The Warchief, or War Chief, is the military leader of the OrcishHorde, similar to a king or Supreme Allied Commander among humans. The post is an ancient tradition, but was forgotten during the civil wars that plagued Draenor following the defeat of the Draenei. After the Horde crossed into Azeroth, Gul'dan revived the office to gain control of the orcs. On Draenor, Ner'zhul took the title in the event Gul'dan should ever return. The Warchief is now the title of the Horde's supreme leader, though his duties no longer include simply war.
This section concerns content exclusive to Warcraft III.
Thrall — Warchief of the Horde and the greatest shaman ever known. Liberator of the orcs and chieftan of the Frostwolf clan. Son of Durotan. Steps down to join the Earthen Ring in stabilizing the world following the Cataclysm. (Lord of the Clans, , , )
In Cataclysm
This section concerns content exclusive to Cataclysm.
Garrosh Hellscream — Warchief of the Horde. Son of Grom Hellscream. Reinvited by Thrall to join the Horde after the reopening of the Dark Portal and quickly advancing to the position of personal adviser, he becomes the Warchief in place of Thrall.[1]
It was revealed in the March 2012 Mists of Pandaria Press Event that Garrosh will be the final boss for the Mists of Pandaria expansion, as both factions recognize his growing instability and lust for power.[2] This means a new Warchief will be appointed and most assume Thrall will return, but Zarhym has hinted that the new Warchief may not be who everyone expects.[3]
Other Warchiefs
Other organizations have warchiefs as well. At present, there are two individuals who use the title in World of Warcraft — one in Azeroth, the other in Outland. Both are enslaved by a power greater than themselves.
^Zarhym 2012-05-04. #64 - Anduin goes Neutral - Really?. Official Community > General Discussion forum (US). I know what was said during the press tour, but don't be so sure yet that you know who the next warchief will be. The information provided during the press tour was... not entirely accurate.
External links
Lore
WoW InsiderKnow Your Lore: 5 potential new warchiefs for Mists of Pandariaby Anne Stickney May 13th 2012 at 6:00PM
WoW InsiderKnow Your Lore: The Kor'kron, fists of the Warchiefby Matthew Rossi Sep 7th 2011 at 4:00PM