Ancient Times (Pre-Sundering)
The Ordering of Azeroth
The Titans shape Azeroth and establish the World Trees. The root convergence point that will become Harandar is designated as a crucial nexus. Some theories suggest the first proto-Haranir populations are influenced or guided during this period.
Early Troll Civilizations
Dark Troll populations spread across ancient Kalimdor. Some groups venture into the primordial jungles that will later become Harandar, potentially representing early Haranir ancestors.
The Kaldorei Empire
Night Elf civilization reaches its peak. Some Night Elf explorers and druids encounter the World Tree root convergence. Possible first contact between Night Elf and proto-Haranir populations occurs.
The Great Oath Establishment
Most Significant Event: The Great Oath is established in response to an ancient threat (nature unknown). The first generation of true Haranir bind themselves and their descendants to eternal guardianship of the World Tree roots. This marks the beginning of Haranir culture as we know it.
War of the Ancients
Hidden Influence: While officially uninvolved, Haranir likely work behind the scenes to protect crucial natural sites from demonic corruption. Their root network provides early warning of Legion activities.
The Great Sundering
Kalimdor is shattered. The Haranir work frantically to maintain stability in the World Tree root system as reality itself fractures. Many are lost during this period, but their sacrifices prevent even greater catastrophe. Harandar becomes more isolated from the rest of the world.
Post-Sundering Era
The Long Vigil Begins
With the world fundamentally changed, the Haranir adapt their guardian practices to the new reality. They develop enhanced concealment techniques and strengthen the magical barriers around Harandar.
First Recorded Shapeshifting
Historical records (from root memories) show the first documented cases of Haranir bat transformation abilities. This suggests either evolutionary development or magical enhancement occurring over several millennia.
Cultural Golden Age
Haranir society reaches a sophisticated peak. The canopy cities are constructed, and the complex social structure of Greenspeakers, Root Wardens, and Scouts is established. Art, philosophy, and magical understanding flourish.
The Orcish Invasions
Hidden Influence: During the First and Second Wars, Haranir secretly assist in protecting natural sites from orcish destruction. They provide covert aid to night elf and human forces defending forests and sacred groves.
Modern Era (Recent History)
Archimonde's Assault
Critical Intervention: During Archimonde's attack on Nordrassil, Haranir work desperately to maintain the World Tree root network's integrity. Their efforts help prevent the complete collapse of the world's natural magical systems.
Illidan's Corruption of Felwood
Haranir mount covert operations to contain and reverse demonic corruption in forest areas. Their natural purification abilities prove crucial in limiting the spread of fel magic.
The Burning Crusade Era
With attention focused on Outland, Haranir intensify their protection of Azeroth's natural sites. They work to repair damage from years of conflict and strengthen natural barriers against future threats.
Wrath of the Lich King
The undead plague threatens natural areas across multiple continents. Haranir develop new techniques to purify corrupted plant life and protect World Tree connections from necrotic influence.
The Cataclysm
Major Crisis: Deathwing's emergence causes massive disruption to the World Tree root network. Haranir work around the clock to prevent complete system collapse. Some Haranir are lost attempting to maintain critical connections. The events strain their oaths but ultimately reinforce their importance.
Legion's Return
The third Legion invasion poses unprecedented threats to natural systems. Haranir knowledge of ancient defensive techniques becomes crucial. Some debate within their society about whether to break their oaths and openly assist the world's defenders.
The Fourth War & N'Zoth
Old God corruption represents exactly the type of threat the Great Oath was designed to counter. Haranir fight desperately against void corruption of natural systems, their resistance abilities proving crucial in maintaining reality's stability.
Shadowlands Crisis
The disruption of the cycle of life and death affects the World Tree root network's connection to natural cycles. Haranir work to maintain balance during this cosmic disruption.
Dragon Isles Awakening
The reawakening of the Dragon Isles creates new opportunities and threats. Haranir cautiously explore potential connections between their World Tree roots and the primal forces awakening in this ancient land.
The Midnight Era (Present & Future)
The Great Revelation
Current Events: Unprecedented cosmic threats force the Haranir to consider breaking their ancient oaths of secrecy. For the first time in over 10,000 years, they begin limited contact with the outside world.
Allied Race Integration
Predicted: The Haranir officially become an Allied Race, working openly with Horde and Alliance forces. This represents the most significant change in their culture since the establishment of the Great Oath.
New Chapter Begins
Speculation: With their secrecy ended, the Haranir enter a new era of cultural evolution. Their ancient knowledge and unique abilities make them crucial allies in confronting cosmic-level threats to Azeroth.
Timeline Analysis & Insights
Key Patterns
- Crisis Response: Every major threat to Azeroth has seen hidden Haranir involvement
- Gradual Evolution: Their society and abilities have slowly adapted over millennia
- Increasing Pressure: Recent threats have strained their traditional secrecy
- Cultural Consistency: Despite changes, their core values remain unchanged
Historical Significance
- Unsung Heroes: Many disasters were prevented by their unseen efforts
- Knowledge Keepers: They possess historical information available nowhere else
- Stability Anchors: Their work has maintained crucial magical balances
- Cultural Bridge: They represent continuity with Azeroth's ancient past
The Turning Point:
The Midnight expansion represents the most significant moment in Haranir history since the Great Sundering. For the first time in over 10,000 years, they are choosing visibility over secrecy, cooperation over isolation. This decision will fundamentally reshape not just their own society, but their relationship with all of Azeroth.