The Tirisgarde Campaign (Mage Campaign) is the main questline for the mage class in the World of Warcraft: Legion expansion.
7.0[]
Introduction[]
A voice spoke to a mage adventurer who had just arrived to Dalaran. It said that they may not know him, but it needed their help. It feared they had little time. the mage was to meet the speaker at the Violet Gate swiftly so all could be explained. There, the mage hero approached Meryl Felstorm, kneeling at the center of the innermost room. Meryl explained to the hero that he thought he could banish Kathra'natir once and for all, but instead the dreadlord broke free. He was afraid that the demon might have been privy to his secrets - such as those of the Council of Tirisfal - in the years he spent trapped within Meryl's body. The damage he could do with this knowledge was unthinkable, and as such he had to be stopped.[1]
Meryl Felstorm[]
Meryl further explained that though the dreadlord had escaped his grasp, he knew what his next step would be. Kathra'natir sought an ancient relic called the Forge of the Guardian, used for centuries by the Council of Tirisfal to infuse their power into the Guardian. The Forge was hidden away in the Violet Hold - the most secure location in Dalaran, as well as a place few would think to look. Its location was known only to the Council themselves, but the dreadlord now had this knowledge too.[2]
The mage hero asked for further information about who the strange undead figure was, to which Meryl replied that he did tend to forget that his name was not well known these days. Meryl Felstorm was once known as Meryl Winterstorm. He was a founding member of the Council of Tirisfal, but was required to abandon his duties when he became possessed by the dreadlord Kathra'natir. Though he was able to contain him, the risk was too great for him to remain on the Council. He had since dedicated his life to finding a way to banish the demon once and for all. It seemed he had failed.[2]
The mage hero also wanted to know more about the Forge of the Guardian. Meryl told them that it was an artifact of incredible power, devised by the Archmage Alodi as a method of permanently transferring the arcane power of many mages into the body of one, thus creating a Guardian of Tirisfal. The last time it was used was in the time of Aegwynn, who refused to return her powers so another Guardian could be imbued.[2]
Kathra'natir[]
As they made haste to the Violet Hold, Meryl explained that in ages past, the Forge of the Guardian was a source of great power for the Council of Tirisfal. When the Burning Legion learned of the Forge's existence, the Council knew it had to be hidden somewhere safe. It was thus secreted to the Violet Hold. Approaching the gates of the Hold, Meryl's fears turned out to be well-founded as they found corpses laying on the ground, charred with fel magic. The dreadlord was already inside.[2]
Opening the gates to the Hold, they found Kathra'natir, overlooking the Forge of the Guardian and draining it of its power with siphoning rifts. Together they engaged the dreadlord, but he proved much too powerful. Claiming that they needed the power of the Forge, Meryl temporarily encased Kathra'natir in a tomb of ice, which gave the mage hero accompanying him enough time to find a way past the dreadlord's fel barrier and destroy the rifts siphoning power from the Forge. When the mage activated the Forge, the spirit of Alodi mentally reached out to them and told them to use its powers in order to defeat Kathra'natir, and send him back to the Twisting Nether.[2]
An immense orb of energy formed above the Forge, and began channeling into the mage hero as they were lifted up in the air. When they landed back on the ground, they had become the Guardian. Meanwhile, the dreadlord had broken free from his icy prison and begun strangling Meryl in mid-air with shadow magic. As he was about to finish him, the empowered mage hero interrupted the demon, and managed to kill him. Kathra'natir gone, the hero returned the powers of the Forge, which left the hero's body, and manifested in the form of Alodi's ghost.[2]
Alodi told Meryl that Kathra'natir was still a threat for his defeat was only temporary, and that he would return and seek the Forge again as soon as he regained his strength in the Twisting Nether. Meryl, deeming the Violet Hold no longer safe, asked the mage hero and Alodi to join forces. They approached the Forge and together, they cast a teleportation spell to move the Forge of the Guardian to a safer location.[2]
The Hall of the Guardian[]
The Hall of the Guardian hadn't seen any use since the disbanding of the Council of Tirisfal, and it pained Alodi to see it in such state. Though it was in disrepair, Meryl claimed that the wards protecting this place were still strong, and that it would serve their needs. It was clear now that the hall of the Tirisgarde had to be rebuilt to face the Legion's threat. Meryl's plan consisted in reforming the Tirisgarde, and making the mage hero its first champion.[2] He explained that the foundation of the Tirisgarde's strength lied in the ancient artifacts wielded by its champions and, as such, the hero's first task was to retrieve one such artifact. But first, Meryl taught the mage hero how to teleport to this place and pass through the protecting runes by themselves. Then, the mage hero browsed through the master appendix of the Hall's library, which listed every artifact known to the Council of Tirisfal, and went to retrieve the one of their choice.[3]
The mage was equipped, and Meryl could sense the power of the artifact they held. It would do well against the Legion as it was, but Meryl believed they had the ability to unlock its power even further.[4] He explained that the Forge was not only used to create Guardians : it also served as a font of arcane energy which could be used to manipulate and empower such artifacts. This power would allow the Tirisgarde to gain the upper hand against Kathra'natir and the Burning Legion, and so he asked the hero to be the first to tap into it.[5]
After unlocking the weapon's untapped power, Meryl said that the artifact was well on its way to reaching its true potential. But even with this power they wouldn't be able to fight the Legion alone, they needed to begin recruiting other mages to their cause. Unfortunately, the protective wards surrounding the Hall were prohibitive to this. After all, Meryl couldn't personally teleport every one of them there.[5]
Reforming the Tirisgarde[]
Meryl spoke of a goblin who was a master of portals and teleportation by the name of Akazamzarak. His talents had gone mostly unnoticed, however, since he mostly used them for chicanery : he was a street performer. Fortunately for them, he was performing right in the streets of Dalaran, grifting coins from the unenlightened masses. The mage hero thus took a bag of gold to see if they could convince the Great Akazamzarak to change vocations, and headed towards the Eventide where he was situated.[6]
Akazamzarak replied to the offer positively, saying he would gladly help them move mages around, if the price was right. Akazamzarak managed to bring them both back to the Hall of the Guardian, even through the runes. Upon arrival, Meryl asked the goblin if he could manage the portals, handing him the locations. Indeed, Meryl had already sent word to many talented mages who could help, and they now awaited transportation to the Hall, where they would begin their new purpose. Akazamzarak thus created plenty of portals through the protective wards, to Stormwind, Ironforge, Darnassus, the Exodar, the Undercity, Orgrimmar, Orgrimmar again, and the Borean Tundra. Mages from all around the world stepped through and arrived to the famous Hall of the Guardian, and Meryl held the following speech:[7]
- Meryl Felstorm says: Mages of Azeroth! I have brought you here to face a threat to the future of the world itself!
- Meryl Felstorm says: The dreadlord Kathra'natir has escaped into the Twisting Nether, and he carries with him the secrets of the Council of Tirisfal.
- Meryl Felstorm says: We must hunt him down in the Twisting Nether. Only then will we know his knowledge cannot be used against us.
- Meryl Felstorm says: It is to this aim, that I hereby reform the Tirisgarde. I would ask that you join us in taking arms against the Legion! Are you with us?!
- The assembled mages cheer in approval.
- Meryl Felstorm says: It is done, then.
The Broken Isles[]
The Tirisgarde reformed, it was time for their mission to begin. The order needed leaders however, and though Meryl was an experienced mage, he claimed to be no strategist. The mage hero however had proven themselves capable, in both their past exploits and present. In presence of many of Azeroth's greatest mages, Meryl officially dubbed them Conjuror of the Tirisgarde. This ancient title symbolized the awesome responsibility borne by the Tirisgarde.[8]
While Meryl had personal business to attend to, the Conjuror met with their new goblin ally in the War Room, from where they would begin planning their next steps. Akazamzarak believed that they should keep up the recruiting and, fortunately, he believed that nobody negotiated contracts like a goblin.[9] While the Conjuror decided on where they would first take the fight to the demons, Akazamzarak started the recruiting. The Conjuror thus started the search for the Pillars of Creation in the Broken Isles.[10]
Meryl's summon[]
When the Conjuror returned to Dalaran, Meryl reached out to them and told them they were needed in the Hall of the Guardian.[11] There, he explained that the Tirisgarde had been defunct for ages. To defeat the Burning Legion, the Tirisgarde first had to recruit the greatest of champions to fight by their side. Two of the most powerful mages in Azeroth's present and past, Archmage Kalec and Archmage Modera, had come to help them succeed. The Conjuror of the Tirisgarde spoke to them, as they were exemplary representatives of their order, and enlisted their aid.[12]
While not everyone on the Council of Six agreed with her, Modera believed it was imperative for them to work together in order to defeat the Burning Legion once and for all. It was nice for her to see the Tirisgarde rise again.[13] Similarly, Kalec was honored to fight alongside the Conjuror of the Tirisgarde in these dark times. The blue dragonflight had always represented magic on Azeroth, and it was fitting for them to work together against the Legion now more than ever[14]
Preparations[]
During this time, Archmage Melis had been hard at work getting the Tirisgarde's command room up and running.[15] She explained to the Conjuror that they could direct their allies to carry out vital assignments across the Broken Isles through the Scouting Map. The first task happened to be critical. Archmage Omniara, a renowned summoner, was on her way to the Hall of the Guardian when she was attacked. Uniquely suited to this task, Archmage Kalecgos was sent to her aid by the Conjuror. Safe and sound, Omniara agreed to join the Tirisgarde.[16] A very powerful arcanist, her skills would prove to be quite an asset to the Tirisgarde. Capable of summoning multiple water elementals at the same time, she became a recruiter, and her elementals would become invaluable troops in the fight against the Burning Legion.[17]
The Tirisgarde quickly after received word of survivors near the Broken Shore, but the area was still crawling with demons. Troops were sent to help with the rescue, and they returned with Chronicler Elrianne among the survivors. A well-respected archivist from the Kirin Tor, she also spent several months studying with the pandaren in their library in Tian Monastery.[18] Her knowledge of ancient magic would be invaluable to the order, and Elrianne offered upgrades to the Hall of the Guardian.
Since the Broken Isles were the epicenter of ancient night elven learning, countless powerful magical artifacts were secreted away in forgotten vaults and reliquaries. The Conjuror of the Tirisgarde sent a few champions in order to secure some of them so they wouldn't fall into the wrong hands.[19]
The Empyrean Society[]
Meryl fell terribly sick, and had to spend his days lying in bed. Archmage Vargoth's long-time apprentice, Ravandwyr, arrived at the Hall of the Guardian with an urgent message from his mentor. He informed the Conjuror that one of their champions had discovered some sort of powerful magic emanating from the secretive Empyrean Society Enclave in Azsuna. He explained that Archmage Vargoth had asked him to request Meryl's aid in investigating it, but since Meryl was too ill to travel at the moment, he asked the Conjuror if they were willing to go in his place. They accepted, and Meryl thanked them for taking over for him, before choking and coughing up bile.[20]
In order to gain entrance to the Enclave, the Conjuror would need to prove themselves. Ravandwyr explained that the Empyrean Society was a dangerous cult. They claimed to study all magic regardless of its source, but in reality they focused mostly on the forbidden. The only way for them to welcome the Conjuror to their enclave was for the latter to bring them a magical artifact. The Hatecoil naga in Azsuna had just found the perfect gift - a [Pearl of Arcane Wisdom], and magically preserved scrolls[21] from the depths beneath the Nar'thalas Academy. Traveling to the Hatecoil Warcamp, the Conjuror recovered the precious gifts and met Ravandwyr on the road just north of the Empyrean Enclave. As they approached, he overheard Ravandwyr tell the elf that accompanied him, Esara Verrinde, to be on their guard, for even experienced mages had an alarming tendency to disappear around the Enclave.[22]
Investigating the cult[]
Nobody knew much about the Empyrean Society's activities here, but now that the Conjuror appeared to be one of their new recruit, they would be able to ask some questions and take a look around for the strange magic that Archmage Vargoth detected. The Conjuror of the Tirisgarde partnered with Esara, and together they split ways with Ravandwyr to cover more ground before meeting again at the rotunda on the hill.[23]
Esara and the Conjuror proceeded to examine the camp and question many members of the organization. The Conjuror brought the Pearl of Arcane Wisdom to one of the Empyrean disciples, who claimed that "Marlan" had to first evaluate their gift before he could speak with them further. Investigating a brazier, Esara couldn't see anything unusual about it; it looked to be in pretty good shape for something so ancient. The building they approached however had a fel rune locking its door. The Empyrean Society should not be using such magic, proclaimed Esara. A book then caught their eye, but as they tried to recover it, the human Marlan Blackfire assaulted them.[23]
Marlan Blackfire says: More Kirin Tor Spies!
Marlan Blackfire says: Your friend has been dealt with.
Marlan Blackfire says: Now it is your turn!
The corrupted mage slain, Esara told the Conjuror that she knew something was off about the Empyrean, but she did not suspect this.[23] The Empyrean Society was certainly much more dangerous than they appeared. She said that it was unimaginable that any mage would study fel magic - that it was for warlocks and the Legion only. Since their friend Ravandwyr appeared to be delayed, Esara and the Conjuror decided to deal with the sect themselves so they wouldn't corrupt anyone else. They thus slayed many of their members, confiscated as many blasphemous, fel-inscribed tomes of demonic spells[24] as possible, and recovered a fel rune of opening in the process.[25][26]
A secret revealed[]
Esara believed that they had certainly reduced the Empyrean Society's numbers, and that they wouldn't be luring any more members to their cause for a while. She held this matter at heart, for her own family had died at the hands of the Legion. There was only one place they hadn't investigated yet however, the Headquarters of the Empyrean Society. She suspected that the rune they found was attuned to their door, so the Conjuror used the rune of opening to unlock the building's door, only to find Ravandwyr encased in a fel-crystal by Nora Blackfire who, oddly, claimed that Archmage Vargoth would hear of this intrusion. After killing her and freeing Ravandwyr, the elf explained that he thought he'd snoop around a bit before meeting the Conjuror and Esara at the rotunda, but his invisibility spell wore off at an inopportune time.[27]
In Nora's fel chest, the Conjuror found a missive from Archmage Vargoth sealed with fel magic, which they handed to Ravandwyr.[27] The latter found it hard to believe that Archmage Vargoth would be involved with such a malevolent group, and that there had to be a good explanation for why he'd been here. Regardless, all returned to the Hall of the Guardian to inform Meryl about what they had uncovered here.[28]
Bad news[]
As the Conjuror entered Meryl's room, he found him surrounded by Ravandwyr and the other champions. Archmage Khadgar himself had come to watch over his old friend. Ravandwyr thanked the Archmage for coming so quickly, and told him that Meryl was declining very quickly. Khadgar believed that Meryl's illness was magical in nature, and that Ravandwyr was right to summon him. Meryl groaned and clutched his stomach. There had to be more books on magical illness around the Hall somewhere, muttered Khadgar. He knew there had to be something that could help Meryl.[28]
Archmage Khadgar says: There, there, old friend. We will figure this out...
Archmage Khadgar says: A Treatise On The Habits Of Ravens looks quite interesting! But, no, it will not help poor Meryl recover...
Archmage Khadgar says: Blast! This library is a disaster! We will have to clean it up if we are to have any hope of finding more texts on magical afflictions before it is too late...
Esara came to the Conjuror, and told them they had proven to be quite successful together. She would be happy to lend them her swords and spells against the Burning Legion.[29] Ravandwyr said that he had been Archmage Vargoth's apprentice for far too long. Perhaps it was time for him to serve a new master, he thought. He would be honored if they would accept him as their champion.[30] Archmage Melis then told the Conjuror that Grand Conjurer Mimic had arrived as a recruiter to aid the Tirisgarde in bolstering their numbers. Mimic sought out the most promising apprentices and trained them very quickly, her former students being some of the most powerful conjurors in the land.[31]
Meeting with the Council[]
Khadgar explained that Archmage Vargoth's involvement with the Empyrean Society was indeed troubling. However, as he had proven his loyalty to the Kirin Tor many times, he deserved the benefit of the doubt, for now. Still, Khadgar was obligated to share his concerns with the rest of the Council of Six. While the Conjuror would travel to Dalaran to meet with them in the Violet Citadel, he'd remain there to care of Meryl.[32]
Archmage Ansirem Runeweaver told the Conjuror that the Council did not tolerate misconduct amongst their own. However, if the Conjuror's accusation against Archmage Vargoth proved malicious, the consequences would be severe. Archmage Kalec intervened, saying that he had been following the Conjuror for some time now and that these were not spurious charges. He too had observed Archmage Vargoth behaving oddly. "As have I", added Archmage Karlain. He could confirm that Vargoth had indeed been quite preoccupied of late. If it was true that Archmage Vargoth was exploring fel magic, Runeweaver would be shocked, he said. Still, Runeweaver owed the Conjuror their thanks in bringing this matter to their attention.[32]
Runeweaver added that Archmage Vargoth had been absent for a while. He authorized the Conjuror of the Tirisgarde to take a look around Vargoth's living quarters right above in the citadel tower. Runeweaver held out hope that their esteemed colleague was merely up to his usual eccentricities. Escorted there through portal by Kalecgos, the Conjuror entered Vargoth's retreat and examined the surroundings.[33]
- Retreat entered
- Archmage Kalec says: This is a nice space for a mortal. Let's see what secrets it is hiding.
- Crystal Ball examined
- Archmage Kalec says: Mortals and their crystal balls... Although this one may actually be more than just a novelty.
- Frosted Doughnut examined
- Archmage Kalec says: That stinks! It's covered in mold. Archmage Vargoth has been away longer than I thought.
- Magical Tome examined
- Archmage Kalec says: Fascinating! This is a spell book of ancient Nightborne rituals. I must borrow it sometime.
- Well-worn scroll examined
- Archmage Kalec says: Now this is interesting. I had no idea Archmage Vargoth was also interested in the breeding habits of angelfish!
- Archmage Vargoth's Journal
- Archmage kalec says: Wait. Is that a journal you've found? That may be what we are looking for!
The search for Vargoth[]
Vargoth's journal, titled "The Nightborne Soulstone",[34] contained notes about the eponymous relic. Supposedly the energy of the captured souls stored within it could be channeled directly from the stone. If that was true, it would be a very powerful relic indeed, noted Kalec.[33]
A worried Kalecgos explained that Archmage Vargoth seemed to be indeed mixed up in something dangerous, though that wasn't unusual for an Archmage of his caliber and experience. He believed that Vargoth may have headed towards the Arcway Vaults, but he suggested they investigated all leads first, in order to get a better idea of what Vargoth was up to. The Conjuror thus sent many of his champions to investigate Archmage Vargoth's travels.[35]
They were sent to Khadgar's Tower in Talador in the alternate Draenor to ask Zooti Fizzlefury, Vargoth's closest friend and confident.[36] They were also sent to the ruins of Nar'thalas Academy because there was evidence that Vargoth had visited it recently.[37] A champion was also sent to Tel'anor since one of the magical tomes they found in his retreat came from there,[38] and another to Ashenvale for a crystal ball they found in the same study used to belong to Grommash Hellscream.[39]
In the mean time, the mage Edirah joined the Tirisgarde as researcher of artifact histories, since her head would be in a book whether she was supported by the Tirisgarde or not. Learning more about these powerful weapons was critical to the fight against the Legion, she believed. By supplying the resources to keep them going, the Conjuror could assign more researchers on the job to turn out results faster.[40]
Meryl's illness[]
Khadgar found Meryl's illness troubling. He had seen something similar before, but he couldn't think of its name. He asked the Conjuror to talk to his friend, Ari. She had lived in the Hall of the Guardian since it was last in use. If a tome on magical afflictions was to be found here, she would know where to look.[41]
That Khadgar trusted the Conjuror meant much to Ari. She indeed knew of the book in which they sought, but the book did not want to be found. It was old and angry and thirsted for power. To mollify and convince it to emerge from hiding in the proper way, Ari asked the Conjuror to bring it a gift of Nightwell energy from the Nightborne elves in Suramar City.[42]
The Conjuror thus went and siphoned many vials of Nightwell energy - power in its purest form, a fitting gift for a book of healing - to which the book, "Arcanists Guide to Rare Diseases", eventually reacted. Ari packaged the book up for them to bring to Khadgar, wrapping it in moth's wings to keep it soothed and light-hearted. She also insisted in gifting the Conjuror with her own wooden ring,[43] a simple, smooth ring carved from heartwood.[44]
Returning to Khadgar, he explained that Ari was much more than she appeared. She was once one of the most powerful archmagi on Azeroth and a member of the Council of Tirisfal. Unfortunately, her mind was badly damaged and she had not left the Hall of the Guardian since. She had to like the Conjuror very much to have given them her ring as a gift, he thought. If they brought her something special in return, he suspected she would surprise them. He told the Conjuror that she preferred things in threes. The Conjuror thus went and collected a glittering necklace, said to be woven from the light of a thousand stars, a handful of ancient, faintly glowing golden discs, and a cask of honey brew, which smelled of sunlight and laughter. Ari was in awe.[45]
Ari says: These are wonderful! I couldn't keep them for myself, of course. But... Can you hear the bees humming in the honey brew? They sing so sweetly... Oh! What a lovely idea! Thank you, little friends.
Ari said that she could do a few magic tricks if she set her mind to it. Focusing her energy, she summoned a new champion for the Conjuror, an Arcane Destroyer.[46]
Ari says: Oh look! Isn't she extraordinary! She will serve you well, Conjuror, if you ask her nicely.
The Arcway Vaults[]
A champion could eventually confirm that Archmage Vargoth had been seen entering the Arcway Vaults in Suramar.[47] However, the champion in question was unable to penetrate very far inside the Vaults due to the heavy Legion presence around it. Hopefully, the Conjuror would have a better chance, said Melis. Kalec awaited them on the ridge overlooking Felsoul Hold.[48]
The dragon explained to the Conjuror that the Vaults had been buried and untouched for thousands of years. The Legion however made them accessible once again, though Kalec would've preferred them to remain hidden. He believed that they were not far behind Archmage Vargoth's heels and that he may yet be inside the Vaults.The blue dragon spread his wings, and took the Conjuror on his back. He explained that the Arcway Vaults had likely been breached by Legion invaders as well as their old friend, Millhouse Manastorm. Although he was far from trustworthy, he suspected they may be able to take advantage of his rather creative skills.
Upon landing at the entrance of the Vaults, the massive dragon killed two demons, and would remain there to keep the demon armies busy outside while the Conjuror headed in.[49] Before parting ways, Kalec added that Millhouse Manastorm had been quite vociferous about his intention to acquire the [Nightborne Soulstone], and that if they found him, they may as well make use of him. However, he was unpredictable at best and they should always watch their back around him, he added. Kalec finally gave the Conjuror a crystal to contact him once Milhouse was located.[50]
A revelation[]
Inside the Vaults, the Conjuror did find Milhouse, imprisoned within a cage. They retrieved the key from the overlooking inquisitor demon who, oddly, yelled before dying that Vargoth had already won. The gnome freed, Milhouse said that he had heard a lot of the Conjuror lately. As the two advanced further into the Vaults, the image of Kalec appeared through the crystal.[51]
Image of Kalec says: Millhouse, you certainly are quite talented at getting yourself into a bind!
Image of Kalec says: Archmage Vargoth is after the Nightborne Soulstone as well. You two should work together to find him before he locates it.
Milhouse Manastorm says: What?! The Nightborne Soulstone is mine! Let's go get it!
Kalec told the Conjuror that when their champions first visited the Vaults, they made a good dent in thinning out the enemy's numbers. However, they also discovered a number of starving prisoners who could use their help. They thus saved many prisoners and conjured food and water to get them up on their feet, and eradicated as many demons as they could.[52] Adventuring deeper into the Vaults, the Conjuror of the Tirisgarde and Milhouse finally stumbled upon Archmage Vargoth, who immediately encased them both in a ring of felfrost.
He claimed that the Nightborne Soulstone was his, and that they were becoming quite a nuisance. A fel portal suddenly opened and from it Lady Kyranith arrived. Vargoth ordered her to meet him at the Oculus once she'd taken care of "our overly ambitious friends here".[53] Kalec would say he was surprised by this terrible turn of events, but nothing surprised him of late. It is dark times when even the most upstanding of us can fall, he said. Kalec went to meet with the Council of Six, and the Conjuror returned to the Hall of the Guardian to inform Archmage Khadgar of Vargoth's betrayal.[54] There, Millhouse Manastorm accepted to join the ranks of the Tirisgarde.[55]
A terrible loss[]
Archmage Vargoth's betrayal was an unimaginable loss to the cause. But before dealing with him, Meryl's condition had become dire. Unfortunately, it was not an illness at all according to Khadgar, but a magical attack of fel origin. He suspected Meryl's old nemesis Kathra'natir was behind it, and he needed to buy him time. He explained that the Eye of Azshara contained a vast store of arcane energy from Queen Azshara herself, and that a vial of water from the Wrath of Azshara's body would sustain Meryl for a while.[56] Before the Conjuror headed there, Khadgar also explained that the Tirisgarde had received requests from across the Broken Isles for aid in fighting the Burning Legion. While they continued pursuing Vargoth, they could not forget that their primary mission was to repel the demons and protect Azeroth.[57]
The Conjuror returned with the vial of arcane energy, which would sustain Meryl for a while. Khadgar however held bad news in return. He told them that the Nexus appeared to have fallen to the Burning Legion, and was heavily shielded. The Conjuror immediately sent their champions to figure out a way to get inside.[58]
First, the Tirisgarde needed to boost their power if they were to break through the wards surrounding the Oculus. Champions were thus sent to the Ley Ruins of Zarkhenar, that were continually spilling out ley energy.[59] Eternos of the bronze dragonflight then contacted the Tirisgarde to request for aid and report a Legion invasion near the Bronze Dragonshrine in Dragonblight.[60] Belgaristrasz of the red dragonflight also contacted the mage-guard with a plan to retake the Oculus. He needed as many Legion communication devices as could be found.[61] Verdisa of the green dragonflight too asked for help in capturing roving satyr warbands in Val'sharah.[62]
Though Verdisa, Belgaristrasz, and Eternos were reluctant to return to the Oculus themselves, some of their strongest drakes would however aid the Tirisgarde if the mages cleared the way.[63] The champions had done well. Khadgar believed he would be able to get the Conjuror into the Oculus now.[58]
The Oculus[]
Khadgar feared that Kathra'natir was behind the attack on Meryl, and he suspected that Archmage Vargoth's involvement was no coincidence. With little time to act, he expressed that it greatly pained him to order the destruction of an Archmage of his caliber and worse, someone he once called friend. Indeed, Dalaran couldn't permit his betrayal to stand unpunished. It was time to follow him into the Oculus.[64]
The Conjuror, ready, asked Archmage Khadgar to send them through the wards of the Oculus, where dragons from all dragonflights had come to take the Nexus back. The goal was to repel the Legion's invasion by closing the demons' portals and sending them back to the Twisting Nether. As the Conjuror fought through waves of demons, they managed to close many gateways. They then used an arcane portal to travel to the center Band of Transmutation. There, in the middle of the ring, Archmage Vargoth was being held captive, floating in the air as three powerful eredar magi channeled fel energy into him.[64]
The Conjuror slew the fel magi, freeing Vargoth, who thanked them immensely. The Conjuror turned to the Archmage, and ordered him to explain himself and why he had betrayed the Kirin Tor. Vargoth replied that he had never betrayed their cause : he was gathering notes on the [Nightborne Soulstone] when he was contacted by an emissary of the Empyrean Society. When Vargoth arrived at their enclave, their old nemesis Kathra'natir was waiting for him. He'd been in his head ever since, controlling his every word and action. The Conjuror then asked him if the dreadlord was indeed behind the attack on Meryl, to which Vargoth replied positively. Kathra'natir was using the Soulstone and the power of the Nexus to drain Meryl of his power. But together, Vargoth and the Conjuror could stop him.[64]
The two magi teleported to ground level, but the Nexus building inside which Kathra'natir was dwelling was heavily guarded. Using an invisibility spell, they bypassed the demonic defenses and infiltrated the Nexus. There, the dreadlord was channeling the power of the [Nightborne Soulstone] against an image of Meryl. As they engaged him, Archmage Khadgar, Archmage Kalecgos and Archmage Modera suddenly appeared. They began channeling a spell of arcane banish at Kathra'natir; focusing, Khadgar told the Conjuror to use the Nightborne Soulstone while they held the dreadlord off. The Conjuror rushed to the Soulstone and activated it, forcibly drawing the demon inside the relic. The magi cheered, for Kathra'natir was now safely imprisoned. Everyone was brought back to the Hall of the Guardian, as well as the Soulstone for safekeeping.[64]
Conclusion[]
At the Hall of the Guardian, an ashamed Vargoth said that it was sobering to think of how easily Kathra'natir subverted his will. Thanks to the Conjuror's hard work, Vargoth was free and the dreadlord was not. He thanked them for saving his reputation, not to mention his life. Without their persistence, he would still be hanging above the Nexus yet, he claimed.[65] Meryl in turn explained that when they defeated Kathra'natir, he felt a great weight leave his mind. He had not been this well in an eternity. The Nightborne Soulstone rendered Kathra'natir completely powerless, and the Conjuror had his utmost gratitude. He would be honored to impart his wisdom to them as they led the fight against the demons once again.[66]
Khadgar, after having witnessed the Conjuror do the unimaginable, proclaimed that everyone was now in their debt. He was proud to henceforth finally bestow upon them the title of Archmage.
Archmage Khadgar says: I think our luck is changing for the better, old friend. With our newest Archmage and the might of the Tirisgarde, we will defeat the Burning Legion!
Esara Verrinde says: You are a shining example of the strength of the new Tirisgarde! To our newest Archmage, <name>!
Millhouse Manastorm says: Finally... the Nightborne Soulstone! All mine... I mean ours, of course!
Archmage Khadgar says: Unfortunately we will be unable to keep that promise, Millhouse. So long as the Soulstone serves as Kathra'natir's prison it is best left untouched. I'm sure there are plenty of other powerful artifacts out there for you to find!
Millhouse Manastorm says: Blast! I'm not your friend anymore.
Millhouse Manastorm runs off.
Meryl approached the newly elevated Archmage. He told them that in their short time together, they had done much for their order. Through the Conjuror's words and deeds, all had been inspired to redouble efforts, and Meryl was proud to report that they discovered a new technique that may be of use to them, and to show them the fruit of their research. As they approached the Forge of the Guardian, Meryl held the following speech:[67]
Meryl Felstorm says: Your choice to seek out that artifact you wield has borne fruit. I'm not sure I've ever seen so close a bond between mage and weapon.
Meryl Felstorm says: Raise your weapon before the Forge of the Guardian. Let it infuse your weapon with might!
Meryl Felstorm says: May your weapon serve you well on the path to victory!
7.2[]
Quest chain[]
- [10-45] Felstorm's Plea
- [10-45] The Dreadlord's Prize
- [10-45] A Mage's Weapon
- Acquire the chosen artifact:
- Arcane ( [Aluneth])
- [10-45] Aluneth, Greatstaff of the Magna
- [10-45] A New Threat
- [10-45] A Forgotten Enemy
- [10-45] Eyes of the Dragon
- [10-45] Harnessing the Arcane
- [10-45] Arcane Unleashed
- [10-45] The Nexus Vault
- Fire ( [Felo'melorn])
- [10-45] An Unexpected Message
- [10-45] The Path of Atonement
- [10-45] The Frozen Flame
- Frost ( [Ebonchill])
- [10-45] Finding Ebonchill
- Complete all of:
- [10-45] The Deadwind Site
- [10-45] Daio the Decrepit
- [10-45] Alodi's Gems
- [10-45] The Mage Hunter
- Arcane ( [Aluneth])
- [10-45] The Champion's Return (arcane and fire)
- [10-45] The Great Akazamzarak
- [10-45] The Only Way to Travel
- [10-45] The Tirisgarde Reborn
- [10-45] A Conjuror's Duty
- [10-45] Growing Power
- [10-45] Rise, Champions
- [10-45] Champion: Archmage Kalec
- [10-45] Champion: Archmage Modera
- [10-45] Technical Wizardry
- [10-45] Archmage Omniara
- [10-45] Building Our Troops
- [10-45] Troops in the Field
- [10-45] Tech It Up A Notch
- [10-45] Ancient Magic
- [10-45] An Unexpected Visitor
- [10-45] A Covert Operation
- [10-45] Prepare To Be Assimilated
- [10-45] What Is Going On Here?
- Complete both:
- [10-45] Some Knowledge Shouldn't Be Shared
- [10-45] The Next Level Has Arrived
- [10-45] Final Exit
- [10-45] Empyrean Society Report
- Side quests:
- [10-45] Champion: Esara Verrinde
- [10-45] Champion: Ravandwyr
- [10-45] Recruiting Apprentices
- [10-45] The Council is in Session
- [10-45] Archmage Vargoth's Retreat
- [10-45] Following In His Footsteps
Level 45
- [45] Kalec's Plan
- Side quests:
- [45] A Small Favor
- [45] The Proper Way of Things
- [45] Ari's Package
- [45] The Proper Way of Things
- [45] A Small Favor
- [45] Not A Toothless Dragon
- [45] The Enemy of My Enemy...
- Side quest: [45] More Than Just A Food Vendor
- [45] Impending Dooooooom!
- [45] A Terrible Loss
- [45] Champion: Millhouse Manastorm (optional)
- Complete all of:
- [45] Into the Oculus
- [45] Champion: Meryl Felstorm
- [45] A Hero's Weapon
- [45] Champion: Archmage Vargoth (optional)
- [45] Champion: Meryl Felstorm
Unique mage rewards[]
Please add any available information to this section.
References[]
- ^ [10-45] Felstorm's Plea
- ^ a b c d e f g h [10-45] The Dreadlord's Prize
- ^ [10-45] A Mage's Weapon
- ^ [10-45] The Champion's Return
- ^ a b [98-110] Unlocked Potential
- ^ [10-45] The Great Akazamzarak
- ^ [10-45] The Only Way to Travel
- ^ [10-45] The Tirisgarde Reborn
- ^ [10-45] The Tirisgarde Reborn
- ^ [10-45] A Conjuror's Duty
- ^ [10-45] Growing Power
- ^ [10-45] Rise, Champions
- ^ [10-45] Champion: Archmage Modera
- ^ [10-45] Champion: Archmage Kalec
- ^ [10-45] Technical Wizardry
- ^ [10-45] Archmage Omniara
- ^ [10-45] Building Our Troops
- ^ [10-45] Troops in the Field
- ^ [10-45] Ancient Magic
- ^ [10-45] A Covert Operation
- ^ [Nar'thalas Scroll]
- ^ [10-45] Prepare To Be Assimilated
- ^ a b c [10-45] What Is Going On Here?
- ^ [Empyrean Fel Tome]
- ^ [10-45] The Next Level Has Arrived
- ^ [10-45] Some Knowledge Shouldn't Be Shared
- ^ a b [10-45] Final Exit
- ^ a b [10-45] Empyrean Society Report
- ^ [10-45] Champion: Esara Verrinde
- ^ [10-45] Champion: Ravandwyr
- ^ [10-45] Recruiting Apprentices
- ^ a b [10-45] The Council is in Session
- ^ a b [10-45] Archmage Vargoth's Retreat
- ^ [Archmage Vargoth's Journal]
- ^ Archmage Vargoth's Travels: The Nightborne Vault
- ^ Archmage Vargoth's Travels: Best Friends Forever
- ^ Archmage Vargoth's Travels: Ruins of Nar'thalas
- ^ Archmage Vargoth's Travels: The Scholars of Tel'anor
- ^ Archmage Vargoth's Travels: The Forests of Ashenvale
- ^ [110] Hitting the Books
- ^ [45] A Small Favor
- ^ [45] The Proper Way of Things
- ^ [Ari's Wooden Ring]
- ^ [45] Ari's Package
- ^ [45D] Three Is a Lucky Number
- ^ [45] Champion: Arcane Destroyer
- ^ [10-45] Following In His Footsteps
- ^ [10-45] Following In His Footsteps
- ^ [45] Not A Toothless Dragon
- ^ [45] The Enemy of My Enemy...
- ^ [45] The Enemy of My Enemy...
- ^ [45] More Than Just A Food Vendor
- ^ [45] Impending Dooooooom!
- ^ [45] A Terrible Loss
- ^ [45] Champion: Millhouse Manastorm
- ^ [45D] Eye of Azshara: A Magical Affliction
- ^ [45] The Might of the Tirisgarde
- ^ a b [45] When There's a Will, There's a Way
- ^ Oculus Preparations: Ley Them Down
- ^ Oculus Preparations: Eternos
- ^ Oculus Preparations: Communication Disruption
- ^ Oculus Preparations: A Nightmarish Situation
- ^ Oculus Preparations: On The Offensive
- ^ a b c d [45] Into the Oculus
- ^ [45] Champion: Archmage Vargoth
- ^ [45] Champion: Meryl Felstorm
- ^ [45] A Hero's Weapon