Council of Five Branches

The **Council of the Five Branches** is a confederation of five Forest Troll Tribes that unified together during the Darkheart Crisis. The Council acts as a single political entity in world affairs, making decisions collectively and speaking with one voice to all other external political entities when necessary. Additionally, the Council acts as a defensive military alliance; although the article has not been invoked just yet, it is believed that **an attack on one is an attack on all.** Zandalari Diplomats believe that should the Council stay together in the next few intervening years, it will be a true successor to the once powerful Amani Empire.

# Member Tribes

## Amani

**Leader:** Vuthak

**Speaker:** Xunjok

Although once a great and powerful empire, the Amani Tribe have fallen far since the death of Zul'jin. With their wars against the Elves of Quel'thalas rapidly dwindling their strength, they have fallen so far as to be seen as little more than a petty kingdom at best.

The Darkheart Crisis, however, renewed their status as Vuthak, son of Chief Rhuxa, united the Forest Trolls through cunning and diplomacy to defeat Zevelion Darkheart at the Darkheart Assault of Zul'aman.

Although Vuthak has not yet undertaken the trials to earn the title of 'jin, many believe him to achieve it as he has managed to rally strong support among the other Amani Warlords. It was Vuthak's diplomatic ambition to see the Amani restored and the Forest Trolls united, allowing the creation of the Council.

## Witherbark

**Leader(s):** Zathik, Vasan

**Speaker:** Vusai

A shadow of its former glory, the Witherbark Tribe for many years was relegated to the dustbin of history. The Doom of Zul'nalor, the Withering Schism the Fall of the Shadra'alor, and the Death of Zalas Witherbark left many to speculate that the Tribe would cease to exist.

However, two figures emerge on either side of the Ucheldir Mountains -- Warlord Zathik in the Lowlands and Hexlord Vasan in the Highlands. Both managed to unite many warbands and retake several key territories along with securing support and legitimacy from the Zandalari Empire.

Although considered an opportunist, it was Zathik who led the Lowlands Witherbark to the Amani's aid. With the security of the Witherbark's future in place after Zevelion's Assault, both Zathik and Vasan agreed to have the Tribe join the confederation.

## Vilebranch

**Leader:** Rhokan'jin

**Speaker:** Xaizma the Broken

After the fall of Zul'jin during the Second War, the Vilebranch Tribe lived up to their name. They repeatedly looked to darker loa, such as Hakkar or Mueh'zala, drained their local loa such as Shadra, or committed atrocities against the Wildhammer and Revantusk. So when the Darkheart Crisis began, it was no wonder that the Tribe was infiltrated and used against the dying Forest Troll race.

With the death of Tizaadi and the retaking of Jintha'alor, however, the Vilebranch have managed to stave off the extinction of their tribe for another year. Once entertaining the envoys from the Smolderthorn, Firetree, and others aligned with the Dark Horde, now Rhokan'jin has become a supporting member of the Council.

## Revantusk

**Leader:** Torntusk

**Speaker:** Zaathago

Once believed to be a dying tribe, the Revantusk Tribe joined the Horde and, much like the Darkspear, have grown in strength since then. Now that the Revantusk have become a major power in the Hinterlands and even lending their strength during the Darkheart Crisis, they have been the model of not only surviving, but thriving.

Although once reviled for their continuing relationship with the Horde and further, having to make peace with former rivals, the Revantusk have become a strong component of the Council and serve as the council's official emissaries to the Horde.

## Mossflayer

**Leader:** Ezreya

**Speaker:** Rhagha the Shadow

Like the Revantusk, it was once believed that the Mossflayer Tribe would become extinct within a decade. Their tribe is the smallest of all the members of the council, but they have managed to survive repeated attacks against Zul'mashar by the Scourge, Alliance, Horde, and other factions. During the Darkheart Crisis, they came the closest they had ever been to extinction, but thanks to the efforts of the South Sea Exchange, have survived yet again.

Though small in number, their renewed faith in life has become a beacon within the Plaguelands. Although they have the protection of the Council, they have also received official recognition and protectorate status from the Zandalari Empire and the Argent Crusade.

# Observers

## Zandalari Empire

Although all five tribes entertain a diplomatic mission, the Zandalari Empire is keen in fostering the development and stability of the Council and its member tribes.

It has taken a light hand in guiding the Council into its regional affairs, careful not to overstep its bounds to act like Overlords. It lends material support in rebuilding the Council's territories and works through the South Sea Exchange Trading Company to facilitate it.

## Argent Crusade

As the Argent Crusade largely controls the majority of the Eastern Plaguelands and many parts of the Western Plaguelands, it has given protectorate status to the Mossflayer Tribe and been granted observer status to lend recognition and legitimacy to the Council.

Further, the Crusade has given material support to the rebuilding of Zul'mashar.