The Horde has disbanded: the death of Cairne Bloodhoof, Chieftain of the Bloodhoof Tauren, by the hands of Forsaken assassins has caused a rift in the Horde. While the Orcs and Trolls tried to mediate between the two sides the Tauren and Forsaken bayed for the other's blood. Tearing the Horde apart the Tauren retreated to Mulgore while the Forsaken pulled back to Lordaeron, each preparing their warriors for battle. Like the Horde, the Blood Elves are torn, between loyalty to their fallen sister Sylvanas and the noble Naa'ru that call them to a greater destiny. The final blow came when the Trolls migrated en masse to retake the Echo Isles. Warchief Thrall desperately seeks to reform the Horde, if he fails the fate of Durotar, perhaps Kalimdor itself, is bleak.

The Alliance is broken: after attempting to remove Jaina Proudmoore as ruler of Theramore Isle, King Varian Wrynn has shattered the fragile Alliance. King Magni Bronzebeard and the Senate furious at the arrogance of the human king have withdrawn the dwarven armies to Ironforge and Loch Modan. The return of Malfurion Stormrage has caused civil war in the Night Elven Empire, with the Sentinels, Stormrage, and Tyrande Whisperwind returning to the ancient capital in Nighthaven and the remaining forces of the Cenarion Circle under Fandral Staghelm's command in Darnassus. Sensing the needless conflict and bloodshed coming, the Draenei have pulled back to the Exodar.

Meanwhile, the enemies of mortals prepare themselves for war…