Factions and organisations

Who your character might serve, trade with or fight. Each faction's grey line is the client's own description from the reputation screen; the paragraph under it is ours. Every name links to its reputation page, with how to earn standing and the rewards.

The Moonglade map from the WoW Forever client — Moonglade, home of the Cenarion Circle: several of Forever's new factions grew out of it. From the Forever client.

Forever adds more than a dozen factions to the client. Blizzard has written about only some of them (the Skyborne's High Order and Windshapers, the Powderfuse goblins and the Brotherhood of the Horse), so for the rest the client's one-line description is all we have. Where we read between the lines, it's marked as Speculation.

In WoW Forever: New in the client: the Kirin Tor, Earthen Ring, Guardians of Hyjal, Barkskin Burrow, Nightclaw Druids, The Watchers, Cenarion Scouts, High Order, Windshapers, Theramore Expeditionary Force, Darkspear Raiders, Powderfuse, Brotherhood of the Horse and Bolder'ok Clan. Classic Era's client has none of them.

Blizzard also names a third Skyborne group, the Al'Aketh, as one of those fighting over Zephras Isle, but it has no reputation of its own in the client.

Several groups are vying for control of Zephras Isle as the crisis deepens, including the Windshapers, the High Order, and the Al’Aketh.
Blizzard: World of Warcraft: Forever Found Photos Panel Recap (Blizzard)

The Skyborne and Zephras Isle

The three factions of the Skyborne's island. See the Skyborne and Zephras Isle.

High Order (Alliance)

Client: The High Order are the Skyborne descendants of the Highborne magisters of Eldre'Thalas. Having spent the past 10,000 years in the realm of Skywall, members of the High Order seek to reclaim the ancient arcane knowledge of their forebears.

The Alliance's Skyborne. They trace their line to the Highborne magisters of Eldre'Thalas and have lived in Skywall for ten thousand years. With the wind spirits gone, they have decided their people can't depend on elemental patrons again, and they have come down to Azeroth to relearn the arcane magic their ancestors knew. A High Order character is a scholar, a seeker of lost knowledge, and a little proud of it.

Windshapers (Horde)

Client: The Windshapers are shamanistic spiritual leaders of the Skyborne people on Zephras Isle. They honor the elements and seek to gain a better understanding of the nature of the elemental plane to protect the shen'dorei way of life within Skywall.

The Horde's Skyborne: shamanic spiritual leaders who honour the elements and want the wind spirits back. They stand for the old covenant between the shen'dorei and the air, and they go to Azeroth to find out what became of their missing mentors. A Windshaper character is devout, loyal to tradition and restless until the spirits are found.

Nightclaw Druids (Neutral)

Client: The secretive druids of the Shadowgale Forest. They operate independently, apart from any other faction on Zephras Isle.

Secretive druids of the Shadowgale Forest on Zephras Isle, who answer to neither the High Order nor the Windshapers. Blizzard's beta notes place druids in Nightclaw Cavern. A Skyborne druid could have been raised among them, or be trying to earn their trust.

Speculation: The client has a title, "of the Nightclaw", with the same name, but nothing yet links it to this faction.

New in WoW Forever

Forever's other new factions, from the client. Most belong to the new places: Mount Hyjal, the Riverglades, Dalaran and the Darkspear Islands.

Kirin Tor (Alliance)

Client: An elite cadre of the most powerful wizards in the world and the ruling conclave of magi that leads the magical nation of Dalaran.

The mages who rule Dalaran. In Forever the client makes them an Alliance faction, and Blizzard's new City of Dalaran dungeon is about "strange magical trouble" in their city. A mage of any Alliance race, and especially a High Order Skyborne hungry for arcane knowledge, has every reason to seek them out.

Speculation: The client also has a hidden faction called "Kirin Tor - Broken". What it's for isn't known; it may belong to the Dalaran dungeon's story (our reading).

Earthen Ring (Horde)

Client: The Earthen Ring is a loose collective of Horde-aligned shamans and druids who seek to maintain and nurture the balance of nature on Azeroth.

In Forever's client the Earthen Ring is a loose circle of Horde-aligned shaman and druids who look after the balance of nature. That makes it the natural home for a Horde shaman, a tauren druid or a Windshaper who wants to understand the elements of Azeroth as well as those of Skywall.

Guardians of Hyjal (Neutral)

Client: Charged with the protection and preservation of Mount Hyjal, this splinter faction of the Cenarion Circle welcome any who are willing to push back the forces of evil.

A splinter of the Cenarion Circle that guards Mount Hyjal and welcomes anyone willing to push back the forces that still haunt it after Archimonde's defeat. Open to both factions: a place where a night elf and a tauren druid might work side by side.

Barkskin Burrow (Neutral)

Client: The Barkskin are among the few furbolg tribes untouched by corruption, and dedicate themselves to safeguarding their spiritual heritage to bring harmony back to Hyjal.

A furbolg tribe on Hyjal that escaped the corruption that drove so many furbolgs mad. They guard their spiritual ways and want harmony back on the mountain. A good contact for a druid or shaman, and a reminder that not every furbolg is an enemy.

The Watchers (Neutral)

Client: An order of powerful jailers and marshals of night elf society. They stand vigilant to ensure that no threat can ever escape their extensive underground network of prisons.

Night elf jailers and marshals who keep an underground network of prisons so that nothing locked away can ever get out. That's all the client says, and it's enough for a story: a Watcher is disciplined, secretive and knows about things most night elves would rather forget.

Speculation: Blizzard hasn't said where The Watchers appear in Forever, or which prisons they keep.

Cenarion Scouts (Neutral)

Client: The Cenarion Scouts are young nature enthusiasts dedicated to exploring and protecting the wilds of Azeroth.

Young nature enthusiasts who explore and protect the wilds. A friendly, open faction for a new hunter or druid of either faction who is more at home on a trail than in a grove.

Theramore Expeditionary Force (Alliance)

Client: Loyal partisans for their city, the Theramore Expeditionary Force battles the Darkspear Raiders for control of the so-called Darkspear Islands.

Partisans of Theramore who fight the Darkspear Raiders for the Darkspear Islands. Loyal to their city first, they give an Alliance soldier a war with a clear enemy and a clear home.

Darkspear Raiders (Horde)

Client: Loyal to the troll nation, the Darkspear Raiders battle the Theramore Expeditionary Force for control of their ancestral Darkspear Islands.

The troll nation's fighters, who battle Theramore for the islands the client calls their ancestral home. For a Darkspear troll this is personal: the land is theirs, and the Alliance is on it.

Powderfuse (Neutral)

Client: A strong arm of the Steamwheedle Cartel, this port is home to seafaring sailors and back-alley dealers spanning the eastern sea trading routes.

A tough arm of the Steamwheedle Cartel running the port at the end of the eastern sea route, full of sailors and back-alley dealers. Blizzard calls them the new Powderfuse goblins of the Riverglades. Neutral, mercenary and good for smugglers, sailors and anyone with something to sell.

Brotherhood of the Horse (Alliance)

Client: Outcast members of Stormwind's cavalry, these former riders started anew in the unexplored lands along the eastern coast, establishing their home, new relationships, and trade routes.

Cavalry who left Stormwind's service in disgrace and started again on the eastern coast, building homes and trade routes in the Riverglades. Outcasts with a code: perfect for an Alliance rider with a past.

Bolder'ok Clan (Horde)

Client: Exiled for betraying their false prophets, these former members of the Twilight's Hammer seek to forge their own path.

Ogres who were part of the Twilight's Hammer until they turned on its false prophets and were cast out. Now a Horde-friendly clan finding their own way in the Riverglades. Blizzard mentions the Twilight's Hammer and fresh ogre threats in the region.

Alliance

The Alliance's cities and orders.

Stormwind (Alliance)

Client: One of the last bastions of human power, this Alliance capital is ruled by the child king, Anduin Wrynn.

The human capital, led by a child king while the kingdom's troubles pile up. The heart of the Alliance and home of its biggest army, its cathedral and its markets.

Ironforge (Alliance)

Client: This Alliance capital is the pride of the Dun Morogh dwarves. Home to King Magni.

The dwarven capital under King Magni, carved into a mountain in Dun Morogh. Also the home in exile of the gnomes.

Darnassus (Alliance)

Client: The Alliance capital is populated by Night Elves and is located in the island of Teldrassil. Ruled by the Priestess of the Moon, Tyrande Whisperwind.

The night elves' city on Teldrassil, ruled by Tyrande Whisperwind, Priestess of the Moon. Home to the Sentinels and the Temple of the Moon.

Gnomeregan Exiles (Alliance)

Client: The former denizens of Gnomeregan, now living in exile in Ironforge and in league with the Alliance.

The gnomes of fallen Gnomeregan, living in Ironforge and loyal to the Alliance while they plan to take their city back.

Wildhammer Clan (Alliance)

Client: Though not a part of the Alliance, the dwarves of Aerie Peak have opened their doors to it and hold the Horde as enemies.

The dwarves of Aerie Peak: not part of the Alliance, but open to it and hostile to the Horde. Gryphon riders, and more at home in the open air than their Ironforge cousins.

Silverwing Sentinels (Alliance)

Client: Staunch defenders of Ashenvale, locked in battle against the Warsong Outriders in Warsong Gulch.

Night elves defending Ashenvale against the Warsong orcs in Warsong Gulch.

Stormpike Guard (Alliance)

Client: The Stormpike Dwarves have set up residence in Alterac Valley, where they're locked in battle with the Frostwolf Orcs.

Stormpike dwarves in Alterac Valley, at war with the Frostwolf orcs over the valley.

The League of Arathor (Alliance)

Client: The League of Arathor seeks to reclaim lost land of Arathi Basin for their benefactors in Stormwind.

Fighters reclaiming Arathi Basin for their backers in Stormwind.

Azeroth Commerce Authority (Alliance)

Client: Originally commissioned to facilitate trade across the Eastern Kingdoms, the ACA now maintains supply routes to Alliance forces worldwide.

The Alliance's supply network, first set up to trade across the Eastern Kingdoms and now supplying its forces everywhere. Blizzard's Legacy article calls it one of two new factions behind Forever's tradeskill activities: a home for crafters and quartermasters.

Wintersaber Trainers (Alliance)

Client: This small group of reclusive night elves raises and trains wintersabers in the Winterspring area.

A small group of reclusive night elves who raise wintersabers in Winterspring.

Horde

The Horde's cities and warbands.

Orgrimmar (Horde)

Client: Founded by Thrall, this Horde capital city is home to many of the proud orc clans of Durotar.

Thrall's capital in Durotar and home to many orc clans. The seat of the Horde.

Thunder Bluff (Horde)

Client: Cairne Bloodhoof leads his people, the Proud Tauren, from this mighty Horde capital.

The tauren capital on its mesas in Mulgore, led by Cairne Bloodhoof.

Undercity (Horde)

Client: Led by Sylvanas Windrunner, the Forsaken have joined a tenuous alliance with the Horde and established this capital in the vast depths under the Ruins of Lordaeron.

The Forsaken capital beneath the ruins of Lordaeron, led by Sylvanas Windrunner. The client calls the Forsaken's place in the Horde a tenuous alliance.

Darkspear Trolls (Horde)

Client: This tribe of exiled trolls has joined forces with Thrall and the Horde. They now call Durotar their home, which they share with their orc allies.

The Darkspear tribe, exiled from its jungle home, now sharing Durotar with the orcs and loyal to Thrall.

Warsong Outriders (Horde)

Client: Fierce orcs of the Warsong Clan, locked in battle against the Silverwing Sentinels in Warsong Gulch.

Warsong orcs fighting the Silverwing Sentinels in Warsong Gulch.

Frostwolf Clan (Horde)

Client: The Frostwolf Clan seeks to drive out the dwarves of the Stormpike Expedition from Alterac Valley.

The Frostwolf orcs of Alterac Valley, driving out the Stormpike dwarves.

The Defilers (Horde)

Client: The Defilers seek to claim Arathi Basin's valuable resources for the Horde.

Horde forces out to take Arathi Basin's valuable resources.

Durotar Supply and Logistics (Horde)

Client: The Horde's robust supply network fuels its rapid expansion across Kalimdor and beyond.

The Horde's supply network, fuelling its spread across Kalimdor. With the Azeroth Commerce Authority, Blizzard names it as one of Forever's two new tradeskill factions.

Ravasaur Trainers (Horde)

Client: The ravasaurs of Un'Goro Crater are incredibly deadly, but a few individuals have learned how to tame them.

The few Horde handlers who have learned to tame Un'Goro's deadly ravasaurs.

Neutral powers

Orders, cartels and peoples that deal with both factions.

Argent Dawn (Neutral)

Client: An organization focused on protecting Azeroth from the threat of the Scourge. Strongholds of the Argent Dawn can be found in the Eastern and Western Plaguelands.

Defenders of Azeroth against the Scourge, with strongholds in the Plaguelands. Open to anyone who will fight the undead, which makes them a natural home for a paladin, priest or Forsaken who hates the Lich King.

Cenarion Circle (Neutral)

Client: The druids of Cenarion Circle are guardians of nature and make their home in tranquil Moonglade.

The druids of Moonglade, guardians of nature for night elves and tauren alike. Several of Forever's new factions grew out of it.

Timbermaw Hold (Neutral)

Client: As one of the last uncorrupted furbolg tribes, the Timbermaw seek to preserve their spiritual ways and end the suffering of their brethren.

One of the last furbolg tribes free of corruption, trying to save their kin. Like the Barkskin on Hyjal, they are wary of outsiders.

Shen'dralar (Neutral)

Client: A remnant of the once powerful elves living in Dire Maul, yet still wise and knowledgeable about great secrets.

The last of the elves in Dire Maul, still keeping the secrets of Eldre'Thalas. Forever's new Shen'dralas and the Skyborne's own ancestry both lead back to that city: see Shen'dralas.

Brood of Nozdormu (Neutral)

Client: The descendants of the Bronze Dragonflight are the guardians of time and care little for the mortal races.

The bronze dragonflight, guardians of time, who care little for mortals.

Hydraxian Waterlords (Neutral)

Client: These elementals have made their home on the islands east of Azshara. Sworn enemies of the armies of Ragnaros.

Water elementals on the islands east of Azshara, sworn enemies of Ragnaros's fire elementals.

Thorium Brotherhood (Neutral)

Client: The dwarves of the Thorium Brotherhood epitomize excellence in craftsmanship and are bent on unlocking the secrets of Blackrock Mountain.

Master dwarven craftsmen at Thorium Point, working to unlock Blackrock Mountain's secrets.

Zandalar Tribe (Neutral)

Client: These trolls have come to Yojamba Isle in an effort to recruit help against the resurrected Blood God and his Atal'ai Priests in Zul'Gurub.

Trolls on Yojamba Isle recruiting help against the Blood God and his priests in Zul'Gurub.

Ravenholdt (Neutral)

Client: This guild of thieves and assassins welcomes only those of extraordinary prowess into its fold. Sworn rivals of the Syndicate.

A guild of thieves and assassins who admit only the best. Rivals of the Syndicate: a rogue's dream contact.

Syndicate (Neutral)

Client: A primarily human criminal organization that operates mostly out of the Alterac Mountains and Hillsbrad Foothills.

A mostly human criminal organisation working out of the Alterac Mountains and Hillsbrad Foothills.

Bloodsail Buccaneers (Neutral)

Client: These bloodthirsty corsairs are the bane of many a merchant in the high seas. Sworn enemies of Booty Bay.

Pirates who prey on merchants at sea and hate Booty Bay.

Booty Bay (Neutral)

Client: This booming coastal city is run by Baron Revilgaz of the Blackwater Raiders. Mortal enemies of the Bloodsail Buccaneers and part of the Steamwheedle Cartel.

The Blackwater Raiders' port in Stranglethorn, part of the Steamwheedle Cartel: neutral ground where both factions drink in the same inn.

Gadgetzan (Neutral)

Client: Capital of the Steamwheedle Cartel and home to goblinhood's finest engineers, alchemists and merchants.

The Steamwheedle Cartel's capital in Tanaris, full of goblin engineers, alchemists and merchants. Blizzard's new ship route to the Riverglades starts with the Cartel in Tanaris.

Ratchet (Neutral)

Client: Part of the Steamwheedle Cartel, this goblin city provides a neutral haven for those that wish to trade goods and services in the Barrens.

The Cartel's neutral port on the Barrens coast.

Everlook (Neutral)

Client: This trading post is run by the goblins of the Steamwheedle Cartel and it sits in the crossroads of Winterspring's main trade routes.

The Cartel's trading post on Winterspring's crossroads.

Darkmoon Faire (Neutral)

Client: A traveling fair that showcases the weird and the extraordinary. Often spotted in Elwynn Forest and Mulgore.

A travelling fair of the weird and wonderful, often seen in Elwynn Forest and Mulgore. Neutral fun for any character.

Gelkis Clan Centaur (Neutral)

Client: These centaur have made their home in the southern region of Desolace. Mortal enemies of the Magram Centaur.

Centaur of southern Desolace, mortal enemies of the Magram. Blizzard says Desolace's centaur quests get more content in Forever.

Magram Clan Centaur (Neutral)

Client: These centaur have made their home in the eastern region of Desolace. Mortal enemies of the Gelkis Centaur.

Centaur of eastern Desolace, mortal enemies of the Gelkis. The client names a Magram Front in Shen'dralas.

Emerald Wardens (Neutral)

Client: A hastily-organized group of Druids, working with both the Alliance and the Horde to stop the Nightmare Incursions.

Druids of both factions who banded together to stop the Nightmare Incursions.

Speculation: This faction came into the client with Season of Discovery, and Classic Era's client has it too. Nothing in Blizzard's Forever posts mentions it.