Ironforge (kingdom)

This article is about dwarven kingdom. For the in-game reputation faction, seeIronforge (faction). For the kingdom from theWarcraft film universe, seeKingdom of Ironforge (film universe).

Kingdom of Ironforge
Icon of the Forge
Main leader	Council of Three Hammers  High Thane Muradin Bronzebeard  Queen Moira Thaurissan  High Thane Falstad Wildhammer
Formerly	King Magni Bronzebeard
Secondary leaders	Senate of Ironforge  Advisor Belgrum  Brann Bronzebeard  Thargas Anvilmar
Race(s)	Ironforge dwarf  Dark Iron dwarf  Wildhammer dwarf  Gnome  Human  High elf
Capital	Ironforge
Other major settlements	Shadowforge City Aerie Peak
Sub-group(s)	Ironforge's military Ironforge's organizations
Affiliation	Bronzebeard clan,Dark Iron clan,Wildhammer clan,Stormpike clan,Alliance
Formerly	Alliance of Lordaeron
Status	Healthy
Reputation
Tabard

TheKingdom of Ironforge^[1] (also known as theKingdom of Khaz Modan,^[2][3][4] or simplyIronforge^[5][6]) is the major government of thedwarves on the continent ofKhaz Modan. Being asenatorial monarchy, it is now reigned by theCouncil of Three Hammers, composed of one member from each major dwarven clan, until the heirDagran Thaurissan II is old enough. The kingdom also has itsown treasury.

The dwarven kingdom was founded after the awakened dwarves ventured out from the ancient city ofUldaman.

History[]

War of the Three Hammers[]

In former times, the Kingdom, led by theAnvilmar family, ruled over the three big dwarven clansBronzebeard,Wildhammer, andDark Iron clan. After the death ofModimus Anvilmar, the tensions between the clans erupted in a civil war, called theWar of the Three Hammers. The Bronzebeards emerged victorious due to owning the largest, best-equipped army, and banished the other clans from Ironforge, which founded their own kingdoms.

The later attempt to seize Ironforge by the Dark Irons was repelled by the Bronzebeards and Wildhammer together, but even asGrim Batol, the home of the Wildhammers, was now uninhabitable, they declined the offer to return to Ironforge.

Meeting the humans[]

They encountered the humans, perhaps their most important allies, around 1800 years before theFirst War and at the same time thehigh elves as the elves and humans were already allies.^[7]Gilneas andAlterac, strong supporters ofStrom and theArathor Empire, had developed mighty armies that explored the mountainous southern lands ofKhaz Modan. It was during this period that humans first met the ancient race of dwarves and traveled to their cavernous subterranean city ofIronforge. The humans and dwarves shared many secrets of metal-smithing and engineering and discovered a common love for battle and storytelling.^[8]

Second and Third Wars[]

Prior to the start of theSecond War Ironforge had received missives fromKing Terenas ofLordaeron warning them of theorcs' arrival.^[9]Khaz Modan would soon after come under attack by theHorde, which would cause the destruction of many dwarven strongholds. While the rest of the Horde moved northKilrogg Deadeye and hisBleeding Hollow clan remained within the region,^[10] which saw the orcs and dwarves clash for many months. Even with the loss of all of their other strongholds,Ironforge remained standing, despite Kilrogg's best efforts.^[11] Each time a dwarven citadel fell, the survivors fled to Ironforge, and by the end of the conflict the whole of the dwarf nation lurked within the city, awaiting a chance for revenge.^[12] The Bleeding Hollow would eventually be defeated by theAlliance of Lordaeron and with Ironforge freed, the inhabitants joined the Alliance.^[13] Following the Alliance victory at the Dark Portal,King Magni Bronzebeard would appoint his younger brotherMuradin as ambassador to Lordaeron.^[14]

In the aftermath of the war, the Alliance began fracturing and some of its members seceded from the Alliance. KingMagni Bronzebeard, who vowed that the dwarves of Ironforge would forever owe a debt of honor to the Alliance for liberating Khaz Modan from the Horde's control, remained a staunch supporter of the Alliance.^[15]

At some point before theThird War, a band of renegade dwarves fled to the human lands to try to escape justice after their failed attempt to overthrow the dwarven government.Davin's platoon intercepted them, capturing or killing all the dwarves.^[16]

With the collapse of the Alliance of Lordaeron, the kingdom remained an ally of the modern Alliance and participated in their battles,^[17] calling this state thatIronforge Reserve was called to the Alliance Front.^[18]

Cataclysm[]

This section concerns content related toCataclysm.

When freak natural disasters began rocking much of Azeroth just prior to the Cataclysm, the dwarven lands were not spared from the calamitous upheavals. A series of violent quakes tore through areas surrounding Ironforge, reducing settlements to rubble and taking the lives of many innocent dwarves in the process. To glean answers as to the troubling state of the world, King Magni selflessly underwent a mystic ritual to commune with the earth. The archaic ceremony, however, had an unexpected effect: Magni was transformed into diamond and became fused to the depths of Ironforge itself.

In the power vacuum that followed, his estranged daughter, Moira, who had married into the much despised Dark Iron clan, briefly claimed Ironforge’s throne and effectively locked down the city. If not for the intervention of King Varian Wrynn of Stormwind and his son, Prince Anduin, her brash actions might have sparked another civil war. With Varian’s guidance, control of Ironforge has since been divided equally among the Bronzebeard, Wildhammer, and Dark Iron clans through theCouncil of Three Hammers. Yet as bitterness and prejudice fester among the clans, the council’s ability to govern as one remains uncertain.

The representatives of each dwarven clan in the council is:

• Muradin Bronzebeard, High Thane of theBronzebeard clan
• Moira Thaurissan, Queen of theDark Iron clan
• Falstad Wildhammer, High Thane of theWildhammer clan

Blood in the Snow[]

This section concerns content related toMists of Pandaria.

Main article:Blood in the Snow

One day,King Varian'sscouts had discovered thatZandalari trolls threatened thedwarven capital by rallying theFrostmane trolls against them. The king believed that if he aided them against thetrolls they would give him more troops for his campaign against theHorde. But the King didn't realize that the dwarven clans did not trust one another. When Varian sought the help from theCouncil of Three Hammers, bothMuradin andFalstad declined to offer aid in Ironforge's defense for they feared that if they left to fight the Frostmane trolls, the Dark Irons would take advantage of their absence to defeat the remaining clan and take over Ironforge. Frustrated, Varian argued that if no one would help, then Ironforge will fall under siege. OnlyMoira Thaurissan offered aid, stating that the Dark Irons will prove their loyalty to the Council,Ironforge, and theAlliance in the defense of Ironforge. And so Moira and the High King set out in the snow to save the city, leaving the others to think about their actions.

The High King, his champions, and theDark Iron dwarves worked together to save Ironforge. On their return, the other dwarven leaders were ashamed of their behavior and vowed never again to allow fear or distrust to cloud their judgment. Free to trust one another, all three dwarven leaders pledged their full strength to the Alliance cause.^[19][20]

Organization[]

People and culture[]

Please add any available information to this section.
Dwarven society is heavily influenced by theirearthen ancestry and connection with thetitans. Families unite inclans each headed by athane, or high thane in case of larger clans.

In the kingdom,warlocks are considered aspariahs that must operate in the shadows of polite society.^[21] They practice theirdarkarts within hidden enclaves, so that they can escape the prejudice of the public, notably in theBonegrip's Runes and Dooms of theForlorn Cavern, who serve as a "rat's hole" for the warlock community ofIronforge asKing Magni Bronzebeard decided to keep a careful watch on them.^[22] TheIronforge Guard consider the warlocks to be evil spawn hiding in the dark corners of the city. Their demonic familiars are also seen as loathsome creatures, as some guards have expressed their disgust and willingness to slit their skulls. Like inStormwind City, the law does not seem to expressly prohibit their presence in the city (if they are not enemies of the Alliance).

Political structure[]

Historically, theHigh King of dwarves is the ultimate leader of the united dwarvenclans,^[23] but since theWar of the Three Hammers and the separation of core families in the kingdom, this title remains unused. With the recent reunion of said clans, princeDagran Thaurissan II will presumably be coronated the next High King of dwarves upon reaching adulthood.

Since the War of Three Hammers, the kingdom of Ironforge has instead been ruled by aKing of Khaz Modan, serving as the permanent head of government in the parts ofKhaz Modan that remained underBronzebeard control after the War of the Three Hammers. The position as King of Khaz Modan is currently entitled to first-borns of direct descent fromMadoran Bronzebeard. First-born daughters of this line will instead carry on the entitlement unto their sons, rather than having their uncles take control. The personal advisor of the King will temporarily take command of the kingdom until a suitable successor is decided. After the crystallization ofKing Magni Bronzebeard,Advisor Belgrum ruled until theCouncil of Three Hammers was founded.

TheLord of Ironforge is the local leader of the kingdom's capital city - normally the King of Khaz Modan also holds this title. The Lord of Ironforge automatically holds a seat in theSenate of Ironforge.

With the formation of the Council of Three Hammers, one representative from each of the three major clans -Muradin of theBronzebeard clan,Falstad of theWildhammer clan andMoira Bronzebeard representing theDark Iron clan - will rule in unison until prince Dagran is fit to become Lord of Ironforge, King of Khaz Modan and presumably also the High King of dwarves.

The government, currently headed by the Three Hammers, historically by the King of Khaz Modan or the High King of dwarves, also consists of senators from theSenate of Ironforge. Some of these seats are reserved for respected dwarven clans and families, like theAnvilmar family and by the Lord of Ironforge. The Senate's exact role in government is unclear, but their field of issues includes investigating and eliminating possible threats to Ironforge,^[24] keeping the production of theDun Morogh mines optimal,^[25] and setting funds aside for defense issues.^[26]

The kingdom of Ironforge holds a prominent position within the heart of theAlliance as one of its most powerful member states. The chosen leader(s) of Ironforge thus hold a seat at the table of the High King of the Alliance, and Ironforge military often engages in Alliance operations. The deep political relations with other member states, especially the nearbyNation of Gnomeregan andKingdom of Stormwind, have had a huge influence on Ironforge. Examples being the decision to grant asylum to the Gnomeregan Exiles integrating them within theTinker Town of Ironforge, and the construction of theDeeprun Tram connecting Ironforge withStormwind City, resulting in the formation of theDwarven District in Stormwind.

Villages and settlements not affiliated with any distinct Alliance nation, but who have sworn fealty to the Alliance maintained by the monarchies of Ironforge andStormwind, pay taxes to those kingdoms in order to sustain the Alliance's upkeep.^[27]

Notable leaders[]

•  High King Modimus Anvilmar ^†
•  High Thane Madoran Bronzebeard ^†
•  Sorcerer-thane Thaurissan ^†
•  High Thane Khardros Wildhammer ^†
•  King Magni Bronzebeard / Queen Eimear ^†
•  Advisor Belgrum
• Council of Three Hammers
  •  Muradin Bronzebeard
  •  Queen Moira Thaurissan
  •  Kurdran Wildhammer
  •  Falstad Wildhammer
•  Prince Dagran Thaurissan II

History	Before the War		War of the Three Hammers		After the War
Ruler	Modimus Anvilmar		Madoran Bronzebeard Khardros Wildhammer Thaurissan		Madoran Bronzebeard		Magni Bronzebeard																								Belgrum	Moira Thaurissan	Council of Three Hammers

Military[]

Ironforge[]

• Ironforge Guard
• Ironforge Brigade
• Ironforge Siege Brigade
• Ironforge 127th Paratroopers

Dark Iron clan[]

• Dark Iron Demolishers
• Forgeguard

Strompike clan[]

• Stormpike Guard

Organizations of Ironforge[]

• Explorer's League
  • Bael'dun
• Hidden Circle
• Miners' League
• Royal Stonecutters Union
• Ironforge'spaladins of theSilver Hand

Territory and outposts[]

Khaz Modan[]

• Ironforge - Total control; the capital of the kingdom. Considered both a part of Dun Morogh, but also a region north of Dun Morogh.
• Gnomeregan - Gnomish partial control; the grand techno city of theGnomeregan (faction). Although the city itself is not controlled by the dwarves, the gnomes have for the longest time been allied with their Dwarven neighbors and it is presumed that they are part of their Kingdom all the same due to their heritage and very strong friendship. Currently, the majority of the city is not under gnome control but slowly they are re-taking their wondrous city. The gnomes of Gnomeregan have their own democracy and leader.
• Dun Morogh - Alliance; the snowy mountainous home of theBronzebeard clan and the gnomes of Gnomeregan. While mostly under the control of theCouncil of Three Hammers, the gnomes control a small portion of western Dun Morogh. The town ofKharanos is this region's main hub.
• Loch Modan - Alliance; the Kingdom's central geographical region. Before the Cataclysm, the area was very beautiful and contained one of Azeroth's most breathtaking structures theStonewrought Dam. Now after the great shattering of the world the Dam is destroyed and most of the loch has been drained. The town ofThelsamar is this region's main hub.
• Wetlands - Alliance; the marshy waterlogged land has been the site of many historic battles in Khaz Modan's past. Since theSecond War, the Dragonmaw orcs have been a nuisance in the area but are easily kept at bay. Although there are a few towns and outposts in the area that have not yet been reclaimed by the Kingdom, new ones have started to spring up with the night elves moving into the area to assist the dwarves. The seaside town ofMenethil Harbor is a part of the dwarven kingdom.^[28]
• Badlands - Contested; although the region is part of Khaz Modan and technically falls under the Kingdoms jurisdiction, the area is currently too dangerous to begin settling. The Horde military presence in the region has been crippled due to the Cataclysm and theBlack dragonflight but members of the HordeReliquary have moved in trying to take dwarven artifacts. The Alliance has begun to assert itself in the area by establishing theDragon's Mouth but it still has a way to go.
• Searing Gorge - Contested; the region itself does fall under the kingdom's jurisdiction but it has no military presence in the area whatsoever. The neutral organization of theThorium Brotherhood seems to have become the only faction that operates in the area that the kingdom is allied with.
• Blackrock Mountain - Contested; the mountain is contested by different factions. Its depths are controlled by theDark Iron clan thus, by Ironforge.Shadowforge City is located there.
• Twilight Highlands - Contested; with theWildhammer clan joining the Alliance and therefore being part of the alliance between the three dwarven clans, this land being the original home of the Wildhammer and still is does technically now make it part of the Kingdom of Ironforge. This land, however, is completely war-torn with the Twilight's Hammer setting up their base here, the Horde trying to invade and the Alliance simply trying to claim the land that by right is now theirs. The fortress town ofHighbank is the main Alliance hub in the area but the main dwarven hub of the Kingdom in this area isThundermar.

Lordaeron[]

• The Hinterlands - Contested; the region is contested between the AllianceWildhammer clan andHighvale elves, the HordeRevantusk tribe andForsaken, and the independentVilebranch tribe. The Wildhammer capital ofAerie Peak is located here.

Film universe[]

This section concerns content exclusive to theWarcraft film universe and is considerednon-canon.

Thekingdom of Ironforge^[29] is adwarvenkingdom located in Dun Morogh of Khaz Modan. It's ruled by KingMagni Bronzebeard and its capital is the underground city ofIronforge.^[30]

The kingdom has good relations with thekingdom of Stormwind, doing businesses. According to Stormwind advisors, it is a tiny nation.^[31]

The kingdom participated in the council that would eventually lead to the creation of theAlliance.

Notes[]

• Ironforge's banner is curved upward on the bottom, but instead of being trimmed that way, this is accomplished by rolling up the bottom edge and securing it with clothespins.
• Thalassian inns likeFalconwing Square Inn,Wayfarer's Rest, andSilvermoon City Inn have barrels with the emblem of Ironforge, presumably containing dwarven ale.
  • The same barrels can be found in Alliance settlements likeLakeshire.

See also[]

•  [59D] The Fate of the Kingdom
•  [60D] The Princess Saved?
•  [60P] The Sovereign Imperative
•  [10-70] The Feast of Winter Veil
•  [29] The Doomed Fleet

References[]

v e Alliance   Leadership High King Anduin Wrynn Lord Commander Turalyon Leaders Council of Three Hammers Muradin Bronzebeard (Yorg Stormheart) Falstad Wildhammer Moira Thaurissan Gelbin Mekkatorque Tyrande Whisperwind Malfurion Stormrage Velen Genn Greymane Aysa Cloudsinger Alleria Windrunner Umbric Jaina Proudmoore Azurathel   Characters Current Dagran Thaurissan II Danath Trollbane Darius Crowley Khadgar Kurdran Wildhammer Magni Bronzebeard Halford Wyrmbane Mathias Shaw Grayson Shadowbreaker Vindicator Boros Gryan Stoutmantle Sarah Ladimore John J. Keeshan Morgan Vanndar Stormpike Jes-Tereth Lusshan Nobundo Shandris Feathermoon Vereesa Windrunner Velog Icebellow Ivar Bloodfang Modera Vargoth Karlain Ansirem Runeweaver Harrison Jones Kalecgos Maiev Shadowsong Brann Bronzebeard Thassarian Muninn Magellas Thargas Anvilmar Highlord Leoric Von Zeldig Nevin Twistwrench Razak Ironsides Jarod Shadowsong Ishanah Amaan the Wise Broll Bearmantle Lorna Crowley Tess Greymane Mordent Evenshade Arechron Rivern Frostwind Bizmo Radulf Leder Su'ura Swiftarrow Sentinel Cordressa Briarbow Marcus Johnson Catherine Rogers Henry Maleb Weldon Barov Celestine of the Harvest Julianne Tremblade Tyrathan Khort Marin Bladewing Arator Windrunner Fareeya T'paartos Thisalee Crow Lucille Waycrest Pike Taelia Fordragon Katherine Proudmoore Brannon Stormsong Tandred Proudmoore Erazmin Former Varian Wrynn Taylor Marcus Jonathan Twinbraid Maraad Iridi Bolvar Fordragon Benedictus Althea Ebonlocke Fandral Staghelm Gustaf VanHowzen Blademaster Telaamon Historical Daelin Proudmoore Anduin Lothar Antonidas Terenas Menethil II Uther the Lightbringer Thoras Trollbane Alonsus Faol Anasterian Sunstrider Aiden Perenolde   Races Core Human Dwarf Gnome Night elf Draenei Worgen Pandaren Dracthyr Allied Void elf Lightforged draenei Dark Iron dwarf Kul Tiran human Mechagnome Other Ancient Broken draenei Cenarion Dwarf Wildhammer Frost Furbolg Half-elf Half-human High elf Jinyu Ankoan Animals Gryphon Hippogryph Horse   Cities and towns Capital cities Stormwind City Ironforge Gnomeregan The Exodar Gilneas City Telogrus Rift The Vindicaar Shadowforge City Boralus Mechagon City Eastern Kingdoms Aerie Peak Chillwind Camp Darkshire Dragon's Mouth Dun Modr Eastvale Logging Camp Farstrider Lodge Fort Livingston Goldshire Greenwarden's Grove Harborage Highbank Kharanos Kirthaven Lakeshire Marshtide Watch Menethil Harbor Moonbrook Refuge Pointe Sentinel Hill Stromgarde Keep Thelsamar Victor's Point Kalimdor Astranaar Azure Watch Blood Watch Farwatcher's Glen Feathermoon Stronghold Forest Song Fort Triumph Honor's Stand Northwatch Hold Talonbranch Glade Thal'darah Overlook Outland Allerian Stronghold Honor Hold Orebor Harborage Sylvanaar Telaar Toshley's Station Temple of Telhamat Wildhammer Stronghold Northrend Amberpine Lodge Fizzcrank Airstrip Fordragon Hold Fort Wildervar Frosthold Valgarde Valiance Keep Westfall Brigade Encampment Westguard Keep Wintergarde Keep Pandaria Incursion Lion's Landing Paw'don Village Pearlfin Village Shrine of Seven Stars Westwind Rest Draenor Fort Wrynn Highpass Lion's Watch Lunarfall Southport Stormshield Telaari Station Broken Isles Greywatch Kul Tiras Arom's Stand Brennadam Bridgeport Deadwash Falconhurst Fallhaven Fletcher's Hollow Fort Daelin Hatherford Norwington Estate Zandalar Fort Victory Shatterstone Harbor Former Darnassus Fort Triumph Nethergarde Keep Southshore Theramore Isle Territories Azuremyst Isles Azuremyst Isle Bloodmyst Isle Dun Morogh Duskwood Elwynn Forest Gilneas Loch Modan Redridge Mountains Wetlands Westfall   Organizations Kingdom of Stormwind House of Nobles SI:7 Stormwind Fleet Stormwind Army Stormwind Guard Stormwind City Guard Stormwind Harbor Guards Stormwind Royal Guard Stormwind Elite Aquatic and Land Forces Westfall Brigade Bravo Company Night Watch Nijel's Point Guard Kingdom of Ironforge Senate of Ironforge Wildhammer clan Dark Iron clan Forgeguard Dark Iron Demolishers Shadowforge clan Bronzebeard clan Stormpike clan Stormpike Guard Explorers' League Bael'dun Ironforge Guard Ironforge 127th Paratroopers Ironforge Siege Brigade Ironforge Brigade Miners' League Royal Stonecutters Union Hidden Circle Night elves of Darnassus Darnassian Army Sentinels Silverwing Sentinels Sentinel spies Army of the Black Moon Darnassian City Guard Sisterhood of Elune Wintersaber Trainers Watchers Auberdine Village Council Council of the Forest Circle of the Ancients Gnomeregan A.C.E. Gnomeregan Airmen Gnomeregan Covert Ops G.E.A.R. Razak's Roughriders S.A.F.E. Exodar draenei Hand of Argus Triumvirate of the Hand Defenders of Blood Watch Omenai Light's Chosen Kingdom of Gilneas Gilnean military Gilnean Royal Guard Gilneas Liberation Front Refugee Leadership Gilneas Brigade Bloodfang Pack Wolfpack Admiralty of Kul Tiras Kul Tiran fleet House Proudmoore Proudmoore Admiralty Proudmoore Battalion Proudmoore Guard House Waycrest Waycrest Guard Order of Embers Norwington Roughnecks House Stormsong Tidesages Boralus Guard Outriggers Storm's Wake Other members Tushui Pandaren Army of the Light Void elves Obsidian Warders Kingdom of Stromgarde League of Arathor Stromgarde Militia Dabyrie militia Alliance High Command 1st Legion 7th Legion 7th Fleet Alliance navy Alliance Naval Command Third Fleet North Fleet Church of the Holy Light Morgan's Militia Highvale Alliance Trauma Sons of Lothar Honor Hold Kurenai Alliance Vanguard Frostborn Valiance Expedition Unit S Unit Darkshire Unit Goldshire Silver Covenant Shen'dralarHighborne Tol Barad Baradin's Wardens Pearlfin Jinyu Operation: Shieldwall Bizmo's Brawlpub Wrynn's Vanguard Magocracy of Dalaran Kirin Tor Kirin Tor Offensive Nethergarde Knights of the Silver Hand Riftrunners Light's Vengeance Auric's Angels Briona's Buccaneers Purified Waveblade Ankoan Grumbol's Hammers Former members Theramore Theramore Guard Elite Guard Northwatch Expeditionary Unit Kingdom of Lordaeron Kingdom of Quel'Thalas Kingdom of Alterac Alliance-aligned and allies Council of Exarchs Hand of the Prophet Auchenai Sha'tari Defense Rangari Scarlet renegades Stillpine tribe Former allies Blackmaw tribe Blackwood tribe Grimtotem tribe Common Alliance organizations Alliance technology Alliance territories