In ancient times, the Arathorian Empire fought against the trolls lead by our most capable warlord, Lord Ignaeus of Strom, named Trollbane. After the departure of Thoradin's ruling descendants the Trollbane family ascended to the throne from the barracks. The Trollbane's, children of the legendary and feared Ignaeous Trollbane, were wielders of the dread sword Trol'Kalar and the greatest champtions of the realm.


King Thoras Trollbane

Lord of Stromgarde, Thoras was a warrior to the end. His people's lands were in the heart of Troll-populated areas, and so being ready for battle was simply a way of life. Stromgarde was quick to join the Alliance, for Trollbane felt that glorious battle was to be had with the Orcs. But Stromgarde had little chance to show its offensive capabilities, as it was always defending the Northlands from invasion through Khaz Modan, which the Orcs had already expanded into.

Stromgarde came under heavy assault and losses, but they continued to battle through with a resilience the Orcs did not expect. But the Orcs did manage to destroy a good deal of their kingdom, and got past them, into Quel'thalas, where the fury of the Horde was known.

After the defeat of the Orcs in the Second War, much of the Horde was wiped out, and many were put in concentration camps. Trollbane, however, fervently disagreed, believing that the Orcs were simply too dangerous to keep alive. When Lordaeron refused to mass execute the Orcs, Trollbane withdrew his support from the Alliance.

Thoras Trollbane eventually met his end when he was assassinated under mysterious circumstances following the Third War.


Lord Danath Trollbane

Danath Trollbane is the nephew of Thoras Trollbane, King of Stromgarde. A brilliant soldier, mercenary captain from the Stromgarde militia, Danath was made famous for leading the armies of Stromgarde in the final fight for Khaz Modan during the Second War. His status as a great general and fighter elevated him to the position of Overseer at one of the orcish internment camps in Azeroth, at New Stormwind.

Danath was called to reinforce Nethergarde when the orcs breached the portal. He was then into action once again when Ner'zhul recalled the Book of Medivh, among other things, into Draenor, and defended the forces of Khadgar with skill and bravery, until the final fight at the Portal, where he disappeared into the rifts of Ner'zhul to escape the dying Draenor.

Danath Trollbane has since been immortalized in stone, along with the other leaders from the expeditionary force, in the Valley of Heroes in Stormwind.

Danath and his men survived the cataclysm that created Outland and now reside at Honor Hold, which has stood since the sealing of the Portal. Honor Hold was left to its own devices in the battle against the Burning Legion and the fel orcs of Magtheridon, until Lord Kazzak reopened the Portal from Azeroth. Now, Danath has welcomed the much-needed supplies and reinforcements from Stormwind and Nethergarde.

Through these reinforcements, Danath has learned of the fate of his beloved Stromgarde, destroyed during the events of the Third War. Once his duty in Outland is done, Danath wishes to return to Stromgarde and restore it to its former glory.


Prince Galen Trollbane

As son of Lord Thoras Trollbane, Prince Galen Trollbane is the rightful heir to Stromgarde's throne and leader of the city's embattled defenders. Stromgarde's ruins include the Trollbane Family Crypt, which safeguards several artifacts. Prince Galen Trollbane protects the crypt along with the rest of his city. Galen is a friendly, determined but desperate lad; Prince Galen Trollbane is hard-pressed to hold his city against his enemies. The young man has a dark, brooding look about him, his eyes sunken as if from a prolonged lack of sleep, his skin pale. Dressed in expensive clothes with a silken cloak flowing behind him, the man appears to be of noble blood and carries himself with sullen arrogance. A curved knife is sheathed at his belt. Prince Galen Trollbane still reels from the emotional shock of his father's assassination and has run himself ragged trying quickly to form patchwork alliances with other nobles. Not thinking clearly, Galen responds to any perceived insults recklessly, issuing immediate challenges to duel.

He has assumed command of the few remaining forces of Stromgarde and has since been desperately trying to retake the ancient, ruined city from the occupying forces of the Syndicate and Boulderfist Ogres. Recognizing the vastly changed circumstances since his father's time and also acknowledging the incredible odds he faced, Galen and Stromgarde recently agreed to rejoin the Alliance the city had thrown off.

Now Prince Galen Trollbane rule the surviving Stromgarde from a corner of this city, standing his ground against ever pressing next door neighbors and also agaisnt Horde treasure hunters who venture into the Stromgarde quarters to kill the few soldier left and to sack their tombs.


Lord Jerome of Stromgarde

After the disappearance of his father, Jerome fled the city in desperation, looking for him. As stubborn as any spoiled child, the young lad didn't take the news of his father’s disappearance too kindly; instead he recklessly searched day and night for clues that would hopefully lead him to his whereabouts.

Concerned that lad’s new project of finding father would eventually lead Jerome to his end, the court adopted him as one of his own. This seemed to grasp Jerome's attention for the time being and the nobles knew what was to be done to keep the boy at bay.

Jerome, regardless of his young age, was a skilled warrior worth bearing the Stromgarde colors. Therefore he was sent to Lordaeron, where he would be trained under the reclusive regiment by the Order of the Silver Hand and was to return to Stromgarde upon the completion of his training.

The first months were rough. At first there was much resistance from the lad, but as time passed he adapted to his new life and to the ways of the Light, making new friends and enemies. The rigorous training and the Holy teachings eased Jerome's pain and gave him the insight to bear with his loss.

Years have passed since he first set foot in this glorious kingdom. Sir Jerome of the Silver Hand was known as an exemplary knight and worthy of the trust of Lordaeron, staying to server this very city as if it was his own. With the rise of the Burning Legion, Jerome was sent to the front to fight the corruption that took control of his new king's lands. With the assassination of King Terenas by his own son, Jerome with many others refused to serve under Artha's rule, escaping to Hearthglen with a handful of his partners in faith.

The news that Lord Thoras having just passed away reached Jerome. Taking a leave of absence from the now know as the Scarlet Crusade, Jerome traveled to his homeland only to find it in ruins. Stromgarde was in dire straits. The bitter refugees from Alterac had taken a portion of the city and the Ogres somehow inhabited another sector. Prince Galen and what is left of his defenders hold their ground while the civilians escaped, a few loyalists can be found in a refugee camp not far from the keep. It was a sad sight indeed.

Jerome's arrival gave Galen much confidence. Together they fought and resisted for long, they even formed an alliance with Stormwind, which did not help much. Something had to be done! Together with Prince Galen, Jerome wished to take an offensive step on this matter and retake the ruins of Stromgarde from the unwelcome Syndicate scum and the foul Boulderfist Ogres. Sir Jerome won the admiration of the local people of the Highlands, and many started to believe this once problem child was indeed the savior they so desperately needed. His deeds were sang and told on every corner of the Kingdom and some named him the "New Trollbane", or Sir Jerome "Trollbane" of Stromgarde.

Without the help of Stormwind, Sir Jerome, instructed by the Prince, marched to the lands of King Wrynn to recruit soldiers to fight under the crest of Stromgarde. This regiment, called The Keepers of Stromgarde, would be in charge of the defense of the now ruined city, allowing Stromgarde to rise once again.


The man known as Hifazat

Under Lord Jerome's command, the Keepers of Stromgarde grew strong only to falter at the last moment. Some say it was a curse others say it was treachery of the highest order. Regardless the reason the truth was the same. Time and time again members of the Keepers disappeared off the face of Azeroth never to be seen again. Some left the regiment seeking glory and treasure, others left to further their own desires.

There were a steady few that served the Keepers and the cause of Stromgarde till its end. One of these men was Hifazat, Jerome' Second in Command. Very little of Hifazat's past is known. All he wishes to state is that he woke up in Tanaris naked and bloodied. He had no memory of his past or present, no inkling of what who he was or what had happened to him. Hifazat wandered the lands of Azeroth or many days before he met Lord Jerome in Redridge. An undead abomination was plaguing the lands and the weak of the alliance. Hifazat and Jerome quickly ended the brief reign of terror it had imposed.

A kinship was formed there but the two were as different as night and day but one cause held them close, that of protecting the alliance and restoring the glory of Stromgarde. No history, no family and no past, Hifazat gave himself to the cause of Stromgarde like none other. So deep was his crazed obsession with the calling of Stromgarde, that Hifazat swore a blood oath in the Cathedral of Light to Jerome and the Keepers, that he would never abandon their cause

But then again who in their right mind trusts a warlock's oath? Many months after Lord Jerome's disappearance, Hifazat had taken control of the Keepers only to leave the Regiment. His departure singled the end of the Keepers though many stayed with Camaris and Lailaneral, high ranking commanders in the Regiment.

Many moons passed and Stromgarde's cause worsened day by day. One day an old wizened man walked into the lands of Stromgarde and rode straight to the Keep. The Arathor noticed the man but few challenged him. For some reason they could not make themselves to do so. The old man entered the enclave and kneeled before Lord Galen Trollbane.

Without looking up the old man asked one question "Redemption - is it possible?"

Few remember the rest of the day or the days to follow. Hifazat had returned to Stromgarde seeking redemption - a very different man. His passion for death and destruction was dormant though his fury was not. He had changed a great deal in character as well as physically.

By the brothers of the crypt, Hifazat was given a new name, a name taken from Strom's first days. He was known now as Nur and took to the ways of the Priest. Taking up the task he had forsaken many moons ago, Nur sent word to his comrades and Keepers of the reforming of the order. Palemedes, Symmetra, Wispblade, Malgorn and many more answered the call.

As through the history of the Arathor and that of Stromgarde, many may fall and forsake the cause of Stromgarde, yet Stromgarde stands against the ravages of time. The Keepers had fallen and that is the past. But those yet loyal to Stromgarde answer her call daily.

The Keepers have returned to answer the call of Stromgarde and those who stand against her shall feel their wrath.


Lord Commander Shaw

Taibak was born in Southshore to common parents. His mother taught at the local schoolhouse and his father worked up at Ravenholdt manor -- though Taibak is not sure what his duties were. Both of his parents were killed during an Orc raid on the city; and with no family left Taibak sought out Lord Ravenholdt. He spent his teenage years training with the Assassins league -- however his cocky attitude and propensity to openly disagree with his superiors forced him to leave Ravenholdt and set out on his own as an adventurer.

He passed southward across Thandol Span en route to Dun Morogh, for he wanted to experience first hand the legendary hospitality of the Dwarves. He spent several months in Ironforge where he showed a knack for Tinkering and learned many things about machinery from the Gnomes.

After departing Ironforge he made his way, overland to the Kingdom of Stormwind. After many months, and a few bumps and bruises he arrived in the lush forest of Goldshire. He worked odd-jobs on the various vineyards and farms in the area while looking for steady work in the city itself. None was to be had. Late one night, while enjoying several bottles of rum he observed a nobleman's son trying to -- have is way -- with an unwilling barmaid. Taibak stepped in and in the ensuing fight the young man was killed.

Taibak was thrown into the Stockades; and after refusing to admit guilt was subsequently tortured by the Nobleman. After several days word of what happened spread and his old friends at Ravenholdt were able to convince SI:7 to secure his "release" from the Stockades. Branded a fugitive he set out from Stormwind in the dead of night and headed south.

Though never a member of the Defias Brotherhood, he was friendly with several members, and through them he learned of an opportunity aboard a ship in Booty Bay. He spent the next several years aboard the vessel and quickly rose the ranks till he became one of the Captain's most trusted officers. It was a rough life at sea, Taibak often had to kill or be killed and deal out harsh punishments to his crew-mates. The life of a pirate was a profitable, if not easy one.

As an officer aboard The Sparrow, Taibak has a price on his head -- thus furthering his avoidance of all human encampments. After many years, the captain of the vessel died -- due to an infection from a battle wound. Taibak was one of the many who vied for the title of Captain; he lost. He was given his share of the profits and elected to remain in Booty Bay. He spent all of his time in a drunken stupor, quarreling with anybody for any perceived insult. The more he fought the more he drank, the more he drank the more of a joke he became.

With his money, and feared reputation a thing of the past he thought it was time to head home. He was able to secure passage to Southshore on a small fishing boat; but when he arrived the village would not have him. For a time he considered joining up with the Syndicate; and he might had he not come across a Keeper of Stromgarde while traversing the Arathi Highlands. He knew they would not question his past, and in return he'd have a hot meal and a place to sleep.

He quickly impressed his superiors, and despite his past, grew to believe in their cause and found comradeship among the ranks. When the Keepers agreed to aid King Wrynn in Northrend Taibak was one of the first to head up North. Once stationed in Westguard he proved to be an excellent scout and intelligence gatherer and was promoted to the rank of Lorekeeper.

When Jerome; the Lord Commander, went missing Taibak scoured every corner of Northrend, followed every lead he could dig up to try and find the missing leader. He had no success. Things seemed to return to some semblance of normalcy when Aeldon Bernole took over as Lord Commander.

Taibak's mind began to turn to his own life. Ever since when he was a young boy he had lived a hard life. He became enamored with the Howling Fjord, and the Grizzly Hills; and he thought about retirement. His plans for a simple life ended abruptly when Aeldon announced his retirement and he was summoned to go see Prince Trollbane.

The Prince wanted an experienced man to lead the Keepers and after much debating Taibak excepted.

Taibak now leads the Keepers of Stromgarde as Lord Commander; and is focused on purging the Forsaken, Orges and Trolls from all the former Lands of Stromgarde and from Lordaeron.



((NPC information taken from www.wowwiki.com, PC information written by our Officer Team.))