The Neutral Powers, Post-Legionfall

The neutral states were caught off-guard by the Fourth War, and many reacted belatedly or not at all. Ironically, it was the single greatest neutral power, Pandaria, that was instrumental in ending the conflict (though Pandaria will be addressed in its own section, not this one). Today, the vacuum left by the weakened Horde has given these states new openings. At the same time, they must work ever more closely with the superpower that is the Alliance.

The Argent Protectorate

The Argent Crusade more or less stumbled its way into sovereign status. The old Argent Crusade (and the Argent Dawn before that) was an almost purely military organization, dedicated to driving evil from the ruins of Lordaeron. In so doing, they found themselves the stewards to the human remnant population in the Plaguelands. Now that the Scourge is no more, the Argent Crusade had no choice but to put down their swords and take up their pens in order to care for their subjects.

Unfortunately, battle-hardened crusaders do not necessarily make good peacetime leaders. The early years of the Argent Protectorate (which includes much of the Western Plaguelands and all of the Eastern) were almost farcical. While the Argents had some experience with administration, they had trouble prioritizing the needs of their civilian population. Dalaranese expertise helped address this management issue.

Life in the Argent Protectorate is far from luxurious but is relatively safe so long as one stays in the cleansed areas. Anyone can apply to become a resident, but only those with experience in the Argent military are permitted to act as leaders. This has led to a militaristic attitude that has become somewhat problematic given the Argent Protectorate's delicate geographical position. The Argent Protectorate considers the Forsaken to be morally equivalent to the Scourge, and many within it would like to declare war against Sylvanas. The Alliance will almost certainly take the Argent Protectorate's side in the event of conflict.

Cooler heads point out that the Alliance would not be able to score a decisive victory in time to save Argent territory. The Argent Crusade has a substantial civilian population that it must protect from both death and undeath. It's one thing for the soldiers to sacrifice themselves, quite another for the families they protect to do the same. But Forsaken atrocities are well-known and continue to inspire anger. Ex-Forsaken Argents are often among the most strident advocates for war.

The Cenarion Circle

The Cenarion Circle was caught completely wrong-footed by the Fourth War. Horde depredations in Ashenvale outraged the circle's membership, and they hewed ever closer to Darnassus. Horde druids found themselves isolated. Those who apologized for Garrosh's actions risked censure from their Horde superiors, and such apologies usually garnered more scorn from the Alliance. By the end of the Fourth War, there was little to distinguish the Cenarion Circle from the Darnassian government.

The war against the Legion gave the Cenarion Circle a much-needed boost. Their druids moved in after the debacle at the Broken Shore and played an instrumental role in repelling the Legion. Some of the factional differences were resolved and the Cenarion Circle again stands on its own.

The Earthen Ring

The Earthen Ring was one of the few neutral powers to support the Horde during the Fourth War. Garrosh's increasing savagery, and his seeming indifference to the spirits, soon made them look like hypocrites. Alliance shamans considered splitting off to form their own organization.

Much like the Cenarion Circle, the Earthen Ring was granted a new life during the Legion invasion. Though still sympathetic to the Horde, they have made clear that their primary purpose is to work with the spirits of Azeroth.

The Steamwheedle Cartel

The Fourth War provided some wild ups and downs for the Steamwheedle goblins. Fortunes were earned on the arms trade, even as they were lost investing in the Elemental Planes. The Legion invasion gave the arms dealers a second wind. As is so often the case, Steamwheedle lenders and traders played an instrumental part in saving Azeroth.

After Legionfall, the Steamwheedle Cartel shifted its focus to infrastructure and construction. The Horde's inclusion of the Bilgewater Cartel alienated the Steamwheedle bosses, but they have a good working relationship with the Darkspear Tribe, which has extensive investments throughout Stranglethorn Vale. The cartel has also been working with Uldum, though there is suspicion that this relationship tends to exploit the tol'vir, who have little experience with such things.

The Steamwheedle Cartel remains a place where misfits from other societies can find a home, so long as they're willing to work for it. Though goblins predominate, the Steamwheedle cities are all melting pots of different races and creeds. These are areas where Horde and Alliance citizens can meet each other as equals. The board of directors includes two trolls and a human. As one might expect, Steamwheedle territories also attract spies from all over.

Dalaran

Dalaran is a source of frustration for the Alliance. Garrosh's aggression led the floating city-state to rejoin the Alliance, and many in Stormwind and Ironforge assumed this would be permanent. Dalaran's abrupt departure after the Fourth War enraged many and has cast a pall of suspicion over the Kirin Tor.

In truth, Dalaran believes it has a mission to protect Azeroth and only joined the Alliance in order to facilitate this goal. During the Legion Invasion, they reasoned that they could better serve the world by acting as neutral coordinators for the innumerable partisans and freelancers who flocked to fight the demons. Their reasoning was correct.

Dalaran has remained in position over the Broken Isles though it controls extensive farmland in western Crystalsong Forest up in Northrend. The city welcomes researchers and mages from around the world, though the Kirin Tor tend to be tightfisted about sharing information. Access to the better Kirin Tor libraries is limited to Dalaranese citizens. Horde and Alliance scholars who wish to see such information would have to renounce their factions in order to do so. Those who attempt to smuggle information to other parties are violently terminated if caught.

Shattrath City

Outland's remote location has preserved it from the recent chaos. The Dark Portal is effectively controlled by the Alliance, but the vast wasteland of Hellfire Peninsula on the other side means that there's no easy way for them to resupply armies or outposts. The Outland Campaign was logistically taxing, and there is no longer any reason for either the Horde or the Alliance to maintain a significant presence on the crumbling realm.

This suits Outland just fine. Shattrath City remains a beacon of peace and safety in a tumultuous universe. A new generation has grown up in the teeming streets of the Lower City and races from multiple worlds mingle in the vast marketplaces. The arrivals have altered the makeup of the Sha'tar governing body, which now only has a Draenic minority. This was an initial source of frustration to the Draenei, who feared that the other races would detract from the Draenei's holy mission to provide piety and safety for all. Over time, this attitude has changed. Though the Draenei remain committed to their mission, they also realize that other races can only gradually be guided to a more holy state. Some of the non-Draenei, however, are dedicated to ensuring that Shattrath never becomes so holy as to prevent profit or a good time.

Conflict exists in the Lower City, but is blunted by the Naaru presence. Arguments can be fierce, but they never erupt into violence. Penury is always possible, but there is a safety net. The Sha'tar hear the voices of those who speak. The Aldor have re-dedicated themselves to helping the poor and dispossessed, while the Scryers now act as an informal university (though it's difficult to get in without the right connections). With so many intermingling cultures, it is no surprise that the arts have thrived in Shattrath, and many believe there is no better place for a creative mind.

Shattrath City's authority now extends well beyond the city's walls, and has peacefully incorporated the remaining populations of Skettis and the Cabal.

The Order of the Ebon Blade

The death knights of the Ebon Blade launched themselves into the war against the Legion. When that was done, most retreated back to Icecrown Glacier where they keep an eye on the Scourge remnant. They seem to have little interest in the world beyond that, though some can still be found serving the Horde or Alliance.

The Illidari

The demon hunters continue their war against the remnants of the Burning Legion. Familiar with fiendish stratagems, they know that rogue warlords might still try to foment chaos in Azeroth. Those who do will soon find the Illidari's Azzinoth blades at their throats.

Most in Azeroth have accepted Illidan's return. However, residents in Outland remember the suffering they endured under Illidan's reign, and have made very clear that the Illidari are not welcome. Demon hunters who travel to Outland do so at their own peril—which sometimes helps the demon hunters' quarry.

Zangarmarsh

The Cenarion Expedition remained in Zangarmarsh, and is self-sufficient. These druids have gained a better understanding of the fungal ecology and are dedicated to preserving this diverse environment. The creation of a second spawning ground has ensured that the sporeling race will still have a future. Sporeggar works closely with the Cenarion Expedition, and few within the organization were surprised when a sporeling, Fessh'fin, was elevated to Archdruid of Outland.

The Cenarion Circle was troubled by this, but they were too far away for their opinion to matter.

Ogri'la
The enlightened ogres of Ogri'la pool their efforts into uplifting those ogres who can be, and to feeding the rest. It's not an ideal state, but is the best that can be done for now.

The Consortium

There was a time when it seemed as if the Consortium ethereals were poised to enter the markets of Azeroth. Distance and strife convinced the Consortium to focus on Outland. Netherstorm remains a hub of ethereal activity. The goblins of Area 52 are effectively run by the Consortium, giving the traders within access to markets on dozens of worlds. Ever so slowly, artifacts and goods from unimaginably distant realms filter their way into Outland, and from there to Azeroth.

Zul'drak

Zul'drak was ruined by the Scourge. The failure of the spirit-slave system has turned the once-temperate lower tiers into frigid wastelands. Ice trolls survive in a few pockets, but it is doubtful that they will ever regain their empire.

Ulduar

The Earthen of Ulduar chose not to formally join the Alliance. However, they still share information and resources with dwarven explorers. No one knows exactly what the Earthen do within Ulduar, though most information suggests that they are simply trying to rebuild after the war with the iron dwarves.

The Tuskarr Tribes

The tuskarr celebrated the Lich King's fall as much as anyone else. Life is good; there's plenty of fish, and far fewer enemies. Yet they are troubled by the encroaching human presence. Kirovi fishermen and Stormwind colonists sometimes seize the best fishing spots. It's not yet a serious problem, but will become one if trends continue.

The tuskarr value their independence, but they are one of the few neutral groups to favor the Horde. The shared shamanistic culture gives them some common ground and they do not think the Alliance would ever take their side in a quarrel against Kirovar or Stormwind.

The Wyrmrest Accord

The dragon flights have largely accepted that they will play a smaller role from now on. Currently, the flights are dedicated to teaching their mortal successors. Much work is also being done to find a replacement for Ysera, who perished during the Legion Invasion.

The Frenzyheart Tribe

The wolvar of the Frenzyheart Tribe eventually exhausted themselves in constant fighting. They lurk at the edge of the Sholazar Basin, gradually building up strength for another go at it. They are the only viable wolvar population left in Northrend.

The Oracles

The Oracles have taken advantage of the Scourge's fall to increase their numbers. Several outsiders, primarily dwarves and night elves, are providing assistance. A handful of gorloc prodigies try and develop Oracle society, but it is slow going at best.

Uldum

The kingdoms of Uldum face an uncertain future. Far more primitive than much of Azeroth, the tol'vir struggle to bring their realm up to speed. The power of the Horde and Alliance has sent cultural shock waves through Uldum, and some now question the worth of their own culture.

Ramkahen is peaceful but impoverished. The pharaoh has sent tol'vir scholars to learn from the wider world, and some have been successful. But it will take generations for meaningful change to take place. Conservative tol'vir resent these changes, and question why they should imitate foreign societies.

The Orsisi have fully reverted to their nomadic state and there have been several confrontations with Ramkaheni farmers. It is probably only a matter of time before violence erupts. Worryingly, the Orsisi tend to readily accept the powerful weapons of the outside world.

Alliance intervention saved the Neferseti from complete collapse. These stone tol'vir cannot normally reproduce. A few dwarven philanthropists work with the distant Earthen to find a solution.