Varian and SI:7 Storming Ironforge
In the wake of King Magni Bronzebeard's petrification, Moira Thaurissan returned to Ironforge with her infant son, Dagran Thaurissan II, to claim the throne for herself and (later) the infant prince. Backed by the might of the Dark Iron clans, Moira the Queen-Regent ruled Ironforge arrogantly and with an iron fist. Among other authoritarian decrees, she had the gryphons moved out of the city, ordered the Deeprun Tram closed, and effectively held all of Ironforge hostage, including Prince Anduin Wrynn, who arrived on an official state visit with the late King, shortly before his passing.
After Prince Anduin managed to escape from Ironforge, he recounted to his father, King Varian Wyrnn, the coup that had been orchestrated by Moira and her Dark Iron bannermen, as well as his lengthy hostage within the capital. Enraged by the news, King Varian and eighteen SI:7 operatives embarked on a mission to liberate Ironforge and assassinate the authoritarian Queen-Regent.
When King Varian was about to execute Moira, Prince Anduin — who had rushed back to Ironforge — convinced his father that it would be better to guide her to become a better leader instead. Despite the Queen-Regent being a verified tyrant who held the entire capital hostage, she was still the legitimate heir to the throne. Killing her, they feared, would only put the succession of the Kingdom of Ironforge into question, thus potentially leading to another bloody civil war rivalling even the likes of the War of the Three Hammers. Conversely, if she lived, there was a possibility that, through her and her son, all dwarven clans could finally unite in harmony.
The Council of Three Hammers
The Council of Three Hammers (Regency Government)[]
Conflicted, King Varian hesitantly agreed to spare Moira's life, but stipulated that if Moira was to be a true leader and unite the dwarves, then she would have to earn her crown by earning her people's respect. In order to take into account the opinions of all dwarven clans, King Varian called for the formation of the Council of Three Hammers, a provisional executive council consisting of Queen-Regent Moira of the Dark Iron, High Thane Muradin of the Bronzebeards, and High Thane Falstad of the Wildhammers. Shortly afterwards, the Council established the Assembly of Three Hammers to rule as Khaz Modan's provisional legislative government.