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{{Redirect|The Silver Hand|the weapon of the [[keeper]] [[Tyr]]|The Silver Hand (artifact)|the quest|The Silver Hand (quest)}}
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{{Redirect|The Silver Hand|the weapon of the [[keeper]] [[Tyr]]|The Silver Hand (artifact)|the quest|The Silver Hand (quest)|the short story|Silver Hand, Ebon Blade}}
 
{{Infobox faction
 
{{Infobox faction
 
| name = Knights of the Silver Hand
 
| name = Knights of the Silver Hand
 
| image = SilverHandLegion.png
 
| image = SilverHandLegion.png
 
| faction = Alliance
 
| faction = Alliance
| leader = {{NPC||Adventurer||The Highlord||icon=Adventurer}}
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| leader = {{ClassIcon|Paladin}} {{NPC||Adventurer||The Highlord||icon=Adventurer}}
 
| fleader = [[#Leadership|See below]]
 
| fleader = [[#Leadership|See below]]
| leaders = {{NPC|Neutral|Lord Maxwell Tyrosus|icon=Maxwell}}<br/> {{NPC|Alliance|High Exarch Turalyon|icon=Turalyon}}<br/> {{NPC|Alliance|Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker|icon=Human Male}}<br/> {{NPC|Alliance|Valgar Highforge|icon=Dwarf Male}}<br/> {{NPC|Alliance|Justicar Julia Celeste|icon=Human Female}}<br/> {{NPC|Alliance|Vindicator Boros|icon=Draenei Male}}<br/> {{NPC|Alliance|Arator the Redeemer|icon=Arator}}
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| leaders = {{NPC|Neutral|Lord Maxwell Tyrosus|icon=Maxwell}}<br/> {{NPC|Alliance|High Exarch Turalyon|icon=Turalyon}}<br/> {{NPC|Alliance|Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker|icon=Human Male}}<br/> {{NPC|Alliance|Justicar Julia Celeste|icon=Human Female}}<br/> {{NPC|Alliance|Vindicator Boros|icon=Draenei Male}}<br/> {{NPC|Alliance|Arator the Redeemer|icon=Arator}}
 
| fleaders = [[#Leadership|See below]]
 
| fleaders = [[#Leadership|See below]]
| races = {{Race|Human}}<br/> {{Race|Dwarf}}<br/> {{Race|HighElf}}<br/> {{Race|Draenei}}<br/> {{Race|Half-elf}}<br/> {{Race|Nightelf}} ([[Delas Moonfang|one]])<br/> {{RaceIcon|Ghost}} [[Ghost]] ([[Nerus Moonfang|one]])<br/> {{Race|Nathrezim}} ([[Lothraxion|one]])
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| races = {{Race|Human|notext}}{{Race|Kultiran|notext}} [[Human]]<br/> {{Race|Dwarf|notext}}{{Race|Dark Iron dwarf|notext}} [[Dwarf]]<br/> {{Race|HighElf}}<br/> {{Race|Half-elf}}<br/> {{Race|Draenei}}<br/> {{Race|Nightelf}}<ref>[[Delas Moonfang]] and [[Nerus Moonfang]]</ref><br/> {{RaceIcon|Dreadlord2}} [[Nathrezim]] <small>([[Lothraxion|one]])</small>
 
| fraces = {{Race|BloodElf}}<br/> {{Race|Tauren}}
 
| fraces = {{Race|BloodElf}}<br/> {{Race|Tauren}}
| character = [[Paladin]], [[Knight]], [[Priest]],<ref>[[Grand Inquisitor Isillien|Isillien]]</ref><ref>[[High Inquisitor Fairbanks|Fairbanks]]</ref> [[Vindicator]], [[Templar]], [[Mage]]<ref>[[Arcanist Doan]]</ref>
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| character = [[Paladin]], [[Priest]],<ref>[[Grand Inquisitor Isillien|Isillien]] and [[High Inquisitor Fairbanks|Fairbanks]] were priests of the Silver Hand</ref> [[Mage]]<ref>[[Arcanist Doan|Doan]] was a mage of the Silver Hand</ref><br/> {{RPG-inline}} [[Auradin]]<ref name="APG 18" />
| capital = {{Neutral}} [[Sanctum of Light]]
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| capital = {{ClassIcon|Paladin}} [[Sanctum of Light]]
| fcapital = {{Alliance}} [[Stratholme]]<ref name="Chronicle 2">{{Ref WoWCV2|154}}</ref>{{KIA}}
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| fcapital = [[Stratholme]]<ref name="Chronicle 2">{{Ref WoWCV2|154}}</ref>
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| base = [[Cathedral of Light]], [[Hall of Mysteries]], [[Alonsus Chapel]]
| capitals = {{Alliance}} [[Stormwind City]]<br/> {{Alliance}} [[Ironforge]]
 
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| fbase = [[Hearthglen]], [[Ruins of Lordaeron]], [[Scarlet Monastery|Old Monastery]], [[Andorhal]], [[Scarlet Bastion|Silver Hand Bastion]], [[Keep#Interlude|Keeps]] across [[Lordaeron]]<ref name="DotD4">''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 4</ref>
| fcapitals = {{Alliance}} [[Capital City]]{{KIA}}
 
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| theater = [[Azeroth]], [[Outland]]
| base = {{Alliance}} [[Cathedral of Light]]<br/> {{Alliance}} [[Hall of Mysteries]]<br/> {{Neutral}} [[Alonsus Chapel]]
 
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| ftheater = {{Au|Draenor|Alternate Draenor}}, [[Argus]]
| fbase = {{Alliance}} [[Scarlet Bastion|Silver Hand Bastion]]
 
| theater = [[Eastern Kingdoms]], [[Kalimdor]], [[Northrend]], [[Broken Isles]], [[Outland]]
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| language = [[Common (language)|Common]], [[Dwarven (language)|Dwarven]], [[Thalassian]], [[Draenei (language)|Draenei]]
| ftheater = [[Niskara]], [[Argus]]
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| members = [[#Sub-groups|See below]]
| language = [[Common (language)|Common]], [[Dwarven (language)|Dwarven]], [[Thalassian]], [[Draenei]]
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| affiliation = [[Church of the Holy Light]], [[Alliance]], [[Armies of Legionfall]]
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| faffiliation = [[Kingdom of Lordaeron]], [[Alliance of Lordaeron]]
| faith = [[Light|Holy Light]]
 
| affiliation = [[Church of the Holy Light]], [[Alliance]], [[Armies of Legionfall]], [[Independent]]
 
| faffiliation = [[Alliance of Lordaeron]], [[Kingdom of Lordaeron]]
 
 
| status = Active
 
| status = Active
 
| quartermaster = {{NPC||Eadric the Pure|icon=Human Male}}
 
| quartermaster = {{NPC||Eadric the Pure|icon=Human Male}}
 
| tabard = Tabard of the Lightbringer.jpg
 
| tabard = Tabard of the Lightbringer.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
{{QuoteWiki|Esarus thar no’Darador—By Blood and Honor We Serve.|Motto of the Knights of the Silver Hand}}
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{{QuoteWiki|Esarus thar no'Darador—By Blood and Honor We Serve.|Motto of the Knights of the Silver Hand<ref>[[Turalyon#Monuments]]</ref><ref>''[[Of Blood and Honor]]'', pg. 8</ref>}}
   
The '''Knights of the Silver Hand''' (full name the '''Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand''',<ref>''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'' manual, ''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual#Paladin|Human Hero Units]]'', Paladin</ref> often referred to as the '''Order of the Silver Hand''', the '''Paladins of the Silver Hand''',<ref>[[The Story of Morgan Ladimore]]</ref> the '''Silver Hand''', or the '''Paladin Order'''<ref name="W3 manual">''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual]]''</ref>) is the order of [[holy]] [[knight]]s,<ref>''[[Of Blood and Honor]]'', pg. 5</ref> commonly called [[paladin]]s, created after the [[First War]] by [[Archbishop]] [[Alonsus Faol]] and [[Uther the Lightbringer]]. Empowered by the Light, these mighty warriors brandish both their warhammers and holy fire in the battle against all who would trample the meek and innocent.<ref name="W3 Paladin>{{ref web|url=http://classic.battle.net/war3/human/units/paladin.shtml|title=Warcraft III - Humans -> Units -> Paladin}}</ref> The Order of the Silver Hand helped lead the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] to victory in the [[Second War]] against the [[Old Horde]].
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The '''Knights of the Silver Hand''' (full name the '''Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand''',<ref name="W3 paladin">''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'' manual, ''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual#Paladin|Human Hero Units]]'', Paladin</ref> often referred to as the '''Order of the Silver Hand''', the '''Paladins of the Silver Hand''',<ref>[[The Story of Morgan Ladimore]]</ref> the '''Silver Hand''', or the '''Paladin Order'''<ref name="W3 manual">''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual]]''</ref>) is the order of [[holy]] [[knight]]s and [[warrior]]s,<ref name="W3 manual" /><ref name="HS" /><ref name="W2paladin" /> commonly called [[paladin]]s, created by [[Archbishop]] [[Alonsus Faol]] as the martial branch of the [[Church of Light]]. Empowered by the [[Light|Holy Light]], these mighty warriors brandish both their warhammers and holy fire in the battle against all who would trample the meek and innocent,<ref name="W3 Paladin>{{ref web|url=http://classic.battle.net/war3/human/units/paladin.shtml|title=Warcraft III - Humans -> Units -> Paladin}}</ref> 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]].
   
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For years, they remained loyal to [[Terenas Menethil II|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, [[Arthas Menethil|Prince Arthas Menethil]], as Uther refused to purge the city of [[Stratholme]] infected by the [[Plague of Undeath|plague]]. Although the paladins continued to fight against the [[Scourge]], their leadership was decimated during the [[Scourging of Lordaeron|fall of Lordaeron]], and [[Alexandros Mograine|Highlord Alexandros Mograine]] succeeded the late Uther. With the [[Ashbringer]], Alexandros became a symbol of resistance until he was [[Renault Mograine|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.
The Knights of the Silver Hand are the martial branch of the [[Church of the Holy Light|Church]], they seek to be an example of the Light's teachings as well as enforce its laws, protecting the weak and vanquishing the evil of the world.
 
   
When Uther refused to purge the city of [[Stratholme]] during the [[Third War]], the order was suspended by one of its own members, [[Arthas Menethil|Prince Arthas Menethil]], though the knights continued to fight against the [[Scourge]] despite this. Years later, the remains of the order were merged by [[Tirion Fordring]] with the [[Argent Dawn]] to form the [[Argent Crusade]] and take the fight against the [[Lich King]] to [[Northrend]].<ref name="LoD">[[The Light of Dawn (quest)]]</ref> However, [[human]] and [[dwarf]] paladins from [[Stormwind (kingdom)|Stormwind]] and [[Ironforge (kingdom)|Ironforge]] were still referred to as Knights of the Silver Hand after the formation of the Argent Crusade, suggesting that the order remained active within the Alliance.<ref name="Letter">[[Consecrated Letter (quest)]]</ref><ref name="Rune">[[Consecrated Rune (quest)]]</ref>
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However, a part of the Order remained active in the [[Alliance]], as [[human]] and [[dwarf]] paladins from [[Stormwind (kingdom)|Stormwind]] and [[Ironforge (kingdom)|Ironforge]] were still referred to as "Knights of the Silver Hand".<ref name="Letter">[[Consecrated Letter (quest)]]</ref><ref name="Rune">[[Consecrated Rune (quest)]]</ref> 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 [[demon]]s in [[Outland]]. At the time of the [[War against the Lich King|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]].<ref name="LoD">[[The Light of Dawn (quest)]]</ref> Following the [[Lich King (tactics)#Quotes|fall of the Lich King]], the Silver Hand paladins remained loyal to the Alliance and pursued their fight against [[War against Deathwing|those]] [[Alliance-Horde war|who]] [[War in Draenor|threaten]] [[Azeroth]], while those in the Argent Crusade worked to restore the [[Plaguelands]] of [[Northlands|northern Lordaeron]].
   
During the [[Third invasion of the Burning Legion|third invasion]] of the [[Burning Legion]], and after the defeat of the Argent Crusade in the [[Battle for the Broken Shore|Battle for the]] [[Broken Shore]], the Silver Hand was formally reestablished and supported by each major paladin order on [[Azeroth]]: the human and dwarven paladins of [[Stormwind]] and [[Ironforge]], the [[draenei]] of the [[Hand of Argus]], the [[Blood elf|blood elven]] of the [[Blood Knights]], the [[tauren]] of the [[Sunwalkers]], and the remnants of the [[Argent Crusade]]. From the [[Sanctum of Light]] under the [[Light's Hope Chapel]], that became their [[Order Halls|order hall]], they fought the Burning Legion alongside the other [[Class Order|class orders]] united as the [[Armies of Legionfall]].
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During the [[Third invasion of the Burning Legion|third invasion]] of the [[Burning Legion]], the Argent Crusade was [[Battle for the Broken Shore|decimated]] on the [[Broken Shore]], and in his last breath, Tirion Fordring handed the [[Ashbringer (artifact)|Ashbringer]] to a [[Adventurer|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 Order|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]].
   
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{{OTOC|500|330}}
Following the [[Argus Campaign|end of the invasion]], and the [[Battle for Lordaeron]] at the beginning of the [[Fourth War]], the Order split up again and fought once more on the side of the Alliance under [[Turalyon]] against the Horde, notably the troops of [[Lady Liadrin]] under the banner of the Blood Knights alongside the Sunwalkers, during the [[Battle for Stromgarde]].<ref>[[Battle for Stromgarde]]</ref>
 
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Foundation and the Second War===
 
===Foundation and the Second War===
[[File:Alonsus Faol Alive.jpg|thumb|left|[[Alonsus Faol]], founder of the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand at the time of the [[Second War]].]]
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[[File:Alonsus Faol Alive.jpg|thumb|left|[[Archbishop]] [[Alonsus Faol]], leader of the [[Church of the Holy Light|Church]] and founder of the Silver Hand during the [[Second War]].]]
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[[File:Uther Priest HS.jpg|thumb|left|[[Uther the Lightbringer|Lord Uther the Lightbringer]], the first human paladin.]]
As the human forces amassed for the [[Second War]], the Supreme Commander of the [[Alliance of Lordaeron|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 [[cleric]]s were the most obvious choice to fill this role, but they hadn't fared well as the [[Brotherhood of Northshire|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.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV2|152}}</ref>
 
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{{QuoteWiki|I will establish a new branch of the Church, the [[paladin]]s. I have already selected the first candidates for this order. Some were [[knight]]s before but others were [[priest]]s. 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 [[Light|Holy Light]].|[[Alonsus Faol|Archbishop Alonsus Faol]]<ref name="Beyond the Dark Portal 5" />}}
   
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As the [[human]] forces amassed for the [[Second War]], the Supreme Commander of the [[Alliance of Lordaeron|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 [[cleric]]s were the most obvious choice to fill this role, but they hadn't fared well as the [[Brotherhood of Northshire|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.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV2|152}}</ref>
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 (kingdom)|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,<ref>[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual#Sire Uther Lightbringer]]</ref> so that the Archbishop can 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, comrade of Lothar, who had fought in the First War.
 
   
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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 (kingdom)|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,<ref>[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual#Sire Uther Lightbringer]]</ref> 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.<ref name="Chronicle 2" />
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.
 
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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 [[libram]]s 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.<ref name="Chronicle 2" /> The Order of the Silver Hand was born.
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In [[Alonsus Chapel]], Uther was appointed the first of the paladins. He was then followed by Dathrohan, Tirion, Turalyon,<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 84</ref> and Gavinrad.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 86</ref> 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.<ref name="Chronicle 2" />
   
 
[[File:Chronicle2 Death knights versus paladins.jpg|thumb|Paladins versus [[Death knight (Old Horde)|Death knights]] during the [[Battle of Hillsbrad Foothills]], first major battle of the war.]]
 
[[File:Chronicle2 Death knights versus paladins.jpg|thumb|Paladins versus [[Death knight (Old Horde)|Death knights]] during the [[Battle of Hillsbrad Foothills]], first major battle of the war.]]
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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 knight (Old Horde)|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.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV2|158}}</ref>
As training progressed, Faol presented the five paladins a set of enchanted [[libram]]s 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. Lothar often checked in on the emergent Order of the Silver Hand, and he was so pleased that he asked Turalyon and Uther to serve as his lieutenants. Alonsus Faol gladly agreed to satisfy the Supreme Commander's request, but he did not release the paladins from his care yet. It would be weeks before they were ready to set foot on the battlefield.<ref name="Chronicle 2" />
 
   
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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<ref name="HS" /> in order to become members of the Silver Hand, their number increasing from five paladins to fourteen in a short time.<ref name="ToD21">''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', chapter 21</ref><ref name="OBaH2">''[[Of Blood and Honor]]'', chapter 2</ref> Their leader Uther commanded such presence on the battlefield that his knights at times seemed both invincible and unstoppable.<ref>[[Uther's Guard]]</ref> 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 [[orc]]ish tyranny,<ref name="W2paladin">''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' manual, ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual#Alliance Ground Units|Alliance Ground Units]]'', Paladin</ref> while the sight of them wielding their mighty warhammers and holy powers gave others inspiration on the battlefield and the home front.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 129 - 130</ref> Even some of the Alliance's greatest knights and warriors were in awe when they saw them smashing orcs down while healing fallen allies at the same time.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', chapter 8</ref>
In [[Alonsus Chapel]] in Stratholme, Uther was appointed the first of the paladins. He was then followed by Saidan Dathrohan, Tirion Fordring, Turalyon,<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 84</ref> and Gavinrad.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 86</ref> The Order of the Silver Hand was thus born. Its name and symbol having 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, although 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.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV1|127}}</ref>
 
   
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They were also known to minister to the masses during the war, gathering inside [[church]]es to deepen their faith. Through meditating, communing, and tithing at these sanctified sites, they discovered new ways to channel their healing and spiritual powers.<ref name="W2 church">''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' manual, ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual#Alliance Buildings|Alliance Buildings]]'', Church</ref> They could cast their blessing upon soldiers, sense evil, and even heal grievous wounds with but a touch.<ref name="ToD20">''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', chapter 20</ref>
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 filling their fellow soldiers with hope and courage. They called upon their holy powers to mend wounded soldiers and ease their fearful hearths, while they faced the [[Death knight (Old Horde)|death knights]] of the Horde, using 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. Paladins and death knights 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.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV2|158}}</ref>
 
   
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Subsequently, the paladins were instrumental in winning the war. They quell a [[peasant]] revolt at [[Tyr's Hand]],<ref>[[Tyr's Hand (WC2 Human)]]</ref> and confronted the Horde forces in the city and [[Tyr's Bay]] until the orcs razed down the city with a massive naval assault.<ref>[[The Razing of Tyr's Hand (WC2 Orc)]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[The Battle at Darrowmere (WC2 Human)]]</ref> 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 [[Terenas Menethil II|King Terenas Menethil II]].<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2]]'', pg. 165</ref> At the same time, [[Aiden Perenolde|King Aiden Perenolde]]'s betrayal was revealed by Anduin Lothar, and the [[Alterac (kingdom)|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.<ref>[[Betrayal and the Destruction of Alterac (WC2 Human)]]</ref> 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]].<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2]]'', pg. 168</ref>
During the months following the start of the war, other knights and priests were also trained by Alonsus Faol to become paladins of the Silver Hand.<ref name="ToD21">''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', chapter 21</ref><ref name="OBaH2">''[[Of Blood and Honor]]'', chapter 2</ref> Their leader Uther commanded such presence on the battlefield that his knights at times seemed both invincible and unstoppable.<ref>[[Uther's Guard]]</ref>
 
   
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[[File:LegendsPromoArtwork.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Paladin facing a [[grunt]] during the [[Siege of Blackrock Spire]].]]
Subsequently, the paladins were instrumental in winning the war. They were notably deployed to quell a [[peasant]] revolt at [[Tyr's Hand]],<ref>[[Tyr's Hand (WC2 Human)]]</ref> and the sight of them wielding their mighty warhammers and holy powers gave others inspiration on the battlefield and the home front.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 129 - 130</ref> Uther and his paladins were truly a sight to behold, as they healed the wounds sustained in combat and restored faith in the promise of freedom from [[orc]]ish tyranny.<ref>''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' manual, ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual#Alliance Ground Units|Alliance Ground Units]]'', Paladin</ref> Even some of the Alliance's greatest knights and warriors were in awe when they saw them smashing orcs down while healing fallen allies at the same time.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', chapter 8</ref> It was also the support of the paladins that enabled the Alliance to make a swift march south towards [[Khaz Modan]], 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 led hunting parties to root out the orcs and drive them from the region.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV2|171}}</ref>
 
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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,<ref>{{Ref WoWCV2|171}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ToD20"/>
   
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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.<ref name="ToD22" /> Shortly after the start of the battle, [[Alexandros Mograine]] arrived with his troops to support their allies.<ref name="DiC" /> Though Doomhammer narrowly succeeded in vanquishing Lothar, the great hero's death did not have the effect the warchief had hoped for.<ref name="W3 manual" /> Among the paladins, Uther was the first known to have manifested his powers on the battlefield,<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 127</ref> 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.<ref name="ToD22" />
Paladins were also known to minister to the masses during the war, gathering inside [[church]]es to deepen their faith. Through meditating, communing, and tithing at these sanctified sites, they discovered new ways to channel their healing and spiritual powers.<ref>''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' manual, ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual#Alliance Buildings|Alliance Buildings]]'', Church</ref> They could cast their blessing upon soldiers, could sense evil, and could even heal grievous wounds with but a touch.<ref name="ToD20">''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', chapter 20</ref>
 
   
Uther was the first paladin known to have manifested his powers on the battlefield.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 127</ref> Turalyon himself did not master his powers until after Lothar's death during the [[Siege of Blackrock Spire]], but once he did the orcish army cowered from his blinding light which shone "brighter than the brightest day", before he disarmed [[Orgrim 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. 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. 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.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 359</ref>
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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.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', pg. 359</ref> 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.<ref name="HS" /> 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===
 
===Aftermath of the Second War===
[[File:AlonsusCoT.jpg|thumb|left|[[Alonsus Chapel]] in the [[Elders' Square]] of Stratholme, before the Third War.]]
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[[File:Chronicle2 Invasion of Draenor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[[Turalyon]] and the [[Sons of Lothar]] during the [[Invasion of Draenor]].]]
After the war, 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,<ref name="Beyond the Dark Portal 5">''[[Beyond the Dark Portal]]'', chapter 5</ref> they healed the sick and granted shelter to the survivors broken by the war in Lordaeron and Stormwind,<ref>{{Ref WoWCV2|177}}</ref> with Turalyon and Uther being present and helping in Stormwind City for a time.
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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,<ref name="Beyond the Dark Portal 5">''[[Beyond the Dark Portal]]'', chapter 5</ref> they healed the sick and granted shelter to the survivors broken by the war in Lordaeron and Stormwind,<ref>{{Ref WoWCV2|177}}</ref> 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.<ref>[[The Invasion of Draenor]]</ref>
   
Following the [[Invasion of Draenor]] which led to the closing of the [[Dark Portal]], where only Turalyon had journeyed as he told his comrades to stay behind,<ref>{{Ref WoWCV2|198}}</ref> the Silver Hand dedicated themselves to safeguarding the land from orc attacks by directing a few settlements across Lordaeron.<ref name="DotD4" /> In order to contain the orcish threat, a number of [[internment camp]]s were constructed in southern [[Lordaeron]]. Guarded by both [[paladin]]s of the order and veteran soldiers, such as [[Captain Skarloc]], 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.<ref>[[The Invasion of Draenor]]</ref> 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]].<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 6</ref>
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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]],<ref>{{Ref WoWCV2|198}}</ref> the Silver Hand dedicated themselves to safeguarding the land from orc attacks by directing a few settlements across Lordaeron.<ref name="DotD4" /> 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<ref>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."''</ref> and some [[High elf|high elves]] before the [[Third War]], such as [[Mehlar Dawnblade]], a paladin pupil of Uther the Lightbringer.<ref>''[[Blood of the Highborne]]''</ref>
   
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[[File:AlonsusCoT.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.05|[[Alonsus Chapel]] in the [[Elders' Square]] of Stratholme.]]
The Silver Hand also began to train new paladins in [[Stormwind City]] and [[Ironforge]], swelling the ranks of the order with a number of stout-hearted dwarves,<ref>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."''</ref> and also with some [[High elf|high elves]] before the [[Third War]], such as [[Mehlar Dawnblade]], a paladin pupil of Uther the Lightbringer.<ref>''[[Blood of the Highborne]]''</ref> The Order notably used the [[Scarlet Monastery|Monastery]], a center for learning and enlightenment known as a proud bastion of Lordaeron's priesthood,<ref>[[Game Guide/World Dungeons#The Scarlet Monastery]]</ref> which served as a seminary and major training ground for paladins in training.<ref>[[Mythology of the Titans (quest)]]</ref><ref>[[The Scarlet Monastery (quest)]]</ref> Its libraries had many books to learn the ways of the Light.<ref name="AtA" />
 
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[[File:Old Strat SB.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.05|The [[Scarlet Bastion|Bastion of the Silver Hand]] in [[Crusaders' Square]].]]
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During these times, the [[Scarlet Bastion|Bastion of the Silver Hand]] in [[Stratholme]] was considered as the [[barracks]] of the Order,<ref>[[Of Love and Family (1)]]</ref> containing countless of their treasures,<ref>[[The Dreadlord Balnazzar]]</ref> while the Silver Hand notably used the [[Scarlet Monastery|Old Monastery]], a center for learning and enlightenment known as a proud bastion of Lordaeron's priesthood,<ref>[[Game Guide/World Dungeons#The Scarlet Monastery]]</ref> as a seminary and major training ground for paladins in training, notably those of the [[Stromgarde (kingdom)|Kingdom of Stromgarde]].<ref>[[Mythology of the Titans (quest)]]</ref><ref>[[The Scarlet Monastery (quest)]]</ref>
   
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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]].<ref name="LoAK">[[Libram of Ancient Kings]]</ref>
At some point after the Second War, [[Duncan Senturus|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 that they discovered 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 rider]]s 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.<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]''</ref>
 
   
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At the time of the [[Alterac crisis]], [[Duncan Senturus|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 rider]]s 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.<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]''</ref> 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]].<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 6</ref>
[[File:Old Strat SB.jpg|thumb|The [[Bastion of the Silver Hand]] in Stratholme.]]
 
Years passed as tensions abated and a lasting peace settled over [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|Lordaeron]]. With his paladins, the Supreme commander [[Uther the Lightbringer]] kept the peace in Lordaeron, settling civil disputes and quelling [[Racial terminology#Demi-human|demi-human]] uprisings throughout the realm,<ref name="W3 manual" /> while [[Arthas Menethil]], Prince of Lordaeron and his apprentice, was sworn into the order in a ceremony performed in Stormwind's [[Cathedral of Light]] by Archbishop [[Alonsus Faol]].<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', pg. 45 - 47</ref> During these times, the [[Scarlet Bastion|Bastion of the Silver Hand]] was considered as the [[barracks]] of the Order,<ref>[[Of Love and Family (1)]]</ref> containing countless of their treasures.<ref>[[The Dreadlord Balnazzar]]</ref>
 
   
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Years passed as tensions abated and a lasting peace settled over [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|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,<ref name="W3 manual" /> while his apprentice [[Arthas Menethil]] integrated the Order through a ceremony performed at the [[Cathedral of Light]] by Archbishop [[Alonsus Faol]].<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', pg. 45 - 47</ref>
Several years later, [[Tirion Fordring]]'s life was saved by the orc [[Eitrigg]]. When Eitrigg was later captured by the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]], Tirion felt he owed a debt of honor and fought to rescue him. For assaulting Alliance soldiers, Tirion was brought to [[Stratholme]] to stand [[Major trial|trial]] before the jury composed of Admiral [[Daelin Proudmoore]], Arch-Mage [[Antonidas]], Archbishop Alonsus Faol, and Prince Arthas, he was then [[Excommunication|excommunicated]] by Uther the Lightbringer from the Silver Hand and exiled from his lands. His son, [[Taelan]], later joined the Silver Hand.<ref name="OBaH2" />
 
   
When news of an upstart [[Thrall|warchief]] rallying the few remaining [[clan|orc clans]] in revolt against the [[orc]] internment camps began to unfold, King Terenas sent Uther and his [[paladin]]s to quell the warchief's uprising. 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.<ref name="W3 manual" /> Fearing that Thrall would eventually find the renegade orcs hidden in the lands of Lordaeron, those not suffering from lethargy like those who were imprisoned, and succeed in teaching them all he learned from [[Aedelas Blackmoore]] as a gladiator, which would be critical for the kingdom, King Terenas ordered Uther with the Knights of the Silver Hand and his son to ride towards southern Lordaeron,<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', part 2, chapter 8</ref> in order to contain the orcish threat and deal with them once and for all.<ref>[[The Defense of Strahnbrad (WC3 Human)]]</ref> They notably fought against 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.<ref>[[Blackrock and Roll (WC3 Human)]]</ref>
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When news of an upstart [[Thrall|warchief]] rallying the few remaining [[clan|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.<ref name="W3 manual" /> 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,<ref>[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]] manual, [[Human History (since the end of the second war)]]</ref> 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]].<ref>''[[Mage (manga)|Mage]]''</ref>
   
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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 [[Major trial|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 [[Excommunication|excommunicate]] exile his old friend from Lordaeron.<ref>''[[Of Blood and Honor]]''</ref> 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.<ref>[[Find Myranda]]</ref>
The Silver Hand defended the settlements at the borders of [[Quel'Thalas]] from [[forest troll]] warbrands. Prince Arthas gained fame for counterattacking and defeating the trolls,<ref>[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]] manual, [[Human History (since the end of the second war)]]</ref> 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]].<ref>''[[Mage (manga)|Mage]]''</ref>
 
   
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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,<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', part 2, chapter 8</ref> in order to contain the orcish threat and deal with them once and for all.<ref name="Strahnbrad">[[The Defense of Strahnbrad (WC3 Human)]]</ref> In the [[Alterac Mountains]], the paladins notably fought against the bandits of the [[Syndicate]],<ref name="Strahnbrad"/> 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.<ref>[[Blackrock and Roll (WC3 Human)]]</ref>
Before the [[Third War]], a faction started growing in the order, largely led by [[High General Abbendis|Abbendis]]. This faction was intolerant of what they deemed as the "lesser races" and would later form the [[Scarlet Crusade]].<ref name="DiC">''[[Death is Contagious]]''</ref>
 
   
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In the meantime, a faction largely led by [[High General Abbendis|General Abbendis]] started growing among the ranks of the Silver Hand. This [[Scarlet Crusade|faction]] was intolerant of what they deemed as the "[[Demi-human|lesser races]]".<ref name="DiC">''[[Death is Contagious]]''</ref>
===The Scourge of Lordaeron===
 
[[File:Warcraft III Reforged - The Culling outro screen.jpg|thumb|left|360px|A burning Stratholme following the [[Culling]].]]
 
Unaware of the death cults forming in their lands, the leaders of the Alliance nations began to bicker and argue over territorial holdings and decreasing political influence.<ref>[[The Alliance Splinters]]</ref> The appearance of the [[Plague of Undeath]] nearly marked the end of the Order of the Silver Hand as the paladins entered a dark period when one of their own, [[Prince Arthas]], turned his back on the order. In the beginnings of the [[Third War]], after preparing for many long months, [[Kel'Thuzad]] and his [[Cult of the Damned]] finally struck the first blow by releasing 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.
 
   
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===The Scourge of Lordaeron===
As the ranks of the undead swept across Lordaeron, Prince Arthas took up the fight against the [[Scourge]], notably at [[Hearthglen]] in the [[Eastweald]] where the plague of undeath arrived in a grain shipment from [[Andorhal]]. Targeted by the Scourge, the city was about to be attacked by an army of undead, and the defenders had just baked and eaten the grain before the attack started. Meanwhile, Prince Arthas had tracked the shipment of grain from Andorhal, where he succeeded in killing the necromancer [[Kel'Thuzad]], but even so, the undead ranks swelled with every soldier that fell defending the land. Frustrated and stymied by the seemingly unstoppable enemy, Arthas took increasingly extreme steps to conquer them.<ref>[[The Scourge of Lordaeron (History of Warcraft)]]</ref> Along with soldiers of [[Lordaeron]]'s army, he was able to slay those infected by the shipment before they could spread the disease to the entire town of Hearthglen. 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 knights of the Silver Hand, thus managing to repel the undead attackers.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth">''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 74</ref>
 
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[[File:Chronicle3 Arthas in Stratholme.jpg|thumb|[[Arthas Menethil|Prince Arthas Menethil]] purging the city of [[Stratholme]].]]
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{{QuoteWiki|Lord [[Uther]], by my right of succession and the [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|sovereignty]] of my crown, I hereby relieve you of your command and suspend your [[Paladin|paladins]] from service.|[[Arthas Menethil|Prince Arthas Menethil]]<ref name="RotLK12" />}}
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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.
   
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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,<ref>[[The Scourge of Lordaeron (History of Warcraft)]]</ref> 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.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth">''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 74</ref>
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 come with him.<ref name="Culling">[[The Culling (WC3 Human)]]</ref><ref name="RotLK12">''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 12</ref><ref name="DiC" /><ref name="HS" /> The Prince's fear and resolve proved to be his ultimate undoing. He tracked the plague's source to Northrend, intending to end its threat forever, but instead, fell prey to the machinations of the Lich King. After Stratholme was purged, some former paladins, now called [[Deathlord (Warcraft III)|deathlords]], also committed the same heinous act in many other cities across [[Lordaeron]].
 
   
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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.<ref name="Culling">[[The Culling (WC3 Human)]]</ref><ref name="RotLK12">''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 12</ref><ref name="DiC" /> Consequently, Uther took the paladins that remained loyal to him and left Stratholme, abandoning Arthas to his barbaric actions.<ref name="HS" />
Despite being suspended, the paladins unofficially continued to explore all available options to wipe out the Scourge under the command of [[Saidan Dathrohan]].<ref name="DiC" /> At some point, the Scourge swept through Stratholme, and the Knights of the Silver Hand manufactured [[Stratholme Holy Water|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 citizens turned into Scourge reinforcements before the supplies could ever be used.<ref>[[Liquid Gold]]</ref>
 
   
  +
After the [[Culling of Stratholme]], some former paladins, now called [[Deathlord (Warcraft III)|deathlords]], also committed the same heinous act in many other cities across [[Lordaeron]].<ref>[[Shield of the Deathlord]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[Liquid Gold]]</ref>
[[File:Uther HoW.jpg|thumb|240px|[[Uther the Lightbringer]], Supreme Commander of the Silver Hand.]]
 
In the days since Prince Arthas took the fleet to [[Northrend]], the Silver Hand continued to defend Lordaeron villages. Disenfranchised, the paladins still worked selflessly to protect [[human]]ity from the gnawing jaws of evil,<ref name="W3 Paladin /> and were stretched thin fighting the spread of the plague.<ref name="ACF">''[[Legends Volume 5]]'': ''[[A Cleansing Fire]]''</ref> 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.<ref name="ACF" />
 
   
At the same time, [[Alexandros Mograine]] organized a meeting with several other members of the Silver Hand in [[Southshore]]'s inn, where he revealed the dark orb he kept after the [[Second War]]. With the efforts of [[Isillien]], [[Fairbanks]], [[Arcanist Doan|Doan]] and [[High General Abbendis|Abbendis]], he succeeded in purifying the artifact, and decided that it would be forged into a weapon that would smite the Scourge with such power that only a cloud of ash would remain in its wake.<ref name="DiC" />
+
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]], [[Arcanist Doan|Doan]], and [[High General Abbendis|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]].<ref name="DiC" />
   
  +
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.<ref name="HS" /> Disenfranchised, the paladins still worked selflessly to protect [[human]]ity from the gnawing jaws of evil,<ref name="W3 Paladin /> and were stretched thin fighting the spread of the plague.<ref name="ACF">''[[Legends Volume 5]]'': ''[[A Cleansing Fire]]''</ref> 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.<ref name="ACF" />
In the meantime, Arthas lost his soul to the cursed runeblade [[Frostmourne]] and became a [[death knight]] in the service of the [[Lich King]],<ref>[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]], [[The Scourge of Lordaeron]]: [[Frostmourne (Warcraft III)|Frostmourne]]</ref> before returning to Lordaeron, in order to kill his father and ruined [[Capital City]]. Following the death of Terenas, while [[Jaina Proudmoore]] was gathering Lordaeronians to sail for [[Kalimdor]], the Knights of the Silver Hand stayed behind to defend those that couldn't get on the [[Kul Tiras (kingdom)|Kul Tiran]] ships,<ref name="ACF" /> such as [[Krohm Dawnhammer]] who guided countless innocents to safety with his legendary shining hammer. And later notably during the [[Battle of Darrowshire]], when a contingent of paladins of the Silver Hand led by [[Davil Crokford]] allied themselves with the defenders of [[Darrowshire]] led by [[Joseph Redpath|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.<ref>[[Annals of Darrowshire]]</ref><ref>[[Extended Annals of Darrowshire]]</ref>
 
   
  +
[[File:Uther HoW.jpg|thumb|left|[[Uther the Lightbringer]], Supreme Commander of the Silver Hand at the time of the Third War.]]
When [[Alexandros Mograine]] returned from [[Ironforge]] with the mighty [[Ashbringer]] in hands, after learning the death of Terenas, the Highlord was reported to be paring down the Scourge's numbers.<ref name="ACF" />
 
  +
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]],<ref>[[Frostmourne (Warcraft III)]]</ref><ref>[[Army of the Damned]]</ref> 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.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV3|58}}</ref> 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.<ref>[[Libram of the Dead#Blades of the Fallen Prince]]</ref>
   
  +
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 [[Blasphemy|blasphemed]] his father's urn, before continuing the scourging of the kingdom.<ref name="RotLK17">''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 17</ref><ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|campaign=[[Path of the Damned]]|mission=[[Digging up the Dead]]}}</ref>
Subsequently, many paladins of the Silver Hand 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 [[Frozen Throne|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]], joined the ranks of the Scourge by becoming [[death knight]]s, the Scourge's mightiest generals.<ref name="warcraftIII">{{ref web|url=http://classic.battle.net/war3/undead/units/deathknight.shtml|title=Warcraft III - Undead -> Units -> Death Knight}}</ref>
 
   
  +
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 [[Joseph Redpath|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.<ref>[[Annals of Darrowshire]]</ref><ref>[[Extended Annals of Darrowshire]]</ref>
At [[Shadowfang Keep]], situated above the tiny hamlet of [[Pyrewood]], [[Baron Silverlaine]] and his forces led by the paladin of the Silver Hand [[Commander Springvale]] were killed by [[worgen]], summoned by [[Archmage Arugal]] from the [[Emerald Dream]] to aid [[Gilneas (kingdom)|Gilneans]] against the Scourge.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 99</ref> Since then, the ghost of the Commander haunts the council room, using unholy strikes to avenge his lord.<ref>[[Commander Springvale#Adventure Guide]]</ref>
 
   
  +
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.<ref name="ACF" /> 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 [[Frozen Throne|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 knight]]s, the Scourge's mightiest generals.<ref name="warcraftIII">{{ref web|url=http://classic.battle.net/war3/undead/units/deathknight.shtml|title=Warcraft III - Undead -> Units -> Death Knight}}</ref>
By order of Uther, [[Gavinrad the Dire]] and his [[Champions of Peace]] were stationed to guard the cemetery near [[Andorhal]], where the remains of [[Kel'Thuzad]] were buried. 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 of the Silver Hand. Later, Uther stood against his former apprentice alongside the paladins [[Ballador the Bright]] and [[Sage Truthbearer]], respective commanders of the [[Champions of Light]] and the [[Champions of Truth]], in order to protect the enchanted [[Urn of King Terenas]] as part of a small military funeral procession. But they were defeated by Arthas who murdered them one by one, then managed to recover and [[Blasphemy|blaspheme]] his father's urn,<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|campaign=[[Path of the Damned]]|mission=[[Digging up the Dead]]}}</ref> although he almost lost against his former master.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 17</ref>
 
   
In the meantime, some paladins of the order had joined the [[Human Expedition]] to fight the [[Burning Legion]], including [[Duke Lionheart]] who agreed to work alongside the orcs with the intention of hunting down the [[demon]]s left after the death of [[Mannoroth]].<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|campaign=[[Eternity's End]]|mission=[[Enemies at the Gate]]}}</ref>
+
At the onset of the [[Siege of Dalaran|destruction of Dalaran]], while [[Jaina Proudmoore]] was gathering troops and Lordaeronians refugees to sail for [[Kalimdor]],<ref name="RotLK" /><ref>{{Ref WoWCV3|64}}</ref> the Knights of the Silver Hand stayed behind to defend those that couldn't get on the [[Kul Tiras (kingdom)|Kul Tiran]] ships,<ref name="ACF" /> 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 [[demon]]s left after the death of [[Mannoroth]].<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|campaign=[[Eternity's End (WC3 campaign)|Eternity's End]]|mission=[[Enemies at the Gate]]}}</ref> During the [[Battle of Mount Hyjal]], the paladin [[Halford Wyrmbane]] led the troops of the [[7th Legion]] against the demons and undead.<ref>[[Halford Wyrmbane#Gossip]]</ref>
   
 
===After the Third War===
 
===After the Third War===
[[File:Alonsus Chapel.jpg|thumb|left|[[Alonsus Chapel]] in the [[Elders' Square]], after the Third War.]]
+
[[File:Ashbringer1CoverArtworkB.jpg|thumb|[[Highlord Alexandros Mograine]], wielding the [[Ashbringer]] in his war against the Scourge.]]
Several months after the end of the [[Third War]], the knights of the Silver Hand emerged again from the rubble of the Lordaeron to form a resistance, composed of detachments of troops, in order to continue to fight the Scourge, and protect those who fled to [[Dalaran]] recaptured by the Alliance resistance led by [[Grand Marshal Garithos]]. They guarded the ruined [[Lordaeron palace gardens]] after [[Archimonde]]'s defeat, 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 [[Defenders of Justice]]. But their combined efforts were unfortunately not enough, they were defeated by [[Arthas Menethil]], [[Kel'Thuzad]], and [[Sylvanas Windrunner]], enabling the Scourge to murder the survivors and destroyed the resistance.<ref name=W3xU1>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion=[[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Legacy of the Damned]]|mission=[[King Arthas (Warcraft III)|King Arthas]]}}</ref>
+
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.<ref>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion=[[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Terror of the Tides]]|mission=[[The Ruins of Dalaran]]}}</ref>
   
  +
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 [[Royal Guard (Warcraft III)|surviving royal guards]] from the [[King's Guard (Lordaeron)|King's Guard]].<ref>[[The Crossing (WC3 BloodElf)|The Crossing]]</ref> 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.<ref name=W3xU1>{{ref game|title=Warcraft III|expansion=[[The Frozen Throne]]|campaign=[[Legacy of the Damned]]|mission=[[King Arthas (Warcraft III)|King Arthas]]}}</ref>
Some of the few who managed to survive the massacre were rallied by Dagren the Orcslayer to join the ranks of the [[Human Settlers]] and journey to Kalimdor, under the orders of [[Daelin Proudmoore|Lord Admiral Daelin Proudmoore]], in order to fight the [[Horde]] and locate Jaina Proudmoore,<ref>[[Old Hatreds (WC3 Orc)]]</ref> among them, the [[Chief Petty Officer]] was a mighty Kul Tiran paladin and one of the Admiral's most loyal officers. 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, which was then considered as the Order's greatest weapon, the Knights of the Silver Hand banded together to continue the war against the Lich King and fought 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 elf|night elves]] of [[Kalimdor]] and the [[Dwarf|dwarves]] and [[gnome]]s of [[Khaz Modan]]. Other prominent leaders such as [[High General Abbendis]] disagreed, considering the fate of Lordaeron the affairs of men.<ref name="DiC" />
 
   
  +
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 [[Daelin Proudmoore|Lord Admiral Daelin Proudmoore]], in order to fight the [[Horde]] and locate Jaina Proudmoore.<ref>[[Old Hatreds (WC3 Orc)]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[A Blaze of Glory (WC3 Orc)]]</ref>
[[File:Ashbringer1CoverArtworkB.jpg|thumb|240px|[[Highlord Alexandros Mograine]], wielding the [[Ashbringer]] against the Scourge.]]
 
From their base at [[Hearthglen]], used as a rallying point by the Order due to Taelan Fordring's offer for refuge, they were able to gain some victories during the next years, at the cost of the life of High General Abbendis during one of these battles,<ref name="DtD">''[[Dust to Dust|World of Warcraft: Ashbringer, Issue 4 - Dust to Dust]]''</ref> but they weren't able to achieve their goal: the complete destruction of the [[Scourge]].
 
   
  +
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 elf|night elves]] of [[Kalimdor]] and the [[Dwarf|dwarves]] and [[gnome]]s of [[Khaz Modan]]. Other prominent leaders such as [[High General Abbendis]] disagreed, considering the fate of Lordaeron the affairs of men.<ref name="DiC" />
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]], where they met a [[jungle troll]] named [[Zabra Hexx]] who learned the ways of the Light from the holy books within. They also made an alliance with Lord [[Valdelmar]] of [[Tyr's Hand]], extending their protection to the fortified city, who until then had withstood almost daily attacks of the undead, hoping to recruit additional personnel.<ref>''[[Ashes to Ashes]]'', pg. 4 & 16</ref> 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.
 
   
  +
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.<ref name="DtD">''[[Dust to Dust|World of Warcraft: Ashbringer, Issue 4 - Dust to Dust]]''</ref> 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.<ref>''[[Ashes to Ashes]]'', pg. 4 & 16</ref> 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.<ref name="DiC" />
Fearing that the Ashbringer might destroy the Forsaken before his [[The Battle For The Undercity (Horde)|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 [[High Inquisitor Fairbanks]] to Stratholme where an army of undead waited for them. During the battle, Fairbanks was the first to fall, trapped under a pile of undead corpses, while Highlord Mograine stood alone against the undead, yet managed to destroy all sent at him. In fatigue and weakened, Alexandros dropped his blade to the ground. Coming from behind, his son Renault picked up Ashbringer and ran it through Mograine's heart, [[Corrupted Ashbringer|corrupting the Ashbringer]] in the process, before fleeing to Hearthglen, leaving his father's body and the now-unholy sword he was unable to hold in his hands.<ref name="DiC" />
 
   
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.<ref name="AtA">''[[Ashes to Ashes]]''</ref><ref>{{Ref WoWCV3|127|129}}</ref>
+
Fearing that the Ashbringer might destroy the Forsaken before his [[The Battle For The Undercity (Horde)|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 [[High Inquisitor Fairbanks|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.<ref name="DiC" /> 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.<ref name="AtA">''[[Ashes to Ashes]]''</ref><ref>{{Ref WoWCV3|127|129}}</ref>
   
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 whom they suspected corrupted without being able to prove it, 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 at [[Light's Hope Chapel]], which served as their base of operations in the [[Plaguelands]].<ref name="AtA" /> It's also here that [[Lord Maxwell Tyrosus]], and a few others, were chosen for the secret task of unearthing the bodies of a thousand fallen heroes of the Light and 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.<ref name="DtD"/> [[Lord Raymond George]] was the first leader of the Dawn, succeeded by Lord Maxwell Tyrosus after his demise.<ref>[[Argent Call: The Trial of the Crypt]]</ref>
+
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.<ref name="AtA" /> 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.<ref name="DtD"/>
   
  +
After his death against Arthas, Uther's body was retrieved and buried in a [[Uther's Tomb|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.<ref>[[Uther's Blessing]]</ref>
At one point after the Third War, a [[pit lord]] named [[Verius]] traveled to a [[chapel]] belonging to the Knights of the Silver Hand, in the guise of a [[human]], to manipulate a [[priest]] named [[Father Rammal]] into unwittingly assisting him by recommending his inclusion, in order to infiltrate the Order. However, having seen through the demon disguise with the aid of a magical amulet, a female elf within the chapel revealed that both she and "Rammal" were in fact [[blood elf|blood elves]]. Verius quickly became aware of their motives once they revealed their true appearance and fell upon him to feed on his energy.<ref name="M&M 11-12" /><ref>[[Rammal's Ulterior Motive]]</ref>
 
   
 
===World of Warcraft===
 
===World of Warcraft===
 
{{wow-section}}
 
{{wow-section}}
[[File:The Scarlet Bastion.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Scarlet Bastion]] in the [[Crusaders' Square]].]]
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[[File:Cathedral of Light HS.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.25|The [[Cathedral of Light]] in [[Stormwind City]], headquarters of the Church and the Order following the [[Third War]].]]
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{{QuoteWiki|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.|[[Tirion Fordring|Lord Tirion Fordring]]<ref name="In Dreams" />}}
Following the Third War, the [[Cathedral of Light]] now serves as the main spiritual hub for the Church of the Holy Light, as well the paladins in the kingdoms of [[Stormwind (kingdom)|Stormwind]] and [[Ironforge (kingdom)|Ironforge]], with [[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker]] and [[Valgar Highforge]] at their head, who remained part of the Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref name="Letter"/><ref name="Rune"/> They are the martial branch of the Church and seek to be an example of the Light's teachings as well as enforce its laws. Even if the Church wishes to bolster its ranks, it understands the sacrifices needed to ensure the paladins serving it are worthy, notably through the study of the [[Tome of Divinity]] and trials, such as the test of valor.<ref>[[The Tome of Valor]]</ref>
 
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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 (kingdom)|Stormwind]] and [[Ironforge (kingdom)|Ironforge]], with [[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker]] and [[Valgar Highforge]] at their head.<ref name="Letter"/><ref name="Rune"/> 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 [[Burning Legion|demonic forces]] from beyond the [[Dark Portal]].<ref name="The World of Warcraft Townhall/Classes#The Paladin">[[The World of Warcraft Townhall/Classes#The Paladin]]</ref>
   
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After their induction, some human paladins traveled to [[Northshire Valley]] in order to continue their training and to help keep the kingdom's peace.<ref>[http://us.battle.net/wow/en/game/race/human Races of World of Warcraft: Human]</ref> At the abbey, [[Marshal McBride]] began marshaling paladins of the Order and other [[Adventurer|recruits]] to get rid of the [[kobold]]s that infested the woods and moved into [[Echo Ridge Mine]].<ref>[[Marshal McBride's Documents#Contents .28old version.29]]</ref> 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]].<ref>[[Tome of Divinity (Brother Wilhelm)]]</ref><ref>[[Tome of Divinity (5)]]</ref> These new Knights of the Silver Hand were sent on missions to fight the [[Defias Brotherhood]] and the [[Dark Iron dwarf]] during their training,<ref>[[The Tome of Valor (2)]]</ref><ref>[[The Tome of Divinity (dwarf 8)]]</ref> but also against the [[Scourge]] in the [[Western Plaguelands]].<ref>[[Chillwind Camp (quest)]]</ref>
These new Knights of the Silver Hand were sent on missions to fight the enemies of the Alliance that are the [[Defias Brotherhood]] and the [[Dark Iron dwarf]] during their training,<ref>[[The Tome of Valor (2)]]</ref><ref>[[The Tome of Divinity (dwarf 8)]]</ref> but also to [[Chillwind Camp]] in the [[Western Plaguelands]] to assist [[Commander Ashlam Valorfist]] against the endless undead of the [[Scourge]] present in the region.<ref>[[Chillwind Camp (quest)]]</ref>
 
   
Everyone in the order thought that [[Merideth Carlson]] was mad for coming up with the idea of a [[Manna-Enriched Horse Feed|special horse feed]] destined to nourish spiritual horses. Relationships with the horse breeder were eventually mended,<ref>[[Manna-Enriched Horse Feed (quest)]]</ref> in order to allow the young paladins to be able to obtain their own [[charger]],<ref>[[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker (old)]]</ref> a tedious task that involved months of obtaining materials all over [[Azeroth]], guided by Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker.<ref name="Preparations Underway">[[Preparations Underway]]</ref>
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Everyone in the Silver Hand thought that [[Merideth Carlson]] was mad for coming up with the idea of a [[Manna-Enriched Horse Feed|special horse feed]] destined to nourish spiritual horses. Relationships with the horse breeder were eventually mended,<ref>[[Manna-Enriched Horse Feed (quest)]]</ref> in order to allow the young paladins to be able to obtain their own [[charger]],<ref>[[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker (old)]]</ref> a tedious task that involved months of obtaining materials all over [[Azeroth]], guided by Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker.<ref name="Preparations Underway">[[Preparations Underway]]</ref>
   
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The Silver Hand paladins in Lordaeron remained scattered until [[Tirion Fordring]] came out of exile. When his son [[Taelan Fordring|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.<ref name="In Dreams">[[In Dreams]]</ref>
After [[Varian Wrynn|King Varian Wrynn]] went missing under suspicious circumstances while en route to a diplomatic summit to [[Theramore Isle]], the venerated paladin [[Bolvar Fordragon|Highlord Bolvar Fordragon]] acted as the Regent Lord of Stormwind and the Supreme Commander of Stormwind's forces on behalf of the young [[Anduin Wrynn|King Anduin Wrynn]], so that order could be preserved within the kingdom.
 
   
  +
The Order is mentioned to be active during the initial assault on [[Naxxramas (Classic)|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".<ref>[[Eligor Dawnbringer#Light's Hope Chapel]]</ref>
The Knight of the Silver Hand [[Trey Lightforge]] came in [[Northern Kalimdor]] to offer his help to the Alliance's night elven allies, in order to purge the lands from the forces of the demons and undead, but he was captured with his night elf friend [[Arko'narin]] while they were investigating the demonic activities in [[Jaedenar]] and the resurgence of the Shadow Council. He was tortured to death in the [[Shadow Hold]] of [[Felwood]], his soul haunting the place until an adventurer came to kill his [[Rakaiah|torturer]] and recover both his [[Lightforge|sword]] and his remains,<ref>[[Retribution of the Light (quest)]]</ref> allowing him to be buried and finally rest in peace.<ref>[[The Remains of Trey Lightforge]]</ref>
 
   
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===The Burning Crusade===
The Silver Hand had no presence in Lordaeron until [[Tirion Fordring]] came out of exile. When his son [[Taelan Fordring|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.<ref>[[In Dreams]]</ref>
 
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{{bc-section}}
*''"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."''
 
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[[File:Silver Hand Shadow Wing.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|The Knights of the Silver Hand facing the armies of [[Ragnok Bloodreaver]] in front of the [[Dark Portal]].]]
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In addition to the Scarlet Crusade, the Silver Hand found a rival in the newly-emerged [[Blood Knight|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 [[Scourge invasion of Quel'Thalas|fall]] of [[Quel'Thalas (kingdom)|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.<ref>[[Defiling Uther's Tomb]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[True Masters of the Light (3)]]</ref>
   
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Following the [[Dark Portal Opens|reopening of the Dark Portal]], a few [[Ironforge Paladin|Ironforge paladins]] joined the Azerothian defenses to repel the attacks of the demons led by a gigantic [[Pit Commander]] at the [[Stair of Destiny]].
The order is mentioned to be active during the initial assault on [[Naxxramas (Classic)|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".<ref>[[Eligor Dawnbringer#Light's Hope Chapel]]</ref>
 
   
After his death against Arthas, Uther's body was retrieved and buried in a [[Uther's Tomb|great tomb]] built for him to the south of the ruins of [[Andorhal]], at [[Sorrow Hill]].
 
 
===The Burning Crusade===
 
 
{{comic-section}}
 
{{comic-section}}
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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 [[demon]]s 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 orc]]s and [[nether dragon]]s was on its way to the [[Dark Portal]], Trueblade vouched for him and urged [[Commander Duron]] to put the army on high alert.<ref>''[[Shadow Wing]]''</ref>
[[File:UthersTombBfA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[[Uther's Tomb]], the only bastion of Light in a [[Western Plaguelands|dying land]].]]
 
After the [[Dark Portal Opens|reopening of the Dark Portal]], a battalion of the Knight of the Silver Hand led by [[Lord Irulon Trueblade]] launched an expedition into [[Outland]] to secure the other side of the [[Dark Portal]] against the [[demons]] of the [[Burning Legion]]. When one of their paladins accused of desertion, [[Jorad Mace]], returned with the news that an army of [[fel orc]]s and [[nether dragon]]s was on its way towards the [[Dark Portal]], Lord Irulon Trueblade vouched for him and urged [[Commander Duron]] to put the army on high alert.<ref>''[[Shadow Wing]]''</ref>
 
   
 
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]].<ref>''[[Nexus Point]]''</ref>
 
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]].<ref>''[[Nexus Point]]''</ref>
   
  +
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.<ref>''[[Night of the Dragon]]'', chapter 2</ref>
{{bc-section}}
 
In addition to the Scarlet Crusade, the Silver Hand found a rival in the newly-emerged [[Blood Knight|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 [[Scourge invasion of Quel'Thalas|fall]] of [[Quel'Thalas (kingdom)|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.<ref>[[Defiling Uther's Tomb]]</ref> To prove their dominance over the [[Light]], Blood Knights were sent to defile the [[Alonsus Chapel]], the Silver Hand's founding place. The ghostly knights [[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.<ref>[[True Masters of the Light (3)]]</ref>
 
   
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''The following section was retconned by the comics and no longer refers to the current lore.''
Other people also went to the tomb of Uther, among them the [[draenei]] [[Anchorite Truuen]] who studied many heroes of Azeroth, and who considers that Uther the Lightbringer of the Silver Hand was the one who interested him the most. He wants to honor the memory of the paladin by recovering the [[Mark of the Lightbringer]], kept by the [[Scarlet Crusade]] at [[Taelan's Tower]], with the help of an adventurer.<ref>[[The Mark of the Lightbringer]]</ref> After recovering the mark and taking it to the tomb, the ghost of Uther appeared to thank them for what they accomplished and told them to keep the mark, as a symbol of the strength of the Light and how heroes long gone might once again rise in each of us to inspire.<ref>[[Tomb of the Lightbringer]]</ref>
 
   
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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 [[Old Hillsbrad Ashbringer event|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]].
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.<ref>''[[Night of the Dragon]]'', chapter 2</ref>
 
   
 
===Wrath of the Lich King===
 
===Wrath of the Lich King===
 
{{wotlk-section}}
 
{{wotlk-section}}
[[File:Tirion Raneman Cropped.jpg|thumb|240px|[[Highlord]] [[Tirion Fordring]], wielder of the [[Ashbringer]] during the [[Scourgewar]].]]
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[[File:Tirion Raneman Cropped.jpg|thumb|[[Highlord]] [[Tirion Fordring]], leader of Silver Hand and the [[Argent Crusade]] during the [[War against the Lich King|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.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV3|174}}</ref> During his confrontation with the [[Lich King]], Tirion reclaimed and purified the [[Ashbringer]], leading the Dark Lord of the Scourge to retreat and freeing at the same time 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 Order of the Silver Hand.<ref name="LoD"/> Together they formed the [[Argent Crusade]], which sailed to Northrend and fought to end the reign of the Lich King.
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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.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV3|174}}</ref> 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]].<ref name="LoD"/> Together they formed the [[Argent Crusade]], which sailed to Northrend and fought to end the reign of the Lich King.<ref>[[Argent Crusade#Reputation]]</ref>
   
During the [[Scourge Invasion]], [[Reverent Paladin|some paladins]] of the order were present in [[Shattrath City]] to protect [[Bishop Lazaril]]'s altar and her [[Reverent Priest|priests]], as they were creating holy artifacts from the concentration of light of the [[Naaru]], in order to protect the Allianca capitals and destroy the floating [[necropolis]]es of the Lich King.<ref>[[A Desperate Alliance]]</ref>
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During the [[Scourge Invasion]], some [[Reverent Paladin|members]] of the Order were present in [[Shattrath City]] to protect [[Bishop Lazaril]]'s altar and her [[Reverent Priest|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 [[necropolis]]es of the Lich King.<ref>[[A Desperate Alliance]]</ref>
   
In the beginnings of the [[War against the Lich King|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. Ares sacrificed his life to protect and transport the legendary weapon, fatally wounded by undead, he directed an [[adventurer]] to retrieve the artifact in the [[Utgarde Catacombs]],<ref>[[The Shining Light]]</ref> and with his dying breath 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 has arrived, and that they would advance until they defeated Arthas. Irulon Trueblade then mentioned that the Order now works toward [[Icecrown]].<ref>[[Guided by Honor]]</ref>
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In the beginnings of the [[War against the Lich King|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]].<ref>[[The Shining Light]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[Guided by Honor]]</ref>
   
Along with the [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]], as the [[Ashen Verdict]], they were instrumental in Arthas's ultimate defeat, with Tirion himself using the [[Ashbringer]] to sunder [[Frostmourne]].<ref>[[Lich King (tactics)]]</ref>
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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]].<ref>[[Lich King (tactics)]]</ref>
   
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In the [[Culling of Stratholme (instance)|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]],<ref>[[Dispelling Illusions]]</ref> 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 [[Culling of Stratholme|purge of Stratholme]].<ref>[[A Royal Escort]]</ref>
===Cataclysm===
 
{{cata-section}}
 
Following the [[Cataclysm (event)|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 of the Alliance that didn't join the Argent Crusade were still members of the old Knights of the Silver Hand who remained loyal to the Alliance.
 
   
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===Cataclysm and aftermath===
They were sent to fight the enemies of the Alliance in [[Blackrock Depths]], preventing the deaths of allies at the hands of the [[Dark Iron clan]] and the [[Twilight Hammer]],<ref>[[Weapons of Darkness (Alliance)]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[The Hand of the Light]]</ref>
 
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[[File:UthersTombBfA.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|[[Uther's Tomb]], the only bastion of Light in a [[Western Plaguelands|dying land]].]]
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Following the [[Cataclysm (event)|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]],<ref>[[Weapons of Darkness (Alliance)]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[The Hand of the Light]]</ref>
   
During [[Tyr's Hand]]'s conquest, [[Crusade Commander Korfax]] of the [[Brotherhood of the Light]] ordered adventurers to retrieve some priceless artifacts in the fortified city, among them the [[Shroud of Uther]] and [[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.<ref>[[Scarlet Salvage]]</ref>
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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 [[Shroud of Uther]] and [[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.<ref>[[Scarlet Salvage]]</ref>
   
In [[Stratholme]], the Knight of the Silver Hand Aurius Rivendare, who succumbed to the savage attacks of [[Baron Rivendare]], fell to the corruption of the Scourge and was raised as a death knight, he then took control of the city in his father's absence.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 85</ref> Following his resurrection, [[Eligor Dawnbringer]] sent [[adventurer]]s to kill him.<ref>[[Lord Aurius Rivendare (quest)]]</ref> His body was then placed in a crypt of the city.<ref name="Stirring in the Shadows">[[Stirring in the Shadows]]</ref> 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 [[Annals of the Silver Hand]] under the watchful eye of [[Instructor Galford]], considered as fitting additions to the rededicated Light's Hope Chapel.<ref>[[Annals of the Silver Hand (quest)]]</ref>
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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 [[adventurer]]s to defeat him.<ref>[[Lord Aurius Rivendare (quest)]]</ref><ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 85</ref><ref name="Stirring in the Shadows">[[Stirring in the Shadows]]</ref> 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 [[Annals of the Silver Hand]] under the watchful eye of [[Instructor Galford]], considering them as fitting additions to the rededicated Light's Hope Chapel.<ref>[[Annals of the Silver Hand (quest)]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[Eligor Dawnbringer#Quotes]]</ref>
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At the time of the [[Alliance-Horde war#Invasion of Pandaria|Invasion of Pandaria]], a few [[Lion's Landing Paladin|paladins]] of the Silver Hand were present among the ranks of the [[Operation: Shieldwall]] forces, and during the [[Domination Point (scenario)|Alliance assault]] of [[Domination Point]].<ref>[[Domination Point (scenario)#Background]]</ref>
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During the [[war against the Iron Horde]] in {{Au|Draenor|alternate Draenor}}, paladins of [[Stormwind]] joined the ranks of the [[Wrynn's Vanguard|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 Knight|Guardian knights]], [[Holy Knight|Holy knights]], and [[Retribution Knight|Retribution knights]] of the Silver Hand were seen fighting against the Horde forces on the battlefield. Some of them could also be met as [[Garrison followers|followers]] at the [[Lunarfall]] [[garrison]].
   
 
===Legion===
 
===Legion===
 
{{legion-section}}
 
{{legion-section}}
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[[File:Class Order Gamescom3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The [[A United Force|rebirth]] of the Silver Hand in the [[Sanctum of Light]], unifying all paladin orders to stop the ongoing [[Third invasion of the Burning Legion|demonic invasion]] of [[Azeroth]].]]
{{Main|Paladin Campaign}}
 
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{{QuoteWiki|On this day, the Order of the Silver Hand is reborn! Together, [[Sargeras]] himself shall shudder at our might!|[[Lord Maxwell Tyrosus]]<ref name="A United Force" />}}
[[File:Class Order Gamescom3.jpg|thumb|360px|The [[A United Force|rebirth]] of the Order of the Silver Hand, unifying all paladin orders on Azeroth to stop the [[Third invasion of the Burning Legion|demon invasion]].]]
 
 
Following the failed Argent Crusade's assault on the [[Broken Shore]], and the loss of [[Tirion Fordring|Highlord Tirion Fordring]] during the [[Battle for Broken Shore]], Lord Maxwell Tyrosus came into contact with a [[paladin]] [[Adventurer|hero]] in order to reunite those who still have the conviction to save their home,<ref>[[An Urgent Gathering]]</ref> but also to find and secure the holy legendary artifacts that are [[The Silver Hand (artifact)]], the [[Truthguard]] and the [[Ashbringer (artifact)]], the only weapons that would allow them to fight back against the Legion.<ref>[[Weapons of Legend (paladin)]]</ref>
 
Following the failed Argent Crusade's assault on the [[Broken Shore]], and the loss of [[Tirion Fordring|Highlord Tirion Fordring]] during the [[Battle for Broken Shore]], Lord Maxwell Tyrosus came into contact with a [[paladin]] [[Adventurer|hero]] in order to reunite those who still have the conviction to save their home,<ref>[[An Urgent Gathering]]</ref> but also to find and secure the holy legendary artifacts that are [[The Silver Hand (artifact)]], the [[Truthguard]] and the [[Ashbringer (artifact)]], the only weapons that would allow them to fight back against the Legion.<ref>[[Weapons of Legend (paladin)]]</ref>
   
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During the [[Legion Invasion|demonic invasions]], Marshal [[Gryan Stoutmantle]] led the defense of [[Westfall]] and managed to repel the attacks. In [[Dun Morogh]], some [[Ironforge Crusader|crusaders]] came to help defend [[Ironforge]] after being rescued from [[demon]]s 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,<ref>[[We Meet at Light's Hope]]</ref> a ceremony took place within a hidden sanctum beneath [[Light's Hope Chapel]] to unite every paladin order on Azeroth, where the paladin hero was named as the new Highlord and Champion of the restored Order of the Silver Hand, having been chosen as Tirion Fordring's heir and the most worthy to wear the mantle of Highlord.<ref>[[A United Force]]</ref> From the [[Sanctum of Light]], the Silver Hand began to prepare itself for its fight against the demons of the [[Burning Legion]].
 
   
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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,<ref>[[We Meet at Light's Hope]]</ref> 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 City|Stormwind]] and [[Ironforge]], the remnants of the [[Argent Crusade]] led by [[Lord Maxwell Tyrosus]], the [[Hand of Argus]] led by [[Vindicator Boros]], the [[Blood Knight]]s 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.<ref name="A United Force">[[A United Force]]</ref>
The Order of the Silver Hand grew and was made up of:
 
*The original paladins of the Silver Hand, led by [[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker]]
 
*The remnants of the [[Argent Crusade]], led by [[Maxwell Tyrosus|Lord Maxwell Tyrosus]]
 
*The draenei of the [[Hand of Argus]], led by [[Vindicator Boros]]
 
*The blood elves of the [[Blood Knight]]s, led by [[Lady Liadrin]]
 
*The tauren of the [[Sunwalkers]], led by [[Aponi Brightmane]]
 
*[[Justicar Julia Celeste]] and [[Arator the Redeemer]] were also leaders of the new order.<ref name="MtR" />
 
   
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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,<ref>[[Logistical Matters]]</ref> sending reconnaissance troops across the islands to watch over the legion's movements and bring back the survivors they found.<ref>[[Dark Storms (paladin)]]</ref> Subsequently, the Silver Hand organized the recruitment and training of new troops with the help of [[Commander Ansela]],<ref name="Recruiting the Troops">[[Recruiting the Troops (paladin)]]</ref> [[Commander Born]],<ref>[[Silver Hand Knights]]</ref> and [[Crusader Kern]]. The ongoing offensive on the [[Broken Shore]] also drew the interest of many [[Silver Hand Recruit|paladins]] who wished to join the ranks of the Silver Hand, some were judged by the Highlord itself, who eliminated the [[Volzarak the Deceiver|Legion infiltrator]] among them.<ref>[[Judgment Awaits]]</ref>
While not directly stated, [[Brother Sammuel]] from Northshire was also present, thus the [[Brotherhood of Northshire]] was apparently also represented. Same with [[Eligor Dawnbringer]] of the [[Brotherhood of the Light]], and later [[Lothraxion]] of the [[Army of the Light]].
 
   
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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]].<ref name="Stirring in the Shadows" />
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,<ref>[[Logistical Matters]]</ref> sending reconnaissance troops across the islands to watch over the legion's movements and bring back the survivors they found.<ref>[[Dark Storms (paladin)]]</ref> Subsequently the Silver Hand organized the recruitment and training of new troops such as Squad of Squires and [[Shieldbearer Phalanx]] formed by [[Commander Ansela]], a grizzled war veteran and seasoned teacher who pledged her service to the order after being rescued in the Broken Isles,<ref name="Recruiting the Troops">[[Recruiting the Troops (paladin)]]</ref> [[Silver Hand Knight]]s and [[Silver Hand Templar]] formed by [[Commander Born]], a hard teacher who has trained some of the greatest paladin knights in the recent times,<ref>[[Silver Hand Knights]]</ref> and finally Silver Hand Crusaders recruited by [[Crusader Kern]]. The ongoing offensive within the [[Broken Shore]] also drawn the interest of many [[Silver Hand Recruit|paladins]] who wish to join the rank of the Silver Hand, some of them were judged in [[Light's Hope Chapel]] by the Highlord itself who eliminated the [[Volzarak the Deceiver|Legion infiltrator]] among them.<ref>[[Judgment Awaits]]</ref> Some [[High elf|high elves]] were also present in the ranks of the Order as [[Silver Hand Shieldbearer]]s.
 
   
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Later, the Sanctum of Light was [[Assault on Light's Hope Chapel|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.<ref>[[The Fourth Horseman]]</ref>
During one of their expedition on the Broken Shore, Lord Maxwell Tyrosus and his scouts discover and report to [[Archmage Khadgar]] and the Highlord that an extraordinarily luminescent object has emerged from the [[Felstorm]], emanating an incredible surge of power that they could feel it coursing through their body, before it vanished and crashed beyond the horizon, towards the coast of [[Suramar]], cutting a swath through the tempest itself.<ref>[[A Sign From The Sky]]</ref> Their discovery was the [[Light's Heart]], the heart of the [[naaru]] [[Xe'ra]], bearer of [[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.<ref>[[A Falling Star]]</ref> In Arator's presence, another message was heard, 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 or all will be lost.<ref>[[The Scion's Legacy]]</ref> Consequently, Lady Liadrin and Lord Maxwell Tyrosus were present alongside the Highlord during the [[Battle for the Exodar]] to fight against [[High General Rakeesh]] and protect the naaru [[O'ros]], according to [[Velen]], targeted by the demons so that they could not unlock the knowledge crucial to their battle against the Burning Legion contained within the Light's Heart.<ref>[[Bringer of the Light]]</ref>
 
   
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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]].<ref>[[A Sign From The Sky]]</ref> Their discovery was in fact the [[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.<ref>[[A Falling Star]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[The Scion's Legacy]]</ref>
[[File:Armory of the Silver Hand.jpg|thumb|360px|left|The [[Sanctum of Light]], where the Knights of the Silver Hand operate against the [[Burning Legion]].]]
 
The defenses of the Silver Hand were also [[Assault on Light's Hope Chapel|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 Sanctum where Lady Liadrin tried to stop them, but was defeated as well. Just as the Ebon Blade was about to claim Tirion, the [[Light]] itself intervened and burned the surrounded death knights, forcing them to flee and granting victory to the paladins.<ref>[[The Fourth Horseman]]</ref>
 
   
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[[File:A Light in the Darkness.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|The [[Netherlight Temple]], where the Knights of the Silver Hand and the [[Conclave]] permanently destroyed the [[nathrezim]] [[Balnazzar]].]]
Under the orders of the Highlord and [[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker]], the Knights of the Silver Hand were mobilized on different missions,<ref>[[The Highlord's Command]]</ref> notably to pursue Balnazzar by pinpointing his recent movements in eastern [[Azsuna]], where rumors said that a small [[demon]] force reported directly to him,<ref>[[The Highlord's Command: Nemesis]]</ref> and to bolster their forces by increasing recruitment efforts and seeking for new allies, helping priests from the Conclave to save survivors and fight demons on the Broken Shore.<ref>[[The Highlord's Command: Holy Allies]]</ref> They also dealt with demons incursions, killing a [[man'ari eredar]] named [[Summoner Djobi]] who corrupted the local [[furbolg]]s in [[Val'sharah]],<ref>[[The Highlord's Command: Legion Defense]]</ref> and procured supplies of weapons, food, medicine, and other provisions for the Order after they made contact with a [[tribe]] of [[Highmountain tauren]], killing a demon incursion who stood in their way.<ref>[[The Highlord's Command: Procuring Supplies]]</ref> Later they were sent to repel a demon attack on [[Hearthglen]],<ref>[[Wrath and Justice (quest)]]</ref><ref>[[Wrath and Justice]]</ref> leading to the recruitment of a noted [[scholar]] from the Hearthglen archives, [[Sir Alamande Graythorn]], who agreed to lend his expertise to their cause.<ref>[[Tech It Up a Notch]]</ref> Although [[Stratholme]] is still under the control of the Scourge led by [[Raemien the Soultaker]], the Silver Hand managed to regain control of the [[Elders' Square]], where the [[Alonsus Chapel]] is located, and defeat the death knight in order to get [[Aurius Rivendare]]'s steed, [[Shadowmane]], to redeem it to serve as a [[Glowing Reins of the Golden Charger|mount]] for the new Highlord.<ref name="Stirring in the Shadows" />
 
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With the information sent by Turalyon, the war council of the Silver Hand sent their troops on different missions,<ref>[[The Highlord's Command]]</ref> notably to pursue Balnazzar by pinpointing his movements in eastern [[Azsuna]],<ref>[[The Highlord's Command: Nemesis]]</ref> to bolster their forces by increasing recruitment efforts and seeking for new allies,<ref>[[The Highlord's Command: Holy Allies]]</ref> and to dealt with demons incursions across the Broken Isles.<ref>[[The Highlord's Command: Legion Defense]]</ref><ref>[[The Highlord's Command: Procuring Supplies]]</ref><ref>[[Wrath and Justice (quest)]]</ref><ref>[[Wrath and Justice]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[To Faronaar]]</ref> They managed to sabotage the advance of the Legion by killing the [[Imp mother]] [[Mother Ozram|Ozram]] and a large number of demons,<ref>[[This Is Retribution]]</ref><ref>[[Mother Ozram (quest)]]</ref><ref>[[Communication Orbs]]</ref> and also found Balnazzar's [[:Codex of Command]]. As they were unable to access the information inside, [[Delas Moonfang]] was contacted to help,<ref>[[Cracking the Codex]]</ref> and she deciphered it after the paladins brought her a [[:Fel Lexicon]]<ref>[[Assault on Violet Hold: The Fel Lexicon]]</ref> and demon blood.<ref>[[Blood of Our Enemy]]</ref><ref>[[Blood of Our Enemy]]</ref>
   
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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]].<ref>[[Translation: Danger!]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[To Felblaze Ingress]]</ref> 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.<ref name="Aponi's Trail">[[Aponi's Trail]]</ref> They also learned from a [[Lothraxion|Mysterious Stranger]] that Balnazzar and his armies were about to attack the [[Netherlight Temple]], headquarters of the Conclave hidden in the [[Twisting Nether]].<ref>[[The Mind of the Enemy (paladin)]]</ref>
Under the command of [[Vindicator Boros]] and [[Justicar Julia Celeste]], the Silver Hand have kept a close eye on Legion movements at [[Faronaar]] in [[Azsuna]], where their intel suggested that a high-ranking lieutenant was present, possibly Balnazzar himself.<ref>[[To Faronaar]]</ref> They managed to sabotage the efforts and advance of the Legion by killing the [[Imp mother]] [[Mother Ozram|Ozram]] and a large number of demons,<ref>[[This Is Retribution]]</ref><ref>[[Mother Ozram (quest)]]</ref> and by destroying Legion Orbs, vital to the Legion's planning and strategy.<ref>[[Communication Orbs]]</ref> Nonetheless the mission nearly turned into a disaster due to the Vindicator's rage, narrowly save with his men by the Highlord.<ref>[[The Codex of Command]]</ref>
 
   
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The Order of the Silver Hand agreed to support the Conclave,<ref>[[United As One (paladin)]]</ref> and accepted Delas' request to join them as the first night elf paladin,<ref>[[Champion: Delas Moonfang]]</ref> alongside her uncle [[Nerus Moonfang]] after the Highlord freed his family from [[Oathbinder Zorak]]'s curse.<ref>[[Oath Breaker]]</ref> Subsequently, the paladins were sent in recovery and supply missions across the Broken Isles,<ref>[[Lumenstone#Source]]</ref> notably to collect [[:Blood of Sargeras]],<ref>[[Blood of Sargeras (quest)]]</ref> but also a rare metal called [[:Lumenstone]] for the creation of weapons and armors.<ref>[[Lumenstone (paladin)]]</ref> 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]].<ref>[[A Light in the Darkness (paladin)]]</ref><ref>[[Warriors of Light]]</ref>
During their mission, the Knights of the Silver Hand managed to obtain [[Balnazzar]]'s [[Codex of Command]]. Unable to access the information inside, [[Aponi Brightmane]] contacted her friend [[Delas Moonfang]], a priestess from the [[Conclave]], who has been studying [[Eredun]].<ref>[[Cracking the Codex]]</ref> The latter agreed to help and managed to decipher the Codex after the paladins managed to bring her a [[Fel Lexicon]] from a powerful prisoner inside the [[Assault on Violet Hold|Violet Hold]].<ref>[[Assault on Violet Hold: The Fel Lexicon]]</ref> As Legion sigils only reveal themselves in the presence of demon blood, the Knights of the Silver Hand were mobilized on various missions on the Broken Isles to obtain [[Flask of Demon Blood]].<ref>[[Blood of Our Enemy]]</ref> They first disrupted the demonic operation in the [[Felbeast Dens]] in [[Azsuna]], where the Legion created terrifyingly resilient breeds of [[manastalker]]s, by killing Felbreeder [[Argnotha]].<ref>[[Blood of Our Enemy: Azsuna]]</ref> As the [[eredar]] [[Despoiler Egrothar]] came in [[Highmountain]] to desecrate the sacred burial sites of the [[Highmountain Tribe|Highmountain tribe]], raising the bodies of the dead, the paladins put them back to rest before killing the demon.<ref>[[Blood of Our Enemy: Highmountain]]</ref> When the [[Felskorn]] assembled at the gates of the [[Halls of Valor|Hall of Valor]] in [[Stormheim]], including among them a massive [[Mo'arg brute|brute]] named [[Cleaver Northamel]], the Silver Hand paladins were sent to eliminate all of them.<ref>[[Blood of Our Enemy: Stormheim]]</ref> Later, they came in support in [[Felsoul Hold]] in the southwestern region of [[Suramar]], to dispose of giant [[infernal]]s and [[felbat]]s who attacked any who come near the Legion base of operations.<ref>[[Blood of Our Enemy: Suramar]]</ref> Finally, the Order of the Silver Hand sent their troops in the region of [[Val'sharah]] to destroy a rampaging satyr warband, led by [[Illbringer Zizzifrax]], in order to help the [[druid]]s of the [[Cenarion Circle]] who have their hands full with the [[satyr]] and the [[Emerald Nightmare|Nightmare]].<ref>[[Blood of Our Enemy: Val'sharah]]</ref>
 
   
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Following their victory, the Knights of the Silver Hand joined the other class orders in [[Dalaran]], represented by [[Gryan Stoutmantle]] during the meeting,<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixtWdYkJbdE World of Warcraft: Legion - Patch 7.2 – The Tomb of Sargeras Trailer]</ref> 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]].
[[File:A Light in the Darkness.jpg|thumb|360px|The [[Netherlight Temple]], where the Knights of the Silver Hand and the [[Conclave]] permanently destroyed [[Balnazzar]].]]
 
The contents of the Codex taught paladins about a Legion invasion force at [[Felblaze Ingress]], in [[Azsuna]], where they planned to open a portal directly to their demon world of [[Niskara]].<ref>[[Translation: Danger!]]</ref> This information led to an assault under the command of Aponi Brightmane and Arator the Redeemer, alongside the Conclave, while the Highlord and his allies were investigating on [[Kur'talos Ravencrest|Lord Kur'talos Ravencrest]], a formidable general during [[Queen Azshara|Azshara]]'s reign which was rumored to amass an enormous army behind the fortress walls of [[Black Rook Hold]], leading to the liberation of the spirit of the [[night elf]] and the elimination of [[Dantalionax]] who impersonated the latter's [[Latosius|advisor]] to manipulate him.<ref>[[Black Rook Hold: Lord Ravencrest]]</ref> However, the paladins did not give any further news after their departure.<ref>[[To Felblaze Ingress]]</ref> They were later rescued by the Highlord who traced them by finding the pages of Aponi's libram, learning that their assault was a failure when Balnazzar appeared through his portal and defeat them, before imprisoning them in Niskara.<ref>[[Aponi's Trail]]</ref> They also saved by the same occasion a [[Lothraxion|Mysterious Stranger]] who informed them that Balnazzar and his armies were about to attack the [[Netherlight Temple]], headquarters of the Conclave hidden in the [[Twisting Nether]].<ref>[[The Mind of the Enemy (paladin)]]</ref>
 
   
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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 of Sargeras|sword]], gravely injuring its [[Azeroth (titan)|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.<ref>[[The Power in Our Hands]]</ref>
The Order of the Silver Hand agreed to support the Conclave,<ref>[[United As One (paladin)]]</ref> and accepted Delas' request to join them as their first night elf paladin,<ref>[[Champion: Delas Moonfang]]</ref> alongside her uncle [[Nerus Moonfang]] after the Highlord freed the family from [[Oathbinder Zorak]]'s curse.<ref>[[Oath Breaker]]</ref> Subsequently, the Order began its preparations by sending troops to collect [[Blood of Sargeras]], a rare powerful reagent to bind the magic on their weapons and armor,<ref>[[Blood of Sargeras (quest)]]</ref> but above all a rare metal called [[Lumenstone]] among the native peoples of the Broken Isles, recognized as unbreakable and able to negate magic, even withstand great amounts of [[fel]], for the creation of weapons and armor for an army.<ref>[[Lumenstone (paladin)]]</ref> The paladins of the Silver Hand were sent to the Broken Shore, littered with debris from battle, to gather plenty of lumenstone while fighting the demons still patrolling the area. <ref>[[Lumenstone: Broken Shore (paladin)]]</ref> Some of them return with lumenstone that they found during their assault of the [[Legion Camp: Ruin]] in [[Azsuna]], where the demons kept a rich stockpile of weapons.<ref>[[Lumenstone: Faronaar (paladin)]]</ref> After [[scout]]s stumbled upon a [[Tideskorn]] [[vrykul]] raiding party, equipped with lumenstone weapons under the lead of [[Plunderer Jurval]], the Order sent troops to eliminate the enemy and take their weapons for their own.<ref>[[Lumenstone: Stormheim (paladin)]]</ref> Some of them also "convinced" the naga in southern [[Val'sharah]] to part with their weapons crafted from lumenstone.<ref>[[Lumenstone: Val'sharah]]</ref> And when the [[nightborne]] moved a large shipment of lumenstone behind the walls of [[Suramar City]], paladins of the order came to fight [[Warden Jor'al]] under cover of darkness, and claim all the steel.<ref>[[Lumenstone: Suramar City (paladin)]]</ref> Once ready, the paladins joined the Battle for the Netherlight Temple, who led to the final death of Balnazzar with the help of [[Lothraxion]] and the [[Army of the Light]].<ref>[[A Light in the Darkness (paladin)]]</ref><ref>[[Warriors of Light]]</ref>
 
 
Following their victory, the Order of the Silver Hand joined the other orders, represented by [[Gryan Stoutmantle]],<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixtWdYkJbdE World of Warcraft: Legion - Patch 7.2 – The Tomb of Sargeras Trailer]</ref> to form the [[Armies of Legionfall]] in Dalaran, where the Order has access portals from the Sanctum to the [[Greyfang Enclave]] in the Alliance district, and the [[Windrunner's Sanctuary]] in the Horde district. The Knights of the Silver Hand were present to repel the legion's assault on [[Dalaran]], and to fight alongside their allies during the [[Assault on Broken Shore]], with [[Captain Ridgers]] at their head at [[Deliverance Point]].
 
 
During the [[Argus Campaign]], the Silver Hand discovered that Turalyon, who had been missing for over twenty years, was still alive and had become the High Exarch of the [[Army of the Light]], blessed by [[Xe'ra]] to become an eternal protector of creation,<ref>''[[A Thousand Years of War]] Part One: Two Bright Lights''</ref> after he joined the Lightforged as they waged war against the Burning Legion across the Twisting Nether in a struggle that spanned a millennium. Some paladins of the Silver Hand were present on [[Argus]] under the orders of the Highlord, Lady Liadrin, Arator the Redeemer, and Vindicator Boros, in order to fight demons on the battlefield at [[Darkfall Ridge]], and protect the ''[[Vindicaar]]'' from Legion's attacks. When [[Sargeras]] impaled [[Azeroth]] with his [[Sword of Sargeras|sword]], gravely injuring its [[Azeroth (titan)|world-soul]] while its energies seeped like poison, a champion of the Silver Hand among other champions of Azeroth drained the sword of its corruption with a sacred artifact of the Order, serving as a vessel for its vast power. The red glow subsided, and the sword went dormant.<ref>[[The Power in Our Hands]]</ref>
 
   
 
===Battle for Azeroth===
 
===Battle for Azeroth===
 
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[[File:TuralyonSilverHand.png|thumb|[[Turalyon]] and the paladins of the Silver Hand during the [[Battle for Stromgarde]].]]
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[[File:TuralyonSilverHand.png|thumb|[[Turalyon|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 Banner]]s on the battlefield. They were under the orders of [[Turalyon|High Exarch Turalyon]] who made his return to Azeroth and pledged his forces to [[High King]] [[Anduin Wrynn]]. They only employed Alliance races and fought once more on the side of the Alliance against the Horde, notably Liadrin and her [[Blood Knights]] alongside the [[Sunwalkers]],<ref>[[Sunwalker Champion]]</ref> indicating that the Silver Hand has splintered once again in the beginning of the [[Fourth War]].
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During the [[Battle for Stromgarde]], the paladins of the Alliance bore the banner of the Silver Hand and planted [[Blessed Banner]]s 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]],<ref>[[Sunwalker Champion]]</ref> indicating that the Silver Hand has splintered once again at the beginning of the [[Fourth War]]. Under the orders of [[Turalyon|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".<ref>[[Battle for Stromgarde#Quotes]]</ref>
   
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In [[Arathi Basin]], the paladins [[Kyara Bladeturner]], [[Matron Dreya]], and [[Nella Slagheart]] fought against Horde soldiers during the [[Brawl: Comp Stomp]].
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 will take pleasure in enacting justice from a "misguided paladin of the Horde".<ref>[[Battle for Stromgarde#Quotes]]</ref> The battle ultimately ended in the Alliance's favor.<ref>[[BlizzCon 2019]]: WoW Q&A Panel</ref>
 
   
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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 Disciple]]s and the [[Darkforged Crusader]].
{{novel-section}}
 
Following the [[Fourth War]], [[Mathias Shaw]] mentions in his report that the Knights of the Silver Hand are still present and active in the [[Sanctum of Light]], where its halls have been cleared to store many artifacts mostly recovered from [[Scholomance]], [[Stratholme]] and the [[Plaguelands]]. The artifacts stored by the Silver Hand are far too dangerous to be stored elsewhere, and above all far too tempting for anyone to resist, which requires sacred protections.
 
   
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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]]<ref>[[Grand Marshal Fury (quest)]]</ref><ref>[[Azerite Transport]]</ref><ref>[[Azerite Caravan]]</ref> and [[Kul Tiras]].<ref>[[Wet Work: Fort Knight]]</ref><ref>[[Fogsail for a Day]]</ref>
Among them, the most dangerous are the weapons and armor recovered by the paladins from the body of [[Balnazzar]] in the [[Scarlet Bastion]], which are the [[Demonshear]], the [[Hammer of the Grand Crusader]], the [[Crown of Tyranny]], the [[Shroud of the Nathrezim]], and the [[Book of the Dead]] of which a copy of the runes has been made with ordinary ink, currently kept under high magical protection at the [[Cathedral of Light]], in order to be able to recognize this language if it should be seen written elsewhere.
 
   
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{{novel-section}}
Other artifacts recovered by adventurers, who ventured years ago in the burning city to defeat [[Baron Rivendare]] with the help of [[Lord Aurius Rivendare]], have also joined those in the Sanctum, among them the [[Runeblade of Baron Rivendare]], the [[Bonescraper]], and the [[Seal of Rivendare]].<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 84 - 85</ref>
 
  +
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.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 84 - 85</ref> After [[Lorekeeper Mykos]] removed the mark from the [[Athenaeum (Dire Maul)|Athenaeum]] on ''[[:The Light and How to Swing It]]'', a book written by [[Uther the Lightbringer|Uther]] for [[Arthas Menethil]], he donated it to the Sanctum's archives.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth" />
 
The Silver Hand also received the book [[The Light and How to Swing It]], written by Uther for Arthas, after [[Lorekeeper Mykos]] removed the mark from the [[Athenaeum (Dire Maul)|Athenaeum]] and donated it to the paladin archives, thus allowing all paladins to read it.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth" />
 
   
 
===Shadowlands===
 
===Shadowlands===
 
{{Sl-section}}
 
{{Sl-section}}
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[[File:Step Into the Light - Kneeling.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|The creation of the Order of the Silver Hand, as incorrectly [[Step Into the Light|remembered by Uther]] in his vision.]]
The Order of the Silver Hand makes its appearance in the paladin section of the [[Training Hall]] in [[Stormwind City|Stormwind]], represented by [[Gilda Silvershield]] and one of the foremost paladins in the realm,<ref>[[Ezul'aan Calls]]</ref> the paladin trainer [[Ezul'aan]], who asked to meet young paladins who impressed him with their rapid progress,<ref>[[Meet with Ezul'aan]]</ref> in order to send them to fight the enemies of the Alliance in [[Blackrock Depths]],<ref>[[Weapons of Darkness (Alliance)]]</ref> and at [[Shadowfang Keep]] to obtain materials for the creation of weapons at the height of their dedication,<ref>[[The Hand of the Light]]</ref> as Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker did in the past.
 
  +
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 [[adventurer]]s charged to [[Exile's Reach storyline|find out what happened]].<ref>[https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/23380363/shadowlands-adventure-awaits-in-the-new-starting-experience Shadowlands: Adventure Awaits in the New Starting Experience]</ref>
   
  +
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,<ref>[[Ezul'aan Calls]]</ref> the paladin trainer [[Ezul'aan]], who asked to meet young paladins who impressed him with their rapid progress.<ref>[[Meet with Ezul'aan]]</ref> He later sent them to fight the enemies of the Alliance in [[Blackrock Depths]],<ref>[[Weapons of Darkness (Alliance)]]</ref> and at [[Shadowfang Keep]] to obtain materials for the creation of weapons at the height of their dedication,<ref>[[The Hand of the Light]]</ref> as Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker did in the past.
Following [[Anduin Wrynn|King Anduin]]'s abduction by the [[Mawsworn]], Turalyon was appointed as regent and protector of the [[Stormwind (kingdom)|Kingdom of Stormwind]] with the support of the [[House of Nobles]],<ref> [[Death Rising]] - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-YGTYQNi4Y Mathias and Genn On Turalyon Ruling Stormwind]: {{Text|say|[[Genn Greymane]]|Anduin entrusted Turalyon with command of our military forces. The Stormwind nobles support him serving as regent and protector of the realm.}}</ref> and mused about secured other holdings of the [[Alliance of Lordaeron|old Alliance]].
 
   
In the [[Shadowlands]], through [[Uther]]'s memories, the [[Maw Walker]] 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.<ref>[[Step Into the Light]]</ref>
+
In the [[Shadowlands]], through [[Uther]]'s memories, the [[Maw Walker]]s 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 Betrayer]]s were present among the followers of Arthas and torched the city when the prince began his purge.<ref>[[Step Into the Light]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[I Intend to Live Forever]]</ref>
   
  +
In his [[Grimoire of the Shadowlands and Beyond|grimoire]], the [[broker]] [[Ta'lora]] mentioned that the paladins of [[Azeroth]], like the now [[kyrian]] [[Uther the Lightbringer|Uther]], were an example of mortals who dedicated themselves to service and duty in life and whose [[soul]]s were consequently sent to [[Bastion]] after death.<ref>{{Ref WoWGrimoire|69}}</ref>
==Culture==
 
[[File:Chronicle2 Art.jpg|thumb|The Knights of the Silver Hand defend [[Human|Humanity]] and the [[Alliance]] against all threats on [[Azeroth]].]]
 
The archaic human words ''"Esarus thar no'Darador"'', which translates to ''"By Blood and Honor We Serve"'', are the motto of the Order of the Silver Hand. These words are often found on the cover of religious tomes in Azeroth,<ref>''[[Of Blood and Honor#Title explained]]''</ref> on memorial [[Turalyon#Monuments|statues of Turalyon]], and on the stainglass representation of [[Tyr]] in [[Stratholme]]'s [[Alonsus Chapel|chapel]].<ref>''[[Of Blood and Honor]]'', pg. 8</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=https://twitter.com/ChrisMetzen/status/312037364497264641|title=Chris Metzen on Twitter|date=2013-03-14|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114031439/https://twitter.com/ChrisMetzen/status/312037364497264641|archivedate=2013-11-14|quote=''“@CEMOTucu: @ChrisMetzen In Of Blood and Honor, there's a holy warrior depicted in the church. Is it Tyr?” As humans imagine him...''}}</ref>
 
   
  +
===Dragonflight===
The paladins seem to have a thousand different rites for every minor occasion,<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 8</ref> and are also known to be very sanctimonious.<ref name="DotD4" /> For them; any service, however humble, that helped another was of the Light.<ref>''[[The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm]]'', chapter 6</ref> Nevertheless, they are known for their expedience in meting out justice, which can sometimes turn into an inquisition.<ref name="DotD5" />
 
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{{df-section}}
  +
Following the discovery of the [[Dragon Isles]], a few paladins joined the [[Dragonscale Expedition]] in their exploration of the ancestral homeland of [[Azeroth]]'s [[dragonflight]]s.<ref>[[Cariel Roame]], [[Vaayu Hestavari]], [[Dragonscale Expedition Defender]]s</ref>
   
  +
After they collected one of [[Tyr]]'s memories in his [[Tomb of Tyr|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.<ref>[[A Sliver of Silver]]</ref>
The members of the Silver Hand consider themselves to be “Brothers” and “Sisters” when they become paladins.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', part 1, chapter 5</ref>
 
   
  +
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 [[Alternate timeline|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.
Not all Knights of the Silver Hand necessarily come from noble families, like [[Sir Thomas]] who comes from a family that owns and worked a pumpkin farm in [[Tirisfal Glades]].<ref name="ACF" /> When a paladin enters the ranks of the Silver Hand, they can change their name. It's notably the case of [[Davil Lightfire]], originally Davil Crokford.<ref>[[Extended Annals of Darrowshire]]</ref>
 
   
  +
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.<ref name="Reforging">[[Reforging the Tyr's Guard]]</ref>
When they obtain their steed, the paladins of the Silver Hand name them following the tradition of the paladins and priests,<ref>''[[Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 107</ref> inherited from the informal tradition of the knights and nobles of Lordaeron,<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', pg. 26</ref> by a quality they admire. It's the case of [[Invincible]] and [[Steadfast]], respectively named by [[Arthas Menethil]] and [[Uther the Lightbringer]].
 
   
  +
==Culture==
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.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', pg. 40</ref> In battle, they charge their enemies onto their steeds, using mainly swords and warhammers, but also maces, axes,<ref name="ToD21" /> shields, and their [[libram]]s. 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.<ref>''[[Of Blood and Honor]]'', chapter 1</ref> 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.<ref name="DotD5">''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 5</ref>
 
  +
[[File:Paladin Crest.png|thumb|The [[paladin]] [[crest]], illustrated in the preface of the [[Libram of Ancient Kings]].]]
  +
{{QuoteWiki|This world is ours, and by the Holy Light we will keep it safe, now and forever.|Turalyon to Khadgar after the Second War<ref name="ToD, epilogue">''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', epilogue</ref>}}
  +
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 of the Holy Light|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.<ref name="Chronicle 2" />
   
  +
As the martial branch of the [[Church of the Holy Light|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 [[Church of the Holy Light#The Three Virtues|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.<ref name="Chronicle 2" /> Compassion, patience, bravery mean as much to a paladin as strength in battle,<ref>[[The Tome of Divinity (human 2)]]</ref> and sacrifice is a key component in what it takes to uphold their duties.<ref>[[To Show Due Judgment]]</ref>
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.<ref>{{ref book |author= Knaak, Richard A. |authorlink= Richard A. Knaak |title = [[Day of the Dragon]] |isbn= 978-0-6710-4152-6 |pages=60}}</ref>
 
   
  +
The paladins seem to have a thousand different rites for every minor occasion,<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 8</ref> and are also known to be very sanctimonious.<ref name="DotD4" /> For them; any service, however humble, that helped another was of the Light.<ref>''[[The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm]]'', chapter 6</ref> Nevertheless, they are known for their experience in meting out justice, which can sometimes turn into an [[Inquisitor (occupation)|inquisition]].<ref name="DotD5" />
The Knights of the Silver Hand do not mistreat their prisoners, they do not deny them any basic rights,<ref name="DotD5" /> including food, drink, and the right to defend themselves by giving their side of the story.<ref>''[[Ashes to Ashes]]'', pg. 5</ref> During interrogation, they disapprove the practice of torture or brutality,<ref>''[[Beyond the Dark Portal]]'', chapter 9</ref> instead, asking the accused to confess,<ref name="DotD5" /> or by seeking to negotiate with them.<ref>''[[Shadows Rising]]''</ref> In the case of a complete refusal to comply, they use the Light to make their prisoners answer their questions, forcing them to tell the truth although it is very painful.<ref>''[[Beyond the Dark Portal]]'', chapter 13</ref>
 
   
  +
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.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', pg. 40</ref> In battle, they charge their enemies onto their steeds, using mainly swords and warhammers, but also maces, axes,<ref name="ToD21" /> 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.<ref>''[[Of Blood and Honor]]'', chapter 1</ref> 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.<ref name="DotD5">''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 5</ref> 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 [[Arcane|magic]], which sought to control the elements and other forces.<ref name="ToD22" />
The Order is an overall noble establishment, but there is a time when pleasantries must end and justice must be done. The [[Judgement Armor]] is meant to be an [[Inquisitor (occupation)|Inquisitor]]-like outfit, and is so called for a reason, 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 judgement, as there is more to a paladin than shining armor.<ref>{{ref web |url=http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-paladin&t=553697&p=1&tmp=1#post553697 |title=WoW Paladin Discussion (old site, no archive available) |author=Blizzard Community Manager [[Caydiem]]}}</ref>
 
   
  +
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]].<ref name="ACF" /> When a paladin enters the ranks of the Order they can change their name, like [[Davil Lightfire]], originally Davil Crokford.<ref>[[Extended Annals of Darrowshire]]</ref> As paladins, they consider themselves to be “Brothers” and “Sisters”.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', part 1, chapter 5</ref> Along with their shoulders and warhammer, they received their own [[libram]] during their ceremony of induction, but also their paladin symbol.<ref>[[Smash the Pumpkin]]</ref><ref>[[The Hand of the Light]]</ref> They are holy [[Relic|relics]] filled with sacred texts, and which paladins use to channel their [[Holy|powers]], or to write down important information.<ref name="Aponi's Trail" /> When they obtain their steed, they name them following the tradition of the paladins and priests,<ref>''[[Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 107</ref> inherited from the informal tradition of the knights and nobles of Lordaeron, by a quality they admire.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', pg. 26</ref>
The settlements of the Silver Hand through [[Lordaeron]] were described as [[keep]]s, with high stone walls surrounded functional and unadorned establishments where holy knights, squires, and small populations of common folk attempted to live in relative frugality. The banners of the brotherhood flew side-by-side with those of the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]], and if not for the townsfolk, these settlements might have been mistaken for completely military operations, for the rule of the holy order clearly had control over all matters.<ref name="DotD4">''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 4</ref>
 
   
  +
[[File:Librams Sanctum of Light.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The libraries of the [[Sanctum of Light]], where the [[libram]]s and sacred books of the Order are archived by its [[scholar]]s.]]
In case of treason or acts contrary to the rules of the Order, paladins can be [[Excommunication|excommunicated]]. After having stand [[Major trial|trial]], their light-given powers are stripped, 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.<ref>''[[Of Blood and Honor]]'', chapter 5</ref>
 
  +
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.<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', pg. 60</ref> 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.<ref>''[[Mage (manga)|Mage]]'', page 41</ref> When buried, paladins can be placed in conventional [[Cemetery|cemeteries]], or in the resting places of the honored dead such as the catacombs of the [[Cathedral of Light]],<ref>''[[Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms]]'', pg. 19</ref> the cemetery of [[Light's Hope Chapel]],<ref name="DtD"/> and the crypts of the [[Sanctum of Light]].<ref>[[Hall of Champions (Sanctum of Light)]]</ref>
   
  +
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.<ref>''[[Beyond the Dark Portal]]'', chapter 5</ref> They also support the society through charitable works,<ref>[[The Tome of Divinity (human 4)]]</ref><ref>[[Emphasis on Sacrifice]]</ref> are sent on missions to protect the Alliance and their allies, and allowed the [[undead]] and [[Ghost|spirit]]s to rest,<ref>[[The Cries of the Dead]]</ref><ref>[[Exorcising Terrordale]]</ref> either by purging or by using a holy censer to exorcise them.<ref>[[To Show Due Judgment]]</ref><ref>[[Soothing Spirits]]</ref>
===Belief===
 
{{main|Church of the Holy Light}}
 
As the martial branch of the [[Church of the Holy Light]], the Order of the Silver Hand clergy is renowned for spreading goodness. These noble warriors employ both a strong military and powerful magics in the defense of their kingdoms. Bestowed with the ancient arms and armor of their forefathers, they wander from town to town righting the wrongs of society. Although the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] has all but fallen apart, these valiant warriors have once again taken up steel against the enemies of [[Azeroth]].<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20000818052048/http://www.blizzard.com/war3/ca-set1.shtml Concept art gallery]</ref>
 
   
  +
The paladins of the Silver Hand do not mistreat their prisoners, and do not deny them any basic rights,<ref name="DotD5" /> including food, drink, and the right to defend themselves by giving their side of the story.<ref>''[[Ashes to Ashes]]'', pg. 5</ref> During interrogation, they disapprove the practice of torture or brutality,<ref>''[[Beyond the Dark Portal]]'', chapter 9</ref> instead asking the accused to confess,<ref name="DotD5" /> or by seeking to negotiate with them.<ref>''[[Shadows Rising]]''</ref> 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.<ref>''[[Beyond the Dark Portal]]'', chapter 13</ref>
They are followers of the philosophy of the Holy Light, which boils down to the three teachings called the [[Church of the Holy Light#The Three Virtues|Three Virtues]]. The Knights of the Silver Hand apply them at all times in order to make the world a place everyone can appreciate; a world of honor and justice. Some of them also believed in a [[God|higher power]] that could choose paths for people, and believed evil actions were ungodly.<ref>{{ref book |author= Knaak, Richard A. |authorlink= Richard A. Knaak |title = [[Day of the Dragon]] |isbn= 978-0-6710-4152-6 |pages=44}}: "...clearly it was chosen by a higher power that your paths would lead you to us."</ref>
 
   
  +
In case of treason, desertion, or any acts contrary to the rules of the Order, paladins can be [[Excommunication|excommunicated]]. After having stand [[Major trial|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.<ref>''[[Of Blood and Honor]]'', chapter 5</ref> 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.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', pg. 137 - 138</ref><ref name="ACF" />
Compassion, patience, bravery mean as much to a paladin as strength in battle,<ref>[[The Tome of Divinity (human 2)]]</ref> and sacrifice is a key component in what it takes to uphold their duties.<ref>[[To Show Due Judgment]]</ref>
 
 
Through the general ideology of the Light is to strive to be good in all actions, the paladins must always show themselves worthy of serving the light and never forget the virtues that make them what they are. They also seek to be the best of oneself, and thus continue to make the world a better place. Its teachings are depicted in the [[Tome of Divinity]] and the [[Tome of Valor (Classic)]].
 
 
===Missions===
 
{{QuoteWiki|This world is ours, and by the Holy Light we will keep it safe, now and forever.|Turalyon to Khadgar after the Second War<ref name="ToD, epilogue">''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', epilogue</ref>}}
 
Founded during the [[Second War]], the initial mission of the Paladins of the Order of the Silver Hand was to be a symbol of unity for the various peoples forming the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]]. Using their sacred power to heal, protect, and give courage to their troops, they became heroes of humanity and were on the front lines to fight the [[death knight (Old Horde)|death knight]]s of the [[Old Horde]].
 
 
Following the war, on Faol's decree,<ref name="Beyond the Dark Portal 5">''[[Beyond the Dark Portal]]'', chapter 5</ref> they dedicated themselves to heal the sick and granted shelter to the survivors broken by the war, while safeguarding the land from orc attacks by directing a few settlements across [[Lordaeron]] until the [[Third War]]. As a number of [[internment camp]]s were constructed in southern [[Lordaeron]] to contain the orcish threat, they were guarded by both [[paladin]]s of the order and veteran soldiers.<ref>[[Captain Skarloc#Adventure Guide]]</ref>
 
 
For years, they kept the peace in Lordaeron, settling civil disputes and quelling [[Racial terminology#Demi-human|demi-human]] uprisings throughout the realm.<ref name="W3 manual" /> Some paladins also hold leadership positions in seigneuries, municipalities and even regions across the kingdom. It was notably the case of [[Tirion Fordring]] as the Lord of [[Hearthglen]], succeeded by his apprentice [[Magistrate Barthilas|Barthilas]] who later became the Magistrate of [[Stratholme]]. Recently, [[Gryan Stoutmantle]] became the Marshal in charge of leading the reconstruction and protection of [[Westfall]].
 
 
When the [[Plague of Undeath]] manifested in Lordaeron, the Paladins of the Silver Hand mobilized against the undead, even after the Order was suspended by Arthas Menethil. They have since battled tirelessly against the [[Scourge]], seeking to free Lordaeron from the [[undead]], and restore it to its former glory.
 
 
Powerful [[holy]] [[knight]]s, they are called to protect the weak, to bring justice to the unjust, and to vanquish evil from the darkest corners of the world. They are dedicated to the cause of the Church and their Order, but can also decide to travel, spreading their faith and the justice of the Light across [[Azeroth]].{{Fact|Such a nice description; what is its source?}} Others join the ranks of the Alliance armies, such as the [[Stormwind Army]], where they fight, protect and lead their comrades on the battlefield. Among them, veterans may join the ranks of the [[7th Legion]].<ref>[[7th Legion Crusader]]</ref>
 
 
As members of the Church, they are mainly present in places of worship, such as [[church]]es, which provide a place where priests and paladins can commune with the people of the land.<ref>''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]'' manual, ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans manual#Church|Azeroth Army of the First War]]'', Church</ref> They take care of the sick and wounded, while seniors are responsible for training aspiring paladins. They also make sure to support the society by helping and participating in charitable works,<ref>[[The Tome of Divinity (human 4)]]</ref><ref>[[Emphasis on Sacrifice]]</ref> and are sent on missions against those who threaten the peoples of the Alliance and their allies, notably by allowing the [[undead]] and [[Ghost|spirit]]s to rest, either by purging them or by using a holy censer.<ref>[[To Show Due Judgment]]</ref><ref>[[Exorcising Terrordale]]</ref><ref>[[Soothing Spirits]]</ref><ref>[[The Cries of the Dead]]</ref>
 
 
In times of peace, some of them exchange their weapons and armor for simple robes, applying the teachings of [[Alonsus Faol]] on the dichotomy of paladins to serve humbly in devastated communities after wars; as they are both warriors and healers.<ref name="Beyond the Dark Portal 5" /> They were also known to minister to the masses during the war, gathering inside [[church]]es to deepen their faith.<ref>''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' manual, ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual#Alliance Buildings|Alliance Buildings]]'', Church</ref>
 
 
Following the [[Fourth War]], the Silver Hand transformed some rooms of the Sanctum of Light, in order to store many artifacts that their paladins recover and secure. Those artifacts are far too dangerous to be stored elsewhere, and above all far too tempting for anyone to resist, therefore, the paladins employ sacred protections.<ref name="Exploring Azeroth" />
 
   
 
===Formation===
 
===Formation===
[[File:Alonsus Chapel Legion.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[[Alonsus Chapel]], where the first paladins were trained and knighted.]]
+
[[File:Alonsus Chapel Legion.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|left|[[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 [[priest]]s and [[knight]]s,<ref name="ToD21" /><ref name="Chronicle 2" /> and up to several years for younger and inexperienced apprentices,<ref name="OBaH2" /><ref name="RotLK">''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]''</ref> although training can be accelerated for [[squire]]s if necessary.<ref name="Recruiting the Troops" /> 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.<ref>[[Judgment Awaits]]</ref>
{{QuoteWiki|I have devoted my life to the teachings of Uther Lightbringer.|Disciple of the Light<ref>[[Disciple of the Light]]</ref>}}
 
The training to become a paladin of the Order of the Silver Hand can take several months for [[priest]]s and [[knight]]s,<ref name="ToD21" /><ref name="Chronicle 2" /> and up to several years for younger and inexperienced apprentices,<ref name="OBaH2" /><ref name="RotLK">''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]''</ref> although training can be accelerated for [[squire]]s if necessary.<ref name="Recruiting the Troops" /> 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, those who are not worthy are dismissed but may retry later.<ref>[[Judgment Awaits]]</ref>
 
   
In the past, they were mainly trained in [[Lordaeron]], notably at the Cathedral of [[Capital City]], the former main spiritual hub of the Church before the Third War,<ref name="RotLK" /> or at the [[Scarlet Monastery|Monastery]], a center for learning and enlightenment known as a proud bastion of Lordaeron's priesthood,<ref>[[Game Guide/World Dungeons#The Scarlet Monastery]]</ref> which served as a seminary and major training ground for paladins in training.<ref>[[Mythology of the Titans (quest)]]</ref><ref>[[The Scarlet Monastery (quest)]]</ref> Nowadays, they are mainly trained by their seniors at the [[Sanctum of Light]], in the [[Northshire Abbey]] of [[Northshire Valley]], or at the [[Cathedral of Light#Inhabitants|Cathedral of Light]] and the [[Training Hall]] of [[Stormwind City]]. In [[Ironforge]], they are trained in the [[Hall of Mysteries#Inhabitants|Hall of Mysteries]], a center of arcane and divine practice and study.
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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,<ref name="RotLK" /> or at the [[Scarlet Monastery|Monastery]], a center for learning and enlightenment known as a proud bastion of Lordaeron's priesthood,<ref>[[Game Guide/World Dungeons#The Scarlet Monastery]]</ref> which served as a seminary and major training ground for paladins in training.<ref>[[Mythology of the Titans (quest)]]</ref><ref>[[The Scarlet Monastery (quest)]]</ref> 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#Inhabitants|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.
   
During their formation, apprentice paladins 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,<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 8</ref> and this for days and nights.<ref name="Chronicle 2" /> 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.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 7</ref> In [[church|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.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 4</ref> At the same time, 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.<ref name="OBaH2" />
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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.<ref name="The Tome of Valor">[[The Tome of Valor]]</ref> 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,<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 8</ref> and this for days and nights.<ref name="Chronicle 2" /> 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.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 7</ref> In [[church|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.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 4</ref> 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.<ref name="OBaH2" /> They also learn to abnegate themselves through meditation, in order to become conduits for the Light and use its powers.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: The Comic]]'', Issue 22: ''[[Whispers]]''</ref>
   
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[[File:Altar of Ancients Kings.png|thumb|upright=1.2|The [[Altar of Ancient Kings]], where are inducted the paladins of the Silver Hand in the [[Sanctum of Light]].]]
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.<ref name="The Tome of Valor">[[The Tome of Valor]]</ref>
 
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<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 
After being deemed worthy, becoming a paladin and officially join the Silver Hand requires passing a ceremony of induction headed by an [[Archbishop]], or a high member of the church, in presence of [[cleric]]s of the [[Brotherhood of Northshire]] and [[paladin]]s of the order. During his ceremony at [[Alonsus Chapel]], [[Tirion Fordring]] received his warhammer engraved with holy [[Rune magic|runes]] from a member of the order and the silver plates that were placed on his shoulders by a paladin close to him, [[Saidan Dathrohan]], before he speaks his vows and be empowered by the holy light.<ref name="OBaH2" />
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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 [[priest]]s and fellow [[paladin]]s,<ref name="OBaH2" /><ref>''[[Of Blood and Honor]]'', chapter 8</ref><ref name="AtA" /> where they take their oath of allegiance<ref>''[[Of Lost Honor]]''</ref> on a banner of the Silver Hand:
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<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 
:'''Archbishop''': 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.
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:'''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.''
 
:''The Archbishop closed the book and turned toward the men on the left.''
:'''Archbishop''': Clerics of the Northshire, if you deem this man worthy, place your blessings upon him.
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:'''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 Tirion's neck. Then, he dipped his thumb in a small vial of sacred oil and anointed Tirion’s forehead.''
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:''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.
 
:'''Cleric''': By the grace of the Light, may your brethren be healed.
 
:''The Archbishop turned to the men on the right.''
 
:''The Archbishop turned to the men on the right.''
:'''Archbishop''': Knights of the Silver Hand, if you deem this man worthy, place your blessings upon him.
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:'''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 Tirion’s feet. The second, Saidan Dathrohan, placed the silver plates upon Tirion’s shoulders.''
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:''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.''
:'''Saidan Dathrohan''': By the strength of the Light, may your enemies be undone.
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:'''Gavinrad''': By the strength of the Light, may your enemies be undone.
:'''Archbishop''': Arise and be recognized.
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:'''Alonsus Faol''': Arise and be recognized.
:''Tirion stood up in front of the Archbishop.''
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:''Arthas stood up in front of the Archbishop.''
:'''Archbishop''': Do you, Tirion Fordring, vow to uphold the honor and codes of the Order of the Silver Hand.
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:'''Alonsus Faol''': Do you, Arthas Menethil, vow to uphold the honor and codes of the Order of the Silver Hand.
:'''Tirion Fordring''': I do.
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:'''Arthas Menethil''': I do.
:'''Archbishop''': Do you vow to walk in the grace of the Light and spread its wisdom to your fellow man?
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:'''Alonsus Faol''': Do you vow to walk in the grace of the Light and spread its wisdom to your fellow man?
:'''Tirion Fordring''': I do.
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:'''Arthas Menethil''': I do.
:'''Archbishop''': Do you vow to vanquish evil wherever it be found, and protect the weak and innocent with your very life?
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:'''Alonsus Faol''': Do you vow to vanquish evil wherever it be found, and protect the weak and innocent with your very life?
:'''Tirion Fordring''': By my blood and honor, I do.
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:'''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.''
 
:''The Archbishop closed the book and walked back toward the center of the altar, he turned to face the entire assembly.''
:'''Archbishop''': Brothers — you who have gathered here to bear witness — raise your hands and let the Light illuminate this man.
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:'''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 Tirion, empowered him with the holy light.''
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:''Each of the clerics and knights raised their right hands and pointed toward Arthas, empowering him with the holy light.''
:'''Archbishop Alonsus Faol''': Arise, Tirion Fordring — Paladin defender of Lordaeron. Welcome to the Order of the Silver Hand.
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:'''Alonsus Faol''': Arise, Arthas Menethil — Paladin defender of Lordaeron. Welcome to the Order of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', part 1, chapter 5</ref>
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</div></div>
 
A few years later, [[Arthas Menethil]] went through the ceremony with Archbishop [[Alonsus Faol]] in the [[Cathedral of Light]] of [[Stormwind City]], during which he received his warhammer etched of holy runes from [[Gavinrad]] and his silver plates from [[Uther the Lightbringer]], before being empowered by the holy light.<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', part 1, chapter 5</ref> [[Taelan Fordring]] and [[Renault Mograine]] also went through the same ceremony for their introduction, respectively, into the ranks of the Silver Hand and the Scarlet Crusade.<ref>''[[Of Blood and Honor]]'', chapter 8</ref><ref name="AtA" />
 
 
*During the [[third invasion of the Burning Legion]], when [[Delas Moonfang]] joined the Order in the Sanctum of Light, she was instructed to "speak the vows" to be inducted by the Highlord of the Silver Hand.<ref>[[A New Path]]</ref>
 
   
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<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
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When [[Delas Moonfang]] became a paladin, she was instructed to "speak the vows".<ref>[[A New Path]]</ref> She vowed to follow the guiding principles - to act honorably, to uphold what is righteous, to fight against injustice,<ref>[[Champion: Delas Moonfang]]</ref> and to celebrate with her new brothers and sisters of the Silver Hand:
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<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 
:''Delas walks down the aisle and then kneels at the steps leading up to the [[Altar of Ancient Kings]].
 
:''Delas walks down the aisle and then kneels at the steps leading up to the [[Altar of Ancient Kings]].
 
:{{text|say|Delas Moonfang|Here, in the presence of [[Hall of Champions (Sanctum of Light)|eternal champions]], I take this sacred oath:}}
 
:{{text|say|Delas Moonfang|Here, in the presence of [[Hall of Champions (Sanctum of Light)|eternal champions]], I take this sacred oath:}}
Line 347: Line 323:
 
:''After Delas has completed the vow, the Highlord used the ability {{abilities|Rise, Paladin|image=ability_paladin_blindinglight|id=225423}} to complete the induction.''
 
:''After Delas has completed the vow, the Highlord used the ability {{abilities|Rise, Paladin|image=ability_paladin_blindinglight|id=225423}} 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.''
 
:''Delas stands and walks the rest of the way to the altar before kneeling again. Upon arising, she is reborn as a paladin.''
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</div></div>
   
Following the ceremony of induction, these new paladins receive a [[Badge of the Silver Hand]] to formalize their status and membership in the ranks of the Order. Thereafter, they continue to be trained by their master, in order to learn how to use their new holy powers. This is notably the case of [[Magistrate Barthilas|Barthilas]] and Arthas Menethil who continued to be formed, respectively, by Tirion Fordring and Uther the Lightbringer after joining the Silver Hand.<ref name="OBaH2" /><ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', pg. 62</ref>
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Following the ceremony, these new paladins receive their [[Tabard of the Lightbringer|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.<ref name="OBaH2" /><ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', pg. 62</ref> 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.<ref>[[The Tome of Divinity (human 1)]]</ref> They must succeed to prove themselves worthy to learn the use of the [[Sense Undead|perception of the undead]],<ref>[[The Tome of Valor (4)]]</ref> but above all, to access to one of the paladin's greatest honors, the [[Redemption|power of resurrection]].<ref>[[The Tome of Divinity (human 9)]]</ref>
   
To improve their abilities, young paladins are given various quests, missions, and trials, notably to prove to their superiors to be worthy of learning how to use the [[Sense Undead|perception of the undead]],<ref>[[The Tome of Valor (4)]]</ref> but above all to access to one of the paladin's greatest honors, the [[Redemption|power of resurrection]].<ref>[[The Tome of Divinity (human 9)]]</ref> [[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker]] is in charge of helping them to obtain their own [[charger]].<ref>[[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker (old)]]</ref> Those holy steeds are devoted to the cause of their owner,<ref>[[Summon Charger#Mount Journal]]</ref> and are the spirits of former [[deathcharger]]s recovered from [[death knight]]s,<ref>[[Exorcising Terrordale]]</ref> and then redeemed through a sacred ritual,<ref>[[Judgment and Redemption]]</ref> a tedious task that involved months of obtaining materials all over [[Azeroth]].<ref name="Preparations Underway" /> Following the [[Cataclysm (event)|Cataclysm]], they are easier to obtain as the Silver Hand has now most of those materials at hand.<ref name = "Preparations Underway" />
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Young paladins get a [[warhorse]] as their first mount.<ref>[[The Tome of Nobility (2)]]</ref> After proving themselves, [[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker]] helped them to obtain their own [[Summon Charger|Charger]].<ref>[[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker (old)]]</ref> Those holy steeds are devoted to the cause of their owner,<ref>[[Summon Charger#Mount Journal]]</ref> and are the spirits of former [[deathcharger]]s recovered from [[death knight]]s and redeemed by a sacred ritual.<ref>[[Exorcising Terrordale]]</ref><ref>[[Judgment and Redemption]]</ref> 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 (event)|Cataclysm]].<ref name="Preparations Underway" />
   
 
==Organization==
 
==Organization==
[[File:Sanctum of Light.jpg|thumb|360px|The [[Sanctum of Light]], headquarters and base of operation of the Order of the Silver Hand in [[Lordaeron]].]]
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[[File:Sanctum of Light.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|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]] who serves as a catacomb which houses the remains of a thousand heroes of [[Lordaeron]], and as the headquarters of the organization from where they operate since the [[third invasion of the Burning Legion]].
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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===
 
===Leadership===
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;The Highlord
Once under the command of its the Supreme Commander and the [[Archbishop]] of the Church, the Order of the Silver Hand is led by an [[Highlord]] since the [[Third War]], the latter being the wielder of the legendary [[Ashbringer]]. When chosen as the successor by the previous Highlord, they must record their name in the [[Libram of Ancient Kings]], during a ceremony attended by all members of the Order.<ref>[[A United Force]]</ref>
 
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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.<ref name="A United Force" /> 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.
 
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*{{ClassIcon|Paladin}} {{NPC||Adventurer||The Highlord of the Silver Hand||icon=Adventurer}} – Current leader of the Silver Hand.
The '''Highlord''' acts as the highest authority of the Silver Hand, they are recognized as a heroic figure among the paladins, embodying the faith justice of the [[Light]], and the one to whom all the members of the Knights of the Silver Hand swear fidelity.
 
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*{{NPC|Neutral|Tirion Fordring||Highlord Tirion Fordring||icon=Tirion}} {{KIA}} – Died from his [[Jailer Zerus|torture]] wounds following the [[Battle for Broken Shore]].
 
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*{{NPC|Alliance|Alexandros Mograine||Highlord Alexandros Mograine|icon=Mograine}} {{KIA}} – Assassinated by his son [[Renault Mograine]] with the [[Ashbringer]].
*{{FactionIcon|Both|small}} {{NPC||Adventurer||The Highlord of the Silver Hand||icon=Adventurer}} – Current leader of the Silver Hand.
 
*{{NPC|Neutral|Tirion Fordring||Highlord Tirion Fordring||icon=Tirion}} – Died from his [[Jailer Zerus|torture]] wounds following the [[Battle for Broken Shore]].
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*{{NPC|Alliance|Uther the Lightbringer||Supreme Commander Uther|icon=Uther}} {{KIA}} – Killed in a duel by his apprentice [[Arthas Menethil]] with [[Frostmourne]].
*{{NPC|Alliance|Alexandros Mograine||Highlord Alexandros Mograine|icon=Mograine}} – Assassinated by his son [[Renault Mograine]] with the [[Ashbringer]].
 
*{{NPC|Alliance|Uther the Lightbringer||Supreme Commander Uther|icon=Uther}} – Killed in a duel by his apprentice [[Arthas Menethil]] with [[Frostmourne]].
 
*{{NPC|Alliance|Alonsus Faol||Archbishop Alonsus Faol|icon=Human Male}} – Died of an unknown cause before being brought back as an [[undead]].
 
 
The '''Leaders of the Silver Hand''' are the high-ranking members of the Order entrusted with a position of authority in the organization. They do more than advice and assist the Highlord, they take care of organizing and directing the missions of their paladins, making decisions to determine future objectives and actions of the Order,<ref name="MtR"/> and representing it when the Highlord is not present.
 
 
Some of them were deemed worthy and chosen by the Highlord itself, while the others were leaders of other orders of paladins who have sworn loyalty to the Silver Hand, in order to fight against the [[Burning Legion]].
 
   
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;The war council
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The leaders of the Silver Hand, or the "war council",<ref name="Meeting"/><ref>[[United As One (priest)]]</ref> 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,<ref name="Meeting"/> and represent it when the Highlord is not present. Since the reformation of the Silver Hand, the actual leaders are:
 
*{{NPC|Neutral|Lord Maxwell Tyrosus|icon=Maxwell}} – Leader of the [[Argent Crusade]]
 
*{{NPC|Neutral|Lord Maxwell Tyrosus|icon=Maxwell}} – Leader of the [[Argent Crusade]]
*{{NPC|Alliance|High Exarch Turalyon|icon=Turalyon}} – Founding member of the Silver Hand
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*{{NPC|Alliance|High Exarch Turalyon|icon=Turalyon}} – Leader of the [[Army of the Light]]
 
*{{NPC|Alliance|Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker|icon=Human Male}} – Chief paladin of [[Stormwind]]
 
*{{NPC|Alliance|Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker|icon=Human Male}} – Chief paladin of [[Stormwind]]
*{{NPC|Alliance|Valgar Highforge|icon=Dwarf Male}} – Grand Smith of the Silver Hand
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*{{NPC|Alliance|Arator the Redeemer|icon=Arator}} – Champion of the Silver Hand
*{{NPC|Alliance|Justicar Julia Celeste|icon=Human Female}}<ref name="MtR">[[Meeting of the Silver Hand]]</ref> – Veteran of the [[War against the Lich King|Scourgewar]]
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*{{NPC|Alliance|Justicar Julia Celeste|icon=Human Female}} – Veteran of the [[War against the Lich King|Scourgewar]]
*{{NPC|Alliance|Vindicator Boros|icon=Draenei Male}}<ref name="MtR"/> – First of the Triumvirate of the [[Hand of Argus]]
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*{{NPC|Alliance|Vindicator Boros|icon=Draenei Male}} – First of the Triumvirate of the [[Hand of Argus]]
*{{NPC|Alliance|Arator the Redeemer|icon=Arator}}<ref name="MtR"/> – Champion of the Silver Hand
 
   
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During the [[Third War]], many leaders of the Silver Hand were killed by Arthas and the [[Scourge]]. Others such as [[Saidan Dathrohan|Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan]], [[High General Abbendis]] and [[Isillien|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 of the Silver Hand''' were chosen by the Highlord itself who considered them worthy of being the elite of the Order's paladins, as much for their heroic actions as for their dedication to the cause. Almost all leaders of the Silver Hand are champions of the Order, but not all champions are necessarily considered leaders. Their duty is to accomplish the dangerous missions they receive, to lead their troops against the enemies of the Silver Hand, and also to perform the function of bodyguard for the Highlord.
 
   
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;The Champions
*{{NPC|Neutral|Delas Moonfang|icon=NightElf Female}} – Former [[Priestess of the Moon]]
 
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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, [[Arthas Menethil|Prince Arthas Menethil]] was the revered champion of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Blood of the Highborne]]'', chapter 2</ref>
*{{NPC|Neutral|Nerus Moonfang|icon=NightElf Male}} – [[Ghost|Spirit]] seeking for redemption
 
*{{NPC|Alliance|Maximillian of Northshire|icon=Human Male}} – Deluded [[Knight]]-Errant
 
*{{NPC|Neutral|Lothraxion|icon=Lothraxion}} – High commander of the [[Army of the Light]]
 
 
During the [[Third War]], almost all leaders of the Order were killed by Arthas Menethil and the Scourge, among them [[Halahk the Lifebringer]], [[Magroth the Defender]], [[Ballador the Bright]], [[Sage Truthbearer]], and [[Gavinrad]]. Others left the ranks of the Order and founded the [[Scarlet Crusade]], such as the possessed [[Saidan Dathrohan]] and [[High General Abbendis]], while others joined the ranks of [[Daelin Proudmoore|Lord Admiral Daelin Proudmoore]]'s [[Human Settlers|fleet]], notably [[Dagren the Orcslayer]]. Following the [[third invasion of the Burning Legion]], and the beginning of the [[Fourth War]], [[Lady Liadrin]] of the [[Blood Knights]] and [[Aponi Brightmane]] of the [[Sunwalkers]] left the ranks of the Order with their paladins and fought under the banner of the Horde during the [[Battle for Stromgarde]], notably against the Silver Hand under [[Turalyon]].
 
   
 
===Membership===
 
===Membership===
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{{main|List of Knights of the Silver Hand paladins}}
 
[[File:Stormwind City after the Cataclysm.jpg|thumb|The [[Cathedral of Light]], headquarters of the Silver Hand in [[Stormwind City]].]]
 
[[File:Stormwind City after the Cataclysm.jpg|thumb|The [[Cathedral of Light]], headquarters of the Silver Hand in [[Stormwind City]].]]
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Once only made up of humans, the Silver Hand began recruiting [[Dwarf|dwarves]] from [[Ironforge]] and [[High elf|high elves]] from [[Quel'Thalas]] after the [[Second War]]. After their integration into the Alliance, the [[draenei]]<ref>[[Ezul'aan]]</ref> and [[Dark Iron dwarf|Dark Iron dwarves]]<ref>[[Nella Slagheart]] & [[Frida Ironbellows]]</ref> were also recruited. The [[Night elf|night elves]] [[Delas Moonfang]] and [[Nerus Moonfang]], and the [[nathrezim]] [[Lothraxion]], are unique cases recruited by the Highlord to serve as champions.
{{QuoteWiki|Only by working together can we succeed!|Highlord Tirion Fordring}}
 
The Order of the Silver Hand has a large number of paladins in its ranks, as well as many roles granted to them. Under the orders of their superiors, including captains,<ref>[[Captain Ridgers]]</ref> commanders,<ref>[[Commander Born]]</ref><ref>[[Commander Ansela]]</ref> and champions, they dedicate their lives to the protection of [[Azeroth]] in the name of the [[Light]]. Many of them were once [[warrior]]s, [[knight]]s, and [[priest]]s, who followed the formations of the Silver Hand. This is mainly the case of the first paladins who joined the ranks of the Order when it was created during the [[Second War]].
 
   
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. [[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker]] is in charge of coordinating the forces of the Silver Hand.<ref>[[Logistical Matters]]</ref> With other officers and superiors of the order, he organizes the missions, assaults, and investigations for the paladins, but also the meetings between leaders of the order,<ref>[[Meeting of the Silver Hand]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[The Scion's Legacy]]</ref>
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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,<ref>[[Logistical Matters]]</ref> thus they organize the missions, assaults, and investigations for the paladins, but also the meetings between leaders of the organization,<ref name="Meeting">[[Meeting of the Silver Hand]]</ref> 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.<ref>[[The Scion's Legacy]]</ref>
   
  +
The Order of the Silver Hand has a large number of paladins in its ranks. Under the orders of a military hierarchy, including captains,<ref>[[Captain Ridgers]]</ref><ref>''[[Mage (manga)|Mage]]'', page 35</ref> commanders,<ref>[[Commander Born]] & [[Commander Ansela]]</ref> generals,<ref>[[High General Abbendis]]</ref> and [[Class Hall followers#Champions|champions]], they dedicate their lives to the protection of [[Azeroth]] in the name of the [[Light]]. Many of them were once [[warrior]]s, [[knight]]s, and [[priest]]s from the [[Seven Kingdoms]].
The [[Squire]]s are at the lowest rung of the Silver Hand, 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.<ref name="Followers" />
 
   
The [[Shieldbearer Phalanx|Shieldbearers]] specialize in defensive combat, forming an impenetrable wall of protection, while most paladins of the Silver Hand charge into battle on warhorses.<ref name="Followers" />
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*The [[Squire]]s 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.<ref name="Followers" />
   
  +
*The [[Shieldbearer Phalanx|Shieldbearers]] specialize in defensive combat, forming an impenetrable wall of protection, while most paladins of the Silver Hand charge into battle on warhorses.<ref name="Followers" />
The [[Silver Hand Knight|Knights]] of the Silver Hand 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.<ref name="Followers" /> According to their specialty, they can become [[Silver Hand Protector|Protector]]s, [[Silver Hand Mender|Mender]]s, or [[Silver Hand Shieldbearer|Defender]]s.
 
   
The [[Templar]] of the Silver Hand 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.<ref name="Followers" />
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*The [[Silver Hand Knight|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.<ref name="Followers" />
   
  +
*The [[Templar]]s 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.<ref name="Followers" />
The [[Righteous Crusader|Crusaders]] are the Silver Hand's answer to an immovable barrier, and are deploy to only the most vicious battlefields.<ref name="Followers">[[Class Hall followers#Paladin]]</ref>
 
   
  +
*The [[Silver Hand Crusaders|Crusaders]] are the Silver Hand's answer to an immovable barrier, and are deployed to only the most vicious battlefields.<ref name="Followers">[[Class Hall followers#Paladin]]</ref>
To ensure their fight against threat like the [[Burning Legion]], the Order has its own [[Silver Hand Smith|blacksmiths]],<ref>[[Champion Armaments (paladin)]]</ref> and thus, a large number of paladins of the Silver Hand received weapons and armors made of a rare metal called [[Lumenstone]]. It was recognized as unbreakable, able to negate [[magic]], and can even withstand great amounts of [[fel]].<ref>[[Lumenstone (paladin)]]</ref> This metal was collected in large quantities among the native peoples of the [[Broken Isles]], the only place in Azeroth region where it can be found.
 
   
To protect the Sanctum of Light, or the Highlord when they are on a mission, the Silver Hand calls on its [[Silver Highguard|Highguards]] to ensure this task, the latter wearing the [[Judgment Armor]]. They also call on [[Scholar]]s to take care of their libraries, in order to preserve, study and archive all the knowledge and history they have accumulated over time.<ref>[[Sister Elda]]</ref><ref>[[Sir Alamande Graythorn]]</ref>
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According to their specialty, some paladins may become [[Silver Hand Protector|Protector]]s who defend their allies in battle, while others may become [[Silver Hand Mender|Mender]]s acting as [[healer]]s. The mission of the [[Silver Highguard|Highguards]] is to protect the Sanctum of Light and the Highlord when they are on a mission. The [[scout]]s are sent to perform reconnaissance on the field and obtain information for their superiors. The Order has its own [[Silver Hand Smith|blacksmiths]],<ref>[[Champion Armaments (paladin)]]</ref> who recently learned to produce weapons and armor made of [[Lumenstone]].<ref>[[Lumenstone (paladin)]]</ref> It is the task of the [[scholar]]s, with [[Sister Elda]] as their Head Archivist, to preserve, study and archive in their libraries all the knowledge the Silver Hand accumulated over time.<ref>[[Furthering Knowledge (paladin)]]</ref><ref>[[Delivering Lost Knowledge (paladin)]]</ref>
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  +
In times of great need, the Order of the Silver Hand can rally its mightiest forces into one pure destructive form, the [[File:spell_holy_greaterblessingoflight.png|16px]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20170310190550if_/http://fr.wowhead.com/spell=221587 Vanguard of the Silver Hand]. Through a [[Silver Hand Orders|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.<ref>[[Blessing of the Order (quest)]]</ref> 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 [[priest]]s, such as [[Grand Inquisitor Isillien|Isillien]] and [[High Inquisitor Fairbanks|Fairbanks]], but also possibly [[mage]]s, the only one known being [[Arcanist Doan]].<ref name="DiC" />
 
At the time of the [[Third War]], the Silver Hand counted among its ranks some [[priest]]s, such as [[Grand Inquisitor Isillien|Isillien]] and [[High Inquisitor Fairbanks|Fairbanks]], but also possibly [[mage]]s, the only one known being [[Arcanist Doan]].<ref name="DiC" />
   
====Vanguard of the Order====
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====Sub-groups====
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{{col-begin}}
In times of great need, the Order of the Silver Hand can rally its mightiest forces into one pure destructive form, the [[File:spell_holy_greaterblessingoflight.png|16px]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20170310190550if_/http://fr.wowhead.com/spell=221587 Vanguard of the Silver Hand]. Through a [[Silver Hand Orders|Libram]] in which the paladins had channel their power, the Highlord can unleash that power to send his army for an important mission or battle.<ref>[[Blessing of the Order (quest)]]</ref> 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:
 
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{{col|3}}
 
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;Detachments
:{{text|yell|Terric the Illuminator|Paladins of the Silver Hand! Come forth and present yourselves for battle!}}
 
  +
{|class="darktable sortable zebra"
*{{text|say|Silver Hand Templar|My Lord, I lend my arms to your cause.}}
 
  +
|-
*{{text|say|Silver Hand Knight|My life for the Light.}}
 
  +
!Name!!Leader(s)!!Status
*{{text|say|Silver Hand Knight|I shall fight for you.}}
 
*{{text|say|Silver Hand Protector|I will protect.}}
 
*{{text|say|Silver Hand Shieldbearer|My shield is yours.}}
 
*{{text|say|Silver Hand Shieldbearer|It would be my honor.}}
 
:{{text|yell|Terric the Illuminator|It is time! Vanguard of the Silver Hand, to battle!}}
 
:{{text|say|Silver Hand Templar|For honor and glory!}}
 
:''The Vanguard mount up and ride off.''
 
 
====Member organizations====
 
Once only made up of humans, the Silver Hand began recruiting [[Dwarf|dwarves]] from [[Ironforge]] and [[High elf|high elves]] from [[Quel'Thalas]] after the [[Second War]]. Following the fall of the Order during the [[Third War]], and its rebirth, many of the actual members of the Silver Hand are paladins of the kingdoms of [[Stormwind (kingdom)|Stormwind]] and [[Ironforge (kingdom)|Ironforge]], affiliated with the [[Church of the Holy Light]] and the Alliance.
 
 
Among their allies against the [[Burning Legion]], were present the [[draenei]] of the [[Hand of Argus]] and the troops of the [[Argent Crusade]]. Following the end of the invasion and the [[Fourth War]], it is still unknown whether these two organizations are still affiliated or not with the Silver Hand, although draenei are still present and active in the ranks of the Order.<ref>[[Ezul'aan]]</ref>
 
 
While not directly stated, [[Brother Sammuel]] from Northshire was also present, thus the [[Brotherhood of Northshire]] was also represented. Same with [[Eligor Dawnbringer]] of the [[Brotherhood of the Light]], and later, with [[Turalyon]] and [[Lothraxion]] of the [[Army of the Light]].
 
 
Of all the organizations that were part of the Silver Hand, many were wiped out by the Scourge during the Third War, among them the [[Circle of Holy Light]], [[Champions of Light]], [[Champions of Peace]], [[Champions of Truth]], [[Crippling Force]], and the [[Defenders of Justice]]. More recently, at the beginning of the [[Fourth War]], the [[Blood Knights]] and [[Sunwalkers]] left the ranks of the Order to fight under the banner of the Horde.<ref>[[Battle for Stromgarde]]</ref>
 
 
===Relations===
 
[[File:Turalyon-profile.png|thumb|240px|[[Turalyon]], leader of the Silver Hand and Lord Commander of the Alliance forces.]]
 
Having led the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] to victory against the [[Old Horde]] during the [[Second War]], the holy knights of the Silver Hand were recognized as valiant and mighty champions of Humanity. By their nature of warriors of the Light and their affiliation 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]].<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 6</ref>
 
 
In the [[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 present on all the battlefields, and some of them managed to reach high ranks in the hierarchy, such as [[Bolvar Fordragon]] as the Regent of [[Stormwind (kingdom)|Stormwind]], [[Gryan Stoutmantle]] as the Marshal of [[Westfall]], [[Halford Wyrmbane]] as the High Commander of the [[7th Legion]], or [[Turalyon]] as the Lord Commander of the Alliance forces.
 
 
The Order of the Silver Hand fights against any threat to the world, such as the [[Scourge]] and the [[Burning Legion]], or any [[Heresy|heretical]] cults that preach evil and seek to harm the living, among them the [[Cult of the Damned]], the [[Twilight's Hammer]], or the [[Shadow Council]] and its various demonic cults.
 
 
They are allies and comrades of the [[Argent Crusade]], having long cooperated with its predecessor the [[Argent Dawn]] against the Scourge in [[Lordaeron]], before merging with them following the [[Battle for Light's Hope Chapel]] under the command of [[Tirion Fordring|Highlord Tirion Fordring]], who led them against the [[Lich King]] during the [[War against the Lich King|Scourgewar]]. On the contrary, they oppose the [[Scarlet Crusade]], considered as an aberration of the order,<ref>[[Tirion Fordring#Tirion's story in his own words]]</ref> whose extreme and corrupt fanaticism led to the death of many innocents people.
 
 
Just like the Church considered the [[Kirin Tor]] and its [[mage|magi]] as [[heretic]]s for centuries, as they never have been fond of their methods, but let them continue to exist because they don't practice dark magic and are somewhere necessary,<ref>''[[Road to Damnation]]''</ref> some knights of the Silver Hand showed hostility for [[Rhonin]] and all the others [[wizard]]s and mages, seeing them as damned souls, but also as an occasional and necessary evil, which they would do without at any other time.<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 2</ref> Despite this complicated relationship, [[Antonidas|Archmage Antonidas]] and [[Alonsus Faol|Archbishop Alonsus Faol]] had good relations in the [[Council of Seven Nations]], where they made sure to calm tensions between the kings and shared their advice and wisdom.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', chapter 5</ref> Before the [[Third War]], Antonidas sent his apprentice [[Jaina Proudmoore]] to accompany the paladin of the Silver Hand [[Arthas Menethil]] in his investigation of the [[Plague of Undeath]].<ref>''[[Arthas: Rise of the Lich King]]'', chapter 9</ref> Recently, the Kirin Tor and the Silver Hand became allies against the [[Burning Legion]], including the establishment of access portals between [[Dalaran City]] and the Sanctum of Light.
 
 
The [[Wildhammer dwarf|Wildhammer dwarves]] respect, if not like the Knights of the Silver Hand, as they know the prowess of the holy order in battle. [[Falstad Wildhammer|Falstad Dragonreaver]] and his wing of [[gryphon rider]]s even agreed to let [[Duncan Senturus|Lord Duncan Senturus]] ride with them on their gryphons for a battle against [[Dragonmaw clan|Dragonmaw]] dragonriders.<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 8</ref>
 
 
Despite being allies against the demons, 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, and because the latters having once considered themselves to be the best paladins of Azeroth, and the true masters of the Light, going so far as to attempt to assert their dominance with the destruction of the [[Alonsus Chapel]].<ref>[[Paladin quests]]</ref> This duality resurfaced noticeably during the [[Fourth War]].
 
 
The Silver Hand maintains a hostile relationship with the [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]]. Despite they made an alliance to defeat the [[Lich King]], the [[death knights]] recently led an [[Assault on Light's Hope Chapel|assault]] on the defenses of the Silver Hand, in order 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 in the [[Sanctum of Light]],<ref>[[The Fourth Horseman]]</ref> leaving the death knights' order in a situation of hostility with the Silver Hand, but also with the [[Argent Crusade]].<ref>[[Argent Sentry (Death Rising)#Gossip]]</ref>
 
 
During the [[third invasion of the Burning Legion]], the Silver Hand developed an alliance with the [[Conclave]], the two orders sharing the same objective of permanently destroying the [[nathrezim]] [[Balnazzar]]. A common goal that was accomplished during the battle against the forces of Balnazzar in the [[Netherlight Temple]], where both organizations fought together. Following the end of the invasion, the Silver Hand seems to have good relations with the [[Army of the Light]], both of them being in the service of the Alliance, and having cooperated against the Horde during the [[Battle for Stromgarde]], under the orders of the [[Turalyon|High exarch Turalyon]].
 
 
===Notable members===
 
{{main|List of Knights of the Silver Hand paladins}}
 
{| class="darktable sortable zebra"
 
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|-
 
|-
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|{{Alliance}} [[Champions of Peace]]
! Name
 
  +
|{{NPC||Gavinrad||Gavinrad the Dire||icon=Gavinrad}}{{KIA}}
! Title
 
  +
|<font color="red">Defeated</font>
! Role
 
! Other affiliation(s)
 
! Status
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|{{Alliance}} [[Champions of Light]]
| {{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{NPC|Neutral|Sir Alamande Graythorn||Alamande Graythorn}} || Sir || Former paladin and noted scholar of the Light in the [[Sanctum of Light]] || [[Hearthglen]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
  +
|{{NPC||Ballador the Bright||icon=Human Male}}{{KIA}}
  +
|<font color="red">Defeated</font>
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|{{Alliance}} [[Champions of Truth]]
| {{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} {{NPC|Neutral|Ares the Oathbound||Ares}} || the Oathbound || Envoy of the Silver Hand charged to retrieve the [[Ashbringer]] in [[Howling Fjord]] || [[Argent Crusade]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
  +
|{{NPC||Sage Truthbearer||icon=Human Male}}{{KIA}}
  +
|<font color="red">Defeated</font>
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|{{Alliance}} [[Circle of Holy Light]]
| {{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} {{NPC|Alliance|Dagren the Orcslayer||Dagren}} || the Orcslayer || Commander of the [[Crippling Force]] in [[Lordaeron]], last seen in [[Theramore]] || [[Kul Tiras (kingdom)| Kingdom of Kul Tiras]], [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] || {{Status|Unknown}}
 
  +
|{{NPC||Halahk the Lifebringer||icon=Human Male}}{{KIA}}
  +
|<font color="red">Defeated</font>
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|{{Alliance}} [[Defenders of Justice]]
| {{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} {{NPC|Alliance|Davil Crokford}} || Lightfire || Paladin hero who fought and fell at [[Darrowshire]] against the Scourge || [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|Kingdom of Lordaeron]], [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
  +
|{{NPC||Magroth the Defender||icon=Human Male}}{{KIA}}
  +
|<font color="red">Defeated</font>
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|{{Alliance}} [[Crippling Force]]
| {{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} {{NPC|Alliance|Duthorian Rall}} || || Influential paladin of the Alliance and trainer in the [[Cathedral of Light]] || [[Stormwind (kingdom)|Kingdom of Stormwind]], [[Church of the Holy Light|Church of Light]], [[Alliance]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
  +
|{{NPC||Dagren the Orcslayer||icon=Human Male}} <small>(MIA)</small>
  +
|<font color="red">Defeated</font>
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|}
| {{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{NPC|Neutral|Eadric the Pure||Eadric}} || the Pure || Quartermaster of the Silver Hand, Grand Champion of the Argent Crusade || [[Argent Crusade]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
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{{col|3}}
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;Allied orders
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{|class="darktable sortable zebra"
  +
|-
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!Name!!Leader(s)!!Status
 
|-
 
|-
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|{{Alliance}} [[Hand of Argus]]
| {{RaceIcon|Dwarf Female}} {{NPC|Neutral|Sister Elda||Elda}} || Sister || Head Archivist and Keeper of the Ancient Tomes in the Sanctum of Light || [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|Kingdom of Lordaeron]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
  +
|{{RaceIcon|Draenei Male}} [[Vindicator Boros]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Draenei Male}} [[Vindicator Kuros]]<br/> {{RaceIcon|Draenei Male}} [[Vindicator Aesom]]
  +
|{{Status|Active}}
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|{{Neutral}} [[Argent Crusade]]
| {{RaceIcon|Eligor}} {{NPC|Neutral|Eligor Dawnbringer}} || Commander || Leader of the Brotherhood of the Light, Commander of the Argent Crusade || [[Brotherhood of the Light]], [[Argent Crusade]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
  +
|{{NPC||Lord Maxwell Tyrosus|icon=Maxwell}}
  +
|{{Status|Active}}
 
|-
 
|-
| {{RaceIcon|Gavinrad}} {{NPC|Alliance|Gavinrad}} || the Dire || Leader of the [[Champions of Peace]], Guardian of the remains of [[Kel'Thuzad]] || [[Kingdom of Stormwind]], [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Jorad}} {{NPC|Alliance|Jorad Mace}} || || Knight of the Silver Hand, formerly a [[mercenary]] and companion of [[Tyrigosa]] || [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|Kingdom of Lordaeron]], [[Alliance]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Dwarf|Male}} {{NPC|Alliance|Krohm Dawnhammer}} || || Paladin who guided countless innocents to safety from the Scourge || [[Ironforge (kingdom)| Kingdom of Ironforge]], [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Draenei Male}} {{NPC|Alliance|Vindicator Kuros||Kuros}} || Vindicator || Vindicator and Second-in-command of the [[Triumvirate of the Hand]] || [[Hand of Argus]], [[Exodar]], [[Alliance]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{NPC|Alliance|Highlord Leoric Von Zeldig||Leoric Von Zeldig}} || Highlord || High officer of the 7th legion, formerly leader of the [[Might of Kalimdor]] || [[7th Legion]], [[Might of Kalimdor]], [[Alliance]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{NPC|Neutral|Captain Ridgers||Ridgers}} || Captain || Captain of the Silver Hand at [[Deliverance Point]] on the [[Broken Shore]] || [[Armies of Legionfall]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} {{NPC|Alliance|Captain Skarloc||Skarloc}} || Captain || Captain of the [[Durnholde Keep|Durnholde]] military and [[Aedelas Blackmoore|Aedelas]]'s most trusted advisor || [[Lordaeron (kingdom)|Kingdom of Lordaeron]], [[Alliance of Lordaeron]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
 
|}
 
|}
   
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{{col|3}}
====Former members====
 
  +
;Former allies
{| class="darktable sortable zebra"
 
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{|class="darktable sortable zebra"
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|-
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!Name!!Leader(s)!!Status
 
|-
 
|-
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|{{Horde}} [[Blood Knights‎]]
! Name
 
  +
|{{RaceIcon|Liadrin}} [[Lady Liadrin]]
! Title
 
  +
|{{Status|Active}}
! Role
 
! Current affiliation(s)
 
! Status
 
 
|-
 
|-
  +
|{{Horde}} [[Sunwalkers]]
| {{RaceIcon|Saidan}}{{RaceIcon|Nathrezim}} {{NPC|Neutral|Saidan Dathrohan}} || Grand Crusader || Former Master of the Scarlet Crusade and Lord Commander of the Silver Hand || [[Scarlet Crusade]] ([[Balnazzar|possessed]]) || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
  +
|{{RaceIcon|Tauren Female}} [[Aponi Brightmane]]
  +
|{{Status|Active}}
 
|-
 
|-
| {{RaceIcon|Arthas}}{{RaceIcon|LichKing}} {{NPC|Neutral|Arthas Menethil}} || King || Former [[Lich King]] of the Scourge, Prince of Lordaeron and Uther's apprentice || [[Scourge]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Bolvar}}{{RaceIcon|BolvarUndead2}} {{NPC|Neutral|Bolvar Fordragon}} || Highlord || Highlord of the Ebon Blade, formerly Lich King and Regent of Stormwind || [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]] || {{Status|Active}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Taelan}} {{NPC|Neutral|Taelan Fordring}} || Highlord || Former Highlord of the Scarlet Crusade and Lord of [[Mardenholde Keep]] || [[Scarlet Crusade]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Brigitte}} {{NPC|Neutral|Brigitte Abbendis}} || High General || Former Commander of the Scarlet Onslaught and High General of the Crusade || [[Scarlet Onslaught]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} {{NPC|Neutral|Grand Inquisitor Isillien||Isillien}} || Grand Inquisitor || [[Scarlet inquisitor|Grand Inquisitor]] of the Scarlet Crusade, formerly priest of the Silver Hand || [[Scarlet Crusade]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} {{NPC|Neutral|Arcanist Doan||Doan}} || Arcanist || Keeper of the [[Scarlet Monastery Library]], formerly mage of the Silver Hand || [[Scarlet Crusade]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|DeathKnight}} {{NPC|Neutral|Aurius Rivendare}} || Lord || Death knight of [[Stratholme]], formerly Defender of [[Alonsus Chapel]] || [[Scourge]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Zeliek}} {{NPC|neutral|Sir Zeliek||Zeliek}} || Sir || Member of the [[Four Horsemen]] who retain his sanity and faith in the Light || [[Scourge]] || {{Status|Deceased}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|HeadlessHorseman}} {{NPC|Neutral|Thomas Thomson}} || Sir || The [[Headless Horseman]], formerly hero of the Silver Hand || Himself || {{Status|Killable}}-{{Status|Undead}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Ghost}} {{NPC|Neutral|Commander Springvale||Springvale}} || Commander || Commander of [[Baron Silverlaine]]'s forces haunting [[Shadowfang Keep]] || None (formerly [[Gilneas (kingdom)|Gilneas]]) || {{Status|Killable}}-{{Status|Undead}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Halford}} {{NPC|Alliance|Halford Wyrmbane}} || High Commander || Leader of the 7th Legion, formerly paladin of the Silver Hand || [[Stormwind (kingdom)|Kingdom of Stormwind]], [[7th Legion]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Liadrin}} {{NPC|Horde|Lady Liadrin||Liadrin}} || Lady of Light || Matriarch of the Blood Knights Order, formerly Champion of the Silver Hand || [[Kingdom of Quel'Thalas]], [[Blood Knights]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|BloodElf|Male}} {{NPC|Horde|Mehlar Dawnblade}} || Blood Knight || Member of the Blood Knights Order, former pupil of Uther the Lightbringer || [[Kingdom of Quel'Thalas]], [[Blood Knights]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
|-
 
| {{RaceIcon|Tauren|Female}} {{NPC|Horde|Aponi Brightmane}} || Chieftain || Leader of the Sunwalkers, formerly Champion of the Silver Hand || [[Thunder Bluff]], [[Sunwalkers]] || {{Status|Alive}}
 
 
|}
 
|}
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{{col-end}}
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==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.<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 6</ref> 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 [[Tirion Fordring|Highlord Tirion Fordring]]. Conversely, they oppose the [[Scarlet Crusade]] and consider them as an aberration of the Silver Hand,<ref>[[Tirion Fordring#Tirion's story in his own words]]</ref> since their extreme and corrupt fanaticism led to the death of many innocent people.
  +
  +
The [[Wildhammer dwarf|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 Wildhammer|Falstad Dragonreaver]] and his wing of [[gryphon rider]]s even agreed to let [[Duncan Senturus|Lord Duncan Senturus]] ride with them on their gryphons for a battle against [[Dragonmaw clan|Dragonmaw]] dragonriders.<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 8</ref>
  +
  +
Just like the Church considered the [[Kirin Tor]] and its [[mage|magi]] as [[heretic]]s for centuries,<ref>''[[Road to Damnation]]''</ref> some paladins showed hostility for [[Rhonin]] and all the others [[wizard]]s, seeing them as damned souls, but also as an occasional and necessary evil, which they would do without at any other time.<ref>''[[Day of the Dragon]]'', chapter 2</ref> Even [[Uther the Lightbringer]] had never been very comfortable with magi, sharing the common perception that their [[Arcane|magic]] was unholy and possibly even demonic, but he learned to accept it.<ref name="ToD22">''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', chapter 22</ref>
  +
  +
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]].<ref>[[True Masters of the Light (3)]]</ref> 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 Light's Hope Chapel|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,<ref>[[The Fourth Horseman]]</ref> leaving the Ebon Blade in hostility with the Silver Hand, but also with the Argent Crusade.<ref>[[Argent Sentry (Death Rising)#Gossip]]</ref>
   
 
==Items==
 
==Items==
  +
{{columns|4|
*{{wow-inline}} [[Silver Hand Blade]]
 
  +
*[[Silver Hand Blade]]
*{{bc-inline}} [[Mark of the Lightbringer]], a holy relic that belonged to [[Uther the Lightbringer]]. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|The holy symbol carried by Uther Lightbringer during his final days.}}"''
 
*{{bc-inline}} [[Ring of the Silver Hand]] can be obtained from [[Warlord Kalithresh]] in the [[Steamvault]].
+
*[[Ring of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Discarded Silver Hand Spaulders]]
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Discarded Silver Hand Spaulders]] can be found inside the [[Dark Runed Chest]] after defeating [[Mal'Ganis (tactics)|Mal'Ganis]] in the [[Culling of Stratholme (instance)|Culling of Stratholme]].
 
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Legplates of the Silver Hand (Trial of the Crusader)]] can be obtained from [[Anub'arak (Trial of the Crusader tactics)|Anub'arak]] in the [[Trial of the Crusader]].
+
*[[Legplates of the Silver Hand (Trial of the Crusader)]]
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Greathelm of the Silver Hand]] can be found inside [[The Captain's Chest]] after the [[Escape from Arthas]] in [[Halls of Reflection]].
+
*[[Greathelm of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Badge of the Silver Hand]]
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Badge of the Silver Hand]], which is to be given to Uther's spirit, is a medal given upon acceptance to the Knights of the Silver Hand. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|A medal given upon acceptance to the Knights of the Silver Hand.}}"''
 
  +
*[[Tabard of the Lightbringer]]
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Tabard of the Lightbringer]], which can be received from Uther's spirit, bears the symbol of the Silver Hand. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|May you always bring light into dark places.}}"''
 
  +
*[[Glorenzelg, High-Blade of the Silver Hand]]
*{{wotlk-inline}} [[Glorenzelg, High-Blade of the Silver Hand]] can be obtained from the [[Lich King (tactics)|Lich King]]. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|Paragon of the Light, lead our armies against the coming darkness.}}"''
 
  +
*[[Annals of the Silver Hand]]
*{{cata-inline}} [[Gavinrad's Sigil]] belonged to [[Gavinrad the Dire]]. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|Engraved with the image of a silver fist, held up triumphantly.}}"''
 
  +
*[[Mace of the Order]]
*{{cata-inline}} [[Shroud of Uther]] belonged to [[Uther the Lightbringer]]. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|A heavy piece of canvas, probably used as a blanket or shawl.}}"'' It is the in-game representation of the [[:Shroud of the Lightbringer]].
 
  +
*[[Gavel of the Order]]
*{{cata-inline}} [[Annals of the Silver Hand]] was under the watchful eye of [[Instructor Galford]] in [[Stratholme]]. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|A worn volume, believed lost, containing an account of the deeds of the Knights of the Silver Hand.}}"''
 
  +
*[[Warhammer of the Order]]
*{{cata-inline}} [[Mace of the Order]], [[Gavel of the Order]] and [[Warhammer of the Order]] are rewards from [[The Hand of the Light]].
 
  +
*[[Helm of the Order]]
*{{cata-inline}} [[Helm of the Order]], [[Faceguard of the Order]] and [[Headguard of the Order]] are rewards from [[Weapons of Darkness (Alliance)]].
 
  +
*[[Faceguard of the Order]]
*{{legion-inline}} [[The Silver Hand (artifact)]], the [[artifact]] for the Holy paladin, is the hammer of [[Tyr]], whose legend inspired the symbol of the Silver Hand. It is accompanied by the [[Tome of the Silver Hand]] when equipped, its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|Esarus thar no'Darador.}}"''
 
  +
*[[Headguard of the Order]]
*{{legion-inline}} [[Legends of the Silver Hand]] is a book sold by [[Scowling Rosa]]. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|Historical legends that extend back to the dawn of humanity, detailing the suspected origins of paladins and their relationship with the Light, by historian Evelyna.}}"''
 
  +
*[[The Silver Hand (artifact)]]
*{{legion-inline}} [[Greatsword of the Silver Hand]], [[Warhammer of the Silver Hand]], [[Blade of the Silver Hand]], and [[Bulwark of the Silver Hand (item)]] are sold by the Quartermaster [[Eadric the Pure]] in the [[Sanctum of Light]].
 
  +
*[[Legends of the Silver Hand]]
*{{legion-inline}} [[Crown of the Silver Hand]], [[Spaulders of the Silver Hand]], [[Breastplate of the Silver Hand]], [[Gauntlets of the Silver Hand]], [[Bindings of the Silver Hand]], [[Legplates of the Silver Hand]], and [[Sabatons of the Silver Hand]] are part of the [[Battleplate of the Silver Hand]] sold by the Quartermaster [[Eadric the Pure]] in the [[Sanctum of Light]].
 
  +
*[[Greatsword of the Silver Hand]]
*{{legion-inline}} [[Arsenal: Armaments of the Silver Hand]], which unlocks the appearances of [[Gilded Warhammer]], [[Ardent Warhammer]], [[Ardent Defender (item)]], [[Gilded Defender]], [[Ardent Gavel]] and [[Ardent Hammer]], is sold by the Legionfall Artificer [[Warmage Kath'leen]] at [[Deliverance Point]].
 
  +
*[[Warhammer of the Silver Hand]]
*{{sl-inline}} [[Purity's Edge Greatblade]] and [[Death Warden's Greatblade]], which can be obtained in [[Bastion]], bears the symbol of the Silver Hand on them.
 
  +
*[[Blade of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Bulwark of the Silver Hand (item)]]
  +
*[[Crown of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Spaulders of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Breastplate of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Gauntlets of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Bindings of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Girdle of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Legplates of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Sabatons of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Arsenal: Armaments of the Silver Hand]]
  +
*[[Gilded Warhammer]]
  +
*[[Ardent Warhammer]]
  +
*[[Ardent Defender (item)]]
  +
*[[Gilded Defender]]
  +
*[[Ardent Gavel]]
  +
*[[Ardent Hammer]]
  +
*[[Purity's Edge Greatblade]]
  +
*[[Death Warden's Greatblade]]
  +
}}
   
 
==In Warcraft III==
 
==In Warcraft III==
Line 565: Line 508:
 
==In the RPG==
 
==In the RPG==
 
{{RPG-section}}
 
{{RPG-section}}
[[File:Epic paladin.jpg|thumb|[[Epic paladin warrior]] RPG art from ''[[Shadows & Light]]''.]]
+
[[File:Epic paladin.jpg|thumb|left|[[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.
 
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.<ref name="WRPG 125">''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', pg. 125</ref>
+
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.<ref name="WRPG 125">''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', pg. 125</ref>
   
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]].<ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 76</ref> 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. After leaving the Crusade, some paladins decided to join the [[Argent Dawn]].<ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 124</ref> 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 knight]]s.<ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 57</ref>
+
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 Menethil|Arthas]] had betrayed them, some knights actually went mad.<ref name="WRPG 169">''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', pg. 169</ref> 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]].<ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 76</ref> 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 [[paladin]]s 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.<ref name="WRPG 169" />
   
Others fled south, to the [[Stormwind (kingdom)|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.<ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 154 - 155</ref>
+
After leaving the Crusade, some paladins decided to join the [[Argent Dawn]].<ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 124</ref> 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 knight]]s.<ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 57</ref> Others fled south, to the [[Stormwind (kingdom)|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.<ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 154 - 155</ref>
   
  +
[[File:Paladinwarrior.jpg|thumb|[[Paladin warrior]] art from the ''[[Warcraft RPG]]''.]]
 
*Even after the triumph at [[Battle of Mount Hyjal|Mount Hyjal]], the paladins remembered Arthas's betrayal and just how close their order and all of Azeroth had come to complete destruction.<ref name="WRPG 125" /> Many paladins felt responsibility for Arthas because the Holy Light teaches that every person can strengthen other people. Since they were unable to strengthen Arthas, the entire world suffered. After such an enormous breach of trust, the paladins resolved anew to eliminate all traces of corruption in their ranks.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', pg. 21</ref>
 
*Even after the triumph at [[Battle of Mount Hyjal|Mount Hyjal]], the paladins remembered Arthas's betrayal and just how close their order and all of Azeroth had come to complete destruction.<ref name="WRPG 125" /> Many paladins felt responsibility for Arthas because the Holy Light teaches that every person can strengthen other people. Since they were unable to strengthen Arthas, the entire world suffered. After such an enormous breach of trust, the paladins resolved anew to eliminate all traces of corruption in their ranks.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', pg. 21</ref>
*While the Knights of the Silver Hand survived the Scourge, few paladins were left in the order.<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', pg. 8, 187</ref> The remaining knights started hunting Arthas's servants, the undead, with a ruthlessness that frightened some, but they were determined to fix their mistakes.<ref name="WRPG 125" />
+
*While the Knights of the Silver Hand survived the Scourge, few paladins were left in the Order.<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', pg. 8, 187</ref> The remaining knights started hunting Arthas's servants, the undead, with a ruthlessness that frightened some, but they were determined to fix their mistakes.<ref name="WRPG 125" />
 
*The stalwart paladins of the Silver Hand who traveled to [[Kalimdor]] worked to establish a new church there.<ref name="WRPG 125" />
 
*The stalwart paladins of the Silver Hand who traveled to [[Kalimdor]] worked to establish a new church there.<ref name="WRPG 125" />
*[[Human]]s founded the Knights of the Silver Hand, and though they remained the bulk of its membership, the new order started to accept [[Dwarf|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.<ref name="APG 177">''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', pg. 177</ref>
+
*[[Human]]s founded the Knights of the Silver Hand, and though they remained the bulk of its membership, the new order started to accept [[Dwarf|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.<ref name="APG 177">''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', pg. 177</ref>
 
*In addition to the night elves, many guests and diplomats from elsewhere reside in [[Darnassus]], including Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', pg. 22</ref>
 
*In addition to the night elves, many guests and diplomats from elsewhere reside in [[Darnassus]], including Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', pg. 22</ref>
*[[Auradin]]s are paladins of the Silver Hand who focus the power of their faith and of their traditions solely into their auras.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', pg. 18</ref>
+
*[[Auradin]]s are paladins of the Silver Hand who focus the power of their faith and of their traditions solely into their auras.<ref name="APG 18">''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', pg. 18</ref>
 
*[[Templar]]s see corruption in their homes and many other organizations, including the Knights of the Silver Hand. While the templars see paladins as allies and vice versa, templars feel that the Silver Hand overemphasizes tradition and order over general goodness and the other values of the Light.<ref>''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', pg. 15</ref>
 
*[[Templar]]s see corruption in their homes and many other organizations, including the Knights of the Silver Hand. While the templars see paladins as allies and vice versa, templars feel that the Silver Hand overemphasizes tradition and order over general goodness and the other values of the Light.<ref>''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', pg. 15</ref>
 
*[[Verius]] attempted to infiltrate the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand after the Third War.<ref name="M&M 11-12">''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', pg. 11 - 12</ref>
 
*[[Verius]] attempted to infiltrate the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand after the Third War.<ref name="M&M 11-12">''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', pg. 11 - 12</ref>
Line 587: Line 530:
 
*[[Forthisal D'Neve]] is studying with the Knights of the Silver Hand to become a paladin.<ref>''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', pg. 170</ref>
 
*[[Forthisal D'Neve]] is studying with the Knights of the Silver Hand to become a paladin.<ref>''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', pg. 170</ref>
 
*The [[Phylactery#Phylactery of Faithfulness|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.<ref>''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', pg. 145</ref>
 
*The [[Phylactery#Phylactery of Faithfulness|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.<ref>''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', pg. 145</ref>
  +
*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]].<ref>''[[Dark Factions]]'', pg. 79</ref>
 
*Once indoctrinated, a [[lightslayer]] receives missions to combat the Holy Light, particularly the Scarlet Crusade (though Knights of the Silver Hand and ordinary priests and parishioners are also fair game).<ref>''[[Horde Player's Guide]]'', pg. 47</ref>
 
*Once indoctrinated, a [[lightslayer]] receives missions to combat the Holy Light, particularly the Scarlet Crusade (though Knights of the Silver Hand and ordinary priests and parishioners are also fair game).<ref>''[[Horde Player's Guide]]'', pg. 47</ref>
*According to [[Brann Bronzebeard]];
+
*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|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.''
 
   
  +
:''We have the Knights of the Silver Hand on our side, but this is a group that has experienced more hardships than most during these dark days. Once the pinnacle of enlightenment, goodness, purity and light, they are forever shamed that the powerful Lich King who sits upon the [[Frozen Throne|frozen throne]] was one of theirs. They wrack their brains on where they went wrong, why they couldn't see the streak of evil that obviously lurked inside Arthas. If he were truly a paladin, as they are, then there is no way he would have been corrupted. I think they have rather a too high opinion of the paladins, but I'm not the one to tell them.''
:''Even though paladins are some of our most powerful weapons against the Scourge, with their holy power over undead, the paladins are not what they once were. Some have been driven into obsessive madness, forming the Scarlet Crusade and killing living and undead alike in their eagerness to eradicate the Scourge. Others traveled across the sea with Jaina Proudmoore to help defeat the [[Burning Legion]] and now reside on Theramore. They certainly do what they can to destroy undead they discover on [[Kalimdor]], but the Scourge's numbers there are like a thimble of beer compared to the great kegs that are Lordaeron and Northrend. We’ll need the paladins to defeat the Scourge, but they are not up to the task right now, and I don’t know how much longer we can wait.''<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', pg. 167</ref>
 
  +
  +
:''Even though paladins are some of our most powerful weapons against the Scourge, with their holy power over undead, the paladins are not what they once were. Some have been driven into obsessive madness, forming the Scarlet Crusade and killing living and undead alike in their eagerness to eradicate the Scourge. Others traveled across the sea with Jaina Proudmoore to help defeat the [[Burning Legion]] and now reside on Theramore. They certainly do what they can to destroy undead they discover on [[Kalimdor]], but the Scourge's numbers there are like a thimble of beer compared to the great kegs that are Lordaeron and Northrend. We'll need the paladins to defeat the Scourge, but they are not up to the task right now, and I don't know how much longer we can wait.''<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', pg. 167</ref>
   
 
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.<ref name="LoM8" />
 
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.<ref name="LoM8" />
Line 597: Line 542:
 
==In the TCG==
 
==In the TCG==
 
{{TCG-section}}
 
{{TCG-section}}
{{QuoteWiki|By safeguarding those around him, a paladin aids in his own defense.|Uther the Lightbringer<ref>[[Devotion Aura (Heroes of Azeroth)]]</ref>}}
+
{{QuoteWiki|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<ref>[[Dorric the Martyr]]</ref>}}
   
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.<ref>[[Dorric the Martyr]]</ref>
+
*"[[:Antonidas' Aegis of Rapt Concentration]] was originally created as a holy shield for the Silver Hand, but its energies have been twisted by close proximity to the Burning Legion."<ref>[[Antonidas's Aegis of Rapt Concentration (Blood of Gladiators)]]</ref>
   
  +
*"The Order was shattered when Lordaeron fell to the Scourge, but the relics of the Silver Hand persevere."<ref>[[Ring of the Silver Hand (Servants of the Betrayer)]]</ref>
[[:Antonidas' Aegis of Rapt Concentration]] was originally created as a holy shield for the Silver Hand, but its energies have been twisted by close proximity to the Burning Legion.<ref>[[Antonidas' Aegis of Rapt Concentration (Blood of Gladiators)]]</ref>
 
   
  +
*"Uther, the first paladin of the Knights of the Silver Hand, was betrayed by his favorite pupil, the young prince of Lordaeron, Arthas Menethil."<ref>[[Legacy of Lordaeron]]</ref>
The order was shattered when Lordaeron fell to the Scourge, but the relics of the Silver Hand preservere.<ref>[[Ring of the Silver Hand (Servants of the Betrayer)]]</ref>
 
   
 
==In Hearthstone==
 
==In Hearthstone==
 
{{HS-section}}
 
{{HS-section}}
  +
[[File:Cariel Roame.png|thumb|The paladin [[Cariel Roame]] in ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''.]]
 
In ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'', the following cards represent the members of the Silver Hand:
 
In ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'', the following cards represent the members of the Silver Hand:
 
{{columns|2|
 
{{columns|2|
Line 612: Line 558:
 
*{{RaceIcon|Uther}} {{HS|Uther Lightbringer}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|Uther}} {{HS|Uther Lightbringer}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|Arthas}} {{HS|Prince Arthas}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|Arthas}} {{HS|Prince Arthas}}
*{{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{HS|George and Karl}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{HS|Karl the Savior}}
 
 
*{{RaceIcon|Human Female}} {{HS|Cariel Roame}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|Human Female}} {{HS|Cariel Roame}}
*{{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{HS|Silver Hand Recruit}}
+
*{{RaceIcon|Human Male}} [[George (Hearthstone)|George]]
*{{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{HS|Silver Hand Knight}}
+
*{{RaceIcon|Human Male}} [[Karl (paladin)|Karl]]
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Draenei Female}} [[Nalaa the Redeemer]]
 
*{{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{HS|Silver Hand Crusader}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{HS|Silver Hand Crusader}}
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{HS|Silver Hand Knight}}
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Human Male}} {{HS|Silver Hand Recruit}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|Human Female}} {{HS|Silver Hand Zealot}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|Human Female}} {{HS|Silver Hand Zealot}}
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Human Female}} {{HS|Silver Vanguard}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|BloodElf Female}} {{HS|Silver Hand Regent}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|BloodElf Female}} {{HS|Silver Hand Regent}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|Murloc}} {{HS|Silver Hand Murloc}}
 
*{{RaceIcon|Murloc}} {{HS|Silver Hand Murloc}}
 
}}
 
}}
  +
  +
==In Heroes of the Storm==
  +
{{Hots-section}}
  +
*"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."<ref>{{Hots|Mount}}</ref>
  +
*"Despite surviving Arthas's brutal assault, Uther was unable to prevent Lordaeron's fall. Now under [[Varian Wrynn|Varian]]'s banner, he leads the Silver Hand into Northrend to mete out justice."<ref>{{Hots|Uther#Skins}}</ref>
   
 
==Notes and trivia==
 
==Notes and trivia==
  +
*It seems that before the [[Third War]], the paladins could embark on a pilgrimage through Lordaeron, as the [[Scourging of Lordaeron|Scourging of the kingdom]] by Arthas was described as "a dark version of a paladin’s pilgrimage".<ref name="RotLK17" />
*The [[Adventurer|Highlord]] is a heroic figure for the members of the Silver Hand, and many paladins want to impress them. Some rumors circulate among the ranks of the Order, notably that the Highlord can return from [[death]], that they once slew five hundred [[demon]]s in a single blow, and that they have killed [[Ragnaros the Firelord]] twice. Some even wonder if the Highlord could be a [[demigod]].<ref>[[Silver Hand Protector]]</ref>
 
  +
*The [[Judgement Armor]] is meant to be an [[Inquisitor (occupation)|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.<ref>{{ref web |url=http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.aspx?fn=wow-paladin&t=553697&p=1&tmp=1#post553697 |title=WoW Paladin Discussion (old site, no archive available) |author=Blizzard Community Manager [[Caydiem]]}}</ref> It's a suit of plate armor fitted with precious icons and scripture of justice from the paladins' tenets of Holy Light.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: Kalimdor]]'', pg. 67</ref>
  +
*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.<ref>[[Blizzard lore posts#Sean Copeland]]</ref>
  +
*The [[Adventurer|Highlord of the Silver Hand]] is a heroic figure among the paladins, many want to impress them, and a [[Silver Hand Protector#Quotes|few rumors]] circulate about them. Some even wonder if they could be a [[demigod]].
  +
*The testimony of [[High Inquisitor Fairbanks|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]].<ref name="LoAK" />
 
*As a boy, [[Bolvar Fordragon]] was impressing his paladin mentors with his determination and noble spirit.<ref>''[[We Ride Forth]]'', pg. 14</ref>
 
*As a boy, [[Bolvar Fordragon]] was impressing his paladin mentors with his determination and noble spirit.<ref>''[[We Ride Forth]]'', pg. 14</ref>
 
**In his childhood, [[Stephon Marris]] wanted to become a paladin of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Dark Mirror]]''</ref>
 
**In his childhood, [[Stephon Marris]] wanted to become a paladin of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Dark Mirror]]''</ref>
**As a young man, [[Jordan Stilwell]] was to become a paladin of the order,<ref>[[The Test of Righteousness (1)]]</ref> but instead became an incredible smith in his father's footsteps.<ref>[[The Tome of Valor (2)]]</ref>
+
**As a young man, [[Jordan Stilwell]] was to become a paladin of the Order,<ref>[[The Test of Righteousness (1)]]</ref> but instead became an incredible smith in his father's footsteps.<ref>[[The Tome of Valor (2)]]</ref>
*The gnome [[Myranda the Hag]], most trusted advisor of [[Tirion Fordring]], was banished after she openly dissented the [[Excommunication|verdict]] of the paladin passed by the Order of the Silver Hand.<ref>[[Find Myranda]]</ref>
+
**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.<ref name="Reforging"/>
  +
*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''.
*The night elf [[Thundris Windweaver]] trusted more the paladins of the Silver Hand than some of his own kin, as he did not judge the entire order on the actions of [[Arthas Menethil|one of their fallen kind]].<ref>[[Seeking the Kor Gem]]</ref>
 
  +
*According to ''[[A Cleansing Fire]]'', the Silver Hand splintered into the [[Argent Dawn]] and [[Scarlet Crusade]] four years after the death of [[Terenas Menethil]].<ref name="ACF" /> In the current timeline, it happened only two years after.
*In [[Corlain]]'s cemetery in [[Drustvar]], the tomb of a Kul Tiran paladin of the Silver Hand is present, indicating the presence of [[Kul Tiras (kingdom)|Kul Tirans]] in the ranks of the order through its history.
 
  +
*During early {{Expac|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.<ref>[https://www.wowhead.com/quest=39190/deprecated Wowhead]</ref>
*According to ''[[A Cleansing Fire]]'', the Knights of the Silver Hand splintered into the [[Argent Dawn]] and [[Scarlet Crusade]] four years after the death of [[Terenas Menethil]].<ref name="ACF" /> In the current timeline, it happened only two years after.
 
  +
*The [[Roleplaying]] server [[Server:Silver Hand US|Silver Hand US]] is named after the Order.
*According to [[Chris Metzen]], the "heart and soul" of the Marvel Comics superhero {{Wp|Captain America}} was particularly influential in developing the "true vibe" of ''Warcraft'' paladins.<ref name="Foreword">''[[The Comic Volume 1]]'', pg. 3 - 4 — Chasing Thunder: A foreword by Chris Metzen</ref>
 
*The title of the [[short story]] ''[[Silver Hand, Ebon Blade]]'' by [[Raphael Ahad]], that won the 2010 Blizzard Global Writing Contest, is a direct reference to the Knights of the Silver Hand and the [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]].
 
*The [[Roleplaying]] server [[Server:Silver Hand US|Silver Hand US]] is named after the order.
 
*In ''Battle for Azeroth'', the [[Path of Uther]] and [[Uther's Tomb]] were updated with Silver Hand banners.
 
*The Silver Hand is the only Order Hall from ''Legion'' to have gone back on its neutrality. There have been no depictions of any Horde-race Silver Hand members since the end of Legion; while there have been multiple inclusions of the Silver Hand amongst the Alliance forces, most notably in the [[Battle for Stromgarde]].
 
**In ''[[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands]]'', the [[Hall of the Brave]] and the [[Command Center]] were rebranded into the [[Barracks (Orgrimmar)|Barracks]] and [[Training Hall]] respectively; which includes all of the class trainers (excluding hero classes). Notably, the Horde's paladins do not use any symbolism of the Silver Hand; instead using the iconography of Silvermoon and the [[Blood Knights]]. Conversely, the Alliance's paladin trainer has multiple symbols of the Silver Hand on display.
 
***Early versions of the Barracks had Silver Hand symbols on display, this was later removed entirely and replaced with its current version.<ref>[https://twitter.com/theredshirtguy/status/1248368854356672513?lang=en Ian Bates on Twitter]</ref>
 
   
  +
;Symbolism
[[File:SilverHandIconographyLegion.png|thumb|330px|The Silver Hand's new iconography as of ''Legion'', featuring an open hand. The closed fist iconography is still used as well, however.]]
 
  +
[[File:SilverHandIconographyLegion.png|thumb|upright=1.1|The Silver Hand's new iconography in ''Legion'', featuring an open hand. The closed fist iconography is also still used.]]
 
===Symbolism===
 
 
*The Order of the Silver Hand took its name and symbol from the legend of [[Tyr]]. A paragon of order and justice, Tyr sacrificed his right hand in a fight against [[Galakrond|an unfathomable evil]]. Although it was within his power to fix his hand after the fighting had ended, the hero instead chose to replace it with a closed fist made of the purest silver. In this way, he impressed upon those who followed him that true order and justice can only be accomplished through personal sacrifice.<ref name="Ask CDev #1">{{ref web|url=http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=25626575587&sid=1|title=World of Warcraft Forums - Ask CDev #1 Answers|accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref>
 
*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 [[Galakrond|an unfathomable evil]]. Although it was within his power to fix his hand after the fighting had ended, the hero instead chose to replace it with a closed fist made of the purest silver. In this way, he impressed upon those who followed him that true order and justice can only be accomplished through personal sacrifice.<ref name="Ask CDev #1">{{ref web|url=http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=25626575587&sid=1|title=World of Warcraft Forums - Ask CDev #1 Answers|accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref>
  +
**The silver hand was already a common symbol for the human [[tribe]]s 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.<ref>{{Ref WoWCV1|127}}</ref>
 
*As of ''[[World of Warcraft: Legion|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.
 
*As of ''[[World of Warcraft: Legion|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]].
 
**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.
 
**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 ''[[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands|Shadowlands]]'', early versions of the [[Barracks (Orgrimmar)|Barracks]] had Silver Hand symbols on display, this was later removed entirely and replaced with its current version.<ref>[https://twitter.com/theredshirtguy/status/1248368854356672513 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)''</ref>
   
  +
;Status during the Third War
===Inspirations===
 
  +
*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.<ref name="Culling" /><ref name="RotLK12" /><ref name="DiC" /><ref name="HS">[https://playhearthstone.com/en-us/blog/13942454 Uther Lightbringer, The Paladin]</ref>
*The Order of the Silver Hand was inspired by the {{wp|Order of Solomon's Temple}}, or simply the ''Knights Templar'', a {{wp|Catholic}} {{wp|military order}} founded following the {{wp|First Crusade}} and the slaughter of hundreds of Christian pilgrims, in order to serve the {{wp|Pope}} of the {{wp|Catholic Church}} as protectors of Christian pilgrims and {{wp|Shock troops}} in their engagements in the {{wp|Crusades}}. The parallel in WoW would be thus the [[First War]] as the First Crusade, the Order's affiliation with the [[Church of the Holy Light]] as the Catholic Church, and the slaughter of the [[Cleric]]s of the [[Brotherhood of Northshire]] as the Christian pilgrims, leading to the creation of both Orders. The Knights Silver Hand also counts among their ranks some [[Silver Hand Templar|Templars]].
 
*The symbol of the Order comes from the {{wp|Hand of God (art)|Hand of God}}, or ''Manus Dei'' in Latin, a motif in {{wp|Jewish}} and {{wp|Christian art}} traditionally used to indicate the intervention in or approval of human affairs by {{wp|God}}. In WoW, it represents the Hand of the [[Keeper]] [[Tyr]], but also symbolically the intervention of the [[Light]] in the mortals' affairs on [[Azeroth]].
 
*The notion of Paladins as holy warriors comes from the mythologization/divinization of {{wp|Charlemagne}}'s {{wp|paladin}}s (originally {{wp|palatine}}) in the centuries following his coronation as "Holy Roman Emperor" by {{wp|Pope Leo III}}, particularly in works such as the ''{{wp|Matter of France}}'', in turn based upon {{wp|Arthurian romance}}. The WoW parallel would be thus [[Anduin Lothar]] as Charlemagne, [[Uther]] as {{wp|Roland}}, and [[Archbishop]] [[Alonsus]] as Pope Leo III.
 
 
===Status during the Third War===
 
*Most sources state that Uther the Lightbringer was accused of treason and relieved of his command with his paladins being suspended from service by Prince Arthas Menethil near Stratholme.<ref name="Culling" /><ref name="RotLK12" /><ref name="DiC" /><ref name="HS">[https://playhearthstone.com/en-us/blog/13942454 Uther Lightbringer, The Paladin]</ref>
 
 
**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 (WC3 Human)|Dissension]]" mission implies that King Terenas agreed.
 
**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 (WC3 Human)|Dissension]]" mission implies that King Terenas agreed.
**However, Arthas slaughtered the Silver Hand's high command during the "[[Digging up the Dead (WC3 Undead)|Digging up the Dead]]" mission, disbanding them in a different sense. This may have caused a misconception, popularizing the view that it was his command that disbanded them.
 
 
*The ''[[Ultimate Visual Guide]]'' stated that Arthas disbanded the Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Ultimate Visual Guide]]'', pg. 44, 166</ref> Its [[World of Warcraft: Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded|updated version]], however, stated that Arthas just sent Uther and his knights away and that they were decimated during the war.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded]]'', pg. 44, 190</ref>
 
*The ''[[Ultimate Visual Guide]]'' stated that Arthas disbanded the Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Ultimate Visual Guide]]'', pg. 44, 166</ref> Its [[World of Warcraft: Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded|updated version]], however, stated that Arthas just sent Uther and his knights away and that they were decimated during the war.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded]]'', pg. 44, 190</ref>
 
*{{Ref WoWCV3}} states that Arthas turned his back on the paladins and called their refusal an act of treason.
 
*{{Ref WoWCV3}} states that Arthas turned his back on the paladins and called their refusal an act of treason.
  +
  +
==Speculation==
  +
{{Speculation}}
  +
*The [[Libram#Second War|codices]] written by [[Mereldar]], and the other early human prophets,<ref>{{Ref WoWCV2|126}}</ref> might have become the five librams given to the first Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref name="Chronicle 2" />
  +
*As the [[Brotherhood of Light]] existed before the [[Argent Dawn]],<ref>[[The Fate of Ramaladni]]</ref> it may have been a faction that grew in the ranks of the order before the [[Third War]], like the [[Scarlet Crusade]].
   
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
  +
File:Silver Hand Fist.jpg|Old banner in [[Old Stratholme|Stratholme]].
Paladin - Cole Eastburn.jpg|''Paladin'' by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/OrzYb Cole Eastburn] at the [[BlizzCon 2017|BlizzCon]] Art Demo 2017.
 
  +
File:Silver Hand palm banner 3.jpg|Modern [[banner]] in the [[Sanctum of Light]].
Paladin by Yee-ling Chun.jpg|[[The Silver Hand (artifact)|The Silver Hand]] by [https://www.deviantart.com/syncmax/art/Human-Paladin-World-of-Warcraft-Legion-629133431 Yee-ling Chun] for ''[https://www.deviantart.com/go/journal/World-of-Warcraft-Legion-Celebrate-the-Classes-628621585 Legion: Celebrate the Classes]''.
 
  +
File:Silver Hand palm banner 1.jpg|Alternate version.
Paladin Class Mount by Veli Nyström.jpg|The Highlord on his [[Highlord's Golden Charger|mount]] by [https://twitter.com/Warcraft/status/879382704105508864 Veli Nyström] for the [[class mount]] artwork series.
 
  +
File:Silver Hand palm banner 4.jpg|Alternate version.
Chronicle2 Death knights versus paladins Alternate.jpg|Alternate version of Paladins versus [[Death knight (Old Horde)|Death knights]] during the [[Battle of Hillsbrad Foothills]].
 
  +
File:Silver Hand palm banner 2.jpg|Alternate version.
  +
File:Blessed Banner.png|[[Blessed Banner]]
  +
File:Silverhand Claymore1.jpg|[[Purity's Edge Greatblade|Silver Hand Claymore]]
  +
File:Silver Hand shield.jpg|[[Ardent Defender (item)|Silver Hand shield]]
  +
File:Silver Hand Armor.jpg|[[Silver Hand Armor]]
  +
File:Chronicle2 Death knights versus paladins Alternate.jpg|Alternate version of Paladins versus [[Death knight (Old Horde)|Death knights]] from ''[[World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2|Chronicle Volume 2]]''.
  +
File:Chronicle2 Art.jpg|Paladin facing a Death knight from ''Chronicle Volume 2''.
  +
File:Paladin by Yee-ling Chung.jpg|[[The Silver Hand (artifact)|The Silver Hand]] by [https://www.deviantart.com/syncmax/art/Human-Paladin-World-of-Warcraft-Legion-629133431 Yee-ling Chung] for ''[https://www.deviantart.com/go/journal/World-of-Warcraft-Legion-Celebrate-the-Classes-628621585 Legion: Celebrate the Classes]''.
  +
File:Paladin Class Mount by Veli Nyström.jpg|The Highlord on his [[Highlord's Golden Charger|mount]] by [https://twitter.com/Warcraft/status/879382704105508864 Veli Nyström] for the [[class mount]] artwork series.
  +
File:Warcraft RPG.jpg|Paladin on the cover art for ''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]''.
  +
File:Ring of the Silver Hand TCG.jpg|[[Ring of the Silver Hand (Servants of the Betrayer)|Ring of the Silver Hand]] in the [[World of Warcraft Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]].
  +
File:Uther HotS Silver Hand.jpg|Silver Hand {{hots|Uther}} in ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]''.
  +
File:Yrel HotS Silver Hand.jpg|Silver Hand {{hots|Yrel}} in ''Heroes of the Storm''.
 
File:Warcraft Film- first concept illustration.jpg|A paladin battling an [[eredar]] in an early [[Warcraft (film)|''Warcraft'' movie]] concept illustration.
 
File:Warcraft Film- first concept illustration.jpg|A paladin battling an [[eredar]] in an early [[Warcraft (film)|''Warcraft'' movie]] concept illustration.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
;''Warcraft II''
+
;''Warcraft'' series
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Paladin.gif|[[Paladin (Warcraft II)|Paladin]] unit portrait in ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness|Warcraft II]]'' has glowing eyes.
+
File:Paladin.gif|[[Paladin (Warcraft II)|Paladin]] unit portrait in ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness|Warcraft II]]'' has glowing eyes.
HumanKnight.gif|Paladin unit sprite in ''Warcraft II''.
+
File:HumanKnight.gif|Paladin unit sprite in ''Warcraft II''.
PaladinW2.jpg|Paladin in the [[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual]].
+
File:PaladinW2.jpg|Paladin in the [[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual]].
WarCraft Metzen005b.jpg|''Charge of the Silver Hand'' by [[Chris Metzen]].
+
File:Charge of the Silver Hand by Chris Metzen.jpg|''Charge of the Silver Hand'' by [[Chris Metzen]].
Mounted paladin WC2 wallpaper.jpg|''Mounted paladin'' ''[[Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition]]'' [[wallpaper]], a [[knight]] in the [[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual|manual]].
+
File:Mounted paladin WC2 wallpaper.jpg|''Mounted paladin'' ''[[Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition]]'' [[wallpaper]], a [[knight]] in the [[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual|manual]].
Paladin WC2 wallpaper.jpg|''Paladin'' [[Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition]] wallpaper.
+
File:Paladin WC2 wallpaper.jpg|''Paladin'' [[Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition]] wallpaper.
  +
File:Human Paladin WC3 concept art.jpg|Human Paladin concept art from [https://web.archive.org/web/20021210113053/http://www.blizzard.com:80/war3/conceptart/paladin.shtml Warcraft III original website].
</gallery>
 
  +
File:BTNHeroPaladin.png|[[Paladin (Warcraft III)#Classic|Paladin]] unit portrait in ''[[Warcraft III: Classic]]''.
 
  +
File:Paladin warcraft III.gif|Paladin hero unit model in ''Warcraft III: Classic''.
;''Warcraft III''
 
  +
File:BTNHeroPaladin-Reforged.png|[[Paladin (Warcraft III)#Reforged|Paladin]] unit portrait in ''[[Warcraft III: Reforged]]''.
<gallery>
 
  +
File:Warcraft III Reforged - Paladin.png|Paladin hero unit model in ''Warcraft III: Reforged''.
Human Paladin WC3 concept art.jpg|Human Paladin concept art from [https://web.archive.org/web/20021210113053/http://www.blizzard.com:80/war3/conceptart/paladin.shtml Warcraft III original website].
 
  +
File:AllianceVSHordeWC3.jpg|Paladin at the front of a battle against the [[Horde]].
BTNHeroPaladin.png|[[Paladin (Warcraft III)#Classic|Paladin]] unit portrait in ''[[Warcraft III: Classic]]''.
 
Paladin warcraft III.gif|Paladin hero unit model in ''Warcraft III: Classic''.
+
File:Warcraft III Reforged - Ranked Gold badge.jpg|Ranked Gold badge in ''Warcraft III: Reforged''.
BTNHeroPaladin-Reforged.png|[[Paladin (Warcraft III)#Reforged|Paladin]] unit portrait in ''[[Warcraft III: Reforged]]''.
 
Warcraft III Reforged - Paladin.png|Paladin hero unit model in ''Warcraft III: Reforged''.
 
AllianceVSHordeWC3.jpg|Paladin at the front of a battle against the [[Horde]].
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
 
;''Hearthstone''
 
;''Hearthstone''
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Silver Hand Recruit.png|{{hs|Silver Hand Recruit}}, and paladin hero power {{hs|Reinforce}}, reused TCG art for [[Seal of Light (Heroes of Azeroth)|Seal of Light]]
+
File:Silver Hand Recruit.png|{{HS|Silver Hand Recruit}}, and paladin hero power {{HS|Reinforce}}, reused TCG art for [[Seal of Light (Heroes of Azeroth)|Seal of Light]]
The Silver Hand full.jpg|{{hs|The Silver Hand}}.
+
File:Royal Guardian Jameson TCG.jpg|{{HS|Silver Hand Knight}}, reused TCG art for [[Royal Guardian Jameson]]
  +
File:Philosopher Kirilenko TCG.jpg|{{HS|Silver Hand Crusader}}, reused TCG art for [[Philosopher Kirilenko]]
Stand Against Darkness.jpg|{{hs|Stand Against Darkness}}
 
  +
File:Crusader Farisa TCG.jpg|{{HS|Silver Hand Regent}}, reused TCG art for [[Crusader Farisa]]
Level Up!.jpg|{{hs|Level Up!}}
 
Silver Hand Murloc.jpg|{{hs|Silver Hand Murloc}}
+
File:Auralyn the Light of Dawn TCG.jpg|{{HS|Silver Hand Zealot}}, reused TCG art for [[Auralyn the Light of Dawn]]
  +
File:The Silver Hand HS.jpg|{{HS|The Silver Hand}}
</gallery>
 
  +
File:Silver Vanguard HS.jpg|{{HS|Silver Vanguard}}
 
  +
File:Righteousness HS.jpg|{{HS|Righteousness}}
;''Heroes of the Storm''
 
  +
File:Level Up! HS.jpg|{{HS|Level Up!}}
<gallery>
 
  +
File:Rise to the Occasion HS.jpg|{{HS|Rise to the Occasion}}
Uther HotS Silver Hand.jpg|Silver Hand {{hots|Uther}}.
 
  +
File:Stand Against Darkness HS.jpg|{{HS|Stand Against Darkness}}
Yrel HotS Silver Hand.jpg|Silver Hand {{hots|Yrel}}.
 
  +
File:Pursuit of Justice HS.jpg|{{HS|Pursuit of Justice}}
</gallery>
 
  +
File:A Light in the Darkness HS.jpg|{{HS|A Light in the Darkness}}
 
  +
File:Lost in the Jungle HS.jpg|{{HS|Lost in the Jungle}}
;''RPG''
 
  +
File:Bomb Toss HS.jpg|{{HS|Bomb Toss}}
<gallery>
 
  +
File:Jury Duty HS.jpg|{{HS|Jury Duty}}
Paladin silver hand.jpg|[[Paladin warrior]] art from ''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]''.
 
  +
File:Day at the Faire HS.jpg|{{HS|Day at the Faire}}
Warcraft RPG.jpg|Paladin on the cover art for ''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]''.
 
  +
File:City Tax HS.jpg|{{HS|City Tax}}
</gallery>
 
  +
File:Air Raid HS.jpg|{{HS|Air Raid}}
 
  +
File:Backup HS.jpg|{{HS|Backup}}
;''TCG''
 
  +
File:Silver Hand Murloc HS.jpg|{{HS|Silver Hand Murloc}}
<gallery>
 
Ring of the Silver Hand TCG.jpg|[[Ring of the Silver Hand (Servants of the Betrayer)|Ring of the Silver Hand]] in the [[World of Warcraft Trading Card Game|TCG]].
+
File:Silver Hand Recruit - March of the Lich King HS.jpg|A Silver Hand Recruit in the cinematic trailer of ''{{HS|March of the Lich King}}''.
Disciple of the Light TCG.jpg|[[Disciple of the Light]] in the TCG.
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
 
;Fan art
 
;Fan art
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Knights of the Silver Hand by Jiang Feng.jpg|''Paladins of the Silver Hand'' by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/wk0vV Jiang Feng].
+
File:Knights of the Silver Hand by Jiang Feng.jpg|''Paladins of the Silver Hand'' by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/wk0vV Jiang Feng].
Warcraft Paladin.jpg|''Warcraft Paladin'' by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/EVd22K X WH].
+
File:Silver Hand Recruit - Hearthstone.jpg|''Silver Hand Recruit'' by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/RXZ3r Andrew Theophilopoulos].
Silver Hand Recruit - Hearthstone.jpg|''Silver Hand Recruit'' by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/RXZ3r Andrew Theophilopoulos].
+
File:Warcraft Paladin.jpg|''Warcraft Paladin'' by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/EVd22K X WH].
  +
File:Paladin - Cole Eastburn.jpg|''Paladin'' by [https://www.artstation.com/artwork/OrzYb Cole Eastburn] at the [[BlizzCon 2017|BlizzCon]] Art Demo 2017.
File:Champion of Light by Kunkka.jpg|''Champion of Light'' by [[Kunkka]].
 
  +
File:FormationoftheSilverHand.jpg|The Silver Hand, as featured in ''[[World of Warcraft Chronicle Tribute: Hourglass of Time|Chronicle Tribute: Hourglass of Time]]''.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Speculation==
 
{{Speculation}}
 
The codices written by [[Mereldar]] and the other early human prophets might have become the five librams given to the first Knights of the Silver Hand.
 
   
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
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*[[Bulwark of the Silver Hand]]
 
*[[Bulwark of the Silver Hand]]
 
*[[Ferocity of the Silver Hand]]
 
*[[Ferocity of the Silver Hand]]
*[[Light of the Silver Hand]]
+
*[[Light of the Silver Hand]]
 
*[[Obsolete Silver Hand Orders]]
 
*[[Obsolete Silver Hand Orders]]
*[[Power of the Silver Hand]]
+
*[[Power of the Silver Hand (artifact trait)]]
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
{{Reflist|3}}
+
{{Reflist}}
   
 
{{Class Halls}}
 
{{Class Halls}}
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{{Religions}}
 
{{Grand Alliance}}
 
{{Grand Alliance}}
   
 
[[Category:Knights of the Silver Hand| ]]
 
[[Category:Knights of the Silver Hand| ]]
  +
[[Category:Religions]]
 
[[Category:Paladin organizations]]
 
[[Category:Paladin organizations]]
 
[[Category:Church of the Holy Light]]
 
[[Category:Church of the Holy Light]]

Latest revision as of 21:41, 31 December 2023

"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

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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