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| − | | Eager young [[dragon]] guardian of the fortress of [[Grim Batol]] under the command of the [[ |
+ | | Eager young [[dragon]] guardian of the fortress of [[Grim Batol]] under the command of the [[wyrm]] Garshilan. |
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| − | | Flightmaster found at [[Wyrmrest Temple]] transporting |
+ | | Flightmaster found at [[Wyrmrest Temple]] transporting adventurers seeking to assist the Red Flight in fighting the Scourge. |
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|| '''[[Image:IconSmall Red.gif]] [[Surristrasz]]''' |
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| − | | Agent working with the |
+ | | Agent working with the [[Kirin Tor]] in the [[Borean Tundra]] as part of the campaign against Malygos. |
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Revision as of 00:15, 7 July 2008
| Red Dragonflight | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Major leader(s) | Alexstrasza the Life-Binder |
| Character classes | Scalebane, Wyrmkin, Warrior |
| Racial capital | Unknown |
| Homeworld | Azeroth |
| Language(s) | Draconic, Common |
| Average height | Varies by species and age |
A Red Drake
- Leader: Alexstrasza the Life-Binder
- Domain: Creation, Life
- Breath: Fire
- Locations:
- The Wetlands surrounding Grim Batol
The Red Dragonflight, ruled by the Dragonqueen, Alexstrasza, is a noble and honorable group of creatures. They consider themselves the protectors of all life, and in many ways they are. More often than not, they are found protecting sacred areas and items, seeking to keep them from lesser beings who might be hurt by their energies. Their breath is a fearsome stream of fire, and they have been known to swallow enemies whole and slowly digest them over the course of a day. Their most hated enemies are the black dragons ruled by the great, dark leviathan, Deathwing.[1]
Age Groups and Dragonspawn
- Red whelp
- Red drake
- Red dragon (mature)
- Red wyrm
- Red dragonspawn
Culture
Red Dragonkin in Grim Batol
As with the other flights, the reds are utterly loyal to their Aspect, Alexstrasza. Her consorts, such as Tyranastrasz and Korialstrasz, are treated with great respect, by the reds and the other flights. The Reds are typically the only dragons mortals are likely to encounter, with the exception of the druidic allies of the greens. Like all dragons, they take their charges seriously and usually operate in secret, keeping tabs on important beings and places, such as Cenarius[2] and Dalaran.[3] As a result, the Red Dragonflight agents spread themselves throughout Azeroth, using their powers to disguise themselves as members of the mortal races, such as humans or elves (like all dragons, the Reds have the ability to create illusions on themselves and others). Often the dragons have mortals working on gathering information or doing other related errands.
Due to Alexstrasza's influence, the Red Dragonflight see themselves as the defenders and custodians of life on Azeroth.[4] Red Dragons understand the secrets of life, and in turn those of death, like none others do, and have been granted great power over both. They are capable of rejuvenating and draining life, as well as performing a form of necromancy, though they are not fond of doing so, only as a last resort.[5] The breath of red dragons burns but also rejuvenates, and whenever a red dragon walks or breaths upon the soil the earth is renewed. [6]
While red dragons are the defenders of life, they will not hesitate to kill a creature if its actions endanger other lives.[7] Many members of the red flight still remain distrustful towards mortals, especially the orcs,[8] citing they have brought only danger and death to the world. Generally, though, red dragons are friendly to humans, elves, and their other traditional allies; for the most part, it is the representatives of the flight near Grim Batol who are strangely hostile to any outsiders.[9] The drake Axtroz and the dragonspawn located there will attack adventurers on sight.
Language
Red dragons speak primarily Draconic and Common, but will often learn a wide variety of languages.[10]
Ties to the Alliance
Following her release from Grim Batol, Alexstrasza showed her undying gratitude by giving an oath to three of the Alliance races:
- 'Yes...' Alexstrasza dipped her head toward the trio. 'Human Rhonin, elf, and dwarf! I thank all three of you for your parts in this, and know that as long as I am queen, my kind will never be an enemy to yours...' [11]
It should be noted that this oath does not grant humans, high elves and dwarves immunity from the Red Dragonflight, only that a state of friendship exists.
History
Red Dragon in Warcraft III
Charge of the Dragonflights
Satisfied that the small world had been ordered and that their work was done, the Titans prepared to leave Azeroth. But before they departed, they charged the greatest species of the world with the task of watching over Kalimdor. In that age, there were many dragonflights. Yet there were five flights that held dominion over their brethren. It was these five flights that the Titans chose to shepherd the budding world. The greatest members of the Pantheon imbued a portion of their power upon each of the flights' leaders.
Eonar, the Titan patron of all life, gave a portion of her power to the red leviathan, Alexstrasza. Ever after, Alexstrasza would be known as the Life-Binder, and she would work to safeguard all living creatures within the world. Due to her supreme wisdom and limitless compassion for all living things, Alexstrasza was crowned the Dragonqueen and given dominion over her kind. [12]
War of the Ancients
During the War of the Ancients the reds, along with the other dragonflights, sought a way to push back the Burning Legion. Neltharion presented the other aspects with the tool to do just that: The Demon Soul, then known as the Dragon Soul. The weapon required all dragons to give up and impart within it a portion of their power. Unknown to the other flights Neltharion had gone mad, planned to betray the others, and he and his flight didn't make the same sacrifice the others had. The dragons joined in flight over the battle and the Black Aspect unleashed the Dragon Soul's power against the demons with devastating effects on the demonic swarm. He then shocked his fellow aspects when he made his betrayal known and turned the device on the elven defenders and their allies. The other flights rushed to stop the mad aspect, but were unable to act against the disk Neltharion held. The power they had placed in it placed them at its master's mercy. Malygos and his flight managed to break free and attempted to stop the black leviathan and destroy the Demon Soul, but they failed to do so. Neltharion decimated the blue dragonflight, and banished the Reds, Greens, and Bronze from the battle. Though the legion was ultimately pushed back, the damage to the dragon race had been done.[13]
After the Sundering
Red Dragon art from Warcraft II
The ensuing civil war between the black dragonflight and the other flights decimated the species, with all flights losing members, and the reds were no exception. The dragonflights hunted the blacks to the brink of extinction.[14], but were greatly weakened by their sacrifice to the Demon Soul. Ultimately the blacks were nearly wiped out,[15] though the other flights never truly recovered from those dark times and were never again seen in the same numbers as before. The Age of the Dragons had passed.
Immediately after the sundering, to ensure Deathwing would never hold power over dragonkind again, Alexstrasza, Ysera, and Nozdormu placed an enchantment upon the Demon Soul, so that no dragon, including Deathwing, could wield it, and hid the foul disc deep beneath the earth.[16] The trio then visited the Night Elven survivors to present a gift, for they had lost more than any other race. She produced a single enchanted acorn, taken from the Mother Tree G'Hanir, and placed it within the newly created Well of Eternity atop Mount Hyjal. The acorn, activated by the potent, magical waters, sprung to life as a colossal tree whose mighty roots grew from the well's waters, and its verdant canopy seemed to scrape the roof of the sky. The tree also received blessings from Ysera and Nozdormu. It would safeguard the new Well of Eternity from discovery and come to be known as Nordrassil, the World Tree.[17]
War of the Shifting Sands
A thousand years before modern times, the red dragons lent their aid to the Night Elves and the Bronze Dragonflight during the War of the Shifting Sands. Led by Caelestrasz, child of Alexstrasza, the reds fought the Silithid and their Qiraji masters furiously and ultimately helped push them back to their city where they were sealed away from the world. The dragons suffered few casualties but the progeny of Alexstrasza, Caelestrasz, was until recently believed lost, having charged deep into Ahn'Qiraj during the final push. After the war a shard of the Scepter of the Shifting Sands was entrusted to the red wyrm Vaelastrasz by Anachronos the bronze. [18]
The Second War
Attack on an Alliance vessel
During the Second War, the Black Aspect finally found a way to conquer his greatest foe. Deathwing could not wield the Demon Soul but it could be placed in the hands of one that would further his agenda.[19] A orc shaman named Zuluhed the Whacked received strange visions of a powerful artifact deep within the earth and with Doomhammer's permission he took his clan to search for their source. Zuluhed came upon the Demon Soul and took it for the Horde, but while he sensed the disk had the power to raise mountains and evaporate oceans, it was unresponsive to his shamanistic powers. The device was passed down to his lieutenant: the warlock Nekros Skullcrusher, whose magic the disk eagerly reciprocated.[20] Zuluhed and his clan searched for weeks for the dragons, finally spoting a lone wounded red male. They followed the sole dragon back to the red dragonflight's lair, a high mountain peak, where they came upon the Dragonqueen Alexstrasza herself, roosting with three of her consorts. The Red Aspect immediately incinerated four orc warriors but before she could do anything more Nekros invoked the dark powers of the disk and subdued her. The Dragonmaw Clan used the Demon Soul to enslave Alexstrasza and a large portion of her flight.[21]
From capture to escape, an eight year span, Alexstrasza was forced to create more dragons to service the Horde in the war, and she cried for the deaths of her children and the deaths they caused.[22] Two of her consorts did not survive long, one perishing while trying to escape over the sea and the other dying of injuries inflicted by Deathwing, while her fourth and youngest avoided capture altogether. This left Alexstrasza with only her prime consort, Tyranastrasz, to produce dragons with for the orcs. [23] She often tried to defy Nekros, but the act of breaking one or more eggs in her presence assured her good behavior. The red dragonflight, once one of the strongest and proudest flights of dragons ever seen, were reduced to little more than the Horde's dogs of war.[24] The Horde quickly learned how to utilize the great leviathans, and the under the command of the orcs they wreaked havoc and bloodshed throughout the lands of the Alliance,[25] committing destructive acts such as setting the forests of Quel'thalas ablaze with dragonfire, [26] and the complete and total desturction of the third fleet of Kul Tiras.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Throughout most of the Second War, and even a few years after its end, the settlements of the Alliance lived in constant fear of coming under attack by dragons.
The reds who had avoided capture by the orcs were initially bewildered to find their queen had gone missing. The flight scattered to search for her, becoming easy prey for the vicious Deathwing and his black dragonflight. Isolated, leaderless, and confused, the reds fought back as best they could. When the blacks had been sufficiently pushed back the reds resumed their search and found the orcs were responsible for Alexstrasza and the rest of the flight's disappearance. [6] Her youngest consort, Korialstrasz, disguised as the mage Krasus of the Kirin Tor, sought a way to free his mate.[27]
Battle of Grim Batol
Aerial dogfight against a Gryphon rider
After the fall of the Horde ending the second war, the Dragonmaw Clan retained a firm grip on Grim Batol and Alexstrasza. Her rescue only became possible when Nekros believed the Alliance planned on invading. Nekros had Alexstrasza (and the eggs) moved out of the mountain fortress and began to move towards Dun Algaz where he believed the bulk of the Dragonmaw Clan was stationed preparing for war. Little did he know he had been manipulated by Deathwing, who desired Alexstrasza's eggs out in the open so he could steal them more easily. When Deathwing appeared Nekros sent Tyranastrasz to face him, but the old red did not last long against the dark aspect. Nekros was then shocked when he was assaulted by an army of Mountain Dwarves, and in the ensuing chaos lost the Demon Soul to Rhonin, a mage of Dalaran sent on a mission to rescue the Dragonqueen by none other than the red dragon Korialstrasz in his mortal guise. Once free of the device's power, Alexstrasza killed Nekros out of pure hatred and drive for revenge. The Demon Soul was then undone, and the power that was vested in it returned to the other aspects. Alexstrasza, along with Malygos, Nozdormu, and Ysera, proceeded to attack Deathwing finally punishing him for his treachery and driving him away. Before giving chase Alexstrasza swore an oath of friendship to Rhonin, Vereesa, Falstad, and their respective races.[28]
The Sunwell
After the Third War, red and green dragons were sent to Sunwell Grove to investigate and guard the remains of the Sunwell.[29] Korialstrasz took it upon himself to gather the remaning energy of the well and transform it into a living avatar in the form of Anveena Teague, whose identity was revealed by Korialstrasz after an incident involving the traitorous Dar'Khan Drathir trying to claim her power as his own.[30]
Current activities
After Alexstrasza and the enslaved reds' rescue, the remaining members of the red dragonflight have come out of hiding. It would appear the flight has resumed its regular activities of watching over the mortal races of Azeroth.
- The red dragonflight has a strong presence at Alexstrasza's old prison, Grim Batol. The reds guard the mountain under the leadership of the Wyrm Garshilan, who is assisted by the eager young dragon Acridistrasz, the drake-champion Axtroz (In WoW), and the dragonspawn
[Flametongue] captain Baleflame. Further down the mountain the remains of the orcish carvan is teaming with newly hatched red whelps. Explorer Brann Bronzebeard managed to speak with Acridistrasz and was told the reds are "guarding a secret that living creatures are not meant to know."[31] The legions of red dragonspawn found at Grim Batol are eager to guard the remnants of the red dragonflight.[32]
- The red dragonflight has a strong presence at Alexstrasza's old prison, Grim Batol. The reds guard the mountain under the leadership of the Wyrm Garshilan, who is assisted by the eager young dragon Acridistrasz, the drake-champion Axtroz (In WoW), and the dragonspawn
- Caelestrasz, thought to have been lost during the War of the Shifting Sands, was recently found to be alive inside Ahn'Qiraj, as a slave of C'thun, along with Arygos and Merithra. The dark master of Ahn'Qiraj used the tortured dragons to power his new creations: Moam and the other Obsidian destroyers. [33] Kandrostrasz came to Ahn'Qiraj after sensing his trapped brethren within, but dares not travel into the temple from fear of falling under the old god's control.
- The red dragon agent, Vaelastrasz, is working against his rival, Nefarian, in Blackrock Spire. He will assist any adventurers willing to fight against the spawn of Deathwing in gaining access to his inner-most lair, and fight against the Dark Horde. Upon breeching Blackwing Lair, Vaelastrasz succumbs to Nefarian's will and asks to be put out of his misery, lest he further serve the lord of Blackrock.
- Belnistrasz has been captured by the Scourge inside Razorfen Downs while investigating their presence there. He asks any adventurers brave enough to free him to assist him in shutting down the Quilboar's operation there.
- The high elf Garek, mortal servent of the red dragon Korialstrasz, has been spotted in the Badlands, watching over the Black Dragonflight, and searching for assistance in slaying the twin black drakes, Blacklash and Hematus.
- Having newly awoken from the madness that engulfed him and determined to forestall a catastrophe, Malygos decreed that the world's unbridled magic must be reined in by any means necessary. The blue dragonflight's increasingly militaristic methods have been condemned by the red dragonflight. Charged with the preservation of life, the red dragonflight has vowed to neutralize Malygos at all costs. To this end, they have formed a council with the Kirin Tor, and the two groups have begun actively subverting Malygos's devastating campaign.[34]
- Recently the undead Scourge has laid siege to the five shrines surrounding Wyrmrest Temple in an effort to further its attempts at raising terrifying new variations of undead dragons to serve the Lich King. In an attempt to arrest these invasions, Alexstrasza has begun recruiting heroes to aid in the fight against the Scourge.[35]
- Red dragonflight guardians have been stationed at Hyjal Summit, where they, along with the Blues, Greens, and Bronzes, guard the World Tree from another attack by the remnants of the Burning Legion in Darkwhisper Gorge. [36][8]
Known members
Red dragons usually have names ending in "-strasz", or "-strasza" for females.
| Name | Role | Type | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Alexstrasza | Leader of the Red Dragonflight. Also the Dragonqueen. Blessed by the Titans as the Aspect of life, and called the Life-Binder. | Aspect | Alive |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Acridistrasz | Eager young dragon guardian of the fortress of Grim Batol under the command of the wyrm Garshilan. | Dragon | Alive |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Belnistrasz | Agent investigating the Scourge's involvement in Razorfen Downs. Wears a human form. | Dragon | Alive |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Caelestrasz | Son of Alexstrasza and her presumed heir. Fought in the War of the Shifting Sands and taken prisoner by C'thun. Located in night elven guise in the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj. | Dragon | Alive |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Garshilan | Leader of the Red Dragonflight forces guarding the mountain fortress of Grim Batol. | Dragon | Alive |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Horakastrasz | Eagle-eyed, but easily distracted, sentinel for the dragonflights during the War of the Ancients. | Dragon | Unknown |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Kandrostrasz | Agent which came to Ahn'Qiraj after sensing his trapped brethren within. Found in human guise at the entrance to the temple. | Dragon | Alive |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Korialstrasz | Current prime consort of Alexstrasza. Agent for the Red Flight heavily involved in mortal affairs under the guises of Krasus and Borel. Mentor of the mage Rhonin of Dalaran. | Dragon | Alive |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Nethestrasz | Flightmaster found at Wyrmrest Temple transporting adventurers seeking to assist the Red Flight in fighting the Scourge. | Dragon | Alive |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Surristrasz | Agent working with the Kirin Tor in the Borean Tundra as part of the campaign against Malygos. | Dragon | Alive |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Tyranastrasz | Former prime consort and majordomo of Alexstrasza. Captured by the Dragonmaw Clan and died in battle against Deathwing. Skull located in the Hall of Explorers in Ironforge. | Dragon | Deceased |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Vaelastrasz | Agent monitoring and working against his rival, Nefarian, and his minions in Blackrock Spire. Ultimately succumbs to Nefarian in Blackwing Lair. Holder of the  [Red Scepter Shard].
|
Dragon | Killable |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Zarasz | Slave of the Dragonmaw Clan during their occupation of Grim Batol. Wings developed malformed and was used to patrol the underground caverns of the mountain. | Dragon | Unknown |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Axtroz | Drake-Champion of the Red Dragonflight. Guardian of the Dragonmaw Gates in Grim Batol. | Drake | Killable |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Narillasanz | Young drake sometimes found wandering the woods just south of Chillwind Point in the Alterac Mountains. | Drake | Killable |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Baleflame | Dragonspawn [Flametongue] guard of Grim Batol under the command of the Wyrm Garshilan.
|
Dragonspawn | Alive |
| File:IconSmall Red.gif Raadan | Dragonspawn Lord who is strangely in the service of Hex Lord Malacrass in Zul'Aman. | Dragonspawn | Killable |
References
- ^ "Manual, 82", Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. The Well of Eternity, 160. ISBN 0743471199.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. Day of the Dragon, 152-3. ISBN 0671041515.
- ^ "Manual, 138", Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. The Sundering, 108. ISBN 0743471210.
- ^ a b Borgstrom, R. Sean; Joseph Carriker, Bob Fitch, Graveyard Greg, Jason Langlois, Chris Metzen, Ree Soesbee, William Timmins, David Wendt. in Mike Johnstone: Manual of Monsters: 37. ISBN 978-1588460707.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. Day of the Dragon, ?. ISBN 0671041515.
- ^ a b Baxter, Rob; Scott Berenie, Richard Farrese, Bob Fitch, Bruce Graw, Luke Johnson, Adam Loyd, Jeffrey Moller, Andrew Rowe, David Schwartz, Amber E. Scott. in Ellen P. Kiley: Dark Factions: 147. ISBN 978-1588464460.
- ^ Cassada, Jackie; Brandon Crowley, Richard Farrese, Bob Fitch, Bruce Graw, Luke Johnson, Adam Loyd, Andrew Rowe, Andrew E. Scott. in Scott Holden: Monster Guide: 47. ISBN 978-1588469366.
- ^ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedDF 40 - ^ Knaak, Richard A.. Day of the Dragon, 371. ISBN 0671041515.
- ^ "Charge of the Dragonflights" (HTML). Official World of Warcraft Community Site, History, Chapter 1. Retrieved on 2008-05-14.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. The Demon Soul, 305. ISBN 0743471202.
- ^ "Manual, 142", Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. Day of the Dragon, 341. ISBN 0671041515.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. The Sundering, 346-7. ISBN 0743471210.
- ^ "The World Tree and the Emerald Dream" (HTML). Official World of Warcraft Community Site, History, Chapter 1. Retrieved on 2008-05-14.
- ^ "War of the Shifting Sands" (HTML). Official World of Warcraft Community Site. Retrieved on 2008-05-14.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. Day of the Dragon, 359-60. ISBN 0671041515.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. Day of the Dragon, 53. ISBN 0671041515.
- ^ Rosenberg, Aaron. Tides of Darkness, 137-8. ISBN 1416539905.
- ^ "Manual, 66", Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. Day of the Dragon, 58. ISBN 0671041515.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. Day of the Dragon, 57. ISBN 0671041515.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. Day of the Dragon, 4. ISBN 0671041515.
- ^ Rosenberg, Aaron. Tides of Darkness, 224-32. ISBN 1416539905.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. Day of the Dragon, 39-42. ISBN 0671041515.
- ^ Knaak, Richard A.. "19-21", Day of the Dragon, 321-68. ISBN 0671041515.
- ^ Baxter,Rob; Tim Campbell, Bob Fitch, Luke Johnson, Seth Johnson, Mur Lafferty, Andrew J. Scott. in Ellen P. Kiley: Lands of Conflict: 114. ISBN 978-1588469601.
- ^ Knaak, Richard; Kim Jae-hwan. "6", Ghostlands. ISBN 978-1-5953-2714-7.
- ^ Baxter,Rob; Tim Campbell, Bob Fitch, Luke Johnson, Seth Johnson, Mur Lafferty, Andrew J. Scott. in Ellen P. Kiley: Lands of Conflict: 73. ISBN 978-1588469601.
- ^ Baxter, Rob; Scott Berenie, Richard Farrese, Bob Fitch, Bruce Graw, Luke Johnson, Adam Loyd, Jeffrey Moller, Andrew Rowe, David Schwartz, Amber E. Scott. in Ellen P. Kiley: Dark Factions: 6. ISBN 978-1588464460.
- ^ "Monsters of Ahn'Qiraj: Moam" (HTML). Official World of Warcraft Community Site. Retrieved on 2008-05-14.
- ^ "The Nexus" (HTML). Wrath Of The Lich King Official Site. Retrieved on 2008-05-14.
- ^ "The Dragonblight" (HTML). Wrath Of The Lich King Official Site. Retrieved on 2008-05-14.
- ^ Bernie, Scott; Bruce Graw, Luke Johnson, Mur Lafferty, Aaron Rosenberg, Andrew Rowe. in Ellen P. Kiley: Lands of Mystery: 17. ISBN 978-1588467843.
| Leader | Alexstrasza the Life-Binder - Queen of Life |
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