The Contest for Lordaeron’s Capital

Full History

Lordaeron's capital had fallen first to plague and undeath, then into the hands of powers struggling over the Scourge's remains. When the Lich King's grasp weakened, Sylvanas Windrunner seized the chance to escape his command. Freedom did not give her an army or a home. Dreadlords still controlled vital strongholds, and other undead remained subject to forces she despised.

Sylvanas first challenged Varimathras, defeating his forces and compelling the dreadlord to serve her rather than die. His knowledge of the other dreadlords made him useful, even though no one could mistake that bargain for trust. Balnazzar still held the capital, and Sylvanas lacked the strength to attack him alone.

Grand Marshal Garithos commanded surviving human forces in the region. His hatred of the undead was plain, but both parties wanted Balnazzar removed. Sylvanas and Garithos agreed to cooperate until the city was taken. Their armies struck at the dreadlord's position, forcing the enemy from the capital that had once been the seat of Menethil rule.

Garithos believed victory would restore the city to human hands. Sylvanas had never intended to surrender the prize. She commanded Varimathras to kill him, and the newly freed undead took the ruined capital for themselves. Out of the collapse of Lordaeron emerged a new power, the Forsaken, whose first home had been gained through alliances that lasted only as long as necessity demanded.