Humans have typically been the “good guys” in the Warcraft saga, being constantly thrown into battle with the savage orcs in the first two games. However, in Warcraft III, with the orcs as a “good” race, and the addition of the night elves (also “good”) and the Scourge (whose living members are largely drawn from corrupted humans), their distinction as the “noble humans” has been blurred.

Though humans have only recently risen to power relative to the age of the world, they have existed in primitive tribes since even before the Great Sundering, and were often at conflict with various troll tribes. Roughly around the time of the High Elves’ initial conflict with the Amani Trolls, a tribe of humans known as the Arathi saw that the trolls were becoming too great a threat. The Arathi set out on a campaign to conquer as many competing tribes as possible, offering those that lost peace and equality among the Arathi.

As a united nation, the humans developed a strong, optimistic culture. The Arathi warlords decided to construct a fortress-city to hold up against a Troll onslaught, and if need be, the High Elves as well. This city, named Strom, prospered and became the capital of the fledgling nation of Arathor, led by King Thoradin.

The humans also embraced the Light and, with few exceptions, were characterized by a strong faith and commitment to the divine force. Paladins and priests rose in their ranks, even as other humans learned the art of magic.