In my attempt to figure out the correct chronological order to navigate World of Warcraft and understand the complete story, the first book I would read and have on my list is: „Of Blood and Honor“ by Chris Metzen himself.
The story takes place several years after the Second War. Tirion Fordring, a highly respected Paladin of the Silver Hand and Governor of Hearthglen, is living a quiet life. That changes instantly when he encounters an old Orc named Eitrigg in a dilapidated ruin.
Spoiler warning!!!
Instead of blindly attacking each other, something unexpected happens. During their fight, the ruin collapses and buries Tirion under the debris. Rather than letting him die or finishing him off, Eitrigg saves the Paladin. This completely turns Tirion’s worldview upside down. To him, Orcs had always been nothing more than mindless „green monsters.“ But Eitrigg tells him his story: He fled the bloodthirsty corruption of the Horde because he did not want to lose his sense of honor.
The Conflict: Law vs. Conscience Tirion realizes that Eitrigg has more honor in him than many humans. He promises the Orc he will protect him and keep his hiding place a secret. However, the truth comes out. Saidan Dathrohan, another Paladin leader, finds Eitrigg and takes him prisoner.
What follows is the real turning point of the book: The trial in Stratholme. Tirion is charged with high treason. He is offered a way out: He is told to renounce his promise to the Orc, and he will keep his position and status. But Tirion stands his ground. He says:
„Honor is not a matter of race, but of action.“
The consequence? Tirion is excommunicated. Uther the Lightbringer himself performs the ritual that severs Tirion’s connection to the Holy Light. He loses everything: his title, his land, and his family.
The Finale and the Legacy Just as Eitrigg is about to be executed, the „new“ Horde, led by a young Thrall, suddenly appears and attacks Stratholme. In the chaos, Tirion manages to free Eitrigg. In that moment, a miracle occurs: Even though Tirion was officially cut off from the Light, his powers return – simply through his pure will and his belief in doing what is right.
Eitrigg joins Thrall’s Horde, and Tirion goes into exile, where we meet him again in the Plaguelands during the days of classic World of Warcraft.
