To start this questline, you must have a lv50 Orc character who is Exalted with Orgrimmar.
WARNING: Story spoilers in this post!
The Orc Heritage questline starts when you log in, receiving the quest A Summon to Orgrimmar, asking you to meet Eitrigg by Grommash Hold in Orgrimmar. Eitrigg sends you to Alterac Valley, talking about a tradition in which the Orcish Clans would gather together twice a year – Kosh’harg, but that tradition died in Draenor.
We’re ported to Frostwolf Keep in Alterac Valley, where we visit Drek’Thar with Eitrigg, Thrall, Aggra and their children, Durak and Rehze. Drek’Thar is notoriously wheelchair-bound, but still happy to receive so many visitors simultaneously.
Drek’Thar asks us to help with a ceremony to commune with the spirits and see what the future of the Horde will be. During this, the return of the Kosh’harg is discussed.
Eitrigg: I fear that our people have lost the old ways. It has been long since old traditions were set aside. I wish to see the return of the Kosh’harg.
Drek’Thar: You are right–it has been long. Too long, Many orcs no longer feel they belong to a clan.
Aggra: If I may… we could offer more than just a reunion. The Om’riggor tradition has never been enough in my eyes, and many did not have the chance to attempt it.
Aggra: I suggest a new rite of passage. One that teaches not just of the hunt, but what it means to be an orc. A rite for all orcs of age. Including you, Go’el.
Durak: Yes!
Eitrigg: <Player>, I asked you here for a reason. You are everything an Orc should aspire to be–an example for others to follow.
Eitrigg: You should be the first to complete this new rite.
Drek’Thar: An honor! But one I wish to see you prove yourself worthy of.
Drek’Thar: Will you accept my challenge, <Player>? I warn you–ancient as I am, I still wield the power of the elements.
Drek’Thar then presents a challenge – You first need to defeat his frostwolves, Duros and Drakan, and then Drek’Thar himself, summoning an Elemental Projection of himself.
Once the trial is passed, Drek’Thar declares that you are worthy of the Kosh’harg, but believes he’s too old to make it back to Kalimdor — so he instead offers Aggra the position to lead the Kosh’harg, promoting her to Farseer Aggralan in the process. We then travel to Razor Hill with Durak, Thrall and Aggra’s oldest son, who talks about the pressures he faces to follow on the footsteps of his parents.
Drek’Thar: Ha! You are worthy indeed. But these old bones won’t make it to Kalimdor. Another will have to preside over the Kosh’harg.
Thrall: If I am to complete the rite, I cannot lead the–
Drek’Thar: Not you. Aggralan.
Aggra: Me?
Drek Thar: Your strength speaks for itself. You are more than ready…
Drek’Thar: Farseer.
Drek’Thar: A title long overdue.
Aggra: I… I am honored.
—
Durak: A new rite of passage! Are you excited? I would be.
Durak: Drek’Thar said I’ll know my path when I go through it myself. That I shouldn’t worry,
Durak: But I’m not stupid. Everyone expects me to be a shaman like my parents!
Durak: What if the spirits don’t call to me? What if I don’t want to be a shaman? What then?
Durak: If I’m honest… I hope that watching you complete this rite will spark something in me.
Durak: Maybe you’ll show me where I should go.
Durak: Um, no pressure though.
Arriving in Razor Hill, preparations for the Kosh’harg. Many important Orcs (and Half-Orcs!) through Warcraft history are present in Razor Hill. Here’s some noteworthy dialogue:
Ariok was part of the expedition that set to the alternate Draenor in Warlords of Draenor, and was turned into a brute by the Bleeding Hollow Clan.
I hope it was not a mistake that I came. I wanted to support my father’s dream to restore the Kosh’harg, but everyone
here is… staring.
> What happened to you?
During our incursion into Tanaan Jungle to defeat the Iron Horde, I interrupted the Bleeding Hollow’s blood magic ritual, stealing its power for myself.
It granted me great strength, but at the cost of this hulking, aberrant form. I have… avoided contact with most of the Horde since.
So far my father and I have found no cure, but we have not yet tried asking the Bleeding Hollow here for help. Jorin Deadeye is attending the Kosh’harg, yes?
Greetings, <Player>. I decided the first kosh’harg of Azeroth was an event worthy of coming out of seclusion for.
I am intrigued that so many orcs answered the call, and that none of them are fighting each other.
Not yet, anyway.
Kolgar Flameguard is present in the Waking Shores, part of the questline that led to Duroz Scaletaker and him coming to terms with the atrocities the Orc committed against the Red Dragonflight.
I wish Duroz was here to see this… So many orcs from all over, together.
Though I wonder if he would have avoided his former clan. The least I can do is inform them of his passing.
So, this is Azeroth, and this is the “New Horde”, hm? The orcs have made a decent home for themselves here.
It appears there is even room for us half-breeds at this new Kosh’harg. I see Garona, and the Mok’nathal.
I hope Blackhand is rolling in his grave.
Leoroxx is the leader of the Mok’Nathal clan of half Orcs.
I was surprised when Thrall reached out with an invitation to the Kosh’harg. The Mok’nathal have never been included before–we were considered half-breeds by the Old Horde. Lesser than true orcs.
In our isolation in Outland, I did not realize how much had truly changed. It may be time for an earnest discussion with my son.
Being here among friends, a real community gathering, with Mahka at my side…
This feels good. For a long time, I didn’t know if I would ever feel good again.
Nazgrel is a former advisor to Thrall over his time as Warchief, and now leads the Thrallmar forces in Hellfire Peninsula.
It is good to be among Frostwolves again! My station in Thrallmar has kept me away for too long.
And Thrall’s children are here! This is my first time meeting the younglings. I expect great things from those two!
Hail, <Player>. This is quite the gathering you have put together.
I have not spoken to many of these orcs since… the events that led to my death.
But I suppose I am not the only one out of place here, and we all appear welcome. We will see if the living can let bygones be bygones.
I did not know Thrall was going to invite the Mok’nathal to the Kosh’harg.
They deserve their place here, and I am glad to see them among the orcs, but… I have not spoken to my father since I left to join the Horde all those years ago.
He was not ready to accept me back as his son when I was last in Outland. I do not know if he is ready now.
This will be a difficult day for us.
Ritssyn Flamescowl is an Orc Warlock and a member of the Council of the Black Harvest.
It is not often that we warlocks are invited to such prestigious affairs. We are used to skulking in the shadows, never acknowledged for our efforts in keeping Azeroth and the Horde safe.
Rokaro is a Champion of the Horde and famous for replacing Rexxar in Desolace as part of the original Drakefire Amulet questline in Classic WoW, after Rexxar departed to Outland during the Burning Crusade.
Well met, <Player>. I am pleased to see so many orcs together, including the Mok’nathal.
It has been some time since I have seen my friend, Rexxar. I look forward to catching up.
Shokia was part of the expedition that went to Pandaria, and after the events of the expansion, she remained loyal to Garrosh, disappearing after the events that led to Garrosh traveling to alternate Draenor.
<Shokia nods curtly in your direction. She looks at your with steely trepidation.>
<Player>. I hope my presence here is welcome.
> Where have you been all this time?
After Hellscream’s death, I wished to be alone. So I wandered.
I took mercenary contracts where I could. Plenty of work out there for someone good with a rifle. Even fell in with pirates for a time.
But, truthfully, I missed Orgrimmar. I missed the Horde. The kosh’harg seemed like a decent opportunity to return home.
> Do you regret siding with Garrosh?
I…
<She pauses, lost in thought. Her face hardens.>
No. I don’t.
Do you know what it’s like to believe in a cause so fully that you would die for it, only for the person you thought embodied that cause to be utterly defeated? Twice?
I believed I was doing the right thing. The orcs deserved a better future, and Hellscream believed he was leading us to it. He was not simply using us for his own gains.
>But it came at the cost of the rest of the Horde.
<She has no rebuke for that. She scowls.>
Fine. You are right. I did not know his glorious future required the sacrifice of every other race, including my friends. I did not know he would allow an old god to corrupt both the orcs and himself. But by then, it was too late and I was in too deep to be wrong.
It doesn’t matter. It’s all over now. Zaela is dead. Hellscream is dead. General Nazgrim… WAS dead.
I don’t expect for it all to just be forgotten and forgiven. I just want the Horde back. The kosh’harg is for all orcs to come together, and that includes me.
Thura is an orc warrior and the half-niece of Broxigar and Varok Saurfang.
Throm’ka, <Player>. It is an honor to finally meet you. I am Thura of the Blackrock clan.
I will take this opportunity to speak with Eitrigg and his son. It has been far too many years since I have seen them. I do not remember Ariok being so… large.
The Warchiefs of each Orcish clan are also present, with more dialogue.
It warms my heart that so many orcs have joined us for the Kosh’harg. Thank you for helping me achieve this.
The Dragonmaw have had many disagreements with Thrall in the past. I hope this Kosh’harg will do much to unite us again.
I am honored to be representing my clan at the first kosh’harg of Azeroth! I only wish… I wish my sister were still here to see it.
>I did not know you were from the Warsong clan.
Aye. I fought in the Warsong Offensive to honor my family’s memory.
My parents were Warsong, and chose to bring my sister and I through the Dark Portal as children. Grommash did not approve of this, and exiled us from his camp.
The four of us wandered the wilderness, eventually finding ourselves ambushed by human soldiers in Arathi. My parents were slain, and Krenna and I were thrown in Durnholde.
>And then what happened?
After the camps were freed, Krenna and I followed Thrall to Durotar. We lost contact with our relatives still in the Warsong. We became soldiers of the Horde, and nothing else. We quickly climbed the ranks. After Krenna’s death, the Horde was all I had.
After the fall of Garrosh Hellscream, my uncle Gargok reached out, wishing to make our family whole again. The Warsong were shattered by what Garrosh had become. I went to them in Ashenvale, and found a new place to belong. I eventually proved my strength to all of them through a mak’gora, and now I lead the Warsong.
I will never allow us to lose our honor again.
This is my first time visiting Durotar and Orgrimmar. I should have come much sooner.
Do not worry, the Shattered Hand will make sure our festivities aren’t interrupted by any of the Alliance spies lurking just outside.
Oh yes, they’re out there. Even if we are at peace, we still keep eyes on each other. It keeps us both honest.
The Kosh’harg has begun! So many familiar faces that I have not seen in years!
Once you start the Kosh’harg, you will receive quests to choose a clan to accompany you, find spirits and cook an offering. As you choose a clan, you will learn some history on them:
You wish to learn more about the Blackrock?
We originally hailed from Gorgrond on Draenor, and then found our home in Blackrock Mountain after the invasion. Our chieftain, Blackhand, was the first Warchief of the Horde. He was cruel and hungry for power, and was overthrown by Orgrim Doomhammer, which split our clan’s loyalties.
Those of us that remain true Blackrock orcs value strength of body and purpose. Many of us are warriors and blacksmiths. Varok Saurfang and his brother, Broxigar, were of the Blackrock clan. Even though both are gone, we still strive to live our lives to their standard of heroism and sacrifice.
I would be honored to have you join us, <Player>.
You want to know about the
Dragonmaw? Hmph, fine. I will recount our sad history.
My clan were once fearsome hunters and rylak-riders who lived on the border of Frostfire and Gorgrond. We earned the name Dragonmaw after we were given the power to enslave the red dragons by Deathwing.
After we lost our dragons, we grew isolated and desperate. We attempted to find new slaves, the Netherwing, and the black dragons, but could keep neither. We eventually joined Hellscream’s Horde, only to lose another leader–and any scrap of honor we had left.
If after hearing all of this you still wish to join the Dragonmaw, we will welcome you.
> The Dragonmaw are dishonorable. Why should I join you?
You are not wrong. The Angerfang were long supporters of Nek’ ros Skullcrusher and his son. It earned us nothing but death and dishonor.
I will say this. I intend to find a new place in Azeroth–and in this new Horde–for my people. And I intend to do it through our own strength alone, not through yet another enslaved people.
If we Dragonmaw die out before that happens, so be it.
Greetings, <Player>! You wish to learn of my clan?
The Warsong clan hails from the plains of Nagrand on Draenor. The mighty Grommash Hellscream led the clan to Azeroth in the Horde’s vanguard. Despite their defeat in the Second War, most of the clan evaded capture. They later rallied to Thrall’s side to free those in the internment camps, and build a new home.
Lok-tar ogar! It defines the Warsong. We value skill on the battlefield above all, and are known for our fearsome battle cries. Despite this, we have learned the lessons of the past. We will never again sacrifice our honor to achieve victory. The fall of Garrosh Hellscream has ensured that.
I would be honored to fight by your side as Warsong, <Player>.
You wish to learn of the Bleeding Hollow Clan? As you wish.
Before the time of the Horde, we lived in the wilds of the Tanaan Jungle. My father, Kilrogg Deadeye, led most of our clan to war in Azeroth. Those who did not return to Draenor after the Second War were captured and placed in internment camps. These two halves of my clan have been separated, until now.
My clan is known for performing rituals that many would consider… dark. We do not shy away from such tools. We know what fate has in store for us, and do what we must to survive.
You have performed mighty deeds and been victorious in many battles, <Player>. The Bleeding Hollow would gladly accept you.
You come to learn the ways of the Shattered Hand? I can tell you, but then I’ll have to kill you.
Just kidding.
Long ago, our clan dwelled in the Spires of Arak on Draenor. Our founders were comprised of a group of gladiator slaves who escaped from the Highmaul ogres. The clan name comes from a tradition of cutting off one of your hands, and replacing it with a weapon.
…that is no longer a requirement.
These days, we serve as Orgrimmar’s spies and assassins. We value ruthlessness, cunning, and the nerve to do what must be done to ensure peace for the rest of our people.
We have watched your many deeds from the shadows, <Player>, and would welcome you into our fold with pleasure.
> What happened to Gordul? I thought he led the Shattered Hand.
He has been usurped. It is our way that the strongest must lead.
Don’t worry, I didn’t kill him. He is here at the Kosh’harg if you wish to visit.
You wish to learn more about the Frostwolves?
The Frostwolf clan originally hailed from Frostfire Ridge on Draenor. On Azeroth, most of us now dwell in the Alterac Mountains. We are known for having life-long wolf companions, being hardy warriors and hunters, and having a strong connection to the spirits of the elements and our ancestors.
We value honor above all else, and strive to do what is right. I am sure you are familiar with the story of my father, Durotan. He fought for the freedom of our people.
If you would like to formally join the Frostwolves, we would be honored to have you, <Player>.
After following these quests, you will be sent to a hunting trial in the Valley of Trials – Hunt a formidable beast with no armor! You will collect clues from the denizens of the Valley of Trials, and eventually chase down Gor’Krosh, the Long Knives.
After this, you will be able to enjoy the feast dedicated to the first Kosh’harg of Azeroth, in true Orc way – Eating and brawling! After you’re done brawling, Thrall will address the Orcs in a cutscene, and you will finish the questline, earning your Heritage Armor and Clan Banner toy!
