Capital City
- This article is about the capital of the Kingdom of Lordaeron. For the ruins above the Undercity and its history after the Third War, see Ruins of Lordaeron. For capital cities in general, see Capital.
 Capital City | |
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| Type | Capital city |
| Races | |
| Government | Hereditary monarchy |
| Ruler(s) | |
| Languages | |
| Affiliation | |
| Location | Southern Tirisfal Glades |
| Status | |
Capital City[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] or simply Lordaeron City[8] and Lordaeron[9][10] was the capital city of the Kingdom of Lordaeron. The city was built by the Arathorian nobles at the time in which the kingdom was fracturing, and became the city-state and capital of a kingdom based in Tirisfal Glades that emerged after the fall of the Arathorian Empire.
Contents
History
Early history
During the decadency of the Arathorian Empire, the Tirisfal Glades and surrounding lands were settled by the disenfranchised lords of the empire capital of Strom, who were part of a group that left the city because they were desirous of the verdant and fertile lands to the northwest. They named their new home Lordaeron, after the surrounding region[11] which itself had been named after the great Arathorian general Lordain who had once lived there.[12] It was also home to deeply religious ascetics who believed in the Light. Many people traveled to the city-state seeking wisdom, enlightenment, or cures for their ailments. As it grew into a proper kingdom, the noble families renamed its heart Capital City.[13]
The city was first an industrial center for the nation, but later, most of the industries were moved east to the new cities of Stratholme and Andorhal, so Capital City became solely an administrative center and was largely remodeled as a wonder of human architecture.
Second War
The city was the center of the Alliance of Lordaeron during the Second War, and so prospered as the effective capital of humanity. It provided the most soldiers of any kingdom to the Alliance and successfully repelled the invasion of the Orcish Horde. It was here that renegade Alterac soldiers and sailors were interrogated and revealed the treachery of their kingdom.[14] The city itself was later attacked during the war.[15]
Capital City also had its own cathedral, where Jaina Proudmoore and Arthas Menethil met for the first time.[16]
Third War and aftermath
When Prince Arthas killed his father, King Terenas II, the city fell into turmoil. At Arthas' command, Falric and Marwyn led the undead Scourge into the city and killed its inhabitants.[17] The city soon came to be called the Ruins of Lordaeron.
For a time, the city was overseen by Balnazzar, Detheroc, and Varimathras. When Arthas returned from Kalimdor, he found the dreadlords near the Palace Gardens, ousted them and named himself King of Lordaeron.[18] When Ner'zhul recalled Arthas to Northrend, Balnazzar took control over the city once again.
The combined forces of Grand Marshal Garithos and Sylvanas Windrunner defeated Balnazzar, at which point Sylvanas betrayed her allies and took the city for herself.[19] The Undercity, which lies beneath the ruins of the capital, now serves as the capital of the Forsaken. The Forsaken later made the ruins of this city into a major base.
Locations
Notes
- It was previously stated that the continent of Lordaeron had been named after the city-state of Lordaeron,[20] Chronicle 1 retconned this, instead the continent being named after Lordain and the city after the continent.
- The rounded southern wall in WoW seems to be based on the shape of the land and rocks from the Warcraft II mission, while the city in Warcraft III was more rectangular.
Gallery
The orcs preparing to attack Capital City from Lordamere Lake during the Second War.
Bells of Lordaeron.
The city from above.
Ruins of Lordaeron.
- Fanart
Fan rendition of Capital City.
Fan rendition of Capital City.
References
- ^ a b Arthas: Rise of the Lich King
- ^ Tides of Darkness
- ^ Warcraft III manual: Orcish History - Gul'dan and the Betrayal
- ^ Warcraft III map
- ^ "Legacy of the Damned: A New Power in Lordaeron", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment. Varimathras: "The capital city is heavily defended.".
- ^ Races of World of Warcraft: Undead
- ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 142
- ^
[30] Test of Lore
- ^ Warcraft II map
- ^ Ruins of Lordaeron subzone of Tirisfal Glades in World of Warcraft.
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 141
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 133
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 141 - 142
- ^ The Prisoners (WC2 Human)
- ^ The Fall of Lordaeron (WC2 Orc)
- ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King
- ^ Death Knight (manga)
- ^ King Arthas (WC3 Undead)
- ^ A New Power in Lordaeron (WC3 Undead)
- ^ The Seven Kingdoms
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