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"The Silver Hand" redirects here. For the weapon of the keeper Tyr, see Inv mace 2h artifactsilverhand d 01 [The Silver Hand]. For the quest, see N Paladin [10-45] The Silver Hand. For the short story, see Silver Hand, Ebon Blade.
AllianceKnights of the Silver Hand
SilverHandLegion
Main leader Paladin IconSmall Adventurer The Highlord
  Formerly See below
Secondary leaders Neutral IconSmall Maxwell Lord Maxwell Tyrosus
Alliance IconSmall Turalyon High Exarch Turalyon
Alliance IconSmall Human Male Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker
Alliance IconSmall Human Female Justicar Julia Celeste
Alliance IconSmall Draenei Male Vindicator Boros
Alliance IconSmall Arator Arator the Redeemer
  Formerly See below
Race(s) HumanHumanHumanHuman Human
DwarfDwarfDark Iron dwarfDark Iron dwarf Dwarf
High elfHigh elf High elf
Half-elfHalf-elf Half-elf
DraeneiDraenei Draenei
Night elfNight elf Night elf[1]
IconSmall Dreadlord2 Nathrezim (one)
  Formerly Blood elfBlood elf Blood elf
TaurenTauren Tauren
Character classes Paladin, Priest,[2] Mage[3]
Icon-RPG Auradin[4]
Capital Paladin Sanctum of Light
  Formerly Stratholme[5]
Base of operations Cathedral of Light, Hall of Mysteries, Alonsus Chapel
  Formerly Hearthglen, Ruins of Lordaeron, Old Monastery, Andorhal, Silver Hand Bastion, Keeps across Lordaeron[6]
Theater of operations Azeroth, Outland
  Formerly Alternate Draenor, Argus
Language(s) Common, Dwarven, Thalassian, Draenei
Sub-group(s) See below
Affiliation Church of the Holy Light, Alliance, Armies of Legionfall
  Formerly Kingdom of Lordaeron, Alliance of Lordaeron
Status Active
Reputation
Quartermaster IconSmall Human Male Eadric the Pure
Tabard Tabard of the Lightbringer

“Esarus thar no'Darador—By Blood and Honor We Serve.”

— Motto of the Knights of the Silver Hand[7][8]

The Knights of the Silver Hand (full name the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand,[9] often referred to as the Order of the Silver Hand, the Paladins of the Silver Hand,[10] the Silver Hand, or the Paladin Order[11]) is the order of holy knights and warriors,[11][12][13] commonly called paladins, created by Archbishop Alonsus Faol as the martial branch of the Church of Light. Empowered by the Holy Light, these mighty warriors brandish both their warhammers and holy fire in the battle against all who would trample the meek and innocent,[14] as they seek to be an example of the Light's teachings, protecting the weak and vanquishing the evil of the world. Under the command of the Uther the Lightbringer, they led the Alliance of Lordaeron to victory against the Old Horde in the Second War.

For years, they remained loyal to King Terenas Menethil II and kept the peace in Lordaeron, settling civil disputes and quelling any demi-human uprisings in the realm. During the Third War, the Order was suspended by one of its own members, Prince Arthas Menethil, as Uther refused to purge the city of Stratholme infected by the plague. Although the paladins continued to fight against the Scourge, their leadership was decimated during the fall of Lordaeron, and Highlord Alexandros Mograine succeeded the late Uther. With the Ashbringer, Alexandros became a symbol of resistance until he was murdered on the orders of Balnazzar and Kel'Thuzad. His death shattered the Silver Hand, who eventually split up between the Argent Dawn and the Scarlet Crusade for ideological reasons.

However, a part of the Order remained active in the Alliance, as human and dwarf paladins from Stormwind and Ironforge were still referred to as "Knights of the Silver Hand".[15][16] Years later, Tirion Fordring came out of his exile and regrouped the remains of the Order in Lordaeron to resume the fight against the undead and the demons in Outland. At the time of the Scourgewar, Tirion led his knights during the Battle for Light's Hope Chapel, and later merged them with the Argent Dawn to form the Argent Crusade and take the fight to Northrend.[17] Following the fall of the Lich King, the Silver Hand paladins remained loyal to the Alliance and pursued their fight against those who threaten Azeroth, while those in the Argent Crusade worked to restore the Plaguelands of northern Lordaeron.

During the third invasion of the Burning Legion, the Argent Crusade was decimated on the Broken Shore, and in his last breath, Tirion Fordring handed the Ashbringer to a Champion of the Light whom he chose as his successor. In order to save Azeroth, the Silver Hand was formally reestablished and supported by each major paladin order. From the Sanctum of Light under Light's Hope Chapel, they fought alongside the other class orders united as the Armies of Legionfall. At the beginning of the Fourth War, the Silver Hand split up and supported once more the Alliance against the Horde.

History[]

Foundation and the Second War[]

Alonsus Faol Alive

Archbishop Alonsus Faol, leader of the Church and founder of the Silver Hand during the Second War.

Uther Priest HS

Lord Uther the Lightbringer, the first human paladin.

“I will establish a new branch of the Church, the paladins. I have already selected the first candidates for this order. Some were knights before but others were priests. I chose these men for both their piety and their martial prowess. They will be trained, not only in war but in prayer and in healing. And each of these valiant fighters will possess both martial and spiritual power, particularly in blessing themselves and others with the strength of the Holy Light.”

Archbishop Alonsus Faol[18]

As the human forces amassed for the Second War, the Supreme Commander of the Alliance forces, Anduin Lothar, made other preparations. The Alliance was composed of disparate nations, some of which were rivals. They all had different customs and ways of life. Lothar needed something to bind them as one. He needed champions whom every human could rally behind, no matter where they came from. The clerics were the most obvious choice to fill this role, but they hadn't fared well as the Holy Order of Northshire Clerics was devastated during the First War. Though they were brave, they lacked martial training and were better suited to using the Light to mend wounds off the battlefield. Lothar needed something else.[19]

The solution came from the Church of the Holy Light. Seeking to create an order that would suffer less attrition in battle, the Archbishop Alonsus Faol, who had recently learned everything that had transpired in Stormwind, including how the clerics had fared, met Anduin Lothar and offered him to create a new order that would represent the best qualities of humanity. An order that would include soldiers gifted not only in wielding the Light, but also possessing leadership qualities and mastering the arts of traditional warfare, while embodying the qualities of loyalty, bravery, and honor. With Lothar's consent, Alonsus Faol and Uther recruited noble knights and members of the priesthood from Lordaeron,[20] so that the Archbishop could respectively train them in the ways of the Light and in martial combat as his apprentices. There was Turalyon, the priest who had helped forge the Alliance at the Council of Seven Nations; then Saidan Dathrohan, a mountain of a man who was gifted with immense physical strength; Tirion Fordring, a knight renowned for his zeal and resilience; Uther, an accomplished knight and a pious believer who had already apprenticed under Faol for some years; and lastly Gavinrad the Dire, a battle-hardened knight from Stormwind, a comrade of Lothar, who had fought in the First War.[5]

Faol welcomed his students with open arms, which he later named paladins, while the city of Stratholme would later serve as their base of operations. Yet for the time being, Lothar kept them close, ordering them to travel alongside the main Alliance army. Day and night, the holy warriors were trained vigorously by Faol, who taught them how to use the Light to comfort their allies and smite their enemies, and also how to lead by example. They would be more than just weapons, as no matter how dire times became, the paladins would serve as lights in the darkness, as beacons of hope to guide the Alliance. The Archbishop instructed them to live simple lives, they would seek no fortune or glory in war. Until the end of their days, they would put the needs of others above their own. As training progressed, Faol presented the five paladins a set of enchanted librams from the church. Each libram represented what Faol saw as a core trait of the Silver Hand and challenged his students to become living embodiments of what their holy tomes represented: Turalyon would hold the Libram of Protection, Uther would hold the Libram of Justice, Tirion would hold the Libram of Retribution, Saidan would hold the Libram of Holiness, and Gavinrad would hold the Libram of Compassion.[5] The Order of the Silver Hand was born.

In Alonsus Chapel, Uther was appointed the first of the paladins. He was then followed by Dathrohan, Tirion, Turalyon,[21] and Gavinrad.[22] Its name and symbol had been taken from the Legend of the Silver Hand, legacy of the Keeper Tyr, as a symbol of those Light-wielding warriors who placed self-sacrifice above all else. During their formation, Lothar often checked in on the emergent order, and was so pleased that he asked the new paladins Turalyon and Uther to serve as his lieutenants. Alonsus Faol gladly agreed to satisfy the Supreme Commander's request, but he did not release his students from his care yet. It would be weeks before they were ready to set foot on the battlefield.[5]

Chronicle2 Death knights versus paladins

Paladins versus Death knights during the Battle of Hillsbrad Foothills, first major battle of the war.

The Knights of the Silver Hand made their first appearance during the Battle of Hillsbrad Foothills, where they rode through the Alliance lines while their presence filled their fellow soldiers with hope and courage. They called upon their holy powers to mend wounded soldiers and ease their fearful hearths, and when they faced the death knights of the Horde, they used their sacred powers in the form of blazing white light waves of energies that rippled over the Alliance soldiers, striking down the reanimated human corpses and sweeping away the death knights' corruptive fog. In the end, both sides were evenly matched, neither able to gain an advantage over the other, and they continued to occupy each other for the duration of the battle.[23]

During the months following the start of the war, Alonsus Faol recruited knights willing to learn how to wield the Light and clerics ready to take up arms for their noble cause[12] in order to become members of the Silver Hand, their number increasing from five paladins to fourteen in a short time.[24][25] Their leader Uther commanded such presence on the battlefield that his knights at times seemed both invincible and unstoppable.[26] For the Alliance armies, they were truly a sight to behold, as the paladins healed the wounds sustained in combat and restored faith in the promise of freedom from orcish tyranny,[13] while the sight of them wielding their mighty warhammers and holy powers gave others inspiration on the battlefield and the home front.[27] Even some of the Alliance's greatest knights and warriors were in awe when they saw them smashing orcs down while healing fallen allies at the same time.[28]

They were also known to minister to the masses during the war, gathering inside churches to deepen their faith. Through meditating, communing, and tithing at these sanctified sites, they discovered new ways to channel their healing and spiritual powers.[29] They could cast their blessing upon soldiers, sense evil, and even heal grievous wounds with but a touch.[30]

Subsequently, the paladins were instrumental in winning the war. They quell a peasant revolt at Tyr's Hand,[31] and confronted the Horde forces in the city and Tyr's Bay until the orcs razed down the city with a massive naval assault.[32] At the same time, Uther and his knights were watching over the northlands and came to offer comfort to those who were suffering the misfortunes of war on the recently attacked island township of Caer Darrow. During the journey, they faced pirates sent to assassinate the Lightbringer, and destroyed the orc troops still present near the island.[33] When the Horde managed to reach Lordaeron and began the Siege of Capital City, the paladins took part in the defense of the realm under the command of King Terenas Menethil II.[34] At the same time, King Aiden Perenolde's betrayal was revealed by Anduin Lothar, and the Kingdom of Alterac was found guilty of its pact with the Horde. Consequently, some paladins joined the Alliance troops led by the high elf Milan to save the captured peasants and magi, and to attack Alterac City in order to halt the advance of Horde reinforcements towards Capital City.[35] Without their reinforcements and the help of Alterac, the siege ended with the victory of the Alliance and a full retreat of the Horde back to Khaz Modan.[36]

LegendsPromoArtwork

Paladin facing a grunt during the Siege of Blackrock Spire.

In the meantime, it was also the support of the paladins that enabled the Alliance to make a swift march south towards Khaz Modan in their pursuit of the orcs, as it would have never been possible without the holy warriors who worked day and night, mending the wounded and filling their hearts with resolve and courage. During the liberation of Ironforge and Gnomeregan from Kilrogg Deadeye and his Bleeding Hollow clan, the paladins under Turalyon led hunting parties to root out the orcs and drive them from the region,[37] while Uther and his knights were sent by Lothar to Lordaeron, in order to make sure that the region was safe again from the orcs.[30]

During the Siege of Blackrock Spire, while Doomhammer and Lothar squared off in a titanic battle, Uther and his men made their return and joined the throng. They ran forward to follow their fellow, auras springing up around them as well as they dove into the gathered Horde.[38] Shortly after the start of the battle, Alexandros Mograine arrived with his troops to support their allies.[39] Though Doomhammer narrowly succeeded in vanquishing Lothar, the great hero's death did not have the effect the warchief had hoped for.[11] Among the paladins, Uther was the first known to have manifested his powers on the battlefield,[40] and Turalyon himself did not master his powers until after Lothar's death, but once he did, the orcish army cowered from his blinding light, which shone "brighter than the brightest day", before he disarmed Doomhammer and struck him unconscious rather than kill him, so that he could stand trial in Capital City for all the crimes he has committed.[38]

After the battle, control over the Alliance army fell to Turalyon. Uther expressed his happiness at seeing Turalyon's faith finally emerge, and Turalyon bestowed the title of "the Lightbringer" upon the older paladin.[41] One week later, Turalyon led the Alliance's charge against the orc's last stand, the Dark Portal itself, in what was considered the fiercest and bloodiest battle of the Second War. The Azerothian side of the Dark Portal was destroyed, thanks in part to the bravery and skill of Uther Lightbringer and the Order of the Silver Hand.[12] Turalyon and the other paladins then rallied the Alliance forces while many of the orcs began to panic, some stood and fought, some surrendered, and others fled. The Alliance was victorious.

Aftermath of the Second War[]

Chronicle2 Invasion of Draenor

Turalyon and the Sons of Lothar during the Invasion of Draenor.

As the fires of the Second War died down, the Order of the Silver Hand coordinated with the Church of the Holy Light to help the Alliance of Lordaeron move forward. On Faol's decree,[18] they healed the sick and granted shelter to the survivors broken by the war in Lordaeron and Stormwind,[42] with Turalyon and Uther being present and helping in Stormwind City for a time. At the same time, the Alliance of Lordaeron took aggressive steps to contain the orcish threat, and a number of large internment camps were constructed in southern Lordaeron, guarded by both veteran soldiers and paladins of the Silver Hand, such as Captain Skarloc in the Durnholde military. The camps proved to be a great success, though the captive orcs were tense and anxious to do battle once more, the various camp wardens kept the peace and maintained a strong semblance of order.[43]

Following the Invasion of Draenor, where only Turalyon had journeyed as he told his comrades to stay behind before the closing of the Dark Portal,[44] the Silver Hand dedicated themselves to safeguarding the land from orc attacks by directing a few settlements across Lordaeron.[6] The Order also began to train new paladins in Stormwind City and Ironforge, swelling the ranks of the Order with a number of stout-hearted dwarves[45] and some high elves before the Third War, such as Mehlar Dawnblade, a paladin pupil of Uther the Lightbringer.[46]

AlonsusCoT

Alonsus Chapel in the Elders' Square of Stratholme.

Old Strat SB

The Bastion of the Silver Hand in Crusaders' Square.

During these times, the Bastion of the Silver Hand in Stratholme was considered as the barracks of the Order,[47] containing countless of their treasures,[48] while the Silver Hand notably used the Old Monastery, a center for learning and enlightenment known as a proud bastion of Lordaeron's priesthood,[49] as a seminary and major training ground for paladins in training, notably those of the Kingdom of Stromgarde.[50][51]

At some point after the war, the defenders of Tyr's Guard felt an affinity toward the Order of the Silver Hand and consequently learned how to wield the Light, as they adopted more techniques over time to help them in their duty to protect the Tomb of Tyr.[52]

At the time of the Alterac crisis, Lord Duncan Senturus and his paladins of the Silver Hand encountered Rhonin and Vereesa Windrunner, sent by the Kirin Tor to save the Dragonqueen Alexstrasza in Grim Batol, and took them to an unnamed settlement of the Order about three days from the port of Hasic. Despite their reluctance to cooperate with the mage, they agreed to help them in their quest, escorting them to Hasic, which they found in ruins after an attack by a pair of dragon riders of the Dragonmaw clan. They subsequently allied with Falstad Dragonreaver and his wing of gryphon riders in order to reach Khaz Modan, and while en route, Senturus sacrificed himself to save Rhonin and his companions when they were ambushed by Dragonmaw dragonriders.[53] During meetings of great importance in Lordaeron's palace, especially when monarchs were visiting, the Knights of the Silver Hand were needed for protection and surveillance, being the only military unit they all trusted, so that even King Genn Greymane and Admiral Daelin Proudmoore agreed to having themselves searched by selected sentries from the holy order, even despite its outward allegiance to Terenas Menethil II.[54]

Years passed as tensions abated and a lasting peace settled over Lordaeron. With his paladins, the Supreme commander Uther the Lightbringer kept the peace in the kingdom, settling civil disputes and quelling demi-human uprisings throughout the realm,[11] while his apprentice Arthas Menethil integrated the Order through a ceremony performed at the Cathedral of Light by Archbishop Alonsus Faol.[55]

When news of an upstart warchief rallying the few remaining orc clans, those not suffering from lethargy like those who were imprisoned, and who succeeded in teaching them all he learned from Aedelas Blackmoore as a gladiator, King Terenas sent Uther and his paladins to quell the warchief's uprising while revolt against the orc internment camps were about to unfold. However, the crafty orcs could never be found as the young warchief proved to be something of a tactical genius and evaded Uther's best efforts to corral his hit-and-run attacks.[11] At the same time, the Silver Hand defended the settlements at the borders of Quel'Thalas from forest troll warbands. Prince Arthas gained fame for counterattacking and defeating the trolls,[56] but Kedehern Falamar, another Silver Hand member, perished during the fight and was considered a hero. Kedehern's Silver Hand masters brought his armor back to his father, Brogan.[57]

At some point, Tirion Fordring's life was saved by the orc Eitrigg. When Eitrigg was captured by Saidan Dathrohan' soldiers, Tirion felt he owed a debt of honor and fought to rescue him. For assaulting Alliance soldiers, Tirion was brought to Stratholme to stand trial before the jury composed of Admiral Daelin Proudmoore, Arch-Mage Antonidas, Archbishop Alonsus Faol, and Prince Arthas. Despite the offer to be freed in exchange for breaking his vow, Tirion refused and Uther had no choice but to excommunicate exile his old friend from Lordaeron.[58] The gnome Myranda the Hag, most trusted advisor of Tirion, was later banished after she openly dissented the verdict of the Order of the Silver Hand.[59]

Prior to the Third War, King Terenas feared that Thrall would soon manage to gather all the remaining renegade orcs hidden in the lands of Lordaeron, which would be critical for the kingdom. He ordered Uther with the Knights of the Silver Hand and his son to ride towards southern Lordaeron,[60] in order to contain the orcish threat and deal with them once and for all.[61] In the Alterac Mountains, the paladins notably fought against the bandits of the Syndicate,[61] and later the Blackrock clan, who have recently captured citizens from Strahnbrad to sacrifice them to the Burning Legion, as they have re-embraced their demon worshiping.[62]

In the meantime, a faction largely led by General Abbendis started growing among the ranks of the Silver Hand. This faction was intolerant of what they deemed as the "lesser races".[39]

The Scourge of Lordaeron[]

Chronicle3 Arthas in Stratholme

Prince Arthas Menethil purging the city of Stratholme.

“Lord Uther, by my right of succession and the sovereignty of my crown, I hereby relieve you of your command and suspend your paladins from service.”

Prince Arthas Menethil[63]

In the beginnings of the Third War, after preparing for many long months, Kel'Thuzad and his Cult of the Damned released the Plague of Undeath upon Lordaeron. Consequently, Uther the Lightbringer and his fellow paladins investigated the infected regions in the hope of finding a way to stop the plague, but despite their efforts, the plague continued to spread and threatened to tear the Alliance apart.

While the ranks of the undead swept across Lordaeron, Arthas Menethil had managed to track the shipment of grain to Andorhal, where he succeeded in killing the culprit, the necromancer Kel'Thuzad, but even so, the undead ranks continued to swell with every soldier that fell defending the land. Frustrated and stymied by the seemingly unstoppable enemy, Arthas took increasingly extreme steps to fight against the Scourge and conquer them,[64] notably at Hearthglen in the Eastweald, where the city was about to be attacked by an army of undead, and the defenders had just baked and eaten the grain from Andorhal before the attack started. Along with soldiers of Lordaeron's army, he was able to slay those infected before they could spread the disease to the entire town. Shortly thereafter the large undead army laid siege to the town, Arthas and his armies barely held off the undead long enough for the arrival of Jaina Proudmoore with Uther and his paladins, thus managing to repel the undead.[65]

Horrified, humiliated, and disturbed by his near-defeat, Arthas quickly left for Stratholme, followed by Uther and his paladins, where they found that the city had been infected with the plague by Mal'Ganis, as the necromancer had told him. When Uther refused to follow Arthas' command to kill the infected population of Stratholme before they could die and be reborn as undead, Arthas turned his back on the other paladins, calling their refusal an act of treason, then relieved Uther from command, suspended his paladins from service and sent them away, while he called all those still loyal to Lordaeron to follow their prince.[66][63][39] Consequently, Uther took the paladins that remained loyal to him and left Stratholme, abandoning Arthas to his barbaric actions.[12]

After the Culling of Stratholme, some former paladins, now called deathlords, also committed the same heinous act in many other cities across Lordaeron.[67] When the Scourge swept again through Stratholme, the Silver Hand manufactured holy water to use against the invaders. They stored it inside small crates along with other vital supplies and distributed them throughout the city. Unfortunately, the remaining citizens turned into Scourge reinforcements before the supplies could ever be used.[68]

At the same time, Alexandros Mograine organized a meeting in Southshore's inn, where he revealed the dark orb he kept after the Second War. With the efforts of Isillien, Fairbanks, Doan, and Abbendis, he succeeded in purifying the artifact and decided that it would be forged into a weapon of retribution. Despite being suspended, the paladins unofficially continued to explore all available options to wipe out the Scourge under the command of Alexandros and Saidan Dathrohan.[39]

Following the purge, Prince Arthas took the fleet to Northrend, while the Silver Hand continued to defend Lordaeron villages. Uther informed King Terenas Menethil of his son's inhumane actions in Stratholme, and much to the sorrow of the King, they agreed that Arthas' judgment, and perhaps sanity, was wavering. Terenas sent an emissary to recall Arthas' expedition in Northrend and order their return.[12] Disenfranchised, the paladins still worked selflessly to protect humanity from the gnawing jaws of evil,[14] and were stretched thin fighting the spread of the plague.[69] However, the Scourge continued to grow, taking villages and its turned inhabitants, with a small help from Baron Rivendare and his corrupted food supplies. When a village that Thomas Thomson was stationed in was turned, Thomas understood that Rivendare was a traitor and reported it to the rest of the Silver Hand.[69]

Uther HoW

Uther the Lightbringer, Supreme Commander of the Silver Hand at the time of the Third War.

In the meantime, the Prince's fear and resolve proved to be his ultimate undoing. As he tracked the plague's source to Northrend, intending to end its threat forever, he instead fell prey to the machinations of the Lich King and lost his soul to the cursed runeblade Frostmourne. After Arthas became a death knight in the service of the Lich King and killed all his men of the 1st Legion,[70][71] he returned to Lordaeron with his armies of undead to kill his father and destroy Capital City. Four days after the death of Terenas, Uther ordered Gavinrad the Dire and his Champions of Peace to guard the cemetery near Andorhal, where the remains of Kel'Thuzad were buried. Despite the horrifying conditions, Andorhal was one of the few places in Lordaeron still under Alliance control. There, Uther and many of the surviving paladins had gathered in the city. They used it as a headquarters from which they launched attacks against the undead.[72] As the Scourge swept over Lordaeron, panic seized the living and many gave in to despair, while some looked to the holy paladins for salvation. Lord Uther was the greatest of these righteous warriors, and if anyone had the power to stop the fallen prince, it was him.[73]

When Arthas came to retrieve the remains of the necromancer in order to revive him, Gavinrad refused and was personally killed by the death knight, who fed Frostmourne with his soul, while he unleashed his undead forces upon the paladins Ballador the Bright and Sage Truthbearer, respective commanders of the Champions of Light and the Champions of Truth. In the city of Andorhal, Uther stood against his former apprentice to protect the enchanted Urn of King Terenas. In a battle that would decide Lordaeron's fate, Frostmourne clashed with the legendary Hammer of the Lightbringer. Each weapon blow between the legendary paladin and the champion of the Lich King erupted in a shower of warring energies, it was a struggle between Light and darkness, between life and death. Although he almost lost against his former master and waited for the killing blow, Arthas took advantage of Uther's hesitation and took his soul with the cursed runeblade. The death knight then recovered and blasphemed his father's urn, before continuing the scourging of the kingdom.[74][75]

During the Battle of Darrowshire, a contingent of paladins of the Silver Hand led by Davil Crokford allied themselves with the defenders of Darrowshire led by Captain Joseph Redpath, having learned of the Scourge's impending attack on the town. But despite the paladins' successful efforts in steadying the line and holding back the undead, they ended up being defeated by the death knight Marduk the Black after Davil Crokford managed to slay the ghoul lord Horgus the Ravager, before perishing from his mortal wounds.[76][77]

After learning of the deaths of Terenas and Uther, Alexandros returned from Ironforge with the mighty Ashbringer in hands and was reported to be paring down the Scourge's numbers.[69] Subsequently, many paladins traveled to quarantined lands to ease the suffering of those left within the plague-ridden colonies, but although they were immune to disease of any kind, they were persecuted by the general populace, who believed that they had been infected by the foul plague. Some of these paladins traveled to Northrend. When they finally reached Ner'zhul's icy fortress, embittered by the trials they had to suffer through, they had become dark and brooding. The Lich King offered them untold power in exchange for their services and loyalty. Those fallen paladins, whose souls were twisted and bound to the will of the Frozen Throne, became death knights, the Scourge's mightiest generals.[78]

At the onset of the destruction of Dalaran, while Jaina Proudmoore was gathering troops and Lordaeronians refugees to sail for Kalimdor,[79][80] the Knights of the Silver Hand stayed behind to defend those that couldn't get on the Kul Tiran ships,[69] such as Krohm Dawnhammer, who guided countless innocents to safety with his legendary shining hammer. A few paladins were also among the Human Expedition which reached Kalimdor. They later fought the Burning Legion, notably Duke Lionheart, who worked alongside the orcs to hunt down the demons left after the death of Mannoroth.[81] During the Battle of Mount Hyjal, the paladin Halford Wyrmbane led the troops of the 7th Legion against the demons and undead.[82]

After the Third War[]

Ashbringer1CoverArtworkB

Highlord Alexandros Mograine, wielding the Ashbringer in his war against the Scourge.

Several months after the end of the Third War, the surviving paladins joined the last bastions of human resistance. However, some of them were captured by Illidan Stormrage and his naga, and were brought to the ruins of Dalaran. Among them was Magroth the Defender, who was later freed by Malfurion Stormrage and Maiev Shadowsong, and subsequently pledged himself to their cause.[83]

Afterward, detachments of paladins emerged again from the rubble of Lordaeron to form a resistance, protecting those who fled to Dalaran under the control of Grand Marshal Garithos and the Alliance resistance. Some joined the Garithos' Elite Guard, notably one who led a few surviving royal guards from the King's Guard.[84] After Archimonde's defeat, the others guarded the ruined Lordaeron palace gardens under the command of Dagren the Orcslayer, Magroth the Defender, and Halahk the Lifebringer, respectively directing the Crippling Force, the Defenders of Justice and the Circle of Holy Light. However, their combined efforts were not enough as they were defeated by Arthas Menethil, Kel'Thuzad, and Sylvanas Windrunner, enabling the Scourge to destroy the resistance.[85]

Among the few who managed to survive the massacre, some were rallied by Dagren the Orcslayer to join the ranks of the Human Settlers. They later traveled to Kalimdor under the orders of Lord Admiral Daelin Proudmoore, in order to fight the Horde and locate Jaina Proudmoore.[86] During the Invasion of Durotar, Dagren the Orcslayer and the paladins were assigned to the protection of Theramore Isle. In the meantime, the Chief Petty Officer was a mighty Kul Tiran paladin and one of the Admiral's most loyal officers who ensured his protection until his death during the final battle in Theramore.[87]

The paladins who remained in Lordaeron continued to fight against the Scourge for the next years. Elusive and resourceful, the undead were unable to defeat them in battle. Under the leadership of Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan and Highlord Alexandros Mograine, wielder of the Ashbringer, the Knights of the Silver Hand banded together to continue the war against the undead throughout the Plaguelands. However, dissensions started appearing in the leadership of the human resistance. Lord Maxwell Tyrosus suggested that, in order to retake their fallen cities, the Order should recruit among the night elves of Kalimdor and the dwarves and gnomes of Khaz Modan. Other prominent leaders such as High General Abbendis disagreed, considering the fate of Lordaeron the affairs of men.[39]

From their base at Hearthglen, used as a rallying point due to Taelan Fordring's offer for refuge, they were able to gain some victories during the next years.[88] Worried about the Forsaken entrenching themselves in the Ruins of Lordaeron, the paladins established a base in the now-abandoned Monastery of Tirisfal Glades, that would later be known as the Scarlet Monastery. Hoping to recruit additional personnel, they also made an alliance with Lord Valdelmar of Tyr's Hand, extending their protection to the fortified city from daily attacks of the undead.[89] However, during an attack on Stratholme, Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan was killed, his corpse possessed as a fleshly costume by the dreadlord Balnazzar, who then started slowly working against the Order's objectives from the inside.[39]

Fearing that the Ashbringer might destroy the Forsaken before his plans could come to fruition, Varimathras had Balnazzar arrange Alexandros's death by manipulating and corrupting his son, Renault Mograine, to led his father and Fairbanks to Stratholme, where an army of undead waited for them. While Highlord Mograine managed to destroy all the undead, he dropped his blade in fatigue to the ground, and coming from behind, his son Renault picked up Ashbringer and ran it through Mograine's heart.[39] The death of Alexandros shocked the paladins, creating divisions among them, while the corpse of the Highlord and the Ashbringer were later recovered by Kel'Thuzad. The lich raised the legendary paladin into undeath and transformed him into an obedient servant as the leader of the Four Horsemen, while the Ashbringer was no more than an unholy shadow of what it was once after having been used for such an atrocious purpose.[90][91]

The possessed Saidan Dathrohan then reorganized what remained of the Silver Hand in Lordaeron into the Scarlet Crusade. These paladins strove fanatically to destroy evil, without any regards to the means used, and despised all non-human races. Other paladins, disgusted with the Scarlet Crusaders' immoral zealotry, suspicious of Saidan and his closest companions, and who believed that their comrades had fallen from their once-noble purpose, left to form the Argent Dawn, which took a less extreme approach by remaining faithful to the principles of the Light, and accepted members from all of Azeroth's races into their ranks.[90] At Light's Hope Chapel, Maxwell Tyrosus and a few others were chosen for the secret task of unearthing the bodies of a thousand fallen heroes of the Light, bringing them to be interred once more in sacred ground, in order to protect the honored dead from being raised as nothing more than cogs in the Lich King's undead army.[88]

After his death against Arthas, Uther's body was retrieved and buried in a great tomb built for him to the south of the ruins of Andorhal, at Sorrow Hill, vigilantly guarded by High Priest Thel'danis, the caretaker of the tomb.[92]

World of Warcraft[]

WoW Icon update This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.
Cathedral of Light HS

The Cathedral of Light in Stormwind City, headquarters of the Church and the Order following the Third War.

“The death of my son at the hands of these monsters will not pass without incident. Take solace in knowing that the Order is reborn. I now take my place as Highlord of the new Order of the Silver Hand.”

Lord Tirion Fordring[93]

Following the Third War, the Cathedral of Light served as the main spiritual hub for the Church of Light and the paladins in the kingdoms of Stormwind and Ironforge, with Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker and Valgar Highforge at their head.[15][16] Upholders of the Holy Light and defenders of the Alliance, these paladins were present from the northern forests of the Tirisfal Glades, fighting back the advance of the Forsaken, to the southern reaches of the Blasted Lands, ceaselessly upholding their vigil against demonic forces from beyond the Dark Portal.[94]

After their induction, some human paladins traveled to Northshire Valley in order to continue their training and to help keep the kingdom's peace.[95] At the abbey, Marshal McBride began marshaling paladins of the Order and other recruits to get rid of the kobolds that infested the woods and moved into Echo Ridge Mine.[96] In Dun Morogh, some dwarf paladins came to aid in the Coldridge Valley. They were later summoned by Duthorian Rall, one of the most influential paladins of the Alliance, in order to continue their training and studies, but also to perform holy trials to show themselves worthy of serving the Light.[97][98] These new Knights of the Silver Hand were sent on missions to fight the Defias Brotherhood and the Dark Iron dwarf during their training,[99][100] but also against the Scourge in the Western Plaguelands.[101]

Everyone in the Silver Hand thought that Merideth Carlson was mad for coming up with the idea of a special horse feed destined to nourish spiritual horses. Relationships with the horse breeder were eventually mended,[102] in order to allow the young paladins to be able to obtain their own charger,[103] a tedious task that involved months of obtaining materials all over Azeroth, guided by Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker.[104]

The Silver Hand paladins in Lordaeron remained scattered until Tirion Fordring came out of exile. When his son Taelan was killed by Grand Inquisitor Isillien for trying to leave the Scarlet Crusade, Tirion avenged him and vowed over his son's body to reform the Order of the Silver Hand, once more be a force of good dedicated to extinguishing the evil, regardless of its politics or pleasantries, that plagued the world.[93]

The Order is mentioned to be active during the initial assault on Naxxramas, as Eligor Dawnbringer of the Brotherhood of the Light mentioned them in a conversation with Scarlet Commander Marjhan at Light's Hope Chapel, threatening the latter to inform Lord Fordring and his knights that they are no longer here on amicable terms, and that the Highlord would take great pleasure in seeing to their "atonement".[105]

The Burning Crusade[]

Bc icon This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

Silver Hand Shadow Wing

The Knights of the Silver Hand facing the armies of Ragnok Bloodreaver in front of the Dark Portal.

In addition to the Scarlet Crusade, the Silver Hand found a rival in the newly-emerged Blood Knight order, a group of errant paladins who had come to prominence in the restored elven lands north of Lordaeron. Some of these elves had been knights of the Silver Hand before the Third War, such as Mehlar Dawnblade, a former pupil of Uther who held his former master indirectly responsible for the fall of Quel'Thalas and decided to defile Uther's Tomb, believing Uther's "mishandling" of the young prince's training was responsible for Arthas' betrayal, and that he failed to stop him.[106] In order to prove their dominance over the Light, Blood Knights were sent to defile the Alonsus Chapel, the Silver Hand's founding place. The ghostly paladins Aelmar the Vanquisher, Cathela the Seeker, Gregor the Justiciar, Vicar Hieronymus, and Nemas the Arbiter appeared to defend the chapel alongside Lord Aurius Rivendare who was defeated.[107]

Following the reopening of the Dark Portal, a few Ironforge paladins joined the Azerothian defenses to repel the attacks of the demons led by a gigantic Pit Commander at the Stair of Destiny.

Comics title This section concerns content related to the Warcraft manga or comics.

Some time after the reopening, a battalion of knights of the Silver Hand led by Lord Irulon Trueblade launched an expedition into Outland to help secure the other side of the Dark Portal against the demons of the Burning Legion, notably by helping the Alliance and Horde forces already there to fortify their positions. When one of their paladins accused of desertion, Jorad Mace, returned with the news that an army of fel orcs and nether dragons was on its way to the Dark Portal, Trueblade vouched for him and urged Commander Duron to put the army on high alert.[108]

Soon after they shored up their defensive lines, the combined strength of the Alliance, Aldor, Silver Hand, Horde, and Broken troops stationed at the portal confronted Ragnok Bloodreaver's forces at the Stair of Destiny. During the battle, Ragnok was disintegrated by a radiant and sacred swing of Jorad's hammer. Without their leader and the nether dragons' support, the remains of the death knight's forces were driven off by the coalition, stopping them from getting a foothold in Azeroth.[109]

Shortly before the war against the Lich King, Korialstrasz decimated a large Scourge army somewhere in Lordaeron. The red dragon noticed that some of the undead wore paladins' armor.[110]

The following section was retconned by the comics and no longer refers to the current lore.

In the Old Hillsbrad Foothills instance of the Caverns of Time, adventurers sent a few years prior to the Third War by the bronze dragonflight could be present during Alexandros Mograine's meeting at the inn of Southshore with the other members of the Silver Hand: the two paladins Tirion Fordring and Brigitte Abbendis, the priest Isillien, and the mage Doan. Thus, they were able to witness the purification of what would later become the heart of the Ashbringer.

Wrath of the Lich King[]

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

Highlord Tirion Fordring, leader of Silver Hand and the Argent Crusade during the Scourgewar.

At the head of the paladins of the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn, Highlord Tirion Fordring emerged at Light's Hope Chapel to defend it from the Scourge, unleashing his holy fury upon the armies of undead until the Death Knights of Acherus were ultimately defeated.[111] During his confrontation with the Lich King, Tirion reclaimed and purified the Ashbringer, leading the Dark Lord of the Scourge to retreat and at the same time freeing the death knights from his grip. After the Battle for Light's Hope Chapel, Tirion called for a union between the Argent Dawn and the remains of the Order of the Silver Hand in Lordaeron.[17] Together they formed the Argent Crusade, which sailed to Northrend and fought to end the reign of the Lich King.[112]

During the Scourge Invasion, some members of the Order were present in Shattrath City to protect Bishop Lazaril's altar and her priests, as they were creating holy artifacts from the concentration of light of the naaru, in order to protect the Alliance capitals and destroy the floating necropolises of the Lich King.[113]

In the beginnings of the war against the Scourge, Tirion Fordring managed to set foot at Valgarde in Northrend under the disguise of a Cleric of the Crusade, while an envoy of the Silver Hand named Ares the Oathbound was entrusted to transport the Ashbringer separately, in order to protect the Highlord should the Lich King's forces attempt to intercept him. During the transport, Ares was fatally wounded by an undead, and later directed an adventurer to retrieve the artifact in the Utgarde Catacombs.[114] With his dying breath, he implored them to deliver it to Lord Irulon Trueblade, who returned the weapon to Tirion. In honor of the knights who sacrificed themselves for their sacred duty, the Highlord revealed his identity and declared that the Order of the Silver Hand had arrived, and that they would advance until they defeated the Lich King. Later, Trueblade mentioned that the Silver Hand worked toward Icecrown, and that Tirion remained their greatest hope with the Ashbringer to stand a chance against Arthas.[115]

Along with the Knights of the Ebon Blade, as the Ashen Verdict, the Silver Hand were instrumental in Arthas's ultimate defeat, with Tirion himself using the Ashbringer to sunder Frostmourne.[116]

In the Culling of Stratholme instance of the Caverns of Time, adventurers were sent by the bronze dragonflight to protect Arthas from the deceptions and assassination attempts of the Infinite dragonflight,[117] which seek to change the course of time by preventing the purge from occurring. Thus, the adventurers witnessed the suspension of the Silver Hand and the purge of Stratholme.[118]

Cataclysm and aftermath[]

UthersTombBfA

Uther's Tomb, the only bastion of Light in a dying land.

Following the Cataclysm, the paladin trainers in the kingdoms of Stormwind and Ironforge were still greeting new members as part of an Order of the Silver Hand that did not merge with the Argent Crusade. Those paladins who remained loyal to the Alliance were sent in the Blackrock Depths, in order to prevent the deaths of allies at the hands of the Dark Iron clan and the Twilight Hammer,[119] but also at the cursed Shadowfang Keep in Silverpine Forest to obtain unique materials, so that Therum Deepforge can create weapons at the height of their dedication.[120]

During Tyr's Hand's conquest, Crusade Commander Korfax of the Brotherhood of the Light ordered adventurers to retrieve some priceless artifacts of the Order in the fortified city, among them the Item embercloth [Shroud of Uther] and Inv jewelry talisman 06 [Gavinrad's Sigil], hidden in chests within the barracks as these artifacts of the founding members of the Silver Hand were too holy for the now-undead scarlet crusaders to touch. Once in his possession, Korfax announced that he intends to deliver them to Maxwell Tyrosus at Light's Hope Chapel, as they belong in the hands of the righteous.[121]

In Stratholme, the Knight of the Silver Hand Aurius Rivendare, who succumbed to Baron Rivendare, fell to the corruption of the Scourge and was raised as a death knight. Following his resurrection, Aurius took control of the city in his father's absence until Eligor Dawnbringer sent adventurers to defeat him.[122][123][124] The ghost of Lord Raymond George also sent some adventurers in the burning city to retrieve valuable relics of the Silver Hand, among them lost volumes of the Inv misc book 17 [Annals of the Silver Hand] under the watchful eye of Instructor Galford, considering them as fitting additions to the rededicated Light's Hope Chapel.[125] Under the command of Eligor Dawnbringer, the Scarlet Bastion was reconquered after the defeat of Balnazzar and the Risen, and following their victory, he mentioned that the former Bastion of the Silver Hand was now back in the hands of its rightful owners, with the countless treasures of the Order still inside.[126]

At the time of the Invasion of Pandaria, a few paladins of the Silver Hand were present among the ranks of the Operation: Shieldwall forces, and during the Alliance assault of Domination Point.[127]

During the war against the Iron Horde in alternate Draenor, paladins of Stormwind joined the ranks of the Alliance forces in Ashran. Among them, Valant Brightsworn was mobilized as the paladin leader at the Stormshield Outpost, where he managed the patrols on the island, while Guardian knights, Holy knights, and Retribution knights of the Silver Hand were seen fighting against the Horde forces on the battlefield. Some of them could also be met as followers at the Lunarfall garrison.

Legion[]

Legion This section concerns content related to Legion.
Class Order Gamescom3

The rebirth of the Silver Hand in the Sanctum of Light, unifying all paladin orders to stop the ongoing demonic invasion of Azeroth.

“On this day, the Order of the Silver Hand is reborn! Together, Sargeras himself shall shudder at our might!”

Lord Maxwell Tyrosus[128]

Following the failed Argent Crusade's assault on the Broken Shore, and the loss of Highlord Tirion Fordring during the Battle for Broken Shore, Lord Maxwell Tyrosus came into contact with a paladin hero in order to reunite those who still have the conviction to save their home,[129] but also to find and secure the holy legendary artifacts that are Inv mace 2h artifactsilverhand d 01 [The Silver Hand], the Inv shield 1h artifactnorgannon d 01 [Truthguard] and the Inv sword 2h artifactashbringer d 01 [Ashbringer], the only weapons that would allow them to fight back against the Legion.[130]

During the demonic invasions, Marshal Gryan Stoutmantle led the defense of Westfall and managed to repel the attacks. In Dun Morogh, some crusaders came to help defend Ironforge after being rescued from demons by adventurers of the Alliance.

After successfully securing all of the artifacts, and bringing back Tirion's body to be buried with dignity amongst the ancient heroes of the Light,[131] a ceremony took place within the hidden Sanctum of Light beneath Light's Hope Chapel to unite every paladin order on Azeroth. The reformed Silver Hand grew and was made up of the paladins of Stormwind and Ironforge, the remnants of the Argent Crusade led by Lord Maxwell Tyrosus, the Hand of Argus led by Vindicator Boros, the Blood Knights led by Lady Liadrin, and the Sunwalkers led by Aponi Brightmane. Each of them pledged their order's loyalty to the paladin hero, now the new Highlord as Tirion Fordring's heir.[128]

During the Burning Legion's third invasion, the Order of the Silver Hand began to mobilize on the Broken Isles, with the support of Lord Shadowbreaker, who has volunteered to coordinate their forces on the ground,[132] sending reconnaissance troops across the islands to watch over the legion's movements and bring back the survivors they found.[133] Subsequently, the Silver Hand organized the recruitment and training of new troops with the help of Commander Ansela,[134] Commander Born,[135] and Crusader Kern. The ongoing offensive on the Broken Shore also drew the interest of many paladins who wished to join the ranks of the Silver Hand, some were judged by the Highlord itself, who eliminated the Legion infiltrator among them.[136]

Although Stratholme was still under the control of the Scourge led by Raemien the Soultaker, the Silver Hand managed to regain control of Alonsus Chapel as their base of operations in the Elders' Square.[124]

Later, the Sanctum of Light was attacked by the Knights of the Ebon Blade who came to retrieve Tirion's body, in order to make him the last member of the Four Horsemen. They overpowered Maxwell Tyrosus, then made their way to the bottom of the catacombs where Lady Liadrin tried to stop them, but was defeated as well. Just as they were about to claim Tirion, the Light itself intervened and burned the surrounded death knights, forcing them to flee and granting victory to the paladins.[137]

During one of their expedition, Maxwell Tyrosus and his scouts reported to Archmage Khadgar and the Highlord that an extraordinarily luminescent object had emerged from the Felstorm, before it crashed towards the coast of Suramar.[138] Their discovery was in fact the Inv jewelcrafting taladitecrystal [Light's Heart], the heart of the naaru Xe'ra bearing Turalyon's message for Azeroth, and according to him, the key that must be brought to the Prophet Velen to defeat the Legion, or all the universe would be doomed.[139] In another message for Arator, Turalyon informed his son that the dreadlord Balnazzar has been sent to Azeroth to destroy all that he holds dear, and that he must gather the defenders of the Light to fight.[140]

A Light in the Darkness

The Netherlight Temple, where the Knights of the Silver Hand and the Conclave permanently destroyed the nathrezim Balnazzar.

With the information sent by Turalyon, the war council of the Silver Hand sent their troops on different missions,[141] notably to pursue Balnazzar by pinpointing his movements in eastern Azsuna,[142] to bolster their forces by increasing recruitment efforts and seeking for new allies,[143] and to dealt with demons incursions across the Broken Isles.[144][145][146][147] Under the command of Vindicator Boros and Justicar Julia Celeste, the Silver Hand kept a close eye on Legion movements at Faronaar in Azsuna, where their intel suggested that Balnazzar was possibly present.[148] They managed to sabotage the advance of the Legion by killing the Imp mother Ozram and a large number of demons,[149][150][151] and also found Balnazzar's Codex of Command. As they were unable to access the information inside, Delas Moonfang was contacted to help,[152] and she deciphered it after the paladins brought her a Fel Lexicon[153] and demon blood.[154][155]

The contents of the Codex taught the paladins about a Legion invasion force at Felblaze Ingress, where they planned to open a portal directly to the demon world of Niskara.[156] Alongside the Conclave, Aponi Brightmane and Arator the Redeemer led an assault with their troops. However, the paladins gave no further news after their departure.[157] They were later rescued by the Highlord, who learned from Aponi's libram that their assault was a failure when Balnazzar appeared through his portal and defeated them, before imprisoning them on Niskara.[158] They also learned from a Mysterious Stranger that Balnazzar and his armies were about to attack the Netherlight Temple, headquarters of the Conclave hidden in the Twisting Nether.[159]

The Order of the Silver Hand agreed to support the Conclave,[160] and accepted Delas' request to join them as the first night elf paladin,[161] alongside her uncle Nerus Moonfang after the Highlord freed his family from Oathbinder Zorak's curse.[162] Subsequently, the paladins were sent in recovery and supply missions across the Broken Isles,[163] notably to collect Blood of Sargeras,[164] but also a rare metal called Lumenstone for the creation of weapons and armors.[165] When the battle began in the Netherlight Temple, the Silver Hand fought against the demonic assailants, which led to the final death of Balnazzar with the help of Lothraxion and the Army of the Light.[166][167]

Following their victory, the Knights of the Silver Hand joined the other class orders in Dalaran, represented by Gryan Stoutmantle during the meeting,[168] to form the Armies of Legionfall. The paladins then helped to repel the legion's assault on Dalaran, and fought alongside their allies during the Assault on Broken Shore, with the Highlord and Captain Ridgers at their head at Deliverance Point.

During the Argus Campaign, the Silver Hand troops were present on Argus under the orders of the Highlord, Lady Liadrin, Arator the Redeemer, and Vindicator Boros, and were sent to fight the Legion and protect the Vindicaar at Darkfall Ridge. When Sargeras impaled Azeroth with his sword, gravely injuring its world-soul, a paladin champion among other champions of Azeroth drained the sword of its corruption with a sacred artifact of the Silver Hand, serving as a vessel for its vast power.[169]

Battle for Azeroth[]

Battle for Azeroth This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.
TuralyonSilverHand

High Exarch Turalyon and the paladins of the Silver Hand during the Battle for Stromgarde.

During the Battle for Stromgarde, the paladins of the Alliance bore the banner of the Silver Hand and planted Blessed Banners on the battlefield. They only employed Alliance races and fought once more on the side of the Alliance against the Horde, notably Lady Liadrin and her Blood Knights alongside the Sunwalkers,[170] indicating that the Silver Hand has splintered once again at the beginning of the Fourth War. Under the orders of High Exarch Turalyon, they fought alongside several elite members of the Army of the Light, while Turalyon scoffed at the idea of the Horde armies being led by a paladin, Lady Liadrin, questioning what has happened on Azeroth to allow this. He then claimed he would take pleasure in enacting justice from a "misguided paladin of the Horde".[171]

In Arathi Basin, the paladins Kyara Bladeturner, Matron Dreya, and Nella Slagheart fought against Horde soldiers during the Brawl: Comp Stomp.

During the Battle of Dazar'alor, the Champion Frida Ironbellows fought the Horde as the vanguard for the Alliance's assault, she was accompanied by Anointed Disciples and the Darkforged Crusader.

During the Faction Assaults, paladins of the Silver Hand were present among the 7th Legion and the Stormwind Army troops sent in missions on Zandalar[172][173][174] and Kul Tiras.[175][176]

WoW-novel-logo-16x62 This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

After the armistice, Mathias Shaw reported that the Knights of the Silver Hand were still present in the Sanctum of Light, where its halls have been cleared to store many artifacts mostly recovered from Scholomance, Stratholme and the Plaguelands. These artifacts were far too dangerous to be stored elsewhere, and above all far too tempting for anyone to resist, which requires sacred protections.[177] After Lorekeeper Mykos removed the mark from the Athenaeum on The Light and How to Swing It, a book written by Uther for Arthas Menethil, he donated it to the Sanctum's archives.[65]

Shadowlands[]

Shadowlands This section concerns content related to Shadowlands.
Step Into the Light - Kneeling

The creation of the Order of the Silver Hand, as incorrectly remembered by Uther in his vision.

After the Alliance sent an expedition to Exile's Reach, but lost all contact with, they sent a bigger and stronger expeditionary force. Aboard the ship, young human and dwarf paladins were among a crew of novice adventurers charged to find out what happened.[178]

In Stormwind City, the Silver Hand made its appearance in the paladin section of the Training Hall, represented by Gilda Silvershield and one of the foremost paladins in the realm,[179] the paladin trainer Ezul'aan, who asked to meet young paladins who impressed him with their rapid progress.[180] He later sent them to fight the enemies of the Alliance in Blackrock Depths,[181] and at Shadowfang Keep to obtain materials for the creation of weapons at the height of their dedication,[182] as Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker did in the past.

In the Shadowlands, through Uther's memories, the Maw Walkers witnessed the creation of the Order of the Silver Hand in Alonsus Chapel, where the first paladins and the Archbishop were present to induct Uther into their ranks. In Uther's corrupted memories of the Culling of Stratholme, some Silver Hand Betrayers were present among the followers of Arthas and torched the city when the prince began his purge.[183] In Uther's final memory, paladins of the order were seen fighting the undead in Andorhal, while some of them were healed by priests of the Church.[184]

In his grimoire, the broker Ta'lora mentioned that the paladins of Azeroth, like the now kyrian Uther, were an example of mortals who dedicated themselves to service and duty in life and whose souls were consequently sent to Bastion after death.[185]

Dragonflight[]

Dragonflight This section concerns content related to Dragonflight.

Following the discovery of the Dragon Isles, a few paladins joined the Dragonscale Expedition in their exploration of the ancestral homeland of Azeroth's dragonflights.[186]

After they collected one of Tyr's memories in his tomb, Travard of the Tyr's Guard followed Watcher Koranos and the adventurer to Tyrhold. Honored to help the Dragon Aspects in the restoration of the legendary keeper, the old paladin decided to alert the Knights of the Silver Hand, considering that they may know something, and as followers of Tyr, that they deserved to hear what he witnessed and would certainly help their cause.[187]

During the Time-Lost Battlefield in the Dawn of the Infinite, an infinite battle between the forces Alliance and the Horde which have bled into the timeways, paladins of the Silver Hand could be seen fighting on the battlefield under the leadership of an alternate version of Anduin Lothar. They were later confronted by adventurers sent to end this time anomaly.

A representative of the Silver Hand was later sent at Tyrhold, and was consulted by Travard and Watcher Koranos to found worty recruits to reforge the Tyr's Guard. However, while the Silver Hand envoy gave them the names of a few of their paladins, none of them were what they were looking for.[188]

Culture[]

Paladin Crest

The paladin crest, illustrated in the preface of the Libram of Ancient Kings.

“This world is ours, and by the Holy Light we will keep it safe, now and forever.”

— Turalyon to Khadgar after the Second War[189]

The Order of the Silver Hand was founded on the moral foundation of five core traits, inspired by five holy tomes that were some of the church's most ancient relics. Each libram represented what Archbishop Alonsus Faol saw as a core trait of the Order: retribution, holiness, protection, justice, and compassion.[5]

As the martial branch of the Church of Light, the paladins of the Silver Hand are followers of the philosophy of the Holy Light, which boils down to the three teachings called the Three Virtues. They apply them at all times in order to make the world a place everyone can appreciate; a world of honor and justice, and embody the qualities of loyalty, bravery and honor.[5] Compassion, patience, bravery mean as much to a paladin as strength in battle,[190] and sacrifice is a key component in what it takes to uphold their duties.[191]

The paladins seem to have a thousand different rites for every minor occasion,[192] and are also known to be very sanctimonious.[6] For them; any service, however humble, that helped another was of the Light.[193] Nevertheless, they are known for their experience in meting out justice, which can sometimes turn into an inquisition.[194]

The paladins had a more ritualistic way of looking at battle, and focused more on the attitude one brought into the fight than the actual mechanics of swordplay.[195] In battle, they charge their enemies onto their steeds, using mainly swords and warhammers, but also maces, axes,[24] and their shields. During a fight to the death, the Holy code of the Order asks the paladin that they give a reprieve to their enemy if they collapse, as butchering a fallen foe in the midst of single combat is unquestionably dishonorable.[196] They also cannot slay any foe who cannot defend himself, notably someone asleep or unconscious, as the stain would be too great for their oaths.[194] According to Khadgar, they have an aura about them, a sense of calm and wisdom and even majesty, as if they were above the problems of this world. For the mage, it was a magic he did not understand but one he respected a great deal, and in many ways it was the opposite of his own magic, which sought to control the elements and other forces.[38]

Not all paladins of the Silver Hand come from noble families, like Sir Thomas who came from a family that owned and worked a pumpkin farm in Tirisfal Glades.[69] When a paladin enters the ranks of the Order they can change their name, like Davil Lightfire, originally Davil Crokford.[197] As paladins, they consider themselves to be “Brothers” and “Sisters”.[198] Along with their shoulders and warhammer, they received their own libram during their ceremony of induction, but also their paladin symbol.[199][200] They are holy relics filled with sacred texts, and which paladins use to channel their powers, or to write down important information.[158] When they obtain their steed, they name them following the tradition of the paladins and priests,[201] inherited from the informal tradition of the knights and nobles of Lordaeron, by a quality they admire.[202]

Librams Sanctum of Light

The libraries of the Sanctum of Light, where the librams and sacred books of the Order are archived by its scholars.

Before a dangerous mission, the Knights of the Silver Hand take no risks, the chief paladin of the group gives their seal of command to their second in case something happens to them. If the leader dies, their second in possession of the seal of command rises to the rank of their predecessor and takes charge of the troops.[203] After being killed on a mission or on the battlefield, the armor of a fallen paladin is retrieved by its comrades and later brought back in honor to the family by the master(s) of the deceased.[204] When buried, paladins can be placed in conventional cemeteries, or in the resting places of the honored dead such as the catacombs of the Cathedral of Light,[205] the cemetery of Light's Hope Chapel,[88] and the crypts of the Sanctum of Light.[206]

In times of peace, some of them exchange their weapons and armor for simple robes, applying the teachings of Faol on the dichotomy of paladins to serve humbly in devastated communities after wars; as they are both warriors and healers.[207] They also support the society through charitable works,[208][209] are sent on missions to protect the Alliance and their allies, and allowed the undead and spirits to rest,[210][211] either by purging or by using a holy censer to exorcise them.[212][213]

The paladins of the Silver Hand do not mistreat their prisoners, and do not deny them any basic rights,[194] including food, drink, and the right to defend themselves by giving their side of the story.[214] During interrogation, they disapprove the practice of torture or brutality,[215] instead asking the accused to confess,[194] or by seeking to negotiate with them.[216] In case of total refusal to comply, they use the Light to make them answer their questions, forcing them to tell the truth although it is very painful.[217]

In case of treason, desertion, or any acts contrary to the rules of the Order, paladins can be excommunicated. After having stand trial, their light-given powers are stripped, and they are then banned from the paladinship and exiled. Though it had only been used a few times, every paladin lived in mortal fear of it.[218] Sometimes used by some of the more fringe elements of the priesthood and the paladinhood, the scourges are instruments of self-flagellation meant to cleanse impurities.[219][69]

Formation[]

Alonsus Chapel Legion

Alonsus Chapel, where the first paladins were once trained and knighted.

The training to become a paladin of the Order can take several months for priests and knights,[24][5] and up to several years for younger and inexperienced apprentices,[25][79] although training can be accelerated for squires if necessary.[134] Becoming an apprentice requires attending to an establishment of the Church or the Silver Hand, and proving itself worthy of receiving the teachings of the Light. Whether young or adult, those who succeed are admitted and begin their training, the unworthy are dismissed but may retry later.[220]

In the past, they were mainly trained at the Cathedral of Capital City, the former main spiritual hub of the Church before the Third War,[79] or at the Monastery, a center for learning and enlightenment known as a proud bastion of Lordaeron's priesthood,[221] which served as a seminary and major training ground for paladins in training.[222][223] Nowadays, they are mainly trained by their seniors in the Sanctum of Light, in the Northshire Abbey of Northshire Valley, or in the Cathedral of Light and the Training Hall of Stormwind City. In Ironforge, they are trained in the Hall of Mysteries, a temple that serves as a center of arcane and divine practice and study.

Despite the Church's wishes to bolster its ranks, it understands the sacrifices needed to ensure the paladins serving it are worthy, thus requiring long training and several tests that could take their lives.[224] Apprentices are trained to use a variety of weapons, they learn combat tactics and many techniques, as well as how to ride and fight on their steed. Their training sessions are long and difficult, lasting up to several hours a day until exhaustion,[225] and this for days and nights.[5] Training at arms is important for a paladin, so are prayer and meditation, as they must be able to cut down their enemies but must also be able to heal their allies and themselves.[226] In places of worship, they are instructed to pray, to meditate for hours, and often discuss the nature of paladins and the rigorous disciplines they must observe.[227] They study many sacred texts, learn to take care of church duties and religious services, are instructed on the ways of the Order and its code of honor, but also on the protocols of politics and knighthood.[25] They also learn to abnegate themselves through meditation, in order to become conduits for the Light and use its powers.[228]

Altar of Ancients Kings

The Altar of Ancient Kings, where are inducted the paladins of the Silver Hand in the Sanctum of Light.

After being deemed worthy, becoming a paladin and officially joining the organization requires passing a ceremony of induction headed by a high member of the Church of the Light, in presence of priests and fellow paladins,[25][229][90] where they take their oath of allegiance[230] on a banner of the Silver Hand:

Alonsus Faol: In the Light, we gather to empower our brother. In its grace, he will be made anew. In its power, he shall educate the masses. In its strength, he shall combat the shadow. And, in its wisdom, he shall lead his brethren to the eternal rewards of paradise.
The Archbishop closed the book and turned toward the men on the left.
Alonsus Faol: Clerics of the Northshire, if you deem this man worthy, place your blessings upon him.
One of the clerics comes with a blessed dark blue embroidered stole in his hands, which he placed reverently around Arthas' neck. Then, he dipped his thumb in a small vial of sacred oil and anointed Arthas' forehead.
Cleric: By the grace of the Light, may your brethren be healed.
The Archbishop turned to the men on the right.
Alonsus Faol: Knights of the Silver Hand, if you deem this man worthy, place your blessings upon him.
Two of the armored men comes, the first laid the warhammer before Arthas' feet. The second, Uther the Lightbringer, placed the silver plates upon Arthas' shoulders.
Gavinrad: By the strength of the Light, may your enemies be undone.
Alonsus Faol: Arise and be recognized.
Arthas stood up in front of the Archbishop.
Alonsus Faol: Do you, Arthas Menethil, vow to uphold the honor and codes of the Order of the Silver Hand.
Arthas Menethil: I do.
Alonsus Faol: Do you vow to walk in the grace of the Light and spread its wisdom to your fellow man?
Arthas Menethil: I do.
Alonsus Faol: Do you vow to vanquish evil wherever it be found, and protect the weak and innocent with your very life?
Arthas Menethil: By my blood and honor, I do.
The Archbishop closed the book and walked back toward the center of the altar, he turned to face the entire assembly.
Alonsus Faol: Brothers — you who have gathered here to bear witness — raise your hands and let the Light illuminate this man.
Each of the clerics and knights raised their right hands and pointed toward Arthas, empowering him with the holy light.
Alonsus Faol: Arise, Arthas Menethil — Paladin defender of Lordaeron. Welcome to the Order of the Silver Hand.[231]

When Delas Moonfang became a paladin, she was instructed to "speak the vows".[232] She vowed to follow the guiding principles - to act honorably, to uphold what is righteous, to fight against injustice,[233] and to celebrate with her new brothers and sisters of the Silver Hand:

Delas walks down the aisle and then kneels at the steps leading up to the Altar of Ancient Kings.
Delas Moonfang says: Here, in the presence of eternal champions, I take this sacred oath:
Delas Moonfang says: To protect the weak, uphold justice, and walk the righteous path.
Delas Moonfang says: I pledge my life to the Order of the Silver Hand,
Delas Moonfang says: And join my brothers and sisters in humble service.
After Delas has completed the vow, the Highlord used the ability Ability paladin blindinglight Rise, Paladin to complete the induction.
Delas stands and walks the rest of the way to the altar before kneeling again. Upon arising, she is reborn as a paladin.

Following the ceremony, these new paladins receive their tabard and the Badge of the Silver Hand to formalize their status. Thereafter, they continue to be trained by their master, in order to learn how to use their new holy powers.[25][234] Once their training is complete, and to improve their new abilities, young paladins are given various missions and trials. One of the most influential paladins of the Alliance, Duthorian Rall, is notably responsible for placing the new members on the path to greater virtue, as they devote themselves to the Light and defend Azeroth from any threats.[235] They must succeed to prove themselves worthy to learn the use of the perception of the undead,[236] but above all, to access to one of the paladin's greatest honors, the power of resurrection.[237]

Young paladins get a warhorse as their first mount.[238] After proving themselves, Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker helped them to obtain their own Charger.[239] Those holy steeds are devoted to the cause of their owner,[240] and are the spirits of former deathchargers recovered from death knights and redeemed by a sacred ritual.[241][242] Once a tedious task that involved months of obtaining materials all over Azeroth, the Silver Hand has now most of those materials at hand since the Cataclysm.[104]

Organization[]

Sanctum of Light

The Sanctum of Light, headquarters and base of operation of the Order of the Silver Hand in Lordaeron.

As the martial branch of the Church of the Holy Light, the Order of the Silver Hand seeks to be an example of the Light's teachings as well as enforce its laws, and therefore, has its own hierarchical structure to organize its activities, in order to protect the weak and vanquish the evil of Azeroth. The Sanctum of Light is the secret hall located beneath Light's Hope Chapel that serves as a catacomb. It houses the remains of a thousand heroes of Lordaeron and is the headquarters of the organization from where they operated since the third invasion of the Burning Legion.

Leadership[]

The Highlord

Once under the command of the Supreme Commander and the Archbishop of the Church, the Silver Hand is led by an Highlord since the Third War. When they are chosen by their predecessor, the new Highlord must record their name in the Libram of Ancient Kings during a ceremony attended by all members of the Silver Hand.[128] They act as the highest authority of the organization, are recognized as a heroic figure among the paladins, embodying the faith and justice of the Light, and the one to whom all paladins swear fidelity.

The war council

The leaders of the Silver Hand, or the "war council",[243][244] are the high-ranking members entrusted with a position of authority in the organization. They advise and assist the Highlord, take care of organizing and directing the missions of their paladins, make decisions to determine future objectives and actions of the Order,[243] and represent it when the Highlord is not present. Since the reformation of the Silver Hand, the actual leaders are:

During the Third War, many leaders of the Silver Hand were killed by Arthas and the Scourge. Others such as Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan, High General Abbendis and Grand Inquisitor Isillien founded the Scarlet Crusade. During the Fourth War, the leaders Lady Liadrin of the Blood Knights and Aponi Brightmane of the Sunwalkers left the ranks of the Silver Hand and fought under the banner of the Horde during the Battle for Stromgarde.

The Champions

The Champions of the Silver Hand are chosen by the Highlord to lead the paladin troops against the enemies of the Silver Hand, and also to perform the function of bodyguard for the Highlord. Since the reformation of the Silver Hand, the actual champions are: Delas Moonfang, Nerus Moonfang, Maximillian of Northshire, and Lothraxion. Before the Third War, Prince Arthas Menethil was the revered champion of the Silver Hand.[245]

Membership[]

Main article: List of Knights of the Silver Hand paladins
Stormwind City after the Cataclysm

The Cathedral of Light, headquarters of the Silver Hand in Stormwind City.

Once only made up of humans, the Silver Hand began recruiting dwarves from Ironforge and high elves from Quel'Thalas after the Second War. After their integration into the Alliance, the draenei[246] and Dark Iron dwarves[247] were also recruited. The night elves Delas Moonfang and Nerus Moonfang, and the nathrezim Lothraxion, are unique cases recruited by the Highlord to serve as champions.

At the Sanctum of Light, the recruitment of new troops is organized by Commander Ansela, a grizzled war veteran and seasoned teacher, and Commander Born, a hard teacher who has trained some of the greatest paladin knights in the recent times. With some officers, Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker is in charge of coordinating the forces of the Silver Hand,[248] thus they organize the missions, assaults, and investigations for the paladins, but also the meetings between leaders of the organization,[243] the contact and recruitment of potential allies, the establishment of defenses to counter enemy attacks, all of this with the consideration of dozens of logistics, among them communications, resources, weapons, armors, the creation of supply lines for foods and medicines, and many others.[249]

The Order of the Silver Hand has a large number of paladins in its ranks. Under the orders of a military hierarchy, including captains,[250][251] commanders,[252] generals,[253] and champions, they dedicate their lives to the protection of Azeroth in the name of the Light. Many of them were once warriors, knights, and priests from the Seven Kingdoms.

  • The Squires are at the lowest rung, they aspire to one day become paladins themselves, and many see it as an honor to serve someone who has given themselves fully to the Light.[254]
  • The Shieldbearers specialize in defensive combat, forming an impenetrable wall of protection, while most paladins of the Silver Hand charge into battle on warhorses.[254]
  • The Knights devote themselves as diligently to combat training as much as they do to their daily prayers, honoring their battle skills in order to best defend the weak and the innocent.[254]
  • The Templars are not only the most skilled in battle, but also the most righteous in their demeanor. Strength of arms and purity of mind are strict requirements, and only those who possess both are named champions. They act as officers in the Order of the Silver Hand.[254]
  • The Crusaders are the Silver Hand's answer to an immovable barrier, and are deployed to only the most vicious battlefields.[254]

According to their specialty, some paladins may become Protectors who defend their allies in battle, while others may become Menders acting as healers. The mission of the Highguards is to protect the Sanctum of Light and the Highlord when they are on a mission. The scouts are sent to perform reconnaissance on the field and obtain information for their superiors. The Order has its own blacksmiths,[255] who recently learned to produce weapons and armor made of Inv ore mithril 02 [Lumenstone].[256] It is the task of the scholars, with Sister Elda as their Head Archivist, to preserve, study and archive in their libraries all the knowledge the Silver Hand accumulated over time.[257][258]

In times of great need, the Order of the Silver Hand can rally its mightiest forces into one pure destructive form, the Spell holy greaterblessingoflight Vanguard of the Silver Hand. Through a Libram in which the paladins had channeled their power, the Highlord can unleash that power to send his army for an important mission or battle.[259] In the Sanctum of Light, Terric the Illuminator is the one who takes care of rallying the troops to form the Vanguard of the Silver Hand.

At the time of the Third War, the Silver Hand counted among its ranks some priests, such as Isillien and Fairbanks, but also possibly mages, the only one known being Arcanist Doan.[39]

Sub-groups[]

Relations[]

Having led the Alliance of Lordaeron to victory against the Old Horde during the Second War, the holy knights of the Silver Hand are recognized as valiant and mighty champions of Humanity. By their nature of warriors of the Light affiliated with the Church, they were the only military unit trusted by all the monarchs of the Seven Kingdoms, and served as protectors during meetings of great importance in Lordaeron's palace, while they would not have been a part of the defense under normal conditions.[260] In the modern Alliance, the paladins of the Silver Hand are an elite known for their abilities as fighters, healers, and for leading their comrades in battle.

They are close allies of the Argent Crusade, as their remaining members in Lordaeron cooperated with the Argent Dawn, until the Battle for Light's Hope Chapel where they merged together to form the Argent Crusade under the command of Highlord Tirion Fordring. Conversely, they oppose the Scarlet Crusade and consider them as an aberration of the Silver Hand,[261] since their extreme and corrupt fanaticism led to the death of many innocent people.

The Wildhammer dwarves respect, if not like the Knights of the Silver Hand, as they know the prowess of the holy order in battle. During the Battle of Grim Batol, Falstad Dragonreaver and his wing of gryphon riders even agreed to let Lord Duncan Senturus ride with them on their gryphons for a battle against Dragonmaw dragonriders.[262]

Just like the Church considered the Kirin Tor and its magi as heretics for centuries,[263] some paladins showed hostility for Rhonin and all the others wizards, seeing them as damned souls, but also as an occasional and necessary evil, which they would do without at any other time.[264] Even Uther the Lightbringer had never been very comfortable with magi, sharing the common perception that their magic was unholy and possibly even demonic, but he learned to accept it.[38]

Despite being allies against the Legion, the Silver Hand and the Blood Knights maintain a strained and aggressive relationship. They are factionally opposed, with a different philosophy on their relationship with the Light. Once, the Blood Knights considered themselves to be better than the other paladins, and the true masters of the Light, going so far as to attempt to assert their dominance with their assault on Alonsus Chapel.[265] This duality resurfaced noticeably during the Fourth War.

The Silver Hand have a hostile relationship with the Knights of the Ebon Blade. Despite their alliance to defeat the Lich King, the death knights led an assault on the Sanctum of Light to retrieve Tirion's body and make him the last member of the Four Horsemen. Although they managed to make their way through the paladins, their attempt was interrupted by the Light itself,[266] leaving the Ebon Blade in hostility with the Silver Hand, but also with the Argent Crusade.[267]

Items[]

In Warcraft III[]

WC3RoC-logo This section concerns content related to Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or its expansion The Frozen Throne.

The Silver Hand was a human faction led by Uther. Among their ranks it counted the hero units paladins, and regular units like footmen, knights, riflemen, and some militias. They appeared as an allied faction in The Defense of Strahnbrad, Blackrock and Roll, and as an enemy faction in Digging up the Dead.

In the RPG[]

Icon-RPG This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.
Epic paladin

Epic paladin warrior RPG art from Shadows & Light.

Although the study of the Holy Light lends itself to scholars and priests, they are not the only faithful followers. The Knights of the Silver Hand is an organization of paladins who have also studied and devoted themselves to the three virtues. It is the holy order that gives the paladins their sense of righteousness and allows a sense of community to strengthen their resolve. Although it is a proud organization, the paladins must give up a great deal to join, including their independence. Uther Lightbringer founded the Order before the Alliance launched the Second War. The paladins were instrumental in winning the war and actually helped the Holy Light catch on with the citizenry of Azeroth when people saw the mighty paladins do battle with their holy power.

In recent years, the Knights of the Silver Hand entered a dark period when one of their own, Prince Arthas, turned his back on the Order in his dark pursuit of vengeance. He fully embraced the evil he thought he was hunting and became a death knight in service to the Scourge. This event dealt a great blow to the paladins of the Order, as they had to watch one of their best turn into a mighty enemy. Many paladins feel responsibility for him because the Holy Light teaches that every person can strengthen other people. Since they were unable to strengthen Arthas, the entire world suffered.[268]

Many Knights of the Silver Hand remained on Lordaeron for several reasons ranging from missing the fleeing boats, to a sense of duty to clear their homeland of the undead. With the destruction of Lordaeron in front of them and the knowledge that Arthas had betrayed them, some knights actually went mad.[269] Following the invasion of the Scourge, many of the Order's paladins joined a zealous group of followers of the Light known as the Scarlet Crusade.[270] However, many of these paladins have become fanatical towards their ambition of destroying the Scourge, to the point that those not wearing their colors are deemed corrupted. They hunt the undead in Lordaeron with a zeal that frightens. Many innocent mortals have been killed through misunderstandings, or simply "just making sure". These paladins have a frightening policy: When in doubt, assume the person is undead and kill him. These knights would never admit that they walk the same dark road that led to Arthas’s damnation, but few of them continue to follow the three virtues. Those who question their leaders are assumed to be undead sympathizers and are slain. Many serve the Scarlet Crusade out of fear, as to speak up means instant death.[269]

After leaving the Crusade, some paladins decided to join the Argent Dawn.[271] Some paladins of the Silver Hand, brought to their knees by their failure to do anything to stop the plague and save Lordaeron from the Lich King's depredations, have also turned from the light and joined Arthas Menethil as death knights.[272] Others fled south, to the Kingdom of Stormwind. The paladin order, still referring to themselves as the Order of the Silver Hand, now thrives under new leadership at the Cathedral of Light in Stormwind City. Over time, the followers of the Holy Light spread their philosophy to the dwarves of Ironforge, who soon adopted the tenets of the Order as well. Though decimated, the Knights of the Silver Hand eventually bounced back.[273]

Paladinwarrior

Paladin warrior art from the Warcraft RPG.

  • Even after the triumph at Mount Hyjal, the paladins remembered Arthas's betrayal and just how close their order and all of Azeroth had come to complete destruction.[268] Many paladins felt responsibility for Arthas because the Holy Light teaches that every person can strengthen other people. Since they were unable to strengthen Arthas, the entire world suffered. After such an enormous breach of trust, the paladins resolved anew to eliminate all traces of corruption in their ranks.[274]
  • While the Knights of the Silver Hand survived the Scourge, few paladins were left in the Order.[275] The remaining knights started hunting Arthas's servants, the undead, with a ruthlessness that frightened some, but they were determined to fix their mistakes.[268]
  • The stalwart paladins of the Silver Hand who traveled to Kalimdor worked to establish a new church there.[268]
  • Humans founded the Knights of the Silver Hand, and though they remained the bulk of its membership, the new order started to accept dwarves into the ranks to replace paladins lost during the Third War (they had previously accepted a few dwarven paladins as far back as the Second War, though it was uncommon). The Order was not nearly as active as it once had been, but those belonging to the organization became some of the most active members of the Alliance.[276]
  • In addition to the night elves, many guests and diplomats from elsewhere reside in Darnassus, including Knights of the Silver Hand.[277]
  • Auradins are paladins of the Silver Hand who focus the power of their faith and of their traditions solely into their auras.[4]
  • Templars see corruption in their homes and many other organizations, including the Knights of the Silver Hand. While the templars see paladins as allies and vice versa, templars feel that the Silver Hand overemphasizes tradition and order over general goodness and the other values of the Light.[278]
  • Verius attempted to infiltrate the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand after the Third War.[279]
  • Brann believes that blue dragons may be found in the ranks of many mortal orders, including the Knights of the Silver Hand.[280]
  • Delgren the Purifier is a Knight of the Silver Hand.[281]
  • Forthisal D'Neve is studying with the Knights of the Silver Hand to become a paladin.[282]
  • The Phylactery of Faithfulness, a small box containing religious scripture affixed to a leather cord and tied around the forehead, is commonly used by night elves and members of the Silver Hand.[283]
  • In the Scarlet Crusade, it is the duty of the Scarlet inquisitor to transform a broken Knight of the Silver Hand into a loyal zealot of the Scarlet Crusade, such as Highlord Taelan Fordring.[284]
  • Once indoctrinated, a lightslayer receives missions to combat the Holy Light, particularly the Scarlet Crusade (though Knights of the Silver Hand and ordinary priests and parishioners are also fair game).[285]
  • According to Brann Bronzebeard:
We have the Knights of the Silver Hand on our side, but this is a group that has experienced more hardships than most during these dark days. Once the pinnacle of enlightenment, goodness, purity and light, they are forever shamed that the powerful Lich King who sits upon the frozen throne was one of theirs. They wrack their brains on where they went wrong, why they couldn't see the streak of evil that obviously lurked inside Arthas. If he were truly a paladin, as they are, then there is no way he would have been corrupted. I think they have rather a too high opinion of the paladins, but I'm not the one to tell them.
Even though paladins are some of our most powerful weapons against the Scourge, with their holy power over undead, the paladins are not what they once were. Some have been driven into obsessive madness, forming the Scarlet Crusade and killing living and undead alike in their eagerness to eradicate the Scourge. Others traveled across the sea with Jaina Proudmoore to help defeat the Burning Legion and now reside on Theramore. They certainly do what they can to destroy undead they discover on Kalimdor, but the Scourge's numbers there are like a thimble of beer compared to the great kegs that are Lordaeron and Northrend. We'll need the paladins to defeat the Scourge, but they are not up to the task right now, and I don't know how much longer we can wait.[286]

Brann also fought with a good number of Uther's knights in the Second War. He says that they were good folk, if a bit too righteous for their own good, but he finds some habits of the knighthood stubborn.[281]

In the TCG[]

Icon-TCG This section contains information from the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game and is considered non-canon.

“Although the act of sacrifice is not exclusive to the Knights of the Silver Hand, they consider it to be a staple of their creed.”

— Dorric the Martyr[287]
  • "The Order was shattered when Lordaeron fell to the Scourge, but the relics of the Silver Hand persevere."[289]
  • "Uther, the first paladin of the Knights of the Silver Hand, was betrayed by his favorite pupil, the young prince of Lordaeron, Arthas Menethil."[290]

In Hearthstone[]

Hearthstone This section contains information exclusive to Hearthstone and is considered non-canon.
Cariel Roame

The paladin Cariel Roame in Hearthstone.

In Hearthstone, the following cards represent the members of the Silver Hand:

In Heroes of the Storm[]

Heroes of the Storm This section concerns content related to Heroes of the Storm and is considered non-canon.
  • "The Knights of the Silver Hand breed their warhorses to serve fearlessly on the battlefield. Even the hardest of orcs quake with fear at the sight of paladins upon these mighty steeds."[291]
  • "Despite surviving Arthas's brutal assault, Uther was unable to prevent Lordaeron's fall. Now under Varian's banner, he leads the Silver Hand into Northrend to mete out justice."[292]

Notes and trivia[]

  • It seems that before the Third War, the paladins could embark on a pilgrimage through Lordaeron, as the Scourging of the kingdom by Arthas was described as "a dark version of a paladin’s pilgrimage".[74]
  • The Judgement Armor is meant to be an Inquisitor-like outfit for the Knights of the Silver Hand. It is the paladin's embodiment of delivering their sentence upon the enemy. This armor does not represent the defender aspect of the holy knights, but the commanding, faceless aspect of justice and judgment, as there is more to a paladin than shining armor.[293] It's a suit of plate armor fitted with precious icons and scripture of justice from the paladins' tenets of Holy Light.[294]
  • Contrary to popular belief, the paladins of the Order are not subject to the vows of celibacy and chastity. They can freely marry and have children.[295]
  • The Highlord of the Silver Hand is a heroic figure among the paladins, many want to impress them, and a few rumors circulate about them. Some even wonder if they could be a demigod.
  • The testimony of Fairbanks before his execution was written in the Libram of Ancient Kings, allowing the Silver Hand to learn the truth about the murder of Alexandros Mograine.[52]
  • As a boy, Bolvar Fordragon was impressing his paladin mentors with his determination and noble spirit.[296]
    • In his childhood, Stephon Marris wanted to become a paladin of the Silver Hand.[297]
    • As a young man, Jordan Stilwell was to become a paladin of the Order,[298] but instead became an incredible smith in his father's footsteps.[299]
    • When he felt a connection to the Light as an inquisitor of the Order of Embers, Hadwin sought out the Silver Hand to train him as a paladin, but he wasn't satisfied and left the order.[188]
  • The Silver Hand is the only Order Hall from Legion to have gone back on its neutrality, and there have been no depictions of any Horde-race Silver Hand members since the end of Legion.
  • According to A Cleansing Fire, the Silver Hand splintered into the Argent Dawn and Scarlet Crusade four years after the death of Terenas Menethil.[69] In the current timeline, it happened only two years after.
  • During early Legion development, there was a quest to christen the Order of the Silver Hand using the Libram of the Order in Light's Hope Sanctum.[300]
  • The Roleplaying server Silver Hand US is named after the Order.
Symbolism
SilverHandIconographyLegion

The Silver Hand's new iconography in Legion, featuring an open hand. The closed fist iconography is also still used.

  • The Order of the Silver Hand took its name and symbol from the legend of Tyr. A paragon of order and justice, Tyr sacrificed his right hand in a fight against an unfathomable evil. Although it was within his power to fix his hand after the fighting had ended, the hero instead chose to replace it with a closed fist made of the purest silver. In this way, he impressed upon those who followed him that true order and justice can only be accomplished through personal sacrifice.[301]
    • The silver hand was already a common symbol for the human tribes of Tirisfal many centuries ago, appearing on clothing and pendants, worn to ward away evil spirits, to protect warriors in battle and to cure diseases.[302]
  • As of Legion, the Silver Hand's banner has an alternate depiction used predominantly throughout the expansion, from a closed fist, to that of an open one.
    • Both are still used, however, as the tabards depict the closed fist, and Turalyon's forces use the closed-fist banner during the Battle for Stromgarde.
    • The open hand seems to be in reference to the Ashbringer, as the symbol can be seen on the "disk" of the blade.
  • In Battle for Azeroth, the Path of Uther and Uther's Tomb were updated with Silver Hand banners.
  • In Shadowlands, early versions of the Barracks had Silver Hand symbols on display, this was later removed entirely and replaced with its current version.[303]
Status during the Third War
  • Most sources state that Uther was accused of treason and relieved of his command with his paladins being suspended from service by Prince Arthas Menethil near Stratholme.[66][63][39][12]
    • Other sources contradict this issue. Most notably, Uther's dialogue implies that Arthas did not have the power to disband the paladins, and the premise of the "Dissension" mission implies that King Terenas agreed.
  • The Ultimate Visual Guide stated that Arthas disbanded the Knights of the Silver Hand.[304] Its updated version, however, stated that Arthas just sent Uther and his knights away and that they were decimated during the war.[305]
  • World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3 states that Arthas turned his back on the paladins and called their refusal an act of treason.

Speculation[]

Questionmark-medium
This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.

Gallery[]

Warcraft series
Hearthstone
Fan art

See also[]

References[]

 
  1. ^ Delas Moonfang and Nerus Moonfang
  2. ^ Isillien and Fairbanks were priests of the Silver Hand
  3. ^ Doan was a mage of the Silver Hand
  4. ^ a b Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 18
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 154
  6. ^ a b c Day of the Dragon, chapter 4
  7. ^ Turalyon#Monuments
  8. ^ Of Blood and Honor, pg. 8
  9. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, Human Hero Units, Paladin
  10. ^ Inv misc book 09 [The Story of Morgan Ladimore]
  11. ^ a b c d e Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual
  12. ^ a b c d e f Uther Lightbringer, The Paladin
  13. ^ a b Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Alliance Ground Units, Paladin
  14. ^ a b Warcraft III - Humans -> Units -> Paladin.
  15. ^ a b A IconSmall Human MaleIconSmall Human Female Paladin [3] Consecrated Letter
  16. ^ a b A IconSmall Dwarf MaleIconSmall Dwarf Female Paladin [3] Consecrated Rune
  17. ^ a b N Death Knight [8-30] The Light of Dawn
  18. ^ a b Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 5
  19. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 152
  20. ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual#Sire Uther Lightbringer
  21. ^ Tides of Darkness, pg. 84
  22. ^ Tides of Darkness, pg. 86
  23. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 158
  24. ^ a b c Tides of Darkness, chapter 21
  25. ^ a b c d e Of Blood and Honor, chapter 2
  26. ^ Inv bracer 17 [Uther's Guard]
  27. ^ Tides of Darkness, pg. 129 - 130
  28. ^ Tides of Darkness, chapter 8
  29. ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Alliance Buildings, Church
  30. ^ a b Tides of Darkness, chapter 20
  31. ^ Tyr's Hand (WC2 Human)
  32. ^ The Razing of Tyr's Hand (WC2 Orc)
  33. ^ The Battle at Darrowmere (WC2 Human)
  34. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 165
  35. ^ Betrayal and the Destruction of Alterac (WC2 Human)
  36. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 168
  37. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 171
  38. ^ a b c d Tides of Darkness, chapter 22
  39. ^ a b c d e f g h i Death is Contagious
  40. ^ Tides of Darkness, pg. 127
  41. ^ Tides of Darkness, pg. 359
  42. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 177
  43. ^ The Invasion of Draenor
  44. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 198
  45. ^ WoW Character Selection Screen, pre-2.01: "Although paladins were once exclusively human, a number of stout-hearted dwarves have recently been welcomed into the Order of the Silver Hand."
  46. ^ Blood of the Highborne
  47. ^ N [58] Of Love and Family
  48. ^ N [15-30D] The Dreadlord Balnazzar
  49. ^ Game Guide/World Dungeons#The Scarlet Monastery
  50. ^ A [38D] Mythology of the Titans
  51. ^ A [30D] The Scarlet Monastery
  52. ^ a b Libram of Ancient Kings
  53. ^ Day of the Dragon
  54. ^ Day of the Dragon, chapter 6
  55. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 45 - 47
  56. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, Human History (since the end of the second war)
  57. ^ Mage
  58. ^ Of Blood and Honor
  59. ^ N [60] Find Myranda
  60. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, part 2, chapter 8
  61. ^ a b The Defense of Strahnbrad (WC3 Human)
  62. ^ Blackrock and Roll (WC3 Human)
  63. ^ a b c Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 12
  64. ^ The Scourge of Lordaeron (History of Warcraft)
  65. ^ a b World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 74
  66. ^ a b The Culling (WC3 Human)
  67. ^ Shield of the Deathlord
  68. ^ N [20-30D] Liquid Gold
  69. ^ a b c d e f g Legends Volume 5: A Cleansing Fire
  70. ^ Frostmourne (Warcraft III)
  71. ^ N [25-30] Army of the Damned
  72. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 58
  73. ^ Libram of the Dead#Blades of the Fallen Prince
  74. ^ a b Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 17
  75. ^ "Path of the Damned: Digging up the Dead", Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment.
  76. ^ Inv misc book 07 [Annals of Darrowshire]
  77. ^ Inv misc book 07 [Extended Annals of Darrowshire]
  78. ^ Warcraft III - Undead -> Units -> Death Knight.
  79. ^ a b c Arthas: Rise of the Lich King
  80. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 64
  81. ^ "Eternity's End: Enemies at the Gate", Warcraft III. Blizzard Entertainment.
  82. ^ Halford Wyrmbane#Gossip
  83. ^ "Terror of the Tides: The Ruins of Dalaran", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  84. ^ The Crossing
  85. ^ "Legacy of the Damned: King Arthas", Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. Blizzard Entertainment.
  86. ^ Old Hatreds (WC3 Orc)
  87. ^ A Blaze of Glory (WC3 Orc)
  88. ^ a b c World of Warcraft: Ashbringer, Issue 4 - Dust to Dust
  89. ^ Ashes to Ashes, pg. 4 & 16
  90. ^ a b c Ashes to Ashes
  91. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 127 - 129
  92. ^ A [15-30] Uther's Blessing
  93. ^ a b N [60G] In Dreams
  94. ^ The World of Warcraft Townhall/Classes#The Paladin
  95. ^ Races of World of Warcraft: Human
  96. ^ Marshal McBride's Documents#Contents .28old version.29
  97. ^ A IconSmall Human MaleIconSmall Human Female Paladin [12] Tome of Divinity
  98. ^ A IconSmall Human MaleIconSmall Human Female Paladin [12] Tome of Divinity
  99. ^ A Paladin [25] The Tome of Valor
  100. ^ A IconSmall Dwarf MaleIconSmall Dwarf Female Paladin [12] The Tome of Divinity
  101. ^ A Paladin [52] Chillwind Camp
  102. ^ A Paladin [60] Manna-Enriched Horse Feed
  103. ^ A Paladin [60] Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker
  104. ^ a b N Paladin [45] Preparations Underway
  105. ^ Eligor Dawnbringer#Light's Hope Chapel
  106. ^ H [58] Defiling Uther's Tomb
  107. ^ H IconSmall BloodElf MaleIconSmall BloodElf Female Paladin [60D] True Masters of the Light
  108. ^ Shadow Wing
  109. ^ Nexus Point
  110. ^ Night of the Dragon, chapter 2
  111. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 174
  112. ^ Argent Crusade#Reputation
  113. ^ A [70] A Desperate Alliance
  114. ^ A [10-30] The Shining Light
  115. ^ A [10-30] Guided by Honor
  116. ^ Lich King (tactics)
  117. ^ N [25-30D] Dispelling Illusions
  118. ^ N [25-30D] A Royal Escort
  119. ^ A Paladin [20-30D] Weapons of Darkness
  120. ^ A Paladin [8-30D] The Hand of the Light
  121. ^ N [15-30] Scarlet Salvage
  122. ^ N [20-30D] Lord Aurius Rivendare
  123. ^ World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 85
  124. ^ a b N Paladin [45] Stirring in the Shadows
  125. ^ N [15-30D] Annals of the Silver Hand
  126. ^ Eligor Dawnbringer#Quotes
  127. ^ Domination Point (scenario)#Background
  128. ^ a b c N Paladin [10-45] A United Force
  129. ^ N Paladin [10-45] An Urgent Gathering
  130. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Weapons of Legend
  131. ^ N Paladin [10-45] We Meet at Light's Hope
  132. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Logistical Matters
  133. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Dark Storms
  134. ^ a b N Paladin [10-45] Recruiting the Troops
  135. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Silver Hand Knights
  136. ^ N Paladin [45] Judgment Awaits
  137. ^ N Death knight [45] The Fourth Horseman
  138. ^ N Paladin [10-45] A Sign From The Sky
  139. ^ N [10-45] A Falling Star
  140. ^ N Paladin [10-45] The Scion's Legacy
  141. ^ The Highlord's Command
  142. ^ Campaign The Highlord's Command: Nemesis
  143. ^ Campaign The Highlord's Command: Holy Allies
  144. ^ Campaign The Highlord's Command: Legion Defense
  145. ^ Campaign The Highlord's Command: Procuring Supplies
  146. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Wrath and Justice
  147. ^ Campaign Wrath and Justice
  148. ^ N Paladin [10-45] To Faronaar
  149. ^ N Paladin [10-45] This Is Retribution
  150. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Mother Ozram
  151. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Communication Orbs
  152. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Cracking the Codex
  153. ^ N Paladin [10-45D] Assault on Violet Hold: The Fel Lexicon
  154. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Blood of Our Enemy
  155. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Blood of Our Enemy
  156. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Translation: Danger!
  157. ^ N Paladin [45] To Felblaze Ingress
  158. ^ a b N Paladin [45] Aponi's Trail
  159. ^ N Paladin [45] The Mind of the Enemy
  160. ^ N Paladin [45] United As One
  161. ^ N Paladin [45] Champion: Delas Moonfang
  162. ^ N Paladin [45] Oath Breaker
  163. ^ Lumenstone#Source
  164. ^ N Paladin [45] Blood of Sargeras
  165. ^ N Paladin [45] Lumenstone
  166. ^ N Paladin [45] A Light in the Darkness
  167. ^ N Paladin [45] Warriors of Light
  168. ^ World of Warcraft: Legion - Patch 7.2 – The Tomb of Sargeras Trailer
  169. ^ N [110] The Power in Our Hands
  170. ^ Sunwalker Champion
  171. ^ Battle for Stromgarde#Quotes
  172. ^ H [10-50WQ] Grand Marshal Fury
  173. ^ H [10-50WQ] Azerite Transport
  174. ^ H [10-50WQ] Azerite Caravan
  175. ^ H [10-50WQ] Wet Work: Fort Knight
  176. ^ H [10-50WQ] Fogsail for a Day
  177. ^ World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 84 - 85
  178. ^ Shadowlands: Adventure Awaits in the New Starting Experience
  179. ^ A Paladin [8-30] Ezul'aan Calls
  180. ^ A Paladin [20-30] Meet with Ezul'aan
  181. ^ A Paladin [20-30D] Weapons of Darkness
  182. ^ A Paladin [8-30D] The Hand of the Light
  183. ^ N [60] Step Into the Light
  184. ^ N [60] I Intend to Live Forever
  185. ^ World of Warcraft: Grimoire of the Shadowlands and Beyond, pg. 69
  186. ^ Cariel Roame, Vaayu Hestavari, Dragonscale Expedition Defenders
  187. ^ N [70] A Sliver of Silver
  188. ^ a b N [70] Reforging the Tyr's Guard
  189. ^ Tides of Darkness, epilogue
  190. ^ A IconSmall Human MaleIconSmall Human Female Paladin [12] The Tome of Divinity
  191. ^ A Paladin [60] To Show Due Judgment
  192. ^ Day of the Dragon, chapter 8
  193. ^ The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm, chapter 6
  194. ^ a b c d Day of the Dragon, chapter 5
  195. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 40
  196. ^ Of Blood and Honor, chapter 1
  197. ^ Inv misc book 07 [Extended Annals of Darrowshire]
  198. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, part 1, chapter 5
  199. ^ B [10-70 Daily] Smash the Pumpkin
  200. ^ A Paladin [8-30D] The Hand of the Light
  201. ^ Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 107
  202. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 26
  203. ^ Day of the Dragon, pg. 60
  204. ^ Mage, page 41
  205. ^ Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 19
  206. ^ Hall of Champions (Sanctum of Light)
  207. ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 5
  208. ^ A IconSmall Human MaleIconSmall Human Female Paladin [12] The Tome of Divinity
  209. ^ A Paladin [60] Emphasis on Sacrifice
  210. ^ A [10-30] The Cries of the Dead
  211. ^ A Paladin [60] Exorcising Terrordale
  212. ^ A Paladin [60] To Show Due Judgment
  213. ^ A [10-30] Soothing Spirits
  214. ^ Ashes to Ashes, pg. 5
  215. ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 9
  216. ^ Shadows Rising
  217. ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 13
  218. ^ Of Blood and Honor, chapter 5
  219. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 137 - 138
  220. ^ N Paladin [45] Judgment Awaits
  221. ^ Game Guide/World Dungeons#The Scarlet Monastery
  222. ^ A [38D] Mythology of the Titans
  223. ^ A [30D] The Scarlet Monastery
  224. ^ A Paladin [25] The Tome of Valor
  225. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 8
  226. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 7
  227. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 4
  228. ^ World of Warcraft: The Comic, Issue 22: Whispers
  229. ^ Of Blood and Honor, chapter 8
  230. ^ N [58] Of Lost Honor
  231. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, part 1, chapter 5
  232. ^ N Paladin [45] A New Path
  233. ^ N Paladin [45] Champion: Delas Moonfang
  234. ^ Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 62
  235. ^ A IconSmall Human MaleIconSmall Human Female Paladin [12] The Tome of Divinity
  236. ^ A Paladin [25] The Tome of Valor
  237. ^ A IconSmall Human MaleIconSmall Human Female Paladin [12] The Tome of Divinity
  238. ^ A Paladin [40] The Tome of Nobility
  239. ^ A Paladin [60] Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker
  240. ^ Summon Charger#Mount Journal
  241. ^ A Paladin [60] Exorcising Terrordale
  242. ^ A Paladin [60D] Judgement and Redemption
  243. ^ a b c N Paladin [10-45] Meeting of the Silver Hand
  244. ^ N Priest [45] United As One
  245. ^ Blood of the Highborne, chapter 2
  246. ^ Ezul'aan
  247. ^ Nella Slagheart & Frida Ironbellows
  248. ^ N Paladin [10-45] Logistical Matters
  249. ^ N Paladin [10-45] The Scion's Legacy
  250. ^ Captain Ridgers
  251. ^ Mage, page 35
  252. ^ Commander Born & Commander Ansela
  253. ^ High General Abbendis
  254. ^ a b c d e Class Hall followers#Paladin
  255. ^ N Paladin [45] Champion Armaments
  256. ^ N Paladin [45] Lumenstone
  257. ^ N Paladin [110] Furthering Knowledge
  258. ^ N Paladin [110] Delivering Lost Knowledge
  259. ^ N Paladin [110] Blessing of the Order
  260. ^ Day of the Dragon, chapter 6
  261. ^ Tirion Fordring#Tirion's story in his own words
  262. ^ Day of the Dragon, chapter 8
  263. ^ Road to Damnation
  264. ^ Day of the Dragon, chapter 2
  265. ^ H IconSmall BloodElf MaleIconSmall BloodElf Female Paladin [60D] True Masters of the Light
  266. ^ N Death knight [45] The Fourth Horseman
  267. ^ Argent Sentry (Death Rising)#Gossip
  268. ^ a b c d Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 125
  269. ^ a b Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 169
  270. ^ Dark Factions, pg. 76
  271. ^ Dark Factions, pg. 124
  272. ^ Dark Factions, pg. 57
  273. ^ Dark Factions, pg. 154 - 155
  274. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 21
  275. ^ Lands of Mystery, pg. 8, 187
  276. ^ Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 177
  277. ^ Lands of Mystery, pg. 22
  278. ^ Magic & Mayhem, pg. 15
  279. ^ Magic & Mayhem, pg. 11 - 12
  280. ^ Lands of Mystery, pg. 114
  281. ^ a b Lands of Mystery, pg. 8
  282. ^ Lands of Conflict, pg. 170
  283. ^ Magic & Mayhem, pg. 145
  284. ^ Dark Factions, pg. 79
  285. ^ Horde Player's Guide, pg. 47
  286. ^ Lands of Mystery, pg. 167
  287. ^ Dorric the Martyr
  288. ^ Antonidas' Aegis of Rapt Concentration
  289. ^ Ring of the Silver Hand
  290. ^ Legacy of Lordaeron
  291. ^ Mount
  292. ^ Uther#Skins
  293. ^ Blizzard Community Manager Caydiem. WoW Paladin Discussion (old site, no archive available).
  294. ^ World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: Kalimdor, pg. 67
  295. ^ Blizzard lore posts#Sean Copeland
  296. ^ We Ride Forth, pg. 14
  297. ^ Dark Mirror
  298. ^ A Paladin [21D] The Test of Righteousness
  299. ^ A Paladin [25] The Tome of Valor
  300. ^ Wowhead
  301. ^ World of Warcraft Forums - Ask CDev #1 Answers. Retrieved on 2010-06-30.
  302. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 127
  303. ^ Ian Bates on Twitter: "The mag'har have lost their mini-capital and its now an area for class trainers (Geya'rah and a couple patrolling ones are still outside though)." (with associated picture)
  304. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 44, 166
  305. ^ World of Warcraft: Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded, pg. 44, 190
  306. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 126
  307. ^ N [60R] The Fate of Ramaladni
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