World of Warcraft: Classic Faction Poll

Greetings, adventurers! With us beginning to enter summer here shortly and World of Warcraft: Classic slated for a Summer 2019 release, I figured now would be a good time to get a consensus of what Faction we as a community wish The Skjaldborg to be. I know a lot of people who probably aren't familiar with World of Warcraft might be joining up with us, so I'll be explaining the differences between the Factions and what being Horde or Alliance would mean. So, if you're already familiar with WoW and know your choice of Faction, you can stop reading here and cast your vote above. If you're new to the scene or want a greater understanding of the significance of this choice then please read on. Specifically, I want people who are not familiar with WoW to focus on the faction classes of Paladin and Shaman, as the choice of faction will determine which is available for you to play.


Backstory
World of Warcraft is a two faction PvP/PvE game, though there are realms that are just PvE which makes the PvP aspects optional. The game picks up roughly 4 years after the events of Warcraft III: The Frozen Thrown, and follows both Factions efforts to rebuild after the horrors of The Third War and the subsequent rise of The Scourge and fall of Lordaeron.


Factions
As stated above, there are two factions; Horde and Alliance. In modern WoW the choice of Faction is little more than a choice in aesthetics. But in Classic WoW the choice was more important, as there were Faction specific classes and Racial Bonuses had more of an impact. I'll explain both Factions in detail below, starting with the Alliance.

 

The Alliance
The Alliance was formed, not through a desperate bid for survival, but by the shared ideals among it's races. The Alliance is held together by common ideals of pride, courageousness, nobility, justice, and working towards the goal of a peaceful world. The races of the Alliance share a common theme of wanting to protect their homelands and people from any foreign invaders. The Alliance races are Human, Dwarf, Night Elf, and Gnome.

Faction Class: Paladin

Spoiler

This is the call of the paladin: to protect the weak, to bring justice to the unjust, and to vanquish evil from the darkest corners of the world. These holy warriors are equipped with plate armor so they can confront the toughest of foes, and the blessing of the Light allows them to heal wounds and, in some cases, even restore life to the dead. Ready to serve, paladins can defend their allies with sword and shield, or they can wield massive two-handed weapons against their enemies. The Light grants paladins additional power against the undead and demons, ensuring that these profane beings corrupt the world no longer.

Paladins are not only zealots, but also guardians of the righteous, and they bestow blessings on those the Light would shine upon. The Light radiates from paladins, and worthy allies who stand near them are emboldened by its power.

The Paladin is a melee spell casting hybrid class that is capable of wearing Plate Armor. They are capable of filling all three of the primary group roles of Damage Dealer, Healer, or Tank. Though their strength lies in their healing and buffing capabilities.

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The Humans of Stormwind

Spoiler

The noble humans of Stormwind are a proud, tenacious race. Though the recent invasion of the demonic Burning Legion decimated their sister kingdom of Lordaeron, the defenders of Stormwind stand vigilant against any who would threaten the sanctity of their lands. Nestled in the foothills of Elwynn Forest, Stormwind City is one of the last bastions of human power in the world. Ruled by the child king, Anduin Wrynn, the people of Stormwind remain steadfast in their commitment to the Grand Alliance. Backed by their stalwart allies, the armies of Stormwind have been called away to fight the savage Horde on distant battlefields. With the armies gone, the defense of Stormwind now falls to its proud citizens. You must defend the kingdom against the foul mongrels that encroach upon it and hunt down the subversive traitors who seek to destroy it from within. Now is the time for humans. Now humanity's greatest chapter can be told.

Humans are the first major race and form the backbone of the Alliance. Humans get bonuses to Spirit, Sword and Mace weaponry, as well as an enhancement to stealth detection and reputation gains. They are able to be Warriors, Paladins, Rogues, Priests, Mages, and Warlocks.

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The Dwarves of Ironforge

Spoiler

The stoic Dwarves of Ironforge spent countless generations mining treasures from deep within the earth. Hidden within their impregnable stronghold of Ironforge Mountain, they rarely ventured beyond the wintry peaks of Dun Morogh. Recently, however, the Dwarves unearthed a series of ruins that held secrets to their ancient heritage. Driven to discover the truth about his people's fabled origins, the great king Magni Bronzebeard ordered that the Dwarves shift their industry from mining to archeology. As part of The Grand Alliance, the stalwart Dwarven armies have been called away to battle the merciless Horde in far away lands. In these perilous times, the defense of the mountain kingdom falls to brave Dwarves like you. The spirits of the ancients kings watch over you, and the very mountains are your strength. The future of your people, is in your hands.

The stout Dwarves are a strong and hardy people steeped in tradition with a zest for combat, exploration, and many a fine ale. As one of the founding members of The Alliance, they serve as one of it's staunchest defenders. Dwarves get bonuses to Guns and Frost Resistance as well as having the ability to turn to stone to take less damage and find treasure. Dwarves are able to be Warriors, Paladins, Rogues, Hunters, and Priests.

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The Darnassian Night Elves

Spoiler

For ten thousand years, the immortal night elves cultivated a druidic society within the shadowed recesses of Ashenvale Forest. Yet recently, the catastrophic invasion of the Burning Legion shattered the tranquility of their ancient civilization. Led by the Arch-Druid Malfurion Stormrage and the Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind, the mighty night elves rose to challenge the demonic onslaught. Though victorious, the night elves were forced to sacrifice their cherished immortality and watch their beloved forests burn. Seeking to regain their immortality, a number of wayward druids conspired to plant a special tree that would reestablish a link between their spirits and the eternal world. Despite Malfurion's warning that nature would never bless such a selfish act. The druids planted the great tree, Teldrassil, off the stormy coasts of northern Kalimdor. Among the twilight boughs of the colossal tree, the wondrous city of Darnassus took root. However, the great tree was not consecrated with nature's blessing and soon fell prey to the corruption of the Burning Legion. Now the wildlife and even the limbs of the great tree itself are tainted by a growing darkness. It is your sworn duty to defend Darnassus and the wild children of nature against the Legion’s encroaching corruption.

The powerful and mystic Night Elves, whose history extend all the way back to ancient times, were among the first beings to ever practice magic on Azeroth over ten thousand years ago. They eventually attracted the attention of The Burning Legion, resulting in a terrible war that sundered the landmass into the multiple continents of Azeroth that are known today. The survivors of this terrible war abandoned their Arcane magics in favor of a society centered around Druidism and harmony with nature. Night Elves get bonuses to Dodge and Nature Resistance while gaining the ability to fade into the shadows and turn into a wisp upon death. Night Elves are able to be Warriors, Rogues, Hunters, Priests and Druids.

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The Gnomeregan Exiles

Spoiler

The eccentric, often brilliant gnomes are held as one of the most peculiar races of the world. With their obsession for developing radical new technologies and constructing marvels of mind-bending engineering, it’s a wonder that any gnomes have survived to proliferate. Over the years, the gnomes have contributed ingenious weapons to aid the Grand Alliance in its fierce battles against the Horde. Thriving in the wondrous techno-city of Gnomeregan, the gnomes shared the resources of the forested peaks of Dun Morogh with their dwarven cousins for generations. Yet recently, a barbaric menace rose up from the bowels of the earth and invaded Gnomeregan. Aided by their dwarven allies, the gnomes fought a valiant battle to save their beloved city. Nevertheless, Gnomeregan was irrelevantly lost. The surviving gnomes flew to the safety of the dwarf stronghold of Ironforge. There they remained; devising strategies to retake their city. As a gnome of proud stand, it falls to you to answer the challenge and lead your curious people to a brighter future.

The diminutive and highly intelligent Gnomes once called the city of Gnomeregan their home. But due to the results of betrayal and an invasion of Troggs, the survivors were forced to flee and live out a life of exile within the neighboring city of Ironforge. It is from here they aid the Alliance by building wondrous machines and contraptions. Gnomes get bonuses to Intelligence, Arcane Resistance, and engineering, while being small enough that they can escape from nets and other movement impairing effects. Gnomes are able to be Warriors, Rogues, Mages, and Warlocks.

 

The Horde
The Horde is a collection of misfits, outcasts, and nomads banding together for mutual survival. The Horde is distinguished by their strong sense of honor, freedom, spirituality, and a relentless will to survive. For members of the Horde, respect is earned and never given, and their battle cry "Lok'tar ogar! Victory or death" are the words that forever bind one to the Horde. The Horde races are Orc, Undead, Tauren, and Troll.

Faction Class: Shaman

Spoiler

For millennia, since the primitive tribal cultures of Azeroth and Draenor, the natural elements of the physical universe have been celebrated, feared, and even worshiped. Mystics sought communion with the earth, air, fire, and water, and learned to tap into their raw power. In time, these spiritual guides came to understand that nature’s elemental forces aren’t wholly benevolent, but have, in fact, been locked in an unending conflict of chaos and primal fury that once consumed the physical realm. So began the calling of the Shaman, to bring balance to these volatile energies, leveraging their intensity to mend wounds . . . or inflict them.

The Shaman is another melee spell casting hybrid class. They are capable of filling the roles of Damage Dealer and Healer. Though their strength lies in their support capabilities and buffs.

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The Orcs of Orgrimmar

Spoiler

Long ago, the orcish horde was corrupted by the Burning Legion and lured to the world of Azeroth. For generations, the orcs made war upon the human kingdoms of Stormwind and Lordaeron. Though the Horde was ultimately defeated, a visionary young warchief named Thrall rose to lead his people in their darkest hour. Under Thrall's rule, the orcs freed themselves from the chains of demonic corruption and embraced their shamanistic heritage. After years of wandering, the orcs founded their own kingdom in the harsh wastelands of Durotar. Based in the warrior city of Orgrimmar, they stand ready to destroy all who would challenge their supremacy. As a proud defender of Durotar, it is your duty to crush the enemies, both seen and unseen, for the nefarious agents of the Burning Legion still wander the land.

After their defeats during The First and Second Wars, the orcs freed themselves from The Burning Legion's influence and returned to their shamanistic heritage. To this day they fight for honor in an alien world that hates and reviles them. Orcs get bonuses to Axes, pet damage, and Stun Resistance, while being able to go into a rage to increase damage. Orcs are capable of being Warriors, Rogues, Hunters, Shamans, and Warlocks.

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The Forsaken of Lordaeron

Spoiler

Bound to the iron will of the tyrant Lich King, the vast undead armies of the Scourge seek to eradicate all life on Azeroth. Led by the banshee Sylvanas Windrunner, a group of renegades broke away from the Scourge, and freed themselves of the Lich King's domination. Known by some as the Forsaken, this group fights a constant battle not only to retain their freedom from the Scourge, but also to slaughter those who would hunt them as monsters. With Sylvanas as their banshee queen, the Forsaken have built a dark stronghold beneath the ruins of Lordaeron’s former capital city. This hidden 'Undercity' forms a sprawling labyrinth that stretches beneath the haunted woods of the Tirisfal Glades. Though the very land is cursed, the zealous humans of the Scarlet Crusade still cling to their scattered holdings, obsessed with eradicating the undead and retaking their homeland. Convinced that the primitive races of the Horde can help them achieve victory over their enemies, the Forsaken have entered an alliance of convenience. Harboring no true loyalty for their new allies, they will go to any lengths to ensure their dark plans come to fruition. As one of the Forsaken, you must eliminate any who pose a threat to the new order – human, undead, or otherwise.

When the Lich King's grasp on his vast armies faltered after the Third War, a contingent of Undead broke free of their master's iron will. Although this freedom seemed to be a blessing at first, these former Humans and Elves were soon tormented by memories of the unspeakable horrors that they had committed as mindless Scourge agents. Those who did not descend into madness were faced with a chilling realization: the entirety of Azeroth sought their destruction. The Forsaken get bonuses to Underwater Breathing and Shadow resistance, while gaining the abilities to consume corpses for health and temporary immunity to fear, sleep, and charm effects. The Forsaken are capable of being Warriors, Rogues, Priests, Mages, and Warlocks.

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The Tauren of Thunder Bluff

Spoiler

Once a nomadic people, the Tauren roamed the endless plains of the Barrens, hunting the mighty Kodo. Scattered across the land, the wandering tribes were united only by their common hatred for their sworn enemy, the marauding centaur. Seeking aid against the centaur, the great chieftain, Cairne Bloodhoof, befriended the savage orcs, who had recently journeyed to Kalimdor. With the orcs’ help, Cairne and his tribe were able to drive back the centaur and claim the grasslands of Mulgore for their own. Upon the windswept mesa of Thunder Bluff, Cairne built a refuge for his people. Over time, the scattered tribes united under a single banner. Though the noble Tauren are peaceful in nature, the rites of the Great Hunt are venerated as the heart of their spiritual culture. As a tribesman of Mulgore, you must test your skills in the wild and prove yourself in the Great Hunt.

Always the Tauren strive to preserve the balance of nature and heed the will of their goddess, the Earth Mother. Many of the nomadic wandering tribes of Tauren have gathered together under a single banner to settle in the fertile plains of Mulgore. Were it not for the timely intervention of the orcs, the whole race may have been wiped out by centaur. The Tauren honor their blood-debt to this day, fighting alongside the Horde to protect their land. The Tauren gain bonuses to Health, Herbalism, and Nature Resistance, while gaining the ability to momentarily stun enemies around them. Tauren are capable of being Warriors, Hunters, Druids, and Shaman.

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The Darkspear Trolls

Spoiler

The vicious trolls that populate the numerous jungle isles of the South Seas, are renowned for their cruelty and dark mysticism. Barbarous and superstitious, they carry a seething hatred for all other races. Long since exiled from their ancestral homeland in Stranglethorn Vale, the Darkspear tribe was nearly destroyed by rampaging Murlocs. Rescued by the young Warchief Thrall and his Orcish warriors, the Darkspear tribe swore an allegiance to the Horde. Led by the cunning Shadow Hunter, Vol'jin, the Darkspears now make their home in Durotar along with their Orcish allies. As one of the only surviving Darkspears, it falls to you to reclaim the glory of your tribe.

Once at home in the jungles of Stranglethorn Vale, the fierce trolls of the Darkspear Tribe were besieged on all sides by the warring factions. The Orcish Horde came to their aid, convincing the Darkspear to sail across the Great Sea and settle in the untamed lands of Kalimdor. Though they cling to their shadowy heritage, the Darkspear remain vocal advocates of a united Horde, lending the strength of their arms and powerful tribal magics to the common cause. Trolls gain bonuses to Health Regeneration, Damage towards Beasts, Throwing and Bow weaponry, as well as being able to enter a Berserk mode to increase attack and casting speed. Trolls are able to be Warriors, Hunters, Rogues, Shaman, Priests, and Mages.

 

The question is how important is it for us to have Bloodlust (High priority shaman spell for those unfamiliar)? I don't believe the Alliance had a good equivalent yet in classic. For lack of space goats, I'm fine with either faction.


edit: you misspelled lich king to lick king

 

Bloodlust was Burning Crusade

 

For us, I think not especially. Realistically I don't think we're going to be that minmaxing world-first-anything kinda guild.

I'd like to play Horde since I've always liked them better but always ended up playing Alliance just because that's what my friends were playing. Not gonna lie though I am pretty interested in doing whatever was going on with Varian at the time since I missed that.

 

FOR THE LIGHT! FOR THE ALLIANCE! FOR AZEROTH!

 

I can play either side, My Most Played side has been Alliance. But Being new to Horde. Im Flexiable. If I was to have to chose a side I would Pick Alliance, cuz I would Prefer to be Nightelf.

So my Vote is FOR THE ALLIANCE!

 

I can only say 'FOR THE HORDE!'. The Alliance is mostly run by Humans and Dwarves who're about as closed minded and bigoted as they are selfish and greedy. The Night Elves are newcomers who will eventually learn this as the Blood Elves did, and the Gnomes could care less as long as they get to play with their machines. Orcs and Trolls may not be pretty on the outside, but they have honor and loyalty where it matters, and in spite of a rocky history following the wrong leaders actively work to better themselves (for the most part) perhaps in time their Tauren brothers will help to temper their savage tendencies... though the undead... well they really don't belong anywhere, I suppose it's possible they might not be as evil as their origins.

 

Ah yeah, Night Elves. No spoilers since this happens right in the first quest of BfA but they were like "Hey guys who we are supposedly allied with, we're kind of getting murdered and our homeland is overrun by the Horde and actually has been for several years now and it's on kind of a lot of fire right now could we get a bit of help?" and Wrynn was like "Neat. GLWT."

 

Yeah, the NE's get screwed by The Alliance pretty hard. Then Wrynn acts all outraged when Sylvanas burns down Teldrissil. You kinda let her do that, bro.

BUT, back on topic. This is CLASSIC.

 

I kept my post Classic for a reason XD. Blood Elves may not be part of the Horde during that time, but neither are they a part of the Alliance, they're in some kind of limbo state due to the joining of the Night Elves who reject their very way of life. Of course, since the Night Elves are more numerous and hold a fairly strategic portion of the new continent of -course- the Alliance is going to side with the easily manipulated and overly nature conservative night elves over the 'high' elves who've always been cryptic and reluctant to be of any aid for virtually their entire relations. Of course the decline in population due to the epidemic and growing concerns about the corruption of the Alliance might have had more to do with that than their general disdain for all species not their own. Maybe ^.^

 

Well, also the Blood Elves have a lot of beef with the Alliance. While Arthas was fucking up their lands as a Death Knight they asked for aid from the Alliance and were ignored.

 

In all fairness elves do kinda keep blowing up the world.

 

Well yes, it was the perfect opportunity to snub them and get them to withdraw without actually expelling them, of course the Humans were gonna sit tight and ignore them. It solved a beef from their newest ally without even having (literally) to raise a finger.

Pretty sure the only world blowing up by this point is either demon or dragon responsibility, and prior to revisiting Drano there was no indication a world actually could be blowed up ^.^

 

Well I mean there was that time they blew a hole in the world. And that other time they blew a hole in the world. And that other other time they blew a hole in the world. I guess what I'm saying is elves ruin everything.

 

I mean, I'm not arguing elves don't ruin everything, but your links leave much to be desired in how exactly the elves are somehow responsible for these catastrophe'

 

The first link, I'm almost positive, is referring to Azshara and The Sundering which literally tore the world apart. The second link I think is referring to the death of Archimonde, which burned down Nordrassil and much of Mount Hyjal in the resulting explosion. And the third link probably is referring to the destruction of The Sunwell and the devastation that caused. Though, I would argue, that's all more on the shoulders of The Burning Legion than the Elven races.

 

Yeah, I'd pretty much argue all three of these events could be laid at the feet of the burning legion. Were they not attempting to conquer the world (in each instance) there would have been no need for the Sundering, or the evisceration of mount Hyjal, Though it's quite possible the Sunwell might have needed destruction eventually on it's own, much like the original Well it did/does not have the tranquilizing effects of the world tree to temper the wild energies harnessed by the well. It's probabe the sundering was inevitable due to the very nature of the Well of Eternity and it's corrupting aspect, inevitably it would either generate an entity that would be unstoppable without destroying the well, or as happened, summon one. Either way, the only one that's occurred by classic timeframe is The Sundering, and that barely remembered except by those biding their time to seek revenge ^.^

 

Mmm I'm not gonna let elves off the hook that easy. They kinda brought the Legion here in the first place and all.