Lore of Vol'jin

By Neryssa Updated: 2019/05/09

Before Warcraft IIIWarcraft III

From the Troll Compendium, an article by Blizzard that did not survive the WoW official site overhaul:

Before the Third War broke out, the courageous orc Thrall escaped his enslavement and began assembling a new Horde. This Horde would make no pacts with demons, nor would Thrall and his orcs seek further conflict with humans. Instead, at the urging of a prophet, Thrall led the revitalized Horde over the sea to Kalimdor.

The voyage grew perilous when a violent storm appeared and inflicted heavy damage on the orc fleet. Fearing that the ships would not reach Kalimdor intact, Thrall ordered the Horde to seek shelter in the cove of a nearby island. The elderly leader of the Darkspear trolls, Sen'jin, greeted the orc newcomers and warned them that a group of humans had established an outpost on the island.

Unfortunately the humans were not the only threat on the island. A group of murlocs captured Sen'jin, Thrall, and several other orcs and trolls. Thrall fought his way out of his prison cell and freed a number of other captives, but by the time he reached Sen'jin's cell, the wise old troll was missing. The murlocs had taken him away in order to sacrifice him to a mysterious sea witch.

Despite Thrall's best efforts, a murloc sorcerer succeeded in carrying out the sacrifice. Mortally wounded, Sen'jin revealed that he had seen a vision in which Thrall would lead the Darkspears from the island.

The sea witch was furious at the slaughter of her minions and the defilement of her sanctuary. She summoned powerful waves to batter the island. Regardless, Thrall and his forces managed to defeat further murloc attackers, repair the damaged fleet, and retrieve a number of troll survivors.

In Sen’jin's honor, Thrall offered the Darkspears a place in the Horde and sanctuary in the kingdom he planned to establish in Kalimdor. Vol’jin, the son of Sen’jin, took control of the Darkspear tribe and accepted Thrall's offer. After the orcs departed, a large group of Darkspears also sailed for Kalimdor. Vol'jin and the rest of the tribe weathered the sea witch's anger, gathered all the supplies they could take with them, and joined their brethren roughly a year later in the new orc nation, Durotar. They made a home for themselves on the Echo Isles, just off the southeastern coast.

Kalimdor and the founding of Sen'jin VillageWorld of WarcraftCataclysmZalazane's FallWitch Doctor Hez'tokBwonsamdi, the Loa of Death

Bwonsamdi yells: WHO BE STIRRIN' UP MY BONES? Dem's Bwonsamdi's charges, and not ta be touched!
Vol'jin yells: I be Vol'jin, Son of Sen'jin, here ta ask your aid, o great Bwonsamdi.
Bwonsamdi yells: I know who ya are, shadow hunter. An' I know what ya WANT. But what makes you tink I'm gonna help YOU? Ain't a wise ting, callin' me from de Other Side...
Vol'jin yells: I ain't askin' for me alone, Great Spirit, but on behalf of da Darkspear Tribe... on behalf of me PEOPLE.
Bwonsamdi yells: Darkspear... it been a long time since I heard de drums... since I drank de ritual offerings. I be watchin' over your dead, Vol'jin, and for NOTHIN'. Why have de Darkspear forsaken Bwonsamdi, eh?
Vol'jin yells: We were driven away, Great Spirit. Hexmaster Zalazane took de Isles from us... drove us mad, made us fight one another. De only trolls left in de Echo Isles are his mindless voodoo slaves.
Bwonsamdi yells: Zalazane...
Vol'jin yells: Aid us, Bwonsamdi! Help us regain our home! Return de Darkspear to de Isles, and hear your drums again! Drink your ritual offerings once more! Dis, as de Son of Sen'jin, I swear.
Bwonsamdi yells: Hrmmm. Time ta see how bad ya want dis, shadow hunter. Time ta see if you be WORTHY.

Vol'jin says: Give up, Zalazane. It be over, now.
Zalazane yells: You fool! I ain't runnin' away. I lured ya here, ta kill ya wit' your own precious tribe!
Zalazane yells: No matter! I can't be touched. No living ting can make its way trough dis barrier! Da Echo Isles be Zalazane's ta rule, shadow hunter! Now, and FOREVER!
---
Bwonsamdi yells: BWAH HAH HAH HAH HAH!
Zalazane yells: Who... who dat be?
Bwonsamdi yells: ZALAZANE. What you tinkin', takin' dat which be mine? De Darkspear dead are MY domain, sorcerer... and now you gonna be one of dem!
Zalazane yells: No! No... NOOO!
---
Vol'jin says: A fittin' end for so foul a troll. Bwonsamdi; you have my tanks, and dat of all de Darkspear. We will continue to honor you, as is proper.
Bwonsamdi says: It'll be good to hear de Darkspear drums once more. You take care now, Son of Sen'jin. Bwonsamdi will be waitin' for ya... on de Other Side...

Zalazane's FallDarkspear PrideThe Darkspear ExodusMore Than Expected

Vol'jin says: I have sometin' to show ya. It be easier to understand if ya see it yourself.
---
Vision of Garrosh Hellscream says: Don't talk back to me, troll. You know who was left in charge here. Haven't you stopped to ask yourself why Thrall chose me instead of you?
Vision of Vol'jin says: Dere be no question why, Garrosh. He gave ya tha title because ya be Grom's Son and because tha people be wantin' a war hero.
Vision of Vol'jin says: To which I tink ya be even more like ya father den he thought, even without ya havin' da demon blood.
Vision of Garrosh Hellscream says: You are lucky I don't gut you right here, whelp. You are foolish to think that you can speak to your Warchief in such ways.
Vision of Vol'jin says: Ya be no Warchief of mine. Ya've not earned my respect and I'll not be seein' tha Horde destroyed by ya foolish thirst for war.
Vision of Garrosh Hellscream says: And what exactly do you think that you'll do about it? Your threats are hollow. Go slink away with the rest of your kind in the slums. I will endure your filth in my throne room no longer.
Vision of Vol'jin says: I know exactly what I'll be doin' about it, son of Hellscream. I'll be watchin' as ya people slowly become aware of ya ineptitude. I'll laugh as dey grow ta despise ya as I do.
Vision of Vol'jin says: And when tha time comes dat ya failure is complete and ya "power" is meaningless, I will be dere to end ya rule, swiftly and silently.
Vision of Vol'jin says: Ya will spend ya reign glancin' over ya shoulda and fearin' tha shadows, for when tha time comes and ya blood be slowly drainin' out, ya will know exactly who fired da arrow dat pierced ya heart.
Vision of Garrosh Hellscream says: You have sealed your fate, troll.
Vision of Garrosh Hellscream spits at Vol'jin's feet.
Vision of Vol'jin says: And you yours, "Warchief".
---
Vol'jin says: The Darkspear are 'ere because I led dem here. Orgrimmar be no home as long as it be under Hellscream's hand.
Vol'jin says: Still, I fear I was lettin' my temper drive me ta bein' rash. Thrall devoted himself to makin' the Horde what it is, so I've no eagerness to be leavin' it on a whim. Dis will be needin' much more thought.
Vol'jin says: But dese be worries for older minds. Ya still have much to learn. GO help tha people of tha Darkspear. I am sure we'll be speakin' again real soon.

Zar'jiraBreaking the Line

Vol'jin says: Tha Sea Witch is dead, our home is reclaimed, but our future still be uncertain.
Vol'jin says: I've no love for Garrosh, dat much is sure, but leavin' tha Horde is not a decision I be takin' lightly.
Vol'jin says: Dere's only one with tha answers I seek. Ya can stay and watch if ya like.
---
Vision of Thrall says: Vol'jin. It is good to see you, brother.
Vol'jin says: Thrall! I am glad ya be well. Dere were rumors otherwise.
Vision of Thrall says: Indeed. Someone did try to kill me, but that is not my greatest concern at the moment. The world itself calls for my aid.
Vol'jin says: I must beg ya council my friend. I can't be standin' by Garrosh while he be turnin' our people against each other for the sake of war. My respect for ya does not extend to dis new Horde... I am tinkin' of leadin' my people away.
Vision of Thrall says: Vol'jin, I chose Garrosh because he has the strength to lead our people through these trying times.
Vision of Thrall says: For all my supposed wisdom, there have been moments that I've barely been able to hold the Horde together. The Wrath Gate and Undercity displayed that clearly.
Vision of Thrall says: The Horde cries for a hero of old. An orc of true blood that will bow to no human and bear no betrayal. A warrior that will make our people proud again. Garrosh can be that hero.
Vision of Thrall says: I did not make this decision lightly. Vol'jin. I know our alliances will suffer for it. I know the Horde will be irreversibly changed. But I made this choice with confidence that Garrosh is exacty what the Horde needs.
Vision of Thrall says: I'm trusting you and the other leaders to not let this divide our people. You are stronger than that.
Vol'jin says: I understand, brotha. I will tink on this and be troublin' ya no furtha. You have a world to be savin'.
Vision of Thrall says: Throm'ka old friend.
Vol'jin says: Ya be proud and strong, youngblood. Tha Darkspear will be honored ta have you fight beside de'm.
Vol'jin says: Dese will not be easy times, but i be suspectin' we will be stayin' with tha Horde for the good of all.
Vol'jin says: Thrall's words are true, as dey always be. The Horde is much more den a few old, stubborn leaders and a handfull of heroes from Northrend. The people be cryin' Garrosh's name... at least for now.
Vol'jin says: Still, I be hopin' Thrall will return to us one day. Tha future right now be lookin' very grim...and very bloody.
Vol'jin says: Go now. Make tha Darkspear proud. Dere are many wars ahead of us, an' I'm sure ya be hivin' a part to play in all of dem.

Rise of the ZandalariZul'FarrakZul'DrakZul'AmanJaina Proudmoore: Tides of WarMalkorokMists of PandariaLandfallDagger in the DarkSomeone You Should SeeRegeneration Takes TimeFind Thrall!The Horde Is Family

Letter title: "Darkspear Never Die"

My friend-

Garrosh tried to off me with a dagger to the throat. But I got me something more powerful than assassin's poison. I got friends. Chen Stormstout, Thrall... We been through worse.

I need to lie low for a while, get me head together. Chen is taking me to the Shado-Pan Monastery to heal.

Meantimes, I need you to stay close to Garrosh. Keep your eyes open. Find out what he got going on. Dangerous. But I know you can handle yourself. I seen it with me own eyes.

- Vol'jin

Vol'jin: Shadows of the Horde

Writer's note: The events of the book Vol'jin: Shadows of the Horde happened after his assassination attempt at the Dagger in the Dark scenario, but before Vol'jin attempts to find Thrall to start his rebellion.

Vol'jin and Chen Stormsout fight against the Zandalari assault at the Shado-Pan monastery.

EscalationVol'jin of the DarkspearBattlefield: BarrensBattle of Sen'jin VillageBattle of Razor Hill

Vol'jin yells: Regroup! We press da advantage. Before da Warchief fortifies Razor Hill, we take it for da revolution, an' close off da road to da Barrens.
Vol'jin yells: Anyone who can still fight, come wit' me!
Thrall says: Wait Vol'jin. Horde is spilling Horde blood. It is tearing me apart.
Vol'jin says: We need ya, mon.
Thrall says: I know. I trust you to lead the siege. I am needed elsewhere.
Thrall says: I refuse to believe that all of my brethren support Garrosh.
Vol'jin says: Ya set one foot in Orgrimmar, Hellscream gonna bury a knife in ya neck!
Thrall says: I am going to Orgrimmar, alone. Eitrigg, Saurfang, surely they are standing against Garrosh. I must find others.
Thrall says: Its a risk I have to take. But if I am killed, please watch over Aggra and my boy.
Vol'jin says: I won't hear ya say such tings.
Thrall says: It has to be said Vol'jin. If we do not make it through this - I want you to know. You have always been my friend. My brother.
Vol'jin says: For da Horde.
Thrall says: For the Horde.

Vol'jin says: It be done! Razor Hill is ours! Da Warchief probably see da fires all the way from Grommash Hold...
Baine Bloodhoof says: Vol'jin - you're alive! It is true then - an open rebellion against the Warchief.
Vol'jin says: Baine. We be needin' ya support. Razor Hill be but an outpost - da walls of Orgrimmar be fortified since da Cataclysm.
Baine Bloodhoof says: I must tread carefully. Many of my people are still within Orgrimmar.
Vol'jin says: Lor'themar be ready to strike once he be finished wit da Isle of Thunder, and da Banshee Queen need no excuse, but they both across da sea. Without ya strength, we can't breech da city. I need tauren arms.
Baine Bloodhoof says: We are preparing. I just need time to ensure the safety of my people. But Vol'jin...
Vol'jin says: Hmm?
Baine Bloodhoof says: Garrosh has turned Orgrimmar into a fortress. You may need to seek out allies... beyond the Horde.

Vol'jin of the Darkspear

After completing the Alliance version of Battlefield: Barrens:

Vol'jin says: Very well. Ya earned me trust. I will put me faith in tha Alliance to do tha right ting.
Vol'jin says: The Darkspear and her allies will attack Orgrimmar by land, so that you can attack her by sea. It be the only way.

Additionally, King Varian Wrynn sends you a letter:

Title: Supporting the Insurrection

<player> -

Your name has come up in my most recent SI:7 briefing. Thank you for taking command of the dangerous situation in Durotar.

I don't trust this Vol'jin character at all, but I agree with your decision on the field. The more trolls and orcs we get killing each other, the more Alliance lives we save in the long run.

The Alliance fleet is assembled. If the Darkspear cause havoc as far as Bladefist Bay, that's all we need for a landing - we'll take care of the rest. Thank you.

-King Wrynn

Siege of OrgrimmarSiege of OrgrimmarIron JuggernautGeneral NazgrimGalakrasVol'jin, Warchief of the HordeGarrosh HellscreamWar Crimes

"Lady Jaina?' It was Jia Ji, one of the court couriers. He bowed low. "Forgive my intrusion on your solitude. I have a message for you."
He extended a scroll. Frowning, Jaina took it, and paled when she saw the seal. In the red was the unmistakable mark of the Horde.
A thousand thoughts tumbled through her head, all horrible, as she broke the wax with shaking fingers, unrolled the scroll, and read:

It took some time for me to learn what happened in Dalaran. You used to be a woman of peace; you be that no more. Garrosh scorches earth, and the dead ain't the only victims. You got no blame or hate from me, no matter what you feel toward Garrosh - or the Horde.
We all got our ghosts.

- V

She reread it several times, and then slowly smiled. "Do you wish me to convey a response, Lady Jaina?" asked Jia.
"Yes," she said. "Please tell the warchief that I thank him for his understanding."

Warlords of DraenorThe Ironmarch Vanguard

Treacherous Developments

The Dark Portal in the Blasted Lands has turned blood red. Hundreds of strange-looking orcs are violently pouring into Azeroth, killing everything that stands in their path. Nethergarde and Okril’lon have already fallen, and while the Horde and the Alliance moved as quickly as they could to get reinforcements to their people, they are too late. The Iron Horde invasion has begun.

In this desperate hour, King Wrynn and Warchief Vol’jin have called upon their greatest champions to join the front lines in the Blasted Lands and do whatever they can to stop the Iron Horde . . . before the rest of Azeroth falls before them.

Settling in DraenorEstablish Your GarrisonThe Tanaan InvasionWe Need a ShipwrightVol'jin's HeadhuntersLegionThe Battle of the Broken ShoreLegion: The Legion ReturnsThe Battle for Broken ShoreVol'jin's Death

Please don't call the guards. I came to honor Vol'jin, not to cause trouble.

He was a friend. We fought side by side against great odds. I owe that troll my life.

We once swore to each other that, should one of us be killed, the other would avenge him. Always thought he'd outlive me...

Whatever it takes, I'm going to make good on my promise.

Battle for AzerothSpirits Be With YouZalazane ReturnsThe Glaive of Vol'jinVengeance for Vol'jin

Zalazane says: What? Vol'jin... you could not have grown so strong without becoming... a...

Vol'jin, Son of Sen'jinAtal'Dazar: Ashes of a WarchiefYou Owe Me a Spirit

Bwonsamdi says: Ay, Vol'jin? Come on outta dat urn. Wait... wait, wait... no! Where be da spirit?! Where be Vol'jin?
Bwonsamdi says: No! No! Impossible. Da boss ain't gonna like dis. Ol' Bwonsamdi not been losin' a spirit in... oh, dis be bad.

The Lost SpiritSpirit CallJustice for the FallenThe True Leader of ZandalarTides of VengeanceThe True Leader of ZandalarWisdom of the WarchiefShades of Disruption

Princess Talanji says: Vol'jin, son of Sen'jin, once warchief of the Horde... Hear my voice and appear before us.
Vol'jin says: Talanji. Ya voice be a mighty one.
Baine Bloodhoof says: Vol'jin! Is it really you, my old friend?
Vol'jin says: Baine... ya heart beats strong and true... just like ya fadda. I be glad da demons didn't take ya.
Baine Bloodhoof says: Sylvanas led us to victory in the war against the Legion.
Baine Bloodhoof says: But since then... she has done much to strain the honor that binds the Horde together.
Baine Bloodhoof says: I must know... when the voice spoke to you, bidding you to name her warchief... what spirit was it?
Vol'jin says: Ah, my young friend. Death be... dark. Me memory... not be what it once was.
Baine: Was it Bwonsamdi? Did he crave the death she would bring?
Vol'jin says: Da memory, it be denied me by da shadows. Shadows... dat... dat be comin' for ya! Watch out!

Where He Fell

Vol'jin says: Da Broken Shore be where I fell in battle. We were overrun, demons everywhere. Sylvanas was doing what she could, but Thrall was down and I had fallen. It was horror. And now I need ya to take me back dere. Take me glaive to da battlefield, call to me, and I will come. Perhaps if I be in da spot where me blood was spilled, we might shine some light on dis mystery.
Baine Bloodhoof says: I remember the battle one these few stained shores. I lost many friends to the endless forces of the Burning Legion. Things were set in motion that day that would affect not only Azeroth, but every world the Legion touched.
---
Vol'jin says: Dis be da spot, mon. Dis be where da Legion led our forces into a trap and drove a blade into me belly. Sylvanas pulled me from da ruin of da battlefield. She saved da Horde dat day. Come, let us walk around dis place and see what we can learn from da echoes of da past.
Vol'jin says: Sometin' not be right dat day. Da demons, deir blades slipped past me guard.
Vol'jin says: As if da loa demselves had forsaken me.
Vol'jin says: Like dey be doin' now. Cannot hear dem, champion. Da voices of da loa be silent.
Vol'jin says: I been callin' ta Bwonsamdi for a long time. He not be hearin' me... or he been choosin' not ta answer.
Vol'jin says: Somethin' was definitely helping' our enemies dat day. But who or what could dat have been? Da loa were silent and their powers were gone, as if I'd lost their favor. With so much death, I be havin' one person in mind who might be behind it.

To OrgrimmarWhere He Died

Vol'jin says: Dis time, I need to bring ya to my side. We gonna walk da shadows between life and death, see if we can't uncover some clues. Be careful and be armed. Not everything on dis side wants us to find answers.
Vol'jin says: I remember dyin'. I remember glimpsin' da Other Side.
Vol'jin says: I was expectin' ta see ol' Bwonsamdi, or Shadra, or Hir'reek... any of da loa.
Vol'jin says: Dere was a presence. Somethin' movin' in da shadows. Somethin' powerful.
Vol'jin says: I remember it takin' me somewhere, but da memory of where be hidden from me. Ta keep me from sharin' da truth...
Vol'jin says: Da truth dat it might not be da loa who wanted Sylvanas to be warchief, but somethin' far more powerful.

The Lies of a LoaThe Loa of DeathJailor of the DamnedEyirConfront The Val'kyr

Princess Talanji says: Vol'jin's spirit is growing in power. I should no longer have to maintain a ritual to keep him here. Dis is fortunate, since Bwonsamdi warned me dat Eyir will likely not be pleased with my presence. Apparently she and Bwonsamdi have a past de loa was unwilling to discuss. We can proceed when you are ready.
---
Chosen of Eyir says: You stink of Bwonsamdi and his twisted magics.
Eyir says: Minions of the Banshee Queen, leave this place or die.
Eyir says: Hold... you DARE bring a priestess of Bwonsamdi into MY halls?
Vol'jin says: Eyir, speak with me if da others not be to your liking.
Eyir says: Hmm. Very well. You and your champion may approach. But know that deception will be met with destruction.
Vol'jin says: Queen of da Val'kyr. My spirit was sent to da Other Side, den returned. Was dis your doing?
Eyir says: Shadow hunter, you are no longer a mere spirit. What you have become is something beyond my power to forge.
Vol'jin says: Who be havin' such power? Could it be da same one who bid me ta name Sylvanas warchief?
Eyir says: You have been touched by the hand of valor. Such a noble force does not scheme for mortal thrones.
Vol'jin says: So whoever whispered to me's not da same as who sent me back?
Eyir says: You have been granted all the knowledge I am willing to share. Leave now, and never return.
Bwonsamdi says: Ah...Eyir. Lots of anger and pride in dat one. She not be speakin' to me for centuries now. I thought for sure she be da one behind Vol'jin's return.

Mysteries of Death

Bwonsamdi says: Hmph. Well, da Lich King and dat bossy val'kyr not be me only rivals. But dey were da ones most likely ta be behind all dis. Someone be playin' with very ancient mojo. Tell Vol'jin's spirit dat da answers he be lookin' for not be found in da world of da living. He gonna need to go beyond da veil ta learn what needs knowin'. Dere be some places on dat side only he can go.
Vol'jin says: So, to da Other Side den. Where I be goin' da livin' not be followin'. If it be in me power, I gonna send word of what I find. Mind yaself in da days to come. If I be readin' Baine's words right, I tink da Horde gonna have a mighty need of a hero like you soon enough.
---
Vol'jin says: Da Lich King didn't bring me back. Eyir be claimin' she don't got da mojo. Bwonsamdi be as confused as da rest of us. And none of dem were eager ta see Sylvanas in charge.
Princess Talanji says: No matter de circumstances, she is leader of de Horde. I will do all I can to ensure dat her rule is a just one.
Vol'jin says: Zandalar still stands because of your courage, Talanji. Your father was mired in da old ways, dreamin' of a troll empire lost to time.
Vol'jin says: But you be da first to look to da future... to see what da trolls can become. Ya be young, but ya be righteous. Call on me spirit if ya ever need advice from an old chieftain.
Vol'jin says: For now, I gonna keep searchin' for answers. If dere be new enemies gatherin' in da shadows, den I best be huntin' dem... before dey hunt us.

Comments

Comment by SinisterKnight

Stay away from da voodoo!

Comment by Darkohl

Wow, Great job. This was very complete and filled in a lot of the story I missed when I wasn't playing during Pandaria, and WoD. It also contained further information on Vol'jin's life. A definite must read.

De spirits be restless. Da Darkspear never gonna give up. -Vol'jin

Comment by fanny

After many adventurers failed to reclaim the Echo Isles Vol'jin came up with a plan to relinquish control of them from the witch doctor Zalazane, his old friend.

This sentence isn't making sense to me, and I can't find anything that supports the non standard usage of relinquish. Just an editing mistake or can you point the direction where this is valid since relinquishing is giving up and "giving up control from the witch doctor" wasn't his aim.

Comment by CrimsonMohawk

Vol'Jin's story continues in Shadowlands Ardenweald Covenant

https://www.wowhead.com/storyline/deal-for-a-loa-1102#quest

Lore of Vol'jin

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