Stormwind City

Stormwind CityRaces of World of Warcraft: Human (a.k.a. New Stormwind or simply Stormwind), located north of Elwynn Forest on Azeroth region's northwest coast, is the capital city of the kingdom of StormwindUltimate Visual Guide, pg. 76 and the largest human city on Azeroth. After the Third War, it has become one of the last great human cities,World of Warcraft: Game Manual and embodies the heart of the Alliance.Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 10 Stormwind's willingness to work with others to find diplomatic solutions stands out as one of its true strengths. Its citizens hold fast to the principles of honor and justice as they defend their settlements, and the Alliance, against any aggressors.https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/game/races/human
No city better demonstrates human determination than Stormwind. Destroyed during the Horde's initial invasion of Azeroth, Stormwind was painstakingly reconstructed by the Stonemasons' Guild after the Second War. Parts of the city were razed again when Deathwing, the corrupted black Dragon Aspect, brutally attacked Stormwind, but the other undamaged districts are more beautiful than ever thanks to their hardworking inhabitants. From the magnificent Cathedral of Light, which serves as a major spiritual hub, to the awe-inspiring Valley of Heroes, which commemorates the sacrifices of Stormwind's loyal champions, the city truly represents the courageous heart of humanity,http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/race/human and serves as a bastion of the Holy Light.Image of Wrathion#Quotes
The Stormwind City Guard are the law enforcement and protectors of Stormwind City, keeping the peace within the city's walls.The World of Warcraft Townhall/World Map#Stormwind
==History==
===Early history===
The kingdom of Stormwind was originally founded 1,200 yearsLoreology on Twitter (2014-09-02) (dead link) before the First War by the descendants of the Arathi bloodline, who had migrated south from the nation of Arathor.The Seven Kingdoms Traveling past the rocky mountains of Khaz Modan, their journey finally ended after many long seasons, and they settled in the northern region of the continent they would name Azeroth. In a fertile valley, they founded the kingdom of Stormwind, which quickly became a self-sufficient power in its own right.The Seven Kingdoms It had a long and prosperous history, with the king served loyally by the knights of the Brotherhood of the Horse and the clerics of the Holy Order of Northshire Clerics. Secretive conjurers also served the kingdom, and as such Stormwind Keep had its own court conjurer. The Kirin Tor was also present in the kingdom, as Anduin Lothar was acquainted with their fellow wizards in the realm.Tides of Darkness, pg. 26
The constant bickering and infighting that marred the rules of the former kings of Arathor had no place in the court of Wrynn, and all had been peaceful for many generations in the kingdom until the Gnoll War. King Barathen Wrynn ended the conflict by scattering the unified gnoll packs and bringing back peace, solidifying the rule of the Wrynn dynasty over the entire kingdom.World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 159 - 160
Following the Gnoll War, the Kingdom of Stormwind began expanding its borders, much to the displeasure of the Gurubashi jungle troll tribes. A series of smaller conflicts between the two factions erupted over time, largely over the territories bordering Stranglethorn Vale that Stormwindian settlers began expanding into. Though initially isolated, the conflict quickly escalated out of control, despite the best efforts of Stormwind's King Barathen Wrynn. The final provocation came when Prince Llane Wrynn personally led a small party to strike at the Gurubashi leadership in central Stranglethorn, which succeeded in uniting the trolls against Stormwind. Though costly and close-run, the human kingdom eventually emerged victorious, largely due to the intervention of the Guardian Medivh. With the entire troll army completely destroyed or routed at the gates of Stormwind City, the jungle trolls of the south would never succeed in threatening the kingdom again. This bloody conflict was known as the Gurubashi War, and the Stormwindians enjoyed nearly two decades of relative peace after emerging victorious. King Barathen was one of the casualties of the Gurubashi War, and Llane succeeded him as king in the aftermath of the war.World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 107 - 125
Before the First War started, Stormwind was a city of considerable size, greater in spread than Dalaran. Three full sets of walls ribboned around Stormwind Keep, with lesser barriers separating the different wards. Great towers sprung from the streets and a surging river cascade had been harnessed by massive waterwheels.The Last Guardian, chapter 7
===First War===
When reports of mysterious creatures lurking around the Black Morass reached Stormwind, rumors spread through the streets that they were either vengeful spirits, trolls armed with some new breed of power, or a strange race from across the Great Sea. King Llane dispatched Sir Anduin Lothar to uncover what these new creatures were. Lothar led a small force of the Knights of Stormwind to scout the Black Morass, resulting in their first clash with the orcs in a series of bloody skirmishes. He informed King Llane that the invaders were bringing in reinforcements from somewhere, and the kingdom readied itself for a full-scale war that became known as the First War. Llane had named Lothar the "King's Champion", the highest military rank in the kingdom, and entrusted him to end the orcish threat.
After Brightwood, Westfall, and the Redridge Mountains had eventually fallen, the Horde marched onto Stormwind City. Thousands of Horde soldiers marched through Elwynn Forest and encircled Stormwind, cutting off all access except for the sea. Warchief Blackhand had ordered Kilrogg Deadeye and Cho'gall to lead their Bleeding Hollow and Twilight's Hammer clans in the assault on Stormwind. To weaken the city's defenses, siege engines bombarded the city walls through the night, and at dawn Kilrogg and Cho'gall launched their attack. While orcs charged the battlements, warlocks engulfed Stormwind's soldiers in fel fire, resulting in staggering losses. As it seemed Stormwind would fall that day, there were suddenly cries of an attack from the Horde's rear lines. Lothar and the majority of Stormwind's knights had moved around the Horde by sea. The King's Commander was now leading a charge through Elwynn Forest, catching the orcs in the rearguard completely by surprise as the knights cut through their lines. As the Bleeding Hollow and Twilight's Hammer tried to push back the knights, Stormwind's large gates opened and soldiers poured out of the city to flank the orcs in a counterattack. Outflanked on both sides and suffering many casualties, the orcs were left with no choice but to flee.
Around the year 3 or 4, King Llane was assassinated by Garona Halforcen in the keep.Wolfheart: "That was when the assassin struck. Llane fell, dead. His slayer, the female half-orc called Garona, loomed like a sinister giant over Varian, who was now suddenly some thirteen years old." After his death, the city was overrun,Wolfheart: "The orcs, who had already invaded the kingdom four years previous, now overran the great city." razing it to ashes.The World of Warcraft Pop-Up Book
Anduin Lothar took what was left of the people and led their exodus to Lordaeron. While there, Alonsus Faol told him that he had started to raise funds to rebuilt Stormwind once they reclaimed it.Tides of Darkness, chapter 5
===Second War and reconstruction===
After its destruction, the ruins of Stormwind City were lorded over by the orcs of the Stormreaver clan.Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Clans of the Horde, Stormreaver Clan
Following the Old Horde's defeat during the Second War, men returned to the ruins of Stormwind City and began to rebuild the once great city as a testament to their own survival.Miss Danna As the Supreme commander of the Alliance of Lordaeron, Turalyon helped Prince Varian Wrynn secure his place as Stormwind's next king by providing him with experienced ministers and advisors. He also oversaw the repatriation of the citizens of Stormwind, and the construction of the Deeprun Tram between Stormwind City and Ironforge with the help of Gelbin Mekkatorque.Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 5 In time, Stormwind City was painstakingly reconstructed by the Stonemasons Guild, who were contracted by Stormwind's House of Nobles.Report on the Defias Brotherhood They restored Stormwind to its former majesty, with white stone being used for its exterior. The city was renamed New Stormwind,Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal manual, Legends of the Land, Danath rebuilt on the same location as the original capital, though after that the city came to be simply called Stormwind City once again.
The internment camps' authorities were based at first in New Stormwind under Danath Trollbane. Two years after the end of the Second War, the orcs reopened the Dark Portal and a small group led by Teron Gorefiend entered the city's library to steal the Book of Medivh. The book, however, had been at that point already stolen by Alterac soldiers and securely placed in the mountainous country.Beyond the Dark Portal, pg. 109
During the early days of the Invasion of Draenor, Danath gathered all the mercenaries of Stormwind together and marched them to fight at Nethergarde Keep.Christoph Faral#Quotes After the Sons of Lothar destroyed the Dark Portal, five statues in the likeness of Turalyon, Alleria Windrunner, Khadgar, Kurdran Wildhammer, and Danath Trollbane were placed within Stormwind's Valley of Heroes, in order to commemorate their heroic deeds and to honor their ultimate sacrifice for the safety of Azeroth.Valley of Heroes#Statues
===Political unrest===
Though Stormwind offered what support and resources they could to Lordaeron, they were also beset by their own internal problems. After the Stonemasons Guild spent years toiling to rebuild the glorious city, they were left broke, as their fees and salaries were left unpaid and unspoken for by the city's officials. When the time of the rightful payment came, the nobles of Stormwind couldn't because they ran up a huge debt by expanding the kingdom's military presence through Elwynn and into Stranglethorn, and the massive debt crippled the kingdom's economy.Shaw's Report In the shadow, Lady Katrana Prestor manipulated both sides with the :Drakefire Amulet - her meddling in the rebuilding of Stormwind left the nobility unsatisfied with the craftsmanship of the guild, while the workers were enraged that the nobility despised them and were threatening to withhold payment.A Window to the Past When the Guildmaster of the Stonemasons Edwin VanCleef spoke out, demanding restitution for their works, the Stormwind House of Nobles ordered the Stonemasons' Guild disbanded, and it turned into a heated dispute, which resulted in riots that led to the murder of Queen Tiffin.Report on the Defias Brotherhood
In response, King Varian Wrynn vowed to punish those responsible and dealt with the rioters more severely. The Stonemasons, fleeing the city, hid in the rural areas of Westfall to escape prosecution. Knowing Varian's anger would never fade, many were forced to remain in hiding. The Stonemasons became the terrorist organization known as the Defias Brotherhood and sowed anarchy and terror in the lands of Stormwind for the next decade. King Varian, shaken by his wife's death, fell into a great depression. Lady Katrana Prestor took advantage of this opportunity and used politics and sorcery to politically outmaneuver the king in the coming years. Yet in time, King Varian slowly regained his political clout, with his son Anduin Wrynn being his primary inspiration.
After the dust had settled from the Third War, Varian journeyed to Theramore Isle to speak with Lady Jaina Proudmoore regarding the Horde and Alliance relations. En route, he was abducted by the Defias who had been told of his diplomatic trip through a spy rumored to live within the Kingdom of Stormwind itself. Rumors circulated that he was taken to Alcaz Island and was held captive there. These rumors were true, yet they were also false, for Varian was split into two people after a botched ritual to subdue Varians' will conducted by Onyxia. While one of the twins retained all of his wits, charm, and patience, the other retained his will, ferocity, and skills in battle, where the latter escaped his captivity. For the past two years following his abduction, Varian was robbed of his memories and enslaved by a Horde gladiatorial trainer called Rehgar Earthfury in Kalimdor. 
As King Varian Wrynn went missing under suspicious circumstances, Stormwind was believed to be going through a state of disarray. Young Anduin was given the crown so that order could be preserved within the kingdom of Stormwind, at the behest of the royal councilor, Lady Prestor.World of Warcraft manual, pg 170 Highlord Bolvar Fordragon acted as the Regent of Stormwind and the Supreme Commander of Stormwind's forces on behalf of King Anduin, with Lady Prestor advising Bolvar on the proper use of Stormwind's resources.The True Masters (4)Warn Bolvar! While Lord Bolvar did his best to aid King Anduin with ruling the kingdom, Lady Prestor secretly worked to sow chaos and discord within the kingdom behind the scenes, while pretending to aid the young king in public. 
===World of Warcraft===
With the recent invasion of the Burning Legion, which left the northern Kingdom of Lordaeron in ruins, the Kingdom of Stormwind stood as the strongest bastion of human civilization. The Alliance since then has been reorganized and gained new allies in the following years, with the humans of Stormwind standing resolute in their charge to maintain the honor and might of humanity. Stormwind firmly backs the Alliance with its knights, priests, paladins and mages; many of whom served in the three wars against the Horde and the Scourge.
Stormwind City is a marvel of human design and engineering. From the magnificent Cathedral of Light, which serves as a major spiritual hub, to the awe-inspiring Valley of Heroes, which commemorates the sacrifices of Stormwind's loyal champions, the city truly represents the courageous heart of humanity. The Trade District bustles with trade from across the continent and beyond, while adventurers of every sort can be found wandering the streets of Old Town. Some merchants can be found carting their exotic wares on the cobblestone streets, such as those found in the Dwarven District. Another area of note is Stormwind Harbor, which acts as a dock for transport ships and a shipyard for the Alliance navy. Though the city is bustling with trade and business, Alliance citizens can also find peace and relaxation in the preserved natural local attractions of the city and the recreational activities available there. Tourists and children can be found playing and fishing around the various canals, docks, and lakes throughout the city. Many have even found tranquility outside the metropolitan districts in the more rural city outskirts. Racially diverse, heavily populated, an epicenter of culture and trade, Stormwind is acknowledged by many to be the very heart of the Alliance.Joining the Alliance
Primarily a human settlement, a fair number of high elves, Ironforge dwarves, and even a few night elves and gnomes dwell here as well. Stormwind City is the home of the Academy of Arcane Sciences, the only remaining school of wizardry in the east, and the Cathedral of Light, the philosophical capital for those who follow the Holy Light and the base of operations of the Order of the Silver Hand in the kingdom. These edifices draw healers, priests, paladins, and mages to the city, all of whom bolster Stormwind's vast military. Its vigilant City Guard keep the peace within the city's towering stone walls and the elite Stormwind Royal Guard protect the monarchy and patrol the outlying region of Elwynn Forest on horseback. The House of Wrynn rules the city and kingdom from Stormwind Keep. Rumor has it that Wrynn employs a secret society of rogues known as SI:7, who are spies, assassins, and saboteurs wielding royal carte blanche."
After Azeroth had been victim to massive mystic struggles, which tore magic currents from once stable channels, the mages of the Wizard's Sanctum struggled to determine the effects these changes had caused, and some of them feared the worst. When the flow of magic in Stormwind City and Elwynn Forest was somehow altered, they sent a mage adventurer to Mirror Lake, in order to test its water for magical properties before those who drank from it would be adversely affected.Mirror Lake (quest)
During the first Scourge Invasion, the Scourge attacked Stormwind City. Bolvar Fordragon later led an Alliance counterattack and recruited heroes who raided Naxxramas and defeated Kel'Thuzad.
Prior to the start of the invasion of Outland, the gates of Stormwind were invaded by a group of Burning Legion demons led by Highlord Kruul.Dark Portal Opens
===The Comic===
As the second Varian fought his way across Kalimdor to freedom, earning the nickname “Lo'Gosh" (or “ghost wolf") in the Crimson Ring, meanwhile in Stormwind, jubilant throngs of Stormwind's subjects turned out for a massive ceremony to welcome home their king. However, the Varian Wrynn that returned was arrogant, frivolous, and markedly interested in Katrana Prestor. The people of Stormwind had only been informed that the Defias had ransomed the king, but in truth, he was somehow imprisoned and ransomed back by some naga. In either case, his freedom was bought and paid for by a painful new tax. Upon his return, however, Varian seemed concerned only with spending more of his people's money, leaving affairs of state by the wayside.
Eventually, Lo'Gosh, with the help of his allies fought their way back to Stormwind. Marching through the gates of Stormwind, they were halted by General Marcus Jonathan under the direct jurisdiction of Katrana Prestor, who ordered their immediate arrest and execution as traitors. However, Reginald Windsor succeeded in convincing Marcus of his loyalty to Stormwind, as they had previously served together under Turalyon. Katrana Prestor hastily gathered soldiers only to have the false-Varian tell her that she was disobeying the chain of command and was not in charge of Stormwind. Entering Stormwind Keep, Lo'Gosh declared Katrana's masquerade was over and called her by her true name: Onyxia. Revealing her dragon form and transforming multiple guards into dragonspawn, a battle began in the great hall of Stormwind Keep. The arrival of Highlord Bolvar Fordragon along with Anduin Wrynn greatly aided them in securing the keep, but Reginald Windsor was killed moments later by Onyxia. At the end of the battle, the great black dragon snatched Anduin and teleported them to her lair; daring King Varian to follow suit. Left to grieve the loss of their son, Lo'Gosh and Varian mobilized the troops of Stormwind as the final battle would end in Onyxia's Lair.
Leading a mounted charge with their forces, both Varians cut bloody swathes into Onyxia's dragonspawn ranks. Eventually, they encountered the brood mother herself, with Anduin imprisoned and held as a hostage, threatening to kill him if Varian didn't surrender Stormwind over to her. After the prince was saved by Broll Bearmantle, both Varians engaged Onyxia with all of their might. Becoming desperate to end the fight, Onyxia began casting the spell she was going to use on Alcaz Island to kill Lo'Gosh, but the spell was disrupted and King Varian emerged, his two halves fused back together, with his newly-fused elven sword Shalamayne. After he killed the Broodmother, Varian told his allies that their long and noble deeds would be rewarded and that Stormwind had been reborn with a new hope for the future. He then decapitated Onyxia and sent her head to be hung from the ramparts of Stormwind.
===Wrath of the Lich King===
During the second Scourge Invasion, the city was once again attacked by the Scourge and later, their advance covered in mists,World of Warcraft: Stormrage, pg. 126 stormed Stormwind Harbor. The undead faced the Stormwind Army and many adventurers led by King Varian Wrynn who fought alongside Bolvar Fordragon. When a Necropolis came over them, Varian ordered his magi to create a magical shield over the city, then they cast both spells of fire and ice to create swirling winds in order to drive the flying fortress back to the ocean. At the same time, King Magni Bronzebeard sent goblins in their bombers as reinforcements, who managed to destroy the necropolis and many frost wyrms.The Winds of War In the end, Stormwind won over the Scourge, and consequently, King Varian created the Valiance Expedition to put an end to the Lich King, as both the Horde and the Alliance launched separate campaigns in Northrend.Valiance Expedition#Reputation description
After the Battle for Light's Hope Chapel, the death knight Thassarian was sent to Stormwind City to meet King Varian with a letter of Tirion Fordring. As the representative of the Knights of the Ebon Blade, now freed of the Lich King's control, the population of the capital treated him as an abomination, they threw projectiles, insulted, and spat on him during his walk to the king's castle. In the end, King Varian trusted Tirion's word and accepted the death knights to join the Alliance, ordering his people to treat them with due respect.Death Knight (manga)
At some point during the war against the Lich King, King Varian Wrynn launched a full assault on the Undercity, in order to bring Grand Apothecary Putress to justice for his crimes during the Battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate. After the Alliance forces beheaded Putress in the Apothecarium, Varian Wrynn, in grief over the loss of Bolvar Fordragon, and enraged by proof of the Forsaken's sinister schemes with the New Plague, lashed out at Thrall and exchanged blows with him before being teleported back to Stormwind City with all his troops by Jaina Proudmoore.
Under King Varian's leadership, the proud humans of Stormwind led the Alliance to victory in its war against the dreaded Lich King. However, while successful, the campaign in Northrend proved costly.Human (playable)#Cataclysm opening cutscene
===Stormrage===
Following the fall of the Lich King, the Emerald Nightmare invaded Azeroth and so attacked Stormwind City. Though many inhabitants were affected by the Nightmare, some, such as Varian Wrynn, were able to avoid it. The king of Stormwind was asked to lead the fight against the Nightmare in the Emerald Dream and the battle was successful. After which, Stormwind City began to rebuild from the chaos caused by the War Against the Nightmare.Stormrage
===Cataclysm===
A great ceremony was held in honor of the thousands who died in the war against the Lich King.The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm, chapter 6
Shortly before the Cataclysm, a meeting of the Alliance leaders was held in the Stormwind Keep to discuss the strange natural effects that have been felt across the world. They also discussed how to deal with the Twilight's Hammer cult, as many of their doomsayers came to the Old Town, talking about the end of the world and trying to recruit Stormwind citizens into the Doomsday Cult.Prophecies Of Doom (Alliance)Infiltrating the Cult (Alliance) Not long after this, the city was attacked by furious elements made of Wind and Water but the attack was repelled and the city was secure.Elemental Unrest
When Deathwing returned, he marked his revival by flying a trip around Azeroth. His massive power was enough to destroy and reshape the land where he appeared, which resulted in the Cataclysm. Stormwind City got its share of the destruction when Deathwing swooped into it, crashed down on the city gates, and wrecked parts of the city. The entire park was blown away, and his searing heat caused the towers where he landed to glow red. Afterward, he took the head of OnyxiaWorld of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: Kalimdor, pg. 148 and flew off, something which puzzles the city guards as they are certain he would be able to destroy the entire city if he had wanted to.Call of Duty Unnoticed but to cats and ratcatchers, when Deathwing descended upon Stormwind all the rats beat a hasty retreat from the city. Only of late have they returned.Stormwind Rat
===Blood of Our Fathers===
Not long after Deathwing attacked Stormwind City, on the day of Remembrance Day, Stormwind Harbor was full of hulls in every color, shape, and size, as the celebration always brought a host of pilgrims to honor and celebrate humanity's heroes. However, there were even more boats present than usual, as many civilians sought the protection of Stormwind following the ravages caused across Azeroth.
During the celebration, the Twilight's Hammer cult tried to assassinate both King Varian and his son, Prince Anduin, at the Stormwind City Cemetery; which they were lured to by Archbishop Benedictus under the pretense of family bonding. While the Wrynns fended off the assassins, Benedictus tried to sway the Stormwind masses to the Twilight Hammer's cause. Later, much to everyone’s surprise, Varian arrived at the ceremony. Limping onto a stage erected, disheveled, and covered in blood, King Varian told the people of Stormwind that though he had his faults, as their king, he had and always will have their best interests in mind. Even after Deathwing's attack, Stormwind would always remain vigilant and stand defiantly against their enemies. They will always rebuild from tragedy and continue to learn from adversity. Stormwind will continue to grow from every direction, forging a brighter future. Each day they are alive is a great day, for each generation finds its own way to become the greatest generation that has ever lived and become the heroes of tomorrow. Varian stated that though in the past they relied on strength and steel to forge their destiny, it is not the only way. In order to restore the world, a time would come when leaders need to be healers instead of warriors, those who mend instead of those who break. Only then can they truly cure their deep ills and achieve a lasting peace. Varian watched with pride as his words stirred the hearts of his people. The populace cheered for King Varian and this new direction for Stormwind.Blood of Our Fathers
===Tides of War===
When Theramore Isle fell, black flags were raised at Stormwind's buildings in honor of those who died there.Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War, chapter 20 Later on, mass construction of Alliance ships took place in Stormwind Harbor for the upcoming global Alliance-Horde war.Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War, chapter 21
===Mists of Pandaria===
At the time of the discovery of Pandaria, the Tushui pandaren of the Wandering Isle made their way to Stormwind, in order to pledge their allegiance to their new 'Emperor'. Their leader, Aysa Cloudsinger met King Varian Wrynn personally, and the Tushui quickly established a presence in the capital near the Eastern Earthshrine.An Old Pit Fighter
As the Alliance achieved a critical victory during the Alliance-Horde war, thwarting the plans of Garrosh Hellscream to unleash the horrible powers of the :Divine Bell, the repairs of the damage caused by Deathwing neared completion. The front gate towers have been reconstructed, and the statue of Danath Trollbane was back in place and mended to pristine condition. However, the area where the Park still appeared black and charred, and the surrounding walls and buildings were still in ruins.
===Warlords of Draenor===
At the time of the war in Draenor, the Kirin Tor have built a camp on a plateau behind the city walls, overlooking Mage Quarter, called the Overlook.Everbloom map name A portal is situated there, which is a gateway between the camp and the Everbloom outpost. After losing control of the situation there, the portal allowed Gorgrond overgrowth to leak through it, while the Primals led by Yalnu invaded the city until they were defeated by the adventurers.
The Dragonmaw clan led by Warlord Zaela took control of the Upper Blackrock Spire and prepared to launch a doomsday weapon targeted at Stormwind,Warlord Zaela (tactics) but they were stopped by the adventurers of the Alliance and Horde.
===Legion===
The hard-working citizens of Stormwind worked hard to rebuild Stormwind Park into the majestic Lion's Rest.
With the Burning Legion launching their third invasion of Azeroth, Stormwind Harbor became the launching point for the Alliance forces sent to attack the Broken Shore. However, King Varian Wrynn died at the Broken Shore, and King Wrynn's tomb was displayed in a portion of the new park as well as a memorial listing the names of fallen Alliance soldiers.The Fallen Lion Consequently, Prince Anduin Wrynn was officially crowned the new king of Stormwind.
During the conflict, the captain in charge of the guards of Stormwind, Melris Malagan, joined the ranks of the Veiled Hand. They later attacked the city, which was consequently put under lockdown, and the cultists tried to summon demons until they were stopped by Garona Halforcen and a rogue adventurer serving the Uncrowned. Afterward, Mathias Shaw (Detheroc in disguise) let them leave the city as they succeeded in stopping the cultists before the SI:7 agents could.The Unseen Blade
At the end of the invasion, a new embassy opened in the city outskirts.Blizzcon 2017: Battle for Azeroth Demo Sometime after the end of the Argus Campaign, Anduin Wrynn had a speech for Alliance citizens at Lion's Rest.Gifts of the Fallen
At some point, King Anduin Wrynn offered pardons and reparations for the former Stonemasons Guild and their families. As King Varian died against the Burning Legion, it became harder to carry on old grudges, and the young king's reforms allowed more aid and resources to arrive at Westfall, which caused the spark of revolution to fade.Betrayal of the Brotherhood Consequently, the majority of the former Stonemasons decided to leave the Defias Brotherhood, returning to live in the kingdom and city they once rebuilt.A Hungry Heritage
===Battle for Azeroth===
During the War of the Thorns, King Anduin ordered that the portals from Darnassus be constantly open throughout Stormwind City, and many night elven and Gilnean refugees arrived at the city,Elegy, pg. 69 filling the Cathedral of Light and its catacombs, the city's inns, the keep, and the streets, through the Valley of Heroes, spilling out most of the way to Goldshire.Elegy, pg. 78 Tyrande Whisperwind also took the wounded Malfurion Stormrage here to recuperate from his injuries.Elegy, pg. 76
Princess Talanji and Prophet Zul of the Zandalari Empire were captured and imprisoned to the Stormwind Stockades. Varok Saurfang was also imprisoned there after being captured during the Siege of Lordaeron. The Horde learned about the Zandalari trolls and Warchief Sylvanas sent a small force to rescue them in order to gain new allies. The Horde was successful, but their presence was revealed to the Stormwind soldiers and soon they were discovered by Genn Greymane and Jaina Proudmoore who tried to corner the infiltrators. As the agents were trying to escape their pursuers, Zul set the city ablaze by using a torch. Fighting through the soldiers that just came from Lordaeron in Stormwind Harbor, Jaina confronted the Horde group once more but was forced to abandon them as she saw the city burning.The Stormwind Extraction 
Portal Keeper Romiir stationed in Zuldazar during Faction Assaults maintained a portal to Stormwind. Similarly, several Purified soldiers were portaled from Stormwind to Drustvar as well.
Anduin Wrynn later let Varok Saurfang out of prison. Horde spies stationed in Stormwind learned about Varok's escape and informed Sylvanas.The High Overlord
After being freed from the Last Prison, the Old God N'Zoth began trying to tear down the veil separating the physical world from Ny'alotha, and created the Vision of Stormwind. This nightmarish realm represented how the Corruptor would reshape the city as a bastion of the Void if he won the war against the mortals and revived the Black Empire on Azeroth. The champions of Azeroth were sent by Wrathion to venture deep into the horrific realm, confronting mad heralds and inscrutable horrors, in order to learn how to fight the corruption of N'Zoth.
===Shadowlands===
After King Anduin Wrynn's abduction by the Mawsworn, Turalyon was appointed as regent and protector of Stormwind with the support of the House of Nobles. Mathias and Genn On Turalyon Ruling Stormwind: 
During Death Rising, the Argent Crusade and the Knights of the Ebon Blade sent their troops to patrol the city and protect its inhabitants in case of attack by the undead. At some point in Lion's Rest, Genn Greymane and Mathias Shaw informed Alliance champions of the return of the Scourge and the abduction of Anduin.Cause for Distraction These champions were subsequently sent to unite with the Ebon Blade and the Argent Crusade in order to combat the returning enemy.Return of the Crusade Following the death of Herald Dalora, they returned to Stormwind to inform them about the events that occurred in Icecrown and the dark powers that Sylvanas had allied with.With Hope in Hand
In order for allies from Azeroth to come in the Shadowlands, acolytes of the Ebon Blade were ordered to establish portals to access Oribos from the Wizard's Sanctum in Stormwind.A Doorway Through the Veil
At the end of the war against the Jailer, Anduin told Genn Greymane that he couldn't return to Azeroth yet and that he trusted Turalyon to keep Strowmind and the Alliance safe in his absence.Penance and Renewal
===Dragonflight===
With the return of the Dragon Isles, Wrathion met with Turalyon and extended the Dragon Aspects' invitation to the isles. Recalling how the Aspects made great sacrifices to save Azeroth during the Cataclysm, the Regent of Stormwind declared that the Alliance would answer the call and stand together with dragonkind once again.Aspectral Invitation (Alliance) While the expedition was preparing to depart, Turalyon discussed with Mathias Shaw about the return of the dragons. Although he had faith in Alexstrasza's intentions, he expressed distrust of the other dragons, citing the SI:7's report of the damage done to the kingdom by Onyxia years ago. In order to protect the Alliance and their past years' efforts to recreate its strength, he ordered the Spymaster to enlist the expertise of the Stormwind mages to create a foolproof method to see through the "visage" that the dragons wear among mortals.Turalyon#Stormwind Harbor
At some point, a disgraced noble named Count Clessington arranged for the Defias Brotherhood to steal the :Drakefire Amulet from Stormwind Keep.An Urgent Matter Using the artifact's powers of manipulation, and the help of a cruel bandit named Duncon Ratsbon, he convinced the Defias to turn against Vanessa VanCleef and march on Northshire Abbey, with the aim of using it as a staging ground to pillage the city of Stormwind itself.Misdeeds in Moonbrook With the help of a champion of Stormwind, the Defias were defeated, Count Clessington was slain, and the Drakefire Amulet was destroyed.To Northshire In order to reward them for defeating the rebellion, General Hammond Clay promoted the Stormwind champion into a Lionguard and bestowed them with a new armor during a ceremony in the Valley of Heroes.Go with Honor, Friend
==Culture==
==Inhabitants==
Since the fall of King Varian Wrynn at the Battle for Broken Shore, Anduin Wrynn rules as king from his throne in Stormwind Keep. However, after Anduin's abduction by the Mawsworn, Turalyon was appointed as regent and protector of the realm with the support of the House of Nobles.Death Rising - Mathias and Genn On Turalyon Ruling Stormwind: Highlord Bolvar Fordragon once served as the former regent of Stormwind, until he was sent to command the main Alliance forces in Northrend, where his destiny would lead him into becoming the new Lich King. Grand Admiral Jes-Tereth is the officer in charge of the kingdom's fleet, while in the Valley of Heroes, General Hammond Clay stands as the commander of the defense of the capital. In the shadows, Master Mathias Shaw served the crown as the leader of the kingdom's intelligence service, the SI:7. In the Cathedral of Light, Archbishop Benedictus used to preside over the Church of the Holy Light, but with the revelation of his betrayal that position is currently vacant.
===Notable people===
==Districts==
The city is made up of roughly rectangular districts separated by canals.
===Valley of Heroes===
*The Valley of Heroes (area beyond and including the city gate)
Stormwind is the largest of the surviving human kingdoms remaining on Azeroth. Connected through both sea access and the newly-built underground railroad, Stormwind proudly swings its doors wide open for adventurers of the entire Alliance. Among the humans, many dwarves, gnomes, high elves, and night elves and other races live in the capital city, making Stormwind the center of many cultures.
Stormwind City's great gates tower over the treetops of Elwynn Forest. Beyond them lies The Valley of Heroes, a beautiful natural basin spanned by a majestic bridge leading to the city's trade district. The bridge is lined with enormous statues depicting some of the greatest heroes of the Second War — the brave men, high elves, and dwarves who stepped into the Dark Portal to bring an end to the war in the scarred land of Draenor itself. As Deathwing swept over the city during the Cataclysm, he caused great damage to the Valley of Heroes, leaving massive, scorching clawmarks on the nearby towers and toppling the statue of Danath Trollbane into the water below the bridge. The city's workers eventually finished repairing all of the damages to the valley during the events of the invasion on Pandaria.
===Trade District===
*The Trade District (central district)
**The Gilded Rose (Stormwind City's inn)
**Northshear Abbey (Stormwind City's barbershop)
"It bustles with trade from across the continent and beyond."
The Trade District lies in the center of Stormwind City and is always bustling with activity. It is the place in the city where people can get most goods. Half of the city's banks, auction houses, and inns, as well as the local gryphon master, are all located within. In addition, consumers find plenty of outlets for their coin in the various equipment shops nearby. For those with a taste for the delectable, the Trias and Gallina families run cheese and wine shops out of the Trade District as well.
===Old Town===
*Old Town (eastern district)
**Champions' Hall (Alliance PvP barracks)
**Command Center (warrior and hunter guilds)
**SI:7 (rogue guild)
To the east of the Trade District is the Old Town, the oldest section of the capital, and many parts of it still predate the reconstruction of the city after its razing by the orcs during the events of the First War. As the district had not been badly ravaged, it had never needed true rebuilding. Consequently, it is a rustic, downtrodden place, where the streets are described as far dirtier and smellier than the other districts. It is also the residential area for most of the poor folk of the city, as beggars, thieves, and the poor can be found there.Stormrage, chapter 21 Fortunately, the Stormwind Command Center is located along the edges of the quarter, and near is the headquarters of the SI:7, the kingdom's intelligence agency.
===Mage Quarter===
*Mage Quarter (western district)
**The Slaughtered Lamb (warlock guild)
**Wizard's Sanctum (mage guild)
**Academy of Arcane Arts and Sciences (mage guild)
To the west of the Trade District is the Mage Quarter. The Wizard's Sanctum stands proudly in the center of the district, it is here that mages train to increase their powers, while shady warlocks are often drawn to the dark cellars of the Slaughtered Lamb, where they practice their dark arts in the shadows of polite society.Visiting Warlock#Quotes The rest of the district is filled with tailoring shops, warehouses storing magical artifacts and reagents, and bustling coffeehouses and bars. During the First War, Stormwind utilized the services of the mysterious conjurers, but they no longer have any presence in the city.
===Cathedral Square===
*Cathedral Square (northern district) 
**Cathedral of Light (Paladin/Priest guild)
**Stormwind City Cemetery
**Orphanage
To the north of the Trade District is Cathedral Square, the religious center for all followers of the Holy Light. Though Stormwind Keep is the biggest structure in Stormwind City, many believe the most awe-inspiring is the Cathedral of Light. Within the cathedral are the most faithful and true paladins and priests of the human race. The bishops and paladins at the cathedral are on a lifelong quest to bring the light to the darkest places on Azeroth, and all are welcome within the cathedral's walls as long as their journey is one of good and not evil. Other notable locations in the square include the city's orphanage, and the City Hall, where Stormwind's architects and researchers keep a census on the citizens of the kingdom, as well as finding ways to improve the quality of life for those within the city.
===Dwarven District===
*Dwarven District (north-eastern district)
**Deeprun Tram (accessible from the Dwarven District)
To the east of Cathedral Square is the Dwarven District, where the dwarves and gnomes of Ironforge carve a slice of Stormwind life out for themselves. The air is thick with smoke and sparks, and the ground trembles with the pounding of anvils, but to many it feels just like a home should. A trove of weapon and armor shops line the streets, and blacksmiths create masterpieces out of common metals in the many open-air plazas. Many adventurers pass through the Dwarven District on their way to the Deeprun Tram, a marvel of gnomish engineering and fast transport to the city of Ironforge. The massive spinning cog that frames the entrance to the tram tunnel cannot be missed. An opening by the northern end leads to the Stormwind City Outskirts, a small rural area outside the walls of the city.
===Canals and the prisons===
*The Canals (separating all districts)
**The Vault
**Stormwind Stockade (instance accessible from the Canals, north-east of the Mage Quarter)
**Cut-Throat Alley (accessible from The Canals; empty)
Each district is bordered by shimmering blue canals and linked by bridges spanning over them. Anglers fish from the many docks in the city, the freshwater fish within perfect quarry for the beginning fisherman. There are two fortifications that rise from the waters in Stormwind - both are prisons for the lawless and evil. The Stockade is accessible from the Mage Quarter and holds murderers, gnolls, thieves, and other enemies of the kingdom. A similar prison, the Vault, is surrounded by water on all sides and seems to be holding out fine - for now.
===Stormwind Keep===
*Stormwind Keep (between Old Town and the Dwarven District)
**Petitioner's Chamber
**Royal Library (library)
**War Room (Alliance PvP battlemasters)
Finally, the crown of Stormwind City remains Stormwind Keep. Rising high between the Dwarven District and Old Town, the keep is the seat of power of the kingdom and serves as the residence of the Stormwindian kings, currently King Anduin Wrynn. The royal court as well as some of the nobles of the kingdom are also here. The Keep offers a view of the whole city, so that the king can watch over the masses, and provide a powerful reminder of what deserves to be defended.World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 12 Within the keep itself are many librarians, nobles, and representatives of the human peoples as well as the battlemasters.
===Stormwind Harbor===
*Stormwind Harbor (north-west of the Cathedral Square)
The harbor is located in the most northern area bordering the Great Sea, with the access point set between the Park and Cathedral Square. Stormwind City towers over the harbor, with cannons stationed all along the walls. A major transportation hub, the docks are teeming with all sorts of activity. Siege engines are also dotted throughout the area, and at the northern tip one can find a large shipyard. If you are friendly enough, Thargold Ironwing will grant you a free aerial tour through the entire region.
===Stormwind City Outskirts===
*Stormwind City Outskirts (north of the Dwarven District)
**Stormwind Embassy
**Wollerton Stead
**The Eastern Earthshrine
This area has been built as a replacement for the Stormwind Park, swallowed by Deathwing's assault on the city. It houses a large lake with several farmhouses, as well as an Earthen Ring's earthshrine, which served for adventurers to teleport on the fronts of the war against Deathwing. The Tushui Pandaren have set up a pavilion near the earthshrine, where adventurers can travel to Pandaria, purchase dragon turtle mounts and contains the city's monk class trainer. It shares the same beauty as the rest of Elwynn Forest. Following the third invasion of the Burning Legion, a new embassy for the new allies was built in the outskirts. After the Burning of Teldrassil, the displaced night elves and humans of Gilneas largely took refuge in this area, with their racial vendors being located here.
===Lion's Rest=== 
*Lion's Rest (southwest from Cathedral Square or northwest from the Mage Quarter.)
The hard-working citizens of Stormwind have been hard at work rebuilding Stormwind Park where they managed to rebuild a large mass of earth that was ripped out of the land from Deathwing's attack to rebuild the park upon. Following the death of King Varian Wrynn at the Broken Shore, his tomb is displayed in a portion of the new park as well as a memorial listing the names of fallen Alliance soldiers.
===The Overlook===
*Kirin Tor encampment situated on a plateau overlooking Mage Quarter
This area has been claimed by the Kirin Tor as a rear base for an expedition sent through a portal to the Everbloom. Some of the plantlife from Gorgrond managed to seep through and started to grow around the portal. The area currently serves no purpose in the uninstanced version of Stormwind, but the fight against a genesaur named Yalnu took place there in the Everbloom instance.
===Other locations===
*Eastern Wall 
*Goldsmith's street 
*King's Privy Quarters 
*Lower city 
*Stormwind University 
==Points of interest==
*The Training Hall is where all class trainers are present.
*There are banks in the Trade District and the Dwarven District.
*The Trading Post is a rewards shop near the Stormwind Stockade.
*There are auction houses in the center of the Trade District and in the Dwarven District.
*The gryphon master, the flying trainer, and the mount vendor are on the walls of the city.
*The Wizard's Sanctum is a portal room located in the central-southern part of the Mage Quarter.
==Travel connections==
===Portal===
====From the Mage Tower====
* Stair of Destiny, Hellfire Peninsula, Outland (level 58+)
* Shattered Beachhead, Blasted Lands (level 90+)
====From the Eastern Earthshrine====
* Nordrassil, Mount Hyjal, Kalimdor 
* The Briny Cutter or Silver Tide Hollow, Vashj'ir 
* Temple of Earth, Deepholm 
* Ramkahen, Uldum, Kalimdor 
* Highbank, Twilight Highlands 
* Baradin Base Camp, Tol Barad Peninsula 
* Paw'don Village, Jade Forest, Pandaria 
====From Stormwind Keep====
* Stormshield, Ashran, Draenor 
* Dalaran, Broken Isles 
====From the Stormwind Embassy====
* Telogrus Rift (Void elves only)
====From Stormwind Harbor====
* Rut'theran Village, Teldrassil, Kalimdor or
* Lor'danel, Darkshore, Kalimdor (level 10+ and if Darkshore is phased after the War of the Thorns)
===By boat===
* Valiance Keep, Borean Tundra, Northrend (The Kraken) 
* Boralus, Tiragarde Sound, Kul Tiras (The Relentless) 
===Teleport===
====From the Stormwind Embassy====
* Vindicaar (Lightforged Draenei only)
===Flight===
* Goldshire, Elwynn Forest (0:32)
* Furlbrow's Pumpkin Farm, Westfall (0:50)
* Sentinel Hill, Westfall (1:13)
* Rebel Camp, Northern Stranglethorn (1:32)
* Lakeshire, Redridge Mountains (1:53)
* Darkshire, Duskwood (1:56)
* Morgan's Vigil, Burning Steppes (2:10)
* Thorium Point, Searing Gorge (2:17)
* Nethergarde Keep, Blasted Lands (2:56)
* Booty Bay, Cape of Stranglethorn (3:18)
* Ironforge, Dun Morogh (3:35)
===Tram===
* Ironforge, Dun Morogh
==Phased areas==
During the Battle for Broken Shore, the Harbor and then the Keep is phased.
From the quest The Old Barracks (quest), the Old Barracks part of the city will become phased to have level 84 Cultists and in place of wandering Stormwind Guards, and critters.
From the quest Cataclysm in the Catacombs, the Cathedral of Light is phased, with Warped and Babbling Cultists and the target of the quest, The Black Bishop, in place of the many NPCs and trainers.
==In the RPG==
thumb|The region of Azeroth in Lands of Conflict.
===Name===
The city is named for the occasional sudden squalls created by a ley line pattern in the mountains around the city.More Magic and Mayhem, pg. 47
===Stormwind region===
Stormwind is the name of a regionHorde Player's Guide, pg. 9 (landWarcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 125, 214 or area.Monster Guide, pg. 20) It is a small, coastal zone west of the Burning Steppes, south of Dun Morogh and northwest of Elwynn Forest, on the western coastWorld of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 13 of the Eastern Kingdoms. This region is the location of Stormwind City, as established in Lands of ConflictLands of Conflict, pg. 52 and Warcraft The Roleplaying Game,Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 215 and includes an area north of the city.50px Today, with the collapse of Lordaeron and Stromgarde, Stormwind is the brightest bastion of humanity on Azeroth.
The mountains around the glorious Stormwind Keep have an impressive ley line pattern that is responsible for the occasional sudden squalls that give Stormwind City its name. Wild beasts including harpies and dire wolves inhabit this area.More Magic and Mayhem, pg. 47
The Stormwind region itself does not go much beyond the boundaries of Stormwind City; it begins at the Valley of Heroes and extends into the mountains to the north.Lands of Conflict, pg. 52, 53 The city stands firm on Azeroth's northwest coast and is the capital of both the Stormwind region and kingdom, and contain one of the few remaining great human cities. Primarily a human settlement, a fair number of high elves, Ironforge dwarves, and even a few night elves and gnomes dwell here as well.
A reasonably large shipyard lies on the northwestern part of the city and provides the Alliance with naval craft. The lush valley of heroes lies south of the city and all visitors must pass through it, as it is the only entrance to Stormwind on foot. With all the rebuilding efforts in the past thirty years, the city has several notable structures. These include: the Academy of Arcane Sciences, Cathedral of Light, Pig and Whistle, the Stockade and the Vault, and Stormwind Keep. The mighty walls surrounding Stormwind are somewhat invulnerable to small scale attacks. Crossbowmen can be stationed upon the ramparts, heavy ballistae keep watch for enemy artillery, and of course, waves of guards are willing to sacrifice their lives to defend the city.Lands of Conflict, pg. 53
A grand city with new construction that still gives a nod to human and dwarven architecture of old, one can move about Stormwind on foot, rent one of many mounts or even have a small boat take them through the several canals that bisect the city. The mountains north hold some nastier sorts of beasts that will sometimes venture south to see what they can pick from the road. The passage is no stranger to harpy attacks, and even dire wolves are spotted north of the city. The locals assume the creatures have escaped from the Blackrock orcs in the Burning Steppes.
===People and culture===
thumb|left|The mountains north of Stormwind City.
Stormwind is the jewel of the Alliance in Azeroth. The oldest and grandest human city, it has weathered three wars, ransacking by the orcs, and invasions by the Alliance to take it back. Although mostly a human city, Stormwind does house dwarves, high elves, night elves, and other Alliance races. It opens its gates to all Alliance members to participate in trade within the city limits. Most of the city's coffers are filled with the taxes taken from merchants in the busy market. Every night at sunset the Cathedral of Light rings a solitary bell whose sweet pitch reaches the entire city. This is for the night elves, who are unaccustomed to living within cities. A day of mourning is set aside for the high elves, remembering Dalaran's destruction. The ale pours free for every dwarf in the city during the holy birthday of Anvil Stormglaive. It also holds celebrations for the Third War veterans, to honor the citizens of all Alliance races who fought in the war.
Stormwind's climate is warm, the skies clear, and the seasons generally temperate. Thus, clothes in the city are composed of light fabric for the most part. Color choices usually are bold: whites, reds, blues, oranges, and yellows. Although one might assume the climate would call for as little clothing as possible, the inhabitants of Stormwind prefer light fabric, but lots of it. Humans usually wear long-sleeved tunics, billowy trousers, leather boots, and sometimes even ridiculously large, floppy hats for excessively sunny days.
The high elves generally copy the humans' fashions here, though there are some high elves who prefer to set themselves apart. Although Stormwind is well-defended, the city guard usually wears only light armor to handle the occasional thief or bandit. The paladins will don their full plate during ceremonies and when they ride out of the city on business defending Elwynn Forest or the surrounding areas, but around the city they wear nothing more than the breastplate that identifies them as paladins. A third force in the city is dedicated to maintaining the peace. In addition, a guild of assassins works behind the scenes with the blessings of the king and the Stormwind ruling council. When solving an "inconvenient" problem would go against the tenets of the Holy Light, the Stormwind Assassins are called. They deal with matters quickly and efficiently, and few questions are asked.
The city's nobility strives for power while manipulating others and shrouding their sins in secrecy. A few exceptional nobles, however, do try to tend to the city the best they can. The priests, meanwhile, uphold the tenets of the Holy Light, although some have become more political than religious. The guard is generally uncorrupted and has a close relationship to the carefree citizens of Stormwind.
Opposition to the Horde, Scourge, Burning Legion, and Shadow are near requirements to live in the city. Anyone who speaks out in support of these groups, or even suggests it, is likely to be hanged or driven out, for these beliefs are enforced like law by the will of the common man.
Most citizens of the city are practitioners of the Holy Light, and nearly all at least respect it. The religion is tied closely to the government, for the church has enough political influence to directly impact the actions the King decides to take.
Those criminals who survive arrest and trial reside in one of the city's two prisons. Common criminals from pickpockets to murderers stay in the Stockade. More dangerous types — demons, rogue mages, and the like — are left to rot in the Vault, which is surrounded on all sides by water.Lands of Conflict, pg. 52 - 53
==Notes and trivia==
;Lore
*Doctor Weavil refers to Stormwind City as the "capital of cheese",Diary of Weavil likely because of the shop Trias Cheese, as well as Stormwind Brie.
*The cathedral's bell rings to mark the hours, and in times of danger to alert the citizens.World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 17
*According to Robby Flay, apple trees can be found in every district of Stormwind City.The King's Cider
*SI:7 have "friends" in nearly every quarter of Stormwind City, selling goods, listening to strangers chat, and keeping an eye out on their behalf.World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 10 - 11
*The artillery shells used by the Storm's Fury gunship were manufactured by "Stormwind Royal Industries".Gunship Down
*The Slaughtered Lamb's basement and catacombs serve as host to the warlock community of Stormwind City.You Have Served Us Well
*In some districts, School Mistress Miss Danna teaches a group of children, indicating the presence of a school in the city.
*A sewer in the city leads to Mirror Lake.On Track
*The Four Dons used to sing in the city.Rohan the Assassin when asked about the Bonescythe Armor
;Gameplay
*Stormwind City is arguably the largest city in the game after the addition of Stormwind Harbor and the Outskirts. It is only rivaled by Silvermoon City and Shattrath City.
*It is the only Alliance capital that has an instance within the city borders. This is convenient for repairing and selling afterwards.
*Stormwind is, alongside Dalaran, the only two capital cities in which a rare mob may spawn; in the case of Stormwind, the Sewer Beast crocolisk.
*The city contains the Champions' Hall for the Alliance, and thus access to all the special PvP gear.
*It is the only Alliance city with all class trainers present (including druid and shaman).
*Fishing is a favored sport in Stormwind City. The canals and lakes of Stormwind City house a variety of seafood. Fishermen fish Gigantic CatfishA Fisherman's Feast and Canal CrabsFeeling Crabby? in the Canals. Olivia's Pond is stocked with Crystal Bass every yearDiggin' For Worms and Stormwindians have recently been trapping Rock Lobsters below the docks of Stormwind Harbor.Rock Lobster (quest) The most prized and challenging fish is the Hardened Walleye, found in Stormwind Lake.Hitting a Walleye
*Stormwind City's role as a hangout for high-level players has fluctuated over the years. Since patch 1.10, it has risen in popularity compared to Ironforge (though this may vary by server). Stormwind City is now only two boat rides (or a tram ride) away from every other Alliance city as well as Northrend, making it extremely attractive to adventurers of all races. It became even more suited in Cataclysm which removed the city portals in Dalaran (and Shattrath) while adding the Eastern Earthshrine to Stormwind City. The removal of the city portals reduced especially Dalaran's popularity as a hangout spot (Shattrath lost its popularity in WOTLK when it was "replaced" by Dalaran) which made other cities closer to the new areas more attractive. The Eastern Earthshrine serves exactly this purpose, which has made Stormwind City the most popular city for level 80-85 Alliance players. Orgrimmar has undergone the same process for Horde players.
*From patch 3.0.8 to patch 4.0.3, night elves and draenei could only ride through Stormwind City's Stormwind Counting House bank door on mechanostriders; all other Alliance mounts made these two races too high to fit. When it was remodeled with the addition of the Dwarven District's Royal Bank of Stormwind in patch 4.0.3a, the height of the doorway was increased.
*The part of this region that doesn't include Stormwind City was inaccessible in World of Warcraft before patch 4.0.3a, in which it was finally removed and replaced with water.
**North of this area, on the other side of Coldridge in Dun Morogh, is a long valley that continues northward behind the mountain entrance of Gnomeregan. Under normal circumstances it, too, is inaccessible.
*In World of Warcraft the coastline belongs to Westfall - actually, Westfall waters continue even to southern Dun Morogh - however, the coastline belongs to Stormwind according to World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game. It is possible that it's just a gameplay limitation.
*The capital used to be a big target for Horde players to kite the end-game boss Lord Kazzak and then set him loose within the city. Kazzak has since been moved to Hellfire Peninsula.
*There was once an endless supply of Ice Cold Milk scattered around Stormwind City in barrels, which was useful if you were a low-level mana user and wanted to save gold.
;Other
*Look into List of Stormwind NPCs for a list of quest givers in the area.
*In the map of Warcraft: Orcs & Humans this region is represented by Stormwind Keep, some mountains and an unmarked forest.
*In two official sided map released by BradyGames, it's shown that the northern part of the region is a mountainous region.
*Stormwind City once had the largest area out of Kalimdor dedicated and inhabited by night elves, before the Park was destroyed.
*The gnome warlock Niby the Almighty was previously planning to unleash a demon upon Stormwind City as punishment for exiling him. Although he managed to summon the Black Chicken of Death it seems he gave up his plans and later moved to Icecrown Citadel where he now sells Tier 10 armor for warlocks.
*When developing Stormwind during the creation of classic World of Warcraft, the designers didn't know what gameplay purpose the in-game cities would serve, only that the game would have large capital cities (though no one seemed to know exactly how big the cities needed to be). At the time, the developers thought that all quest givers would be located in the cities, though they later realized that this didn't make any sense from a design standpoint. Johnathan Staats recalls that Stormwind was "especially painful" to design due to its confusing layout and the fact that the minimap functionality didn't exist for the majority of WoW's development, meaning that many who entered Stormwind would get lost and be unable to find the city gates. He cites the specific example of not being able to tell that one was in the Trade District until one saw the gates leading out of the city.
**Staats also recalls that Stormwind may have originally had nine districts, two of which were fused into a single area.
**Originally, the city was planned to feature gondolas that would serve as a quick way to travel from one district to another, hence the existence of the Canals and the fact that players can get in and out of the Canal waters. Staats admits that, in hindsight, this was a terrible idea.
**The unused instance portal between the Old Town and the Trade District removed in Cataclysm was originally meant to lead to the player housing area.World of Warcraft Diary, pg. ??
*Stormwind City is a rare location card in the World of Warcraft: Trading Card Game's Drums of War set.
*One of the classic game boards in Hearthstone, , is themed around Stormwind City.
==Gallery==
File:Stormwind City HS.jpg|Stormwind City as seen in .
File:OverviewStormwind.JPG|Entrance as seen before Cataclysm.
File:Stormwind Keep Cataclysm.jpg|Stormwind Keep entrance
File:The-Former-Stormwind-Gardens.jpg|The ruined Stormwind Park before its conversion to Lion's Rest.
File:Stormwind aerial view.jpg|Aerial view of Stormwind during Cataclysm.
File:Stormwind-Keep.jpg|A nighttime view of the city from Stormwind Keep.
File:Onyxia's head in Stormwind.jpg|Onyxia's head hanging from the gates of Stormwind.
File:Stormwind Gate - Pearl of Pandaria.jpg|The gates of Stormwind in Pearl of Pandaria.
File:Stormwind - Development.png|Stormwind City on the first day it was created.
File:Stormwind City TCG.jpg|thumb|Stormwind City (Drums of War) in the Trading Card Game.
File:Neo-Stormwind.jpg|thumb| in Heroes of the Storm.
;City banners
These banners mark the entrances to the various districts of the city.
File:Cathedral Square banner.jpg|Cathedral Square
File:Dwarven District banner.jpg|Dwarven District
File:Mage Quarter banner.jpg|Mage Quarter
File:Old Town banner.jpg|Old Town
File:The Park banner.jpg|The Park (removed in Cataclysm)
;Warcraft I & II
File:WarCraft-Orcs%26Humans-Orcs-Scenario12-StormwindKeep.png|Stormwind City during the First War.
File:WC1HumanStormwind.gif|Stormwind Keep being guarded during the war.
File:WC1 Human Victory.jpg|Human victory in the First War (WC1, non-canon).
File:WC1ScreenCapture2.jpg|Stormwind Keep before its destruction in the First War.
File:WC1 Defender of the Crown.jpg|The Defender of the Crown and new king of Azeroth after winning the First War (WC1, non-canon).
File:WarCraftII-BeyondTheDarkPortal-Orcs-Mission06-NewStormwind.png|Stormwind City during the Invasion of Draenor.
;Maps
File:VZ-Stormwind City-old1.jpg|Map before patch 3.0.2.
File:VZ-Stormwind City-old2.jpg|Map before patch 4.0.3a.
File:VZ-Stormwind City-old3.jpg|Map before patch 5.0.4.
File:VZ-Stormwind City-old4.jpg|Map before patch 7.0.3.
File:VZ-Stormwind City-old5.jpg|Map before patch 7.3.5.
WorldMap-VON Stormwind.jpg|Map of the Vision of Stormwind.
File:WorldMap-Stormwind-Early.jpg|An early map of Stormwind City during the alpha.
File:Stormwindmapmanual.jpg|Map in World of Warcraft: Game Manual.
File:StormwindmapLoC.JPG| Map in Lands of Conflict.
;Warcraft film universe
File:StormwindPanorama.jpg| in the Warcraft film universe.
File:Stormwind City (film) gryphon landing.jpg|Another screen of the city.
File:BtDP - Stormwind.jpg|Picture from Warcraft: Behind the Dark Portal.
File:Stormwind kingdom map film universe.jpg|Map of the core regions of in the film universe, including Stormwind City.
==Videos==
<vplayer/>
*
==Patch changes==
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
==See also==
*Stormwind to Booty Bay travel guide
==References==
==External links==
Category:Human territories
 
Category:Cities
Category:Alliance settlements
Category:World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game
Category:Lands of Conflict
Category:More Magic and Mayhem
es:Ciudad de Ventormenta
fr:Hurlevent
pl:Stormwind City
it:Roccavento