Tales from the Smithy: Reforging the Humans

The Human Alliance of Lordaeron has existed since the Orcs first came through the Dark Portal. Resilient and courageous, they face their enemies clad in imposing armor and armed with sharp steel. The Warcraft III: Reforged art team took inspiration from many sources to capture the human spirit and tenacity, including cinematic trailers, original and new concept art, and more.

Heroes

Empowered by the Light, the mighty Paladins brandish both warhammer and holy fire in battle against all who would trample the meek and innocent.

When the Undead Scourge threatened to destroy his homeland, Prince Arthas Menethil was willing to pay any price to save it—but he never looked this good. Arthas and other paladins you played in Warcraft III® are amplified by keeping the aesthetics just like you remember: imposing shoulder pads, towering war mauls and bulky librams. Glorious!

Jaina Proudmoore (Archmage)

Hailing from the magical kingdom of Dalaran, the Archmagi represent the pinnacle of arcane power.

Though all she wanted to do was to study, Jaina Proudmoore found herself embroiled in a war against an enemy she was woefully unprepared to deal with. The reforged Jaina sports flowy, elaborate robes, her signature staff (inspired by World of Warcraft®’s rendition), and some new surprises.

In multiplayer, the erstwhile “Antonidas” Archmage received an updated model that brings out the small details we could only imagine displaying with ~700 polygons. The new model boasts 15,000 polygons and detailed aged skin, a long, flowy beard, an ornate circlet adorning his head, and much more. Not into that? Don’t worry. In multiplayer matches, your archmagi may very well end up being someone else entirely.

Muradin Bronzebeard (Mountain King)

The Mountain Kings, or 'Thanes' as they are known in Khaz Modan, live to test themselves against worthy opponents.

A founding member of the Explorer’s League, Muradin Bronzebeard went to Northrend searching for Frostmourne, a mythical runeblade with a terrifying history. Muradin’s imposing beard and distinct helm are heavily inspired by his Heroes of the Storm™ rendition.

The stout Mountain King redesigns for multiplayer draw inspiration from World of Warcraft®’s iconic dwarven look. Clad in scale armor and furs, these Thanes sport large, intricate dwarven shields while keeping their undeniable Alliance troth evident and intact.

Kael’thas Sunstrider (Blood Mage)

Refugees seeking to increase their remaining magical powers at any cost, the Blood Mages’ passions lead them close to the darkest depths of madness.

Long before he had any setbacks in Outland, Kael’thas was already determined to save his people at any price. His updated model reflects his regal status and terrifying arcane might.

While the aesthetics of High Elven civilization weren’t yet clearly established when Warcraft III was released—the High Elves used mostly Human architecture buildings—years of characterization in World of Warcraft guided the art team in recreating the Blood Mage’s look. This undeniably elven spellcaster now has the slender gait that you’d expect from a Quel’Thalas native, and the intricate, ornate, and monumental shoulder pads you’d expect from members of the Alliance.

Units

Sorceress

As terrifying as they are vain, elven sorceresses whimsically turn the tide of battle by slowing the fabric of time around their enemies, or turning them into helpless sheep. Baaaa!

The new Sorceress proudly displays her allegiance and the Eye of Dalaran on her cloak, and wears stylish, beautiful armor. But a Sorceress isn’t just content with manipulating space-time; it’s important to do so while looking fabulous. She goes as far as checking her nails while idling to ensure that her fashion sense is as devastating to her enemies as her spells.

Mortar Team
The fearless Dwarven Mortar Teams are masters of explosive devices, and they all share a common passion: pounding fortified enemy emplacements to dust.

To reforge the Mortar Team, the developers looked at concept art that was drawn by Samwise Didier for the original release of Warcraft III. These concepts showcased what the Mortar Team was supposed to look like—a crack commando unit specialized in demolitions—and the new model can finally bring that concept art to life, from the thick mortar shells to heavy artillery pieces and safety equipment.

Gryphon Rider

The Wildhammer clan of Aerie Peak, armed with lightning-powered Stormhammers, ride proud and implacable gryphons into battle and instill fear in the Alliance’s enemies.

While the mount half of the original model was much more prominent in order to keep it unambiguous on a chaotic battlefield, the reforged Gryphon Rider affords much more detail on the dwarf. Zoom in close enough, and you’ll recognize the Wildhammer clan’s unmistakable tattoos on the shirtless rider. A small buckler and awe-inspiring hammer complete this fearsome warrior’s look.

We hope you enjoyed this look at the Humans. Join us soon for the next installment of this series, where we'll be giving you a closer glimpse at the reforged Orcs. Want to see more of the new models? Check out our previews of the Night Elves and Undead!

Warcraft III: Reforged launches January 28, 2020, and there’s still time to prepare to join the fight on launch day. Pre-purchase now and gain instant access to the multiplayer beta!