Bronzebeard clan The Bronzebeard clan ( a . k . a . Clan Bronzbeard ) is preeminent among the various dwarven clan s of Khaz Modan . During the War of the Three Hammers , they led the dwarves of Ironforge against Thaurissan and the Dark Iron clan . Today , they are represented by Muradin Bronzebeard . The Bronzebeard clan of dwarves reside in Ironforge and the surrounding Khaz Mountains . The mighty Bronzebeards rules Dun Morogh , homeland of the Ironforge dwarves . The stoic dwarves of Ironforge are an ancient race of robust humanoids who live beneath the snow - capped mountains of Khaz Modan . The dwarves have always been fast allies with the Humans , and they revel in the prospects of battle and storytelling alike . The nobility of the Ironforge dwarves is born from the Bronzebeard clan . The Bronzebeard dwarves are mountain dwarves or hill dwarves . Members of the clan consist of the race known as Bronzebeard dwarves , also known as Ironforge dwarves . Background . " From the article " The War of the Three Hammers " at the " History of Warcraft " part of the old official website : " The Bronzebeard clan , ruled by Thane Madoran Bronzebeard , held close ties to the High King and stood as the traditional defenders of Ironforge Mountain . The Wildhammer clan , ruled by Thane Khardros Wildhammer , inhabited the foothills and crags around the base of the mountain and sought to gain more control within the city . The third faction , the Dark Iron clan , was ruled by the sorcerer - thane Thaurissan . The Dark Irons hid within the deepest shadows under the mountain and plotted against both their Bronzebeard and the Wildhammer cousins . For a time the three factions kept a tenuous peace , but tensions erupted when High King Anvilmar passed away from old age . The three ruling clans went to war for control of Ironforge itself . The dwarf civil war raged under the earth for many years . Eventually the Bronzebeards , who had the largest standing army , banished the Dark Irons and Wildhammers from under the mountain . Humiliated and enraged by their defeat , the Dark Iron Clan vowed revenge against Ironforge . Leading his people far to the south , Thaurissan founded a city ( which he named after himself ) within the beautiful Redridge Mountains . Prosperity and the passing of years did little to ease the Dark Iron ' s rancor toward their cousins . Thaurissan and his sorceress wife , Modgud , launched a two - pronged assault against both Ironforge and the Wildhammer capital of Grim Batol . The Dark Irons were intent on claiming all of Khaz Modan for their own . The Dark Iron armies smashed against their cousins ' strongholds and very nearly took both kingdoms . However , Madoran Bronzebeard ultimately led his clan to a decisive victory over Thaurissan ' s sorcerous army . Thaurissan and his servants fled back to the safety of their city , unaware of the events transpiring at Grim Batol , where Modgud ' s army would fare no better against Khardros and his Wildhammer warriors . The Bronzebeard have ruled the dwarves of Khaz Modan since the conclusion of the War of the Three Hammers some two centuries ago . In general their reign has been prosperous : they reestablished friendly relations with the Wildhammer , restored the ancient city of Ironforge , and oversaw the construction of the Thandol Span bridges . Yet these are troubled times , and since the coming of the Horde even the Bronzebeards have been beset by their share of tragedy . Near the conclusion of the Second War , King Magni ' s younger brother , Muradin Bronzebeard , was presumed dead after Prince Arthas Menethil claimed Frostmourne . In addition , the King ' s daughter , Moira Bronzebeard , was recently abducted by agents of the Dark Iron clan , and is currently held captive by Emperor Dagran Thaurissan . Languages . Bronzebeard dwarves primarily speak Dwarven and Common . Dwarves learn languages that tend to be most use to them in either practical matters or in matters of trade and diplomacy . Named Bronzebeard dwarves . " Note : While all Ironforge dwarves are technically Bronzebeard dwarves the list below are characters that are specifically described as being Bronzebeards . " World of Warcraft . of the realm s in " World of Warcraft " are named after the Bronzebeard clan .