Ogre mage Ogre mage ( aka ogre - magi or ogre magus ) are smarter , spellcasting versions of ogre s . Ogre magi came into existence in the Second War , when the orc warlock Gul ' dan carved up the elven Runestone at Caer Darrow and used its mystic powers to imbue Ogre enforcers with the ability and intelligence to cast spell s . The experiment was a success , with the only noticeable side effect the fact that it turned the ogres ’ skin blue . A small price to pay for the power they wield — indeed , blue skin is now a sign of cunning , potential and might among ogres . In many ways , ogre magi are similar to their less intelligent brethren . They belong to the same society . Because of their intellects and magic powers , ogre magi are often in leadership positions in an ogre clan . However , because they focus on developing their spellcasting potential , they are often not as strong physically as other ogres , and ogre chieftains and warlords are usually mighty barbarians or warriors instead of magi . However , such a leader usually has one or more ogre magi advising and assisting him . History . Before the rise of the Horde two headed ogres were extremely rare . They were larger and more intelligent than other ogres and could even wield magic . At the the time of the First War Cho ' gall was the first known ogre magi for generations , although others later surfaced . During the Second War a small band of extremely loyal ogre enforcers were transformed into a new breed of ogre magi by Gul ' dan . Using a series of rituals and an Altar of Storms created from warping and twisting the elf - magics of a Runestone of Quel ' thalas , Gul ' dan was able to infuse the magical abilities of long dead Warlocks into the bodies of these unsuspecting hosts . Once hulking simpletons , the transformed ogre magi were now able to direct their death magics as easily as their lesser cousins would deliver a crushing blow to any foolish enough to stand in their path . Other sources of history state that the ogre magi race was created by the magics of the Altar of Storms and that Cho ' gall was the first to be changed , having been a normal ogre before hand . Following the Second War Ogre magi have become alot more common . It is speculated that they can breed to produce their own kind ( confirmed by Torkus and his many sons ) , while others think that some ogre magi — or darker forces — have developed a way to create more of them . Whatever the case , though ogre magi don ’ t appear in the numbers they did in the Second War , they are still a part of Azeroth . Because of their intelligence , and the fact that they often desire to search for arcane knowledge to enhance their spellcasting abilities , ogre magi are more likely to adventure than other ogres . Many remain with their own kind and have become advisors to the chieftains of their tribes or leaders in their own right . Their spells , combined with their physical might , make them self - sufficient . Adventuring ogre magi are uncommon , and meet with stares or violence in civilized towns , but they possess the smarts necessary to talk their way out of many volatile situations . Ogre magi allied with the Stonemaul clan are welcome in any Horde settlement , but the Alliance views all ogres as savages and enemies . Culture . Ogre magi are less chaotic than their brethren . Their intellect creates an awareness of power structures and allows them to understand political machinations . Ogre magi respect power ; thus they served Gul ' dan in the Second War . Most ogre magi are ambitious and seek to secure both political and magic power . These ogre magi have since become the spiritual leaders of the ogre tribes . They provide spells and magical items to protect the tribes from more established civilizations . Magi are the healers , record - keepers , and advisors to the chieftains . A given tribe will have ogre magi , usually one for every ten individuals . That is a twenty member tribe will have two ogre magi or one ogre magus . Occasionally a chief will be an ogre magus , but this is rare . They favor the sorcerer class , though healers , shamans , and warlocks are common . A few rare ogre magi become wizards , but the need for writing materials can limit their pursuit of magic . Many Ogre mages such as Mogor , Cho ' gall , Dentarg , and Blackheart , are more associated with orcs rather then their own kind . Language . Ogre mages speak Common and Low Common . Ogre magi enjoy learning other languages including Goblin , Orcish , Taur - ahe , and Zandali . Appearance . In addition to gaining intelligence , a newly created ogre mage ’ s skin turns blue . Those who pursue the path of the warlock develop a purple tinge to their skin , a side - effect of wielding necromantic energies . Two - headed ogre magi . Like normal ogres , some ogre magi have two heads . Their heads usually get along with each other . A two - headed ogre mage is not different from a one - headed ogre mage having the same characteristics , including equal intelligence . Two - headed ogre magi are noted as being larger and stronger than their single skulled brethren , and having slightly different proportions ; shorter arms , less bowed legs , and carrying themselves with greater alertness .