Libram of Vaunted Justice: Heroes

=Preface=

=Alonsus Faol=

The man, the myth, and now, someone who has faded into legends. Whom Archbishops take names from, and have holy sites named after them. Alonsus Faol. Not much is known of him before his rise to fame. There is a Chapel in Stratholme named Alonsus Chapel, so it can be assumed that Alonsus was the head of the Church within the city, as well as being Archbishop of the faith. Alonsus was described as being Short and Stout, with a white beard. He was often timex compared to Greatfather Winter for his figure, and his attitude seemed to match. He was generous, kind, and well loved, it being said that even those who had only just meet him would become enriched by his presence. He gave much wisdom and counsel to those who came to him.

When Stormwind fell to the Horde during the first was, and the survivors fled to Lordaeron, becoming quite troubled with how the Clerics of Northshire had fallen in battle after battle, attempting to heal the wounded. He approached Anduin Lothar, who was having similar thoughts at the time, with a proposition. To forge a new Order, one that exemplified the best qualities of Humanity. It would be comprised of men not only known for their faith and aptitude in the Light, but their battle prowess, and leadership. These were men that were to inspire others with their very presence. With Lothar’s permission, Faol would gather a handful of Knights, whom all showed an aptitude with the Light, but also exemplified the qualities of Loyalty, Bravery, and Honor. Faol would call these student’s Paladins, and their group was named the Order of the Silver Hand, thought to be in memory of Tyr.

He recruited Turalyon, Saidan Dathrohan, Tirion Fordring, Gavinrad the Dire, and his own apprentice, Uther, who would later become the head of the Order. The Alonsus Chapel, in Stratholme, would later serve as the base of operations for the Order, but their training took place in the Main Army. Day and Night, Faol tained them vigorously. He taught them how to use the Light, to comfort and heal their allies, and to use it to smite their enemies. They were taught to lead by example, to serve as the first line, to inspire the men who would follow them. Faol also instructed them to live simple lives. They would seek no fortune, or glory, in wartime. Their duty was to preserve peace, and to fight for it’s return, no matter how dire the battle. Finally, he gifted his students with the most ancient relics the Church held, the Librams. Enchanted and infused with the Holy Light, each one represented a Tenant, the core traits of the Silver Hand, and the Light. When gifted, Faol challenged each of his students to become the living embodiment of what the holy tomes represented.

Faol would continue to accompany his Paladins to the battlefield, to continue their never ending training, but this is where he would fall into obscurity. His students, it seems, were now the centerpiece for history. He would serve as a counselor to the Alliance, and was one of the main advocates for the rebuilding of Stormwind. In that very city, Alonsus led the ceremony that would Knight the crown prince of Lordaeron, Arthas. There was a plaque present at the fountain outside, dedicated to him, having said:

‘Archbishop Alonsus Faol’ ‘Benevolent patron of the Church of Light.’ ‘Though he began his good work in Stratholme, Lordaeron, Archbishop Faol was a great friend to the people of Stormwind. In the dark days after the Second War, he helped to reform the Brotherhood of Northshire and raised vast funds to rebuild Stormwind city itself.’ ‘This Cathedral stands not only as a bastion of the Holy Light, but as a lasting testament to one man's noble spirit and generosity.’

It has since been removed, and replaced with a plaque dedicated to Uther the Lightbringer. The student takes the place of the master, it seems. The last recorded appearance of Faol in history is at the trial of Tirion Fordring. It was said that he was shocked when his former student pleaded guilty to the charged presented to him.

From here, there is no recorded history on what happened to Alonsus Faol. However, with his recent return, there is speculation. As he is in the form of an undead, it is suspected that he was slain by the Scourge, and risen once more during the events of the Scourge attack on Lordaeron.. Eventually he was able to break their control, perhaps with the Forsaken, though he does not serve them currently. For the moment, Faol works with the leader of the Priests, and any history of the period after his resurrection, and the current time, is unknown.

=Mereldar=

In the Eastern Plaguelands not far from the remains of what was once Corin's Crossing, lies Lake Mereldar. Polluted and infested by corrupt elementals, this lake serves as one of the few (if not the only) monuments to a woman who paved the way for all who serve the Light.

We know painfully little of Mereldar, but what has been uncovered in ancient texts tells us that she was among the first tribal humans who resided in the heart of Tirisfal Glades, before the kingdom of Lordaeron was founded. She was a capable and celebrated warrior, serving alongside her brother Lordain, in what was one of the first united human armies against the Amani menace.

Mereldar witnessed her brother's noble sacrifice, and was among those who were saved when he took a portion of his mounted soldiers to make a valiant stand against the crushing force of trolls that would have otherwise obliterated the fledgling human army. His bravery and selflessness saved not only her life, but the entirety of King Thoradin's forces.

Through the grief of her loss, Mereldar saw the Troll Wars to their bloody end and afterwards devoted herself to caring for those wounded and broken in the brutal, bloody war. Whilst mourning her brother, the warrior devoted herself to her work - inspired to serve her brothers and sisters due to Lordain's sacrifice. She tempered the pain of heartache in service to her fellow humans, and soon began to dream of strange, inhuman, and powerfully holy beings.

These dreams became regular and persistent; the entities that came to her pressed her with a message - five words, five ideals, five tenants that we know today.

''Holiness. Protection. Justice. Retribution. Compassion.''

Laden with this wordless wisdom, Mereldar continued to serve her fellow humans whilst simultaneously putting these tenets into practice. Doing so brought her the same power that filled the creatures in her dreams, and she found that when it flowed through her she was capable of miracles.

Healing the wounded, curing grievous ailments, and selflessly protecting other - it all became possible through this new and holy magic. Gifted and blessed with this power, she took it upon herself to unite the race of humans with the wisdom she had been granted. Mereldar set out on her own quest, searching far and wide to find others to whom the power had reached out - drawing them all together in faith and service.

These blessed individuals unified, sharing their experiences and putting the wisdom to practice. They even began to write of the visions and the insight they gained, sharing knowledge faithfully among one another, doing so in the belief that this same grace selflessly resided in all beings.

As the word and evidence of these miracles traveled, humans everywhere began to actively observe and shortly after put into practice the five tenets presented to Mereldar in her visions. It was thus that the Light entered into human civilization.

Mereldar teaches us the lessons of selflessness, the importance in the strength of faith and spirit in adversity, and the compassion to reach out and guide others. Despite her loss, she did not lose faith and turned her own pain into compassion to piously and devoutly serve the Light and her fellow humans.

It is speculated that the ancient writings penned by Mereldar and the other prophets may have been predecessor to, if not the very same, holy Librams Alonsus Faol presented to the first Knights of the Silver Hand. All of the teachings that they gathered together were adapted by generations to come, and used by the faithful of the Holy Light to worship to this day.

Though we know so little of her, it is not hard to imagine that this woman stood out among her peers - a prophet who would bring all humans together in one faith. Do not forget Mereldar, nor the lessons she offers us - it is through her that we know the Light.

=Uther the Lightbringer=

“Here lies Uther the Lightbringer

First Paladin — Founder of the Order of the Silver Hand

Uther lived and died to defend the kingdom of Lordaeron. Though he was betrayed by his most beloved student, we believe that his spirit lives on. He continues to watch over us, even as the shadows close in around our ruined land. His light is the light of all humanity - and so long as we honor his example, it shall never fade.” — Uther’s Tomb

The Lightbringer. One of the very first paladins, and Knights of the Silver Hand - there are few names so exalted by those in the service of the Light and the Alliance as that of Sir Uther the Lightbringer.

A paragon strength and righteousness, Uther was appointed as a harbinger of the Light's Justice by his long time mentor, Archbishop Alonsus Faol. Though he is gone, the echo of his might and righteousness calls out to each who takes the path of the Light; offering guidance and strength in desperate times.

Before Uther was a paladin, however, he was a knight. An apprentice cleric and friend to then Bishop Faol, he was a pious and humble man who sought to loyally serve the kingdom of Lordaeron and the Light during the turmoil of the First War. He mentored the young prince, Arthas Menethil, and served King Terenas Menethil as loyally and fiercely as he did the Light.

Following the siege and inevitable fall of Stormwind, Archbishop Faol and Commander Anduin Lothar were certain that they needed something more to win the war against the savage orcish onslaught. The High Commander left this to the Archbishop; find another way.

And thus the first five paladins were chosen and the Order of the Silver Hand founded.

Uther was the first chosen, and appointed as the leader of the new Order. Each of these Knights, these Paladins of the Silver Hand were selected for their faith, strength and prowess in combat. They were a glint of hope, a light in the dark tide the Horde brought over the realms of men - and when the Silver Hand first met with the Horde the orcish assault broke and scattered with Uther leading, perhaps shining as the brightest among all five of the paladins.

So he was named Lightbringer by his brethren, and he was. A man whom inspired bravery and faith, calmed the fear in the hearts of soldiers and helped to rout the orcish armies through the First and Second War. He served the Alliance and its people even after the rage of war subsided; mentoring a new generation of paladins, protecting the weak and wayward and keeping the peace by assuring justice was meted out fairly.

Uther stood out among his brothers in his service - he grew close to King Terenas and served as a mentor to Arthas, training the young man in both martial and spiritual matters so that the Prince might also one day serve the Silver Hand. Knights and clerics of the Eastern Kingdoms looked up to the man, aspiring to be as he was.

It was during this time of relative peace that his brother knight, Tirion Fordring, acting in defense of the elderly shaman Eitrigg, fought against Alliance soldiers. Tirion was captured, and taken to Stratholme to stand trial for treason against the Alliance. Uther, the paragon of justice he was, sat as judge for his brother.

Knowing that Fordring acted out of compassion, Uther nobly and benevolently defended the actions of his brother in arms - convincing a jury of prominent nobles and leaders within the Alliance that Tirion was deserving of grace and mercy. He presented Tirion with the chance to affirm his loyalty to the Alliance, but Tirion, bound by a vow he made to the orc, would not relent. Despite his vows to the Alliance and the Silver Hand, Fordring could not break his vow to Eitrigg.

In this moment, perhaps lesser men would have shied from their duties. The bond of friendship is strong, and Uther respected and loved Tirion Fordring as a brother. Justice is simple in theory, but deeply difficult in execution - sacred vows and laws must be upheld fairly, sometimes despite what a mortal heart may wish. Justice can only truly exist within the carefully drawn lines of reason and impartiality. In his wisdom, the Lightbringer knew this.

Uther was compassionate and merciful but also stern in his judgment, and for his own reasons Tirion could not relent to the ruling, leaving Uther with no other choice. Despite his great love for Fordring, and with a heavy heart the Lightbringer stripped Tirion of his connection with the Light, his Knighthood and banished him from the Alliance to live out his years as an exile.

While perhaps a lesser known story, this tale holds within it an important lesson; justice is unyielding.

Were it to bend or sway, it would not truly be justice. Circumstances change as swiftly as the wind, and a level head and compassionate heart are a united, integral piece in the process of justice. Without discipline and wisdom, justice breaks down. Despite his love, Uther knew what was fair and just and maintained the integrity of the system, it is for this reason and so many others that he stands as the beacon of Justice we look to even now, years after his passing.

But it is not only this that makes Uther the Lightbringer the shining example of justice that we turn to.

It is also seen in his unyielding pursuit of justice even after his death, the guidance that he gave through the grace of the holy Light after he was slain by his beloved pupil, Arthas Menethil.

Uther was cut down by the mad prince while defending Terenas Menethil's remains, and as a final insult and mark of his insanity Arthas claimed the Lightbringer's soul within the cursed blade Frostmourne.

During the months after his death, Uther's spirit remained trapped within the wretched blade that Arthas used to murder and defile so many others - and in the harrowing halls of Icecrown Citadel Uther's indomitable spirit guided those heroes who were finally able to step forth and put an end to Arthas' tyrannical madness.

The Lightbringer's spirit shone so brightly, even in those dark and hopeless times, guiding the hand of justice.

In quiet, pious moments at his tomb in the Eastern Plaguelands it is said that The Lightbringer appears to those in need of his guidance even now. Look to him in those moments when your heart quails, act in his image and serve the Light in the graceful deliverance of Justice.

=Turalyon=

One of the very first Knights of the Silver Hand, High General Turalyon stands as a testament to the virtue of Tenacity, and is a prime example of the Light's will manifested to aid one of its supplicants. His unbridled conviction in the Light has brought him to herald the offensive of the Army of the Light, but his story begins of humble origins, out of necessity in a time of great darkness.

Originally a priest under Alonsus Faol, Turalyon was hand picked by the Archbishop to serve in a new order that combined martial skills with the blessings of the Light to form a well-rounded holy warrior to better serve the Alliance. As one of the very first paladins, he trained alongside great Knights such as Gavinrad the Dire, and Uther the Lightbringer. However unlike his comrades, Turalyon was much different. Unlike his fellow Paladins, there was a great doubt that overtook Turalyon. With the onset of war with Orcs that were slaughtering his fellow men, and being thrust into war to aid the Lion of Azeroth, Anduin Lothar, the new Knight placed doubt in his own skills, and the Holy Light itself. He has been cited questioning why the Light would allow a race such as the Orcs to dwell on Azeroth, and slaughter innocents. This doubt often kept him from revealing his true potential.

During the war however, Anduin Lothar selected him to act as his lieutenant. This great responsibility only placed more pressures on the Knight, and cast more doubts of his own worth. Though in spite of his own doubts, he was more than able to serve alongside the armies of the Alliance of Lordaeron valiantly. From the fields of Hillsbrad, to the southern reaches of the Eversong Woods, Turalyon showed great devotion to protecting the innocent people of the Eastern Kingdoms, and fought valiantly against the Orcish Horde in spite of their great offensive moving north, and the Horde’s dealing with the traitor King of Alterac — Aiden Perenolde — to gain access to the Northern Kingdoms more easily.

But in spite of this, the Alliance of Lordaeron with Turalyon second in command to the Lion of Azeroth were able to turn back the Orcs all the way towards Southshore, and was able to move in towards Ironforge in time to aid the dwarves in the defense of Ironforge, which forced the Horde to flee towards Blackrock Mountain. But throughout all this time, Turalyon’s doubts still held strong in his mind, and in his heart in spite of the Alliance’s, and his own success in the defense of the Eastern Kingdoms.

But the Battle of Blackrock would soon change the young Lieutenant’s perspective. In a grand offensive against the Orcish Hordes, the soldiers of the Alliance of Lordaeron stood unified in a front against the Orcs. Led by the Lion himself, Anduin Lothar, the Alliance struggled against the much more powerful and physically capable Orcs, but put up a fair fight against them as the tide turned in their favor. But, the Orcish leader Orgrim Doomhammer sought to sever the head of the Alliance forces to make them scatter, and began combat with Anduin Lothar. A battle that Lord Lothar, unfortunately, would lose. With a powerful blow from Orgrim’s Doomhammer, the legendary royal sword was shattered, and the Lion of Azeroth was felled.

Turalyon bore witness to the scene, and in that moment, his flashes of doubt came to an impasse as his thoughts raced to make sense of how an all-powerful force such as the Light would allow such travesties to occur on Azeroth, and how the Light — the force that unified the beings of the world could allow the cruel and monstrous orcs to walk the world. But then he realized something very crucial about the Orcs. They were not of this world. They were alien, and disconnected from the will of the Light as a result; and them being Lightless beasts needed to be defeated to protect the Light’s will. And in that moment, the doubts of Turalyon vanished from his mind, and the Light’s clarity filled him as he rallied the Alliance forces to continue the fight against the Orcs in the name of Anduin Lothar — with his voice amplified by the Light for the forces to hear his call.

With this new, unbridled faith found, he began to pursue the Orcish leader with a new brilliant luminance provided by the Light itself that blinded others, and forced them to shield their eyes. Picking up the broken blade of the Lion of Azeroth, Turalyon moved towards Orgrim, and in a great feat of martial skill disarmed the orc of his weapon and rendered him unconscious. Without their leader, the Orcs were quick to scramble unlike the humans when their leader fell. This quickly turned the tide of battle, and the Alliance prevailed after the great victory of Turalyon, avenging the death of Lord Lothar.

After the battle that turned the tide of Turalyon’s own fate, he became the leader of the Alliance’s forces. No one questioned the Knights ability to lead, and his counterpart Uther was proud to see Turalyon find his faith in the Light. And during this time, Turalyon was the one to bestow the title of “the Lightbringer” upon Grand Master Uther. With victory assured, the Horde fled back to the Dark Portal, and the forces of the Alliance managed to destroy the Dark Portal to sever the Orcs on Azeroth from their allies on Draenor.

Dubbed a hero of the Alliance, Turalyon was regaled for his strong faith, and great leadership under the Alliance of Lordaeron. Because of this, King Terenas Menethil selected Turalyon to lead an expeditionary force into Draenor to combat the Orcish Horde at the heart of its homelands after the Dark Portal was reformed. Turalyon took on this charge, and worked alongside Alleria Windrunner, Khadgar, Kurdan Wildhammer, and Danath Trollbane (the last known heir to the Kingdom of Stromgarde). Leading the forces of the Alliance, they fought bravely against the Black Dragonflight with the Gronn, and chased down the Orcs leader Ner'zhul to the Dark Portal, Ner'zhul conjured many portals across the whole of Draenor that began to sunder the world. Out of necessity, both Turalyon and Alleria WIndrunner were forced to flee into whatever portal they were able to find. And because of this, the pair went missing for years.

But now, long after the High General's disappearance, he has revealed himself again when the world is in need as the leader of the Army of the Light. Dubbed their High Exarch, he now leads the front against the Burning Legion to combat them from other worlds.

Turalyon's story is one that shows how unbridled faith can truly make the difference in the potential of a Paladin. After finding his faith during the battle of Blackrock, the Light gave Turalyon the blessings he needed to defeat a foe that seemed to be unending, monstrous, and unstoppable. It was through his faith that he was encouraged to find certainty in his charge, and in the Light's guidance. All the while making him the paragon of the Light that he is today.

=Gavinrad the Dire=

Gavinrad is often the Knight most overlooked for the original five, but that is not to say that he is not Heroic. Gavinrad’s first appearance in know history is as a Knight, not yet of the Silver Hand, in service of the Stormwind Military. He was said to be Anduin Lothar’s right hand man, serving as a close ally and friend. Gavinrad’s feats included leading many raids against the invading Orcish Army, with it being said he led his troops so skillfully, often times he would destroy an entire group of orcs without suffering a single casualty. This is where he received his surname, the Dire. As whenever he approached, trouble was sure to follow for the enemy. When Lothar set out to Kharazan, he charged Gavinrad with the defence of Stormwind. He commanded the forces of the Kingdom until King Llane was assassinated, and retreated across the sea when Lothar gave the command to retreat.

When he arrived at Southshore, and Faol began the process of training new Paladins of the Silver Hand, Gavinrad was personally recommended by Lothar, as it was said Gavinrad was the holiest Knight under Lothar’s command. Gavinrad began his training, learning to wield the Holy Light, as well as being taught the philosophy and mindset of a Paladin. To live a simple life, to seek no glory, or fame in war. Gavinrad took these teachings to heart, and so when Faol gave out the Librams to his students, Gavinrad, the war veteran, was given Compassion. He would fight in the remainder of the war against the Orcs,

When the war finally ended, Gavinrad did not stay idle. He formed a detachment of soldiers, known as the Champions of Peace. For as a soldier, he knew that for peace to remain, one must be vigilant, and prepared. Though it was not all doom and gloom. Gavinrad was present at the Knighting of Arthas Menethil, and was said to have granted the lad a warhammer, Light’s Vengeance.

When the Scourge began their assault upon Lordaeron, Gavinrad was ever present, fighting with his Champions against the onslaught. After the death of the Necromancer Kel’thuzad, Uther thought that it would be prudent to ensure the Necromancer never rose again. As a result, Gavinrad and his Champions of Peace were stationed at the tomb. When Arthas, now a Death Knight, arrived to retrieved the Lich’s remains, Gavinrad stood his ground with his men after Arthas told him to step aside and be spared. It was said that Gavinrad pleased with Arthas to return to the Light, and to abandon When Arthas refused, and slew Gavinrad, it was said that there was one final word from the slain Paladin. “I can't believe that we ever called you brother! I knew it was a mistake to accept a spoiled prince into our order. You've made a mockery of the Silver Hand!” Though even in death, it is thought that Gavinrad believed Arthas could be redeemed. Though his soul was stolen, his body was never raised. Whether this was merely forgetfulness on Arthas’s part, or a final mercy, it will never be known.

=Tirion Fordring=

Highlord Fordring was a Paladin of numerous accolades and accomplishments. Through the struggles of his life, he conquered through adversity and hardship to become one of the most renowned and often criticized Paladins of the modern age. Though his legacy has marked him as a household name within many orders.

Tirion Fordring was one of the first five Knights of the Silver hand trained by Alonsus Faol, and would play a crucial role in claiming victory over the Orcish Horde in the Second War. Like the other first five knights, Tirion received a libram which exemplified one of the tenets of the Holy Light. Tirion’s libram encompassed the tenet of Retribution.

After the success of the Alliance of Lordaeron in the Second War, Tirion Fordring settled down and lived in peace with his wife and son. As the lord of the principality of Hearthglen, Fordring was lauded as a fair and just ruler who cared for his people. And with his desire to keep his people safe, recognized the value of peace to ensure the wellbeing of his subjects.

However the fires of old hatreds would reignite one day when Tirion encountered an orcish hermit, living alone and distant from any sort of contact with humanity. The duo traded blows, and Tirion was knocked unconscious by a rock from a falling tower. His second Barthilas found him tied to his saddle, bruised and beaten. However this knowledge made Fordring realize that the orc he traded blows with had in fact saved him, and he pursued a chance to speak with this orc again.

After meeting with Eitrigg again, and learning more of the orc’s past, Tirion grew to respect the orc, and promised to keep his whereabouts a secret. Though when Barthilas spread word to Saidan Dathrohan about the presence of the orc, a unit was dispatched to capture the orc. When Eitrigg was captured, Tirion fought against Dathrohan’s men, an act that was deemed treacherous. In his trial it was deemed he was unfit to use the Light, and have a place within the Silver Hand. Uther himself performed a ceremony to strip Tirion of his powers, and he was sent into exile.

Yet Tirion could not bring himself to see Eitrigg be executed and set out to save the orc from his very people. In the midst of Tirion's efforts, the young Warchief Thrall had arrived to assist the paladin in saving his kin. And with the successful rescue of Eitrigg, the orc would announce Tirion blood brother. Having seen firsthand that the human had overlooked the stereotypes his race had created for the orcs and acted for good.

Much time had passed since Tirion had head escaped his people and saved the orc that he saw as an equal. His only son, Taelan, had fallen subjugated into the ranks of the Scarlet Crusade. A fate Tirion not bring himself to watch. Acting upon his own volition, he set out to meet the newly announced Highlord. Witnessing the efforts of the crusade attempts at assassination upon his family, Tirion was forced to watch as his son was murdered by the very crusade that he had enlisted upon. From this day, he had resolved to reform the Silver Hand as a force for good.

Years would pass as Tirion lived in relative peace nearest the holy site of Light's Hope Chapel, his hair graying as each coming day of age past. Yet fate would not leave him alone for long, as the forces of the Scourge attacked the very place he Holy site. Defending the site with his life, Tirion and the forces of the Argent Dawn were victorious against the Lich King. The blessed blade of the Ashbringer, now within the aged paladin's grip. Vowing to never allow Arthas to gain a foothold, he brought together the forces of the Silver Hand and Argent Dawn as one.

Their crusade would bring them to the relentless and frigid wasteland of Northrend, a sickness emerging from the very landscape. But the light persevered within its champions, and Tirion led the forces of the Argent Crusade across the frozen continent. Victory after victory, Tirion brought down his faith in the Light upon the forces of undead until they had reached the very gates of Icecrown.

Urging the Alliance and Horde to unite against the forces of the Lich King, Tirion was able to launch an offensive against the frozen citadel. Unspeakable horrors of undeath and necromancy were brought before them. But, Tirion instilled his faith in the forces of Azeroth and stood beside them as the final blow was struck and the tyrant king was silenced for good.

Much later, Tirion had returned to the very plagued landscape that he had called home. His mission now to use the power of the Light to bring safety and sanctuary to the lands that had been previously cursed and provide homage for those that had lost their own. He vowed that as long as he grieved, he would use every ounce of his energy to keep Azeroth safe.

Yet Azeroth would not remain at peace for long, as the third Legion invasion commenced upon the unsuspecting world. Tirion and the forces of the Argent Crusade were the first to launch a counteroffensive against the Legion upon the Broken Shore. Sadly, they were caught unexpected at the might and calamity the Legion had brought. The forces of the Alliance and Horde were forced to watch as The Ashbringer was tortured before them. It was not long however until the dying form of Tirion was recovered and the mantle of Highlord passed on to the next with the man’s dying breath.

Tirion Fordring was a friend, a father, and a mentor. He was the Argent Crusader, the Ashbringer through the coldest of days. Yet, he was not without mercy. An ideal that would save the lives of not only the Alliance, but the Horde as well. His choices lead to the continued survival of Azeroth. His actions not only guided us onto a path of righteousness, but to strive to be something better. To not simply limit ourselves to factions, but to see what truly lies in our future and to unite as one against any foe.

=Alexandros Mograine=

"The beginning of a legend still spoken of in hushed whispers. His memory will never be forgotten, just as the forces of darkness will never forget his blade."

Highlord Alexandros Mograine was a veteran of The Second War between Orcs and Humans. He was among the Paladins at the pivotal battle of Blackrock Mountain when destiny came to him in the form of a dark artifact. A slain orcas warlock used this tool to wreak havoc on the battlefield and Mograine reached for it, thinking it could be used as a weapon for good. Know that even some of the best of us can be flawed, as the temptation of power, even to do good in the world, called to the Highlord. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and that case is very much true in Mograine's story, as the shadowy orb afflicted the hand that touched it. Burning and warping his hand to non-use, the Highlord decided to keep the orb in secret. Best left out of the enemy's hands, and out of reach of anyone else, lest they suffer the same fate as he did.

Some years passed as Mograine kept to himself and his family, bringing his sons up alone. Their mother lost to them. We've not heard from Mograine for some time until a meeting was called in Hillsbrad. He had called the available Knights of the Silver Hand there to tell them of the artifact he'd taken during the war. To be used as a solution against the oncoming Scourge uprising. He described it as "A living embodiment of Shadow...a Void." But he still believed in the possibility that it could be forged into a weapon of righteousness. He had asked those that gathered if good can exist without evil? Can there be Light without Dark? A bold statement, which he finished with "They are two sides of the same coin." Outraged, one of the men gathered would attempt to destroy the artifact with the Light. To which, it was absorbed into it. Surprised in it's ability to absorb the Light, the Knights decide to fill the artifact with its grace. Where once, it was dark and empty, it radiated with the light and was full of it. The artifact even healed the Highlord's afflicted hand, healing not only that, but his spirit as well!

It was there that he decided that the artifact will be forged into a weapon to fight against the Scourge. The idea was most welcomed, as soon after it was conceived, word had gotten to them that the Knights of the Silver Hand had been suspended from service when Prince Arthas Menethil had decided to wipe out Stratholme to stop the plague from spreading. It was said that Mograine went to Ironforge to get King Magni Bronzebeard to forge the legendary weapon that will cut down the undead. The weapon left nothing but ash in it's wake. Thus, the Highlord had named the weapon "The Ashbringer". A fine name for a weapon, indeed. It was said that Mograine's son, Renault, had informed his father that Darion, the younger son, had been taken by the Scourge and is being held in Stratholme. The City was overrun with the undead, cursed to burn forever. But he traveled with his band of Knights anyway, as his love clouded his judgement. He cut a path straight through the Scourge, desperately searching for his son. At some point, he was separated from the holy blade and had to fend for himself against the undead. Thankfully the Light was with him and he was never unarmed, like all paladins of the Light. Unfortunately, he could not expect he'd find his own blade plunged through his chest. His son, Renault, had betrayed him in a jealous rage and rumored demonic corruption (One can never be too sure back then).

The Scourge would have taken The Highlord to the Naxxramas, the floating citadel of the Lich, Kel'Thuzad. All signs and reports point that it was there where he was turned into one of the Four Horsemen of the Scourge. Still wielding the Ashbringer, albeit corrupted. His story ends when Darion Mograine goes to find his father with the Argent Dawn and slays him. His soul would be sealed in the Ashbringer until it was released during the Battle of Light's Hope Chapel. Another story in it's own right.

Alexandros Mograine was a legendary knight. He was The Ashbringer, the Highlord. But even he was not perfect. We are all susceptible to temptation and must do our very best to turn away at these, lest our judgement becomes clouded and we travel off the great Path. Yes, his choices had led to one of the most powerful weapons on Azeroth to be created, and some could argue that everything Mograine had suffered through was necessary for the greater good, but it should be known that once you walk off the Path, it is difficult to get back onto it. Mograine had a guide in his son for his soul to seek salvation, but not all of us are so lucky. So gifted.

=Saidan Dathrohan=

Perhaps some of the greatest tragedies are not what we know, but what is unknown. The knowledge that, over the years, has been lost to us. Dathrohan is one such hero that suffers, records of his exploits, attitude, and history lost to the ages. Thus we are forced only to infer his history from parallel accounts. Before his time as a Knight of the Silver Hand, Saidan Dathrohan was one of the many warrior Knights serving under the Kingdom of Lordaeron. It is recounted that he was a mountain of a man, standing at nearly six and a half feet tall, and carrying immense physical strength. Though renowned already, he slowly began to discover faith before the rise of the Silver Hand, under the mentorship of Alonsus Faol himself. So when the Second War arose, with the Orcish Horde bearing down upon Lordaeron, Faol had the perfect candidate for one of the original paladins. Alonsus Faol would grant him the Libram of Holiness, perhaps because the Knight had found faith previously under him. Or perhaps because Faol had run out of other tomes. Regardless, Saidan was said to have developed a close relationship with Tirion Fordring, having been the one to place the silver plates upon Tirion’s shoulders during his initiation. There are no recounts of his exploits during the Second War, though by the time it had ended, he was promoted to Lord Commander of the Silver Hand. He would latter imprison Tirion Fordring under charges of treason, being present for the trial that would see his friend and ally exiled. It is said that he had hope Tirion would one day redeem himself. During the Third War, after the death of King Terenas Menethil, and Uther the Lightbringer, Saidan organized the scattered forces of the Silver Hand to fight against the scourge threat. It is unknown when exactly the Dreadlord Balnazzar managed to infiltrate, and replace the Lord Commander, all we know for sure is that the Dreadlord managed to convince Renault Mograine to kill his own father, the Highlord Alexandros Mograine, using the body of Saidan to become Grand Crusader of a new order. The Scarlet Crusade. Balnazzar used the form of Saidan to corrupt the order into a paranoid regime. He would eventually be foiled within the city of Stratholme, where a group of adventurers would reveal his disguise, and slay him. This finally destroyed the body of Saidan Dathrohan. It is unknown what happened to what was left of his body. The lessons we can take from Saidan Dathrohan are twofold. One, that history is vital. Though it may seem commonplace at the time, it only takes a few generations for the deeds of great men to be forgotten. And two. That things are rarely as they appear. Do not blindly follow your leaders, despite your love for them, or the inspiration they give you. Do not be afraid to question their decisions when they go against your very ideals. They may have simply lost the path, or something far more sinister has occurred.

=Arthas Menethil=

Arthas Menethil. Crown Prince of Lordaeron. Knight of the Silver Hand. Heir to the throne. The Prince had quite the esteemed life before his fall. Though most now know him as The Lich King, he was still once a Knight, just like the aspirants and squires reading this will want to become one day. The Prince was a bold, fair young man, back in the day. He prefered to spend his time with the common people. He was beloved by all of his people. He knew humility, the burdens of the crown. He was compassionate and caring, but firm and fair, as any Knight should. He knew both love and hate. Arthas Menethil was a man who had all the qualities of a Knight of the Silver Hand. Him losing his trusted steed, Invincible, and having to put the beast down was enough for him to promise to help any and all that needed him. So what happened? How did the beloved Crown Prince go so far down the Path of Knighthood? This all started when the plague first hit Lordaeron, and the wrath of the undead Scourge. When Prince Arthas followed the trail of one cultist, Kel'Thuzad. He informed the Prince that it was too late. The plague has infected the grainery and is now distributed across the land. He was told about the nathrezim, Mal'Ganis, who leads the undead and are making their way to Stratholme. To Arthas' horror, he saw that the plague wasn't meant to only kill the people, but also raise them as undead Scourge. He saw before his very eyes the death and resurrection of his own people. He would have died that day, had it not been for Uther the Lightbringer and his reinforcements.

This is what lead to Arthas' first controversial decision. He had ordered his men to purge the city of Stratholme, knowing that the people would soon bolster the ranks of the undead once the plague took effect. Uther was horrified that the Prince of Lordaeron had just ordered them to kill everyone in the city, and denied the order. Stating he wouldn't follow it, even if he were his King. That one act of defiance lead to the dismantling of the Silver Hand, as Arthas had taken what Uther had said as treason. Nothing would get in the way of him protecting his land. Not the undead, and not his own men. His vengeance lead him to continue the purge of Stratholme as planned. Killing the civilians before they succumbed to the plague. He found Mal'Ganis claiming the souls of those Arthas slew. The Prince demanded a fight with the demon, but Mal'Ganis denied him. Slipping away, he told the Prince to meet him in Northrend for their final battle. Arthas had ordered the city of Stratholme to be burned. Perhaps hoping the city would be cleansed in fire. That city still burns to this day. It was at this point where Arthas was letting vengeance consume him. His friends and allies turned their backs on him because he was becoming something he wasn't. A Knight looks to the Virtues for answers, but it is believed Arthas wanted the Scourge destroyed so badly, that he didn't look to them. As history showed us, he would have done anything to stop Mal'Ganis.

Arthas would lead his men to Northrend, chasing down the dreadlord, where reports say he met with Muradin Bronzebeard, coincidentally. Together, then searched for the runeblade, Frostmourne. Arthas wanted to use the weapon against the Scourge and it's demonic leader. Arthas had gotten word from an emissary from Lordaeron had arrived to Northrend to meet him. He bore orders from Uther and his father, King Terenas, to return home. His men were tired and weary from the travel and biting cold of Northrend. The call to return was most welcomed and they all would make their way to the ships through the forests. All except Arthas. He had no intention on leaving until Mal'Ganis was slain for what he had done. The Crown Prince was said to have hired mercenaries indigenous to Northrend. Frost trolls, ogres and such. He ordered these mercenaries to rush to the ships and burn them before his men got to them. When they arrived, Arthas turned on the people he hired, accusing them of destroying the ships. The mercenaries were slain by Arthas' men and Muradin Bronzebeard. Arthas would then rally his men, telling them that they had no means of returning home. The only way they could leave Northrend now was through victory against Mal'Ganis.

Arthas and Muradin would eventually find Frostmourne and it is said that Arthas was in fact told the blade was cursed. But he ignored the warnings. Releasing the blade nearly killed Muradin, but Arthas would "pay any price, if only they would help him save his people." The words used by him. Vengeance. That is what happened to Prince Arthas Menethil. Vengeance consumed him. It lead him to strike against his people to save his people. It turned all his allies away or against him. It lead him to pay any price to see the demon who wronged him dead at his feet. And he eventually got his wish. Mal'Ganis was slain by Arthas with Frostmourne in hand. But the cost was very great. Lordaeron had lost it's Prince, and Arthas had lost himself. Take the lesson given, Aspirants. Squires. Readers. Do not let vengeance consume you. You must make your judgements with a clear mind, and look to what is best for the world in the name of the Light. Look to the Virtues. Research his history, but do not follow the path of Prince Arthas Menethil.

=High Inquisitor Whitemane=

Sally Whitemane was a priestess of the light and High Inquisitor of the Scarlet Crusade, having risen through the ranks with startling rapidity due to her unwavering conviction to the Light, and the goal of eliminating the scourge from Azeroth. Such zealous conviction was brutally sculpted at a young age, when she not only witnessed her family succumb to the plague of undeath holding Lordaeron in its fierce and horrific grip, but was then forced to slay her mother, father, and siblings when they rose from death, mindless minions and hollow husks of their former selves.

Burdened by wracking guilt and seething rage, Whitemane joined the crowned jewel of Lordaeron's priesthood where she swore her holy oaths within the proud bastion that was The Monastery, where it became rapidly apparent that there were few in the world who lived with more conviction than she.

It was during the ragged butchering that was the Third War that The Knights of the Silver Hand splintered, destroyed from within by the manipulations of the Legion. What members remained of the Silver Hand reorganized, forming the Scarlet Crusade and shifting the focus of The Monastery away from that of learning and enrichment, into that of near militant zeal to obliterate the scourge of undeath; a sanction that spoke to Whitemane's personal covenant and conviction to sweep the land clean of undeath.

They were, for a time, successful; reclaiming areas in the plaguelands and regions around Lordaeron to establish bases and towers from which to strike out against the undead. All the while, Whitemane rose through the ranks, eventually becoming High Inquisitor, and leading her followers with an iron hand and a zealous power of will. There was no room for mercy in the High Inquisitor's work, and as the lines between who the Scarlet Crusade could trust grew narrower and narrower, what with anyone being susceptible to the plague of undeath, Whitemane's zealotry only grew fiercer.

Before long, and as the Third War boiled and raged, High Inquisitor Whitemane and her followers no longer trusted anyone that was not part of their own Order, considering them plagued. This led to the torture and death of countless innocents, and branded the order as fanatical extremists and an enemy to all. Despite this, High Inquisitor Sally Whitemane saw herself as a champion of humanity in the war against the scourge. Yet under her leadership the Scarlet Crusade slew the living along with the undead, innocents along with the scourged.

Sally Whitemane was an unshakable paragon of conviction and single-minded dedication, championing her beliefs with righteous fervor. However hers is a story of what can become of those that do not adhere to the virtues of the Holy Light, letting the doctrine of personal vengeance impact one's moral judgment. There is no doubt that Inquisitor Whitemane was a powerful wielder of the Light, capable of astonishing feats from very young in life and maintaining a sure hold on those powers until her early death. But one's ability and alacrity to wield the Light is not -and should never be taken as- license to crusade one's cause without adhering to the moral tenets of the Holy Light.

=Brigitte Abbendis=

Brigitte Abbendis has always been described as one of the most devout and passionate of the leaders of the Scarlet Crusade. She is known for her intolerance and mistrust for those who do not share the same views as her or the blood of her kinsmen, whose records go back to the remnants of the Silver Hand after the Third War. What we as followers of the Holy Light can learn from Abbendis is that for zeal to be effective it must always be tempered with reason.

One of Abbendis’ most recognizable and intriguing works is her own diary written just before the war against the Lich King, called: The Path of Redemption. From this writing we learn of Abbendis’ visions of what she perceived as the Holy Light. We also see the motivations behind her actions after the fall of the Scarlet Enclave, her interaction with the rest of the Crusade, and ultimately her positive and negative qualities as a leader.

Firstly, Abbendis’ devotion to the Holy Light is unquestionable. Thus when she received the so called visions she is quick to trust her own personal feelings on the matter and disregard any investigation into the legitimacy of what she was receiving. Her answer to this mystery was simply; prayer.

Her belief is that the Holy Light is actively guiding the Scarlet Crusade into motion through its omnipotence, seen in cases when she describes the appearing of Acherus over the Scarlet Enclave:

“Now I know why the Light has been pushing me to be underway. In the dead of night a Scourge necropolis appeared in the sky over us and out poured the minions of hell!”

Furthermore, Abbendis’ blind and vigorous pursuit of her visions caused her to overlook tactical choices such as when faced with the momentum of the Scourge’s invasion on New Avalon. The moment she had made the decision to depart for Northrend is the time when the Scarlet Crusade lost more than two thirds of their strength in Lordaeron.

Towards the end of her journey, Abbendis begins to doubt the actions and legitimacy of Admiral Barean Westwind, who has mysteriously appeared years after being presumed dead. By this time, Abbendis also claims that the Light had stopped speaking to her or giving her visions. Although she appears changed, this change is only evident after she has broken her direct communion with the Light.

The High General of the Scarlet Crusade had good will in all her actions. Although hardened and harsh, Abbendis’ heart always laid within the Holy Light. But it was her heavy reliance upon the Light that led to her downfall and those who followed her. Abbendis followed the scriptures of the Crusade, its traditional ideals, to the point where she took no responsibility or felt the need to shed reason and logic into her life.

The Light does not provide unnecessary miracles or exercise control over the lives of mortals. Our free will exists so that we may live through educating ourselves and observing our surroundings. Each choice we make is entirely our own, thus the responsibility for our actions is also entirely our own to hold.

Zeal is a powerful weapon in the hands of a follower of the Holy Light, but zeal must be tempered with reason and constancy. Women like Abbendis would claim that to question is to cultivate heresy, but a well versed mind is the hardest one to spoil and corrupt. By questioning we have the chance to learn, and furthermore, the chance to worship and carry out the Light’s will in its fullest.

If Brigitte Abbendis had sought to question the legitimacy of the voices that had spoken to her, she may have yet been with us and the Scarlet Onslaught may have been more than the tool of a demon. Instead she allowed her zeal to fully take the reins of her judgment and ultimately sacrifice the lives of many.

=Vindicator Maraad=

"He always sought to protect those who could not protect themselves. Maraad made the ultimate sacrifice in Draenor to save one of our own."

- Maraad's Memorial

Vindicator Maraad was a stalwart and unyielding defender of his people. From the beginning, as the Burning Legion pursued the Draenic people from world to world, the Vindicator stood to guide and defend his people against the ever encroaching evil of their foe.

World to world they were pursued, suffering devastating losses and the atrocities of the demonic host, but Maraad never faltered. He fought to defend the innocent, strong in the Light and his conviction - and eventually the draenei, guided by the Prophet Velen and the naaru, found brief sanctuary upon Draenor. Sadly, that peace was not to last. The orcish Horde began to form; vile, fel-tainted clans of bestial orcs coming together for the pursuit of war and violence against the peaceful draenei people and Maraad stepped forward yet again to defend his people. In one of the earliest conflicts, Maraad's sister Leran was captured by a depraved and violent clan who committed unspeakable evils against prisoners and sacrificed them in grisly rituals. Maraad led the assault upon the clan, and was devastated when he found the prisoners - including his beloved sister - defiled and slaughtered to the last.

The Vindicator was never the same following Leran's brutal death, and he fought on in her honor - never abandoning her memory as he continued in the defense of his people. Draenor erupted, as the wicked orcish hordes, driven by bloodlust, moved on to siege the draenei capital, Shattrath City. Maraad was there, forced to watch the orcs commit yet more atrocities against his people, defending against the invading evil. When the city began to fall, Exarch Larohir commanded Maraad to see survivors safely from the city.

During their desperate retreat Maraad encountered an orc, one amongst the feral mass of them as the Vindicator had witnessed his brutality and depravity from the walls of Shattrath before it began to fall. The pain of his sister's death remained with him, as did the debasement and loss of so many of his people - he ordered the survivors to continue on the passage ahead, assuming that it was safe. He then pursued and destroyed the monstrous orc.

When he returned to the passage to follow the refugees he found, to his horror, that they had all been killed.

Maraad survived the fall of Draenor and the exodus to Azeroth. He was burdened with a great guilt, carrying the loss of those refugees with him and he vowed vengeance against the orcs. When the draenei joined with the Alliance, Maraad took to the defense of the Alliance just as he had with his people. He trained many in the Light, and helped to guide the draenei and the Alliance to victory and defend them through defeat time and again.

When the Iron Horde began to pour forth from the Dark Portal, Maraad was among the front line of defenders who met and pushed back the invasion. He was also among the first through the Portal, acting courageously to neutralize the threat to Azeroth with no way of knowing what awaited on the other side. He used the Light to defend the forces of Azeroth and destroy what enemies they found waiting for them beyond the portal.

Still burdened by guilt, haunted by the horrors the orcs had committed against his people, Maraad was overcome by anger on this alternate Draenor. His pursuits turned towards vengeance against the Iron Horde, perhaps in some attempt to right the wrongs of his past - to stop the Iron Horde from destroying what had once been his home for a second time.

The Iron Horde attacked Shattrath, forcing Maraad to relive the horrors he had once before - but this time he would not see the city fall. He vowed to save Shattrath. Maraad and other brave defenders moved against the orcish horde and the tyrant leading them; Blackhand.

The Vindicator was grievously wounded in the battle, but upon seeing his allies in danger as Blackhand gained the upper hand and unleashed a devastating attack, Maraad used what strength he had left to -protect- yet again. Maraad defended Yrel, a talented ally met on this alternate world, at the expense of his own life, using the Light to defend her against the explosion Blackhand set off.

Vindicator Maraad may have fallen to the weakness of anger and vengeance, but he only did so through the grief that the loss of his people brought him. He was a shield for his people, and a sword to his enemies - wielding the might of righteousness to overcome evil and oppression.

Through unimaginable loss and devastation he shepherded the draenei, and later the Alliance, towards a brighter, safer future. He gave his life and saved the city that he had once failed.

It is said that with his final breaths, he spoke the words "In the Light, we are one."

=Lady Liadrin=

"Our people had walked a dark path and mine was among the darkest of them all. But the Light showed me that I was not lost. It helped me to find the strength to survive in spite of all that had happened and all the evil I had wrought."

- Lady Liadrin

A figure forged from the blight of adversity, Lady Liadrin is a testament to the divine benevolence and mercy of the Holy Light’s power. As the Matriarch of the Sin’dorei Blood Knight Order, Lady Liadrin has shaped and molded herself, and her order to adhere to the teachings of the Holy Light, and to bask in it’s radiance — unlike the Order’s original intent.

Raised by High Priest Vallendor after her parents were slain by Amani Trolls, Lady Liadrin grew to become a powerful, and faithful supplicant of the Holy Light. As a loyal subject to the Thalassian State, and a powerful asset in the Second War when the Amani Trolls aligned with the Orcish Hordes, Liadrin eventually rose to prominence as another High Priest alongside her guardian and mentor, Vallendor. She had taken on an apprentice of her own who was developing well, though with the onset of the plague of Lordaeron and the fall of the human Kingdom, great unrest arose within herself, and the High Elven civilization as well for a multitude of reasons (which included the dwindling health of their King).

Of course, the Scourge made their way north with the remains of Kel’thuzad in order to use the power of the Sunwell to revive the fallen necromancer into the form of a Lich. High Priestess Liadrin stood at the forefront of this battle, and witnessed the countless atrocities that took place during the Scourge invasion of Quel’thalas. As the armies of the Scourge forged a path across the span of ocean that led towards Quel’danas, Liadrin witnessed the horrors of King Anasterian being slain by Prince Arthas, as well as the death of her mentor Vallendor as an Abomination stole away his life. Liadrin herself was saved when Grand Magister Belo’vir Salonar teleported her away from the battle, and sacrificed his own life for her.

Throughout the battle against the Scourge in defense of her Kingdom, Liadrin repeatedly had issues channeling the Light, even when it was clear she did not need to summon the Light from the Sunwell. Without the full focus of her mind, body and soul in her faith, she was unable to harness the powers of the Light.

In the aftermath of the battles that led to the destruction of the Sunwell, and the near-downfall of the high home of the elves, Liadrin’s guilt caused her to refuse to call out to the Light for aid. To aid her people she instead took on a weapon to strike at the corrupted Sunwell, and in the process, killed her mentor Vallendor as he was raised in undeath.

Liadrin struggled with this guilt for five long years, and hid away within the Ghostlands, taking a charge as a warrior to fight against the Scourge in Quel’thalas after the reclamation of the Eversong Woods. Her hunt for the traitor to the elves — Dra’Khan Drathir — was long journey that led to little progress. One day however, Liadrin was taken to seat of the elven Kingdom to speak with the regent of Quel’thalas. It was there she had learned of the Naaru kept bound within Silvermoon, and the elves sought to put the captive Naaru known as M’uru to use. Prince Kael’thas captured the Naaru, and had it delivered to Silvermoon as a show of progress, and a testament to the might of his new allies. Liadrin was one of the first to tap into the Naaru’s powers, and in doing such reclaimed the Light she had lost so long ago.

But, this was much different than the blessings she once received when she called upon the Light before. Instead of the warm embrace that is often provided by the Light’s blessings, all she felt was the raw power that she stole from M’uru. Liadrin had effectively taken a broken Light from the subdued Naaru. And in doing so, Liadrin found a balance in her practices of the Light, and blade to herald in an order of elves who would use the Light as a tool for their own benefit. They became known as the Blood Knight Order.

The Blood Knights power solely stemmed from the subdued Naaru that they held within their headquarters in Silvermoon. Liadrin placed her Knights in much higher regard than those of other orders, and often sought to assert their control the Light through demonstrations that defiled the historic grounds of other Paladin-orders — such as Alonsus Chapel within Stratholme. But, the Blood Knights served valiantly alongside their brethren with a great deal of ferocity as they combated against the Scourge within their Kingdom. However, their prominence among elven society would not last, as it became known that the elven Prince Kael’thas Sunstrider had cast lots with the Burning Legion, and stole M’uru from Silvermoon. And in doing so, stole the Light away from the Blood Knights, and marred the image of the Blood Knights and their Matriarch.

Without the Light empowering them, Liadrin took a desperate step to seek out the Naaru A’dal in the heart of Shattrath. Her and her orders reputation for stealing the powers of a subdued Naaru were well known to those within the City of Shattrath; and upon the arrival of herself, and her Order, they were quickly berated for their actions towards the Naaru M’uru.

However, Liadrin learned that the fate of M’uru had long been known to the Naaru A’dal, and was foretold by the Draenic Prophet Velen:

'Silvery moon, washed in blood,' 'Led astray into the night, armed with sword of broken Light.' 'Broken, then betrayed by one, standing there bestride the sun.' 'At darkest hour, redemption comes, in knightly lady sworn to blood.'

Now knowing that M’uru had learned his fate so long ago, and seeing that A’dal would provide the ultimate redemption for her people, Lady Liadrin cast aside her loyalties to the House of Sunstrider and pledged her loyalty, and the loyalty of her Knights to the Shattered Sun Offensive. There, Liadrin and her knights would aid the offensive in putting an end to the treachery of Kael’thas Sunstrider.

In the great offensive to prevent Kil’jaeden from entering Azeroth through the use of the Sunwell, Liadrin witnessed firsthand the redemption of her people — along with the purification of the Sunwell through the sacrifice of the heart of M’uru. From this point, Liadrin was able to establish a more genuine relationship with the Holy Light. And through this newly found faith, Liadrin aided other elves with their magical addiction, and set herself and the Blood Knights along a new path of redemption. Since this time, the Liadrin and the Blood Knight Order have pledged their assistance in times of great need.

The story of Lady Liadrin and her Blood Knights is a tale of reconnecting to the loving embrace of the Holy Light, even after losing faith in it’s divine graces. While Lady Liadrin lost her faith after the tragedy of the fall of the high home of the elves, her fate, and the fate of elven-kind was intermingled in the divine prophecy of the Holy Light. Through her long journey of discovery of the fate of her people, she was still able to reconnect with the Light after using it for personal gain. She and her people provide an excellent example that none are beyond redemption in the divine plan of the Holy Light, and that a faith long gone may still be rediscovered.

Blackmoore, Zaria. Preface (— ), Turalyon (— ), Lady Liadrin (— ), Tirion Fordring (—).

Crystalrose, Popohnia. Brigette Abbendis (— ).

Whitehart, Isaac. Mereldar (— ) Uther the Lightbringer (— ), Maraad (—)

McTash, Kavid. Alonsus Faol (— ), Gavinrad the Dire (— ), Saidan Dathrohan (—).

Malphur, Shindo. Alexandros Mograine (— ), Arthas Menethil (—).

Lemare, Rosie. High Inquisitor Whitemane (— )

Alonsus Faol	2 Mereldar	4 Uther the Lightbringer	5 Turalyon	9 Gavinrad the Dire	12 Tirion Fordring	13 Alexandros Mograine	15 Arthas Menethil	17 High Inquisitor Whitemane	19 Brigitte Abbendis	21 Vindicator Maraad	23 Saidan Dathrohan	25 Lady Liadrin	26