Chapter 1: Timeline

Many people have played Warcraft, and its lore is filled with numerous events. The writers often disregard previous narratives, leading to contradictions and confusion. Therefore, I’ve organized the timeline to make the story easier to follow. This is also for my own reference in writing, and if there are mistakes, please point them out.

Inner World (Warcraft III and World of Warcraft):

The opening of the Dark Portal marks Year 1 of the Black Portal era. The events of Warcraft I and II follow, known in canon as the First and Second Great Wars.

The famous Warcraft III storyline, both the Human and Undead campaigns, take place in Year 20 of the Black Portal era. The prince is exceptionally busy that year: first tracking the plague, pursuing the Dreadlord to Northrend, then drawing Frostmourne, slaying the Dreadlord, falling into darkness, returning to Lordaeron, murdering his father, destroying Lordaeron, attacking Quel'Thalas, recruiting elven traitors, conquering Silvermoon, resurrecting Kel'Thuzad at the Sunwell, attacking Dalaran, stealing Medivh’s book, and summoning Archimonde, who devastates Dalaran. That year, he travels like a special operative; if not for his undead body, he would have collapsed from exhaustion. This undead scourge is referred to in canon as the Third Great War.

Next comes Year 21 of the Black Portal era, the Night Elf campaign of Warcraft III, culminating in the alliance of three races at Mount Hyjal to resist Archimonde, featuring the famous scene of the little elves self-destructing against the demon lord. The infamous Egg (Illidan) falls and flees to the Outlands, and Grom single-handedly defeats the Pit Lord; these events occur during this period.

Four years later, in Year 25 of the Black Portal era, the World of Warcraft story begins. Then follow The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm, Mists of Pandaria, and so forth—one expansion after another. From then on, Azeroth is never at peace.

Additionally, Arthas was born four years before the Dark Portal opened, making him twenty-four in Year 20 of the Black Portal era.

Jaina was born three years before the Dark Portal opened, making her twenty-three in Year 20 of the Black Portal era.

Outer World, this story, belongs to a certain branch of the main timeline, triggered by a traveler crossing over.

The story begins in Year 18 of the Black Portal era. To reach the crucial events of Year 20—the summoning of Archimonde and the destruction of Dalaran—and the battle at Mount Hyjal in Year 21, the prince is granted three years to accomplish what was originally achieved in one. The investigation of the plague begins around Year 17, his fall and the destruction of Lordaeron occur in Year 18, the attack on Quel'Thalas in Year 19, and the battle for Dalaran takes place in Year 20. After all, whether it’s Kel'Thuzad spreading his cult or the plague ravaging the vast lands of Lordaeron, it would take several years to reach the sudden outbreak depicted. Arthas, leading the undead army in campaigns east and west, south and north, could not conquer each faction overnight. Even after seizing territory, months would be required to reorganize the military, forge elite troops, and unify command. All these things take time. Ancient wars were always time-consuming.

On the protagonist’s timeline, in Year 18 of the Black Portal era, he seeks out Onyxia, begins producing fertilizer, and eventually wounds Deathwing; this likely happens toward the end of Year 18. Soon after, it transitions to Year 19, when the Scourge assaults Quel'Thalas and the protagonist rescues Sylvanas.

The current timeline is roughly as described. If anything is incorrect, please let me know. Thank you!