Tirion Fordring

Tirion Fordring
Title	Highlord of the Argent Crusade, Ashbringer, Lord Paladin,; Lord, Sir,; Paladin defender of Lordaeron
Gender	Male
Race	Human
Class	Paladin, Knight, Warrior
Resource	Mana
Affiliation(s)	Argent Crusade
Former affiliation(s)	Ashen Verdict, Knights of the Silver Hand, Church of the Light, Kingdom of Lordaeron, Alliance of Lordaeron
Occupation	Highlord and Supreme Commander of the Argent Crusade, Lord of Mardenholde Keep and governor of Hearthglen
Former occupation(s)	Co-leader of the Ashen Verdict, Highlord of the Silver Hand
Location	Buried in the Sanctum of Light (lore);; Various (in-game)
Status	Deceased
Relative(s)	Taelan (son), Karandra (wife)
Mentor(s)	Alonsus Faol
Student(s)	Barthilas
Companion(s)	Eitrigg (friend), Myranda (advisor), Mirador (horse), Uther the Lightbringer, Turalyon, Saidan Dathrohan, Gavinrad

Not to be confused with Tyrion.

“This is our final stand. What happens here will echo through the ages. Regardless of outcome, they will know that we fought with honor. That we fought for the freedom and safety of our people! Remember, heroes, fear is your greatest enemy in these befouled halls. Steel your heart and your soul will shine brighter than a thousand suns. The enemy will falter at the sight of you. They will fall as the light of righteousness envelops them!”

— Highlord Tirion Fordring

Highlord Tirion Fordring was the Supreme Commander of the Argent Crusade and the bearer of the Ashbringer. He was one of the first five paladins of the Order of the Silver Hand, selected by Archbishop Alonsus Faol along with Uther the Lightbringer, Turalyon, Saidan Dathrohan, and Gavinrad the Dire. A hero of the Alliance of Lordaeron during the Second War,^[11] he became Lord of Mardenholde Keep in Hearthglen and held the position for several peaceful years, until he was stripped of his titles, excommunicated of the order and exiled for defending an old orc, Eitrigg.

For years he lived in seclusion as a pariah, until the aftermath of the Third War, when Darion Mograine met him to free his father's soul trapped in the Corrupted Ashbringer and later convinced him to help the Argent Dawn during the first battle for Light's Hope Chapel against Kel'Thuzad. With the help of adventurers, he convinced his son to leave the ranks of the Scarlet Crusade, however, Taelan was then killed for his betrayal. After avenging him, Tirion committed himself to reform the Order of the Silver Hand in Lordaeron and to put an end to all the evil that plagues Azeroth.

Prior to the war against the Lich King, Tirion and his knights intervened during the Second Battle for Light's Hope Chapel, where they repelled the Scourge and the Death Knights of Acherus. During the battle, Tirion came into possession of the Ashbringer, purified it and repelled the Lich King himself from the holy grounds. Following their victory, Tirion assumed leadership over the Argent Dawn^[12] and founded the Argent Crusade by uniting the Knights of the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn, and as their Highlord, led them in a holy crusade to annihilate the Scourge in Northrend.

With the cooperation of the Knights of the Ebon Blade, led by Highlord Darion Mograine, he founded the Ashen Verdict for their final assault against Icecrown Citadel. During the final battle, Tirion confronted the Dark Lord of the Scourge and managed to shatter Frostmourne with the Ashbringer, ending its reign of terror. After being warned by the ghost of King Terenas Menethil II, Tirion attempted to take Arthas' place in order to keep the Scourge under control, but was replaced by the sacrifice of Bolvar Fordragon, whom he crowned with the Helm of Domination. After their victory in Northrend, Tirion Fordring returned to Lordaeron where the Argent Crusade repelled the Scarlet Crusade and resumed control of Hearthglen, before beginning their work to revitalize the Plaguelands.

When the Burning Legion began their third invasion of Azeroth, Tirion led the Argent Crusade's forces as the first line of defense against the demons during the disastrous Battle for the Broken Shore. During the assault, he was captured and "killed" by Gul'dan in order to break the morale of the Alliance and the Horde, however, he survived and was tortured until a Champion of the Light came to rescue him. In his final moments, he passed the Ashbringer to his savior and asked them to defeat the Legion, before dying of his injuries.

Biography[]

The Second War[]

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

TirionAshbringerComic — Tirion during the Siege of Blackrock Spire.

Step Into the Light - Tirion Fordring — Tirion Fordring during the Second War, as remembered by Uther years later.

Exploring Azeroth - Of Love and Family — *[Of Love and Family]*, depicting Tirion with his family as they appeared many years ago.

Originally a warrior of Lordaeron, though he had not been born a noble, his enthusiasm and honor had won him to be knighted at the age of 18 years old. Tirion served his king with undying loyalty and won a great deal of respect from his superiors.^[13] Years later, renowned for his zeal and resilience, he eventually found faith and got closer to the Church of the Light, studying under the guidance of Archbishop Alonsus Faol.^[14]

At the beginning of the Second War, he was chosen by the Archbishop as one of the four candidates from Lordaeron to form the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand, along with Uther, Saidan Dathrohan, Turalyon, and Gavinrad the Dire. While traveling with Anduin Lothar's army, Tirion and the others were trained vigorously day and night by Faol, who taught them how to use the Light to comfort their allies, to smite their enemies and how to lead by example, as they would be more than weapons but beacons of hope to guide the Alliance of Lordaeron. As their training progressed, Faol presented each of the paladins with enchanted librams that were among the church's most ancient relics. Each libram represented a core trait of the Silver Hand that Faol challenged his students to become the living embodiment of, and Tirion was given the Libram of Retribution.^[15]

During his ceremony of induction into the order, Tirion received his holy hammer and silver plates from Saidan, who was one of his closest friends, before being blessed and empowered by the holy powers of the clerics of the Brotherhood of Northshire and the knights of the Silver Hand present in Alonsus Chapel.^[16]

Thereafter, Tirion fought on many battlefields. During the Siege of Blackrock Spire, he killed an ogre that was about to attack Alexandros Mograine. He amicably mocked his friend, telling him to be more careful in the future as he wouldn't be around forever, before heading back to fight their enemies.^[17]

Following the Second War, he, Uther, Saidan, and Gavinrad were present during the introduction ceremony in the order of Prince Arthas Menethil, at the Cathedral of Light of Stormwind City. It was the first time they had all been together after many years, and even aging, Tirion was still powerful and graceful as the governor of Hearthglen.^[18]

When Taelan was still a child, Tirion and Karandra would often visit Caer Darrow on family excursions. On their last visit, an artist by the name of Renfray painted a portrait of them poised along the beachside. It was his fondest memory, for it was at that moment, with his wife and son in his arms, that he felt a bond of love and family that he would never know again.^[19]

Of Blood and Honor[]

This section concerns content related to the Warcraft novels, novellas, or short stories.

TirionandEitrigg — Tirion Fordring helps his friend Eitrigg.

Years later, as the governor of the Alliance principality of Hearthglen, Tirion lived a comfortable life, well-respected by his subjects and loved by his wife Karanda and son Taelan. Both a great warrior and a just ruler, Tirion was renowned throughout the Kingdom of Lordaeron. In spite of his acclaimed military prowess, Tirion's experience as a paladin during the orcish invasions had taught him to value peace. After the wars were over, Tirion prayed every night that no conflict would ever bring harm to his subjects again. The gnome Myranda served as his most trusted advisor.^[20]

TirionEitrigg — Tirion Fordring and Eitrigg at the abandoned tower.

One day, Tirion encountered an old orc hermit living in an abandoned tower. The two immediately battled and traded blows until a piece of the ruined tower collapsed on Tirion, knocking him senseless. He awoke in his bed days later and discovered that he had been found badly beaten with his ribs broken and his arm that had been sliced open, tied to his saddle, and had been healed by his ambitious second, Barthilas.

Realizing that the orc had saved him from the ruins, Tirion set out and retraced his steps back to the tower. The orc Eitrigg told Tirion that, before the coming to Azeroth, the orcs had been a noble society rooted in shamanism. After the war, he left the corrupt Horde. Tirion, seeing great honor in Eitrigg, promised to keep his existence a secret, returning to his people and informing them that the orc had been dealt with and was not a threat.

However, Barthilas was not so confident, and called Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan to come and settle the matter himself. Dathrohan picked up the trail and led a group of soldiers and hunters into the woods, where they found Eitrigg. During the orc's capture, Tirion fought against Dathrohan's men, prompting Barthilas to gleefully note that his actions were treasonous.

Consequently, Tirion was brought to Stratholme to stand trial, and despite the pleas of both Karandra and his close friend Captain Arden to forget his honor and tell the jury what they wanted to hear, Tirion, hoping to be an example to his son, told the court exactly what had happened. Ultimately, the jury of Admiral Daelin Proudmoore, Arch-Mage Antonidas, Archbishop Alonsus Faol, and Prince Arthas Menethil decided that since Tirion had assaulted Alliance soldiers, he could no longer be a member of the Knights of the Silver Hand and was doomed to exile. Therefore, Uther the Lightbringer performed a ceremony to strip Tirion of his powers and sent him home to gather some supplies. However, as the last token of respect to his friend, Uther did not exile Tirion's family.^[21]

Tirion's False Grave in the Eastern Plaguelands.

After returning home, he bid farewell to his son and wife.^[22] Desperate to prevent Eitrigg from being executed for war crimes, Tirion rode back to Stratholme, where he attacked Eitrigg's guards. Surprised, they still managed to subdue him, until a group of orcs stormed into the city. Tirion used the distraction to free Eitrigg and flee the city. When they were in the wilds, Tirion saw that Eitrigg was near death, and did the only thing he could do; call upon the powers of the Light to heal the orc who had saved him even if his holy blessings have been stripped from his body. To his surprise, he still had his connection with the Light and through it the blessed powers to save Eitrigg.

They abruptly found themselves surrounded by orcs and a new Warchief, Thrall, who approached Eitrigg and invited him back into the Horde — which had since reverted back to its shamanistic roots once more. Eitrigg was thrilled to accept. Before he left with his people, Eitrigg proclaimed that Tirion and he were brothers, bound by blood and honor. Through his actions, Tirion also gained the undying respect of Thrall, one of the few humans he holds in such high regard, and which continues to this day.^[23]

For years Tirion remained in Lordaeron but lived as a hermit and an outcast of society.^[24] While his wife told their son that he had died, and even took him to a false grave at the Undercroft where Taelan buried the toy warhammer his father had given him in his memory,^[25] Tirion nevertheless left letters of farewell and love to his son. At some point, he was secretly present at the introduction ceremony of his son Taelan into the Silver Hand, who later became the lord of Mardenholde Keep. When the ceremony was over, he was noticed by his friend Arden, who did not take any action as he was pleased to see him.^[26]

The Ashbringer[]

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

Tirion comic — Tirion fighting the Scourge during the first battle for Light's Hope Chapel.

Following the Third War, at the behest of Fairbanks' ghost, Darion Mograine met Tirion who threatened him with his hammer, in order to know the reason for coming of the young man. At first reluctant, he finally agreed to listen to the youngest son of Alexandros Mograine in exchange for fresh rations, and because he was a brother-in-arms of the once legendary paladin.

After listening to Darion's story, he expressed his doubts about the veracity of the story, considering that Alexandros was a model of purity and that it was difficult to imagine his soul damned. He nevertheless agreed to take the Corrupted Ashbringer in hand, asking the Light to reveal the truth. Horrified by what he saw, he announced that the sword was corrupted and that there was almost nothing left of Alexandros' soul, before advising Darion to give up as he had done all he could. Faced with Darion's attempts to convince him to help him fight the Scourge, Tirion mocked him before becoming upset when he heard the mention of his son and rumors of his "betrayal". He finally agreed to tell his story, specifically about his meeting with Eitrigg and his excommunication of the Silver Hand. He also expressed his disgust for what is the Scarlet Crusade and the place of his son among their ranks, blind to the horrors that the crusade creates in its path.

Before Darion left, he announced after consideration that the only way to free Alexandros' soul would be through an act of love stronger than the act of treachery that murdered his father and defiled the weapon, but warned him that such an act would be the ultimate test of faith.^[27] When Darion tried to convince him to join the Argent Dawn, in order to inspire them just as he inspired many paladins in the past, Tirion refused and explained that his time was behind. Nevertheless, he meditated on the words of the young man who told him that he could still become the hero he once was.

A few days later, encouraged by Darion's words, Tirion participated in the first battle for Light's Hope Chapel against Kel'Thuzad and his undead armies, bringing new hope to the Argent Dawn troops. Towards the end of the battle, he watched in horror as Darion impaled himself with the Asbringer, freeing Alexandros' soul at the cost of his life, and bringing victory to the living.^[28]

World of Warcraft[]

This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

Tirion Mercenaries 2 — Tirion in exile, as seen in *Hearthstone*.

“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.”

Years later, Tirion was still present at his cottage on the shores of the Thondroril River, near the southwestern end of Terrorweb Tunnel in the Eastern Plaguelands. Accompanied by his trusty horse Mirador, he met adventurers, and asked for their help (without revealing his identity) to eliminate some of the fauna infected by the Plague of Undeath,^[29] but also to bring him non-infected rations to survive the winter,^[30] and to destroy the undead nuisances in the region.^[31] He readily accepted help from both the Alliance and Horde adventurers, following his assertions that race does not dictate honor, and from what he learned from his encounter with Eitrigg.

Once certain that he could trust them, whom he judged to be people of integrity and honor, he revealed his identity as well as his past, especially before and after his exile, but also that he was dismayed to find later that his son, Taelan, took his place as lord of Mardenholde but joined the Scarlet Crusade, and even became their highlord. Knowing his son better than anyone, he announced that he wanted to get Taelan out of this situation, and help him to remember what is really noble and honorable.^[32] In order to help Taelan regain what he has lost, and to convince him to leave the Scarlet Crusade, Tirion sent the adventurers to the Undercroft to retrieve Taelan's Hammer,^[25] then to Northdale to retrieve his [Symbol of Lost Honor],^[33] and finally to the island of Caer Darrow to find their family painting.^[19]^[34]

After collecting all the mementos of his son's past, Tirion asked the adventurers to meet Myranda the Hag at Uther's Tomb, once a master illusionist of Lordaeron and Tirion Fordring's most trusted advisor when he held the rank of lord of Mardenholde, so they could be disguised and infiltrate Hearthglen to deliver Tirion's Gift without being attacked by the Scarlet crusaders.^[20] Upon receiving the box and its contents, Taelan agreed to leave the Scarlet Crusade and reunite with his father outside of town,^[35] however, this betrayal triggered the Grand Crusader Dathrohan (possessed by Balnazzar), who sent Grand Inquisitor Isillien to kill the Fordrings. Consequently, Isillien sent assassins to kill Tirion, but they were unsuccessful. He then rushed to Hearthglen, where he witnessed Isillien killing Taelan. Spurred by his son's death, Tirion avenged him and vowed over his son's body to reform the original Order of the Silver Hand as its Highlord, once more as a force of good dedicated to extinguishing the evil, regardless of its politics or pleasantries, that plagued the world.^[36]

At some point, Tirion succeeded in gathering knights of the Silver Hand under his command and joined Light's Hope Chapel, as Eligor Dawnbringer of the Brotherhood of the Light mentioned him in a conversation with Scarlet Commander Marjhan, threatening the latter to inform Tirion that they are no longer here on amicable terms, and that the Highlord would take great pleasure in seeing to their "atonement".^[37]

The Burning Crusade[]

This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

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

In the Old Hillsbrad Foothills via the Caverns of Time, Tirion can be seen in the Southshore inn discussing the Scourge and the Ashbringer with several of his fellow members of the Silver Hand. He participated in the purification of the corrupted crystal brought by Alexandros Mograine, and was the first to refer to the future weapon by its legendary name.

Wrath of the Lich King[]

This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

Prior to the war against the Lich King, Arthas hoped to end Tirion before he had a chance to take a prominent role in defending Azeroth from the Scourge's new war, as the Highlord embodied the figure of a seasoned paladin and a natural leader.

Light's Hope Chapel[]

Arthas vs Tirion — Tirion fighting the Lich King with the Ashbringer.

After wiping out the Scarlet Crusade at the Ruins of the Scarlet Enclave, the Lich King ordered the destruction of the Argent Dawn, and sent Highlord Darion Mograine, a force of 10,000 undead, and all of the Death Knights of Acherus at Light's Hope Chapel. He cared little for the death knights, as he was prepared to sacrifice all of them to draw out Tirion Fordring. At some point during the battle, Tirion emerged to defend Light's Hope Chapel, and along with the paladins of the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn, he unleashed his holy fury against the invading armies of the undead. The Light overwhelmed the might of the Scourge, while Fordring's holy-given powers defeated all the Scourge forces in the area, causing Orbaz Bloodbane to flee. For the first time, the death knights knew defeat.

On the orders of Tirion, the death knights were brought before the chapel where he confronted Darion Mograine about what he had become, what he and his father had always fought against, and also told him that the Lich King had sent them to be all killed by the Light, as he knew what lies beneath the chapel. He then attended the reunion between Darion and the soul of his father Alexandros Mograine. However, they were interrupted by the arrival of the Lich King, who incapacitated Darion and the other death knights. Also surprised at the turn of events, Tirion tried to attack, but was incapacitated by the dark powers of the Lich King, while Frostmourne began to drain his soul.

Highlord Tirion Fordring in Death Knight.
Tirion joins the Argent Dawn during the battle.
Tirion and Darion Mograine.
Tirion purifies the Ashbringer of its corruption.
Tirion stands with the purified Ashbringer.
Tirion confronts Arthas at Light's Hope Chapel.

While the Lich King taunted his nigh-inevitable victory, Darion resisted his master's control just enough to give Tirion Fordring the corrupted Ashbringer. The paladin drew upon the power of the Light and cleansed the blade in a blinding flash of energy. With the restored Ashbringer at his command, Tirion charged toward the Lich King to fight him. Aware that even he stands little chance against the Ashbringer near the Chapel, the Lich King retreated, promising that the next time he meets Fordring, it will not be on holy ground. As the battle concluded on their victory, Fordring walked over to where Darion was lying and brought him back to consciousness. The paladins of the Argent Dawn and the Order of the Silver Hand had a new champion to rally behind, and while he lamented the loss of souls on both sides of the conflict, Tirion called for a merger of the Argent Dawn and the Order of the Silver Hand into a single faction named the Argent Crusade. The Highlord then vowed to use their combined force to destroy the Lich King and to tear down the walls of Icecrown.^[38]^[39]

Northrend invasion[]

Chron3 Assault on Icecrown Citadel — Tirion and the forces of Azeroth assaulting the Northrend, the domain of the Lich King.

Tirion Mercenaries 1 — Highlord Tirion Fordring during the Scourgewar.

When the war against the Lich King began, Tirion wrote letters addressed to King Varian Wrynn and Warchief Thrall, telling them that the bearers of the letters and the rest of the Death Knights of Acherus were now free from the control of the Lich King, and that as the Knights of the Ebon Blade under the command of Alexandros Mograine's son, they were now ready to lend their aid in destroying their former master. He asked the faction leaders to be tolerant, to accept their help in defeating the Scourge, and if possible, that Eitrigg could join him in Northrend to aid him in his campaign.^[40]^[41]

Following their acceptance, Tirion ordered the Argent Crusade to launch the invasion of Northrend alongside the Alliance and the Horde. In order to reach Northrend without being intercepted by the Lich King's agents, Tirion impersonated anonymously a Cleric of the Crusade and managed to set foot at the port of Valgarde in the Howling Fjord, where he revealed his identity and reclaimed Ashbringer from Lord Irulon Trueblade. While Irulon asked him to not reveal his true identity, Tirion said that the death of Ares the Oathbound and those who sacrificed themselves to bring the Asbringer to Northrend weighed on his soul, he then announced loudly that he and his men were on their way to bring down Arthas, making sure he knew he was now on the frozen continent.^[42]

Impersonating a Cleric of the Crusade in Valgarde.
Tirion in Valgarde after he reveals himself.
Tirion and the The Ebon Watcher in Icecrown.

Later during the campaign, Tirion mustered a large army and advanced into the region from the nearby Crystalsong Forest, establishing the Argent Vanguard on Icecrown's outskirts. Located in the Valley of Echoes, it gave them a path into Scourgeholme, which Tirion hoped to conquer and remake into an Argent Crusade fortress.^[43] He could be later found there, talking with The Ebon Watcher, actually Darion Mograine under disguise. The two discussed the Lich King's reaction following the Battle of Angrathar the Wrathgate, and the Argent Crusade's difficulties in advancing beyond the Valley of Echoes after the arrival of nerubian from Scourgeholme to close the breaches. The tone began to rise when Darion said that Tirion could not win, because of the virtues of the Light which chains him, while the Lich King is free from all morality and will not hesitate to use all means to destroy the living to the very last. In response, Tirion threatened him to carefully choose his words in the future and that he will not lower himself to the Scourge's level; as they will do this with honor lest they become the monster they are trying to kill.^[44]

After he received a few adventurers sent by his faithful knights,^[45] he asked them to support Crusade Commander Entari in an attempt to save the situation in the Valley of Echoes and at the Breach.^[46]^[47]^[48] Once the areas were secured, he ordered his troops to advance the front and sent the adventurers with Darion to take care of Scourgeholme.^[49] After the fall of the undead fortress,^[50] Tirion sent the adventurers with his Blessed Banner of the Crusade to aid Father Gustav in the conquest of the Crusaders' Pinnacle,^[51] and arrived later with his troops to thank them for all their efforts.^[52]

Tirion's Gambit TCG — Tirion's gambit in the *Trading Card Game*.

Tirion Fordring disguised — Disguised as a member of the Cult of the Damned.

During the most intense phase of the battle in Icecrown, Tirion discovered that Arthas's frozen heart had been retrieved from the depths beneath Icecrown Citadel and taken to the Cathedral of Darkness. With it, he decided there could be a chance to make Arthas human again, redeeming him and ending the threat of the Lich King simultaneously. He planned to seize the frozen organ in an ambush, as it was being transported by agents of the Cult of the Damned from Icecrown Citadel, to the Cathedral of Darkness for destruction.^[53]

As Tirion and his selected champions entered the Cathedral, disguised as cultists, the heart arrived. Before the trap could be sprung, however, the Lich King himself appeared, immediately seeing through the paladins' trick and claiming that, unlike last time, they would not be fighting on holy ground and Tirion would lose. After he threatened to destroy the heart, the Lich King calling this bluff as the paladin would never forsake the slight hope for Arthas's redemption, Tirion claimed that he had since seen that there could be no redemption for Arthas, as there was no Arthas left to redeem. He then proceeded to strike the organ with the Ashbringer, critically injuring the Lich King and triggering an explosion that knocked Tirion unconscious. As the Argent champions moved to defend Tirion from the surrounding cultists, Darion Mograine and a force of Ebon Knights arrived, holding back the tide of Scourge forces. As the Lich King began to channel a spell to slay all present, Darion created a portal back to Crusaders' Pinnacle, allowing those gathered to escape.

Despite their failure, Tirion still felt the foray was a success, stating that now he knew for certain that there remained no trace of Arthas Menethil any longer—only the Lich King.^[54]

At some point, Tirion called an adventurer whom he sent to search for the hero Crusader Bridenbrad, who had gone missing after he dragged more than a dozen men to safety, having been attacked by the Scourge at the Broken Front.^[55] When he learned that the crusader had been infected by the plague of undeath, Tirion refused to leave him to his fate,^[56] and sent the adventurer to find Keeper Remulos at Moonglade, in an attempt to save him with his nature magic.^[57] However that was not enough to cure the sickness,^[58] he then ordered the adventurer to contact Alexstrasza the Life-Binder at Wyrmrest Temple, and to use her flames of life to save him.^[59] Although the crusader's condition improved again, it was not enough, and despairing at this new failure,^[60] Tirion made one last attempt by asking for the help and wisdom of the naaru A'dal at Shattrath City.^[61] In the end, Bridenbrad could not escape his death,^[62] Tirion found comfort in the fact that the naaru made sure he was taken to the Light and that he would never become a slave of the Lich King.^[63]

Call of the Crusade[]

As the campaign in Northrend was proceeding well, all that was left was the final assault on Icecrown Citadel, however, Tirion sent word to Garrosh Hellscream and Varian Wrynn to hold back, as he believed that a full overwhelming assault was exactly what the Lich King wanted.^[64]

In fact, Tirion believed there was only one way to conquer Icecrown: a small, surgical strike force could punch a hole in the citadel's defenses and fight its way to the Lich King. To that end, Tirion called upon Azeroth's champions to prove themselves worthy of this crucial mission. Thus the Argent Tournament was born. Despite the tension between the factions, both trusted Tirion Fordring, as he had shown exemplary bravery in his fight to protect Light's Hope Chapel, and the Horde remembered his commitment to justice in defense of the orc Eitrigg many years earlier. None doubted his sincerity and single-minded desire to see the Lich King destroyed, and there was no shortage of heroes willing to march at his side, no matter their faction.^[65]

To mark the beginning of the Argent Tournament, the Highlord gave a motivational speech every now and then to prepare to end the Lich King's reign. He invited every Alliance and Horde fighter to come and prove their worth, their abilities, and their prowess to be worthy to march alongside the Argent Crusade to the gates of Icecrow Citadel.

Argent Coliseum C — Highlord Tirion Fordring, surrounded by Argent champions in the Crusaders' Coliseum.

Upon the Alliance's arrival, he greeted King Varian Wrynn and Jaina Proudmoore and mentioned that their places in the coliseum were waiting for them. As Varian told Tirion that he asked much of him to be away from the battlefield, and to just sit and watch the games while trusting the Horde to keep themselves in check, Tirion assured Varian that his people were here to ensure they honor the rules of engagement, and that his subjects would be delighted to see him in the stands. This answer was enough for Varian who confirmed his support for Tirion, and the Highlord escorts them into the coliseum.

Upon the Horde's arrival, he welcomed Warchief Thrall and Garrosh Hellscream. While Thrall thanked the Highlord for the invitation, Garrosh gave his own opinions on these events, seeing them as a waste of time. In response, Tirion said that he hoped for the merit of these events in time, as they couldn't win against the Scourge if the Alliance and the Horde continued war against one another. While Thrall called it wise, Garrosh called it a fool's hope. The Highlord then hoped that they would behave well in the coliseum.

In the Trial of the Champion, Tirion tested a small party of champions to undergo their opposing faction, to face among the elite of the Argent Crusade, and an unexpected agent of the Cult of the Damned.

Later, the Trial of the Crusader gave a larger group a chance to prove their worth against all odds. First among them were beasts far in the northlands. Then a gnome warlock named Wilfred Fizzlebang, who summoned forth a demon beyond his reach to be bounded to its master, to what Tirion said to the crowd that it should be a lesson to those that dare dabble in dark magic. At some point, Garrosh accused the Alliance of treachery and, in turn, Varian called him a pig, but the Highlord calmed the situation and called on everyone to compose themselves for the tournament must go on. However, champions from the opposing faction were the next combatants that proved to be a shallow and tragic result. Following that, the final challenge consisted of the Scourge's most powerful lieutenants: fearsome Val'kyr.

Upon success, Tirion gave approval that the champions have proved themselves of the Argent Crusade, and together they will march upon the Lich King's stronghold. However, the Lich King appeared in the coliseum, issuing a challenge to the heroes, Tirion told him that he was hopelessly outnumbered and to lay down his weapon, but Arthas disappeared and sent the heroes underground to fight Anub'arak. After another triumphant victory against Arthas' plans, Tirion knew that the champions' skill and cunning will prove to be a powerful weapon against the Scourge. While countless heroes participated in the tournament's trials, Tirion had winnowed the ranks to find his chosen few. He and the Argent Crusade now had their champions. They were joined by Darion Mograine and many of his death knights under the banner of a new order called the Ashen Verdict. Together, they would bring final judgment upon the Lich King.^[65]

Fall of the Lich King[]

Chronicle3 Tirion v Lich King — The Fall of the Lich King.

When the assault on Icecrown Citadel began, Tirion led his troops and ordered his rams to destroy the gates to the Lich King's lair, signaling that the hour of justice had finally come.^[66] Inside the Citadel, he ordered the creation of Light's Hammer in the entrance hall of the citadel, and made a speech to prepare them his champions for the biggest fight of their whole life, the one who would determine the future of all living on Azeroth.^[67]

When the time had come, Tirion led the Ashen Verdict and his champions in their ascent to the Frozen Throne, defeating the Scourge's mightiest servants which tested their strength and willpower.^[65] Upon reaching the location, Tirion ordered the attack on Arthas following a declaration that he would pay for the many thousands he had slain. The Lich King unleashed his full fury, and Tirion with his champions fought back in a valiant battle that shook Icecrown Citadel to its foundations. But despite their valor and heroism, the champions could not prevail as Arthas' power overwhelmed them, and Tirion was subdued in a block of ice, where he could only watch helplessly his champions being slaughtered by the runeblade.^[68]

After he killed all the champions, the Lich King revealed to Tirion that he had been waiting for their assault all along, knowing that he would bring with him Azeroth's greatest heroes, who could then be killed and resurrected as powerful masters of the Scourge. While Arthas began to raise them as his champions of the Scourge, Tirion refused to give up, and managed to break free of the ice after a final blessing from the Light. In a final exchange, he shattered Frostmourne with the Ashbringer. The spirits who had been trapped within the runeblade attacked their former jailer and suspended him in the air. The spirit of King Terenas Menethil II resurrected Fordring's champions, who were then able to finish off the immobilized Lich King.^[68]

Tirion launches the assault on Icecrown Citadel.
Tirion in Icecrown Citadel.
Tirion challenges Arthas at the Frozen Throne.
Tirion frozen by the Lich King in a block of ice.
Tirion destroys Frostmourne with the Asbringer.
Tirion and Arthas moments after Frostmourne's destruction.
Tirion watches as Arthas is attacked by all the souls he's taken.
Tirion watches as Arthas dies in his father's arms.
Tirion with the Helm of Domination in his hand.

Tirion crown Bolvar — Tirion places the helm on Bolvar Fordragon's head.

After watching Arthas's final moments with his father, Tirion was informed by Terenas that there must always be a Lich King to keep the Scourge in check. The old paladin agreed, but it was not a burden he could ask anyone else to bear. He took up the Helm of Domination and steeled himself to become the jailor of the damned. But before he could don the cursed armor and seal his fate, Bolvar Fordragon intervened.^[69] The broken man sat upon the Frozen Throne and told Tirion and the heroes that they had their own destinies to fulfill, and that he would take up the burden of becoming the new Lich King. After saying his last goodbye, Tirion reluctantly placed the crown atop Bolvar's head, sealing the fate of Bolvar, the Scourge, and Azeroth itself.^[70]

True to his word, Tirion kept hidden the truth of what had occurred atop Icecrown Citadel to all, save for Darion Mograine,^[71] and the leaders of the Alliance^[72] and the Horde. Later, the victorious champions returned to Dalaran, where a golden statue was built in honor of the heroes who died. At the very top of this monument stands a statue of Tirion, Ashbringer raised, standing over a shattered Frostmourne.

Cataclysm[]

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

After his victory over the Lich King, Tirion returned to Lordaeron to reclaim Hearthglen from the Scarlet Crusade and resumed his place as lord within Mardenholde Keep.

Following the Cataclysm, and the advance of the crusaders in the restoration of the Plaguelands, he personally welcomed the new recruits among the ranks of the crusade, and invited them to stay at Hearthglen as long as they wish to continue training, and maybe, to help their cause one day.^[73] He later thanked an adventurer for helping the Argent Crusade, firstly with humor and then very seriously, after they tracked down and killed a traitor they had been looking for weeks.^[74]

Legion[]

This section concerns content related to Legion.

Tirion Fordring captured — Captured and tortured by Jailer Zerus.

Tirion's soul leaving in direction of the sky.

Years later, when Gul'dan successfully opened the way for the Burning Legion's third invasion at the Tomb of Sargeras, Tirion and the Argent Crusade were the first to respond and took the fight to the demons at the Broken Shore. However, the battle was a disaster, with armies of demons pouring from the tomb. The Argent Crusade was annihilated and many prisoners were taken, including Tirion. After the Horde and Alliance fleets arrived and pushed toward the tomb, Gul'dan held Tirion above a pool of lava as a trap to lure in Varian Wrynn and Vol'jin's forces. As Tirion prayed for the Light's protection, Gul'dan scoffed and claimed that his light was no match for the power of a real god. The warlock then summoned the giant Krosus, who spewed a storm of fel at Tirion, destroying his Divine Shield and gravely wounding him, before Gul'dan dropped him into the lava as a final way to erode the Alliance and Horde's morale.^[75]

Following the battle, Maxwell Tyrosus believed that contacting Uther the Lightbringer's spirit would allow them to discover the current whereabouts of the lost legendary weapon.^[76] Thus, Maxwell and a Champion of the Light journeyed to Uther's Tomb and contacted the legendary paladin, who revealed that they had to hurry if they wished to recover the Ashbringer, and that Tirion still clung to life.^[77]

A prisoner on the Broken Shore, Tirion had indeed survived his fall into the lava and was held captive by Jailer Zerus who tried to break him. He was later freed by the Argent Crusade, but the torture he received was too much for him. After choosing a new Ashbringer, he asked them to defeat the Legion before dying to his wounds.^[10] His body was then taken by Maxwell Tyrosus and buried beneath Light's Hope Chapel.^[78] A memorial service was held in his honor, during which Tyrosus named the new wielder of the Ashbringer as the new Highlord of the Silver Hand.^[79]

Later during the invasion, the Lich King Bolvar Fordragon ordered the Deathlord to rebuild the Four Horsemen and choose the recently fallen Tirion Fordring to be their leader. Initially Darion Mograine opposed this order, considering that Tirion deserved more than a life of anguish and undeath, as he was one of the greatest champions Azeroth has known. Ultimately, the Knights of the Ebon Blade had no choice but to obey and launched the Assault on Light's Hope Chapel. However, they failed to obtain his body from the Knights of the Silver Hand, as the Light itself protected the tomb of Tirion. It was therefore Darion who took his place as leader of the Four Horsemen.^[8]

Upon killing enemies, the Ashbringer may whisper to its new wielder, the voice and quotes being those of Tirion Fordring when he was alive.

Locations[]

Location	Level range	Reaction	Notes
Thondroril River, Eastern Plaguelands^[7.6, 43.6]	61 Elite	Alliance Horde	In Classic; appearance removed in retail.
Western Plaguelands^{[53.8, 24.6]}	?? Boss	Alliance Horde	As part of [60G] In Dreams in Classic; appearance removed in retail.
Southshore, Old Hillsbrad Foothills^{[35.2, 84.6]}	15-30	Alliance Horde	As part of the Escape from Durnholde Keep.
Light's Hope Chapel, Plaguelands: The Scarlet Enclave^[39, 38.8]	?? Boss	Alliance Horde	As part of the death knight starting experience.
Argent Vanguard, Crusaders' Pinnacle, Cathedral of Darkness & Argent Tournament, Icecrown	?? Boss	Alliance Horde	As part of the Icecrown storyline.
Crusaders' Coliseum & Icy Depths, Trial of the Crusader	33 Elite	Alliance Horde
Light's Hammer, Icecrown Citadel	?? Boss	Alliance Horde
Mardenholde Keep, Western Plaguelands^[42, 14.8]	?? Boss	Alliance Horde	As part of the Western Plaguelands storyline.
Tomb Approach, Broken Shore (Battle for Broken Shore)	?? Boss	Alliance Horde	As part of [10-45] The Battle for Broken Shore.
Hope's End, Broken Shore	10-45 Elite	Alliance Horde	As part of [10-45] The Search for the Highlord.
Alonsus Chapel & Elders' Square, Stratholme	60 Elite	Alliance Horde	Memory as part of [60] Step Into the Light.

Abilities[]

Classic

Crusader Strike — Inflicts 50 damage to an enemy and increases the Holy damage it takes by 20 per Crusader Strike. Can be applied up to 5 times. Lasts 30 sec.
Devotion Aura — Gives 40 additional armor to nearby party members for 4 min. Players may only have one aura on them per paladin at any one time.
Exorcism — Inflicts Holy damage to an undead enemy.
Hammer of Justice — Stuns an enemy, rendering it unable to move or attack for 6 sec.
Holy Cleave — Inflicts weapon damage plus 30 to an enemy and its nearest allies, affecting up to 3 targets.
Holy Light — Calls upon Holy magic to heal an ally.
Holy Strike — Consecrates the caster's weapon, inflicting 2 additional damage on its next attack. All damage inflicted is based on Holy magic.

Old Hillsbrad

Heal
Holy Shock
Judgment

Light's Hope Chapel

Lay On Hands — A powerful heal.

Icecrown and Hearthglen

Greater Turn Evil — The targeted undead or demon enemy will be compelled to flee for up to 20 sec. Damage caused may interrupt the effect. Only one target can be turned at a time.

Quests[]

Wrath of the Lich King[]

This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

[25-30] Judgment Day Comes!
[25-30] Honor Above All Else
[25-30] Into The Wild Green Yonder
[25-30] A Cold Front Approaches
[25-30] Once More Unto The Breach, Hero
[25-30] Into The Frozen Heart Of Northrend
[25-30] The Battle For Crusaders' Pinnacle
[25-30] The Crusaders' Pinnacle
[25-30] A Tale of Valor
[25-30] A Hero Remains
[25-30] The Keeper's Favor
[25-30] Time Yet Remains
[25-30] The Touch of an Aspect
[25-30] Hope Yet Remains
[25-30] The Will of the Naaru
[25-30] Light Within the Darkness
[25-30] Tirion's Help/ [25-30] Argent Aid
[25-30] Tirion's Gambit

Cataclysm[]

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

[15-30] An Audience with the Highlord
[15-30] Turning Yourself In

World of Warcraft[]

The subject of this section was removed from World of Warcraft in patch 4.0.3a but is present in Classic Era.

When all three above were complete, the following became available:

[56] Redemption
- [57] Of Forgotten Memories
  - [58] Of Lost Honor
    - [58] Of Love and Family
    - [60D] Of Love and Family
      - [60] Find Myranda