surviving Shadow Council that had manipulated orcish politics under Gul'dan. The Shadow Council had helped corrupt orcish clans and bring them under demonic influence before the invasion of Azeroth. Doomhammer's purge explains both the rivalry that haunted the Horde's Second War campaign and the danger of a warlock whose personal search for power would eventually pull forces away from the Alliance front.
Full History
After taking leadership of the Horde, Orgrim Doomhammer struck at the surviving Shadow Council that had manipulated orcish politics under Gul'dan. The purge destroyed much of the warlocks' secret organization and asserted that the Horde would no longer be openly governed by hidden masters. Gul'dan survived by making himself useful to the new warchief.
The Shadow Council had helped corrupt orcish clans and bring them under demonic influence before the invasion of Azeroth. Its power rested not only on destructive spells but on secrecy, control of leaders, and knowledge of the forces behind the Horde. Doomhammer's challenge followed his overthrow of Blackhand and attempt to reshape command. Destroying the Council was therefore an internal war for authority as well as a military decision during the larger conflict with humanity.
Gul'dan's continued presence made the break incomplete. He could still bargain for survival and build a power base within the new order. Doomhammer's purge explains both the rivalry that haunted the Horde's Second War campaign and the danger of a warlock whose personal search for power would eventually pull forces away from the Alliance front.
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