Two Bosses Enter: Voren'thal vs. Yorg Stormheart

The love our community has for the great explorer Brann Bronzebeard is second to none, as the stalwart dwarf easily defeated The Silver Covenant's leader Vereesa Windrunner in last week's matchup that delighted Brann fans and maybe made a new Vereesa fan or two. Nonetheless, it was a big voting week, and this week's matchup will test your loyalties just as much.
As our exhibition season continues, factional lines are drawn in the sand and loyalties are tested. Champions from varying factions are pitted against each other, and you decide who reigns supreme. This week's matchup puts an unlikely ally to the naaru up against an unlikely king of dwarves. Voren'thal, once a tool of Kael'thas, now stands against Yorg Stormheart, once the great Muradin Bronzebeard. Who wins, readers?
| Voren'thal (The Scryers) | |
|---|---|
| Yorg Stormheart (The Frostborn) |
The rules of the ring
- The WoW Insider Ring is considered neutral territory, where both combatants are able to access their usual encounter mechanics and abilities. If you can't visualize it inside the squared circle, visualize it someplace else -- but you must take into consideration all of each bosses' abilities and mechanics.
- Assume that each opponent is intelligent and capable of strategic thinking.
- All of the competitors' abilities, including crowd control and other effects to which bosses are usually immune, work on their opponents (with apologies to considerations of lore on this point).
- Assume that the opponents share similar levels, health pools, and comparative overall damage output.
- Don't get caught up in gameplay mechanics and what actual players might do in each encounter.
- Don't neglect style, story, and scale. Everything is a factor; seeking balance is your goal as a spectator and judge.

The story of Voren'thal the Seer is one of the most interesting from The Burning Crusade and game-changing in terms of factional alliances and the political makeup of Outland. Now the leader of the Scryers, Voren'thal was once a magister serving the leader of the blood elves, Kael'thas, during his move in to Outland and subsequent battles against the Sha'tar. Voren'thal's allegiances changed, however, after a fantastic vision of the future.
Voren'thal was charged with the siege and destruction of Shattrath so that Kael'thas could finally end the naaru presence and destroy the Aldor priesthood once and for all. As the battle was to begin, Voren'thal laid down his weapons along with his entire army and stepped forward into the city. After demanding a meeting with A'dal, Voren'thal said that he had seen the naaru in a vision and that the blood elves' salvation and future was dependent on A'dal and his guidance. It was then that Voren'thal and his army were named The Scryers and given a home in Shattrath called Scryers Tier.
Now, the Scryers and the Aldor priests butt heads over the occupation of Shattrath but maintain an alliance to fight against the Burning Legion. Voren'thal stands as one of the most powerful leaders in Outland, fighting against his former leader and the demons that threaten everything.
Here are some cool things about Voren'thal the Seer:
- He's a former magister. Voren'thal was a former high-ranking magister in Kael'thas' army and was so prominent that he was tasked with bringing down the final obstacle in Kael's conquest.
- He can see the future. He totally called it all -- Kil'jaeden, the blood elves' redemption through the naaru, etc.
- He's not a jerk. He's just a standard blood elf jerk, but not like ... a real jerk.

Yorg Stormheart is king of the Frostborn dwarves, ruling from the stronghold of Frosthold high atop the Storm Peaks in Northrend. Yorg is a mountain king, found wandering and suffering from amnesia in the frigid north. After saving a group of Frostborn from a jormungar attack, Yorg was taken in by the Frostborn and eventually became their king years later. His training, skills, and leadership granted the Frostborn dwarves even greater power.
It is eventually revealed that Yorg Stormheart is the long-lost Muradin Bronzebeard, thought dead by Arthas' hand after he pulled Frostmourne from Frostmourne Cavern. Alliance players are treated to an epic quest line where it is revealed that Muradin has been in Northrend all along as the king of the Frostborn. Talk about a hardy dwarf, right?
Now, Muradin is part of the Council of the Three Hammers ruling over the dwarven people. Sadly, Muradin left his Frostborn brethren after his brothers showed up to reunite with him.
Here are some cool things about Yorg Stormheart:
- He's got avatar. Yorg used the Avatar ability to grow real big and smash a jormungar in the face. Kaboom.
- You can walk in his footsteps. The Frostborn, now with the understanding that every outsider has the ability to smash jormungars in the face with a giant hammer, ask you to smash a jormungar in the face with a giant hammer.
- He's resilient. Yorg trekked through the frozen north with amnesia, surviving against all odds after being hurt by the Lich King's blade.

Brann Bronzebeard easily took the win last week against ace ranger Vereesa Windrunner. It appears that wit and smarts get you a lot further in this tournament than many believe. I particularly enjoyed this week's matchup because of all of the really fun story responses to how the fight would go. Personally, I'm a fan of any story where Brann just ignores fighting Vereesa altogether and has her embroiled in some plot to dig up cursed artifacts, resulting in her defeat or demise. Oh, Brann.
Here's how reader Angus thought things should go, for instance:
Vareesa followed Brann into the Arena.Dimmak puts Brann's serendipitous nature at the forefront of his ability to win this match:
Okay missy, we know there's a vast underground city under this tournament ground. The Liche King himself tried to use it to kill the Champions that eventually kill 'im. Let's see...
"Aren't I supposed to kill you Brann?"
Aye lassie, but that can wait. There's treasure to be found. 'ere we go.
The floor collapsed and both fell into icy water.
Come on, then. Let's see, LOOK AT DAT! This is a rare Nerubian Cursed Rod of Torment. It is said just Touching this makes anyone not Nerubian suffer an agonizing and painful death! 'Ere hold this.
Brann casually uses a stick to toss it to Vareesa who catches it and then convulses for several minutes in soundless agony before she stops twitching and lays still. Brann keeps reading the writing on the wall nearby...
At the opening of this fight Windrunner would immediately open fire with a hail of arrows and dragon butt kicking moves. Brann oblivious to the danger would bend down to pick up a copper coin.Reader Edymnion calls it the exact way I think it happens -- Brann accidentally unleashes an unknown evil that gets him out of (or into) more trouble:
The copper coin however is actually the switch to an ancient Titan artifact. Now Brann had been drinking the night before and bending over was not the best idea. His head was pounding, but of course his stone form was off its 2 minute cool down and he immediately used it to alleviate the hangover for 12 seconds. Meanwhile Vereesa stands slackjawed as three Titan masks erupt from the ground immediately vaporizing all remnants of the curse of flesh in the area.
Brann stands up and walk up to the most lifelike Night Elf statue he has ever seen saying, "By Bronzebeard's beard it's beautiful. It's like a work of the Titan's themselves."
Winner: Brann Bronzebeard
I'm sorry, but I don't see why we trust Brann to do anything anymore. The dwarf can't open his fly without activating an ancient defense mechanism for Pete's sake.Thank you, dear readers, for making last week's Two Bosses Enter one of the more memorable matchups. All of the stories and comments were a lot of fun, and Brann's victory could not have happened any more true to Brann. Good work, all.
Although, actually, I suppose thats how he could win this. Vereesa is mopping the floor with him until he pulls out a health potion, uncorks it, and accidentally activates the Omnihealth Defense Droid which proceeds to murder everyone in the room that isn't Brann Bronzebeard.
It's that time again. Vote, minions. Vote for your favorite! Comment below, write out your own story outcomes, and root for your favorite on Two Bosses Enter.
| Brann Bronzebeard | |
|---|---|
| Vereesa Windrunner |
Filed under: Two Bosses Enter






Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
keithcblack Nov 28th 2011 7:06PM
Any other race always beats blood elves. Even gnomes. BEs are afraid of getting their nails dirty.
mikey Nov 28th 2011 9:14PM
If Voren'thal can see the future why fight at all if he knows he will loose?
WoWie Zowie Nov 29th 2011 12:10AM
Voren'thal wins. With his foresight, he would challenge Muradin to a drink-off at the bar before the actual duel. There, Muradin would get completely sloshed because, well, he's a dwarf. Voren'thal would drink sparkling cider and say its really champagne.
Muradin's screen gets so blurry he can't tell if he's attacking a Blood Elf or a Pinata. An easy win after exposing Muradin's weakness.
Pete Nov 29th 2011 3:43AM
@ wowie zowie theres no way yorg would be beaten like that everyone knows a dwarfs weakness isnt drunkeness is being sober
Flarewine01 Nov 28th 2011 7:06PM
Voren'thal!!!
For the Scryers!
:D
Rolly Nov 28th 2011 7:28PM
Ye dare insult yon dwarves by even asking this.
/deletes WoW Insider bookmark.
(j/k)
Angus Nov 28th 2011 7:32PM
The former magister looks upon one of the three Bronzebeards and shudders.
"Look, I know you can mop the floor with me in a fair fight. Were I some other Elf I'd laugh and say this fight isn't fair and get 9-24 friends to beat you up while I wait for evicted to come off CD... But I am not doing that. You might mess up the hair for a fight I just can't win. "
"With that in mind I will give Tirion the signal stating I concede and offer you an ale. Dwarves like ale, right? Anyway one sec.."
"AHEM!!! NOT IN THE FACE!! I GIVE UP!"
See, not hard at all. By the way, don't drink the beer Moira offers you on the 16th. Just saying. And what the hell happened to the floor?
York shrugged, walked out and had some ale with the overly chatty Blood Elf.
Jaq Nov 28th 2011 7:33PM
"Yorg used the Avatar ability to grow real big and smash a jormungar in the face. Kaboom."
Even if he wasn't really Muradin, this one thing would be reason enough for him to win.
Al Nov 28th 2011 9:12PM
"I'm gonna smash that jormungar in the face!"
Robert Mann Nov 28th 2011 7:34PM
Yorg. Voren'thal is a strong magister, there is no doubt. However, Yorg (Muradin) has several nice advantages in this matchup. Yorg was strong enough to survive alone in northrend with nothing but the clothes on his back, while in a state of amnesia and shock, and while wounded. He's so used to the cold, that any frost spells would stop midcast, and shiver themselves! *Ok, that was a bit of a stretch, but he probably has mad resistance now*. That will virtually negate any useful cc Voren'thal could use. Meanwhile, Yorg can smash face *Yorg is good at smashing faces* and... as we all know... blood elves die after getting hit in the face. They can no longer exist with a scar upon their 'beauty'. *again, a little over the top, but there's likely to be some psychological damage there*. I think this is one of those fights where for a few moments Yorg gets hit with some fire and is a little hurt; but he's too tough to go down like that. Instead, he just gets mad and the beatdown commences.
Vitos Nov 28th 2011 7:38PM
Honestly, I think its going to come down to a fight between the two brothers, at which point they'll think better of it and go get a drink.
emberdione Nov 28th 2011 8:00PM
Call him whatever you want, but everyone who knows who he is (Muradin) is gonna vote for him over some hair gel addicted blood elf.
musicchan Nov 28th 2011 8:29PM
I almost voted for Muradin because the Bronzebeard brothers are just AWESOME...but when I really sat and thought about it, Voren'thal deserves some support and there's no saying he wouldn't be able to defeat Muradin. IT's really hard to say.
GhostWhoWalks Nov 28th 2011 8:47PM
Even though I voted for Yorg/Muradin, who is the obvious winner because he's friggin Muradin (he who kicks much ass in the last few missions of the Warcraft 3 Alliance campaign), props must be given to Voren'thal because HE CAN SEE THE FUUUTURE. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl7LE_GWH50&feature=related
GrandOldDuke Nov 28th 2011 9:03PM
Given his proven ability to get up after being killed, even if Voren'thal had an advantage initially, Yorg has to win.
Eventually.
Robert Nov 28th 2011 9:14PM
Muradin and Voren'thal approach each other in the ring.
Suddenly, a sudden blizzard blows up, covering the ring in snow and sub-zero temperatures.
When the storm subsided a little, Voren'thal approaches the frozen form of Muradin lying in the snow. He lays down his weapons. "I saw you... in a dream. It said that my salvation lies with you."
"Who am I?" Muradin responds.
"The dream said that you are Yorg Stormheart."
"Mmm. Then that is who I am."
Suddenly a giant Jormungar rises up out of the snow. Yorg instinctively grows to twice his size, then strikes the Jormungar dead with one blow to the head.
"Yes! You are the one!" Voren'thal exclaimed. Voren'thal and Yorg then journeyed on an epic quest, which involved walking round and round the snow covered coliseum and not realizing it, defeating random wild beasts the ringmaster threw in to try and speed up the conflict, until one day they reached a giant snow-covered castle, which was actually the ringmaster's booth, iced over after days of inactivity.
As they approached, a frozen hairy beast approached them menacingly. "This is it, Yorg!" Voren'thal announced. "This is the great evil you must defeat!"
Yorg approached the hairy beast. "He doesn't seem too menacing." The beast spat on him. "Why ain't that a little bugger." Yorg lightly swung his hammer at the beast's head, and the beast shattered into a hundred frozen shards.
Yorg approached one of the shards, and noticed something familiar about it--it was the face of the ringmaster! As Yorg saw the face, his memory returned to him: "Oh that's right, I was supposed to be fighting some guy to the death. I wonder who that might be..."
Voren'thal prepared to defend himself against a blow that never came. For as Muradin finished speaking, a portal opened. "Where are you going?" Voren'thal queried.
"To the next expac. See, unlike you, my arc goes beyond one story." And as Muradin stepped through the portal, the portal closed behind him, leaving Voren'thal trapped in the timeline of the now previous expansion pack, where his timeline quickly collapsed out of neglect and retcon abuse. As Voren'thal's existence slowly dissipated, his last thought was why he didn't see this coming...
Winner: Yorg Stormheart, aka Muradin
Caylynn Nov 28th 2011 9:50PM
If Arthas couldn't kill him, how is a blood elf going to take down this dwarf?
Triforceelf Nov 28th 2011 10:34PM
The king of Dwarves vs the Champion of a renegade faction of belfs. I know this really boils down to a popularity contest, but could we have at least picked someone SLIGHTLY more popular to face off against "Yorg"
Drakthorn Nov 29th 2011 7:21PM
to be fair, arthas didn't even TRY to kill muradin, it just kinda happened
kyneska0 Nov 28th 2011 10:57PM
I do love Voren'thal--he's one of my favourite lore characters--and he has the added bonus of being a bookish male blood elf. Two thumbs way up.
But realistically, he's going down. I mean, Sypmaster Thalodien says:
"Make sure Voren'thal doesn't topple over with excitement from the news - the old man's getting a bit fragile..."
And he himself admits:
"My frail health prevents me from aiding you in person with this endeavor."
So unless Voren'thal is going to put us through grinding rep--again--by killing his enemies--again--I'll hand this one to Yorg.
I'm sure he'll at least be gracious in defeat.
Sigh.