#dark prophet zul

[starry-tiger]

A late happy birthday to @mildly-cursed!! This is her awesome design for a monster transformation of Zul!!

[darkspear-dancers]

☠ ☯ ൠ - For the character/s that are currently on your mind:3

[Violence Headcanon]

Azae'latl was no stranger to violence, having trained with her brothers since a young age to become a headhunter, to prove herself to her tribe. She established a reputation as a skilled martial artist and a promising champion of her tribe. In the campaign against the Thunder King, she was chosen by Rokhan to serve as the tribe's tip of the spear to assault the Zandalari stronghold of Za'Tual.

It was on the Isle of Thunder that Azae'latl came to know violence intimately. In its stormy swamps, Azae began her first headhunt - against the Jaguar Warriors, a faction of elite warriors that served the Dark Prophet Zul. She began to learn from her enemy - of their tactics, their weapons, their long-lost loa.

One such loa was not so long-lost.

Azae hunted these Jaguar Warriors across the Isle of Thunder, embracing a primal urge to claim their clawed gauntlets and jaguar-skins. Their so-called Order was in its dying days, its disciples having cast their lot in with a doomed prophet after most of their temples were lost in the Cataclysm.

But one amongst them invoked an ancient, nameless jaguar god, a loa of bloodletting and bloodlust, of omens and obsidian.

The loa work in mysterious ways.

On her final hunt, she faced off against the Order's sole survivor, the last Jaguar Warrior, its Tla'toani - Balam. Though a shadow of his former self, a Jaguar Warrior he remained. They duelled on the storm-wracked beaches of the Bay of Echoes in a clash of obsidian claws, and Azae'latl silenced the Tla'toani's roar.

In the battle's aftermath, she claimed Balam's mantle, her title, for herself. She would, over the course of years to come, finally learn what fate had befallen her. Beseeched by the final breath of its final disciple, an ancient jaguar loa had laid a curse upon her bloodline, and a claim upon her soul.

But first, she would learn what had happened back upon the Echo Isles, during her hunt. First, martial law, then open rebellion. Then, heartbreak, as news finally reached her, one tear-stained letter after another; with each letter that arrived, Azae found herself with one less brother, until eventually, she found herself an only child.

From that day forward, she truly knew the meaning of violence. She threw herself into the nascent revolution, battling the Kor'kron, preying upon former brothers of the Horde to avenge her own fallen family. But no matter how many fell to her obsidian claws, her own bloodlust was never sated.

It would take her many years, and almost cost her her life, but Azae'latl would one day break on through to the Other Side, and confront the loa that had laid claim to her soul. But in the chronicles of the reborn Order of the Jaguar Warriors, this is another story, for another time...

(That was a long and sad one, so some quick and more positive ones to finish off!)

[Likes/Dislikes Headcanon]

Azae'latl dislikes skyscreamer pterrorwings, finding them too cantankerous and, well, loud. She doesn't care for richmons, and she doesn't like beer.

She likes chocolate and tequila, and especially loves chocolate tequila. She adores surfing, and has become particularly fond of the cenotes of Zuldazar, sacred sinkholes of groundwater hidden deep the jade jungles.

[Random Headcanon]

Azae'latl was rewarded for her service to the Zandalari Empire with Azte'catlipoca, a voodoo jaguar construct that serves as her trusty mount.

Hewn from the largest jade deposit ever unearthed from Mount Mugamba, Azte'catlipoca had been dormant within the Halls of Opulence since the days of Dazar the First.

[ Thank you so much for the asks, @druidess-kiefie !! 💚 ]

[quransurahverses]

21:84

فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ فَكَشَفْنَا مَا بِهِۦ مِن ضُرٍّۢ ۖ وَءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ أَهْلَهُۥ وَمِثْلَهُم مَّعَهُمْ رَحْمَةًۭ مِّنْ عِندِنَا وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْعَـٰبِدِينَ ٨٤

So We answered his prayer and removed his adversity, and gave him back his family, twice as many, as a mercy from Us and a lesson for the ˹devoted˺ worshippers.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Maka Kami perkenankan doa permohonannya, lalu Kami hapuskan penyakit yang menimpanya, serta Kami kurniakan kepadanya: keluarganya, dengan seganda lagi ramainya, sebagai satu rahmat dari Kami dan sebagai satu peringatan bagi orang-orang yang taat kepada Kami (supaya bersabar dan mendapat balasan baik).

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:85

وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِدْرِيسَ وَذَا ٱلْكِفْلِ ۖ كُلٌّۭ مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ٨٥

And ˹remember˺ Ishmael, Enoch, and Ⱬul-Kifl.[1] They were all steadfast.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

[1] Scholars are in disagreement as to whether Ⱬul-Kifl was a prophet or just a righteous man. Those who maintain that he was a prophet identify him with various Biblical prophets such as Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Obadiah.

Dan (demikianlah pula) Nabi-nabi Ismail dan Idris serta Zul-Kifli; semuanya adalah dari orang-orang yang sabar.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:86

وَأَدْخَلْنَـٰهُمْ فِى رَحْمَتِنَآ ۖ إِنَّهُم مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ ٨٦

We admitted them into Our mercy, for they were truly of the righteous.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Dan Kami masukkan mereka dalam (kumpulan yang dilimpahi) rahmat Kami: sesungguhnya mereka adalah dari orang-orang yang soleh.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:87

وَذَا ٱلنُّونِ إِذ ذَّهَبَ مُغَـٰضِبًۭا فَظَنَّ أَن لَّن نَّقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَىٰ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ أَن لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَـٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ٨٧

And ˹remember˺ when the Man of the Whale stormed off ˹from his city˺ in a rage, thinking We would not restrain him.[1] Then in the ˹veils of˺ darkness[2] he cried out, “There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except You. Glory be to You! I have certainly done wrong.”

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

[1] Or “thinking We will let him get away with it.” Jonah (ﷺ) had been met with denial for many years. When he sensed the coming of Allah’s torment, he abandoned his city without Allah’s permission. Eventually, his people repented before the coming of the torment, and Allah accepted their repentance (see 10:98), whereas Jonah ended up in the belly of the whale (see 37:140-148).

[2] The darkness of the night, the sea, and the belly of the whale.

Dan (sebutkanlah peristiwa) Zun-Nun, ketika ia pergi (meninggalkan kaumnya) dalam keadaan marah, yang menyebabkan ia menyangka bahawa Kami tidak akan mengenakannya kesusahan atau cubaan; (setelah berlaku kepadanya apa yang berlaku) maka ia pun menyeru dalam keadaan yang gelap-gelita dengan berkata: "Sesungguhnya tiada Tuhan (yang dapat menolong) melainkan Engkau (ya Allah)! Maha Suci Engkau (daripada melakukan aniaya, tolongkanlah daku)! Sesungguhnya aku adalah dari orang-orang yang menganiaya diri sendiri".

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:88

فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ وَنَجَّيْنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلْغَمِّ ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُـۨجِى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٨٨

So We answered his prayer and rescued him from anguish. And so do We save the ˹true˺ believers.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Maka Kami kabulkan permohonan doanya, dan Kami selamatkan dia dari kesusahan yang menyelubunginya; dan sebagaimana Kami menyelamatkannya Kami akan selamatkan orang-orang yang beriman (ketika mereka merayu kepada Kami).

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:89

وَزَكَرِيَّآ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥ رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِى فَرْدًۭا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلْوَٰرِثِينَ ٨٩

And ˹remember˺ when Zachariah cried out to his Lord, “My Lord! Do not leave me childless, though You are the Best of Successors.”[1]

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

[1] Meaning, “You will be there for eternity after all pass away.”

Dan (sebutkanlah peristiwa) Nabi Zakaria, ketika ia merayu kepada Tuhannya dengan berkata: "Wahai Tuhanku! Janganlah Engkau biarkan daku seorang diri (dengan tidak meninggalkan zuriat); dan Engkaulah jua sebaik-baik yang mewarisi".

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:90

فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥ يَحْيَىٰ وَأَصْلَحْنَا لَهُۥ زَوْجَهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ وَيَدْعُونَنَا رَغَبًۭا وَرَهَبًۭا ۖ وَكَانُوا۟ لَنَا خَـٰشِعِينَ ٩٠

So We answered his prayer, granted him John, and made his wife fertile. Indeed, they used to race in doing good, and call upon Us with hope and fear, totally humbling themselves before Us.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Maka Kami perkenankan doanya, dan Kami kurniakan kepadanya (anaknya) Yahya, dan Kami perelokkan keadaan isterinya yang mandul, (untuk melahirkan anak) baginya. (Kami limpahkan berbagai ihsan kepada Rasul-rasul itu ialah kerana) sesungguhnya mereka sentiasa berlumba-lumba dalam mengerjakan kebaikan, dan sentiasa berdoa kepada kami dengan penuh harapan serta gerun takut; dan mereka pula sentiasa khusyuk (dan taat) kepada Kami.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:91

وَٱلَّتِىٓ أَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا فَنَفَخْنَا فِيهَا مِن رُّوحِنَا وَجَعَلْنَـٰهَا وَٱبْنَهَآ ءَايَةًۭ لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ٩١

And ˹remember˺ the one who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her through Our angel, ˹Gabriel,˺[1] making her and her son a sign for all peoples.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

[1] Gabriel breathed into the sleeves of Mary’s garment so she conceived Jesus.

Dan (sebutkanlah peristiwa) perempuan yang telah menjaga kehormatan dan kesuciannya; lalu Kami tiupkan padanya dari Roh (ciptaan) Kami, dan Kami jadikan dia dan anaknya sebagai satu tanda (yang menunjukkan kekuasaan Kami) bagi umat manusia.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:92

إِنَّ هَـٰذِهِۦٓ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ وَأَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمْ فَٱعْبُدُونِ ٩٢

˹O prophets!˺ Indeed, this religion of yours is ˹only˺ one, and I am your Lord, so worship Me ˹alone˺.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Sesungguhnya ugama Islam inilah ugama kamu, ugama yang satu asas pokoknya, dan Akulah Tuhan kamu; maka sembahlah kamu akan Daku.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:93

وَتَقَطَّعُوٓا۟ أَمْرَهُم بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ كُلٌّ إِلَيْنَا رَٰجِعُونَ ٩٣

Yet the people have divided it into sects. But to Us they will all return.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

(Kebanyakan manusia masih berselisihan) dan berpecah-belah dalam urusan ugama mereka; (ingatlah) mereka semuanya akan kembali kepada kami (untuk menerima balasan).

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:94

فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌۭ فَلَا كُفْرَانَ لِسَعْيِهِۦ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ كَـٰتِبُونَ ٩٤

So whoever does good and is a believer will never be denied ˹the reward for˺ their striving, for We are recording it all.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Dengan yang demikian, sesiapa yang mengerjakan sesuatu amal kebaikan, sedang ia beriman, maka tidaklah disia-siakan amal usahanya; dan sesungguhnya Kami tetap menulisnya.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:95

وَحَرَٰمٌ عَلَىٰ قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَـٰهَآ أَنَّهُمْ لَا يَرْجِعُونَ ٩٥

It is impossible for a society which We have destroyed to ever rise again,

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Dan mustahil kepada penduduk sesebuah negeri yang Kami binasakan, bahawa mereka tidak akan kembali (kepada Kami untuk menerima balasan di akhirat kelak).

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:96

حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فُتِحَتْ يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ وَهُم مِّن كُلِّ حَدَبٍۢ يَنسِلُونَ ٩٦

until ˹after˺ Gog and Magog have broken loose ˹from the barrier˺,[1] swarming down from every hill,

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

[1] See 18:93-99.

(Demikianlah keadaan mereka) hingga apabila terbuka tembok yang menyekat Yakjuj dan Makjuj, serta mereka meluru turun dari tiap-tiap tempat yang tinggi.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:97

وَٱقْتَرَبَ ٱلْوَعْدُ ٱلْحَقُّ فَإِذَا هِىَ شَـٰخِصَةٌ أَبْصَـٰرُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ يَـٰوَيْلَنَا قَدْ كُنَّا فِى غَفْلَةٍۢ مِّنْ هَـٰذَا بَلْ كُنَّا ظَـٰلِمِينَ ٩٧

ushering in the True Promise.[1] Then—behold!—the disbelievers will stare ˹in horror, crying,˺ “Oh, woe to us! We have truly been heedless of this. In fact, we have been wrongdoers.”

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

[1] i.e., the Final Hour.

Dan hampirlah datangnya janji hari kiamat yang benar, maka dengan serta-merta pandangan mata orang-orang yang kufur ingkar terbeliak (sambil berkata dengan cemas): "Aduhai celakanya Kami. Sesungguhnya kami telah tinggal dalam keadaan yang melalaikan kami daripada memikirkan perkara ini, bahkan kami telah menjadi orang-orang yang menganiaya diri sendiri".

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:98

إِنَّكُمْ وَمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ أَنتُمْ لَهَا وَٰرِدُونَ ٩٨

Certainly you ˹disbelievers˺ and whatever you worship instead of Allah will be the fuel of Hell.[1] You are ˹all˺ bound to enter it.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

[1] See footnote for 43:57-58.

Sesungguhnya kamu dan apa yang kamu sembah, yang lain dari Allah, menjadi bahan-bahan bakaran yang dilimparkan ke dalam neraka Jahannam; kamu (sudah tetap) akan memasukinya.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:99

لَوْ كَانَ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ ءَالِهَةًۭ مَّا وَرَدُوهَا ۖ وَكُلٌّۭ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ ٩٩

Had those idols been ˹true˺ gods, they would not have entered it. And they will be there forever.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Kalaulah mereka (yang kamu sembah) itu tuhan-tuhan, tentulah mereka tidak masuk ke dalam neraka; dan (ketahuilah), semuanya (yang menyembah dan yang disembah) akan kekal dalam neraka selama-lamanya.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:100

لَهُمْ فِيهَا زَفِيرٌۭ وَهُمْ فِيهَا لَا يَسْمَعُونَ ١٠٠

In it they will groan, and will not be able to hear.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Mereka mendayu-dayu (kesakitan) di dalam neraka, dan mereka pula di situ tidak dapat mendengar sesuatu yang menyenangkan.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:101

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقَتْ لَهُم مِّنَّا ٱلْحُسْنَىٰٓ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ عَنْهَا مُبْعَدُونَ ١٠١

Surely those for whom We have destined the finest reward will be kept far away from Hell,

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Sesungguhnya orang-orang yang telah tetap dari dahulu lagi memperoleh kebaikan dari Kami, mereka dijauhkan dari neraka itu.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:102

لَا يَسْمَعُونَ حَسِيسَهَا ۖ وَهُمْ فِى مَا ٱشْتَهَتْ أَنفُسُهُمْ خَـٰلِدُونَ ١٠٢

not even hearing the slightest hissing from it. And they will delight forever in what their souls desire.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Mereka tidak mendengar suara (julangan) api neraka itu, dan mereka akan kekal selama-lamanya di dalam (nikmat-nikmat Syurga) yang diingini oleh jiwa mereka.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:103

لَا يَحْزُنُهُمُ ٱلْفَزَعُ ٱلْأَكْبَرُ وَتَتَلَقَّىٰهُمُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ هَـٰذَا يَوْمُكُمُ ٱلَّذِى كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ ١٠٣

The Supreme Horror ˹of that Day˺ will not disturb them, and the angels will greet them, ˹saying,˺ “This is your Day, which you have been promised.”

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Huru-hara besar yang amat mengerikan (pada hari kiamat) itu tidak merunsingkan mereka, dan (sebaliknya) mereka disambut oleh malaikat-malaikat dengan berkata: "Inilah hari kamu (beroleh kebahagiaan), yang telah dijanjikan kepada kamu (di dunia) dahulu".

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:104

يَوْمَ نَطْوِى ٱلسَّمَآءَ كَطَىِّ ٱلسِّجِلِّ لِلْكُتُبِ ۚ كَمَا بَدَأْنَآ أَوَّلَ خَلْقٍۢ نُّعِيدُهُۥ ۚ وَعْدًا عَلَيْنَآ ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا فَـٰعِلِينَ ١٠٤

On that Day We will roll up the heavens like a scroll of writings. Just as We produced the first creation, ˹so˺ shall We reproduce it. That is a promise binding on Us. We truly uphold ˹Our promises˺!

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

(Ingatlah) hari Kami menggulung langit seperti menggulung lembaran surat catitan; sebagaimana kami mulakan wujudnya sesuatu kejadian, Kami ulangi wujudnya lagi; sebagai satu janji yang ditanggung oleh Kami; sesungguhnya Kami tetap melaksanakannya.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:105

وَلَقَدْ كَتَبْنَا فِى ٱلزَّبُورِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ٱلذِّكْرِ أَنَّ ٱلْأَرْضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِىَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ ١٠٥

Surely, following the ˹heavenly˺ Record, We decreed in the Scriptures: “My righteous servants shall inherit the land.”[1]

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

[1] This refers to Psalm 37:29: “The righteous shall inherit the land.” See footnote for 39:47.

Dan demi sesungguhnya, Kami telah tulis di dalam Kitab-kitab yang Kami turunkan sesudah ada tulisannya pada Lauh Mahfuz: "Bahawasanya bumi itu akan diwarisi oleh hamba-hambaKu yang soleh".

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:106

إِنَّ فِى هَـٰذَا لَبَلَـٰغًۭا لِّقَوْمٍ عَـٰبِدِينَ ١٠٦

Surely this ˹Quran˺ is sufficient ˹as a reminder˺ for those devoted to worship.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Sesungguhnya Al-Quran ini mengandungi keterangan-keterangan yang cukup bagi orang-orang yang (cita-citanya) mengerjakan ibadat (kepada Allah dengan berilmu).

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:107

وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةًۭ لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ١٠٧

We have sent you ˹O Prophet˺ only as a mercy for the whole world.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Dan tiadalah Kami mengutuskan engkau (wahai Muhammad), melainkan untuk menjadi rahmat bagi sekalian alam.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:108

قُلْ إِنَّمَا يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ أَنَّمَآ إِلَـٰهُكُمْ إِلَـٰهٌۭ وَٰحِدٌۭ ۖ فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ ١٠٨

Say, “What has been revealed to me is this: ‘Your God is only One God.’ Will you then submit?”

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Katakanlah: "Sesungguhnya yang diwahyukan kepadaku (mengenai ketuhanan ialah) bahawa Tuhan kamu hanyalah Tuhan yang bersifat Esa, maka adakah kamu mahu menurut apa yang diwahyukan kepadaku?"

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:109

فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَقُلْ ءَاذَنتُكُمْ عَلَىٰ سَوَآءٍۢ ۖ وَإِنْ أَدْرِىٓ أَقَرِيبٌ أَم بَعِيدٌۭ مَّا تُوعَدُونَ ١٠٩

If they turn away, then say, “I have warned you all equally. I do not know if what you are threatened with is near or far.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Sekiranya mereka berpaling ingkar maka katakanlah: "Aku telah memberitahu kepada kamu (apa yang diwahyukan kepadaku) dengan keterangan yang jelas untuk kita bersama; dan aku tidak mengetahui sama ada (balasan buruk) yang dijanjikan kerana keingkaran kamu itu, sudah dekat atau masih jauh.

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:110

إِنَّهُۥ يَعْلَمُ ٱلْجَهْرَ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْلِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَكْتُمُونَ ١١٠

Allah surely knows what you say openly and whatever you hide.

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

Sesungguhnya Allah mengetahui akan perkataan yang kamu sebutkan dengan terus terang, dan juga Ia mengetahui apa yang kamu sembunyikan (di dalam hati).

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:111

وَإِنْ أَدْرِى لَعَلَّهُۥ فِتْنَةٌۭ لَّكُمْ وَمَتَـٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍۢ ١١١

I do not know if this ˹delay˺ is possibly a test for you and an enjoyment for a while.”

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

"Dan aku tidak mengetahui (mengapa dilambatkan balasan buruk yang dijanjikan kepada kamu itu) jangan-jangan lambatnya menjadi satu sebab yang menambahkan azab kamu, dan di samping itu memberi kamu kesenangan hidup hingga ke suatu masa yang tertentu".

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

21:112

قَـٰلَ رَبِّ ٱحْكُم بِٱلْحَقِّ ۗ وَرَبُّنَا ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ ٱلْمُسْتَعَانُ عَلَىٰ مَا تَصِفُونَ ١١٢

˹In the end,˺ the Prophet said, “My Lord! Judge ˹between us˺ in truth. And our Lord is the Most Compassionate, Whose help is sought against what you claim.”[1] 

— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran

[1] Meaning, “We seek Allah’s help against your claims that He has partners ˹in worship˺.”

(Nabi Muhammad merayu dengan) berkata: "Wahai Tuhanku, hukumkanlah (di antara kami dengan mereka) dengan yang benar; dan Tuhan kami ialah Yang Melimpah-limpah rahmatNya yang dipohonkan pertolonganNya terhadap apa yang kamu sifatkan itu".

— Abdullah Muhammad Basmeih

[manglednatalia]

Some headcanons and speculations, mostly about Zul but overall trolls and Zandalar too

Wtf even is troll aging

Ok, so the lifespan. I heard that in Shadows Rising Talanji is 18, which makes me assume trolls reach adulthood similarly to humans. With that being said, further maturing isn't as similar. Why? Troll regeneration. It's fast and can handle pretty serious injuries. It must influence the aging, since (physical) aging includes cells not regenerating as they used to. Rastakhan ruled over 200 (many troll lifetimes as Talanji said), what makes him different is that he's blessed by loa, remained youthful and survived the many assassination attempts. And we also have Zul, someone who's in age close to Rastakhan (hell, maybe even older then the beloved king). He's a prophet and he sees different futures based on taken actions. He must've had many visions where he dies and did anything to run away from Bwonsamdi's cold embrace. We don't have any exact information about the length of troll life, but I feel like many trolls don't die due old age

"From a young age, Zul was burdened by prophecies of dark times and the end of the world. (...)"

Now let's focus on the seer. 99% of what I'll say is speculation and headcanons. In a post about my observations regarding him, I stated he very likely has albinism. I believe this condition along with visions of future caused his life many hardships from very beginning

Old friend

Zul and Rastakhan are said to be friends, but in bfa their relation seems stained. Through rightfully so. Lorewalker Cho tells about Zul's vision of the cataclysm and his many attempts at warning Rastakhan, which ended with the king giving him the ships just the shut him up. What caused this disregard? Pride? Or did something happened that was significant enough for Rastakhan to dismiss the visions?

[warcraft-lore-archives]

A History of the Trolls’ Intertribal Relationships

Approx. 16,000 – 15,000 Years Before the Dark Portal Opens: The Formation of the Tribes

The first and most powerful tribe of trolls to arise is the Zandalar tribe, who lay claim to the highest peaks of the Zandalar mountain range and build a grand city of gold called Zuldazar [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 70]. Over the next several centuries, the Drakkari, Amani, and Gurubashi tribes form and amass enough strength to rival the Zandalari’s own [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 72]. A smaller tribe composed of dark trolls also comes together, although they remain largely independent from the others, uninterested in their desire for land and power [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 93].

During this time, the Drakkari, Amani, Gurubashi, and Zandalari all occasionally engage in skirmishes over hunting grounds, but major conflicts are few and far in between [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 72].

When the C’Thrax, Kith’ix, emerges and begins waging war on the trolls, the Zandalari move to unite the disparate tribes into one force – known as the Empire of Zul – strong enough to overcome the monstrous creature and its armies of aqir [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 72]. Realizing that the minions of the Old Gods must be defeated for good lest they rise up to threaten trollkind once more, the Zandalari convince the various troll factions to pursue the aqir wherever they flee across ancient Kalimdor. In return, the Drakkari, Amani, and Gurubashi are allowed to settle any land they find [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 73].

Both the Drakkari and Amani push north, whereas the Gurubashi pursue the insectoid aqir to the south. After centuries of fighting, the tribes eventually claim victory and, consequently, the land that was promised to them. Now located across far-reaching parts of ancient Kalimdor, the factions grow distant and become increasingly insular without war to bind them together. Nonetheless, the Zandalari continue to maintain a significant degree of influence over all of the trolls for years to come [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 73-74]. In fact, according to the non-canon RPG, trolls from each of the tribes gather in Zandalar every six years to discuss political matters [RPG: Lands of Mystery, pg. 82].

At some point between the formation of the tribes and the Third War, the Frostmane and Winterax tribes split off from the Drakkari Empire and settle in Dun Morogh and the Alterac Mountains respectively [Page: Winterax Tribe, Page: Eimear].

Approx. 10,000 Years Before the Dark Portal Opens: A Sharper Divide

The Razorbranch, a small tribe of jungle trolls living on the fringes of Gurubashi territory in modern-day Tanaris, are cut off from the rest of the Gurubashi Empire by the Sundering [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 76, Troll Compendium: Sand Trolls]. Following the catastrophic event, Tanaris undergoes dramatic climate change and quickly becomes a harsh desert wasteland. Forced to adapt to their new environment, the Razorbranch eventually rebrand themselves the Farraki and become known as the sand trolls [Twitter: Matt Burns, Troll Compendium: Sand Trolls].

Approx 2,800 Years Before the Dark Portal Opens: The Amani Encroach

The Zandalar tribe, seeking to reassert the trolls�� dominance in the Eastern Kingdoms by strengthening the Amani following their defeat at the hands of the high elves several thousand years prior, send a handful of emissaries to Zul’Aman to aid them in war against the quel’dorei [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 129]. Although the Amani are initially successful in battle, the high elves’ alliance with the humans ultimately proves too powerful for the trolls to overcome. The Zandalari emissaries, dismayed at their failure, return to Zandalar [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 131].

According to an outdated source, this is when many of the forest troll tribes break off from the Amani Empire and split into small, independent groups. Some – namely the Mossflayers, Vilebranch, Revantusk, and Witherbark – depart the Amani capital, Zul’Aman, in favor of reclaiming their tribal ancestral grounds in the Hinterlands and other regions in the northern Eastern Kingdoms [Troll Compendium: Forest Troll Tribes].

Approx 1,500 Years Before the Dark Portal Opens: The Loa of Blood

Desperate to reclaim their former glory after the Sundering destroyed much of their territory, the Gurubashi begin sacrifices to the loa of blood, Hakkar, in exchange for strength and power. Bolstered by the loa, the Gurubashi conquer and claim massive swaths of land in the southern Eastern Kingdoms, although it soon proves evident that Hakkar’s endless bloodlust will ultimately be turned on them. Horrified by this realization, some of the Zandalari sail to Stranglethorn Vale and put an end to Hakkar and his most crazed adherents, the Atal’ai [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 138].

Just as the Troll Wars fractured the Amani, so too do the Gurubashi fall apart after Hakkar’s defeat [Troll Compendium: Jungle Troll Tribes]. The Shatterspear tribe relocates across the world to northern Darkshore while both the Skullsplitter and Bloodscalp tribes stay in Stranglethorn Vale where they proceed to fight each other over territory [Troll Compendium: Shatterspear Tribe, Skullsplitter Tribe, Bloodscalp Tribe]. The Darkspear also remain in Stranglethorn for a time, but their violent warring with the Skullsplitter tribe and the constant abuse they suffer at the hands of the other jungle trolls ultimately causes them to leave and settle elsewhere [Troll Compendium: Darkspear Tribe, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 54, Quest: Split Bone Necklace, RPG: Horde Player’s Guide, pg. 142].

Approx. 6 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The Second War

Although the Amani Empire fractured into many independent tribes centuries earlier, they all agree to unite and join the Horde after Orgrim Doomhammer frees the Amani leader, Warlord Zul’jin, from a human prison camp in Hillsbrad [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume II, pg. 146-147, 160, Troll Compendium: Forest Trolls]. However, their alliance is short-lived as most of the forest troll tribes leave the Horde after the orcs’ crushing defeat and the trolls’ own failure to destroy Silvermoon City during the Second War. That said, one tribe, the Revantusk, stays and remains their ally [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume II, pg. 173, NPC: Elder Torntusk Dialogue, RPG: Horde Player’s Guide, pg. 9].

At this point, the already tenuous relationship between the various Amani tribes breaks down even further. The Revantusk took the Second War as an opportunity to claim more land in the Hinterlands, an action that enrages the Vilebranch and incites them to attack the Revantusk [Troll Compendium: Vilebranch Tribe]. The Witherbark also turn against the Horde-allied tribe, likely because of their decision to stay allied with the orcs [Troll Compendium: Witherbark Tribe, Revantusk Tribe].

Sometime after the Second War, both the Firetree and Smolderthorn forest troll tribes join with the Dark Horde and take up residence in Blackrock Spire [Troll Compendium: Firetree Tribe, Smolderthorn Tribe].

Approx. 21 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: A Growing Unity

Fleeing from the Alliance navy, Thrall and members of the new Horde temporarily take refuge on a chain of islands inhabited by the Darkspear trolls. After helping each other fend off Kul Tirans and murlocs alike, Thrall invites the Darkspear into the Horde [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 53-54]. They accept, making them the second tribe of trolls to officially join the Horde after the Revantusk.

Approx. 25 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: Hakkar’s Return

The Atal’ai, eager to bring Hakkar into the mortal plane once more, return to the capital of the Gurubashi Empire and begin enslaving Gurubashi trolls to use as sacrifices. King Rastakhan, leader of the Zandalari at the time, sends several of his personal emissaries to oversee and deal with the threat. The Zandalari emissaries travel to Stranglethorn Vale where, through their connection to the Darkspear tribe, they employ the help of Horde adventurers to defeat the loa of blood once and for all [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 123, NPC: Exzhal Dialogue].

Following Hakkar’s defeat, Bloodscalp trolls torture and kill Bloodlord Mandokir, the leader of the Gurubashi tribe [Quest: Who’s a Big Troll?].

Approx. 26-27 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The Empire of Ice

While the vast majority of the Drakkari stay in Northrend, the small Icetusk tribe departs on large canoes to escape the Lich King [Quest: Icetusk Fur Coat].

Just as in the past, a contingent of Zandalari trolls travel to Zul’Drak mostly to witness and chronicle the impending end of the Drakkari Empire, although some take a more active role and attempt to put a stop to the ice trolls’ blasphemous actions [NPC: Chronicler To’kini Dialogue, NPC: Hexxer Ubungo Dialogue].

The Winterax tribe, a group of ice trolls from the Alterac region, return to Northrend and rejoin the rest of the Drakkari for a time [Page: Winterax Tribe].

Approx. 28 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The Shatterspear

The Shatterspear are recruited into the Horde by Garrosh Hellscream, which unites them with both the Revantusk and Darkspear tribes [Page: Shatterspear Tribe]. Unfortunately, the death of their chieftain at the hands of the Alliance shortly thereafter greatly weakens them, leading many of the Shatterspear trolls to leave the tribe, although some decide to remain in the Horde [Ask CDev, Round 4].

Approx. 28-30 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: The Empire of Zul Reborn

Shortly after the Cataclysm, King Rastakhan – under the Dark Prophet Zul’s advisement – begins negotiations to unite the disparate troll tribes for the first time since the Empire of Zul’s  dissolution thousands of years ago [Object: The Dark Prophet Zul, NPC: Vol’jin Dialogue, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 74]. Zul, acting as Rastakhan’s liaison, initially unites the main Gurubashi and Amani tribes, although the Darkspear, led by Vol’jin, refuse to join because of their allegiance to the Horde [Trailer: Patch 4.1: Rise of the Zandalari, Vol’jin: Shadows of the Horde, Chapter 23, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 209]. It is only when the notorious Thunder King Lei Shen returns a few years later that Zul is able to fully, albeit briefly, unite all of the major troll tribes. He even succeeds in rallying the Frostmane tribe, a group of Drakkari indigenous to Dun Morogh, although the ice trolls are cut down by members of the Alliance, ultimately preventing them from joining with the Zandalari [Scenario: Blood in the Snow].

To cement the union of the tribes, each of their leaders come together in a Council of Elders that consists of representatives from the Drakkari, Amani, Farakki, Gurubashi, and, most importantly, the Zandalari [Dungeon Journal: Throne of Thunder, Council of Elders]. Unfortunately, the Council of Elders and, consequently, the united troll empire, fall apart after Lei Shen’s defeat.

Approx. 33 Years After the Dark Portal Opens: A Horde United

Under Queen Talanji’s rule, the Zandalari officially join the Horde, an action that unites four troll tribes: the Darkspear, the Revantusk, the Zandalari, and what remains of the Shatterspear [Quest: Allegiance of the Zandalari, NPC: Elder Torntusk Dialogue, Page: Shatterspear Tribe].

Present Day

Many of the troll tribes currently harbor a strong disdain for the Horde and, consequently, any Horde-allied trolls, especially the Darkspear [NPC: Bloodscalp Speaker Dialogue, Troll Compendium: Firetree Tribe]. While some simply dislike the Horde because they see them as weak, others hold grudges against several of the races that make up the Horde – particularly the high elves, undead, and trolls [NPC: Firetree Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Mossflayer Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Skullsplitter Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Frostmane Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Winterax Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Smolderthorn Speaker Dialogue]. The Amani’s long-standing conflict with the high elves of Quel’thalas, for example, makes them particularly unfriendly toward the Horde and its former leader, Sylvanas Windrunner [NPC: Mossflayer Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Firetree Speaker Dialogue]. Moreover, some of the tribes resent the Darkspear and Revantusk for allying with the orcs, seeing them as having betrayed their own kind [NPC: Bloodscalp Speaker Dialogue, Troll Compendium: Firetree Tribe].

Although the Zandalari have always maintained a modicum of influence over the rest of the trolls, their decline in the last several years has led the other tribes to look down on them as well. Many of the troll speakers in Zandalar comment that the Zandalari are weak, stagnant, and both unlikely and unable to hold power for much longer [NPC: Bloodscalp Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Mossflayer Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Skullsplitter Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Frostmane Speaker Dialogue, NPC: Winterax Speaker Dialogue].

As things stand, the Darkspear consider both the Amani and Skullsplitter tribes to be their mortal enemies [Quest: Zul’Marosh, Quest: Split Bone Necklace].

[thesuncouncil]

The Horde Council Banquet

[Hall of Legends]: The unprofessional debate seems to grow louder, as Zandalari and Forsaken diplomats start to nearly shout at one another!

[Avivion]: "Should we be worried about them?"

[Syrielle]: "Eh... you really want to get into that? What are they arguing about anyway?"

[Hall of Legends]: "--Like we can really be trustin' ya kind afta ya Dark Lady abandoned us!" one of the Zandalari diplomats shouts, accusingly. "How -dare- you compare us to her? Should I liken all your kind to your Prophet Zul, then?" a Forsaken hisses back!

[Avivion]: "It's not the subject I care about so much as concern that they might start throwing things."

[Hall of Legends]: A hush falls over the room, as most of the diplomats turn their attention to the unfolding scene...

[Syrielle]: Syrielle watches the scene with interest now, taking small bites of food from her plate.

[Hall of Legends]: "Enough of this! Ya Horde is full of cowards and liars!" the Zandalari declares! "Ya Council sits on their hands, honorin' some makeshift peace with tha Alliance scum that killed our King!"

[Luminash]: Luminash's ear quirks as he listens to the argument, though he outwardly seems to be paying attention to his food.

[Hall of Legends]: "--Hey, that's enough out of you!" an Orc pipes up. A few of them step in to intervene...

[Syrielle]: "Eesh..." Syrielle whispers, "Don't think that'll help. Orcs have zero patience."

[Hall of Legends]: "Don't ya be touchin' me, Orc!" The Zandalari slams his fist into the ground, knocking the Orcs and Forsaken away from him! The Orcs slam into the wall... and the Forsaken are knocked back towards the elves near the table!

[Beyron]: Bey'ron sidesteps quickly as a Forsaken careens past him! He scoffs.

[[ It’s never a dull moment for the Sun Council! Attending a preliminary banquet put on by the new Horde Council, Bey’ron and his attendant Frentessa, Syrielle, Luminash, and Council Protocol officer Avivion, found what was supposed to be a casual, almost dull affair quickly turned into an all out brawl! Some discontentment among the Horde and its allies shows peace may be further off than we thought-- even among our own! Read the full logs here! Thanks to those who attended, and welcome our new member Avivion, played by the talented @anidragon​! ]]

[alittlepieceofwarcraft]

Loa: A Complete Lore Guide

SOURCE

Summary list followed by an individual deep dive.

*Loas are roughly categorised for simplicity and may not 100% fit their section (eg Hakkar the Soulflayer appears serpent-like but may not be one, Jani can be argued to be both dinosaur and reptile).

What is a loa?

A loa is the name trolls give to the beings they worship, such as the Wild Gods. While beings such as the Celestials and Ancient Guardians are Wild Gods, trolls specifically worship what they consider to be loa.

Loa can live on to be reborn if their physical form is destroyed but not their spirit.

Summary list of loa

Aquatic loa

Gral the shark loa (Zandalari).

Krag’wa the frog loa (Darkspear, Zandalari).

Torga the turtle loa (Zandalari, Tortollans).

Bird loa

Akil’zon the eagle loa (Amani, Zandalari).

Jan’alai the dragonhawk loa (Amani, Zandalari).

Bear loa

Nalorakk the bear loa (Amani, Zandalari).

Rhunok the arctic bear loa (Drakkari).

Cat loa 

Bethekk the panther loa (Gurubashi, Zandalari).

Eraka no Kimbul (or “Kimbul”, Farraki, Zandalari, Tortollans). 

Halazzi the lynx loa (Amani, Zandalari).

Har'koa the snow leopard loa (Drakkari, Zandalari).

Shirvallah the loa of tigers (Darkspear, Gurubashi, Zandalari).

Dinosaur loa

Gonk the raptor loa (Darkspear, Zandalari). 

Pa’ku the pterrordax loa (Zandalari).

Rezan the devilsaur loa (Zandalari).

Torcali the direhorn loa (Zandalari). 

Insect loa

Elortha no Shadra (or “Shadra”), the spider loa (Vilebranch, Witherbark, Gurubashi, Farraki, Zandalari).

Kith'ix the C'Thraxxi loa (Zan'do's followers).

Reptile loa

Akunda the thunder lizard loa (Zandalari).

Hakkar the Soulflayer (Gurubashi, Vilebranch).

Hethiss the snake loa (Gurubashi, Zandalari).

Jani the saurid loa (Zandalari).

Quetz'lun the wind serpent loa (Drakkari). 

Sethraliss the snake loa (Zandalari, Sethrak).

Sseratus the loa of serpents and snakes (Drakkari).

Tharon'ja the wind serpent loa (Drakkari).

Troll loa 

Dambala (Darkspear, Zandalari).

Grimath (Zandalari).

Lukou (Darkspear, Zandalari).

Samedi loa of the grave (Darkspear).

Zanza (Zandalari).

Other loa

Akali the rhino loa (Drakkari).

Bwonsamdi the loa of death (Darkspear, Zandalari).

G’huun an Old God of blood (Blood trolls).

Hir’eek the bat loa (Blood trolls, Darkspear, Gurubashi, Zandalari).

Mam’toth the mammoth loa (Drakkari).

Ueetay no Mueh'zala (or “Mueh'zala”), the loa of death (Farraki).

Tip jar

Ko-fi

Paypal

Deep Dive into the loa

Gral

Gral is a shark loa of the sea that is worshipped by the Zandalari tribe. It is said that he knows even the deepest and darkest parts of the ocean and watches over every voyage. He is known to be wise and powerful.

Five years before the war in Zandalar, the naga tore down Gral's temple Atal'Gral and killed every last one of his followers. Gral was weak from the attack and remained missing for many years. When the naga returned, he did too, hoping to defeat the force’s leader Summoner Siavass and he has sworn revenge upon Queen Azshara should she come up from where he knew she currently could not leave.

Krag’wa

Krag’wa is a frog loa honoured by both the Darkspear tribe and the Zandalari. He is known to be powerful, but also impulsive and demanding. 

His followers used to bring him offerings from all around the Frogmarsh in Nazmir. The trolls began listening to the whispering darkness and in response Krag'wa stored some of his power in the totems that surround his lair. He refused to bend to the will of G’huun and so the blood trolls began attacking. Every one of his worshippers were slain and he was made weak, having to restore himself. Once strong again, he enacted revenge upon them.  

He later participated in the final charge against the blood trolls in Year 33, led by Princess Talanji. He opened the way to their leader Grand Ma'da Ateena and also participated in the defence of Zuldazar when Zul sought to destroy the Great Seal. He held off blood trolls coming from the Blood Gate.

Crawgs are former tadpoles of Krag’wa that have been corrupted by the blood trolls' blood magic.

Torga

Torga is known as a wise and benevolent loa with the tortollan people making pilgrimages to him to hear his stories. He is worshipped by both the Zandalari and the Tortollans. 

Torga was killed by the blood trolls in Nazmir. They  consumed his flesh and used his blood to raise undead and to summon Jungo, Herald of the Blood God. The location of his body is known as Torga's Rest. Bwonsamdi later summoned the Spirit of Torga  to the turtle loa. He later was reincarnated as a young turtle and now sits at the head of the tortollan Lashk.

Akil’zon

Akil’zon is the loa of eagles, worshipped by the Amani and Zandalari. 

In Year 26, Hex Lord Malacrass stole his essence, placing it into one of the Amani's most talented shamans. He also appears in Zul'Aman where his spirit is chained by Zul'jin. His is freed when the chieftain troll is killed. In Year 27, Akil'zon appears again in Zul'Aman where his spirit is chained by Daakara. He is freed when Daakara is killed.

Jan’alai

Jan’alai is the dragonhawk loa, honoured by both the Amani and Zandalari. 

Alike Akil’zon, Malacrass stole his essence, imbuing it into one of the Amani's deadliest rogues. His spirit is chained by Zul'jin and similarly is freed when the chieftain troll is killed. He again is also chained in Zul’Aman and freed when Draakara is killed.

Nalorakk

Nalorakk is the bear loa worshipped by the Amani and Zandalari. 

He, alongside Akil’zon and Jan’alai, also has his essence stolen and chained to Zul’jin as well as in Zul’Aman and is freed alike the former two loas.

The Amani decorate their Amani Battle Bears with magic amulets and ceremonial masks to honour him.

Rhunok

Rhunok is known as the Bear of the North, loa of arctic bears and is worshipped by the Drakkari.

In Year 27, his prophet first tried to absorb the loa's power but absorbed too much and subsequently killed himself. Priests of Rhunok quickly resurrected the prophet and he returned to making attemps to steal the loa’s power. To stop his prophet and end his suffering, Rhunok asked an adventurer to revive him and then slay him. It is said he will one day return as his spirit lives forever.

Bethekk 

Bethekk is a panther loa recognised by the Gurubashi and the Zandalari,

She was held in Zul'Gurub against her will when the Hakkari were attempting to resurrect Hakkar in Year 25.

She is represented on Azeroth through a champion of her choosing. High Priestess Kilnara holds this position. Kilnara is the sister of the previous champion, High Priestess Arlokk, who was killed a few years ago, meaning Bethekk was forced to choose another and chose her sister.

Kimbul

Also known as “Eraka no Kimbul”, is a tiger loa worshipped by the Farraki and Zandalari.

Centuries ago, Kimbul's temple in Vol'dun was attacked by a naga army led by Summoner Mepjila. Unfortunately, Kimbul arrived too late to save his followers from death. He hunted the remaining naga down to the last and none escaped, however as he killed the naga leader she cast a spell that cursed the souls of Kimbul's followers into unending torment. Until their souls were freed, Kimbul could not accept new followers. He took a powerful artifact known as the Ring of Tides as his trophy from the battle with Mepjila.

In Year 30, Kimbul was summoned by the Sandfury tribe at Zul'Farrak so they could sacrifice their prisoners - Aramar Thorne, Makasa Flintwill, Taryndrella, Hackle, and Murky - to him. Kimbul showed respect to Makasa and Hackle for they were predators and not prey, and he was the Prey's Doom. Kimbul told them that they had nothing to fear from him and vanished.

In Year 33, Kimbul can be found at the Temple of Kimbul in Vol'dun. The naga attacked Kimbul's territory looking for the Ring of Tides. Seeking his help against the naga threat, the tortollan Tortaka tribe spoke to Kimbul at his temple. Kimbul tasked an adventurer with entering the Shadowlands where his cursed followers continued to fight for eternity and slaying Mepjila's spirit to break her spell. With his followers at peace, Kimbul moved to protect the Tortaka tribe from the naga with the adventurer as his avatar. Afterward he accepted the Tortaka as his followers. Kimbul also participated in the defence of Zuldazar when Zul and his forces sought to destroy the Great Seal. 

Halazzi

Halazzi is a lynx loa honoured by the Amani and Zandalari.

He suffered the same incidences in Zul’Drak. 

Har'koa

Har’koa is a snow leopard loa honoured by the Drakkari and the Zandalari. Her mate is Loque'nahak.

After the Drakkari turned on their gods in Year 27, Har'koa was the last of the gods to be subdued and the trolls used her power in order to curse her children. Witch Doctor Khufu is able to contact other gods, adventurers are sent to aid Har'koa. After freeing her children Har'koa sends adventurers to help other loa: Rhunok, Quetz'lun, and Akali. She is saddened that she couldn't aid other loa such as Mam'toth.

While able to aid the other loa, Akali is ultimately slain by his prophet, which causes Har'koa and Witch Doctor Khufu to work together. Har'koa helps adventurers in fighting against the prophet to ensure his death.She sends adventurers to meet with Tol'mar, who directs them to destroy the Gundrak leadership.

Shirvallah

Shirvallah is a tiger loa worshipped by the Darkspear, Gurubashi and Zandalari.

Their last champion was High Priest Thekal. Thekal had another high priest, who wielded The Warmace of Shirvallah. Long ago, it was lost to the sea with the high priest who wielded it.

Shirvallah was also held in Zul'Gurub against their will alongside the previously mentioned loa.

By the time of the war against the Iron Horde in Year 31, troll druids had created a way for all druids to take on a half-tiger form like those of Shirvallah's champions, called the Claws of Shirvallah.

Gonk

Gonk is the loa of raptors honoured by the Darkspear and Zandalari. Gonk's high priest is Wardruid Loti.  He is the loa of shapes and master of the hunt. The followers of Pa'ku and Gonk do not get along.

Gonk taught the Darkspear tribe how to contact the loa in a different way, allowing them to serve all the nature spirits at the same time instead of only one at a time. The other loa, such as Shirvallah, were against this but Gonk forced their hands in order to defeat Zalazane, who had trapped several loa inside the Emerald Dream. Through this, the Darkspear became druids, although the other loa are not happy about it and want the trolls to continue worshipping them one at a time.

Gonk did not just speak to the Zandalari. For his Raptari, his followers, Gonk is not just a fragment or piece of him, but physically there, a real voice they can listen to in person.

In Year 33, he aided Loti and Hexlord Raal against the Crimson Cultist within of Zanchul, the Speaker of the Horde became imbued with the powers of Gonk and Pa'ku. The Speaker was informed that they had to choose between the loa. Those who chose Gonk went out to find him Garden of the Loa, where in exchange for them raising a shrine for him he accepted them into his pack.

When the Atal'zul began their uprising against Rastakhan, Loti hurried to save Gonk to find Gonk had already slain the attackers who sought to kill him and drain his power. Gonk was among the army that King Rastakhan gathered to kill Zul. He was tasked to lead his followers to the Temple of the Prophet. Following the death of Rezan, Gonk ordered for a full retreat from Atal'Dazar. Noting that only Rezan's power could keep Bwonsamdi from claiming King Rastakhan, who was sorely wounded and ageing fast due to Rezan's death, Gonk revealed that he would offer Rastakhan his own power if not for the fact that it was not Gonk's domain to challenge the loa of death.

Gonk participated in the defense of Zuldazar when Zul and his forces sought to destroy the Great Seal. 

During the assault on Zuldazar Gonk discovered that the void elves sought to corrupt his children with their dark magics. 

Pa’ku

Pa’ku is a pterrordax loa worshipped by the Zandalari. Pa'ku is the master of the Zandalari's navy and her high priest is Raal. The followers of Pa'ku and Gonk do not get along.

In Year 33, Loti and Raal against the Crimson Cultist within Zanchul, the Speaker of the Horde became imbued with the powers of Gonk and Pa'ku. Following the death of Dregada, the Speaker was informed that they had to choose between the two loa. Those who chose Pa'ku were delivered to the loa by Raal by flying on the back of Ata the Winglord. After the Speaker earned Pa'ku's admiration, the loa instructed them to raise a statue to him so that all the trolls of the land knew they had bargained.[5]

When Zul betrayed Rastakhan and stabbed him, Pa'ku took the king away to Zeb'ahari.

Pa'ku participated in the defence of Zuldazar when Zul and his forces sought to destroy the Great Seal. 

Rezan

Rezan is was a devilsaur known as the “Loa of Kings” worshipped by the Zandalari.

Rezan is first encountered in Year 33 when his follower, King Rastakhan, was near death after being betrayed by Zul. Rastakhan was unable to be revived because his soul was in the grip of Bwonsamdi, loa of death. The Zandalari appealed to Rezan to confront Bwonsamdi and claim back Rastakhan's soul. He was successful.

At Rezan's temple, Zul's followers sought to drain Rezan of his power in the same way the Drakkari once did to their loa. Rastakhan and an adventurer killed Vilnak'dor, the troll performing the ritual, and once he was freed Rezan unleashed his fury upon the Atal'zul and their Kao-Tien allies. 

Rezan was among the army that Rastakhan gathered and led the charge into Atal'Dazar atop Mount Mugamba. During the confrontation with Zul, Rezan was slain. Without his power keeping Bwonsamdi at bay, Rastakhan began aging fast. Rezan's essence was used by Zul to revive Dazar, first king of the Zandalari.

Torcali

Torcali is a direhorn loa revered by the Zandalari trolls. She is a loa of the harvest.

Shadra

Also known as “Elortha no Shadra”, Shadra is the spider loa honoured by the Witherbark, Gurubashi, Farrak and Zandalari.

The Witherbark one time collected her most potent venom from her. The Forsaken, wanting her venom, wished to summon her and to do so summon her, it was required to know her true name (Elortha no Shadra). After Shadra was summoned and killed, her venom was sent to the Undercity.

Shadra was also held in Zul'Gurub against her will during the time when the Hakkari were attempting to resurrect Hakkar the Soulflayer in Year 25.

At Jintha'alor after the Cataclysm in Year 28, the Vilebranch tribe drank Shadra's blood and performed mass sacrifices for her. The Wildhammer wanted to kill her in advance before she could be directed to them, while the Forsaken once more wanted Shadra's venom for their apothecaries. At Shadra'Alor, she was once more summoned and killed.

In Year 30, Shadra communicated with Vol'jin through visions. 

Shadra, alike Kimbul, was summoned by the Sandfury tribe at Zul'Farrak so they could sacrifice their prisoners - Aramar Thorne, Makasa Flintwill, Taryndrella, Hackle, and Murky- to her. But Taryndrella, dryad daughter of Cenarius, stopped her from doing so. Shadra backed away,

In Year 33, her own high priestess Yazma trapped Shadra in the Shrine of Shadra in Zuldazar. Yazma thus consumed Shadra's might in the name of Zul, killing Shadra in the process, and transforming herself into a spider-like troll. Yazma told Shadra to "die forever", suggesting that she is deceased for good.

Kith'ix

Kith’ix was a C'Thraxxi generals and worshipped as a loa by Zan’do’s followers.

Trying to find the Discs of Norgannon keeper Loken unearthed the tombs of Kith'ix and his fellow C'Thraxxi general Zakajz and sent them to slay Tyr and reclaim the discs. Kith'ix and Zakazj overtook Tyr and his allies in the lands that would become the Tirisfal Glades. Tyr chose to hold off the C'Thraxxi alone so his companions could escape. In the end, Tyr sacrificed all of his remaining power and life force in a blinding explosion of arcane energy that killed Zakajz and nearly killed Kith'ix. Kith'ix survived and blindly fled southwest. The ancient loa inhabiting the area buried Kith'ix beneath the earth so that no other creature would disturb it.

Eventually the sentient dagger Xal'atath led the troll Zan'do and his followers to the forbidden mound, where they discovered that it was not rock but the hide of some monstrous creature. Believing it to be an undiscovered loa they performed rituals—offering blood sacrifices and plunging Xal'atath into its hide—to awaken him. Kith'ix brutally slaughtered the trolls.

Kith'ix reached out with his mind and found the aqir, having hidden deep underground since the fall of the Black Empire. The C'Thrax rallied the insectoid swarms to reclaim the surface of Azeroth once more. As both Kith'ix and the aqir expanded their power, they constructed a vast subterranean empire known as Azj'Aqir. The Zandalari rallied the tribes against this new foe and summoned the loa to fight by their side, tearing through the aqiri ranks and even wounding Kith'ix. The aqir were forced to retreat and Kith'ix, gravely wounded by the loa, fled to the northeast with a contingent of its closest aqiri followers. 

The Amani tracked the C'Thrax's trail far to the northeastern woodlands. In a final savage battle, the entire tribe flung itself in a suicidal attack against Kith'ix and its remaining insectoid minions. Only a tiny fraction of the troll army survived. Even so, the C'Thrax succumbed to its tireless hunters.

On the site where they had killed Kith'ix, the trolls established a new settlement. It would one day grow into a sprawling temple city known as Zul'Aman. 

Akunda 

Akunda is thunder lizard loa worshipped by the Zandalari. He represents storms and new beginnings.

Akunda was poisoned by his follower Akunda the Exalted, who took his memories from him. Using Akunda's power, Akunda the Exalted wiped the trolls at the temple of all of their memories. After Meijani and an adventurer from the Horde discovered this, they used Akunda's powers of the storm to slay Akunda the Exalted. Akunda restored the memories of his followers. Akunda offered his gift to the adventurer, allowing them to call upon the Boon of Akunda whenever they commune at an Altar of Akunda.

Akunda later participated in the defence of Zuldazar when Zul and his forces sought to destroy the Great Seal. 

Hakkar 

Hakkar, also known by his title “The Soulflayer”, is a blood loa honoured by the Gurucashi and Vilebranch. He is known to be destructive and malevolent.

A troll attempted to summon Hakkar on Zandalar many millennia ago. While he was stopped, it led to the breakout of a plague of corrupted blood which tore through the Zandalari Empire killing thousands of trolls.

Around Year -1,500, the Gurubashi trolls sought aid from ancient, mystical forces to aid them in their terro and famine. Hakkar heard the trolls' call and decided to aid them. Hakkar gave his secrets of blood to the Gurubashi and helped them extend their civilization across most of Stranglethorn Vale. Though he brought them great power, Hakkar wanted more and more for his efforts.[4] He filled his adherents with murderous rage and reveled in their dark emotions and fed off the blood they spilled. The Gurubashi realized what kind of creature they had allied with and turned against him. The strongest tribes rose up against Hakkar and his loyal priests known as the Atal'ai.

As Zul'Gurub continued to expand, the Zandalari's pleased surprise turned to disquiet. When they discovered the nature of Hakkar, they were horrified. The jungle trolls banded together with the Zandalari and rose up in open revolt. The budding empire was shattered by the magic unleashed between the angry god and his rebel children. The trolls succeeded in destroying Hakkar's avatar and banishing him from the world. Even his Atal'ai priests were eventually driven from the capital of Zul'Gurub. After his defeat, the various troll tribes of the jungle began battling each other and the Darkspear tribe left the continent.

The exiled priests fled far to the north, into the Swamp of Sorrows. There they erected the temple to Hakkar. The great dragon Aspect, Ysera, learned of the Atal'ai's plans and smashed the temple beneath the marshes. 

Around Year -18-19, some of the Gurubashi would continue to use Hakkar's blood magic, especially in their war against the humans of Stormwind. Green dragons that had been left by Ysera to guard the Temple of Atal'Hakkar had succumbed to another force, the Emerald Nightmare. The descendants of the Atal'ai returne to find that its guardians were disoriented and vulnerable. Both the Nightmare and the trolls dragged the dragons down into the depths of madness and corruption. The Atal'ai began their gruesome rituals to summon Hakkar into the world. Jammal'an believed the summoning of Hakkar will bring the Atal'ai immortality. A green dragon named Itharius called for help from the Cenarion Circle, who in turn sent an Alliance force to cleanse the temple and put an end to the Atal'ai's efforts.

In Year 25, Yeh'kinya tricked adventurers into taking an Ancient Egg from Jintha'Alor and infusing it with the essence of the defeated Avatar of Hakkar into a Filled Egg of Hakkar. Prospector Ironboot revealed that Yeh'kinya wasn't about to keep the world safe, but to bring the god Hakkar back. However, it was too late as Hakkar had already reborn in Zul'Gurub. The Atal'ai priests discovered that Hakkar's physical form could only be summoned within the ancient capital of the Gurubashi Empire, Zul'Gurub. In order to quell the blood god, the trolls of the land banded together and sent a contingent of High Priests into the ancient city. Each priest was a powerful champion of the Primal Gods but despite their best efforts, they fell under the sway of Hakkar. The Zandalari knew that they did not have the resources to scour the Atal'ai and their leader, Jin'do the Hexxer, from Zul'Gurub. They sent word through the Darkspear tribe. A large Horde strike force was sent to Zul'Gurub in turn. The Horde charged into the temple city, and though they the killed the priests and Jin'do, they were too late to stop Hakkar's summoning. Manifesting as a force of death and insanity, Hakkar poisoned the blood of the Horde's champions but he was unaware of the poison entering his veins as he fed on them and was consumed by his own magic.

The still burning kernel of Hakkar's power, was brought to Molthor and the heart was banished.

In Year 28, the Atal'ai in the Sanctum of the Fallen God have recovered a significant portion of his skeleton and seek to restore Hakkar back to life. The Atal'ai transported most of the blood they produced to Zul'Gurub. Meanwhile, Vilebranch tribe of the Hinterlands left Hakkar in favour of Shadra. Jin'do recovered the body of two high priests, High Priest Venoxis and High Priestess Jeklik, and then enlisted the aid of Zanzil the Outcast to resurrect them to serve Hakkar. Though adventurers working for the Zandalari trolls Maywiki and Chabal only succeeded in destroying Jeklik's body. Some time later, the Zandalari trolls under Zul united most of the tribes and aided in restoring Zul'Gurub to its former glory for the purpose of rebuilding the old troll empire. They hoped to use Hakkar in order to wage war on the other races of Azeroth. Adventurers in Zul'Gurub saw Jin'do, now going by name "the Godbreaker," holding Hakkar in submission and stripping out his power to infuse into himself. Upon destroying the spiritual chains holding the Soulflayer in place, Hakkar turns on Jin'do, and utterly destroys him, leaving only the corpse of Jin'do the Broken. He then vanishes, promising to return. 

Hethiss 

Hethiss is snake loa worshipped by the Gurubashi and Zandalari. 

Like the other Gurubashi loa, Hethiss was held in Zul'Gurub against his will during the time when the Hakkari were attempting to resurrect Hakkar the Soulflayer in Year 25.

Jani

Jani is the saurid loa worshipped by the Zandalari. He is known as Patron of Scavengers, the Lord of Thieves, the God of Garbage, Master of Minions, the Keeper of Secrets and the loa of discarded things. Jani looks out for people  such as the orphans and the poor and appears to be very protective of his children, as well as being quite the trickster, polymorphing those that hurt his children to humble them.

In Year 33, while killing some thieving saurid harassing a merchant, Jani appears as "The Big One" and attacks an adventurer. When they go to investigate a pile they are captured in the Big One's jaws, who reveals himself to be Jani. Jani is furious that the adventurer would kill his children and to teach them a lesson, he changes them into a saurid and forces them to go bite the one who originally sent them, Nokano. 

Quetz’lun

Quetz'lun is the loa of wind serpents worshipped by the Drakkari. 

In Year 27, she was betrayed by her prophet and slain to drain her power. Right before her physical manifestation was destroyed, Quetz'lun created her own private underworld nightmare in which she dragged all her former worshippers and high priests into. 

Her spirit will assist players in killing her prophet. After a ritual, she is drawn into the material world where she will be able to reclaim her power from the prophet. Once done, she brings him into her underworld domain to kill him over and over again.

Sethraliss 

Sethraliss was a snake loa worshipped by both Zandalari and Sethrak. She had power over lightening.  

During the Aqir and Troll War in Year -16,000 years ago, Mythrax the Unraveler slaughtered troll and sethrak.. Sethraliss sacrificed herself to save them, but though she struck Mythrax down Mythrax was still able to destroy the disc at the heart of Atul'Aman. Sethraliss' devoted followers transported her remains and built a temple around them while they awaited her rebirth. Sulthis, Vorrik, and Korthek worked together to seal Mythrax within the great pyramid.[4]

Years later, Korthek grew power hungry and sought to free Mythrax to conquer Zuldazar. He gathered like-minded sethrak and declared himself emperor. Other sethrak who were still loyal to Sethraliss were forced into hiding. Vorrik returned to his personal sanctum years later, he could still feel the ancient power of Sethraliss there, which he took as a sign that his loa endured.

In Year 33, General Jakra'zet of the Zanchuli Council allied with Korthek, and though Korthek was slain Jakra'zet successfully stole the keys to Atul'Aman and completed the ritual to revive Mythrax by sacrificing himself. The sethrak needed Sethraliss but she was yet to be reborn. The adventurer sent by Vorrik to investigate found a group of Zandalari who wanted to corrupt her into a dark loa that would lay waste to Vol'dun. The trolls were defeated and Sethraliss was rejuvenated.

 Sseratus

Sseratus is the the loa of serpents and snakes revered by the Drakkari.

Slad'ran was the high prophet of Sseratus. He sacrificed her hoping that it might help them save their home. He swore the Scourge would suffer for the sacrifices the Drakkari had been forced to commit.

Tharon’ja

Tharon'ja is the wind serpent loa honoured by the Drakkari. He is trusted guardian of Drak'Tharon Keep and the patron of those who defended the borders of Zul'Drak.

In Year 27, his own followers turned on him because to the threat of the Scourge and lies of the Lich King. His own Prophet killed him in Drak'Tharon Keep and claimed his power, driving the loa into the spirit world.[2]

Zur'chaka the Bonecrafter summoned Tharon'ja's spirit in order to communicate with him at the Za'Tual boneyard in Year 30.

Dambala

Dambala is a troll loa honoured by the Zandalari. 

He is only mentioned in Shadow Hunter Ty'jin's ability Blessing of Dambala.

Grimath

Grimath is an old Zandalari loa spirit honoured by them.

He is known to have been contacted by Zandalari trolls to aid them in tracking a direhorn.

Lukou

Lukou is a troll loa honoured by the Darkspear and Zandalari. 

She is mentioned in Shadow Hunter Ty'jin's ability called Blessing of Lukou.

In the RPG, she’s noted as the loa of healing and respite, and grants the ability to heal allies. Her power has no effect against undead in the area - she grants the capacity to heal, but she has no power over the restless dead.

Samedi

Samedi is the loa of the grave, honoured by the Darkspear.

Shadow Hunter Kajassa asked adventurers in Nagrand to use the Samedi Fetish to help shadow hunter souls move on and send them to Samedi.

In the RPG, it is mentioned that he is the loa of cemeteries and the restful sleep of the dead. In Samedi's eyes, the undead are abominations that should be destroyed.

Zanza

Also known as Zanza the Restless, Zanza is a loa of the Zandalar tribe found near the entrance to the Cache of Madness in Zul'Gurub. He is also honoured by them. 

He reveals that he created the magic used in Elven Librams which were originally his Savage Guard. They since stole Zanza's magic teachings and used them against the trolls.

Akali

Akali was the rhino loa of rhinos worshipped by the Drakkari. 

In Year 27, he was held in chains by his worshippers outside the gates of Gundrak. Adventurers freed Akali who is quick to kill his subduers. However, the Prophet of Akali notices and drinks of the loa's blood, claiming some of his power. Infused by power of the loa, the prophet swiftly kills Akali.

Bwonsamdi

Bwonsamdi is the loa of death worshipped by the Darkspear and the Zandalari.  Bwonsamdi's temple is the Necropolis. The spirits of all trolls on Zandalar go to him upon death and he brings the spirits of any who worship him into his realm, the Other Side. He grows more powerful the more souls are in his care.

Before they were driven away from the Echo Isles by Zalazane and his hexed trolls, the Darkspear tribe once worshipped the spirit. During the liberation of the Echo Isles in Year 27, Vol'jin tried to recruit Bwonsamdi to his side for the battle against Zalazane. After Vol'jin and his fellow Horde warriors proved themselves worthy, Bwonsamdi agreed to help them against Zalazane. With the battle won Bwonsamdi took his leave.

In Year 30, Vol'jin found that his shadow hunter powers were being withheld by the loa. Bwonsamdi contacted Vol'jin and told him that his injuries, self doubt, and conflicting loyalty toward the Horde has made the loa forsake him. Bwonsamdi showed him various visions. The Death Loa wished Vol'jin would use his influence to create as much strife and war as possible, for that would mean more souls would be sent to the other side on his behalf. Vol'jin refused. Vol'jin eventually proved his conviction and reaffirmed his identity, regaining both Bwonsamdi's respect and his powers. Bwonsamdi received the souls Vol'jin sent from the battles between the Shado-Pan and the Thunder King's forces.. At the end of the war, Vol'jin's companion Tyrathan Khort was near death. Vol'jin pleaded with Bwonsamdi to spare Tyrathan. The loa complied, knowing he would have his soul now or later, it did not matter.

In Year 33, King Rastakhan was betrayed by Zul and near death, Bwonsamdi claimed his soul and at first refused to give it back because the loa of kings Rezan had been keeping Rastakhan from him for too long. Rezan threatened Bwonsamdi into complying. When Rezan was slain by Zul, Rastakhan began to age quickly.

In Nazmir, the Zandalari forces sought the aid of the local loa to battle the blood trolls. Bwonsamdi's worshipper Hanzabu brought a Horde adventurer to the Necropolis to meet with him. After tasking the adventurer with cleansing his temple of the spirits who had abandoned Bwonsamdi for G'huun, Bwonsamdi agreed to pledge his powers to the fight against the blood trolls in exchange for one million souls. The ritual to finalize their contract was interrupted by Grand Ma'da Ateena, leader of the blood trolls, but she was successfully fought off.

Talanji and the tortollans called on Bwonsamdi to communicate with Torga's spirit. Bwonsamdi would only comply with a deal, the soul of another loa in exchange for communing with Torga, but Talanji refused. Instead, the souls of the blood trolls that had eaten Torga's flesh were used in exchange for communing with Torga.

Bwonsamdi participated in the final charge against the blood trolls led by Talanji. He prevented the adventurer from dying because they still had a debt to pay him.

Rastakhan made a deal with Bwonsamdi: If Bwonsamdi gave him the power to take back his empire, then Rastakhan would elevate Bwonsamdi above all other loa. Bwonsamdi accepted the deal on one condition: that the king's bloodline would be devoted to Bwonsamdi. Later, as Dazar'alor came under attack from Zul and Mythrax, Bwonsamdi empowered Rastakhan to kill Zul. 

After the Urn of Vol'jin is delivered to Atal'Dazar. Bwonsamdi appears saying to bring the urn to his necropolis instead, as he hasn't seen Vol'jin in quite some time. There Bwonsamdi discovers that Vol'jin spirit isn't in the urn.

Seeking to learn where Vol'jin's spirit had gone missing, Bwonsamdi tasked the adventurer and Talanji with performing a seance with the aid of some of Vol'jin's friends from life, Gadrin and Rokhan. They succeeded in contacting him deep within the Shadowlands, and he tasked them with slaying G'huun as justice for the sons and daughters of the loa and the heart of Zandalar. 

Following the deaths of the Horde's Champion of the Light and Jadefire Masters during the Battle of Dazar'alor, King Rastakhan urged Bwonsamdi to aid his forces. Bwonsamdi created a blood moon and raised the dead to fend off the Alliance. Bwonsamdi also raised Grong into a Revenant and turned him against the Alliance after Horde adventurers slew the giant gorilla. When the Alliance reached King Rastakhan. Rastakhan was still ultimately killed. As Talanji held her dying father, Rastakhan's pact with Bwonsamdi was transferred to her as he took his final breath. Bwonsamdi himself then appeared before Talanji, who demanded to know what he had done to her, unaware of the pact her father made that bound his bloodline to the loa of graves. In response, Bwonsamdi merely revealed that her father never told her about their bargain. 

Vol'jin's spirit, Talanji, and Baine Bloodhoof returned to the Necropolis to reveal that Vol'jin had been calling for him. They confronted Bwonsamdi to ask him if he was the one who had told him to make Sylvanas the Warchief, which Bwonsamdi denied. Bwonsamdi agreed to help them find out who had really told Vol'jin to put Sylvanas in charge.

Bwonsamdi opened a Death Gate to one of his rivals in the ownership of souls: the Lich King. Like Bwonsamdi, the Lich King told Vol'jin that he was not responsible and that Sylvanas was upsetting the balance of life and death.Realizing that Vol'jin's spirit was getting help from some other power, Bwonsamdi also sent them to speak to the Val'kyr Eyir Eyir did not allow Talanji to enter her hall as she was a priestess of the death loa. Eyir informed the group that Vol'jin had been "touched by the hand of valor". Back at the Necropolis, Bwonsamdi mused that while Eyir and the Lich King were not his only rivals they were the ones he thought most likely to be behind it. He urged Vol'jin to search not the living world but the Shadowlands for his answers.

G’huun

G’huun was an Old God inadvertently created by the Pantheon during their experiments on the other imprisoned Old Gods, as the titans tried to find a solution to the problem that they posed. He was worshipped as a loa by the blood trolls and they consider themselves to be his children.

In Year 33, his prison began to weaken and  G'huun's corruption begun spreading across the land. He also started wresting control over the souls of the dead from Bwonsamdi. G'huun corrupted Hir'eek and turned him into his servant. Adventurers worked alongside Jo'chunga and struck Hir'eek down in order to weaken G'huun's forces.

With the seal of Atul'Aman destroyed by Mythrax, and the seal of Nazwatha destroyed by the Cataclysm, Zul and his allies, General Jakra'zet and Yazma, worked to free the Blood God by undoing the last remaining seal, in Zuldazar. The plan was to have G'huun replace the loa as the trolls' new god. The seal was ultimately destroyed by Mythrax during the invasion of Dazar'alor. A group of adventurers entered Uldir and slew G'huun before he could break free.

Hir’eek

Hir’eek was a bat loa honoured by Blood trolls, Darkspear, the Gurubashi and the Zandalari. He is known as the Lord of the Midnight Sky.

Like the other loa of the Gurubashi tribe, Hir'eek was held in Zul'Gurub against his will during the time when the Hakkari were attempting to resurrect Hakkar in Year 25. 

After the Cataclysm in Year 28, adventurers in the Cape of Stranglethorn were guided by the spirit of Hir'eek to spy on Zanzil the Outcast's meeting with the Shade of the Hexxer.

In Year 30, before entering the Ancient Passage just prior to his assassination attempt, Vol'jin noticed a flock of bats flying out of the cave. He thought of Hir'eek and wondered if it was a warning.

In Year 33, was corrupted by G'huun and the blood trolls,[7] and subsequently slain by an adventurer with the aid of Jo'chunga and his poison. His death was mourned by the Zandalari. His spirit presumably returned to the Emerald Dream.

Mam’toth

Mam’toth was the loa of mammoths homoured by the Drakkari. When he learnt of his worshippers' plans to steal his power, he destroyed himself, his temple and all worshippers present, creating in Mam'toth Crater.

Moorabi was the high prophet of Mam'tothdrank of the loa's blood and gained some of his power hoping to defend Zul'Drak.

Mueh'zala

Also known as Ueetay no Mueh'zala, is the loa of death honoured by the Farraki. He is known also as the Father of Sleep, the Son of Time and the Night's Friend.

[atalzul]

a couple of really short unfinished drabbles - still working on two zulrasta oneshots that are being uncooperative!

[drabble 1: zulrasta, post 8.1. Would make a nice setup for a timeloop fic but I’m scared of tackling multichap!]

Rastakhan wakes with a jolt to feel tears dripping down his face.

He can only lay there, suffocated by the weight of grief and regret chewing at his guts, face screwed up as fresh tears well up.

I’m sorry -

His pillow is uncomfortably damp by the time the grip of the nightmare fades. Rastakhan sits up and rubs at his face in the darkness.

How strange.

He hasn’t had a nightmare of this degree in decades. Already the specifics are slipping from his memory. Betrayal, failure, loss. A beloved daughter, her face and name already lost to him.

Rastakhan has no children.

But nonetheless, a chill runs down his spine. Not all nightmares were merely the ruminations of an unsettled mind; sometimes they were the way that spirits whispered to those otherwise blind to the Sight.

He’ll have to consult the priests today.

Though no natural light penetrates this deep into the pyramid, Rastakhan knows it’s still night from his own internal clock and the lack of light from the enchanted torches. He slumps back into bed, making a face when his cheek touches his now cold and damp pillow.

“Ugh,” he grunts. He reaches through the darkness for his other pillow, tugging.

Someone grumbles.

Rastakhan focuses his vision, dim night static clearing up into a head of long hair to his left. A troll, facing away, curled protectively around the pillow Rastakhan had just tried to steal.

Rastakhan nearly laughs. That nightmare had truly rattled him for him to forget that Zul was sleeping here tonight! The king rolls onto his side and pulls his prophet close, nestling the smaller troll tightly against him. Zul answers with a sleepy purr, adjusting minutely into a more comfortable position.

The familiar scent of Zul’s hair is soothing. A lump forms in his throat, and Rastakhan tries to blink away fresh, unwanted tears.

What’s going on, what’s wrong with me -

He tries to control his shaky inhale but his throat catches and, helpless before the fresh wave of emotion slamming into him, Rastakhan starts sobbing.

Zul’s contented purr becomes warbling and irritated as Rastakhan clutches him tightly, squeezing him like a child’s stuffed raptor.

Gone gone gone I lost I failed 

------------------------------------

[drabble 2: inspired by finding out that Natal’Hakata in the Great Seal is Voice of the King and manager of Rastakhan’s schedule. Jamil is the royal doctor. They must have to deal with so much ridiculous and confidential shit regarding Rasta]

Natal'hakata is already nursing a tall drink when Jamil gets to the watering hole. Ehu'ye, the doctor notes, observing the pale purple color and slight golden sheen. Strong stuff.

He settles into the seat next to the brooding troll, the rickety contraption of wood and threadbare fur groaning a complaint beneath him.

The Voice of the King gestures casually, forming a privacy ward with the ease of long practice, though both of them are already nearly unrecognizable without their usual regalia. 

Jamil waves down the bartender and, pointing wordlessly at Natal'kakata's glass, orders a girding ehu'ye for himself as well. Only after he's taken a bracing gulp, fire tracing its way down his throat, does he turn to his only confidante.

Natal'hakata always looks tired when the powders and glamours come off, but the bags under his eyes and the stress creases on his face seem particularly pronounced today.

Jamil sighs gustily.

"So. What did he do now?"

[tifonbellanariablog]

Those dark decisions

DISCLAIMER: I do not own “Zappyboy”, nor the world and characters of Azeroth, this is just a random thing that came to my mind, I proofread it in case anything was poorly written. 

Hello, peeps. For those of you who don’t know, I’m a fan of World of Warcraft.  I know Nyatzhanvan may be “Blizzard morally grey” as Sylvanas, but, despite they being nearly the same age, with Nya relying a lot more on the fell-corrupted magic, she has those weird green eyes. Don’t worry, Kharayna will be fine. Of course she will. Do you think “cinnamon bun” here would abduct her? No!  I don’t think Nyatzhanvan would remember that either. Despite being a bleep, she’s a forgetful old b...and tends not to remember things. Azeroth needs more comedy.  

« The young bird is always caught by the chill of the dawn. » A female voice spoke in Orcish.

It was the password for the meeting with his superior officer, Nyatzhanvan. His ears flicked towards the sound, flattening against his head. Zekhan swallowed after he walked towards the voice. He had received the mission three days before, with two coins of Gold and a pouch of sixty Silver. He instinctively knew it was from one of the Horde’s trusted warriors. However, when he had seen her name – he dare not think of it – he shuddered in awe.  She was a Blood-Elf mercenary and a rather good at that. The proof was that she had survived the Pandaren Isles Invasion and battles against the Zandalar Prophet Zul. Apart from cleansing the Scourge resurgent armies in Northrend that was the only accomplishment he had heard about her.  

The voice was chilling and sweet at the same time. Those fel-burning eyes glared at the hooded Troll with such finality he swore he could see why the majority of the Blood Elves felt a chill when she walked by. From the lithe and silent stride, he could have sworn he was meeting Lady Sylvanas herself. Although she barely reached his chest, she was intimidating.  But no, the green-coloured eyes, the long blond eyebrows were those of a living Sindorei. She reeked of a clean, sickly sweet scent. Whilst her tabard of the Silvermoon dragonhawk was ragged, the mantle and the dark blue hood were not. 

Handing to him a bag, she barely moved a muscle before turning towards the northwest.  

« Take this. I want her numbed, not dead. » She spoke in a fluent Orcish, the crystalline intonation of the murmuring voice doing nothing to calm him.

« Why would the Warchief want me to---» The boyish Troll glanced hopelessly at the female elf.

« She’s no Tyrande Whisperwind, I am very aware of that. I wouldn’t question “her”! If my sources are correct, the girl is the daughter of an ancient blacksmith and now revered champion of the Alliance. The Warchief needs her, and we shall take Kharayna to her. »    

« Why would we do that? »

She laughed bitterly, her eyes reflecting the dimness of her lantern.

« I’m afraid I am not that welcome within Booty Bay. Let’s just say I have a terrible temper. »

A small, graceful movement told him she was shrugging.

« Besides, weren’t you the boy who wanted to see the world?  In my time, I saw the world, I travelled to all manner of places. Working for all types and races has its advantages. »

« This ain’t what I had in mind… This is…awful, cowardly! »

Zekhan meant it. His father had always taught him never to give reason to the Alliance soldiers who thought all Trolls were conniving, deceiving savages. Yet, there was one woman who had been rumoured to be cruel and yet, efficient…Telling him it did not matter. It did not matter whether his visions on the world were true or false.  

At this, the rogue merely sighed, cleaning with a crystalline liquid her blade.  

« It never is. I shall give you thrice the amount of money you received in Durotar---»

« Ya may keep your shitty gold! »

At this sudden snarl from Zekhan, the Blood-Elf narrowed her eyes. Nevertheless, her voice remained calm.   A blade was revealed, the edge sharp and enough to slice the youthful shaman’s throat. Hovering the blade only a few inches from her own neck, the rogue snorted.

« You know, Lady Sylvanas knows me personally. I wonder what will happen when I tell her the boorish and treacherous way you spoke to me. I wonder how your mother will feel… »

Pearls of sweat streamed from Zekhan’s chin. His brown eyes widened in worry, a small frown of worry crossing his features.  He knew his mother would cry, she always cried, even when he went as far to train with the Shaman master, only one mile from their hut.

« Forgive me! »  He croaked, the voice clearly alarmed at the threat.

A moment passed, the knife only vaguely distinct between her lantern and the emerald green in her eyes.

« All right, sweetie. You are so young… There’s no reason for me to execute you.  That is, if you manage to capture that little Keldorei. There’s no mistaking it, she has amber eyes, dark greenish hair combed neatly to her side and a few marks marking her as a druid---»

« She’s a druid in training?! » Zekhan gawked, fists balled.                    

Thrall had often assured many shamans and druids no druid walking in neutral territory would be harmed by the Horde. Vol’jin repeated that. The smell of burning hearths flowing from the dark tunnel entrance tasted bitter in the Troll’s nose.  He shuddered. These were dark times indeed.

A long silence followed. He did not fear the Forsaken as whole. He was certain his father would have told him not to fear the “undead”.  As Zekhan was about to say how he could place the Night-Elf in the bag, he glanced backwards…Only to see the Blood-Elf had disappeared.

[sporebat]

Torgali

Drakkari Troll Hunter

When she was young, she believed in many things. Her family were all hunters and trappers, moving freely between city and camps and shrines. They traded meat in smaller settlements; and furs and leather in the great markets of Drak'tharon and Gundrak and to the armorers of the great Amphitheater. . As soon as her fingers were nimble enough to fix trap lines, she was put to work in the trade. The gods were real in her life in those days. Her mother made devotions to the shrine of Zim'Torga - her namesake - and prayed to the great serpents Sseratus and Quetz'lun for swiftness and cunning. Her father gave thanks to Har'koa to bless his hunts. Both of them gave thanks to the strongest gods - Akali and Rhunok and Mam'toth - that their family would remain healthy and resilient and strong. Then the Scourge came. Her other brother disappeared while on a trading expedition to Drak'tharon. Was killed or taken - they heard some reports that he had been seen (or something that looked like him) fighting with the enemy, clad in dark armor and the unholy strength of the Lich King's servants. Her parents fled north to seek counsel from the priests and prophets   every god and spirit they could think of. What should they do in the face of all of this? At almost every shrine and altar they went to, the answer was the same. There was great work in for skilled hunters and trappers in that time. A great demand for tough hides to make into armor, for offerings of blood for blessings. They turned first on the blood of their gods' sacred animals. Later it was just the gods themselves. She watched her father lose his higher reason to overconsuming the loa's power for strength. Her mother vanished as she worked a job for the Altar of Quetz'lun, the wind serpent she'd cherished so dearly. The rumors that came from place were horrible. For Torgali herself, that time was a blur of activity, riding high on desperate stolen power until it was over. When it was over, her homeland felt truly cold for the first time. Most of the gods were dead, but there were things to believe in still. The Zandalari who had taken over the old shrine of Zim'Torga and other places threated her with pity and contempt for the most part, but still had need of  for hunters and guides, for provisions, that she became one of those people who were grudgingly accepted. When Zul's emissaries came to collect the remnants of the old empire, she wanted to believe in that too. She followed the scraps and tatters of what was left of her people to Pandaria, fought and worked hard to distinguish herself. She was taken under the wing of a beast handler of the Zandalari Beast Ward - treated partially like a student and partially like a curiosity at times. But she learned things, and she made herself useful.  Eventually the tamer started treating her almost like a mascot. Her name just similar enough to Torcali, the loa he revered over all others, to resonate as a little symbolic in his superstitious mind.

(Sharp on the face and sharp behind it, he said when he was in a good mood about both her and his beloved direhorns)

Her time in Pandaria allowed her to see things and meet people she'd only heard ancient stories about, hone her skills into something fine. A kind of glorious and golden place after she'd endured so much desperation and hardship and loss. When it came to a crashing and violent end, there didn't seem much left int he world to believe in. And by then, it almost didn't matter. What part of her gods weren't dead lived in her blood now. To help with her work, she took to raising and training the beasts that remained after their patron spirits had died. Serpents, bears, snow leopards. The raptors of the north in homage to her late mentor, the great dinomancer. She took work where she could find it, taking contacts for a goblin 'conservationist' company with some loose ties to the Horde. It was interesting but somehow unsatisfying. Gradually, she just drifted back to her remaining contacts on Zandalar, hoping that at least there she might find some permanent place at last.

[thebeautifulmountain-blog]

Thoughts on the BlizzCon news?

Oh geeze, where do I even begin.Let’s try, least to most.

Nothing for Diablo, again… maybe one day. (though I’m assuming it’s because they’re actively all off working on something big - which probably isn’t Diablo related)

Starcraft 2 going free to play. - sure, but it isn’t a new single-player experience so why should I care? Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good game and you should definitely play it, but I’m not good enough to play against other people any more so yeah… means nothing to me.

Hearthstone got a new expansion and it’s… kobolds? The trailer for it is as awesome as ever, and Matt Mercer singing is just beautiful. I really hope the K&C expansion is literally just the team going “you know what is fun. Dungeons and Dragons, lets just do a Warcraft version and get Matt Mercer to do the trailer.”. I really hope that was the creative process. Plus it has a PvE Arena mode - which if it is a permanent feature to the game, I’ll definitely probably get into it.

Heroes of the Storm got new heroes revealed - we’ve all seen the spoilers, so no huge shock here. The trailer was a little meh, but Alexstrasza is #1 dragon bae and clearly the best choice for the first dragon aspect into the Nexus. We’ve got two dragons and two shimadas now, but still no proper Gnomes.Feels bad.

Overwatch is finally getting an Irish terrorist. FINALLY! She looks cool to play but her actual design and the fact she kind of came out of no-where without any kind of teasing or cinematic, considering what her backstory is and how crucial it actually is to Blackwatch.Her character design is not my favourite - I don’t think every agent of talon needs the terrible black trench-coat school-shooter vibe. She’d look way better in her Mercy-esque outfit that doesn’t wash out her already pale face and clash with her red hair. And there are other colours that would work well with the whole glowing chemical tubing (which is the only actual cool part about her outfit) and they really could have played up the bioshock alchemist vibe that she seems meant to have. Because honestly, if she doesn’t have a “would you kindly” voice line I’ll quit.I think if she was more monstrous and less just generically pretty like all the rest of the Overwatch characters, she’d be far more interestingly designed. Blizzard obviously knows how to make a good sexy monster - I mean, look at dragon-demon Symmetra, or the Queen of Blades, or Sylvanas Windrunner, the Banshee Queen, Lady of Darkness, Breaker of the Scourge, Reaper of Souls, Bane of the Alliance, Queen of Lordaeron and the Northern Kingdoms.Kit wise, she is absolutely interesting and should be heaps of fun to play. I’m not a massive fan of the beams, but the bouncing orbs, the teleport (as if we needed another one) and the kamehameha wave heal/damage ult is pretty tasty.The cinematic though, I was kind of disappointed in at first because we’ve got a new character and I was hoping it’d shed some light on her and get me invested in her as a character. I’m guessing they’ll do an Ana style thing on her (though I’m still waiting to give a shit about Orisa). But that it was Reinhardt’s backstory was pretty interesting. Turns out Reinhardt was a complete and utter toolbag who left his friends to die because of his own selfish glory-hounding.What a fucking piece of shit.That hair though really was glorious.

They should have given us Balderich. He was a beast, and a team player.Seriously though, fuck Reinhardt - I lost all respect for him.

Warcraft… oh geeze, where do I ever start. It’s all lore for me. It’s all amazing and depressing and happy and dark and fucked up. I was going into it expecting a massive Old Gods mess with major characters dying off and Sylvanas probably getting retconned into some evil monster and maybe Jaina actually ending up an Old God puppet.

Nope, we’re getting Mists of Pandaria 2.0.Lorewise, I’m livid because there is absolutely zero reason so far as to why the Horde and Alliance are so out for blood against one another - but I’m going to assume that that amazing trailer is depicting the Alliance being their usual evil-masquerading-as-good selves and attacking first.Yeah guys, we get it, the original Horde got in one sneak attack, doesn’t mean you get to do it for the rest of eternity.And we might lose Lordaeron - which also makes zero sense. The currently strongest part of the Horde getting driven out of their heartland is like if a group of uncultured Orcs sacked Stormwind - actually nevermind…Doesn’t matter, we’re taking Ashenvale, which means the Orcs will finally have unfettered industrial growth and land to farm. Finally Thrall’s dumb fucking decision to found a city on a desert will be righted. And I’m hoping the Forsaken get Tel’drassil, can you imagine how cool an undead world tree would look? Geeze.

The features of the expansion are cool as well, two new continents, one per faction - which is a real kick for people like me that super heavily invest in one faction over the other. Kul’tiras is kind of like a lore shangri-la, to finally actually have it and that it is Alliance gated (by the looks of it) is salt-inducing, but if I ever manage to pay for that sub again I’ll definitely roll through on my druid.Even better though, the Horde is finally moving to make reparations with the Zandalari - who really are natural allies now that that Old God loving self-proclaimed prophet Zul is defanged.

Plus other stuff, blah, blah. Oh, and Classic WoW servers.

Anyway, about that trailer.That is what the Warcraft movie should have been. I don’t even care if it ended up as Michael Bay-esque single-scene war-porn, watching the Alliance and Horde battle it out for an hour would be bliss. The Alliance are actually wearing armour like they’re meant to - while slowly morphing into the obvious villains they are.

I really super appreciate it as a lore-nerd, a real-world lore-nerd, a military-science nerd and a political lore-nerd. Just that cinematic really underpins why I find Warcraft a compelling setting despite all the flaws of the writing team.

It is a melange of cold-war ideologies clashing, between two imperfect empires with completely different world views and philosophies despite the similarities in their overall structure.You have the Alliance, whose prime goal has always been the destruction of the Horde and establishment of Alliance supremacy, finely honed and heavily armoured. They form up in neat lines and integrate their armies using mixed-unit tactics - the human shield wall and the dwarven rifle volley. With kaldorei archers supporting in the back and siege engines rolling up from behind. Draenei shock troops waiting for the break through and just one Worgen gude (fuck Genn so much) being all like “yeah, Gilneas is totally here as well my dudes.”

The Horde though, they’re messy, they’re all fury and bluster. They don’t need armour, they’re already all like tanks. Saurfang leading at the breach, Sylvanas standing on the walls directing her archers. The Horde doesn’t integrate, they just are. They’re brawlers not soldiers, they’re fighting for survival not some revanchist notion that all Alliance land is their own.Their leaders don’t send in their pawns to die, they’ve always lead from the front - they do it through honour and not a sense of nationalism.You see this when Saurfang stands against the fallen rampart, taking arrows instead of retreating to led his men die. When he personally leads the charge out into the melee. When Sylvanas, realising she can do better elsewhere unleashes her fury on the siege engines and fucking melts an entire squad of alliance footmen.

As factions they stem from the same place but grew to have very different conclusions. The Horde revolutionaries against the Alliance reactionaries, collectivism versus integrationism. Individualism fighting against bureaucracy.

I haven’t always agreed on some of the decisions that the lore team has made in terms of growing these two factions; be it introducing a greedy randian libertarianist Goblins into the largely socialist Horde, or the introduction of the rather obviously communist Draenei into the monarchist alliance. But the fact that they’ve worked on integrating those kinds of problems into the fabric of each faction really makes it feel far more real.

I kind of think it is a shame that it didn’t include at least one Gnome though. Mekkatorque in his battle armour looks pretty friggin’ boss.

I think that mostly covers it.

[warcraft-lore-archives]

A List of Known Zandalari Monarchs

Dazar, the First King (Reign: approx. 16,000 years BDP)

Dazar was the founder of Zandalar, the first to unite the disparate troll tribes, and, most importantly, the first true king of the trolls [Item: Embellished Tusk Band, Dungeon Journal: Kings’ Rest, Dazar].

According to legend, Dazar led the trolls out of the muck and up to the highest peaks of the Zandalar mountain range [Dungeon Journal: Kings’ Rest, Dazar]. Believing the region’s tallest plateaus to be the most sacred because they were home to the trolls’ honored loa, the Zandalar tribe - led by Dazar - settled the land and built a grand city of gold that would later come to be known as Zuldazar [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 71]. It is implied that those events coincided with the troll exodus from their former capital in Nazmir and that Dazar was the one who guided the trolls south to escape G’huun’s malignant influence [Object: Ancient Nazmani Tablet, Object: Cracked Tablet, Object: Dazar Placard]. Additionally, seeing as Dazar united the trolls, an event that happened for the first time when the various tribes were forced to set aside their differences to overcome the monstrous C’Thrax Kith’ix, it is likely he was king at the time of the Aqir and Troll War as well [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 72].

In addition to his other legendary deeds, Dazar was also the first to tame raptors, the fierce and noble creatures that have acted as companions to all of trollkind for many millennia [Dungeon Journal: Kings’ Rest, Dazar, Mount: Swift Purple Raptor].

Dazar’alor, the city Dazar built, and Atal’Dazar, the royal tombs in which he was buried, were both presumably named in honor of the first king [Page: Dazar].

King Timalji and Queen Wasi (Reign: Unknown)

Little is known about these rulers or the nature of their reign, although it is said that no one loved power quite as much as they did [Object: King Timalji Placard].

King Rokka and Queen Torla (Presumed, Reign: Unknown)

King Rokka and his sister, Queen Torla, were once involved in a great war against each other [NPC: Toki Dialogue].

The only mention of these rulers is by a single tortollan, Toki, who professes he is not sure if a conflict actually happened between them, so it is possible no such event ever occurred. Additionally, given how little information there is on both Rokka and Torla, it may be that they are not even troll monarchs at all, especially considering Toki’s many personal experiences with the mogu and innumerable other races.

Queen Patlaa (Reign: Unknown)

Patlaa was a known friend of animals [Object: Queen Patlaa Placard].

King A’akul (Reign: Unknown)

Little is known about King A’akul, although he was one of the Zandalari’s more ruthless and bloodthirsty monarchs [Object: King A’akul Placard, Item: Crown of A’akul’s Dark Reign].

King Rahu’ai (Reign: Unknown)

Little is known about this monarch. His crown can still be found in the Zandalari treasury [Item: Electrified Crown of Rahu’ai].

The Council of Tribes (Reign: Unknown)

For a time, a council of tribal leaders came together to rule over Zandalar when it was apparent no single emperor or king could. After a period of civil war and conflict over the throne, the heads of three prominent families agreed to rule together, though their political union was an uneasy one [Dungeon Journal: Kings’ Rest, Council of Tribes].

The council consisted of Princess Aka’ali the Conqueror, Kula the Butcher, and Zanazal the Wise. All three were ruthless, fierce combatants who enforced their rule through strength. Aka’ali, for example, was merciless and known to challenge those brave enough to court her – a challenge, it is important to note, she never lost [Object: Aka’ali the Conqueror Placard]. Similarly, Kula was so cruel she earned the epithet ‘the Butcher,’ although she was also clever and had an exceptional skill for strategy [Object: Kula the Butcher Placard]. Little is known about the third council member, Zanazal the Wise, although he never considered his two co-rulers as his equals [Object: Zanazal the Wise Placard].

Though the Council of Tribes brought peace to Zandalar for a brief time, the era of their rule ultimately ended when a devastating blood plague broke out that killed thousands of trolls [Item: Urn of Passage].

King Tezlekhan the Virulent (Reign: Unknown)

King Tezlekhan, Rastakhan’s great-grandfather, once tried to exile the tortollans from Zandalar. The tortollans, however, were able to convince Tezlekhan to let them stay after obtaining some unsavory political dirt on the monarch [NPC: Tortollan Seeker Dialogue].

King Rastakhan (Reign: approx., 200 BDP – 33 ADP)

Horrified to learn that the members of the Gurubashi tribe had been enslaved and were being used to summon the barbaric Loa of Blood, Hakkar, back into the world, King Rastakhan sent several of his personal emissaries to oversee and deal with the budding threat. The small group of Zandalari traveled to Stranglethorn Vale where, through their connection to the Darkspear tribe, they employed the help of Horde adventurers to defeat Hakkar [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 123, NPC: Exzhal Dialogue].

Shortly after the Cataclysm, Rastakhan – under the Dark Prophet Zul’s advisement – began negotiations to unite the disparate troll tribes for the first time since the Empire of Zul had dissolved thousands of years prior [Object: The Dark Prophet Zul, NPC: Vol’jin Dialogue, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 74]. Zul, acting as Rastakhan’s liaison, initially united the Gurubashi and Amani tribes, although the Darkspear, led by Vol’jin, refused to join because of their allegiance to the Horde [Trailer: Patch 4.1: Rise of the Zandalari, Vol’jin: Shadows of the Horde, Chapter 23, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume III, pg. 209]. It was only when the notorious Thunder King Lei Shen returned a few years later that Zul was able to fully, albeit briefly, unite all of the major troll tribes. He even succeeded in rallying the Frostmane tribe, a group of Drakkari indigenous to Dun Morogh, although the ice trolls were cut down by members of the Alliance, ultimately preventing them from joining with the Zandalari [Scenario: Blood in the Snow].

To cement the tribes’ union, each of their leaders came together in a Council of Elders that consisted of representatives from the Drakkari, Amani, Farakki, Gurubashi, and, most importantly, the Zandalari [Dungeon Journal: Throne of Thunder, Council of Elders]. Unfortunately, the Council of Elders and, consequently, the united troll empire, fell apart upon Lei Shen’s defeat.

Toward the end of Rastakhan’s reign, his daughter, Princess Talanji, finally put an end to the blood troll incursion once and for all [Quest: The True Leader of Zandalar].

Rastakhan had been king of Zandalar for over two hundred years before his demise at the hands of the Alliance during a conflict known as the Battle of Dazar’alor [Object: For Council and King].

Queen Talanji (Reign: approx. 33 ADP – Present)

In the short time since her reign began, Queen Talanji has started to include non-troll races in Zandalari politics for the first time ever in the history of the Zandalari empire. Not only did the Zandalari trolls officially join the Horde under her rule, she also appointed a tortollan to her personal advisory council, the Zanchuli Council [Quest: Allegiance of the Zandalari, NPC: Lashk Dialogue].

Talanji’s decision to have the Zandalari join the Horde has formally united four troll tribes: the Darkspear, the Revantusk, the Shatterspear, and the Zandalari [NPC: Elder Torntusk Dialogue, Page: Shatterspear Tribe].

[alittlepieceofwarcraft]

Zandalari Troll: A Character Guide

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History

Evolution (Year -16,000): Zandalari trolls are the pioneer troll race in which all other troll races descend from. These are the ice trolls (for example the Drakkari tribe), forest trolls (the Amani tribe), dark trolls (Shadowtooth clan) and jungle trolls (Darkspear tribe). From dark trolls came night elves due to their exposure to the Well of Eternity, in turn producing high elves, blood elves and the Nightborne in their own elven evolution. Sand trolls are a splinter group of jungle trolls that got separated after the Sundering. The earliest of their people gathered around the mountains of their native land and established Zuldazar, a great city to be ruled by their first king and founder Dazar. A while after, aqir of the empire of Azj'Aqir began to grow and take over troll lands and to combat the threat, the Zandalari trolls used their power to enlist the Gurubashi, Amani, and Drakkari tribes into the ranks, creating the Empire of Zul. While successful in their battles, a lack of an enemy in the aqir led to the empire eventually dissolving as troll tribes began fighting among themselves.

Mogu Are A Troll’s Best Friend (Between Year -15,000 and Year-12,000):  Zulathra, a high priest of the Zandalari, proposed to the mogu Emperor Lei Shen a deal to share each other’s secrets and build an unstoppable empire. 

Short Lived By Immortal Standards (~Year -12,000): Lei Shen wanted to control the Forge of Origination in Uldum, however the tol’vir were appalled to discover his betrayal of Highkeeper Ra and refused. He and his allied troll armies marched upon Uldum, however the tol’vir used the forge against them, purging the area. Both Lei Shen and Zulathra perished, severely damaging the empire.

What A  Pandamonium (Year -12,800): Kang incites a slave revolt to free his fellow captive pandaren people, liberating them from mogu rule and creating the Pandaren Empire.

Paws Off Our Land (Year -11,900): Still aware that plots of land had been promised to them by the late Lei Shen, the Zandalari attack the Pandaren Empire in an effort to claim them. The invasion is repelled thanks to Jiang and new Order of the Cloud Serpent, giving them an aerial advantage.  

That’s What I Call A Splitting Headache (Year -10,000): The night elves, whom of which have since evolved from their dark troll cousins 5,000 years prior, are forced to blow up the Well of Eternity, splitting the once-whole continent into four separate ones. The Zandalari were able to use their magics to keep their lands mostly intact. They began exploring the sea and becoming accustomed to island life. They discovered Kezan and the goblin race. For centuries, they kept their distance but after discovering that Kezan held an abundance of a mineral kaja'mite, they enslaved the goblins to dig it for them.

Trolling Wars (Year -2,800): The Zandalari traveled to the Eastern Kingdoms to help the forest trolls of Zul'Aman against the high elves of Quel'Thalas. However, the elves would find allies in the newly formed Kingdom of Arathor and defeat the troll threat.

Gurubashin’ Each Other (Year -1,500): The Gurubashi Civil War is fought between the Atal'ai Hakkari, followers of the loa Hakkar, and the rest of the Gurubashi. These Atal’ai felt driven to desperate ends and wanted to have the power that he could grant. However, with the aid of the Zandalari, they managed to drive them out of Stranglethorn Vale, with a few managing to secretly build the Temple of Atal'Hakkar within the Swamp of Sorrows. 

Dig Ya Own Ore (Year -100): Given a heightened intelligence by the ore around them, the goblins manage to escape their slavery by the Zandalari. 

Hakkar Go Backar (Year 25): After a good quiet century or so, the Zandalari were shocked to hear about the attempted resurrection of Hakkar, later relieved to hear of his defeat. However, they knew some of his priests survived and would continue to try to bring him back, so they travelled to Yojamba Isle to put an end to them. They recruited adveturers to aid them in their task, and sent word through the  Darkspear  that the Horde must act quickly when they found out Jin'do the Hexxer was going to attempt the ritual once again. His still burning kernel of Hakkar's power was brough to Molthor in the hope that he could destroy it, and he did so indeed. 

It’s Not Exactly Island Weather (Year 27): Once both factions ventured into Northrend, the Zandalari also send some of their own to investigate what became of the Drakkari in Zul'Drak, establishing bases in Zim'Torga and Dubra'Jin. Zul, a prophet of the Zanchuli Council, was among those who travelled there. The discovered that the Drakkari were sacrificing their own loa in exchange for more power. They opposed their actions, but did not help them against the Scourge. They then returned home to Zandalar. 

I Told You So (Year 28): Zul had previously told God King Rastakhan a vision of a Cataclysm, but he refused to listen. However, it came to pass: Nazmir beginning to sink and two parts of their major city Zuldazar falling to the sea. After the Cataclysm, Zandalari trolls gathered together Azeroth’s troll tribes to try and unify them to reestablish their former empire. Despite gaining the help of the Daakara, Amani, Jin'do and Gurubashi, the Darkspear refused to join, stating that the Horde was where they belonged. They return and joined the Amani on a plan to retake Stranglethorn Vale. They arrive opposed by Vol'jin and his Darkspear followers. Vol’jin warns Alliance and Horde, and with the help of Halduron Brightwing and Vereesa Windrunner, was able make a  battle plan and personally lead a strike force into Zul'Aman and end Daakara and the Zandalari's efforts.

What We Are Owed (Year 30): After Pandaria is rediscovered, the Zandalari set their sites on the lands they believe they are owed settling into parts of the Kun-Lai Summit. The forces of Zandalari in Pandaria are led by Prophet Khar'zul, who in turn receives his orders from Zul. They try to reanimate mogu within the Valley of the Emperors using dark magic in order to create an army to take over Pandaria. They even manage to recover Lei Shen’s body and move it to the Isle of Reckoning. They also assault Zouchin Village and Gara'jal the Spiritbinder gains entry to Mogu'shan Vaults, looking for secrets of the arcane. The Zandalari and their allies manage to revive Lei Shen and join him at the Throne of Thunder, who is eventually twarted. After, they attempt to enlist the Frostmane tribe of Dun Morogh in an attack against Ironforge, but they are defeated by Moira Bronzebeard and Varian Wrynn.

A Horde-Like Empire (Year 33): The Horde frees Princess Talanji and the Prophet Zul from the Stormwind Stockades. They had been sailing to meet with the Horde as Talanji believed that the Zanchuli Council was not doing its duty when the Alliance intercepted and captured them. Horde heroes were sent back across the Zandalar to aid with their zones’ conflicts.

Physical traits

Life expectancy: Trolls don’t have any seeming rites of passage to mark when they consider themselves to be at different stages of life. However, Rastakhan has ruled over the Zandalari Empire for over 200 years, so trolls may well be able to live around this long. On the other hand, Lei Shen had to magically extend the life of Zulathra to live up to 3,000 years, suggesting that they do not possess the natural physiology to naturally reach this age.

Height: Female trolls can grow to be around 7 foot tall, with males being 8 foot when not hunched over.

Eye colour: Zandalari trolls can possess coloured eyes such as blue or yellow.

Cosmetics: Their skin can range from greys, blues, greens and black, and some have stone-like patches around their body. Many may also have golden tattoos around their body. They, like all trolls, have tusks.

Personality traits

We Were Kings: Zandalari trolls consider themselves to be the superior race of trolls, having been the originator of all others. Their beauty has been inherited by their decedents, such as the night elves, leaving some humans to call them “the elves of trolls”, much to the offence of the Zandalari.

Quick Learners: The Zandalari are known to be able to pick up abilities and master them with efficiency without too much trouble. Their magics have been the backbone of their 15,000 year success documented due to their scholarly nature.

Other races: As mentioned before, the Zandalari are considered royalty among their other tribe counterparts. This can either usher a great amount of respect or bitterness. Goblins may still hold a deep grudge for their ancestors’ suffering at the hands of their Zandalari slavers. Night elves and trolls will admit their shared ancestry with much reluctance and the relation won’t prevent any hostility. Preserved night elf heads are a prized decoration in Zandalari homes and even given as a children’s toy.

Other creatures: Similar to their Darkspear counterparts, the Zandalari have a love of raptors. However their racial mount is the Zandalari Direhorn and have a certain natural affinity with beast taming creatures such as devilsaurs, direhorns and skyscreamers.

Culture

Languages: Their language is the primary language of all trolls, Zandali. When races join Horde, they tend to learn Orcish, but it’s unknown whether they will learn that or if due to Sylvanas Windrunner’s Warchief status will incline them to take on Thalassian instead.

Government: Zandalari trolls have a monarchy starting well before the Aqir Wars but there was a time when they couldn’t have a single emperor. The Council of Tribes was a governing force, possibly before Dazar or in between other rulers. These leaders included Aka'ali the Conqueror, Kula the Butcher and Zanazal the Wise. There is a gap in recorded reign time for leaders after Dazar, but the following have been confirmed to have led at some point: King Timalji and his wife Queen Wasi, King Rahu'ai, Queen Patlaa and King A'akul. At some stage, King Tezlekhan ruled, whom of which must have been followed by an heir to eventually pass down the crown to his great-grandson and current king Rastakhan. Talanji is his daughter and operates as a secondary leader. Rastakhan had the Zanchuli Council to advise him. Formerly led by Zul, their current secondary leaders are Loti, priestess of the loa Gonk, and her husband Ruul, Hexlord of the loa Pa’ku. Former members include Yazma, priestess of Shadra, Vol’kaal and General Jakra’zet.

Military: The Zandalari have their own army with two main subgroups. Shera Ali'kh are a group of assassins who have served for thousands of years. The only know member of this group is Falthir the Sightless. Their naval force is known as the Golden Fleet, led under the king himself and Pa’ku. Members are: Captain Grez’ko, Bo’ztun Maset, Wavemaster Lanfa, Windcaller Ula’jan, Dockmaster Cobo and Captain Rezo’kun. Captain Zulkran is currently captured by the Alliance and both Advisor Ko’jan and Quartermaster Garza are deceased. The Zandalari Beast Ward is a force that breeds, supplies and empowers beasts for the army, led by War-God Jalak upon the Isle of Thunder. Members included War-God Dokah, Ku’lai the Skylord, Dohaman the Beast Lord, Beastcaller Aht’lutal and Beastmaster Horaki. A more recent addition is Talanji’s expeditation that aims to combat the blood troll condlict in Nazmir, its forces including: Provisioner Lija, Chronicler Jabari, Chukay, Crazy Vaza, Cuja, Guard Satao, Jo'chunga, Kal'dran, Rovash the One Eyed and Zabar.

Religion: Like all trolls, the Zandalari honour the loa. The particular loa that each tribe honours varies but these are the loa honoured by the Zandalari: Akil'zon the eagle loa, Akunda the loa of storms, Bethekk the panther loa, Bwonsamdi the loa of the dead, Elortha no Shadra the spider loa, Gonk the raptor loa, Gral the shark loa, Halazzi the lynx loa, Har'koa the snow leopard loa, Hir'eek the bat loa, Jani the saurid loa, Jan'alai the Dragonhawk loa, Krag'wa the frog loa, Nalorakk the bear loa, Pa'ku the pterrordax loa,  Rezan the devilsaur loa, Tharon'ja the wind serpent loa, Torcali the  direhorn loa and Torga the tutle loa. There are two tiger loas (Eraka no Kimbul and  Shirvallah) and two snake loas (Hethiss and Sethraliss) that they honour. Trolls also believe that those who ascend to a certain amount of power may also become loas once they die, for example Dambala, Grimath, Lukou, Shango and Zanza.

Traditions 

Membership into the Zandalari tribe is completely hereditary: you cannot marry or migrate into tribe status. One rare example is Jakra’zet, a sand troll by birth, who managed to attain membership after heavily aiding the campaign in Pandaria, providing outstanding skill in strategy and tactics.

Historically, the Zandalari rely on a strict caste system. Casteless orphan children are tested for any connection to the loa and any that show promise are gifted with full priest training along with honour and privilege. Those that are not are allowed the chance to prove themselves worthy in battle in adulthood.

Blood magic is forbidden within the tribe.

[atalzul]

alright so time to throw these thoughts into the void

When did Zul start plotting against Rastakhan? What were his motivations in doing so?

Obviously they were pretty good buds in the past. Zul calls Rastakhan an old friend, Rastakhan's spirit is nearly broken at the betrayal, and Rezan mentions how Rastakhan’s friends are trying to kill him.

I’m assuming that this was genuine at some point and Zul didn’t spring out of the womb a natural Scheming Vizier sort. So Zul’s stated motivation ingame is that Rastakhan is a weak king and Zul wants to bring back the glory days of the Zandalari Empire. That’s 100% believable. His methods, though... those make me wonder. Why would someone so obsessed with the restoration of the height of Zandalari civilization look at the barbarianism of the blood trolls and go “YEP this is what the golden age looks like”?

So let’s give Zul the benefit of the doubt and say that he was loyal to the king until right before the Cataclysm, when this happens:

It is said the God King Rastakhan, ruler of the Zandalari, lords over his mighty kingdom from a throne carved of solid gold. Years ago, as he sat on this opulent seat of power, he was visited by his most trusted prophet: Zul. Zul warned King Rastakhan of a terrible Cataclysm. For Zul had seen a vision of a great armored dragon clenching the world in his ferocious jaws. King Rastakhan did nothing. Months later Zul returned, bearing more grim news from his visions. He saw a legion of serpents pouring forth from a gaping fissure that tore open the floor of the ocean. Still, King Rastakhan did nothing. Finally, mere months before the Cataclysm, Zul returned. Tearing his clothes and throwing down his staff to the ground, Zul spoke of earthquakes and tidal waves. He described the golden capital of Zandalar slowly sinking beneath the waves in the aftermath of the Cataclysm, its once-great people drowning as their mighty works slipped forever beneath the sea. King Rastakhan grew tired of Zul and his troubling nightmares. To be rid of the prophet, he granted Zul the use of his largest ships, so that he and his followers could seek a new land if his visions came to pass. And his visions DID come to pass. When Deathwing rose from the Maelstrom, dark, angry waves crashed into the Zandalari capital. The spine of the land broke in two, and soon, the city and all its riches began to slide into the hungry sea. The Zandalari people turned to their King for help, but there was only one Zandalari equipped to help them: the prophet Zul. The prophet, and the mighty warfleet he had assembled while his King sat idle. You see, the TRUE power of kings and emperors stems from the power to aid their people. The moment they fail, they cede their power to one who can.

This cutscene is MoP-era though the models have been updated. There are four contributing scrolls:

Among the Zanchuli Council are many priests and mages of incredible power and forbidden knowledge. One of the most respected of these is Zul. Even as a child his dark and terrible visions had come true down to the last horrifying detail. He commanded fear and respect as one of the dark prophets: seers capable of witnessing great tragedies before they came to pass.

In the months before the Cataclysm, Zul's nightmares were haunted by terrible visions of a world torn asunder. He consulted all the signs and was convinced that the Zandalari homeland would be destroyed in the coming apocalypse. He advised the council and king to unite with the other troll tribes and to abandon their doomed homeland.

Despite Zul's infamy, the council refused to believe in the scope of the disaster to come. Many felt that Zul was grandstanding to increase his own status and power. They scoffed as he and his followers began assembling a war fleet and reaching out to the lesser troll races.

But Zul's visions were visions of the truth. Deathwing's Cataclysm rocked Zandalar to its foundations. Even now the mighty and enigmatic troll empire slides inexorably into the sea, and Zandalari peasants and warriors alike flock to Zul for guidance on what to do next.

The Cataclysm didn’t actually destroy the whole of Zandalar, though, despite the tremendous damage (BFA-era retcon?). Zuldazar made it out pretty well. So Zul either 

interpreted the visions incorrectly, 

was misled, 

or deliberately lied. 

Assuming previous good intent, #3 is unlikely because he has a lot to lose once it gets out that he exaggerated things and indeed seems to have had some political fallout from it (exile?).

#2 is also unlikely because unless G’huun is a chessmaster, the trolls evacuating off the island goes against the old god’s favor. Less trolls to corrupt.

So my current headcanon, with my rather hazy grasp of how the Sight works, is #1. The missing part of the apocalyptic visions, the part that never came to pass during the Cataclysm - it was the destruction wrought by Zul himself upon Zuldazar in BFA.

Cataclysm happens

Widespread devastation in Zuldazar, but it is not destroyed

Nazmir is flooded

The second seal of Uldir is destroyed in Nazmir

G’huun’s influence grows vastly, subsuming most of Nazmir and corrupting its inhabitants.

Zul is preparing to leave with the Golden Fleet and is already very pissed off about Rastakhan ignoring his sincere advice, and is an easy target for Old God whispers about how his king is weak and how “wouldn’t it be really great to bring the Zandalari Empire back to its peak, when it never had to worry about extinction? And there’s this helpful guy called G’huun...I can definitely trust him.” If G’huun can corrupt a loa, a regular troll is probably easy pickings.

G’huun gets his mental claws into Zul before he leaves

Years later, Zul fucks up Zuldazar with his civil war. Thousands die.

Zul thought the Zandalari could avoid the destruction by evacuating, and he was half right. If they’d made it off Zandalar before G’huun’s influence was unleashed, denying him the blood troll minions to do his bidding and free him, they might be doing pretty great right now.

tl;dr I think Zul starts plotting against Rastakhan after the Cataclysm, and while his conscious motivation is to restore the glory of the Zandalari empire, G’huun is pulling his strings.

[warcraft-lore-archives]

Ancient Empires - Zandalar

Zandalar, the first and foremost of the noble troll empires, was formed approximately 16,000 years ago on a mighty mountain range directly south of the Well of Eternity [Blizzcon 2017, 00:14:33 - 00:14:38]. Initially landlocked by the supercontinent Kalimdor, Zandalar was reduced to an island during the Sundering [00:14:39 - 00:14:52, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 129]. The island splintered even further during the Cataclysm, causing portions of Zandalar to begin sinking into the South Sea [Blizzcon 2017, 00:18:00 - 00:18:12, Object: The Dark Prophet Zul, Object: Waterlogged Zandalari Journal]. What now remains of Zandalar is divided between the capital city of Zuldazar, the swamp of Nazmir, and the desert of Vol’dun [Blizzcon 2017, 00:15:29 - 00:15:40].

Ever since its inception, Zandalar has been the homeland and capital of the troll race. Although trollkind splintered into a variety of tribes with different allegiances over the millennia, Zandalar remains neutral territory for all trolls [RPG: Lands of Mystery, pg. 81]. Every six years, trolls from tribes all over Azeroth gather in Zandalar to discuss matters that affect trollkind [pg. 82].

An Overview of the Zandalari

Zandalar is primarily inhabited by the Zandalari, the first and most powerful tribe of trolls to arise [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 70]. All other trolls and tribes descend from the Zandalari. At first, tribes were formed as a result of differences and disputes between the Zandalari [The Troll Compendium, World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 72]. However, over time, as the various troll tribes settled the corners of Azeroth, they grew apart and evolved into different subraces.

King Rastakhan and his daughter, Princess Talanji, have ruled for over two hundred years. The Zanchuli Council, a group of the most esteemed Zandalari mages and priests, advises the King and makes sure his orders are executed. They are also consulted before every battle or major decision [Page: Zanchuli Council].

As Zandalar is the capital of the troll empire, the Zandalari are the unofficial leaders of the entire troll race, even to this day. They see themselves as the protectors and spiritual leaders of all trollkind, and as a result often meddle in the affairs of other tribes across Azeroth [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 129]. The Zandalari hold great influence over the other tribes, and have on more than one occasion exerted this influence to control the other tribes and their decision making [pg. 98, 129, 138].

Despite this, it is important to note that the troll empire is more like a loose coalition of autonomous tribes than a united force. The Zandalari may hold great sway, but most tribes do not officially recognize the Zandalari as the leaders of their race. The Drakkari and Darkspear, for example, turned away from Zandalari authority entirely. Furthermore, King Rastakhan recently proposed to unite all of trollkind under one banner, which goes to show that the disparate troll tribes were not unified to begin with [Vol’jin: Shadows of the Horde, Chapter Twenty-Three]. Even though the various troll tribes retain great autonomy, time and time again they have relied on the guidance of the Zandalari, which consolidates Zandalar as the center of troll civilization [RPG: Lands of Mystery, pg. 82-83, Vol’jin: Shadows of the Horde, Chapter Twenty].

After the Sundering, the Zandalari adapted to island life and built up a powerful navy over thousands of years [Blizzcon 2017, 00:14:55 - 00:15:09]. They set out to explore the newly formed islands of the Great and South seas for resources, such as kaja’mite, which they consider a sacred component in their rituals and ceremonies [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 158]. The Zandalari also honed and perfected their practices of the voodoo arts over the millennia following the Sundering [pg. 129].

The Founding of Zandalar and Birth of the Troll Empires

Pre-Sundering (16,000 Years BDP)

Zandalar was originally home to a variety of Wild Gods, or loa, as they are known to the trolls. Due to their reverence for the loa, primitive trolls gathered near what was to become Zandalar and began building a series of shrines and encampments. The Zandalari tribe claimed the highest plateaus in the mountain range, believing them to be the most sacred, and eventually built the capital city of Zuldazar on its slopes [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 70].

The troll empire grew and thrived around Zandalar, but one place, a mound of blackened stone at the base of the mountain range, was forbidden to all trolls. This mound was actually a hibernating C’Thrax, a minion of the Old Gods that had fled after its battle with the titan watcher Tyr some time before. A group of trolls disobeyed this order and, believing the C’Thrax to be a loa, performed vile rituals and sacrifices to awaken it. Once awakened, the C’Thrax looked upon Zandalar in disdain, called upon an army of aqir, and attacked the seat of the troll empire [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 72]. It’s possible that this is the event that transformed the region of Vol’dun into a desert.

To fight against the C’Thrax and its army, the Zandalari united the different troll tribes into a single force called the Empire of Zul. Using the height of the mountains to their advantage, the trolls were able to spot encroaching enemies in advance and employ strategic maneuvers to defeat them [World of Warcraft Chronicle Volume I, pg. 72]. The C’Thrax and aqir were ultimately forced to flee. The Zandalari, knowing full well that the aqir would eventually return, commanded the disparate troll tribes to establish strongholds across the supercontinent and root out the aqir. These troll tribes, known as the Amani, Gurubashi, and Drakkari, eventually succeeded in their mission and defeated the minions of the Old Gods. The tribes, which settled the corners of Azeroth after their victory, grew apart over time. Despite this, they always remained connected to the Zandalari and Zuldazar [pg. 73]. The Zandalari themselves returned to Zuldazar after the conflict to pursue spiritual knowledge [pg. 74].  

Geography

Zuldazar

The capital city Zuldazar dominates the southern half of Zandalar island [Blizzcon 2017, 00:15:45 - 00:17:45]. The capital, which rises as high as a mountain, is constructed from a series of ziggurats and stepped pyramids. Because of its impressive height, Zuldazar is often mistaken for a mountain [RPG: Lands of Mystery, pg. 81].

Mount Mugamba

The only mountain remaining from the great Zandalar mountain range is Mount Mugamba, which dominates the center of the island. Because of its height, it is covered in snow, which makes it a suitable place for ice trolls to live [RPG: Lands of Mystery, pg. 81]. Atal’Dazar, a tomb where Zandalari kings have been lain to rest for millennia, sits atop Mount Mugamba [Dungeon Journal: Atal’Dazar].

Nazmir

Nazmir was once a lush jungle, but ever since it began sinking into the sea following the Cataclysm, it has become a festering swamp. The region is home to significant structures like the temple of Bwonsamdi and an ancient titan facility, which holds the key to destroying all life on Azeroth.

A group of blood trolls, who seek to overthrow Zuldazar and King Rastakhan, can also be found within Nazmir [Blizzcon 2017, 00:18:00 - 00:20:30].

Vol’dun

Like Nazmir, Vol’dun was once a vibrant jungle. However, thousands of years ago, a group of Old God minions known as the aqir attacked the region and transformed it into a desert. The Zandalari exile their criminals into Vol’dun, where most of them perish.

The region is home to the Vulpera, a native race of fox people, and the Sethrak, who are snake men [Blizzcon 2017, 00:20:35 - 00:22:55].