Zandalari troll

"Zandalar Tribe" redirects here. For the (former) in-game reputation faction, see Zandalar Tribe (faction).

Zandalar tribe
Main leader	King Rastakhan
Secondary leaders	Zanchuli Council  Zul
Race(s)	Zandalari troll  Jungle troll  Forest troll  Ice troll  Sand troll  Dark troll
Character classes	Demoniac, dinomancer, freethinker, haruspex, illusionist, madcap, predator, priest (confessor), shaman (augur), warrior (vindicator)
Capital	Zuldazar
Base of operations	Dubra'Jin, Zim'Torga (Zul'Drak) Isle of Reckoning, Throne of Thunder (Pandaria)
Theater of operations	Zandalar, Zul'Aman, Zul'Drak, Pandaria
Sub-group(s)	Zanchuli Council, Zandalari Beast Ward, Zandalari Invaders
Affiliation	Independent, allied with the mogu empire

The Zandalar tribe is the progenitor tribe from which all other trolls arose. Most Zandalari were scholarly and valued knowledge; they preserved troll history, and worked to further the goals of troll society as a whole. Alarmed by the terrible losses of life among all trolls, the Zandalari tribe traveled around the world to reunite their race and rebuild their once-powerful empire. The Zandalari have begun to conduct bloody raids on territories that had once been "theirs."

History

Ancient history

The Zandalari were the earliest known trolls, the first tribe from which all tribes originated. The early trolls, who revered and worshipped the Wild Gods (or "loa", as they called them), gathered around a sacred mountain range in southern Kalimdor, where many of the loa dwelled. Calling the mountain range Zandalar, the lesser tribes built small encampments upon its slopes, but the most powerful tribe, the Zandalari, claimed its highest plateaus and peaks. There, the Zandalari built a cluster of crude shrines that in time grew into the bustling temple city of Zuldazar.

Their society was built heavily on a caste system, and over time those castes evolved into the separate breeds of trolls. Most Zandalari were scholarly and valued knowledge; however, a significant portion desired conquest instead. These disaffected trolls eventually left the Zandalari to found other tribes, and the Zandalar trolls were content to see them go, seeing them as children who would see the folly of youthful rebellion and come back begging for Zandalari approval. However, the trolls would not return. Over time two distinct troll empires emerged — the Amani and Gurubashi. The Amani were forest trolls and the Gurubashi were jungle trolls; Amani and Gurubashi were the names of the two largest and most powerful troll tribes, which is why the empires received their names.

The remaining Zandalari, then, were all of the scholarly and mystical bent. As time went on, other trolls came to regard them as an overarching priest caste for all trolls. The Zandalari preserved troll history, and they worked to further the goals of troll society as a whole. Though they had the respect and admiration of all other trolls, the Zandalari did not attempt to exert any power over them. They averaged (and still average) 8 feet in height: significantly larger than all other trolls save the savage Drakkari of the far north. Despite their greater size and knowledge and the respect they commanded, the Zandalari did not wield sovereignty over the other trolls, nor did they seek such authority.

Kezan was once a grand territory of the Zandalar Empire, but the taint of goblin trade princes forced the Zandalari out. To this day, Kezan is considered sacred land to the Zandalar tribe.

Zandalari Troll Wars

Main article: Zandalari Troll Wars

Zandalari Troll Wars

Many millennia past the mogu and trolls met. They should have destroyed each other, but they understood that in a war, pitting strength against strength, the survivor would be weakened and might even succumb to creatures far weaker than it. That would be a tragedy that neither race wanted. With back firmly set against back, mogu and trolls carved out their positions in the world. 12,000 - 13,000 years ago the Zandalari and the mogu boasted the most powerful empires in Azeroth. The Zandalari were actually allied with the mogu warlords who ruled Pandaria, keeping the Pandaren as their slaves.

Both the mogu and Zandalari held contempt for one another. The Zandalari thought themselves above the mogu for two reasons: the presence of the loa, and that the Zandalari did not use slaves as the mogu did. The mutual contempt between the two would grow to polite indifference. They trusted the other not to attack, because they were confident they would defeat the other. While Zandalari and mogu stood back to back, they did not watch the other and did not see the other falter.

When the Pandaren revolted against the mogu, the Zandalari displayed their allegiance to their mogu allies by attacking the embryonic Pandaren Empire. Overcoming this threat was to be one of the Pandaren empire's first tests of strength, but through tenacity, diplomacy, and a unique form of unarmed combat, the pandaren staged a successful revolution that deposed their tyrants and established an empire that would prosper for thousands of years. Despite being defeated and pushed from the island now called Pandaria, the Zandalari, just like the mogu, remained in Pandaren lore, and slowly turned into "bogeymen".

Taran Zhu theorized that humans and possibly even some Zandalari may have sided with the Pandaren in the pandaren rebellion 12,000 years ago. When Vol'jin pointed out the attitude of the Zandalari and the uncivilised humans at that time, Taran Zhu explained that there are some exceptions in every race.

The Sundering

The Zandalari eventually clashed with the nascent night elves. Drawing arcane magic from the Well of Eternity, the night elves shocked the trolls by handing them a rapid and resounding defeat. The night elves pushed the trolls out of some of their lands and were then able to establish the night elf empire.

When the Sundering came, the wise Zandalari trolls wove swift magics to protect their realm. The land around their territory shuddered; waves crashed in and trees and soil sank beneath the waves. Through it all, the Zandalari's land remained largely intact. After the Sundering, the Zandalari discovered that their territory was now an island. Seeing no reason to leave it, they set about rebuilding their settlements and continuing their studies.

First war against the Soulflayer

Ancient Zandalar were once branded as heretics. This was when the Gurubashi Empire was still strong. Heathens, known as freethinkers, dared to challenge the priests of Hakkar, and were therefore hunted and killed as vermin. However, those heathens never wavered in their fight against the Blood God.

Eventually the Zandalari noticed that their Gurubashi brethren on the mainland were growing rapidly in power and territory, attributing their victories to the influence of the god Hakkar the Soulflayer. At first, the Zandalari were glad for the fellow trolls. However, as Zul'Gurub continued to expand, the Zandalari's pleased surprise turned to disquiet. They consulted myths and delved into historical accounts. What they learned horrified them: Hakkar was also known as the "Soulflayer", a name he had richly earned. He filled his adherents with murderous rage and reveled in their dark emotions. The carnage that invariably followed Hakkar suited him perfectly, for having consumed blood he had developed a taste for it. Worse, he became more powerful as he consumed the blood shed in his name, and his tie to the world that was feeding him grew stronger.

Every Zandalari who could fight immediately set out for Stranglethorn Vale and brought the terrible tidings to the jungle trolls. The Gurubashi empire was already in a state of civil unrest due to the numerous sacrifices that Hakkar was demanding. With the Zandalar tribe's news, the jungle trolls banded together with the Zandalar tribe and rose up in open revolt against the bloodthirsty Soulflayer. The united tribes narrowly defeated the Blood God and cast out the Atal'ai. Despite their victory, however, the Gurubashi Empire soon fell.

Shortly after the fall of the Gurubashi, the Zandalar almost succumbed to a final defeat from evil within their own tribe. It was then that the confessors amongst them arose, preserving the tribe by banishing out those who would destroy their own kind. In the dark days after the Gurubashi Empire ripped itself up, the augurs led the Zandalari to the tribe's safe haven in the South Seas. In those dark times, Zandalar predators used their prowess to provide sustenance for the tribe.

Wrath of the Soulflayer

This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

In recent years the exiled Atal'ai priests have discovered that Hakkar's physical form can only be summoned within the ancient and once-deserted capital of the Gurubashi Empire, Zul'Gurub. Unfortunately, the priests have met with success in their quest to call forth Hakkar — reports confirm the presence of the dreaded Soulflayer in the heart of the ruins.

And so the Zandalar tribe arrived on the shores of Azeroth at Yojamba Isle to battle Hakkar once again. But the Blood God had grown increasingly powerful, bending several tribes to his will and even commanded the avatars of the Primal Gods — Bat, Panther, Tiger, Spider, and Snake. With the tribes splintered, the Zandalari had been forced to recruit champions from Azeroth's varied and disparate races to battle the Soulflayer.

Wrath of the Lich King

This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

The Zandalari trolls make an appearance in Zul'Drak, recording the fall of the once-mighty troll city. This is the first time trolls have sacrificed their gods and stolen their power; in Zul'Gurub, the Gurubashi Priests had fallen under the mind control of Blood God and their Loa's power was merely being stolen through them. In Zul'Aman, the Amani Priests asked their Loa for help in their war against the Horde and the Alliance, and the Loa agreed.

So the Zandalari reached Northrend and established bases in Zim'Torga and Dubra'Jin.

Cataclysm

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

The Dark Prophet Zul

With the Gurubashi trolls destroyed and the Blood God no longer an issue, most Zandalar trolls have returned back to their home land Zandalar, leaving Yojamba Isle empty.

In years past, the Zandalar tribe, encompassing the wise and scholarly progenitors of the trolls, heroically assisted the Horde and the Alliance with thwarting the nefarious activities of their brethren in Zul'Gurub and Zul'Drak. Yet the chaos unleashed by the recent Cataclysm has reshaped the Zandalari's philosophy about the world and the dwindling remnants of their race. Led by a mysterious prophet known only as Zul, the Zandalari have issued a call to Azeroth's embattled troll populations: unite into a single mighty empire and save their race from extinction. Thus far, the Gurubashi and Amani trolls have answered the summons and received aid from the Zandalari, allowing them to rebuild their respective capitals in Zul'Gurub and Zul'Aman. Not all trolls, however, have so eagerly adopted the Zandalari's grandiose vision of a new troll empire. Vol'jin and his Darkspear tribe are opposed to the warmongering espoused by Zul. To prevent the burgeoning Gurubashi and Amani troll forces from wreaking havoc on Azeroth, Vol'jin has reached out to his Horde comrades and members of the Alliance for assistance. Should the Darkspears' campaign fail, a new troll empire shall rise and bring war to a world already beset by suffering and conflict.

In Patch 4.1.0, the Zandalar tribe was reintroduced to World of Warcraft with a long quest chain revealing the Gurubashi tribe's plan to retake Stranglethorn Vale, leading to the re-added Zul'Gurub as a level-85 five-player dungeon. Their involvement is also touched in Zul'Aman. They are being opposed by Vol'jin and his Darkspear followers, who claim that they are manipulating the Amani and are the real threat. Vol'jin explains that the Zandalari are seeking to create a new troll empire, reaching out to all of the troll tribes, including the Amani, Gurubashi and his own Darkspear tribe - the likes of which would be a grave threat if not immediately dealt with. With aid from both Halduron Brightwing and Vereesa Windrunner Vol'jin was able to create an appropriate battle plan and personally leads a strike force into Zul'Aman and with the aid of adventurers puts an end to Daakara and the Zandalari's efforts within Zul'Aman.

Darkspear agents inside Zul'Gurub have discovered that Jin'do is wrestling Hakkar the Soulflayer into submission, holding him by spirit chains and stripping out his power into himself. They enlist adventurers to put an end to Jin'do's mad plans once and for all. Upon destroying the spiritual chains holding the Soulflayer in place, Hakkar turns upon Jin'do, and utterly destroys him, leaving only the corpse of Jin'do the Broken. Hakkar then returns the adventurers to the mortal realm, promising to deal with them another time, before vanishing. Though Hakkar is free, the Zandalari have lost their hold on Zul'Gurub.

Mists of Pandaria

This section concerns content related to Mists of Pandaria.

After the mists of Pandaria collapsed, the Zandalari were intensely curious about Pandaria, even more so perhaps than the Horde and Alliance were. Even with their defeat in Zul'Aman and Zul'Gurub the Zandalari have decided to continue their war efforts and appear in the Kun-Lai Summit of Pandaria. Having set up their base of operations on the island north of the mainland, they now pour down the shores of the region, attacking the denizens.

Long before the pandaren have established their empire on the continent, the Zandalari were allies with the then-ruling mogu and fought the pandaren for a long time. Now that the mists cloaking the continent have disappeared, the warmongering tribe returns to the ancient continent once more. With their homeland damaged by the Cataclysm, the Zandalari wish to make Pandaria their new home, before Zandalar sinks beneath the sea. To support them in their campaign, they plan to reforge their old alliance with the mogu by reviving Lei Shen, the Thunder King.

The forces of Zandalari in Pandaria are led by Prophet Khar'zul under direct orders from the mysterious dark prophet Zul. Most of them are involved in the art of spiritbinding: a common art of dark magic practiced by them and their mogu allies, that can transfer a spirit into a new host body. They plan to reanimate the teracotta bodies slumbering within the crypts of Valley of the Emperors in Kun-Lai Summit in order to fuel the growing mogu army intended to reclaim Pandaria, and eventually the dreaded figure that terrorized the land and "lesser races" inhabiting it in ancient times, the infamous emperor Lei Shen, the Thunder King himself. The Zandalari eventually manage to reclaim the body and move it to the Isle of Reckoning, where the prophet made his lair. The Zandalari along with the help of all united troll tribes and mercenaries started to assault Zouchin Village near the Summit's coast, but the invasion was ultimately repelled, the prophet slain, but it was too late to stop Thunder King's resurrection.

Some of the Zandalari have managed to break into Mogu'shan Vaults, searching for arcane secrets. Gara'jal the Spiritbinder is leading the incursion.

Vol'jin: Shadows of the Horde

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

Several weeks after Lei Shen's revival, the Zandalari sent a second attack force to Zouchin Village. Led by Khal'ak, the purpose of this attack was to secure a landing spot for Zandalari ships going between Pandaria and the Isle of Thunder. The attack was met with resistance from the Shado-Pan, as well as Tyrathan Khort and Vol'jin. Despite the defense, the Zandalari successfully took Zouchin and the pandaren living there were forced to flee.

Khal'ak and her forces would later travel to Tu Shen Burial Ground in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms to revive Lei Shen's trusted Warlord Kao. Once again they found resistance from the Shado-Pan, though they were taken prisoner by the Zandalari save for Vol'jin, who Khal'ak attempted to convince to leave the Horde and join the Zandalari. Khal'ak and her forces brought the prisoners and Vol'jin to the Isle of Thunder, where Vol'jin freed his comrades and they returned to the Shado-Pan Monastery.

The Zandalari, their mogu allies, and their Gurubashi and Amani servants attacked the Monastery and found themselves facing The Thirty-three. Despite the overwhelming numbers, the Zandalari forces fell to traps and the superior fighting skills of the Monastery's defenders. Khal'ak was killed when Vol'jin pierced her throat with a monk technique.

The Thunder King

This section concerns content related to Mists of Pandaria.

Most of the Zandalari have joined Lei Shen in his island fortress - Throne of Thunder. Under Lei Shen's orders, the Zandalari begin building massive ships in areas already under mogu occupation. Zandalari and mogu forces have landed at most of the coastlines in Pandaria, and have begun to invade the surrounding regions. This Zandalari army that marched on the island of the Thunder King is not the entire Zandalari race, but one branch of their force that's cruising out around the world. The Zandalari were promised generous holdings along the northern coast of Pandaria by Lei Shen.

Sometime after the events at the Isle of Thunder, the Zandalari have turned their focus on rallying the Frostmane tribe of Dun Morogh against Ironforge, but their plans were thwarted by Moira Bronzebeard and Varian Wrynn.

Appearance

Up until World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, most Zandalar trolls appeared as skinny pinkish-white trolls. In Cataclysm they were slightly updated and became larger brutes with a yellowish-tan skin. This new look was used for their appearance until patch 5.2.0 when the Zandalari allied themselves with the mogu. Their newest appearance has them standing upright with a gray skin and glowing eyes. This new design is how Blizzard always envisioned them.

Zandalari trolls are head taller than Darkspear trolls.

The Zandalari are considered the finest specimen of all troll tribes, being the original species of troll. Some humans even called them the "elves of trolls", much to their immense offense. Their beauty and noble physical appearances were inherited by their descendants - the night elves, the high elves and the blood elves, explaining these races' typical beauty.^{[citation needed]} 

• Troll Zandalar Tribe WoW.jpg

  Original appearance

• 

  During Cataclysm and early Mists of Pandaria

• 

  After patch 5.2

• 

  The original Zandalari model, as seen after the player character revamp in Warlords of Draenor

Culture

Zuldazar, the great capital of the Zandalari.

Zandalari society has remained an unchanging hierarchy for thousands of years. Hardworking farmers, fishers, and craftsmen form the peasant caste, the foundation of the empire. Zandalari elders tell them what to harvest, when to plant, and how to behave. To disobey the elders is to disobey the gods, an offense punishable by exile or death. The Zandalari warrior caste sits above the peasantry, acting as the arms of the King and the might of the council. Dexterity is not prized among Zandalari warriors: Brute force, backed by ancient magics, is the preferred combat style. Dictating every aspect of Zandalari society down to the very last detail are the scholars of the priesthood. Masters of magic and communing with the spirits, these respected bastions of knowledge stand upon fifteen millennia worth of accumulated knowledge. The highest of these have a seat on the Zanchuli Council, which both advise the King and ensures his every command is executed upon. The council is consulted before every battle or major decision. From a golden throne, lording over all of the Zandalari, rests the great King Rastakhan. Empowered by the Zandalari gods themselves to act as their voice, he has ruled for over two hundred years.

Being a Zandalari farmer apparently involves taking the "rock test" by lifting heavy stones above one's head and show that one's back is strong, after which one gets a job pushing plow living on dirt.

There is no room for weakness among the Zandalari. Strength, ferocity, stamina, power: These are the traits by which success is measured. At adolescence, those Zandalari males not chosen to be priests or scholars must prove their strength to the council, the king, and the gods themselves. Any display of physical power will do. Tournaments and competitions are held as children come of age. Adolescents prepare for their trials with years of training, communion with the spirits, and by tattooing sigils of power onto their skin. A common rite is to travel to one of the violent, beast-ruled islands near the capital to steal or subdue a wild creature. The lesser troll races have their own, humbler versions of this tradition. But the mastery of ravasaurs or raptors is nothing compared to the power required to call upon a devilsaur or direhorn.

The ultimate symbol of power amongst the Zandalari is the garb they wear in battle, and the tribe acknowledges station and power through what the Zandalari wear. The Zandalar prize what they wear as a symbol of accomplishment. One doesn't need to be able to see what one wears to be able to sense what emanates from it - power transcends sight.

Faith

The Zandalari worship "loa," powerful spirits who have been a part of the world predating even the titans. Countless loa exist, most weak, but some very powerful. Most are shapeless, whereas others have animal or creature forms. Zandalari families often worship their own family loas, cities usually have their own civic deities, and the greatest loa are worshiped by the nation as a whole. Powerful, enlightened Zandalari can become loas upon their death - or so it is believed. These spirits are central to the Zandalari worldview: so say the loa, so go the Zandalari.

Classes

Augurs

The augurs of the Zandalar tribe are revered for their gifts of the divine sight. They aren't witch doctors; they spend their time casting bones or reading the leaves for insight - not hexing people. The Zandalar prize the insight they give to the tribe. Augurs know the mojo of the elements. They use it as a means to guide the tribe to glory. The augurs of the Zandalar all wear a distinctive chest piece called a hauberk. It's fitted with the finest of silks and cloths, interwoven with strong chain. It's a symbol of not only their divinity, but also of their authority. It's never wise to cross one whose life is devoted to speaking with the spirits.

Confessors/Priests

After the Amani and Gurubashi split off from the Zandalari, other trolls came to regard the Zandalar tribe as an overarching priest caste for all trolls.

The Zandalari invest power in those who speak with the authority of divinity. Their priests are more than just healers - they are also confessors. Evil comes both from outside threats and from within the tribe, and the confessors act as the judges amongst the tribe, preserving them from evil. The confessors not only keep the Zandalari in tune with the spirits, but they also preserve the flesh. The confessors of the Zandalar all wear a distinctive mantle, marking them as the preservers of the tribe. These mantles are woven with powerful mojo that aids them in judging those who would threaten the tribe.

Demoniacs

Warlocks tread dangerous ground in dealing with demons, but Zandalari demoniacs take this one step further. Through an ancient and arcane ritual, they allow a demon to enter their being. Rather than let it possess them though, they enslave the demon from the inside, absorbing the power of the beast for their own command. It is a feat few are ever able to master. The demoniac seeks to embody power outright, not just possess it. More than one demoniac has lost a fight with a demon; with the enemies of the Zandalari threatening them, the power that a demoniac is able to unleash on the tribe's foes is worth the sacrifice. A demoniac knows that the game they play is much similar to the fall of the Gurubashi Empire, but the power unleashed is often the very thing needed for survival. The ultimate symbol of power amongst the Zandalari is the garb they wear in battle. A demoniac's robes have fused fine runecloth and devastatingly powerful mojo into a single fabric. The visage of the robe is said to instill fear into the minds of all who see it... especially the demons that the demoniac will eventually dominate.

Freethinkers/Paladins

Zandalari Prelate.

Heathens also have a place in the tribe, as the paladin-like freethinkers of Zandalar. Freethinkers do not fear oppression and die for what they believe in. Battle gear gives one power in the tribe. The freethinkers are honored in this way. They are zealots and imbue their breastplates with powerful mojo. If their beliefs falter in the face of the enemy, their breastplate will not.

Zandalari Prelates in the Throne of Thunder also use paladin-like abilities.

Haruspices

A haruspex is a key member of the tribe. By communion with animals and giving them up to the spirits when needed, they give the tribe divine guidance. In times past, the haruspex's insight and wisdom gave the Zandalari an edge in the wars against the splintered tribes of the Gurubashi. The Zandalar know not of druidic ways; nature is to be shaped by their need, not the other way around. Still, a haruspex is the one of them most in tune with nature, and rightly so. To give up the ghost of a beast is to know what it is to be one of them. That is the real power of nature. The ultimate symbol of a haruspex's power is what they wear. Of these, the tunic symbolizes the connection between themselves and the divine wisdom they seek. It often weaves parts of the beasts they sacrifice into the tunic; this reminds them of the connection they have to their gifts.

Illusionists

Zandalari mages are known as illusionists. They employ powerful mojo in their incantations, often befuddling and confusing the tribe's enemies. It is quite the sight to see a powerful illusionist at work, bringing the Zandalari's enemies to their knees from their own madness. Magic is a raw, primal force to be shaped by those strong enough to do it. Mojo is the Zandalari's extension of this power; one such potent manipulation of it is in the form of illusion. The Zandalar know the power of this form of magic, and as such illusionists hold a honored place within the tribe. The tribe acknowledges station and power through what the Zandalari wear. Their vestments are made from the finest of materials, and interwoven with the mojo they use to make them powerful. Illusionists are no exception; their robes are said to embody the essence of illusion in their look. Legend states that their ancient robes never looked the same twice.

Madcaps

The madcaps of Zandalar are similar to rogues, but above all else they embrace madness, chaos, and the unpredictability of existence. A terror to behold on the battlefield, they sowed the seeds of confusion and mayhem amongst the Zandalari's enemies in the savage times after the tribes splintered. The tribe would not exist today without them.

One of Zandalar's legendary madcaps was Khar'vaxal the Cracked. Legend states that when facing the enemies of the tribe for the first time, Khar'vaxal used his mantle specifically woven with "the weave of madness". His form was shrouded not only by the mantle, but also with the blinding speed of his twin daggers. Madcaps today cherish their mantle as a sign of their place in the tribe. The legend of Khar'vaxal the Cracked serves the Zandalari today as a reminder that no foe - no matter how great a threat they may be - is impossible to overcome. Chaos will bring everyone to their knees.

Predators

A predator knows how to stalk their prey, but a successful one knows how to strike at it once they have closed ranks. Hunters claim to be much like the Zandalar tribe's predators - to seek the hunt is to embody the essence of the predator. The most cherished of Zandalari predator garments is the mantle they wear. It helps to obfuscate them from view... and to make their presence known when they wish it.

Vindicators

Vengeance is power, and the Zandalar vindicator is such power. The tribe has many enemies, and the vindicator exacts retribution on them. No crime against the Zandalari is unpunished, and the vindicator delivers this punishment. The vindicator's symbol of power is the breastplate, which is forged with powerful mojo. It is trusted only to those revered within the tribe and is the Zandalar symbol of vengeance; to become a vindicator is to become vengeance.

Beast taming

Main article: Zandalari Beast Ward

The Zandalari are known for their ability to break even the most powerful of beasts using various fetishes and charms.

Notable members

Name	Role	Status	Location
Rastakhan	God King of the Zandalari	Alive	Zuldazar, Zandalar
Zul	Dark Prophet of the Zanchuli Council	Alive	Unknown
Al'tabim the All-Seeing	Formerly part of the expedition to Yojamba Isle	Killable	East of Bay of Echoes, Isle of Thunder
Captain Nir'zan	Right hand of Khal'ak	Deceased	Unknown
Chabal	Watches over Zul'Gurub along with Maywiki	Alive	Hardwrench Hideaway, Cape of Stranglethorn
Chronicler Bah'Kini	Seeks to record the final hours of the Drakkari Empire	Alive	Cave of Mam'toth, Gundrak
Chronicler To'kini	Chronicler	Alive	Zim'Torga, Zul'Drak
Element-Tamer Dagoda	Element-tamer	Alive	Zim'Torga, Zul'Drak
Dohaman the Beast Lord	Attempting to command Oondasta	Killable	Isle of Giants
Gara'jal the Spiritbinder	Lead the Zandalari assault on Mogu'shan Vaults; Zandalari representative on the Council of Elders	Killable	Emperor's Reach, Mogu'shan Vaults; Lightning Promenade, Throne of Thunder
Ghaliri	Emissary of Rastakhan	Alive	Fort Livingston, Northern Stranglethorn
Hekima the Wise	Herald of Rastakhan	Killable	Shimmer Ridge, Blood in the Snow
Jin'rokh the Breaker	Berserker imbued with power by Lei Shen	Killable	Overgrown Statuary, Throne of Thunder
Khal'ak	Took part in the invasion of Pandaria	Deceased	Unknown
Khar'vaxal the Cracked	Legendary madcap	Deceased	Unknown
Lieutenant Trag'kal	Lieutenant of Khal'ak	Deceased	Unknown
Maywiki	Watches over Zul'Gurub along with Chabal	Alive	Explorers' League Digsite, Cape of Stranglethorn
Mengazi	Commander of the Zandalari forces during the Zandalari Troll Wars	Deceased	Unknown
Molthor	The Gatekeeper, formerly Hand of Rastakhan	Killable	Stormsea Landing, Isle of Thunder
Prophet Khar'zul	Acquired Lei Shen's corpse	Killable	Thunder's Call, Kun-Lai Summit
Scalper Ahunae	Scalper	Alive	Zim'Torga, Zul'Drak
Surkhan	Emissary of Rastakhan	Alive	Bambala, Northern Stranglethorn
Vilnak'dor	One of the leaders of the invasion of Pandaria	Unknown	Unknown
Vinchaxa	Servitor of Zanza	Removed	Formerly Yojamba Isle, Stranglethorn Vale
War-God Al'chukla	Warlord blessed by Lei Shen	Killable	Conqueror's Terrace, Isle of Thunder
War-God Dokah	Warlord	Killable	Isle of Giants
War-God Jalak	Leader of the Zandalari Beast Ward	Killable	Royal Amphitheater, Throne of Thunder
Witch Doctor Khufu	Witch doctor	Alive	Zim'Torga, Zul'Drak

In the RPG

This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.

Zandalar is an island in the South Seas to the southwest of Westfall on Azeroth. On this island live trolls — thousands upon thousands of trolls. It is understandably a difficult place to visit for anyone who isn’t a troll. The Zandalar tribe is the progenitor tribe from which all other troll tribes sprang. Zandalar has long been the heart of all troll culture throughout the world. Zandalari are their own separate sort of troll — not jungle trolls, not forest trolls, not ice or dark or sand. (However, several groups of other trolls live on Zandalar, including jungle trolls beneath the canopy and ice trolls on snowy Mount Mugamba.) The Zandalari’s overall goal remains what it always has been: to maintain troll history and continue their research. They also again oppose Hakkar.

Every 6 years, Zandalar also plays host to a meeting of all troll tribes. Trolls from all over the world meet in the great ziggurat-city of Zuldazar to discuss matters of importance to all trolls. Zandalar is neutral ground for trolls. Though many tribes don’t get along with each other, they all meet on peaceful terms in Zandalar.

Organization

King Rastakhan, a hoary and formidable witch doctor, rules the Zandalari from his capital of Zuldazar. The Zandalari are mystical and ancient trolls who revere knowledge and history; their organization is loose. They represent an overall priest caste for all trolls, yet they do not attempt to parley this position into real power with those trolls.

Military

The Zandalar tribe is a group of mystical trolls who serve as the priest caste for all other trolls. They have few warriors, and what warriors they do have are dedicated to protecting their home island of Zandalar. Thus, when the Zandalari need people to accomplish tasks in the larger world, they work through agents of other races. Were an unfriendly member of such a race to enter Zandalar, however, he would find himself contending with the Zandalari’s warriors. Though few, they are rumored to be excellent fighters.

The Zandalari make their home in the jungle. As such, their warriors prefer to attack from ambush, lurking in the trees’ shadows, in the underbrush, or in the canopy before bursting out to attack. They set themselves up in the wilderness along their enemy’s path well in advance, then leap forward when the time is right. They hurl javelins; then, depending on the reaction, they either continue to fling their weapons, they charge into melee, or they melt back into the shadows to perform the same tactic again.

Many priests and witch doctors work among the Zandalari, so almost all Zandalar warriors are in possession of a few bottles of brews they can slug back to make themselves stronger, fiercer, or heal their wounds. Zandalar leaders carry many such concoctions and are sure to have witch doctors at their sides who provide them with more. If they expect to go to battle, the trolls drink the brews immediately beforehand, allowing them to crush their enemies with ease.

If battle is joined, Zandalar priests and witch doctors support their warriors with enhancement spells and healing in addition to entering the fray directly. Bloodlust and inner fire are particularly devastating — spells that affect many allies at once. Of course, the spellcasters don’t mind blasting their enemies when the situation calls for it, and Zandalari potion docs spend battles hurling explosive potions into enemy ranks.

The few Zandalari warriors take the front lines, though they prefer to soften up the enemy with thrown javelins and axes first. This tactic also allows their spellcasters more time to cast beneficial spells on them before melee is joined. Zandalari warriors are fierce and wild, and they do not often retreat; once a troll throws himself into melee, he isn’t coming back until the enemy’s corpses lie about him.

Zandalar warriors perform other functions as well, including reconnaissance, discovering the best places to set their ambushes. They also harry enemy forces with guerilla tactics, which can make the enemy foolish. Priests and witch doctors help these endeavors with divination magic.

Location

Zandalar is a sizeable island a ways southwest of Westfall. Two huge mountains rise from its green canopy; one of these mountains is in fact the great ziggurat-city Zuldazar, while the other is snowy Mount Mugamba. Other, smaller ziggurats — the domains of troll priests and witch doctors — also jut from the jungle, and birds and stranger beasts fl it above and among the trees. Troll priests and witch doctors live all over the island. It is a lush and tropical place, and a deadly one.

Membership

You are either born a Zandalari or you are not; you cannot enter into the tribe unless a parent is a Zandalari.

Averaging eight feet in height, the Zandalari trolls are among the largest, strongest trolls in the world; only the Drakkari ice trolls of Northrend are as big. They are just as ferocious as other trolls, and just as cunning, if not more so.

A typical Zandalari spends his days hunting in the jungles or fishing along the coastlines. Many spend their days researching ancient lore and cataloguing history. Religion is important to the Zandalari —they are the trolls’ priest caste, after all — and they revere their pantheon of primitive, animalistic gods that take the forms of bats, snakes, and the like. Zandalar priests carve totems and engage in rituals, while Zandalar witch doctors brew potions and administer to wounded trolls. The Zandalari are constantly vigilant against invaders.

The tribes of the new troll empire

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  The Gurubashi Tribe

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  The Farraki Tribe

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  The Amani Tribe

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  The Drakkari Tribe

Trivia

• They are voiced by Steve Blum.
• The post-5.2 Zandalari model uses the same skeleton and most of the animations of the original (pre-player character revamp) male night elf model. This was likely done to show them as more civilized than the other troll subspecies.

Speculation

This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.

• It appears that not all members of the Zandalari seek to declare war on the land, based on Ghaliri warning the Alliance about the Gurubashi threat, as well as Maywiki and Surkhan's continued presence in the Explorer's League Digsite and Bambala, respectively. It is possible that they are members of the group of Zandalari who are opposed to Zul's plans. Alternatively, both Ghaliri and Surkhan may have defected to the Darkspear tribe. If the latter is true, they would be the only Zandalar trolls to be not be part of the Zandalar tribe.

• The assumed and speculated average height for a male Zandalari lies around 9'8" / 294.64 cm as opposed to RPG's statement on 8' / 243.84 cm. This result was achieved by a fan of the game who has grown an affinity for heights, the result uses in-game models which have a set height in the database. You can read more about it; here. To bolster the supposition, it was mentioned in the book, Vol'jin: Shadows of the Horde that a Zandalari stand a head taller than a Darkspear (whom are jungle trolls), assuming the jungle troll stood upright. Along with one part from the book where Khal'ak was mentioned to have been taller than most other non-Zandalari she had met, possibly referring to other troll women and some men, sand trolls and jungle trolls for example. In conclusion; this is in no way canon yet it is something to go by without clarification from Blizzard.

Patch changes

• Patch 5.2.0 (2013-03-05): The Zandalar trolls received a very unique look that stands them apart from the other types of trolls.
  
• Patch 4.1.0 (2011-04-26): The Zandalar trolls received a new model similar to the ice troll model but with lighter skin.