Dragola15502@legacy41536410 (talk | contribs) mNo edit summary |
mNo edit summary |
||
| (197 intermediate revisions by 68 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| + | {{This|the structure|the raid known in-game as "Icecrown Citadel"|Icecrown Citadel (instance)| the 5-player instances|Frozen Halls}} |
||
| − | {{infobox instance |
||
| + | {{Infobox town |
||
| − | |name=Icecrown Citadel |
+ | | name = Icecrown Citadel |
| − | |aka= |
||
| + | | ss = The King & The Queen concept - Icecrown.jpg |
||
| − | |ss=Icecrowncitadel.jpg |
||
| + | | faction = Neutral |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | | leader = None |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | | fleader = {{RaceIcon|NewLichKing}}{{RaceIcon|BolvarUndead}} [[Lich King]] [[Bolvar Fordragon|Bolvar]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|LichKing}}{{RaceIcon|ArthasDK}} [[Lich King]] [[Arthas Menethil|Arthas]]{{KIA}}<br/> {{RaceIcon|LichKing}}{{RaceIcon|Ner'zhul}} [[Lich King]] [[Ner'zhul]]{{KIA}} |
||
| − | |government=Autocracy |
+ | | government = Autocracy |
| − | |pop=Unknown, perhaps 250,000 (100% Undead)<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', 106</ref> |
||
| + | | race = {{Race|Scourge}}<br/> {{RaceIcon|CryptFiend}}{{RaceIcon|CryptLord}} [[Undead]] [[nerubian]]<br/> {{Race|Frost vrykul}} |
||
| − | |race={{Scourge Race}} |
||
| + | | affiliation = [[Scourge]], [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]] |
||
| − | |boss=Lich King |
||
| + | | faffiliation = [[Ashen Verdict]], [[Burning Legion]] |
||
| − | |type=Raid |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | |level=80 |
||
| + | | status = Active |
||
| − | |players=10/25 |
||
| − | |key= |
||
}} |
}} |
||
| + | '''Icecrown Citadel''' is the greatest fortress of the [[Scourge]] and the last bastion of the dread [[Lich King]]. Located in the frozen wastes of [[Icecrown]] on the continent of [[Northrend]], the Citadel rises up from the [[Icecrown Glacier]], a cathedral of blades and claws made entirely of [[saronite]]. It is a fortress as big as a city, its halls crawling with the most vile and loyal of the Scourge - a great army of the living dead standing between their dark master and those who once sought to destroy him. The fortress is, itself, layer after protective layer of cursed metal wrapped around the [[Frozen Throne]] that once held the spirit of [[Ner'zhul]], until he joined with [[Arthas Menethil]] to become the new Lich King.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth 142">''[[Exploring Azeroth: Northrend]]'', pg. 142</ref> |
||
| − | '''Icecrown Citadel''' in [[Northrend]] sits atop the largest glacier on [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]], [[Icecrown Glacier]] in [[Icecrown]]. It is here that [[Ner'zhul]] — transformed into the [[Lich King]] — was cast into the [[world]] of Azeroth. Recently, the [[Scourge]] has created this massive fortress, surrounding the [[Frozen Throne]] that lies hidden underneath. It's planned to be added to the game in patch 3.3, making it the pinnacle of the [[Wrath of the Lich King]] raid instances. |
||
| + | The sole way for any kind of force to invade Icecrown Citadel would be to breach the gates that encompass Icecrown, respectively named [[Mord'rethar: The Death Gate]]; then [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]]; and last [[Corp'rethar: The Horror Gate]]. Each gate and its wall is made almost entirely of saronite, near indestructible, and manned by massive Scourge constructs.<ref>''[[Exploring Azeroth: Northrend]]'', pg. 140</ref> |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | The name of Icecrown became infamous when [[Kil'jaeden]] hurled the Lich King back into the mortal world. Ner'zhul's prison slammed into the glacier. Here the Lich King remained until [[Arthas Menethil]] freed him and the two merged in Arthas' body. The merging created such a large explosion that a large portion of the glacier was blown away. It left a gigantic throne in its place thus creating the Frozen Throne. Upon which sits the Lich King, ruler of the scourge.<ref name="LoM 108">[[Lands of Mystery]], pg. 108.</ref> |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | From the name one would assume Icecrown Citadel was an enormous fortress planted on the glacier, with thick walls, sturdy guard towers, and massive front gates. Not quite. Most of the Citadel lurks below the surface. The glacier is split, creating a deep fissure. Scourge forces lurk down there, and they have carved levels into either side of that massive split and created bridges, walkways and even solid floors across the gap. Not surprisingly, Icecrown Citadel is a cold, unforgiving place. It has no decorations, no furs or rugs, no fires, nothing to provide comfort or warmth. The Scourge creatures move silently from one problem to another, focused on their tasks. All manner of undead dwell here, including zombies, wraiths and beings composed of cold energy. At the bottom of the rift is the Frozen Throne, the heart of the Scourge and the Lich |
||
| + | When [[Kil'jaeden]] hurled the Lich King into the mortal world, Ner'zhul's prison of ice, known as the [[Frozen Throne]], slammed into the icy spire of [[Icecrown Glacier]]. As the Lich King expanded his influence, the Scourge and the dreadlords built Icecrown Citadel.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV3}}</ref><ref>[[War of the Spider (History of Warcraft)]]</ref><ref>[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual#War of the Spider]]</ref> [[Arthas Menethil]] and [[Illidan Stormrage]] wrestled for the control of the citadel. As Illidan was defeated, Arthas shattered Ner'zhul's prison and merged with the Lich King. Death knights like [[Thassarian]] and [[Koltira Deathweaver]] were here, training until the Lich King awoke and commanded his subjects to invade the [[Light's Hope Chapel]].<ref>''[[Death Knight (manga)|Death Knight]]''</ref> |
||
| + | At the start of the [[war against the Lich King]], [[Trag Highmountain]] defended [[Taunka'le Village]] in [[Borean Tundra]] from an [[Anub'ar]] attack. The undead tauren fell into their tunnels and continued through them, emerging in Icecrown, with the Icecrown Citadel looming above him.<ref>''[[Fiend (Legends)|Fiend]]''</ref> Fighting his way through the Scourge, he soon entered it and clashed with the Lich King. As he was trying to control him, the Lich King blasted Trag out of the citadel.<ref>''[[Fate (Legends)|Fate]]''</ref> |
||
| − | Note: The above description may seem confusing, as images of the Throne Chamber obviously depict a spire with the Frozen Throne at the ''top''. This is more understandable when the size of the rift created by the impact with the Glacier is realized. The rift is so large the entire spire is below average ground level. The entire spire counts as the Frozen Throne, the area just around the spire is also known as the Throne Chamber, and Icecrown Citadel is the fortified rift as a whole. Both Arthas<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', 299</ref> and [[Kel'Thuzad]]<ref>http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/underdev/1p11/roadtodamnation3.html</ref> traveled downward before ascending the spire. For context, "The Lich King sits on the Frozen Throne at the bottom of the rift, inside of the Icecrown Citadel".<ref name="LoM 108" /> The Throne Chamber may not be much of a chamber anymore, as evidenced by [[The Ascension|the cinematic]] at the end of the ''[[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]'' [[Legacy of the Damned|Undead campaign]] where the tower was exposed, but it seems to have been covered again by the Lich King. At [[BlizzCon 2009]], it was said that the Lick King will be fought at the pinnacle of Icecrown Citadel. It seems the bottom of the spire is at the bottom of the former 'rift', and the Frozen Throne is at the top of the spire, at the top of the Citadel. |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | |||
| + | [[File:ICC Panorama (exterior).jpg|thumb|Icecrown Citadel as it appears in-game post 3.3.2]] |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | [[File:Chron3 Assault on Icecrown Citadel.jpg|thumb|Alliance and Horde forces converging on the citadel]] |
||
{{wotlk-section}} |
{{wotlk-section}} |
||
| + | ''Icecrown Citadel dominates Northrend - visible from farther away than nearly any other structure and home to the greatest army of undead in the known world. Inside dwells the Lich King - a tyrant with nearly godlike power over his tireless, seemingly infinite subjects - and the will to bring Azeroth to its knees.'' |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | ''An assault on the mighty citadel is among the most dangerous undertakings in the history of Azeroth - and the most pivotal. The legendary heroes Highlord Tirion Fordring of the Argent Crusade and Highlord Darion Mograine have joined forces to lead the charge through Icecrown's fortified gates, and both the Horde and Alliance have sacrificed lives - indeed, whole battalions - to get this far. They dare not fail. The Lich King's reign must end.''<ref>http://us.battle.net/wow/en/zone/icecrown-citadel/</ref> |
||
| − | As noted earlier the Citadel itself stretches far under Icecrown and Icecrown Glacier, and the rift. The Frozen Throne itself was located on an island in the rift of the glacier towering above most of the underground Citadel. |
||
| ⚫ | Icecrown Citadel is a massive structure located on the Dragonblight-Icecrown border. Its southern entrance, [[Angrathar the Wrathgate]], is surrounded by the [[Court of Skulls]], and flanked by [[Fordragon Hold]] and [[Kor'kron Vanguard]]. The fortified northern entrance to Icecrown Citadel, surrounded by the [[Court of Bones]], is found in the mountains of southern Icecrown. It is surrounded by gigantic ramparts and massive, blade-like spires, the towers are an imposing landmark of the Icecrown skyline, emitting a beacon of light from its pinnacle. |
||
| ⚫ | Icecrown Citadel |
||
| + | During the final assault on the Citadel, the [[Argent Crusade]] were the ones who breached its gates; they sacrificed much, and without question, to see the Lich King fall.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth 142"/> |
||
| − | ==Bosses== |
||
| − | {{Blizz}}[[Ghostcrawler]] had stated that there would be 31 bosses in the Citadel,<ref name=GhostC31bosses>[http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=19110293530&pageNo=7&ST=US-2316798-7fI5sbQONR7K1gy0PEEej0RAMIcGRnNbDXe#127 Re: 3.3 is the Age of the Warriors]</ref> but later he admitted it was a joke.<ref name="GhostCjoke">[http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=19110156318&postId=191082479379&sid=1#145 Re: 31 bosses in icecrown raid.]</ref> Based on this joke we can be assured there will be many bosses in the Citadel. |
||
| + | ===Legion=== |
||
| − | It has now been confirmed at [[BlizzCon 2009]] that there will be 12 bosses in the Raid instance, and a 5 player dungeon divided in 3 wings with 8 bosses in total. |
||
| + | {{legion-section}} |
||
| + | Several [[adventurer]]s entered the halls of Icecrown in search of mighty weapons to fight the [[Burning Legion]] with. |
||
| − | === |
+ | ===Shadowlands=== |
| + | [[File:Shadowlands Cinematic03.jpg|thumb|The sky above Icecrown Citadel opens up into the [[Shadowlands]]]] |
||
| − | *[[Sindragosa]], former consort of [[Malygos]], raised as the Queen of the [[Frostbrood]]. Shown in several promotional pieces and the login screen, but has yet to appear in the game beyond a projection. |
||
| + | {{sl-section}} |
||
| − | *[[Lich King]], the leader of the Scourge has been confirmed as a boss in the upcoming patch in a BlizzCon 2009 panel.<ref>http://www.blizzard.com/blizzcon/recaps/raid_dungeon-panel.xml</ref> |
||
| + | During the course of the [[Fourth War]], the [[Four Horsemen]] brought corpses from across Azeroth to the [[Lich King]]. They were interred in the frigid storerooms beneath the citadel. When [[Sylvanas Windrunner]] abdicated her command of the [[Horde]], the Lich King began to raise them into undeath as [[death knight]]s. Although Bolvar sent the death knights away, he recalled other mindless Scourge toward the citadel.<ref>''[[We Ride Forth]]'', pg. 8 - 9</ref> |
||
| + | After the defeat of the Lich King at Sylvanas' hands, as announced by King Terenas years earlier, the now-masterless Scourge began marauding all across Azeroth. Off the heels of yet another brutal war, the forces of Azeroth mounted a counterattack and assaulted the source at the Icecrown Citadel.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/23187291/|title=World of Warcraft: What's Next Panel Recap|author={{Blizz|Blizzard Entertainment}}|date=2019-11-01|accessdate=2019-11-02}}</ref> |
||
| − | ===Possible bosses=== |
||
| − | {{Speculation}} |
||
| − | There are many possible encounters within the Citadel. Viable candidates include: |
||
| − | *[[Pai Stormbringer]] and [[Ul'haik Hadanot]], mortal co-leaders and seconds in-command of the [[Cult of the Damned]]. Although [[Kel'Thuzad]] was defeated for a second time in Naxxramas, the cult still maintains a heavy presence. |
||
| − | *[[Falric]] and [[Marwyn]], Arthas' captains from ''Warcraft III'' and ''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]''. |
||
| − | *[[Salanar the Horseman]], [[Orithos the Sky Darkener]] and [[Knight Commander Plaguefist]], last seen in the [[Scarlet Enclave]]. It seems they did not join the [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]], as they are nowhere in the current game after the initial death knight quest chain. |
||
| − | *[[Prince Theraldis]] and [[Prince Atherann]], the only two [[San'layn]] known to be alive. |
||
| − | *The [[Turned Champion]] and the [[Immolated Champion]] seen in a vision when fighting inside [[Yogg-Saron]]'s mind. |
||
| − | *[[Mal'Ganis]], who escaped after the true identity of [[Barean Westwind]] was unveiled and who is still plotting revenge on the Lich King. |
||
| − | *Considering that many old characters like [[Archmage Arugal]], [[Baron Rivendare]], and [[Kel'Thuzad]] have returned to battle in [[Northrend]], bosses from older instances may re-appear, such as [[Amnennar the Coldbringer]], [[Ras Frostwhisper]], [[Darkmaster Gandling]], or [[Dar'Khan Drathir]]. |
||
| − | *[[Anub'arak]], [[Azjol-Nerub]] and [[Trial of the Crusader]] were merely setbacks! |
||
| − | * It may be possible that players may have to face leaders of the opposite faction, leading their own assault inside Icecrown Citadel. Although it is doubtful that [[Thrall]] or [[Jaina Proudmoore]] would be involved as bosses (both wanting peace with the opposite faction) it is probable that [[Varian Wrynn]] and [[Garrosh Hellscream]] would be. |
||
| + | During its [[The Jailer (tactics)|encounter]] in the [[Sepulcher of the First Ones]], [[Zovaal|Zovaal the Jailer]] activated the [[Forge of Souls]] below Icecrown to draw the life force of the [[Azeroth (titan)|soul of Azeroth]] into the Sepulcher so that it could power the [[Machine of Origination]], which he could then use to unmake all of existence. With the death of Zovaal, Azeroth was saved and the rift Sylvanas had created in the sky over Icecrown closed.<ref>[[The Jailer (tactics)#Quotes|Sepulcher of the First Ones cinematics]]</ref> |
||
| − | == Trivia == |
||
| ⚫ | The in-game architecture of Icecrown |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
<gallery> |
<gallery> |
||
| + | Jailer intro cinematic - Azerite beam.png|The Jailer drawing Azeroth's power into the Shadowlands. |
||
| − | Image:frozenthrone.jpg|The Frozen Throne of the Lich King at Icecrown Citadel. |
||
| + | The Jailer's Fall - Rift closing.png|The shattered sky closes after the death of the Jailer. |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
</gallery> |
</gallery> |
||
| + | Following the death of Zovaal, Darion declared that the death knights' vigil was far from over, as without the [[Helm of Domination]] to control them, the Scourge threatened to spread across the world like the [[Plague of Undeath|plague that created them]]. Thus, the Ebon Blade mission was to return to [[Northrend]] and keep the Scourge in check, while safeguarding Icecrown Citadel.<ref>[[Penance and Renewal]]</ref> |
||
| − | === Screenshots === |
||
| + | |||
| + | ===Exploring Azeroth=== |
||
| + | {{novel-section}} |
||
| + | Following the [[war against the Jailer]], the brothers [[Bronzebeard]] passed by the citadel only briefly, however, this much saronite in one place had [[Magni Bronzebeard]] looking like he might be sick (despite his body being entirely composed of diamond). They also reported that the fortress is still crawling with undead.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth 142"/> |
||
| + | |||
| + | ==Development== |
||
| ⚫ | Icecrown Citadel is home to the final encounter in ''Wrath of the Lich King'', featuring the Lich King as the final boss. Although players interact with Arthas numerous times during the expansion, including during an event at [[Angrathar the Wrathgate]] in the [[Dragonblight]], the instance where the final battle against him will take place was not formally announced until nearly a year after the release of the expansion. The developers have stated that they feel it was a mistake to release [[Black Temple]], wherein the [[Illidan Stormrage (tactics)|Illidan encounter]] takes place, as soon as they did (a mere four months after the release of ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade|Burning Crusade]]''). Their goal for ''Wrath of the Lich King'' was to ensure that Arthas did not become just another farm boss too soon before newer, more challenging content is released.<ref>http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=138018&page=1</ref> |
||
| + | |||
| + | Icecrown Citadel received an exterior redesign in [[patch 3.3.0]], with the opening of the [[Icecrown Citadel (instance)|raid instance]] inside; the central spire became much taller and more cylindrical, and a platform of ice was added at the spire's summit (where the [[Frozen Throne]] will be inside the instance). |
||
| + | |||
| + | ==In the RPG== |
||
| + | {{RPG-section}} |
||
| ⚫ | From the name, one would assume Icecrown Citadel was an enormous fortress planted on the glacier, with thick walls, sturdy guard towers, and massive front gates. Not quite. Most of the Citadel lurks below the surface. The glacier is split, creating a deep fissure. Scourge forces lurk down there, and they have carved levels into either side of that massive split and created bridges, walkways and even solid floors across the gap. Not surprisingly, Icecrown Citadel is a cold, unforgiving place. It has no decorations, no furs or rugs, no fires, nothing to provide comfort or warmth. The Scourge creatures move silently from one problem to another, focused on their tasks. All manner of undead dwell here, including zombies, wraiths and beings composed of cold energy. At the bottom of the rift is the Frozen Throne, the heart of the Scourge and the Lich King's personal seat. This throne is the remains of the block of ice that first brought Ner'zhul to Azeroth, the same block that held him prisoner until Arthas freed the ancient orc shaman and merged with him. Arthas sits on the Frozen Throne.<ref name="LoM 108">''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', pg. 108</ref> |
||
| + | |||
| + | ==Notes and trivia== |
||
| + | [[File:Icecrown card back.png|thumb|A [[hswiki:card back|card back]] themed after Icecrown Citadel in ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''.]] |
||
| + | *A majority of sources, including the ''[[Warcraft III]]'' game manual and {{Ref WoWCV3}}, state that the Citadel was built around the spire long before Arthas and Ner'zhul merged together. However, the ''[[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]'' finale cinematic depicted the icy spire of Icecrown as naked under a dome of ice with no other structure around it except a gate (and possibly the walled obelisk plaza). ''[[Road to Damnation]]'' describes the Citadel's spire differently than what is seen in the game; with a path from the citadel downward through a series of halls and rooms, eventually reaching a huge cavern deep beneath the earth. In the center was the spire with the Frozen Throne. Also, the official [[Shadowmourne]] preview blog post stated that it was constructed after by stating that [[Frostmourne]]'s likeness has even found its way into the architecture of Icecrown Citadel.<ref>[https://www.wowhead.com/news=130993/official-shadowmourne-preview Wowhead: Official Shadowmourne Preview!]</ref> Then the ''[[Ultimate Visual Guide]]'' and [[Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded|its updated version]] too stated that the Citadel was constructed after Arthas became the Lich King.<ref>''[[Ultimate Visual Guide]]'', pg. 170</ref><ref>''[[Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded]]'', pg. 194</ref> |
||
| + | **It is possible that there were two Citadels, one underground made of ice and one above ground made of Saronite. With this view, the main contradiction is the depiction seen in "[[Fate (Legends)|Fate]]", which shows it already the modern version. |
||
| + | *The interior of [[Torghast, Tower of the Damned|Torghast]] calls upon the architecture seen in Icecrown Citadel.<ref>[https://youtu.be/-Q67Upjq7H8?t=1989 BlizzCon 2019 World of Warcraft: What's Next]</ref> |
||
| ⚫ | *The in-game architecture of Icecrown Citadel and the outlying Scourge fortresses bears a striking resemblances to artwork of [[wikipedia:Isengard#Orthanc|Orthanc]], [[wikipedia:Barad-dûr|Barad-dûr]], and countless other dark citadels from ''[[wikipedia:The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]]''. |
||
| + | *In ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'', the Icecrown [[hswiki:card back|card back]] was rewarded for achieving Rank 20 in Ranked Season 5, which took place during August 2014. The flavor text reads: ''"In the frozen heart of Icecrown Citadel, a hero's mettle will be tested. Bring a parka."'' |
||
| + | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
<gallery> |
<gallery> |
||
| + | Icecrown-DK.jpg|Icecrown in ''[[Death Knight (manga)|Death Knight]]''. |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | + | frozenthrone.jpg|The Frozen Throne of the Lich King at Icecrown Citadel. |
|
| + | FrozenThrone cinematic.jpg|The Frozen Throne spire from the cinematic. |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | + | Icecrown-Wrath-Login.jpg|The gates of Icecrown Citadel as seen in the ''Wrath of the Lich King'' login screen. |
|
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | Image6 IcecrownCitadel.jpg|Artwork of the new interior of the Citadel, from [[BlizzCon 2009]]. |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | Icecrowncitadel.jpg|Concept art by [[Peter Lee]]. |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | + | Icecrown Citadel Art Peter Lee 2.jpg|Another Peter Lee-drawn Icecrown Citadel. |
|
| + | Icecrown Citadel interior concept.jpg|Interior concept art. |
||
</gallery> |
</gallery> |
||
| + | ===Warcraft III=== |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | <gallery> |
||
| − | {{reflist}} |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | A Symphony of Frost and Flame - Scourge assembled.jpg|The Scourge assembled to defend Icecrown in ''[[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne|The Frozen Throne]]''. |
||
| + | Obelisk.jpg|The [[Icecrown Obelisk|obelisks]] surrounding the citadel. |
||
| + | A Symphony of Frost and Flame - Icecrown Citadel.jpg|The gates leading to the [[Frozen Throne]]. |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | IceCrown1.jpg|The final version of the login screen in ''[[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]''. |
||
| + | </gallery> |
||
| + | ===Wrath of the Lich King=== |
||
| + | <gallery> |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | Spire.jpg|The Stairway to the Frozen Throne in ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King]]''. |
||
| + | Icecrown Citadel Updated Model.jpg|The updated model of Icecrown Citadel in [[patch 3.3.0]]. |
||
| + | Icecrown Citadel - Frozen Throne Platform.jpg|The platform at the Citadel spire's summit. |
||
| + | IcecrownCitadelCompare.jpg|Comparison of old and new Icecrown Citadel models. |
||
| + | </gallery> |
||
| + | |||
| + | ===Shadowlands=== |
||
| + | <gallery> |
||
| + | Shadowlands Cinematic artstation 1.jpg|The citadel's entrance. |
||
| + | The King & The Queen concept - Shattered sky.jpg|Cinematic concept art of the shattered sky. |
||
| + | Shadowlands Login No text.png|Shadowlands login screen. |
||
| + | Acherus Dark Abduction.png|Icecrown Citadel as seen in ''Dark Abduction''. |
||
| + | </gallery> |
||
| + | |||
| + | ==Videos== |
||
| + | <vplayer /> |
||
| + | *{{#vlink:BCr7y4SLhck|Original trailer}} |
||
| + | *{{#vlink:UY3oZH6Piz4|Wrath of the Lich King - Patch 3.3: Fall of the Lich King}} |
||
| + | *{{#vlink:qAIrj_Vqdfc|Fall of the Lich King Ending}} |
||
| + | *{{#evl:qtDfA8gU9ik|World of Warcraft: Shadowlands Cinematic Trailer}} |
||
| + | |||
| + | ==Patch changes== |
||
| + | *{{Patch 3.3.0|note=Model updated to go with the new [[Icecrown Citadel (instance)|instance]].}} |
||
| + | *{{Patch 3.0.3|note=Added.}} |
||
| + | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | {{Reflist}} |
||
| + | |||
| + | ==External links== |
||
| + | <!-- Please read https://wowpedia.fandom.com/Wowpedia:External_links_policy before adding new links. --> |
||
| + | {{Elinks-zone|4522}} |
||
{{Icecrown}} |
{{Icecrown}} |
||
| + | {{Dungeons|Wrath of the Lich King}} |
||
| − | {{dungeons}} |
||
| + | |||
[[Category:Icecrown Citadel| ]] |
[[Category:Icecrown Citadel| ]] |
||
| + | [[Category:Forts]] |
||
| + | |||
| ⚫ | |||
Latest revision as of 02:14, 28 August 2023
- This article is about the structure. For the raid known in-game as "Icecrown Citadel", see Icecrown Citadel (instance). For the 5-player instances, see Frozen Halls.
 Icecrown Citadel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader(s) | None |
| Formerly |
  Lich King Bolvar  Lich King Arthas † Lich King Ner'zhul † |
| Government | Autocracy |
| Race(s) |
    Scourge  Undead nerubian  Frost vrykul |
| Affiliation(s) | Scourge, Knights of the Ebon Blade |
| Formerly | Ashen Verdict, Burning Legion |
| Location | Icecrown, Northrend |
| Status | Active |
Icecrown Citadel is the greatest fortress of the Scourge and the last bastion of the dread Lich King. Located in the frozen wastes of Icecrown on the continent of Northrend, the Citadel rises up from the Icecrown Glacier, a cathedral of blades and claws made entirely of saronite. It is a fortress as big as a city, its halls crawling with the most vile and loyal of the Scourge - a great army of the living dead standing between their dark master and those who once sought to destroy him. The fortress is, itself, layer after protective layer of cursed metal wrapped around the Frozen Throne that once held the spirit of Ner'zhul, until he joined with Arthas Menethil to become the new Lich King.[1]
The sole way for any kind of force to invade Icecrown Citadel would be to breach the gates that encompass Icecrown, respectively named Mord'rethar: The Death Gate; then Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate; and last Corp'rethar: The Horror Gate. Each gate and its wall is made almost entirely of saronite, near indestructible, and manned by massive Scourge constructs.[2]
History
When Kil'jaeden hurled the Lich King into the mortal world, Ner'zhul's prison of ice, known as the Frozen Throne, slammed into the icy spire of Icecrown Glacier. As the Lich King expanded his influence, the Scourge and the dreadlords built Icecrown Citadel.[3][4][5] Arthas Menethil and Illidan Stormrage wrestled for the control of the citadel. As Illidan was defeated, Arthas shattered Ner'zhul's prison and merged with the Lich King. Death knights like Thassarian and Koltira Deathweaver were here, training until the Lich King awoke and commanded his subjects to invade the Light's Hope Chapel.[6]
At the start of the war against the Lich King, Trag Highmountain defended Taunka'le Village in Borean Tundra from an Anub'ar attack. The undead tauren fell into their tunnels and continued through them, emerging in Icecrown, with the Icecrown Citadel looming above him.[7] Fighting his way through the Scourge, he soon entered it and clashed with the Lich King. As he was trying to control him, the Lich King blasted Trag out of the citadel.[8]
Wrath of the Lich King
Icecrown Citadel as it appears in-game post 3.3.2
Alliance and Horde forces converging on the citadel
Icecrown Citadel dominates Northrend - visible from farther away than nearly any other structure and home to the greatest army of undead in the known world. Inside dwells the Lich King - a tyrant with nearly godlike power over his tireless, seemingly infinite subjects - and the will to bring Azeroth to its knees.
An assault on the mighty citadel is among the most dangerous undertakings in the history of Azeroth - and the most pivotal. The legendary heroes Highlord Tirion Fordring of the Argent Crusade and Highlord Darion Mograine have joined forces to lead the charge through Icecrown's fortified gates, and both the Horde and Alliance have sacrificed lives - indeed, whole battalions - to get this far. They dare not fail. The Lich King's reign must end.[9]
Icecrown Citadel is a massive structure located on the Dragonblight-Icecrown border. Its southern entrance, Angrathar the Wrathgate, is surrounded by the Court of Skulls, and flanked by Fordragon Hold and Kor'kron Vanguard. The fortified northern entrance to Icecrown Citadel, surrounded by the Court of Bones, is found in the mountains of southern Icecrown. It is surrounded by gigantic ramparts and massive, blade-like spires, the towers are an imposing landmark of the Icecrown skyline, emitting a beacon of light from its pinnacle.
During the final assault on the Citadel, the Argent Crusade were the ones who breached its gates; they sacrificed much, and without question, to see the Lich King fall.[1]
Legion
Several adventurers entered the halls of Icecrown in search of mighty weapons to fight the Burning Legion with.
Shadowlands
The sky above Icecrown Citadel opens up into the Shadowlands
During the course of the Fourth War, the Four Horsemen brought corpses from across Azeroth to the Lich King. They were interred in the frigid storerooms beneath the citadel. When Sylvanas Windrunner abdicated her command of the Horde, the Lich King began to raise them into undeath as death knights. Although Bolvar sent the death knights away, he recalled other mindless Scourge toward the citadel.[10]
After the defeat of the Lich King at Sylvanas' hands, as announced by King Terenas years earlier, the now-masterless Scourge began marauding all across Azeroth. Off the heels of yet another brutal war, the forces of Azeroth mounted a counterattack and assaulted the source at the Icecrown Citadel.[11]
During its encounter in the Sepulcher of the First Ones, Zovaal the Jailer activated the Forge of Souls below Icecrown to draw the life force of the soul of Azeroth into the Sepulcher so that it could power the Machine of Origination, which he could then use to unmake all of existence. With the death of Zovaal, Azeroth was saved and the rift Sylvanas had created in the sky over Icecrown closed.[12]
The Jailer drawing Azeroth's power into the Shadowlands.
The shattered sky closes after the death of the Jailer.
Following the death of Zovaal, Darion declared that the death knights' vigil was far from over, as without the Helm of Domination to control them, the Scourge threatened to spread across the world like the plague that created them. Thus, the Ebon Blade mission was to return to Northrend and keep the Scourge in check, while safeguarding Icecrown Citadel.[13]
Exploring Azeroth
Following the war against the Jailer, the brothers Bronzebeard passed by the citadel only briefly, however, this much saronite in one place had Magni Bronzebeard looking like he might be sick (despite his body being entirely composed of diamond). They also reported that the fortress is still crawling with undead.[1]
Development
Icecrown Citadel is home to the final encounter in Wrath of the Lich King, featuring the Lich King as the final boss. Although players interact with Arthas numerous times during the expansion, including during an event at Angrathar the Wrathgate in the Dragonblight, the instance where the final battle against him will take place was not formally announced until nearly a year after the release of the expansion. The developers have stated that they feel it was a mistake to release Black Temple, wherein the Illidan encounter takes place, as soon as they did (a mere four months after the release of Burning Crusade). Their goal for Wrath of the Lich King was to ensure that Arthas did not become just another farm boss too soon before newer, more challenging content is released.[14]
Icecrown Citadel received an exterior redesign in patch 3.3.0, with the opening of the raid instance inside; the central spire became much taller and more cylindrical, and a platform of ice was added at the spire's summit (where the Frozen Throne will be inside the instance).
In the RPG
From the name, one would assume Icecrown Citadel was an enormous fortress planted on the glacier, with thick walls, sturdy guard towers, and massive front gates. Not quite. Most of the Citadel lurks below the surface. The glacier is split, creating a deep fissure. Scourge forces lurk down there, and they have carved levels into either side of that massive split and created bridges, walkways and even solid floors across the gap. Not surprisingly, Icecrown Citadel is a cold, unforgiving place. It has no decorations, no furs or rugs, no fires, nothing to provide comfort or warmth. The Scourge creatures move silently from one problem to another, focused on their tasks. All manner of undead dwell here, including zombies, wraiths and beings composed of cold energy. At the bottom of the rift is the Frozen Throne, the heart of the Scourge and the Lich King's personal seat. This throne is the remains of the block of ice that first brought Ner'zhul to Azeroth, the same block that held him prisoner until Arthas freed the ancient orc shaman and merged with him. Arthas sits on the Frozen Throne.[15]
Notes and trivia
A card back themed after Icecrown Citadel in Hearthstone.
- A majority of sources, including the Warcraft III game manual and World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, state that the Citadel was built around the spire long before Arthas and Ner'zhul merged together. However, the Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne finale cinematic depicted the icy spire of Icecrown as naked under a dome of ice with no other structure around it except a gate (and possibly the walled obelisk plaza). Road to Damnation describes the Citadel's spire differently than what is seen in the game; with a path from the citadel downward through a series of halls and rooms, eventually reaching a huge cavern deep beneath the earth. In the center was the spire with the Frozen Throne. Also, the official
[Shadowmourne] preview blog post stated that it was constructed after by stating that Frostmourne's likeness has even found its way into the architecture of Icecrown Citadel.[16] Then the Ultimate Visual Guide and its updated version too stated that the Citadel was constructed after Arthas became the Lich King.[17][18]
- It is possible that there were two Citadels, one underground made of ice and one above ground made of Saronite. With this view, the main contradiction is the depiction seen in "Fate", which shows it already the modern version.
- The interior of Torghast calls upon the architecture seen in Icecrown Citadel.[19]
- The in-game architecture of Icecrown Citadel and the outlying Scourge fortresses bears a striking resemblances to artwork of Orthanc, Barad-dûr, and countless other dark citadels from The Lord of the Rings.
- In Hearthstone, the Icecrown card back was rewarded for achieving Rank 20 in Ranked Season 5, which took place during August 2014. The flavor text reads: "In the frozen heart of Icecrown Citadel, a hero's mettle will be tested. Bring a parka."
Gallery
Artwork
Icecrown in Death Knight.
The Frozen Throne of the Lich King at Icecrown Citadel.
The Frozen Throne spire from the cinematic.
Image of the Frozen Throne at Icecrown Citadel from Lands of Mystery.
The gates of Icecrown Citadel as seen in the Wrath of the Lich King login screen.
A rare glimpse into the new interior of the Citadel, from Warcraft: Legends Volume 4.
Artwork of the new interior of the Citadel, from BlizzCon 2009.
Concept art by Peter Lee.
Another Peter Lee-drawn Icecrown Citadel.
Interior concept art.
Warcraft III
The original Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne login screen featured a much darker version of the Frozen Throne at Icecrown Citadel.
The Scourge assembled to defend Icecrown in The Frozen Throne.
The obelisks surrounding the citadel.
The gates leading to the Frozen Throne.
The Lich King, imprisoned at the top of the Frozen Throne.
The Lich King, sitting atop the shattered Frozen Throne.
The final version of the login screen in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne.
Wrath of the Lich King
Icecrown Citadel as seen in game.
Icecrown Citadel as seen in game (closeup).
Left flank of Icecrown Citadel.
The top of Icecrown Citadel as seen from the balcony of the Violet Citadel in Dalaran.
The Stairway to the Frozen Throne in World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King.
The updated model of Icecrown Citadel in patch 3.3.0.
The platform at the Citadel spire's summit.
Comparison of old and new Icecrown Citadel models.
Shadowlands
The citadel's entrance.
Cinematic concept art of the shattered sky.
Shadowlands login screen.
Icecrown Citadel as seen in Dark Abduction.
Videos
- Original trailer
- Wrath of the Lich King - Patch 3.3: Fall of the Lich King
- Fall of the Lich King Ending
- World of Warcraft: Shadowlands Cinematic Trailer
Patch changes
- Patch 3.3.0 (2009-12-08): Model updated to go with the new instance.
- Patch 3.0.3 (2008-11-04): Added.
References
- ^ a b c Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 142
- ^ Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 140
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3
- ^ War of the Spider (History of Warcraft)
- ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual#War of the Spider
- ^ Death Knight
- ^ Fiend
- ^ Fate
- ^ http://us.battle.net/wow/en/zone/icecrown-citadel/
- ^ We Ride Forth, pg. 8 - 9
- ^ Blizzard Entertainment 2019-11-01. World of Warcraft: What's Next Panel Recap. Retrieved on 2019-11-02.
- ^ Sepulcher of the First Ones cinematics
- ^ [60] Penance and Renewal
- ^ http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=138018&page=1
- ^ Lands of Mystery, pg. 108
- ^ Wowhead: Official Shadowmourne Preview!
- ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 170
- ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded, pg. 194
- ^ BlizzCon 2019 World of Warcraft: What's Next
[60] External links
.jpg){kind=link}
| ||||||||