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{{infobox faction
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{{npcbox
  
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| image = Sapphiron_TCG.jpg
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| image = Epic paladin.jpg
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| name = Sapphiron
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| name = Knights of the Silver Hand
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| gender = Male
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| faction = Neutral
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| leader = {{Neutral}} {{RaceIconExt|Tirion}} [[Tirion Fordring]]
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| race = Frost wyrm
  
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| leaders = {{Alliance}} {{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker]]
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| creature - Undead
  
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| capital = [[Hearthglen]]
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| affiliation = [[Scourge|The Scourge]], [[Kel'Thuzad]], formerly [[blue dragonflight]]
  
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| capitals = [[Stormwind City]], [[Ironforge]]
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| occupation = Guardian of Naxxramas, former agent of [[Malygos]]
  
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| location = Frostwyrm Lair, [[Naxxramas]]
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| language = [[Common]]
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| affiliation = [[Church of the Holy Light]], [[Scarlet Crusade]], [[Argent Dawn]], [[Argent Crusade]], [[Ashen Verdict]], [[Brotherhood of the Light]], [[Circle of Holy Light]], [[Defenders of Justice]], [[Crippling Force]], [[Champions of Peace]], [[Champions of Light]], [[Champions of Truth]]
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| instance = Naxxramas
  
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| slang = [[Dwarven]], [[Thalassian]]
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| status = Undead}}
  
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| races = {{Race|Human}}<br />{{Race|High Elf}}<br />{{Race|Dwarf}}<br />
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| theater = [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]]
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| status = Tirion's order has been Merged to become the [[Argent Crusade]] while the Stormwind order remains with the Alliance
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| alignment = [[Lawful good]]
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}}
   
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'''Knights of the Silver Hand''' (a.k.a. '''Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand''', '''Order of the Silver Hand''', or simply the '''Silver Hand''') was the order of [[paladin (lore)|paladin]]s created after the [[First War]] by [[Uther the Lightbringer]] and Archbishop [[Alonsus Faol]]. Years after its decimation by the corrupted [[Arthas Menethil|Prince Arthas]] during the [[Third War]], the order in Lordaeron was then reformed by [[Tirion Fordring]], who later merged it with the [[Argent Dawn]] to form the [[Argent Crusade]] in order to take the fight against the [[Lich King]] to [[Northrend]].
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:''This article is a character biography. For information on how to defeat Sapphiron in World of Warcraft, see [[Sapphiron (tactics)]].''
  
   
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However, the Knights of the Silver Hand present in Stormwind and the Southern Kingdoms were not affected by the ravages of the Scourge, and thus remain active members of the Alliance. All Human and Dwarf paladin player characters join the Silver Hand upon completion of their class introduction quest.
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:''Once a noble blue dragon within the mountains of Northrend, Sapphiron was slain by Arthas during his campaign through the frozen north. Resurrected to serve him, Sapphiron guards Kel'Thuzad's lair eternally, awaiting those who would dare trespass upon his master.''
  
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:—[[Commander Eligor Dawnbringer]]
  
   
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==History==
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'''Sapphiron''' was an agent of the [[blue dragonflight]] who had guarded a treasure hoard in the mountains of Northrend. After being slain by [[Arthas Menethil]], the dragon was raised as a powerful [[frost wyrm]] and sent to the halls of [[Naxxramas]], where he guards the inner sanctum of the citadel's dread master, [[Kel'Thuzad]].
  
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===Foundation and the Second War===
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[[File:AlonsusCoT.jpg|thumb|left|Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme before Third War]]
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The former order led by Archbishop [[Alonsus Faol]], the [[Clerics of Northshire|Holy Order of Northshire Clerics]], was devastated during the [[First War]]. When Faol refounded the order in [[Lordaeron]], he recruited noble knights and former clerics to train in the ways of war and the Light. Even a few members of the priesthood decided to take up the more physical and steadfast path. In [[Alonsus Chapel]] in [[Stratholme]], [[Uther the Lightbringer]] was appointed the first of the paladins, followed by [[Saidan Dathrohan]], [[Tirion Fordring]], [[Turalyon]], candidates recommended by Alonsus Faol himself,<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', 84</ref> and [[Gavinrad the Dire]], a candidate proposed by [[Anduin Lothar|Lord Anduin Lothar]].<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', 86</ref> The Silver Hand was thus born.
   
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The paladins were instrumental in winning the war,<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 152</ref> and the sight of them wielding their mighty warhammers and holy powers gave others inspiration on the battlefield and the home front.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', 129-130</ref> Uther and his paladins were truly a sight to behold. Even some of the Alliance's greatest knights and warriors were in awe when they saw them smashing orcs down while healing fallen allies at the same time.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]''</ref> Uther is the first paladin known to have manifested his powers on the battlefield.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', 127</ref>[[File:Old Strat SB.jpg|thumb|right|The Silver Hand bastion in Stratholme.]]
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==Biography==
  
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[[Image:Sapphiron.jpg|thumb|left|Sapphiron in his original form]]
  
   
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===Destruction of the original Order===
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An ancient servant of [[Malygos]], Hand of Magic, Sapphiron was a [[blue dragon]] who lived with a powerful brood in [[Northrend]] by the [[Dragonblight]], where he communed with the ancient spirits of the dead dragons. Sapphiron was magnificently powerful, and protected the lands of Northrend as best he could. Though [[Ner'zhul]]'s malevolent influence defiled the [[Dragonblight]], Sapphiron and his brood continued to guard his hoard of treasure from any and all intruders.
 
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[[File:Alonsuschapel-burning.jpg|thumb|left|Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme.]]
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The introduction of the [[Plague]] nearly marked the end of the Order of the Silver Hand. The Knights of the Silver Hand<ref name="ReferenceA">''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 77</ref> entered a dark period when one of their own, [[Prince Arthas]], turned his back on the order in his dark pursuit of vengeance.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 84</ref> When Uther refused to follow Arthas' order of killing the infected population of [[Stratholme]] before they could die and be reborn as undead, Arthas disbanded the Order (though most paladins chose to ignore this). Arthas later fully embraced the evil he had been hunting and became a [[death knight]] in the service of the [[Lich King]]. Returning to Lordaeron, Arthas killed [[Uther Lightbringer]] and decimated the Order.<ref>''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'', "[[The Scourge of Lordaeron]]" campaign, chapter 6: "[[The Culling]]"</ref>
   
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However, the remaining paladins continued to fight against the [[Scourge]]. Under the lead of Lord Commander [[Saidan Dathrohan]] and Highlord [[Alexandros Mograine]], who wielded the [[Ashbringer]], the paladins fought the undead through the [[Plaguelands]]. From their base at [[Hearthglen]], they were able to gain some victories, but they weren't able to achieve their goal: the complete destruction of the Scourge.
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Sapphiron and his brood lived in relative peace until Prince [[Arthas]], champion of the [[Lich King]], was suddenly called back to Northrend to save his weakening master, Ner'zhul. After three weeks at sea, the Death Knight landed on the shores of Northrend near Sapphiron's frozen lair, and was greeted almost immediately by the Crypt Lord [[Anub'arak]], King of [[Azjol-Nerub]], another powerful servant of Ner'zhul. Anub'arak had sensed Sapphiron nearby and suggested to the young Death Knight that perhaps by equipping themselves with the ancient blue wyrm's treasures, he and Arthas might be better prepared for the perilous journey through the underground kingdom of Azjol-Nerub to [[Icecrown]] Glacier. Arthas agreed, and boldly journeyed into Sapphiron's lair with Anub'arak.
 
   
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===After the Third War===
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The two servants of the Lich King fought their way through Sapphiron's minions till they finally reached the great blue dragon himself. Sapphiron confronted the undead as they approached him. He found Arthas's honesty about killing him and stealing his treasure quite "refreshing". Sapphiron and his fellow [[dragon]]s attacked with all their might, unleashing their strange, cold frost magics upon them. In the end, despite all odds, Arthas was victorious, and Sapphiron was defeated. As a final, clinching victory, however, Arthas used what remained of his dwindling [[necromancy|necromatic]] power to recreate Sapphiron as a [[frost wyrm]] to serve the [[Scourge]].
 
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[[File:The Scarlet Bastion.jpg|thumb|right|Former The Silver Hand bastion now The Scarlet Bastion in Stratholme.]]
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Even after the triumph at [[Battle of Mount Hyjal|Mount Hyjal]], the paladins remembered Arthas's betrayal,<ref name="WOWRPG 170">''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 170</ref> and just how close their order and all of Azeroth had come to complete destruction.<ref name="WRPG 125">''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 125</ref> Many paladins felt responsibility for Arthas, because the Holy Light teaches that every person can strengthen other people. Since they were unable to strengthen Arthas, the entire world suffered. After such an enormous breach of trust, the paladins resolved anew to eliminate all traces of corruption in their ranks.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 18</ref>
   
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While the [[Alliance]] still had the Knights of the Silver Hand, few paladins were left in the order.<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', 8, 187</ref> The remaining knights started hunting Arthas's servants, the undead, with a ruthlessness that frightens some, but they were determined to fix their mistakes.<ref name="WOWRPG 170" /><ref name="WRPG 125" /> The stalwart paladins of the Silver Hand who had traveled to [[Kalimdor]] worked to establish a new church there.<ref name="WRPG 125" />
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Sapphiron, now a mighty frost wyrm, assisted Arthas in destroying the Naga and Blood Elf forces blocking the passage to Azjol-Nerub. Sapphiron was called upon again to destroy the dwarves guarding the gates to Azjol-Nerub, but the great dragon was left outside of the tunnels, where he guarded it against all who would disturb his new master.
 
   
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Though decimated in Lordaeron, the Silver Hand eventually bounced back.<ref name="Dark Factions, 154-155">''[[Dark Factions]]'', 154-155</ref> [[Humans]] founded the Knights of the Silver Hand, and though they remained the bulk of its membership, the new order started to accept [[dwarves]] into the ranks to replace paladins lost during the [[Third War]] (although they had previously accepted a few dwarven paladins as far back as the [[Second War]], it was uncommon). The order was not nearly as active as it once had been,<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 164</ref> however those belonging to the organization became some of the most active members of the Alliance.<ref name="APG 177">''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 177</ref>
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Some years later the Scourge attacked once again and Sapphiron was sent with [[Kel'Thuzad]] to the [[Eastern Plaguelands]] to guard the Black Citadel [[Naxxramas]].
  
   
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The Knights continued their battle against the undead on several fronts. The paladins, worried about the [[Forsaken]] entrenching themselves in the [[Ruins of Lordaeron]], established a base in what would later be known as the [[Scarlet Monastery]] in [[Tirisfal Glades]]. They also made an alliance with Lord [[Valdelmar]] of [[Tyr's Hand]] for mutual help. However, during an attack on [[Stratholme]], Lord Commander [[Saidan Dathrohan]] was possesed by the spirit of the [[dreadlord]] [[Balnazzar]], though no other paladin was able to notice this. Balnazzar started slowly working against the Order's objectives from the inside.
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Sapphiron's powers are significantly greater than those of the average Frost Wyrm. This could be because Arthas, the Lich King's champion, revived him personally, or it could be a reflection of Sapphiron's greater power in life, or it could be some combination of both.
  
   
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Some former members of the Silver Hand, led by the possesed Saidan, formed the [[Scarlet Crusade]]. These paladins strive fanatically to destroy evil, without any regards to the means used. They despise all non-human races, which they deem as "lesser". Other paladins, disgusted with the Scarlet Crusaders' zealotry, formed the [[Argent Dawn]], taking a less extreme approach, and deciding to accept in their order paladins from all of Azeroth's races.
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Sapphiron has held onto his {{loot|epic|Key to the Focusing Iris (reward)|Key to the Focusing Iris}}, throughout these events. The eye acts as a key to Malygos's home: [[The Eye of Eternity]].
  
   
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Eventually, the paladin [[Tirion Fordring]] united the remains of the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn into the new [[Argent Crusade]]. Along with the [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]], they traveled to [[Northrend]] to end the [[Lich King]]'s reign, and they were instrumental in his ultimate defeat.
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==World of Warcraft==
  
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[[Image:Sapphiron2.jpg|thumb|Sapphiron in World of Warcraft]]
  
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=== The Burning Crusade ===
  
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{{Bc-section}}
  
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A reference is made to Sapphiron in the item {{item|Sapphiron's Wing Bone}}, which can be purchased from {{NPC||G'eras}} in [[Shattrath City]] for {{cost|jp=130}}.
  
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=== Wrath of the Lich King ===
  
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{{Wotlk-section}}
  
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Sapphiron appears in Wrath of the Lich King as the boss guarding the way into {{NPC||Kel'Thuzad}}'s chamber in [[Naxxramas]].
  
   
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==Symbolism==
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==Encounter with Arthas==
  
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The Order of the Silver Hand took its name and symbol from the legend of [[Tyr]]. A paragon of order and justice, Tyr sacrificed his right hand in a fight against an unfathomable evil. Although it was within his power to fix his hand after the fighting had ended, the hero instead chose to replace it with a closed fist made of the purest silver. In this way, he impressed upon those who followed him that true order and justice can only be accomplished through personal sacrifice.<ref name="Ask CDev #1">{{ref web|url=http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=25626575587&sid=1|title=World of Warcraft Forums - Ask CDev #1 Answers|accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref>
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[[Image:Sapphironundead.JPG|thumb|Sapphiron as a Frost Wyrm]]
  
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:'''Sapphiron:''' You dare enter my lair? I am Sapphiron, ancient servant of Malygos the Spell-Weaver! Explain yourselves!
  
   
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==Notes==
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:'''Arthas:''' Sorry we don't have time to chat, great wyrm. We've come to murder you and steal whatever artifacts you've been hoarding over the centuries.
  
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[[File:Tabard of the Lightbringer.jpg|thumb|Tabard of the Lightbringer]]
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Miscellaneous information regarding the order in the present times (post Third War).
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*The paladin order, also called the Knights of the Silver Hand, grew out of humanity’s culture, and its greatest heroes and fiercest proponents are humans. Ironforge dwarves possess the toughness needed to withstand the onslaught of the paladins' many enemies.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
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*[[Paladin warrior]]s universally belong to the Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 88</ref>
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*Some of the surviving paladins formed the [[Scarlet Crusade]] in an attempt to reclaim their homeland.<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]''</ref> This zealous order hunts Arthas's servants, the undead.
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*Others joined the [[Argent Dawn]] (some were both members of the Silver Hand and of the Argent Dawn, others were former members of the Silver Hand).
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*In addition to the night elves, many guests and diplomats from elsewhere reside in [[Darnassus]], groups such as the Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[lands of Mystery]]'', 22</ref>
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*Templars see corruption in their homes and many other organizations, including the Knights of the Silver Hand. While the templars see paladins as allies and vice versa, templars feel that the Silver Hand overemphasizes tradition and order over general goodness and the other values of the Light.<ref>''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', 15</ref>
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*[[Verius]] attempted to infiltrate the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand after the Third War.<ref>''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', 11-12</ref>
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*Brann believes that blue dragons may be found in the ranks of many mortal orders: Including the Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', 114</ref>
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*[[Forthisal D'Neve]] is studying with the Knights of the Silver Hand to become a paladin.<ref>''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', 170</ref>
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*The [[Phylactery]] of Faithfulness is a small box containing religious scripture affixed to a leather cord and tied around the forehead. Commonly used by night elves and members of the Silver Hand, use of this item has started to spread through the Horde faithful.<ref>''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', 145</ref>
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*Once indoctrinated, a [[lightslayer]] receives missions to combat the Holy Light, particularly the Scarlet Crusade (though Knights of the Silver Hand and ordinary priests and parishioners are also fair game).<ref>''[[Horde Player's Guide]]'', 47</ref>
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*Many paladins remained loyal to the Alliance. They may have fought under different flags but still pledged themselves to the Alliance's cause forever.
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*{{wotlk-inline}} The [[Argent Crusade]] was created from the union of the Argent Dawn and the Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/08/03/ask-a-beta-tester-the-argent-crusade/</ref><ref>[[Quest:Tirion's Help]]</ref>
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*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Badge of the Silver Hand]], which is to be given to Uther's spirit, is a medal given upon acceptance to the Knights of the Silver Hand.
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*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Tabard of the Lightbringer]], which can be received from Uther's spirit, bears the presumed symbol of the Silver Hand.
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*{{c-inline}} [[Gavinrad's Sigil]] probably belonged to [[Gavinrad the Dire]]. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|Engraved with the image of a silver fist, held up triumphantly.}}"''
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*{{c-inline}} [[Shroud of Uther]] belonging to Uther. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|A heavy piece of canvas, probably used as a blanket or shawl.}}"'' It is the in-game representation of the [[Shroud of the Lightbringer|Shroud of the Lightbringer]].
   
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==Status of the Order==
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:'''Sapphiron:''' Honesty...how refreshing. None may challenge Sapphiron and live!
  
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[[File:Silver Hand Fist.jpg|thumb|A banner depicting the symbol of the Silver Hand.|right]]
   
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According to [[Brann Bronzebeard]];
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:(Sapphiron is defeated by Arthas)
  
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:''We have the Knights of the Silver Hand on our side, but this is a group that has experienced more hardships than most during these dark days. Once the pinnacle of enlightenment, goodness, purity and light, they are forever shamed that the powerful Lich King who sits upon the [[Frozen Throne|frozen throne]] was one of theirs. They wrack their brains on where they went wrong, why they couldn’t see the streak of evil that obviously lurked inside Arthas. If he were truly a paladin, as they are, then there is no way he would have been corrupted. I think they have rather a too high opinion of the paladins, but I’m not the one to tell them.''
   
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:''Even though paladins are some of our most powerful weapons against the Scourge, with their holy power over undead, the paladins are not what they once were. Some have been driven into obsessive madness, forming the Scarlet Crusade and killing living and undead alike in their eagerness to eradicate the Scourge. Others traveled across the sea with Jaina Proudmoore to help defeat the [[Burning Legion]] and now reside on Theramore. They certainly do what they can to destroy undead they discover on [[Kalimdor]], but the Scourge's numbers there are like a thimble of beer compared to the great kegs that are Lordaeron and Northrend. We’ll need the paladins to defeat the Scourge, but they are not up to the task right now, and I don’t know how much longer we can wait.''<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', 167</ref>
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:'''Arthas:''' At least I still have enough power to do this...
  
   
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According to the [[Tirion Fordring]] questline, from his perspective and opinion, the order no longer exists, having been destroyed by [[Arthas Menethil|Arthas]]. After losing their leadership and being driven from their headquarters, the paladins scattered all over the continent, with some even following [[Jaina Proudmoore]] across the ocean to stay in [[Theramore]]. Tirion Fordring believes that no other paladin had the right to take up Uther's mantle as the leader of the Silver Hand. However, spurred by his son [[Taelan Fordring|Taelan's]] death, Tirion vows to reform the Order, and to take his place as Highlord to combat the [[Scarlet Crusade]] and the [[Scourge]].
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:(Sapphiron is raised by Arthas as an enormous Frost Wyrm)
  
   
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Time will tell how many paladins will unite under his banner: the fact that [[Uther Lightbringer]] himself ordered his exile might keep some hardliners of the old order from trusting his way.
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==Statistics of <font color="aqua">'''Sapphiron'''</font> from Warcraft III==
  
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{| class="darktable" align=right
  
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! [[File:PASBTNFreezingBreath.png]] !! [[File:BTNGlacier.png]] !! [[File:PASBTNGenericSpellImmunity.png]]
  
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|- align=center
  
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| Frost Breath
  
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| Frost Nova
  
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| Spell Immunity
 
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|-
  
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!colspan=11 style="color:inherit"|Sapphiron ' abilities in ''[[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]''.
  
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|}
  
   
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However, other characters in the game have a different view regarding the current status of the Order. Several in-game sources and the [[Warcraft RPG]] indicates that an "Order of Silver Hand" in some form is still in existence. According to the paladin history in character selection screen (pre-[[patch 2.01]]):
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* 2750 HP <font color="limegreen">(+50% more than a regular Blue Dragon)</font>
  
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* 500 MP <font color="limegreen">(Blue Dragons have no MP)</font>
  
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* 58-91 anti-ground ranged chaos damage <font color="limegreen">(+37% more than a regular Blue Dragon)</font>
  
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* 58-82 anti-air ranged chaos damage <font color="orange">(-4% less than a regular Blue Dragon)</font>
  
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* 6 medium armor <font color="slategray">(same as a regular Blue Dragon)</font>
  
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* Abilities
  
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** Frost Breath (attacks slow target)
  
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** Frost Nova (ranged direct damage and AoE slow)
  
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** Spell Immunity
  
   
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<blockquote>''"Although paladins were once exclusively human, number of stout-hearted dwarves have recently been welcomed into the Order of the Silver Hand"''</blockquote>
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==Videos==
  
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<youtube width="480" height="295">QjmTH32F89c</youtube><br />
  
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[http://www.wowguideonline.com/naxxramas-bosses.html Naxxramas Boss Videos & Guides]
  
   
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Several paladin trainers in [[Stormwind City]] and [[Ironforge]] consider themselves to be part of the Order. A human paladin, [[Brother Sammuel]], invites a new human paladin into the Order of the Silver Hand:
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==External links==
  
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{{elinks-NPC|15989}}
  
   
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<blockquote>''"But until then, be patient... Knight of the Silver Hand."''</blockquote>
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{{Dragonflightfooter|Blue Dragonflight}}
  
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The dwarven paladin [[Bromos Grummner]] also invites a new dwarf paladin into the Order of the Silver Hand:
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<blockquote>''"You're a Knight of the Silver Hand now, be ready to play the part."''</blockquote>
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Even articles and short stories in the RPG, for example ''Alliance Player's Guide'' of 2006, confirms the current existence the Order, and that there are still individuals calling themselves "Knights of the Silver Hand" in modern times. Although it appears to be much smaller than the original order, as well as reference to some kind of leadership which is still in control.
  +
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[[Trey Lightforge]] is described as being a Knight of the Silver Hand.
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For example, according to ''Alliance Player's Guide'', it says that the Argent Dawn has members who are still Knights of the Silver Hand (as well as members who were former Silver Hand Knights).<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 150</ref> The book also discusses that organization of the Knights of Silver Hand still exists,<ref name="APG 177" /> even though it was nearly wiped out, and elsewhere in the book that Tirion Fordring has not yet taken over leadership of the Silver Hand and is still in exile.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 173</ref>
  +
  +
They are members of a "current" order of the Silver Hand, which "bounced back" after its decimation.<ref name="Dark Factions, 154-155"/> Tirion is pledging to reform the original Order by reestablishing himself as the leader of the current one. The RPG discusses the existence of the current Order of the Silver Hand that still exists. Brann believed if Tirion Fordring could be recruited into the Silver Hand, he could whip it back into action, and also bring the Scarlet Crusade back into the realm of sanity.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 164, 173</ref>
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[[File:Fordring Ashbringer.jpg|thumb|200px|Tirion Fordring wielding Ashbringer.]]
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  ⚫
=== In Wrath of the Lich King: Return of the Silver Hand ===
  ⚫
{{wotlk-section}}
  +
[[Tirion Fordring]] appears in the ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King]]'', near the port of [[Valgarde]] in the [[Howling Fjord]]. He has been identified as ''Highlord'' Tirion Fordring (he hinted at this after completing [[Quest:In Dreams]]: ''"I now take my place as Highlord of the new Order of the Silver Hand"'').
  +
  +
After [[Quest:The Light of Dawn]], the last of the [[death knight]] quests, Fordring unites the Silver Hand and the [[Argent Dawn]] into the new [[Argent Crusade]]. Now along with the [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]], they travel to Northrend to end the Lich King's reign.
  +
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==Members==
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For a complete list of Knights of the Silver Hand, see [[List of Knights of the Silver Hand paladins]].
  +
  +
== References ==
  +
{{Reflist}}
   
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[[fr:Sapphiron]]
  
   
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[[Category:Warcraft III campaign neutral units]]
  
 
[[Category:Lore]]
  
[[Category:Lore]]
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[[Category:Lore characters]]
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[[Category:Paladins]]
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[[Category:Frost wyrms]]
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[[Category:Organizations]]
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[[Category:Scourge]]
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[[Category:Knights]]
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[[Category:Blue dragons]]
  
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[[es:Caballeros de la Mano de Plata]]
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[[fr:Main d'Argent]]

Revision as of 02:29, 24 December 2011

NeutralKnights of the Silver Hand
Epic paladin
Main leader Neutral IconSmall Tirion Tirion Fordring
Secondary leaders Alliance IconSmall Human Male Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker
Race(s) HumanHuman Human
High elfHigh elf High elf
DwarfDwarf Dwarf
Capital Hearthglen
Other major settlements Stormwind City, Ironforge
Theater of operations Azeroth
Language(s) Common
Affiliation Church of the Holy Light, Scarlet Crusade, Argent Dawn, Argent Crusade, Ashen Verdict, Brotherhood of the Light, Circle of Holy Light, Defenders of Justice, Crippling Force, Champions of Peace, Champions of Light, Champions of Truth
Status Tirion's order has been Merged to become the Argent Crusade while the Stormwind order remains with the Alliance

Knights of the Silver Hand (a.k.a. Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand, Order of the Silver Hand, or simply the Silver Hand) was the order of paladins created after the First War by Uther the Lightbringer and Archbishop Alonsus Faol. Years after its decimation by the corrupted Prince Arthas during the Third War, the order in Lordaeron was then reformed by Tirion Fordring, who later merged it with the Argent Dawn to form the Argent Crusade in order to take the fight against the Lich King to Northrend.

However, the Knights of the Silver Hand present in Stormwind and the Southern Kingdoms were not affected by the ravages of the Scourge, and thus remain active members of the Alliance. All Human and Dwarf paladin player characters join the Silver Hand upon completion of their class introduction quest.

History

Foundation and the Second War

AlonsusCoT

Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme before Third War

The former order led by Archbishop Alonsus Faol, the Holy Order of Northshire Clerics, was devastated during the First War. When Faol refounded the order in Lordaeron, he recruited noble knights and former clerics to train in the ways of war and the Light. Even a few members of the priesthood decided to take up the more physical and steadfast path. In Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme, Uther the Lightbringer was appointed the first of the paladins, followed by Saidan Dathrohan, Tirion Fordring, Turalyon, candidates recommended by Alonsus Faol himself,[1] and Gavinrad the Dire, a candidate proposed by Lord Anduin Lothar.[2] The Silver Hand was thus born.

The paladins were instrumental in winning the war,[3] and the sight of them wielding their mighty warhammers and holy powers gave others inspiration on the battlefield and the home front.[4] Uther and his paladins were truly a sight to behold. Even some of the Alliance's greatest knights and warriors were in awe when they saw them smashing orcs down while healing fallen allies at the same time.[5] Uther is the first paladin known to have manifested his powers on the battlefield.[6]

Old Strat SB

The Silver Hand bastion in Stratholme.

Destruction of the original Order

Alonsuschapel-burning

Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme.

The introduction of the Plague nearly marked the end of the Order of the Silver Hand. The Knights of the Silver Hand[7] entered a dark period when one of their own, Prince Arthas, turned his back on the order in his dark pursuit of vengeance.[8] When Uther refused to follow Arthas' order of killing the infected population of Stratholme before they could die and be reborn as undead, Arthas disbanded the Order (though most paladins chose to ignore this). Arthas later fully embraced the evil he had been hunting and became a death knight in the service of the Lich King. Returning to Lordaeron, Arthas killed Uther Lightbringer and decimated the Order.[9]

However, the remaining paladins continued to fight against the Scourge. Under the lead of Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan and Highlord Alexandros Mograine, who wielded the Ashbringer, the paladins fought the undead through the Plaguelands. From their base at Hearthglen, they were able to gain some victories, but they weren't able to achieve their goal: the complete destruction of the Scourge.

After the Third War

The Scarlet Bastion

Former The Silver Hand bastion now The Scarlet Bastion in Stratholme.

Even after the triumph at Mount Hyjal, the paladins remembered Arthas's betrayal,[10] and just how close their order and all of Azeroth had come to complete destruction.[11] Many paladins felt responsibility for Arthas, because the Holy Light teaches that every person can strengthen other people. Since they were unable to strengthen Arthas, the entire world suffered. After such an enormous breach of trust, the paladins resolved anew to eliminate all traces of corruption in their ranks.[12]

While the Alliance still had the Knights of the Silver Hand, few paladins were left in the order.[13] The remaining knights started hunting Arthas's servants, the undead, with a ruthlessness that frightens some, but they were determined to fix their mistakes.[10][11] The stalwart paladins of the Silver Hand who had traveled to Kalimdor worked to establish a new church there.[11]

Though decimated in Lordaeron, the Silver Hand eventually bounced back.[14] Humans founded the Knights of the Silver Hand, and though they remained the bulk of its membership, the new order started to accept dwarves into the ranks to replace paladins lost during the Third War (although they had previously accepted a few dwarven paladins as far back as the Second War, it was uncommon). The order was not nearly as active as it once had been,[15] however those belonging to the organization became some of the most active members of the Alliance.[16]

The Knights continued their battle against the undead on several fronts. The paladins, worried about the Forsaken entrenching themselves in the Ruins of Lordaeron, established a base in what would later be known as the Scarlet Monastery in Tirisfal Glades. They also made an alliance with Lord Valdelmar of Tyr's Hand for mutual help. However, during an attack on Stratholme, Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan was possesed by the spirit of the dreadlord Balnazzar, though no other paladin was able to notice this. Balnazzar started slowly working against the Order's objectives from the inside.

Some former members of the Silver Hand, led by the possesed Saidan, formed the Scarlet Crusade. These paladins strive fanatically to destroy evil, without any regards to the means used. They despise all non-human races, which they deem as "lesser". Other paladins, disgusted with the Scarlet Crusaders' zealotry, formed the Argent Dawn, taking a less extreme approach, and deciding to accept in their order paladins from all of Azeroth's races.

Eventually, the paladin Tirion Fordring united the remains of the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn into the new Argent Crusade. Along with the Knights of the Ebon Blade, they traveled to Northrend to end the Lich King's reign, and they were instrumental in his ultimate defeat.

Symbolism

The Order of the Silver Hand took its name and symbol from the legend of Tyr. A paragon of order and justice, Tyr sacrificed his right hand in a fight against an unfathomable evil. Although it was within his power to fix his hand after the fighting had ended, the hero instead chose to replace it with a closed fist made of the purest silver. In this way, he impressed upon those who followed him that true order and justice can only be accomplished through personal sacrifice.[17]

Notes

Tabard of the Lightbringer

Tabard of the Lightbringer

Miscellaneous information regarding the order in the present times (post Third War).

  • The paladin order, also called the Knights of the Silver Hand, grew out of humanity’s culture, and its greatest heroes and fiercest proponents are humans. Ironforge dwarves possess the toughness needed to withstand the onslaught of the paladins' many enemies.[7]
  • Paladin warriors universally belong to the Knights of the Silver Hand.[18]
  • Some of the surviving paladins formed the Scarlet Crusade in an attempt to reclaim their homeland.[19] This zealous order hunts Arthas's servants, the undead.
  • Others joined the Argent Dawn (some were both members of the Silver Hand and of the Argent Dawn, others were former members of the Silver Hand).
  • In addition to the night elves, many guests and diplomats from elsewhere reside in Darnassus, groups such as the Knights of the Silver Hand.[20]
  • Templars see corruption in their homes and many other organizations, including the Knights of the Silver Hand. While the templars see paladins as allies and vice versa, templars feel that the Silver Hand overemphasizes tradition and order over general goodness and the other values of the Light.[21]
  • Verius attempted to infiltrate the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand after the Third War.[22]
  • Brann believes that blue dragons may be found in the ranks of many mortal orders: Including the Knights of the Silver Hand.[23]
  • Forthisal D'Neve is studying with the Knights of the Silver Hand to become a paladin.[24]
  • The Phylactery of Faithfulness is a small box containing religious scripture affixed to a leather cord and tied around the forehead. Commonly used by night elves and members of the Silver Hand, use of this item has started to spread through the Horde faithful.[25]
  • Once indoctrinated, a lightslayer receives missions to combat the Holy Light, particularly the Scarlet Crusade (though Knights of the Silver Hand and ordinary priests and parishioners are also fair game).[26]
  • Many paladins remained loyal to the Alliance. They may have fought under different flags but still pledged themselves to the Alliance's cause forever.
  • Wrath-Logo-Small The Argent Crusade was created from the union of the Argent Dawn and the Knights of the Silver Hand.[27][28]
  • Wrath-Logo-Small Spell holy powerwordshield [Badge of the Silver Hand], which is to be given to Uther's spirit, is a medal given upon acceptance to the Knights of the Silver Hand.
  • Wrath-Logo-Small Inv shirt guildtabard 01 [Tabard of the Lightbringer], which can be received from Uther's spirit, bears the presumed symbol of the Silver Hand.
  • Icon Cataclysm 18x18 Inv jewelry talisman 06 [Gavinrad's Sigil] probably belonged to Gavinrad the Dire. Its flavor text reads "Engraved with the image of a silver fist, held up triumphantly."
  • Icon Cataclysm 18x18 Item embercloth [Shroud of Uther] belonging to Uther. Its flavor text reads "A heavy piece of canvas, probably used as a blanket or shawl." It is the in-game representation of the Shroud of the Lightbringer.

Status of the Order

Silver Hand Fist

A banner depicting the symbol of the Silver Hand.

According to Brann Bronzebeard;

We have the Knights of the Silver Hand on our side, but this is a group that has experienced more hardships than most during these dark days. Once the pinnacle of enlightenment, goodness, purity and light, they are forever shamed that the powerful Lich King who sits upon the frozen throne was one of theirs. They wrack their brains on where they went wrong, why they couldn’t see the streak of evil that obviously lurked inside Arthas. If he were truly a paladin, as they are, then there is no way he would have been corrupted. I think they have rather a too high opinion of the paladins, but I’m not the one to tell them.
Even though paladins are some of our most powerful weapons against the Scourge, with their holy power over undead, the paladins are not what they once were. Some have been driven into obsessive madness, forming the Scarlet Crusade and killing living and undead alike in their eagerness to eradicate the Scourge. Others traveled across the sea with Jaina Proudmoore to help defeat the Burning Legion and now reside on Theramore. They certainly do what they can to destroy undead they discover on Kalimdor, but the Scourge's numbers there are like a thimble of beer compared to the great kegs that are Lordaeron and Northrend. We’ll need the paladins to defeat the Scourge, but they are not up to the task right now, and I don’t know how much longer we can wait.[29]

According to the Tirion Fordring questline, from his perspective and opinion, the order no longer exists, having been destroyed by Arthas. After losing their leadership and being driven from their headquarters, the paladins scattered all over the continent, with some even following Jaina Proudmoore across the ocean to stay in Theramore. Tirion Fordring believes that no other paladin had the right to take up Uther's mantle as the leader of the Silver Hand. However, spurred by his son Taelan's death, Tirion vows to reform the Order, and to take his place as Highlord to combat the Scarlet Crusade and the Scourge.

Time will tell how many paladins will unite under his banner: the fact that Uther Lightbringer himself ordered his exile might keep some hardliners of the old order from trusting his way.

However, other characters in the game have a different view regarding the current status of the Order. Several in-game sources and the Warcraft RPG indicates that an "Order of Silver Hand" in some form is still in existence. According to the paladin history in character selection screen (pre-patch 2.01):

"Although paladins were once exclusively human, number of stout-hearted dwarves have recently been welcomed into the Order of the Silver Hand"

Several paladin trainers in Stormwind City and Ironforge consider themselves to be part of the Order. A human paladin, Brother Sammuel, invites a new human paladin into the Order of the Silver Hand:

"But until then, be patient... Knight of the Silver Hand."

The dwarven paladin Bromos Grummner also invites a new dwarf paladin into the Order of the Silver Hand:

"You're a Knight of the Silver Hand now, be ready to play the part."

Even articles and short stories in the RPG, for example Alliance Player's Guide of 2006, confirms the current existence the Order, and that there are still individuals calling themselves "Knights of the Silver Hand" in modern times. Although it appears to be much smaller than the original order, as well as reference to some kind of leadership which is still in control.

Trey Lightforge is described as being a Knight of the Silver Hand.

For example, according to Alliance Player's Guide, it says that the Argent Dawn has members who are still Knights of the Silver Hand (as well as members who were former Silver Hand Knights).[30] The book also discusses that organization of the Knights of Silver Hand still exists,[16] even though it was nearly wiped out, and elsewhere in the book that Tirion Fordring has not yet taken over leadership of the Silver Hand and is still in exile.[31]

They are members of a "current" order of the Silver Hand, which "bounced back" after its decimation.[14] Tirion is pledging to reform the original Order by reestablishing himself as the leader of the current one. The RPG discusses the existence of the current Order of the Silver Hand that still exists. Brann believed if Tirion Fordring could be recruited into the Silver Hand, he could whip it back into action, and also bring the Scarlet Crusade back into the realm of sanity.[32]

Fordring Ashbringer

Tirion Fordring wielding Ashbringer.

In Wrath of the Lich King: Return of the Silver Hand

Wrath-Logo-Small This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

Tirion Fordring appears in the World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, near the port of Valgarde in the Howling Fjord. He has been identified as Highlord Tirion Fordring (he hinted at this after completing Quest:In Dreams: "I now take my place as Highlord of the new Order of the Silver Hand").

After Quest:The Light of Dawn, the last of the death knight quests, Fordring unites the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn into the new Argent Crusade. Now along with the Knights of the Ebon Blade, they travel to Northrend to end the Lich King's reign.

Members

For a complete list of Knights of the Silver Hand, see List of Knights of the Silver Hand paladins.

References

 
  1. ^ Tides of Darkness, 84
  2. ^ Tides of Darkness, 86
  3. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 152
  4. ^ Tides of Darkness, 129-130
  5. ^ Tides of Darkness
  6. ^ Tides of Darkness, 127
  7. ^ a b World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 77
  8. ^ World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 84
  9. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, "The Scourge of Lordaeron" campaign, chapter 6: "The Culling"
  10. ^ a b World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 170
  11. ^ a b c Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 125
  12. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 18
  13. ^ Lands of Mystery, 8, 187
  14. ^ a b Dark Factions, 154-155
  15. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 164
  16. ^ a b Alliance Player's Guide, 177
  17. ^ World of Warcraft Forums - Ask CDev #1 Answers. Retrieved on 2010-06-30.
  18. ^ Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 88
  19. ^ Lands of Mystery
  20. ^ lands of Mystery, 22
  21. ^ Magic & Mayhem, 15
  22. ^ Magic & Mayhem, 11-12
  23. ^ Lands of Mystery, 114
  24. ^ Lands of Conflict, 170
  25. ^ Magic & Mayhem, 145
  26. ^ Horde Player's Guide, 47
  27. ^ http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/08/03/ask-a-beta-tester-the-argent-crusade/
  28. ^ Quest:Tirion's Help
  29. ^ Lands of Mystery, 167
  30. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 150
  31. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 173
  32. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 164, 173
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