WardsJames (talk | contribs) |
WardsJames (talk | contribs) mNo edit summary Tag: Source edit |
||
(54 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown) | |||
Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
{{Infobox faction |
{{Infobox faction |
||
| name = Knights of the Ebon Blade |
| name = Knights of the Ebon Blade |
||
− | | image = |
+ | | image = Ebon Blade banner 2.jpg |
| faction = Neutral |
| faction = Neutral |
||
| leader = {{NPC||Bolvar Fordragon||Highlord Bolvar Fordragon|icon=BolvarUndead2}}<br/> {{NPC||Adventurer||The Deathlord|icon=Adventurer}} |
| leader = {{NPC||Bolvar Fordragon||Highlord Bolvar Fordragon|icon=BolvarUndead2}}<br/> {{NPC||Adventurer||The Deathlord|icon=Adventurer}} |
||
Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
*{{NPC||Sally Whitemane|icon=SallyDK}} |
*{{NPC||Sally Whitemane|icon=SallyDK}} |
||
{{NPC||Thassarian|icon=Thassarian}}<br/> {{NPC||Koltira Deathweaver|icon=Koltira}}<br/>{{NPC||Dread Commander Thalanor|icon=BloodElfDeathKnight Male}}<br/> {{NPC||Salanar the Horseman|icon=DarkRider}}<br/> {{NPC||Lord-Commander Arete|icon=ForsakenDeathKnight Male}}<br/> {{NPC||Duke Lankral|icon=HumanDeathKnight Male}} |
{{NPC||Thassarian|icon=Thassarian}}<br/> {{NPC||Koltira Deathweaver|icon=Koltira}}<br/>{{NPC||Dread Commander Thalanor|icon=BloodElfDeathKnight Male}}<br/> {{NPC||Salanar the Horseman|icon=DarkRider}}<br/> {{NPC||Lord-Commander Arete|icon=ForsakenDeathKnight Male}}<br/> {{NPC||Duke Lankral|icon=HumanDeathKnight Male}} |
||
− | | races = {{ |
+ | | races = {{FactionIcon|Both|small}} All [[playable race]]s as [[death knight]]s<br/> {{Race|UndeadElf|notext}} [[Darkfallen]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Abomination}} [[Abomination]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Banshee}} [[Banshee]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Gargoyle}} [[Gargoyle]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Geist}} [[Geist]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Ghoul}}{{RaceIcon|NorthrendGhoul}} [[Ghoul]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Lich|Male}}{{RaceIcon|Lich|Female}} [[Lich]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Skeleton}}{{RaceIcon|SkeletalMage}}{{RaceIcon|SkeletalWarrior}} [[Skeleton]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Wight}} [[Wight]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Zombie}} [[Zombie]] |
+ | | character = [[Death knight]], [[Acolyte]], [[Necromancer]],<ref>[[Dark Summoner Marogh]]</ref> [[Vindicator]]<ref>[[Ebon Blade Vindicator]]</ref> |
||
− | '''Other [[undead]] races:'''<br/> |
||
+ | | capital = {{ClassIcon|DeathKnight}} [[Acherus: The Ebon Hold]] |
||
− | {{RaceIcon|Geist}} [[Geist]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Abomination}} [[Abomination]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Banshee}} [[Banshee]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Skeleton}}{{RaceIcon|SkeletalMage}}{{RaceIcon|SkeletalWarrior}} [[Skeleton]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Zombie}} [[Zombie]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Ghoul}}{{RaceIcon|NorthrendGhoul}} [[Ghoul]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Gargoyle}} [[Gargoyle]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Wight}} [[Wight]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Lich|Male}}{{RaceIcon|Lich|Female}} [[Lich]] |
||
+ | | base = [[Icecrown Citadel]],<ref name="WrF" /> [[Ebon Watch]], [[Death's Rise]], [[Shadow Vault]] |
||
− | | character = [[Death knight]] |
||
− | | |
+ | | theater = [[Azeroth]], [[Shadowlands]] |
− | | |
+ | | ftheater = [[Argus]], [[Draenor (alternate universe)|Alternate Draenor]] |
+ | | members = *[[Four Horsemen|The Four Horsemen]]<br/> |
||
− | | theater = [[Lordaeron]], [[Northrend]], [[Draenor (alternate universe)|Alternate Draenor]], [[Broken Isles]], [[Niskara]], [[Argus]], [[Shadowlands]] |
||
− | + | *[[Dark Riders of Acherus]] |
|
+ | | language = [[Common (language)|Common]], [[Language of death]], Various languages |
||
− | | affiliation = [[Armies of Legionfall]], [[Independent]] |
||
− | | |
+ | | affiliation = [[Independent]], [[Armies of Legionfall]] |
+ | | faffiliation = [[Lich King]], [[Scourge]] |
||
| quartermaster = {{NPC||Duchess Mynx|icon=BloodElfDeathKnight Female}}<br/> {{NPC||Quartermaster Ozorg|icon=Abomination}} |
| quartermaster = {{NPC||Duchess Mynx|icon=BloodElfDeathKnight Female}}<br/> {{NPC||Quartermaster Ozorg|icon=Abomination}} |
||
− | | rewards = |
+ | | rewards = [[Arcanum of Torment]]<br/> [[Pattern: Abyssal Bag]] |
| status = Active |
| status = Active |
||
| tabard = Tabard of the Ebon Blade.jpg |
| tabard = Tabard of the Ebon Blade.jpg |
||
Line 29: | Line 30: | ||
{{QuoteWiki|We are eternal. We are unyielding.|{{NPC||Highlord Darion Mograine}}<ref>{{ref tcg|set=Assault on Icecrown Citadel|number=1}}</ref>}} |
{{QuoteWiki|We are eternal. We are unyielding.|{{NPC||Highlord Darion Mograine}}<ref>{{ref tcg|set=Assault on Icecrown Citadel|number=1}}</ref>}} |
||
− | The '''Knights of the Ebon Blade''' are an [[organization]] of renegade [[death knight]]s. Freed from the grasp of the |
+ | The '''Knights of the Ebon Blade''' are an [[organization]] of renegade [[death knight]]s. Freed from the grasp of the [[Lich King]] during the [[Battle for Light's Hope Chapel]], they regrouped under the banner of [[Highlord Darion Mograine]], took control of [[Acherus: The Ebon Hold]] as their headquarters, and cooperated with the [[Argent Crusade]] to defeat [[Arthas Menethil]] during the [[War against the Lich King|Scourgewar]]. They fight as hard for the safety of [[Azeroth]] as anyone living.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth 44">''[[Exploring Azeroth: Northrend]]'', pg. 44</ref> |
+ | |||
+ | After getting their vengeance, the death knights found themselves without a cause and without a home. One by one they trickled into the land of the living in search of a new purpose.<ref>[http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/class/death-knight Classes of World of Warcraft]</ref> They dedicated themselves to the protection of [[Azeroth]], and some of their members rejoined the ranks of the [[Alliance]] and [[Horde]], of which they were members before their death against the [[Scourge]]. |
||
+ | |||
+ | During the [[Third invasion of the Burning Legion|third invasion]] of the [[Burning Legion]], the death knights and the Lich King [[Bolvar Fordragon]] come to an agreement: they will help him get revenge on the Legion, and in return, he will keep the Scourge contained and help them with powerful weapons. The Ebon Blade later fought alongside the other [[Class Order|orders]], and moved their [[Order Halls|order hall]] above the [[Broken Isles]]. |
||
+ | |||
+ | At the end of the [[Fourth War]], the Ebon Blade expanded its rank with the heroes who died honorably on the battlefields. After he was defeated by [[Sylvanas Windrunner]] who destroyed the [[Helm of Domination]], piercing the [[veil]] between Azeroth and the Realm of the Dead, Highlord Bolvar Fordragon took the lead of the Ebon Blade. While they assisted the [[Alliance]], the [[Horde]], and the [[Argent Crusade]] during the [[Death Rising|resurgence]] of the [[Scourge]], the Knights of the Ebon Blade followed their Highlord in the [[Shadowlands]] to stop [[Zovaal the Jailer]]. |
||
+ | |||
+ | Since the fall of the Banished One, the death knights returned to Azeroth, focusing their efforts on safeguarding [[Icecrown Citadel]] and preventing the Scourge from spreading across Azeroth. |
||
==History== |
==History== |
||
− | === |
+ | ===Wrath of the Lich King=== |
− | [[File:New Ebon Hold.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Acherus: The Ebon Hold.]] |
||
{{wotlk-section}} |
{{wotlk-section}} |
||
{{main|Death Knights of Acherus}} |
{{main|Death Knights of Acherus}} |
||
+ | [[File:Darion v Light's Hope Chapel.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Darion Mograine|Highlord Darion Mograine]] leading the Scourge and his death knights against [[Light's Hope Chapel]].]] |
||
− | The Knights of the Ebon Blade were originally an army of Scourge death knights trained in the halls of Acherus and were under the direct command of the [[Lich King]]. They were supposedly trained for the specific purpose of destroying both the [[Scarlet Crusade]] and the [[Argent Dawn]], the last bastions of Light in the [[Plaguelands]] |
+ | The Knights of the Ebon Blade were originally an army of Scourge death knights trained in the halls of Acherus and were under the direct command of the [[Lich King]]. They were supposedly trained for the specific purpose of destroying both the [[Scarlet Crusade]] and the [[Argent Dawn]], the last bastions of Light in the [[Plaguelands]]. |
− | They managed to destroy [[Havenshire]] |
+ | They managed to destroy [[Havenshire]], [[New Avalon]], and the Scarlet Crusade presence in the [[Plaguelands: The Scarlet Enclave|Scarlet lands]]<ref>[[An End To All Things...]]</ref> before turning on [[Light's Hope Chapel]]. |
− | ===Battle for Light's Hope Chapel=== |
+ | ====Battle for Light's Hope Chapel==== |
+ | {{main|Battle for Light's Hope Chapel}} |
||
− | During the [[Battle for Light's Hope Chapel]], where ten thousand Scourge faced off against three hundred defenders of the Light, the [[corrupted Ashbringer]] wielded by the death knight commander, Highlord Darion Mograine, refuses to obey its wielder. When Fordring arrives, his powers of the Light prove too great for even ten thousand to oppose, and Mograine orders his death knights to surrender. Fordring scolds Mograine for his foolishness and tells him that Arthas sent him and his death knights on a suicide mission. As they await the paladin's judgment, they witness a vision of Mograine's father, [[Alexandros Mograine|Alexandros]], the legendary Ashbringer himself. He told his son that he would one day wield the Ashbringer and use it to mete out justice, but "that day is not today". |
||
+ | During the [[Battle for Light's Hope Chapel]], [[Highlord Darion Mograine]], wielding the [[Corrupted Ashbringer]], leads [[Orbaz Bloodbane]], [[Koltira Deathweaver]], [[Thassarian]] and a force of 10,000 [[Scourge]] against 300 [[Defender of the Light|Defenders of the Light]] and the Argent Dawn leadership located at Light's Hope. |
||
+ | The Scourge forces pound hard and take out an entire third of the Argent Dawn defense, but Mograine starts having problems attacking further defenders with the arrival of [[Tirion Fordring]]. The paladin emerged to defend Light's Hope Chapel, and along with the paladins of the [[Order of the Silver Hand]] and the [[Argent Dawn]], he unleashed his holy fury against the invading armies of undead. Fordring's [[Light]]-given powers overpower and defeat Mograine, as well as immediately kill the [[Scourge]] forces in the immediate area, causing [[Orbaz Bloodbane]] to flee. The Light overwhelmed the might of the Scourge, and the death knights knew defeat. Darion orders the remaining death knight forces to stand down while Fordring berates him for his foolishness and tells him that Arthas sent him and his death knights on a suicide mission.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV3|174}}</ref> |
||
⚫ | The Lich King himself arrives not long afterwards and |
||
+ | |||
+ | As they await the paladin's judgment, they witness a vision of Mograine's father, [[Alexandros Mograine|Alexandros]], the legendary Ashbringer himself. He told his son that he would one day wield the Ashbringer and use it to mete out justice, but "that day is not today". |
||
+ | |||
⚫ | The Lich King himself arrives not long afterwards and confirmed that the attack on Light's Hope Chapel was merely a ploy to strike at Tirion. Realizing the depths of his betrayal, Darion was enraged that he had been used as fodder, and he lashed out at his master with his wrath. However, the Lich King easily cast him aside, and incapacitated Darion and the other death knights. He then focuses his attention on Fordring, incapacitating him with a crippling spell and knocking back the Argent soldiers who charged in. Remembering the words spoken by his father, Mograine throws the corrupted Ashbringer to Fordring, whose powers of the Light succeed in purifying it. With the purified blade in hand, Fordring charges into the Lich King and throws him back. Aware that even he stands little chance against the Ashbringer near the Chapel, the Lich King retreats, promising that the next time he meets Fordring, it will not be on holy ground. |
||
After Arthas' departure, Fordring calls for the union of the Argent Dawn and the Order of the Silver Hand into the [[Argent Crusade]], intended to bring the war to [[Icecrown]] itself. Mograine pledges himself and his knights to the same cause, naming his new order the Knights of the Ebon Blade. With their free will restored, Mograine and his death knights return to Acherus and capture it, destroying the Scourge remnants within. With their new base secured, Mograine then sends his knights to rejoin their people, sending them to throw themselves at the mercy of either [[Varian Wrynn|King Varian Wrynn]] in [[Stormwind]] (if their race belonged to the Alliance) or [[Thrall|Warchief Thrall]] in [[Orgrimmar]] (if they belonged to the Horde). |
After Arthas' departure, Fordring calls for the union of the Argent Dawn and the Order of the Silver Hand into the [[Argent Crusade]], intended to bring the war to [[Icecrown]] itself. Mograine pledges himself and his knights to the same cause, naming his new order the Knights of the Ebon Blade. With their free will restored, Mograine and his death knights return to Acherus and capture it, destroying the Scourge remnants within. With their new base secured, Mograine then sends his knights to rejoin their people, sending them to throw themselves at the mercy of either [[Varian Wrynn|King Varian Wrynn]] in [[Stormwind]] (if their race belonged to the Alliance) or [[Thrall|Warchief Thrall]] in [[Orgrimmar]] (if they belonged to the Horde). |
||
Line 49: | Line 63: | ||
The surviving death knights that remained loyal to the Scourge formed the [[Host of Suffering]] with [[Orbaz Bloodbane]], who fled when the Scourge was defeated at Light's Hope, as their leader. |
The surviving death knights that remained loyal to the Scourge formed the [[Host of Suffering]] with [[Orbaz Bloodbane]], who fled when the Scourge was defeated at Light's Hope, as their leader. |
||
− | === |
+ | ====Northrend invasion==== |
+ | {{main|War against the Lich King}} |
||
+ | [[File:Ebon Blade banner 1.jpg|thumb|upright|The banner of the Ebon Blade in [[Icecrown]].]] |
||
{{Stub/Lore-section|Brief summary on their appearance on Northrend (Zul'Drak and Icecrown), what they did there.}} |
{{Stub/Lore-section|Brief summary on their appearance on Northrend (Zul'Drak and Icecrown), what they did there.}} |
||
+ | When the [[War against the Lich King]] began, the Ebon Blade launched the invasion of Northrend alongside the Alliance, the Horde, and the Argent Crusade. Following the [[Battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate]], only the Ebon Blade and the Argent Crusade had remained fully dedicated to the war against the Scourge. The two neutral factions had rallied their forces and readied themselves to unleash a new offensive against the Lich King and his servants across the continent. |
||
+ | The disastrous [[Battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate]] broke a tenuous trust that had only just begun to form between the [[Alliance]] and the [[Horde]], and nearly ended the war against the Lich King before it had truly been joined. It was then the Ebon Blade and the [[Argent Crusade]] that took over the push for the Lich King's head, and kept both factions from forgetting entirely who the true enemy was.<ref>''[[Exploring Azeroth: Northrend]]'', pg. 145</ref> |
||
− | The Ebon Blade eventually teamed up with the Argent Crusade and assaulted Icecrown Citadel as [[Ashen Verdict]]. |
||
+ | |||
+ | Working in tandem, the death knights and paladins focused their attention on [[Zul'Drak]], entrenching themselves in the region. In the region, they established Ebon Watch as a small outpost and from there conducted their own operations—and some in cooperation with the Argent Crusade.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth 44" /> |
||
+ | |||
+ | In [[Icecrown]], after the [[Shadow Vault]] fell under the control of the Knights of the Ebon Blade led by [[Duke Lankral]], the destruction of the [[vrykul]] [[village]] [[Jotunheim]] was one of the projects of Ebon Blade.<ref>''[[Exploring Azeroth: Northrend]]'', pg. 132</ref> At first, the Ebon Blade sent [[adventurer]]s to fight the vrykul at the [[Savage Ledge]],<ref>[[Honor Challenge]]</ref> and then to kill [[Thane Ufrang the Mighty]].<ref>[[Shadow Vault Decree (quest)]]</ref> After this, the adventurers were sent there to free their captive death knights,<ref>[[Ebon Blade Prisoners]]</ref> to weaken the vrykul resolve by burning their banners,<ref>[[Vandalizing Jotunheim]]</ref> to help [[the Bone Witch]] wreaking havoc from within,<ref>[[The Bone Witch (quest)]]</ref> to burn down their buildings,<ref>[[Vile Like Fire!]]</ref> to plant their banners in the bodies of their fallen warriors,<ref>[[Leave Our Mark]]</ref> and also to slay their [[proto-dragon]]s.<ref>[[Shoot 'Em Up]]</ref> |
||
+ | |||
+ | As the sole way for any kind of force to invade [[Icecrown Citadel]] would be to breach [[Mord'rethar: The Death Gate]], [[Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate]] and [[Corp'rethar: The Horror Gate]], each made almost entirely of saronite, near indestructible, and manned by massive Scourge constructs, the efforts of the [[death knight]]s [[Thassarian]] and [[Koltira Deathweaver]] working with the [[Alliance]] and the [[Horde]] was what allowed them to pass these defenses.<ref>''[[Exploring Azeroth: Northrend]]'', pg. 140</ref> |
||
+ | |||
+ | ====Icecrown Citadel==== |
||
+ | {{Stub/Lore-section}} |
||
+ | As armies began to prepare for the assault on [[Icecrown Citadel]], the Argent Crusade and the Knights of the Ebon Blade launched preliminary attacks on its defenses. In the lead-up to the final battle, the Argent Crusade forged a new alliance with the Knights of the Ebon Blade, one which would lead the assault on the Icecrown Citadel's defenses, the [[Ashen Verdict]] was born; [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY3oZH6Piz4 united, they gathered in the mighty fortress's shadow to begin the assault]. Having swept aside opposition and seized the Citadel's entrance, the gates were battered down and the Ashen Verdict secured a foothold just inside the entrance, from which they would push deeper into the complex. |
||
===Cataclysm=== |
===Cataclysm=== |
||
Line 61: | Line 88: | ||
{{wod-section}} |
{{wod-section}} |
||
The death knights of the Ebon Blade offered their aid to the [[Adventurer|commander of the Alliance or Horde's forces]] and joined their [[garrison]]. Having an exalted status with the Ebon Blade even offered the commander the possibility to have death knights defend their base. |
The death knights of the Ebon Blade offered their aid to the [[Adventurer|commander of the Alliance or Horde's forces]] and joined their [[garrison]]. Having an exalted status with the Ebon Blade even offered the commander the possibility to have death knights defend their base. |
||
+ | |||
+ | Among them, [[Human Death Knight|Human Death Knights]] were notably taken out by the [[Follower|followers]] sent from the [[Frostwall]] [[garrison]] of the [[Horde]], while [[Orc Death Knight|Orc Death Knights]] were taken out by the [[Follower|followers]] sent from the [[Lunarfall]] garrison of the [[Alliance]]. |
||
Taking the chance to discover the secrets of {{Au|Ner'zhul}}, [[Darion Mograine]] had traveled to [[Draenor (alternate universe)|alternate Draenor]] and could be found in the [[Lunarfall Inn]] (Alliance) and the [[Frostwall Tavern]] (Horde). Though the [[Lich King]] had been defeated, Darion claimed that they were no closer to unlocking the secrets of the [[Frozen Throne]] than they were when jousting pointlessly at the [[Argent Tournament]]. [[Bolvar]] remained resigned to his fate. Darion believed that perhaps there was something there that could aid their cause. Ner'zhul was not always the Lich King, he explained. Once, he was a mere orc dabbling in dark powers beyond his comprehension. He asked the commanders of the Alliance and Horde's forces to find whatever they could of Ner'zhul's early studies, and they returned with a Dark Parchment from the [[Shadowmoon Burial Grounds]], which Darion brought back to the [[Ebon Hold]].<ref>[[Shadowy Secrets]]</ref> |
Taking the chance to discover the secrets of {{Au|Ner'zhul}}, [[Darion Mograine]] had traveled to [[Draenor (alternate universe)|alternate Draenor]] and could be found in the [[Lunarfall Inn]] (Alliance) and the [[Frostwall Tavern]] (Horde). Though the [[Lich King]] had been defeated, Darion claimed that they were no closer to unlocking the secrets of the [[Frozen Throne]] than they were when jousting pointlessly at the [[Argent Tournament]]. [[Bolvar]] remained resigned to his fate. Darion believed that perhaps there was something there that could aid their cause. Ner'zhul was not always the Lich King, he explained. Once, he was a mere orc dabbling in dark powers beyond his comprehension. He asked the commanders of the Alliance and Horde's forces to find whatever they could of Ner'zhul's early studies, and they returned with a Dark Parchment from the [[Shadowmoon Burial Grounds]], which Darion brought back to the [[Ebon Hold]].<ref>[[Shadowy Secrets]]</ref> |
||
− | A [[Traveling Adventurer|death knight adventurer]] also appeared in [[Spires of Arak]]. |
+ | A [[Traveling Adventurer|death knight adventurer]] also appeared in the [[Spires of Arak]]. |
===Legion=== |
===Legion=== |
||
{{legion-section}} |
{{legion-section}} |
||
{{Main|Death Knight Campaign}} |
{{Main|Death Knight Campaign}} |
||
+ | [[File:Ebon Blade Four Horsemen.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The new [[Four Horsemen]] of the Ebon Blade.]] |
||
Following the return of the [[Burning Legion]], the Knights of the Ebon Blade come to an agreement with the new Lich King, [[Bolvar Fordragon]]: The Ebon Blade will willingly act as the Lich King's agents against the Legion, if the Scourge remains contained to Northrend. The Lich King offers powerful weapons to champions of the Ebon Blade, directing students of {{NPC||Lord Thorval}} to the world of [[Niskara]] to defeat {{NPC||Gorelix the Fleshripper}} and take the [[Maw of the Damned]], and sending the students of {{NPC||Lady Alistra}} to the [[Karazhan Catacombs|catacombs]] beneath [[Karazhan]] to obtain [[Apocalypse]] from the [[Dark Riders]]. For those trained by {{NPC||Amal'thazad}}, the Lich King summons them directly to Icecrown Citadel, where they gather the broken shards of [[Frostmourne]] to forge into a pair of new weapons, the [[Blades of the Fallen Prince]]. Once these three weapons are obtained, the death knights wielding them are brought to the [[Frozen Throne]] and granted the Lich King's blessing, empowered to act in his name against the Legion. |
Following the return of the [[Burning Legion]], the Knights of the Ebon Blade come to an agreement with the new Lich King, [[Bolvar Fordragon]]: The Ebon Blade will willingly act as the Lich King's agents against the Legion, if the Scourge remains contained to Northrend. The Lich King offers powerful weapons to champions of the Ebon Blade, directing students of {{NPC||Lord Thorval}} to the world of [[Niskara]] to defeat {{NPC||Gorelix the Fleshripper}} and take the [[Maw of the Damned]], and sending the students of {{NPC||Lady Alistra}} to the [[Karazhan Catacombs|catacombs]] beneath [[Karazhan]] to obtain [[Apocalypse]] from the [[Dark Riders]]. For those trained by {{NPC||Amal'thazad}}, the Lich King summons them directly to Icecrown Citadel, where they gather the broken shards of [[Frostmourne]] to forge into a pair of new weapons, the [[Blades of the Fallen Prince]]. Once these three weapons are obtained, the death knights wielding them are brought to the [[Frozen Throne]] and granted the Lich King's blessing, empowered to act in his name against the Legion. |
||
Line 75: | Line 105: | ||
At one point, the champions of the Ebon Blade entered the Monastery in order to retrieve the saddle of [[Thomas Thomson]]'s steed, killing [[Faralis the Fanatic]] in the process.<ref>[[Fallen Steeds: Saddle of the Headless Horseman]]</ref> |
At one point, the champions of the Ebon Blade entered the Monastery in order to retrieve the saddle of [[Thomas Thomson]]'s steed, killing [[Faralis the Fanatic]] in the process.<ref>[[Fallen Steeds: Saddle of the Headless Horseman]]</ref> |
||
− | Later they assaulted the [[Scarlet Monastery]], now led by [[High Commander Goodchilde]], in their quest to resurrect [[Sally Whitemane]] as a member of their new [[Four Horsemen]].<ref>[[The Zealot Rises]]</ref> [[Thassarian]] declared they would not leave until every last crusader had been killed and every banner burned.<ref>[[The Scarlet Massacre]]</ref> |
+ | Later they assaulted the [[Scarlet Monastery]], now led by [[High Commander Goodchilde]], in their quest to resurrect [[Sally Whitemane]] as a member of their new [[Four Horsemen]].<ref>[[The Zealot Rises]]</ref> [[Thassarian]] declared they would not leave until every last crusader had been killed and every banner burned.<ref>[[The Scarlet Massacre]]</ref> |
The Knights of the Ebon Blade aided in the war against the Burning Legion by sending out packs of ghouls to fight against the demons,<ref>[[Recruiting the Troops (death knight)]]</ref> as well as creating new death knights from the casualties of the Alliance and the Horde.<ref>[[Knights of the Ebon Blade (quest)]]</ref> |
The Knights of the Ebon Blade aided in the war against the Burning Legion by sending out packs of ghouls to fight against the demons,<ref>[[Recruiting the Troops (death knight)]]</ref> as well as creating new death knights from the casualties of the Alliance and the Horde.<ref>[[Knights of the Ebon Blade (quest)]]</ref> |
||
Line 83: | Line 113: | ||
===Battle for Azeroth=== |
===Battle for Azeroth=== |
||
{{Bfa-section}} |
{{Bfa-section}} |
||
− | Under Bolvar's command, the [[Four Horsemen]] acquired fallen champions of both the [[Horde]] and [[Alliance]] through the battlefields and graveyards of Azeroth.<ref name="WrF">[[We Ride Forth]]</ref> |
+ | Under Bolvar's command, the [[Four Horsemen]] acquired fallen champions of both the [[Horde]] and [[Alliance]] through the battlefields and graveyards of Azeroth.<ref name="WrF">[[We Ride Forth]]</ref> |
− | Thus the Knights of the Ebon Blade welcomed a [[Pandaren|new]] [[allied race|generation]] of death knights into their fold, being raised by the Lich King in preparation for times ahead.<ref>[[Death's Power Grows]]</ref> They were then sent by Darion Mograine to travel to [[Orgrimmar]] or [[Stormwind City|Stormwind]]. <ref>[[Defender of Azeroth]]</ref> |
+ | Thus the Knights of the Ebon Blade welcomed a [[Pandaren|new]] [[allied race|generation]] of death knights into their fold, being raised by the Lich King in preparation for times ahead.<ref>[[Death's Power Grows]]</ref> They were then sent by Darion Mograine to travel to [[Orgrimmar]] or [[Stormwind City|Stormwind]]. <ref>[[Defender of Azeroth]]</ref> |
− | Following the Fourth War, [[Mathias Shaw]]'s reports |
+ | Following the Fourth War, [[Mathias Shaw]]'s reports mentioned that the Scarlet Crusade was effectively totally wiped out by the Ebon Blade.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 109</ref> |
===Shadowlands=== |
===Shadowlands=== |
||
{{sl-section}} |
{{sl-section}} |
||
+ | [[File:Shadowlands Bolvar key art.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Bolvar Fordragon|Highlord Bolvar Fordragon]] and his death knights in the [[Maw]].]] |
||
− | + | After [[Sylvanas Windrunner]] destroyed the [[Helm of Domination]], Bolvar was no longer the Lich King. Several undead in Acherus attacked the [[Four Horsemen]], but they made a short work of them and secured the Ebon Hold.<ref name="WrF" /> As the rift between the Shadowlands and Azeroth was opened, Bolvar took the direct leadership of the organization as their new Highlord. Following the [[Death Rising|return of the]] [[Scourge]], the Ebon Blade stepped forward to help the Alliance and Horde combat the threat.<ref>[[Return of the Crusade]]</ref> Sally Whitemane and Nazgrim became the Ebon Blade's emissary to the factions, while members of both factions were called to Icecrown Citadel to work against Sylvanas and [[the Jailer]] within the [[Shadowlands]].<ref>[[Shadowlands: A Chilling Summons]]</ref> |
|
− | Aboard Acherus, |
+ | Aboard Acherus, they and Lord Darion Mograine went atop the Citadel where the rest of the Knights of the Ebon Blade and Bolvar were waiting alongside the leaders of the Alliance and the Horde. After explaining how dire the situation was, the Highlord directed the [[adventurer]]s to use the shattered fragments of the Helm of Domination to conjure a portal to enter the [[Maw]] with the troops of the Ebon Blade.<ref>[[Through the Shattered Sky]]</ref> |
− | However, the chaotic energies of this place have scattered the death knights, and their forces were already depleted after only mere moments there.<ref>[[A Fractured Blade]]</ref> They had to face the [[Mawsworn]] forces,<ref>[[Mawsworn Menace]]</ref><ref>[[Ruiner's End]]</ref> losing a large number of their troops during their advance,<ref>[[A Monument to Vengeance]]</ref> enough for Jaina |
+ | However, the chaotic energies of this place have scattered the death knights, and their forces were already depleted after only mere moments there.<ref>[[A Fractured Blade]]</ref> They had to face the [[Mawsworn]] forces,<ref>[[Mawsworn Menace]]</ref><ref>[[Ruiner's End]]</ref> losing a large number of their troops during their advance,<ref>[[A Monument to Vengeance]]</ref> enough for [[Jaina Proudmoore]] to be shocked at the few death knights remaining.<ref>[[Fear to Tread]]</ref> |
Having no choice but to continue to advance before enemy reinforcements arrive, Darion led the Ebon Blade's charge alongside an adventurer to save the captured leaders of the Horde and Alliance. When they finally arrived at the exit, the Jailer's forces attacked them and only the adventurer made it out, with the others including Darion captured.<ref>[[Stand as One]]</ref> |
Having no choice but to continue to advance before enemy reinforcements arrive, Darion led the Ebon Blade's charge alongside an adventurer to save the captured leaders of the Horde and Alliance. When they finally arrived at the exit, the Jailer's forces attacked them and only the adventurer made it out, with the others including Darion captured.<ref>[[Stand as One]]</ref> |
||
+ | Later, Bolvar managed to travel to [[Oribos]], alongside other Ebon Blade death knights, where they united with the denizens of the city to defend the Shadowlands.<ref>[[The Maw (quest)]]</ref> In time Darion was rescued,<ref>[[The Brand Holds the Key]]</ref> and joined his fellow death knights within Oribos. In order for new allies from Azeroth to come in the Shadowlands, [[Ebon Blade Acolyte|acolytes]] of the Ebon Blade were ordered to establish portals to access Oribos from the [[Wizard's Sanctum]] in [[Stormwind City]] and the [[Pathfinder's Den]] in [[Orgrimmar]].<ref>[[A Doorway Through the Veil]]</ref> |
||
− | Later, Bolvar managed to travel to [[Oribos]], alongside other Ebon Blade death knights.<ref>[[The Maw (quest)]]</ref> |
||
+ | |||
+ | As the covenants rallied together to [[Battle for Ardenweald|defend]] [[Ardenweald]] from Sylvanas and the [[Mawsworn]], the Knights of the Ebon Blade remained behind in Orbis to defend the city.<ref>[[The Battle of Ardenweald]]</ref><ref>[[Report to Oribos]]</ref> |
||
+ | |||
+ | Following the departure of Zovaal to an unknown destination at the [[Sanctum of Domination]], Bolvar ordered the death knights to take the unconscious [[Sylvanas Windrunner]] prisoner within Oribos in the hopes that they could interrogate her about the Jailer's plan.<ref>[[Sylvanas Windrunner (tactics)#Cinematic|Sanctum of Domination ending cinematic and post-cinematic dialogue]]</ref> Sylvanas was eventually released from their custody, after Uther was able to aid her, and she decided to join the fight against the Jailer.<ref>[[News from Oribos]]</ref> |
||
+ | |||
+ | Several members of the Ebon Blade accompanied Bolvar and the other heroes into [[Zereth Mortis]] and the [[Sepulcher of the First Ones]]. Following the death of Zovaal, Darion declared that the Ebon Blade no longer needed to maintain a presence within Oribos and would soon make their exodus from the city and return to Azeroth. However, 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's mission was to return to [[Northrend]] and keep the Scourge in check, while safeguarding [[Icecrown Citadel]].<ref name="PaR">[[Penance and Renewal]]</ref> |
||
+ | |||
+ | After the [[san'layn]] [[Vorath]] was killed and his Scourge attack on [[Quel'Thalas]] thwarted, Lor'themar promised to inform the Ebon Blade of these events. He also feared that things were far worse in [[Northrend]].<ref>[[Victory for the Sin'dorei]]</ref> |
||
+ | |||
+ | ===Exploring Azeroth=== |
||
+ | {{novel-section}} |
||
+ | Following the [[war against the Jailer]], the brothers [[Bronzebeard]] reported that [[Ebon Watch]] in [[Zul'Drak]] remained out of an abundance of caution for years, and that caution turned out to be rather prescient, as they face the unleashed Scourge in the region.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth 44" /> According to [[Muradin Bronzebeard]], the Ebon Blade knights led by [[Duke Lankral]] still control the [[Shadow Vault]] in [[Icecrown]], but now that the Scourge is no longer under [[Bolvar Fordragon]]'s control, it is only a matter of time before a counterattack, since it's such a plum location.<ref>''[[Exploring Azeroth: Northrend]]'', pg. 133</ref> |
||
==Members== |
==Members== |
||
Line 225: | Line 268: | ||
===Troops=== |
===Troops=== |
||
− | They deploy [[Pack of Ghouls|pack of ghouls]], zombies, geists, skeletons, gargoyles, wights, banshees, abominations, Ebon Knights, Ebon Ravagers, and [[Ebon Knight Frostreavers|Ebon Knights Frostreavers]]. |
+ | They deploy [[Pack of Ghouls|pack of ghouls]], zombies, geists, skeletons, gargoyles, wights, banshees, abominations, Ebon Knights, Ebon Ravagers, and [[Ebon Knight Frostreavers|Ebon Knights Frostreavers]]. |
− | *Though individually frail and unintelligent, ghouls serve the Ebon Blade as fodder, overwhelming their enemies with sheer numbers. |
+ | *Though individually frail and unintelligent, ghouls serve the Ebon Blade as fodder, overwhelming their enemies with sheer numbers. |
− | *Raised from the grave by the Lich King, Ebon Knights are made for one purpose: Kill or be killed. |
+ | *Raised from the grave by the Lich King, Ebon Knights are made for one purpose: Kill or be killed. |
− | *Hardened veterans, Ebon Ravagers have survived many wars, slain many enemies, and are the epitome of the Ebon Blades's fiercest soldiers. |
+ | *Hardened veterans, Ebon Ravagers have survived many wars, slain many enemies, and are the epitome of the Ebon Blades's fiercest soldiers. |
− | *On the frozen wings of their steeds they fall upon their victims with fury and vengeance. Those who face the Frostreavers quickly learn to fear the sky above them.<ref>[[Class Hall followers]]</ref> |
+ | *On the frozen wings of their steeds, they fall upon their victims with fury and vengeance. Those who face the Frostreavers quickly learn to fear the sky above them.<ref>[[Class Hall followers]]</ref> |
==Reputation== |
==Reputation== |
||
Line 250: | Line 293: | ||
Additionally, as with some other factions, reputation can be gained through [[Championing]] via the {{loot|common|Tabard of the Ebon Blade}}, or by trading 1 [[Emblem of Triumph]] for 1 [[Ebon Blade Commendation Badge]] at the Emblem of Triumph Quartermaster in [[Dalaran]]. |
Additionally, as with some other factions, reputation can be gained through [[Championing]] via the {{loot|common|Tabard of the Ebon Blade}}, or by trading 1 [[Emblem of Triumph]] for 1 [[Ebon Blade Commendation Badge]] at the Emblem of Triumph Quartermaster in [[Dalaran]]. |
||
− | ==Rewards== |
+ | ===Rewards=== |
These rewards can only be purchased after completing the [[It's All Fun and Games (Alliance)]] | [[It's All Fun and Games (Horde)]] questline in [[Icecrown]]. The questline is available starting at level 77 from {{NPC|Alliance|Thassarian}} on the ''[[The Skybreaker]]'', {{NPC|Horde|Koltira Deathweaver}} on the ''[[Orgrim's Hammer]]'', or from {{NPC|neutral|Baron Sliver}} at the [[Shadow Vault]]. |
These rewards can only be purchased after completing the [[It's All Fun and Games (Alliance)]] | [[It's All Fun and Games (Horde)]] questline in [[Icecrown]]. The questline is available starting at level 77 from {{NPC|Alliance|Thassarian}} on the ''[[The Skybreaker]]'', {{NPC|Horde|Koltira Deathweaver}} on the ''[[Orgrim's Hammer]]'', or from {{NPC|neutral|Baron Sliver}} at the [[Shadow Vault]]. |
||
Line 257: | Line 300: | ||
{{:Duchess Mynx}} |
{{:Duchess Mynx}} |
||
− | ==Quests== |
+ | ===Quests=== |
+ | The following quests award reputation to the Knights of the Ebon Blade: |
||
{{col-begin}}{{col|2}} |
{{col-begin}}{{col|2}} |
||
⚫ | |||
− | |||
− | ===[[ |
+ | =====[[Shadow Vault]]===== |
⚫ | |||
''9442 Reputation'' |
''9442 Reputation'' |
||
<onlyinclude># [[It's All Fun and Games (Alliance)]] / [[It's All Fun and Games (Horde)]] (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade) |
<onlyinclude># [[It's All Fun and Games (Alliance)]] / [[It's All Fun and Games (Horde)]] (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade) |
||
Line 301: | Line 344: | ||
#*[[The Rider of Blood]] (+350 Knights of the Ebon Blade) |
#*[[The Rider of Blood]] (+350 Knights of the Ebon Blade) |
||
#[[The Fate of Bloodbane]] (+500 Knights of the Ebon Blade)</onlyinclude> |
#[[The Fate of Bloodbane]] (+500 Knights of the Ebon Blade)</onlyinclude> |
||
+ | {{col|2}} |
||
− | | |
||
− | ===[[Zul'Drak]]=== |
+ | ====[[Zul'Drak]]==== |
− | ====[[Light's Breach]]==== |
+ | =====[[Light's Breach]]===== |
<onlyinclude>#[[In Search Of Answers]] |
<onlyinclude>#[[In Search Of Answers]] |
||
#[[Orders From Drakuru (quest)]] |
#[[Orders From Drakuru (quest)]] |
||
Line 309: | Line 352: | ||
#[[Kickin' Nass and Takin' Manes]]</onlyinclude> |
#[[Kickin' Nass and Takin' Manes]]</onlyinclude> |
||
− | ====[[Ebon Watch]]==== |
+ | =====[[Ebon Watch]]===== |
<onlyinclude>#[[An Invitation, of Sorts...]] ''or'' [[Darkness Calling]] (+150 Knights of the Ebon Blade) |
<onlyinclude>#[[An Invitation, of Sorts...]] ''or'' [[Darkness Calling]] (+150 Knights of the Ebon Blade) |
||
#[[Near Miss]] ''or'' [[Close Call]] (+75 Knights of the Ebon Blade) |
#[[Near Miss]] ''or'' [[Close Call]] (+75 Knights of the Ebon Blade) |
||
Line 326: | Line 369: | ||
#[[Betrayal]] (+500 Knights of the Ebon Blade) </onlyinclude> |
#[[Betrayal]] (+500 Knights of the Ebon Blade) </onlyinclude> |
||
− | ====[[Death's Rise]]==== |
+ | =====[[Death's Rise]]===== |
''3211 Reputation'' |
''3211 Reputation'' |
||
<onlyinclude># [[To the Rise with all Due Haste!]] (+10 Knights of the Ebon Blade) |
<onlyinclude># [[To the Rise with all Due Haste!]] (+10 Knights of the Ebon Blade) |
||
Line 353: | Line 396: | ||
==External links== |
==External links== |
||
− | <!-- Please read https:// |
+ | <!-- Please read https://wowpedia.fandom.com/wiki/Wowpedia:External_links_policy before adding new links. --> |
{{Elink|type=wowus|http://us.battle.net/wow/en/faction/knights-of-the-ebon-blade}} |
{{Elink|type=wowus|http://us.battle.net/wow/en/faction/knights-of-the-ebon-blade}} |
||
{{Elinks-faction|1098}} |
{{Elinks-faction|1098}} |
||
− | {{Factions}} |
+ | {{Factions|wotlk}} |
{{Class Halls}} |
{{Class Halls}} |
||
Latest revision as of 17:07, 25 June 2023
- "Knight of the Ebon Blade" redirects here. For the NPC, see Knight of the Ebon Blade (NPC). For the achievement, see [Knights of the Ebon Blade]. For the quest, see [10-45] Knights of the Ebon Blade.
Knights of the Ebon Blade | |
---|---|
Main leader |
Highlord Bolvar Fordragon The Deathlord |
Formerly |
Highlord Darion Mograine The Lich King |
Secondary leaders |
Thassarian Koltira Deathweaver Dread Commander Thalanor Salanar the Horseman Lord-Commander Arete Duke Lankral |
Race(s) |
All playable races as death knights Darkfallen Abomination Banshee Gargoyle Geist Ghoul Lich Skeleton Wight Zombie |
Character classes | Death knight, Acolyte, Necromancer,[1] Vindicator[2] |
Capital | Acherus: The Ebon Hold |
Base of operations | Icecrown Citadel,[3] Ebon Watch, Death's Rise, Shadow Vault |
Theater of operations | Azeroth, Shadowlands |
Formerly | Argus, Alternate Draenor |
Language(s) | Common, Language of death, Various languages |
Sub-group(s) | |
Affiliation | Independent, Armies of Legionfall |
Formerly | Lich King, Scourge |
Status | Active |
Reputation | |
Quartermaster |
Duchess Mynx Quartermaster Ozorg |
Notable reward(s) |
[Arcanum of Torment] [Pattern: Abyssal Bag] |
Tabard |
“We are eternal. We are unyielding.”
The Knights of the Ebon Blade are an organization of renegade death knights. Freed from the grasp of the Lich King during the Battle for Light's Hope Chapel, they regrouped under the banner of Highlord Darion Mograine, took control of Acherus: The Ebon Hold as their headquarters, and cooperated with the Argent Crusade to defeat Arthas Menethil during the Scourgewar. They fight as hard for the safety of Azeroth as anyone living.[5]
After getting their vengeance, the death knights found themselves without a cause and without a home. One by one they trickled into the land of the living in search of a new purpose.[6] They dedicated themselves to the protection of Azeroth, and some of their members rejoined the ranks of the Alliance and Horde, of which they were members before their death against the Scourge.
During the third invasion of the Burning Legion, the death knights and the Lich King Bolvar Fordragon come to an agreement: they will help him get revenge on the Legion, and in return, he will keep the Scourge contained and help them with powerful weapons. The Ebon Blade later fought alongside the other orders, and moved their order hall above the Broken Isles.
At the end of the Fourth War, the Ebon Blade expanded its rank with the heroes who died honorably on the battlefields. After he was defeated by Sylvanas Windrunner who destroyed the Helm of Domination, piercing the veil between Azeroth and the Realm of the Dead, Highlord Bolvar Fordragon took the lead of the Ebon Blade. While they assisted the Alliance, the Horde, and the Argent Crusade during the resurgence of the Scourge, the Knights of the Ebon Blade followed their Highlord in the Shadowlands to stop Zovaal the Jailer.
Since the fall of the Banished One, the death knights returned to Azeroth, focusing their efforts on safeguarding Icecrown Citadel and preventing the Scourge from spreading across Azeroth.
History
Wrath of the Lich King
- Main article: Death Knights of Acherus
The Knights of the Ebon Blade were originally an army of Scourge death knights trained in the halls of Acherus and were under the direct command of the Lich King. They were supposedly trained for the specific purpose of destroying both the Scarlet Crusade and the Argent Dawn, the last bastions of Light in the Plaguelands.
They managed to destroy Havenshire, New Avalon, and the Scarlet Crusade presence in the Scarlet lands[7] before turning on Light's Hope Chapel.
Battle for Light's Hope Chapel
- Main article: Battle for Light's Hope Chapel
During the Battle for Light's Hope Chapel, Highlord Darion Mograine, wielding the [Corrupted Ashbringer], leads Orbaz Bloodbane, Koltira Deathweaver, Thassarian and a force of 10,000 Scourge against 300 Defenders of the Light and the Argent Dawn leadership located at Light's Hope.
The Scourge forces pound hard and take out an entire third of the Argent Dawn defense, but Mograine starts having problems attacking further defenders with the arrival of Tirion Fordring. The paladin emerged to defend Light's Hope Chapel, and along with the paladins of the Order of the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn, he unleashed his holy fury against the invading armies of undead. Fordring's Light-given powers overpower and defeat Mograine, as well as immediately kill the Scourge forces in the immediate area, causing Orbaz Bloodbane to flee. The Light overwhelmed the might of the Scourge, and the death knights knew defeat. Darion orders the remaining death knight forces to stand down while Fordring berates him for his foolishness and tells him that Arthas sent him and his death knights on a suicide mission.[8]
As they await the paladin's judgment, they witness a vision of Mograine's father, Alexandros, the legendary Ashbringer himself. He told his son that he would one day wield the Ashbringer and use it to mete out justice, but "that day is not today".
The Lich King himself arrives not long afterwards and confirmed that the attack on Light's Hope Chapel was merely a ploy to strike at Tirion. Realizing the depths of his betrayal, Darion was enraged that he had been used as fodder, and he lashed out at his master with his wrath. However, the Lich King easily cast him aside, and incapacitated Darion and the other death knights. He then focuses his attention on Fordring, incapacitating him with a crippling spell and knocking back the Argent soldiers who charged in. Remembering the words spoken by his father, Mograine throws the corrupted Ashbringer to Fordring, whose powers of the Light succeed in purifying it. With the purified blade in hand, Fordring charges into the Lich King and throws him back. Aware that even he stands little chance against the Ashbringer near the Chapel, the Lich King retreats, promising that the next time he meets Fordring, it will not be on holy ground.
After Arthas' departure, Fordring calls for the union of the Argent Dawn and the Order of the Silver Hand into the Argent Crusade, intended to bring the war to Icecrown itself. Mograine pledges himself and his knights to the same cause, naming his new order the Knights of the Ebon Blade. With their free will restored, Mograine and his death knights return to Acherus and capture it, destroying the Scourge remnants within. With their new base secured, Mograine then sends his knights to rejoin their people, sending them to throw themselves at the mercy of either King Varian Wrynn in Stormwind (if their race belonged to the Alliance) or Warchief Thrall in Orgrimmar (if they belonged to the Horde).
The surviving death knights that remained loyal to the Scourge formed the Host of Suffering with Orbaz Bloodbane, who fled when the Scourge was defeated at Light's Hope, as their leader.
Northrend invasion
- Main article: War against the Lich King
This section is a lore stub. |
When the War against the Lich King began, the Ebon Blade launched the invasion of Northrend alongside the Alliance, the Horde, and the Argent Crusade. Following the Battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate, only the Ebon Blade and the Argent Crusade had remained fully dedicated to the war against the Scourge. The two neutral factions had rallied their forces and readied themselves to unleash a new offensive against the Lich King and his servants across the continent.
The disastrous Battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate broke a tenuous trust that had only just begun to form between the Alliance and the Horde, and nearly ended the war against the Lich King before it had truly been joined. It was then the Ebon Blade and the Argent Crusade that took over the push for the Lich King's head, and kept both factions from forgetting entirely who the true enemy was.[9]
Working in tandem, the death knights and paladins focused their attention on Zul'Drak, entrenching themselves in the region. In the region, they established Ebon Watch as a small outpost and from there conducted their own operations—and some in cooperation with the Argent Crusade.[5]
In Icecrown, after the Shadow Vault fell under the control of the Knights of the Ebon Blade led by Duke Lankral, the destruction of the vrykul village Jotunheim was one of the projects of Ebon Blade.[10] At first, the Ebon Blade sent adventurers to fight the vrykul at the Savage Ledge,[11] and then to kill Thane Ufrang the Mighty.[12] After this, the adventurers were sent there to free their captive death knights,[13] to weaken the vrykul resolve by burning their banners,[14] to help the Bone Witch wreaking havoc from within,[15] to burn down their buildings,[16] to plant their banners in the bodies of their fallen warriors,[17] and also to slay their proto-dragons.[18]
As the sole way for any kind of force to invade Icecrown Citadel would be to breach Mord'rethar: The Death Gate, Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate and Corp'rethar: The Horror Gate, each made almost entirely of saronite, near indestructible, and manned by massive Scourge constructs, the efforts of the death knights Thassarian and Koltira Deathweaver working with the Alliance and the Horde was what allowed them to pass these defenses.[19]
Icecrown Citadel
This section is a lore stub. |
As armies began to prepare for the assault on Icecrown Citadel, the Argent Crusade and the Knights of the Ebon Blade launched preliminary attacks on its defenses. In the lead-up to the final battle, the Argent Crusade forged a new alliance with the Knights of the Ebon Blade, one which would lead the assault on the Icecrown Citadel's defenses, the Ashen Verdict was born; united, they gathered in the mighty fortress's shadow to begin the assault. Having swept aside opposition and seized the Citadel's entrance, the gates were battered down and the Ashen Verdict secured a foothold just inside the entrance, from which they would push deeper into the complex.
Cataclysm
Although the members of the Argent Crusade still stand by the Forsaken heroes who joined them in the battle against the Scourge, Sylvanas Windrunner's actions since the slaying of Arthas Menethil had deeply concerned the crusaders. They, along with certain members of the Ebon Blade, decided to watch Sylvanas and the Forsaken very closely, as similarities between her and the Lich King kept increasing in number by the day.[20]
Warlords of Draenor
The death knights of the Ebon Blade offered their aid to the commander of the Alliance or Horde's forces and joined their garrison. Having an exalted status with the Ebon Blade even offered the commander the possibility to have death knights defend their base.
Among them, Human Death Knights were notably taken out by the followers sent from the Frostwall garrison of the Horde, while Orc Death Knights were taken out by the followers sent from the Lunarfall garrison of the Alliance.
Taking the chance to discover the secrets of Ner'zhul, Darion Mograine had traveled to alternate Draenor and could be found in the Lunarfall Inn (Alliance) and the Frostwall Tavern (Horde). Though the Lich King had been defeated, Darion claimed that they were no closer to unlocking the secrets of the Frozen Throne than they were when jousting pointlessly at the Argent Tournament. Bolvar remained resigned to his fate. Darion believed that perhaps there was something there that could aid their cause. Ner'zhul was not always the Lich King, he explained. Once, he was a mere orc dabbling in dark powers beyond his comprehension. He asked the commanders of the Alliance and Horde's forces to find whatever they could of Ner'zhul's early studies, and they returned with a Dark Parchment from the Shadowmoon Burial Grounds, which Darion brought back to the Ebon Hold.[21]
A death knight adventurer also appeared in the Spires of Arak.
Legion
- Main article: Death Knight Campaign
Following the return of the Burning Legion, the Knights of the Ebon Blade come to an agreement with the new Lich King, Bolvar Fordragon: The Ebon Blade will willingly act as the Lich King's agents against the Legion, if the Scourge remains contained to Northrend. The Lich King offers powerful weapons to champions of the Ebon Blade, directing students of Lord Thorval to the world of Niskara to defeat Gorelix the Fleshripper and take the [Maw of the Damned], and sending the students of Lady Alistra to the catacombs beneath Karazhan to obtain [Apocalypse] from the Dark Riders. For those trained by Amal'thazad, the Lich King summons them directly to Icecrown Citadel, where they gather the broken shards of Frostmourne to forge into a pair of new weapons, the Blades of the Fallen Prince. Once these three weapons are obtained, the death knights wielding them are brought to the Frozen Throne and granted the Lich King's blessing, empowered to act in his name against the Legion.
The Knights of the Ebon Blade set out to reform the Four Horsemen, adding new powerful champions into their ranks.
At one point, the champions of the Ebon Blade entered the Monastery in order to retrieve the saddle of Thomas Thomson's steed, killing Faralis the Fanatic in the process.[22]
Later they assaulted the Scarlet Monastery, now led by High Commander Goodchilde, in their quest to resurrect Sally Whitemane as a member of their new Four Horsemen.[23] Thassarian declared they would not leave until every last crusader had been killed and every banner burned.[24]
The Knights of the Ebon Blade aided in the war against the Burning Legion by sending out packs of ghouls to fight against the demons,[25] as well as creating new death knights from the casualties of the Alliance and the Horde.[26]
Thassarian also asked death knight champions to aid him in rescuing Koltira Deathweaver from his imprisonment in the Undercity.[27] Koltira is successfully rescued after the two death knights fight through the guards.
Battle for Azeroth
Under Bolvar's command, the Four Horsemen acquired fallen champions of both the Horde and Alliance through the battlefields and graveyards of Azeroth.[3]
Thus the Knights of the Ebon Blade welcomed a new generation of death knights into their fold, being raised by the Lich King in preparation for times ahead.[28] They were then sent by Darion Mograine to travel to Orgrimmar or Stormwind. [29]
Following the Fourth War, Mathias Shaw's reports mentioned that the Scarlet Crusade was effectively totally wiped out by the Ebon Blade.[30]
Shadowlands
After Sylvanas Windrunner destroyed the Helm of Domination, Bolvar was no longer the Lich King. Several undead in Acherus attacked the Four Horsemen, but they made a short work of them and secured the Ebon Hold.[3] As the rift between the Shadowlands and Azeroth was opened, Bolvar took the direct leadership of the organization as their new Highlord. Following the return of the Scourge, the Ebon Blade stepped forward to help the Alliance and Horde combat the threat.[31] Sally Whitemane and Nazgrim became the Ebon Blade's emissary to the factions, while members of both factions were called to Icecrown Citadel to work against Sylvanas and the Jailer within the Shadowlands.[32]
Aboard Acherus, they and Lord Darion Mograine went atop the Citadel where the rest of the Knights of the Ebon Blade and Bolvar were waiting alongside the leaders of the Alliance and the Horde. After explaining how dire the situation was, the Highlord directed the adventurers to use the shattered fragments of the Helm of Domination to conjure a portal to enter the Maw with the troops of the Ebon Blade.[33]
However, the chaotic energies of this place have scattered the death knights, and their forces were already depleted after only mere moments there.[34] They had to face the Mawsworn forces,[35][36] losing a large number of their troops during their advance,[37] enough for Jaina Proudmoore to be shocked at the few death knights remaining.[38]
Having no choice but to continue to advance before enemy reinforcements arrive, Darion led the Ebon Blade's charge alongside an adventurer to save the captured leaders of the Horde and Alliance. When they finally arrived at the exit, the Jailer's forces attacked them and only the adventurer made it out, with the others including Darion captured.[39]
Later, Bolvar managed to travel to Oribos, alongside other Ebon Blade death knights, where they united with the denizens of the city to defend the Shadowlands.[40] In time Darion was rescued,[41] and joined his fellow death knights within Oribos. In order for new allies from Azeroth to come in the Shadowlands, acolytes of the Ebon Blade were ordered to establish portals to access Oribos from the Wizard's Sanctum in Stormwind City and the Pathfinder's Den in Orgrimmar.[42]
As the covenants rallied together to defend Ardenweald from Sylvanas and the Mawsworn, the Knights of the Ebon Blade remained behind in Orbis to defend the city.[43][44]
Following the departure of Zovaal to an unknown destination at the Sanctum of Domination, Bolvar ordered the death knights to take the unconscious Sylvanas Windrunner prisoner within Oribos in the hopes that they could interrogate her about the Jailer's plan.[45] Sylvanas was eventually released from their custody, after Uther was able to aid her, and she decided to join the fight against the Jailer.[46]
Several members of the Ebon Blade accompanied Bolvar and the other heroes into Zereth Mortis and the Sepulcher of the First Ones. Following the death of Zovaal, Darion declared that the Ebon Blade no longer needed to maintain a presence within Oribos and would soon make their exodus from the city and return to Azeroth. However, 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's mission was to return to Northrend and keep the Scourge in check, while safeguarding Icecrown Citadel.[47]
After the san'layn Vorath was killed and his Scourge attack on Quel'Thalas thwarted, Lor'themar promised to inform the Ebon Blade of these events. He also feared that things were far worse in Northrend.[48]
Exploring Azeroth
Following the war against the Jailer, the brothers Bronzebeard reported that Ebon Watch in Zul'Drak remained out of an abundance of caution for years, and that caution turned out to be rather prescient, as they face the unleashed Scourge in the region.[5] According to Muradin Bronzebeard, the Ebon Blade knights led by Duke Lankral still control the Shadow Vault in Icecrown, but now that the Scourge is no longer under Bolvar Fordragon's control, it is only a matter of time before a counterattack, since it's such a plum location.[49]
Members
Notable
- Main article: List of Knights of the Ebon Blade death knights
Name | Role | Status | Locations |
---|---|---|---|
Highlord Bolvar Fordragon | Former Lich King, now Highlord of the Ebon blade | Active | Various |
The Deathlord | Champion and leader of the Ebon Blade | Active | Azeroth |
Lord Darion Mograine | Former master of the Ebon Blade, now member and leader of the Four Horsemen | Active | Various |
Nazgrim | Former General of the Horde, now member of the Four Horsemen | Active | Various |
Thoras Trollbane | Former King of Stromgarde, now member of the Four Horsemen | Active | Various |
Sally Whitemane | Former High Inquisitor of the Scarlet Crusade, now member of the Four Horsemen | Active | Various |
Thassarian | First death knight to rejoin the Alliance | Active | Various |
Koltira Deathweaver | Notable Death knight of the Horde | Active | Various |
Dread Commander Thalanor | Second-in-command of Acherus | Active | Various |
Salanar the Horseman | Creator of the Four Horsemen's steeds and leader of the Dark Riders of Acherus | Active | Various |
Lord-Commander Arete | Commander of the Ebon Blade | Active | Death's Rise and Onslaught Harbor, Icecrown |
Duke Lankral | Commander of the Ebon Blade | Active | Shadow Vault, Icecrown |
Lord Thorval | Blood trainer | Active | Various |
Amal'thazad | Frost trainer | Active | Various |
Lady Alistra | Unholy trainer | Active | Various |
Crok Scourgebane | Grand Champion of the Ebon Blade | Active | Argent Tournament Grounds, Icecrown Citadel |
Grand Master Siegesmith Corvus | Armor Vendor | Active | Various |
Quartermaster Ozorg | Quartermaster | Active | Acherus: The Ebon Hold |
Duchess Mynx | Quartermaster | Active | Shadow Vault, Icecrown |
Lady Grendel | Recruiting Officer | Active | Frostwall, Frostfire Ridge |
Lord Selterus | Recruiting Officer | Active | Lunarfall, Shadowmoon Valley |
Danir Emberlight | Death knight who attempted to turn the dragon Vadekius into a frost wyrm | Killable | Vadekius's Rest, Drustvar |
Wilona Thorne | Death knight who died soon after the adventurer finds her in the Maw | Deceased | The Maw |
Troops
They deploy pack of ghouls, zombies, geists, skeletons, gargoyles, wights, banshees, abominations, Ebon Knights, Ebon Ravagers, and Ebon Knights Frostreavers.
- Though individually frail and unintelligent, ghouls serve the Ebon Blade as fodder, overwhelming their enemies with sheer numbers.
- Raised from the grave by the Lich King, Ebon Knights are made for one purpose: Kill or be killed.
- Hardened veterans, Ebon Ravagers have survived many wars, slain many enemies, and are the epitome of the Ebon Blades's fiercest soldiers.
- On the frozen wings of their steeds, they fall upon their victims with fury and vengeance. Those who face the Frostreavers quickly learn to fear the sky above them.[50]
Reputation
All players, with the exception of death knights, start out at neutral with the Knights of the Ebon Blade. Upon the completion of [8-30] The Light of Dawn, death knights are raised to friendly reputation.
Reputation with Knights of the Ebon Blade can be earned by completing the following daily quests:
- At the Shadow Vault:
- [25-30 Daily] Leave Our Mark (250 reputation)
- [25-30 Daily] Vile Like Fire! (250 reputation)
- [25-30 Daily] Shoot 'Em Up (250 reputation)
- At Death's Rise:
- [25-30 Daily] From Their Corpses, Rise! (250 reputation)
- [25-30 Daily] Intelligence Gathering (250 reputation)
- [25-30 Daily] No Fly Zone (250 reputation)
Additionally, as with some other factions, reputation can be gained through Championing via the [Tabard of the Ebon Blade], or by trading 1 [Emblem of Triumph] for 1 [Ebon Blade Commendation Badge] at the Emblem of Triumph Quartermaster in Dalaran.
Rewards
These rewards can only be purchased after completing the [25-30] It's All Fun and Games | [25-30] It's All Fun and Games questline in Icecrown. The questline is available starting at level 77 from Thassarian on the The Skybreaker, Koltira Deathweaver on the Orgrim's Hammer, or from Baron Sliver at the Shadow Vault.
Rewards are bought from Duchess Mynx [43, 20] at the Shadow Vault.
Rep | Item | Cost | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Friendly | [Design: Deadly Huge Citrine] | 2 | Jewelcrafting (350) |
[Tabard of the Ebon Blade] | 1 | Tabard | |
Honored | [Dark Soldier Cape] | 20 2 9 | Cloak |
[Toxin-Tempered Sabatons] | 35 10 37 | Plate Feet | |
[Unholy Persuader] | 66 48 81 | Fist Weapon | |
Revered | [Design: Deadly Monarch Topaz] | 4 | Jewelcrafting (390) |
[Reaper of Dark Souls] | 75 21 65 | One-Handed Sword | |
[Runeblade of Demonstrable Power] | 93 68 97 | Two-Handed Sword | |
[Spaulders of the Black Arrow] | 34 85 20 | Mail Shoulder | |
[Sterile Flesh-Handling Gloves] | 15 36 83 | Cloth Hands | |
[Wound-Binder's Wristguards] | 17 50 44 | Leather Wrist | |
[Pattern: Abyssal Bag] | 5 | Tailoring (435) | |
Exalted | [Belt of Dark Mending] | 18 70 27 | Cloth Waist |
[Darkheart Chestguard] | 48 86 48 | Leather Chest | |
[Death-Inured Sabatons] | 51 77 55 | Plate Feet | |
[Kilt of Dark Mercy] | 59 7 31 | Mail Legs | |
[Design: Timeless Twilight Opal] | 4 | Jewelcrafting (390) |
Quests
The following quests award reputation to the Knights of the Ebon Blade:
-
Icecrown
Shadow Vault
9442 Reputation
- [25-30] It's All Fun and Games / [25-30] It's All Fun and Games (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] I Have an Idea, But First... (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Free Your Mind (+350 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] If He Cannot Be Turned / [25-30] If He Cannot Be Turned
- [25-30] The Shadow Vault / [25-30] The Shadow Vault (+10 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] The Duke (+10 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Honor Challenge (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Shadow Vault Decree (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Get the Key (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Let the Baron Know (+25 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Crush Dem Vrykuls! (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30 Daily] Vile Like Fire! (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Vaelen Has Returned (+10 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Ebon Blade Prisoners (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30 Daily] Leave Our Mark (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Vandalizing Jotunheim (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30 Daily] Shoot 'Em Up (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Crush Dem Vrykuls! (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Parting Gifts (+10 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
-
- [25-30] From Whence They Came (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] An Undead's Best Friend (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Honor is for the Weak (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
-
- [25-30] Seeds of Chaos (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Amidst the Confusion (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Vereth the Cunning (+75 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] New Recruit (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] The Vile Hold (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
-
- [25-30] Generosity Abounds (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Matchmaker (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] Stunning View (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
-
- [25-30G5] The Rider of the Unholy (+350 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30G5] The Rider of Frost (+350 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30G5] The Rider of Blood (+350 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30G5] The Fate of Bloodbane (+500 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
-
Zul'Drak
Light's Breach
- [20-30] In Search Of Answers
- [20-30] Orders From Drakuru
- [20-30] The Ebon Watch (+25 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [20-30] Kickin' Nass and Takin' Manes
Ebon Watch
- [20-30] An Invitation, of Sorts... or [20-30] Darkness Calling (+150 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [20-30] Near Miss or [20-30] Close Call (+75 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [20-30] You Can Run, But You Can't Hide or [20-30] Silver Lining (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [20-30] Dressing Down or [20-30] Suit Up! (+150 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [20-30] Feedin' Da Goolz
- [20-30] Infiltrating Voltarus (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [20-30] Dark Horizon or [20-30] Reunited
- [20-30] So Far, So Bad (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [20-30] It Rolls Downhill
- [20-30] Hazardous Materials (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [20-30] Zero Tolerance
- [20-30] Sabotage (+250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [20-30] Fuel for the Fire
- [20-30] Disclosure
- [20-30] Betrayal (+500 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
Death's Rise
3211 Reputation
- [25-30] To the Rise with all Due Haste! (+10 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] The Story Thus Far... (+10 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
Optional daily side quests:- [25-30 Daily] Intelligence Gathering +250 Knights of the Ebon Blade
- [25-30 Daily] From Their Corpses, Rise! +250 Knights of the Ebon Blade
- [25-30] Blood in the Water +250 Knights of the Ebon Blade
- [25-30] You'll Need a Gryphon +250 Knights of the Ebon Blade
- [25-30 Daily] No Fly Zone +250 Knights of the Ebon Blade
Started from a drop:
- [25-30] The Grand (Admiral's) Plan +250 Knights of the Ebon Blade)
- [25-30] In Strict Confidence +250 Knights of the Ebon Blade
- [25-30G5] Second Chances +350 Knights of the Ebon Blade
- [25-30G5] The Admiral Revealed +350 Knights of the Ebon Blade
Notes and trivia
- The title of the short story Silver Hand, Ebon Blade by Raphael Ahad, that won the 2010 Blizzard Global Writing Contest, is a direct reference to the Knights of the Silver Hand and the Knights of the Ebon Blade.
Patch changes
- Patch 3.0.2 (2008-10-14): Added.
References
- ^ Dark Summoner Marogh
- ^ Ebon Blade Vindicator
- ^ a b c We Ride Forth
- ^ World of Warcraft Trading Card Game: Assault on Icecrown Citadel. Blizzard Entertainment. 1: The Lich King.
- ^ a b c Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 44
- ^ Classes of World of Warcraft
- ^ [8-30] An End To All Things...
- ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 174
- ^ Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 145
- ^ Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 132
- ^ [25-30] Honor Challenge
- ^ [25-30] Shadow Vault Decree
- ^ [25-30] Ebon Blade Prisoners
- ^ [25-30] Vandalizing Jotunheim
- ^ [25-30] The Bone Witch
- ^ [25-30 Daily] Vile Like Fire!
- ^ [25-30 Daily] Leave Our Mark
- ^ [25-30 Daily] Shoot 'Em Up
- ^ Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 140
- ^ Ask CDev#Ask CDev Answers - Round 2
- ^ [40H] Shadowy Secrets
- ^ Fallen Steeds: Saddle of the Headless Horseman
- ^ [45] The Zealot Rises
- ^ [45] The Scarlet Massacre
- ^ [10-45] Recruiting the Troops
- ^ [10-45] Knights of the Ebon Blade
- ^ [10-45] A Personal Request
- ^ [10] Death's Power Grows
- ^ [10] Defender of Azeroth
- ^ World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 109
- ^ [50] Return of the Crusade
- ^ [50] Shadowlands: A Chilling Summons
- ^ [50] Through the Shattered Sky
- ^ [50] A Fractured Blade
- ^ [50] Mawsworn Menace
- ^ [50] Ruiner's End
- ^ [60 Daily] A Monument to Vengeance
- ^ [50] Fear to Tread
- ^ [50] Stand as One
- ^ [53-60] The Maw
- ^ [53-60] The Brand Holds the Key
- ^ [50] A Doorway Through the Veil
- ^ [60] The Battle of Ardenweald
- ^ [60] Report to Oribos
- ^ Sanctum of Domination ending cinematic and post-cinematic dialogue
- ^ [60] News from Oribos
- ^ [60] Penance and Renewal
- ^ [60] Victory for the Sin'dorei
- ^ Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 133
- ^ Class Hall followers
External links
|