Libram of Vaunted Justice: History

The Book of History is a thorough account of the tales of the Order of the Silver Hand leading to most recent events. As written by Sir Kavid McTash.

=Introduction=

The History of the Silver Hand is one that stretches generations, the origins of it’s ideals and tenants going back to conclusion of the First Troll Wars, with it’s legacy surviving up to the days of the Siege of Antorus. The membership, the heroes, the goals, the obstacles. Throughout the many years have these changed, come and gone with the turning of the ages. Yet all throughout, the idea of The Silver Hand has always remained. It is the hope that through this in depth look at the history, we can understand the roots of the order, and hopefully, avoid the same mistakes it would fall victim too. This book will have a broad focus on the History of the Order of the Silver Hand, including both the splinter factions that formed from it, and the more modern groups that make up the Reformed Order of the Silver Hand.

As a small not before beginning, this Book will mainly focus around the history of the SIlver Hand as it pertains to Azeroth itself. It is understood and respected that the Draenei people have been Paladins long before humanity, through their connection with the Naaru. However, for the sake of simplicity and focus, the inclusion of the Draenei Paladins will be mostly relegated to recent events, and the Reformed Silver Hand. As well, this book will mostly cover the history of The Silver Hand, in relation to historical events. While some context will be provided, if one wishes to truly understand the greater scope of moments described, it is highly recommended that they themselves research these stretches of history themselves.

=Tyr=

''This section will consist of the relevance of Tyr to humanity, acting as both a brief biography and history, as well as how exactly the Titan watcher is connected to the Order of the Silver Hand. It takes place from an unknown time thousands of years ago, up until the watchers death, and beyond in his many inspirations for human culture.''

When the Titans first arrived on Azeroth, they found themselves unable to directly intervene with the affairs without causing irreparable damage to the dormant world soul resting within Azeroth. To counter the influence of the Old Gods and Elementals on early Azeroth, the Titans created the Watchers. Amongst them was Watcher Tyr, their mightiest commander. With his work, and the work of the other watchers, the old gods and elementals were subjected, and contained. The Titans left our world in the care of Tyr and the other Watchers once Azeroth was considered safe from the Old God’s influence.

One of the first challenges to present itself to the Watcher Tyr was the massive proto-drake, Galakrond. Tyr gathered to his side five smaller proto-drakes to battle the beast, but the first confrontation lead to Tyr’s hammer being knocked from his grasp. In but a moment, the massive creature snapped off the hand of the Watcher. Tyr was forced to retreat from the battle, with a missing limb.

From chapter nine of The Age of Galakrond, by the historian Evelyna:

"Keeper Tyr worked with a giant named Jotun to replace his appendage. They mined a vein of pure silver deep within Azeroth. Jotun used the metal to forge a hand for his injured companion."

"Tyr was in awe of Jotun's craftsmanship, and he asked the giant for one final favor: to reforge his warhammer so that it would incorporate the image of his new hand. The giant did so, but he inquired why the keeper wanted to draw more attention to his wound."

"Tyr replied that he did not consider his argent hand a reminder of defeat. For him it was a symbol of the sacrifice he had made to defend Azeroth, and he wanted the world to see it that way as well."

"When Jotun finished reshaping the hammer, Tyr named his weapon the Silver Hand."

This is the first mention of the name The SIlver Hand in any historical context not related to the Watcher’s Weapon, the replaced appendage still being used as a popular symbol today. Most notable with the Order of the Silver Hand, for their name and emblem. Tyr would go on to assist the other proto-drakes in the defeat of Galakrond, who were later blessed with the Power of the Titans. This forged them into the original five aspects. The Watcher Tyr would, from that point, see the loss of his limb as a sign of pride. A symbol of sacrifice.

The next accomplishment of Tyr that we have any knowledge of is also his last. Loken, his fellow watcher, had become corrupted by the old god Yogg Saron, causing him to manipulate and plot against his fellow Watchers. Tyr would flee from the Titan fortress of Ulduar, taking with him any who would listen to what we now call Tirisfal Glades. Tyr’s plan was to gather his strength, to one day strike back at Loken. As one can infer from the name of the land now, this would not come to pass. Loken had sent two of the Old God’s most powerful minions, the C’thraxxi, after Tyr. He ordered his followers to flee, as he faced the brutes. For a day and a night they battled, neither side gaining, or giving, any ground. In an act of sacrifice that the keeper would be so known for, the Keeper released his immense power, igniting an explosive of arcane magic that blew a massive crater into the land. This would kill the Watcher, and one of the monsters instantly, the other retreating from the field of battle. His followers would seal both him and the monster sent after him within a tomb. It containing Tyr’s Silver Hand weapon, and body. These followers would eventually pass down this knowledge to a group of humans, who would become known as The Tyr’s Guard. They would protect his tomb up until the Third Legion Invasion of Azeroth.

There are conflicting stories on how humanity originally gained a connection to Tyr. When the Vrykul King, Ymiron, demanded that any of the Vrykul’s weak and malformed children be killed, some of their parents disobeyed. Legend states that it was the Watcher Tyr who took these children with him to Tirisfal Glades. More recent discoveries suggest that instead the parents heard of the ancient followers of Tyr, and thus ventured to his final resting place in search of him. Whatever the case might be, these deformed children, later known as humans, discovered basic Vrykul texts that detailed parts of Tyr’s Life. These texts would later become legends, affecting the culture of humanity for generations to come. Today, one merely needs to look at a map of Lordaeron to see how much the Watcher inspired humanity. Tirisfal Glades, named for being the place Tyr would perish in the Vrykul tongue. The city of Tyr’s Hand. And of course, The Order of the Silver Hand, taking the replaced limb of the Watcher as their name and symbol. It was even suggested at a few points, that it was Watcher Tyr who first showed humanity how to harness, and wield the Light. Though this has been disproven with historical research and findings.

It should be noted that the history of Tyr is still one being deciphered to this day. Separating the truth from the legend is a process that can take decades. The more knowledge that is discovered about the Watcher Tyr, the more we can understand just how large an impact he truly had upon Azeroth. Tyr does, however, remain a constant inspiration for all of humanity.

=Discovery of the Holy Light=

''This section will consist of the founding of the worship of the Light, how the religion was created, and who created it. This section will detail the known history of Lordain, his sister Mereldar, and the formation of the Church of the Holy Light. This will cover from the ending of the Troll Wars, to the foundation of the Church of the Holy Light.''

During the Troll Wars, more than two thousand before the fall of Stormwind City to the Orcish Horde, there was a General under the command of King Thoradin by the name of Lordain. His tribe was centered around the area of Tirisfal, modern day Capital City. This lead to there being a reverence for the legends of Watcher Tyr, of sacrifice against a mighty foe. And it would seem that General Lordain would find himself the perfect opportunity to follow in the Watcher’s footsteps. In the waning days of the Troll Wars, the humans of Arathor were attempting to lure the Amani army into a trap. However, the Amani had managed to nearly overtake the main Arathi force. In a bid to buy the main army more time, General Lordain would hold a pass in the Alterac Mountains. They would battle to the last man, with legends claiming that Lordain himself was the last to fall. Whether true or not, his sacrifice bought the time needed to eventually defeat the Amani in the final battle at The Alterac Fortress.

Lordain is still remembered today, the Kingdom of Lordaeron being named after him. But it was his sister who had the greater impact on the future of humanity. After the war Lordain’s sister, Mereldar, would dedicate her life to to caring for humanity’s wounded veterans. An impossible task, one might assume. Magic was still new in human culture, and most healing had to be `done through traditional means. With the ferocity of the Amani trolls in combat, those who were wounded in the conflict no doubt suffered immensely.

It was in this settling that Mereldar began to have strange dreams. Five forms would appear to her, beings filled with a kind of holy power. They filled her mind with visions of what would later become the Five Tenants. Holiness, Protection, Justice, Retribution, and Compassion. She spoke with others about this, and when she put these visions into practice, those under her care would have their wounds disappear and their illness vanish. Others reported these same visions, and they all gathered in one place to discuss what they had seen. There, they would codify what they had been shown in their visions, writing down the Tenants into holy tomes. It is suspected that these books are the Librams that Alonsus Faol would later grant to the original five Knights of the Silver Hand.

From these teachings a religious movement would form, sparking like wildfire across the now blossoming human civilization. The Light became the most prominent religion within the burgeoning human Kingdoms built on a basis of Selflessness, and the Light dwelling in all things. It would be centuries after this original spread, after the separation of many other human Kingdoms from Arathor, that Lordaeron would take upon itself the task of centralizing all the beliefs that had sprouted throughout the years. From this the Church of the Holy Light would form, the first proper institution of worship for the Holy Light. For the majority of human history, Lordaeron would contain the greatest amount of holy sites, and worshipers.

It is sad that from this point forward, so much history has been lost. With the Fall of Lordaeron, much of the recorded events, heros, and rituals were destroyed, leaving the time known only to those who read and lived through them. What is known is that the faith would spread to all human Kingdoms, even to Stormwind, where the Clerics of Northshire would become an official and entrenched institution. This group of clerics was known for their selfless and compassionate actions in combat, healing gnolls and trolls of enemy forces when Stormwind was battling it’s enemies. The Holy Light would also spread to the other races, with some dwarves and a few of the people of Quel’thalas adopting the practices and religion. However it would never be nearly as widespread.

=Formation of The Silver Hand=

''This section will consist of the formation of the Order of the Silver Hand, why it was created, and who created it, and what heroes would arise within it. It will cover the inception of the idea, the First Five Knights, and their actions during the Second War. This will cover the time of the First War, up until the ending of the Second War, and the closing of the Dark Portal.''

It was on the eve of the Second War that the kingdoms of Humanity first began to consider the idea of Paladins. During the First War, the Clerics of Northshire were considered to be the bravest of all on the field of battle. However, their non militant nature often times made them easy targets for the Orcs. Where in the past, the Clerics would be given some degree of safety due to their habit of healing the enemy wounded, the Orcs showed no restraint in slaughtering them. The numbers of the Clerics was decimated, their holy site of Northshire desecrated and destroyed. Those that survived fled north with the other survivors of Stormwind.

In the time of preparation before the Second war, Unity between the nations was a touchy subject. Many of the Kingdoms had been rivals, and even fought wars between one another recently enough to draw divides. The Kingdoms needed something they could all rally behind. The Clerics were thought to be a good choice, the religion of the Holy Light being shared by all nations. However, while the Clerics do not lack for bravery, their martial skills left much to be desired, making these unifying figures easy targets. Something more was needed.

When Archbishop Alonsus Faol of Lordaeron first heard news of the difficulties the Clerics faced against the Horde, it was said he was perplexed. Legends state that he prayed for five days, and fight nights, dedicating one to each of the Five Tenants, asking the Light to grant him the Wisdom needed to battle the darkness. When the sixth day came, Faol left his chapel in Stratholme, making his way to Anduin Lothar, now supreme commander of all Alliance forces. When he meet with the grizzled commander, Faol proposed forging a new order, taking the best aspects of humanity. Comprised of Knights who were skilled not just in their combat ability, but also learning to wield the Light as a Cleric does. To be the true inspiration for the troops on the field of battle. Lothar agreed, and Alonsus Faol would recruit Five men who exemplified the qualities of loyalty, bravery, and honor.

He would name these Knights Paladins, their Order being named The Silver Hand, after legends of the Watcher Tyr.

The Knights selected would be the best of the best, those renowned not just for their faith, but for their might. Turalyon, the priest who had helped inspire and finally bring together the Alliance of Lordaeron with impassioned speech. Saidan Dathrohan, said to be the strongest man in all of Lordaeron. Tirion Fordring, a Knight of great zeal, and resilience. Gavinrad the Dire, sent at the request of Anduin Lothar. He a battle hardened soldier, and commander. And finally, Uther, later titled, the Lightbringer by Turalyon, and future Grandmaster of the Order. He was already apprentice to Faol, being an accomplished knight and pious believer in the Holy Light. The Knights would train beside the army as it gathered, Lothar wanting to keep them close. Day in, and day out, throughout the night if needed, these five men trained rigorously. They were taught to use the Light to heal their allies, and smite their enemies. How to lead by example, being more than weapons, and soldiers. They were the beacons of the army. For so long as even one of them stood, hope for the Alliance would still burn bright.

Faol taught each of them to live simple lives. To seek no glory, or fortune in war. To fight is their duty, and from that day, to the end of their days, they live their lives for others. When Faol felt they were ready, he gifted each Knight with an enchanted Libram, speculated to be the original books that the Prophet Mereldar had written in the original conclave. These were the most sacred relics of the Church, each representing one of the five tenants. Faol challenged his students to become living embodiments of what their holy tomes represented. Turalyon was given the Libram of Protection. Uther, the Libram of Justice. Tirion, the Libram of Retribution. Saiden, the Libram of Holiness. And Gavinrad, the Libram of Compassion. Turalyon and Uther would be chosen by Lothar to serve as his seconds, though all the newly appointed Knights still keeping close to Alonsus Faol. There was still much that they needed to learn.

One of the first conflicts within the Second War would be the Battle of the Hillsbrad Foothills. When Horde and Alliance lines meet, clashing in the first, and possibly largest, battle of the War. It is said, by the veterans who still live to tell of it, that a creeping mist fell throughout the lines. Hooded figured rode forward, the slain rising to turn upon their former comrades. The first Death Knights. Twisted and corrupted creatures. Alliance lines began to crumble through the sheer terror the monstrosities brought onto the field. But then, from the Alliance lines, a brilliant flash of Light. It came from a single point. All eyes turned, and there, locked upon the now fully armored, armed, and prepared Knights of the Silver Hand. Wave of Holy Energy swept through the beleaguered Alliance soldiers, banishing fog and undead alike. Light healed the wounds of those injured, and all at once, a cry was let out from the men and women of the Alliance. With the Knights at their head, the Alliance charged, and once more, battle was joined.

Much of the actions of the Knights of the Silver Hand during the Second War is, sadly, lost to the ages. They were likely spread around the Alliance army, always at least one Paladin present during large scale engagement with Horde forces. Turalyon was put in charge of a second army, sent after the Horde forces making their way to Quel’thalas. He would later rejoin with Lothar, and together, they would force the retreat of the Horde from Capital City, all the way back to their fortress of Blackrock Mountain. Siege weapons battered on the rock walls, the Alliance dug in and prepared for a long and drawn out conflict. Until the great gates of Blackrock opened, and the Horde spilled out to meet the Alliance one last time.

The fighting was heavy. Through the Horde was outnumbered, each fought with a desperate ferocity that all cornered animals possess. This is the battlefield where heros such as Alexandros Mograine would show their skills. It is also where Mograine would battle a Warlock, collecting a dark artifact from him. This artifact would later be known the key component in the Order’s greatest weapon. The battle itself seemed hopeless for the Horde, though they did not plan to win through strength of arms. This was made clear, when a hush fell over the battle. It seemed that all blades and axes fell to the sides, and eyes turned to the Titanic confrontation about to take place. As Supreme Commander Anduin Lothar stood face to face with Warchief Orgrim Doomhammer.

Only the crack of hammer off sword echoed throughout the valley, all battle around the two leaders seeming to fall away. Those who witnessed the fight often say that it was the greatest display of skill to have ever taken place, and have yet to see one to rival it. Minutes passed, blows were traded. And it became clear. That the Warchief Orgrim Doomhammer was gaining the advantage. Lothar stabbed at the orc, cutting at the warchief’s side. A cheer went up through the crowd. Though as he raised his blade to parry the incoming hammer blow, Anduin Lothar’s blade was shattered. The Supreme Commander fell to his knees, a quiet falling across all Alliance forces. With his next blow, Orgrim Doomhammer crushed the skull of Anduin Lothar.

A guttural cheer went up throughout the Horde, as the Supreme Commander’s body slumped to the ground. And for the briefest of moments, the gambit of the Horde seemed to have payed off. That was, until Turalyon, second to Lothar, strode forth. The Light radiated from him, as the young Knight released his holy powers. The blinding light was said to have stopped the advance of the entire Horde army, though it is more likely that it was simply the Orcs closest to him. Turalyon picked up the shattered sword of his Commander, his friend, and with it struck at the Warchief, knocking him unconscious. He called upon the Alliance, not to fall to despair. For they were all the sons and daughters of Lothar, and with every last ounce of their strength, they will finish the fight that their commander had started. The orcs who stayed and fought were captured by the Alliance. Those who fled were chased, the ones not captured shortly after either hid in the wilds, or fled back through the portal. With every last ounce of its strength, due in no small part of the courage and bravery of the Knights of the Silver Hand, the Alliance had won.

=Postwar Era=

''This section consists of the time between the ending of the Second War, and the initial phases of the Scourging of Lordaeron. It will cover the events of Turalyon’s disappearance, the banishment of Tirion Fordring, and the raising of Arthas to Knight. This will consist of the time between the ending of the Second War, and initial signs of the Plague in Lordaeron.''

Though the second war had concluded, the price had been high. The Eastern Kingdoms was ravaged, and depleted. Even more so the people, those that had survived. Turalyon was promoted to Supreme Commander of Alliance forces, and with this newfound position, he began the work to rebuild the shattered nations. First amongst these efforts would be the rebuilding of Stormwind City, a project seen as the key to returning a sense of normalcy to the world. Faol would be one of the strongest advocates for this, his contributions earning him a sacred monument before the newly constructed Cathedral. Turalyon would begin to busy himself with this work, remaining in Stormwind while the rest of his Knight brothers returning north, to Lordaeron. There they would spread themselves throughout the countryside, assisting in whatever ways they could, large or small.

This, however, would not be the end of troubles with the Horde. Hardly a year after the portal closed, it was once more reopened. The Horde spilling out into the Blasted Lands once more. Their objectives would be different, but nonetheless, the Alliance forces meet them, and battle was joined. The actions of this conflict are complex, however, they add little to the known history of the Silver Hand. So to summarize, Turalyon, as supreme commander of the Alliance forces, led an expeditionary force of volunteers into the dark portal, to ensure the Horde would never be a threat again. They would be named the Sons of Lothar. On the other side, he would pursue the Horde relentlessly, eventually slaying the organizer of the conflict, a death knight by the name of Teron Gorefiend. However, even as victory seemed certain, the Horde began a ritual, creating portals to other worlds. This caused the planet to become unstable, threatening to destroy not just Draenor, but Azeroth as well. Seeing no other option, Turalyon gave the command, and Khadgar shut the dark portal, trapping the Horde, and Sons of Lothar, on the planet. Once more, Azeroth was saved, but at the cost of some of its greatest heros. Statues were built in their honor, and can still be seen today just past the gates of Stormwind City. While they would later be rediscovered, for all intents and purposes of the time, the Sons of Lothar, and Turalyon, were gone forever.

With Turalyon gone, the rest of the Order would mourn him for a short while, before returning to their duty. Uther the Lightbringer was named Grandmaster of the Order of the Silver Hand, with Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan as his second. The Order would officially relocate to Stratholme, the Bastion of the Silver Hand being their official headquarters and barracks. Now in peace times, the Order began to more extensively recruit, bolstering their numbers with both old Knights from the war, and fresh faced men and women eager to become champions of the Light. The Dwarves of Ironforge began to take up the practice in this time, as well as a small chapter within Stormwind City being established under Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker. This is often times considered one of the periods of greatest boon for the Order, swelling in size and fame.

It was in this time that then Prince Arthas Menethil would first begin his training as a Knight of the Silver Hand. He gained valuable combat skills from Muradin Bronzebeard, while learning the ways of the Light, religion, principal, and philosophy, from the Grand Master himself. Arthas would be Knighted at the age of nineteen, in the Cathedral of the Holy Light in Stormwind City. Alonsus Faol himself would oversee the ceremony, with nearly all of the original Knights of the Silver Hand in attendance. As Arthas grew older, he developed a bond with Uther, the two becoming more than mentor and teacher, but rather brothers in arms. Though, this time was not all filled with joyous occasions.

Orc Hunting became a rather gruesome, yet popular activity for the veterans of the First and Second War. The Orcs had taken friends, family, and homes from so many. These souls took their vengeance upon the scattered orcs not held within one of the many internment camps. It is in this setting, that Tirion Fordring, founding member of the Order of the Silver Hand, came across a lone orc in an abandoned tower. After a short duel the tower around them came to pieces, knocking the Knight out. When he awoke days later, he concluded that the orc had pulled him free. He retraced his steps back to the tower, finding the orc once more. They spoke for a short time, sharing names, the Orc being named Etrig. Upon returning to his home, Tirion proclaimed the Orc dead, having sworn to keep the orcs true location a secret. This lie was discovered, however, and Etrig would be hunted down by Saidan Dathrohan. When Etrigg was discovered by the party of the Lord Commander, Tirion would fight soldiers of the Alliance in an attempt to save the orcs. This resulted in the capture of them both, with Tirion being taken to Stratholme for trial.

It was there that Tirion would proclaim the truth of what had happened, and why he had chosen to save the Orc. He refused to abandon his honor, despite the wishes of his defender. When called upon to reaffirm his vows to the Alliance, and disavow Etrig, he instead chose to keep both vows. The Jury, which included both Alonsus Faol and Arthas Menethil, would find Tirion guilty of treason. They would strip him of his position within the Order of the Silver Hand, and exile him. Uther would personally perform the ceremony to strip Tirion of rank, and connection to the Holy Light. This would not be the end of the tale, as when Etrigg was to be executed, Tirion rode into Stratholme. This halted the execution enough for a band of orcs to also attack, freeing Etrig. All of them escaped, and with Eitrigg wounded, Tirion called upon the Light to heal the orc. Despite having been apparently stripped of his power, the Light answered, and the orc was healed. This would, however, mark the beginning of Tirion Fordring’s exile, and the loss of another founding Knight for the Order of the Silver Hand.

=The Betrayal=

''This section consist of the time of the Scourge attack on Lordaeron, focusing mostly on the actions of Arthas Menethil and Uther the Lightbringer during this time, such as the Purging of Stratholme. It will start just before the Plague begins to take root, and will end at the betrayal by Arthas Menethil.''

It was not in an instant that the plague overtook Lordaeron. Often times, when it’s told in history, it is made out to be armies of undead marching against humanity on the first days. But that was not the case. The Plague started slow. Simply rumors, until all hell broke loose. The Orcs were causing trouble about Lordaeron, their new Warchief Thrall having broken a great deal of them from their internment camps. Arthas Menethil and Uther the Lightbringer were sent to Strahnbrad to protect it from Horde raiding parties. They were victorious, though this battle would mark perhaps the last true victory the Silver Hand would truly win.

The Plague was beginning to infect a great deal of Lordaeron’s citizens, Arthas being sent to investigate this mysterious sickness. It was near the town of Brill that he would encounter the necromancer Kel’thuzad, presuming him to the source of the Plague. Arthas and his forces pursued the Necromancer to Andorhal, managing to slay him, but not before all the grain of Andorhal had been infected with Plague. Learning that the true master of the Scourge was north, at Stratholme, Arthas continued the pursuit relentlessly. At the town of Hearthglen, Arthas, along with reinforcements lead by Uther the Lightbringer, managed to destroy a scourge army that intended to raze the town. Though victorious, the battle shook the young prince, who learned the true horror of the Plague. How it raised the dead to fight once more, how it could not be cured through any means. Arthas left for Stratholme in a rush, Uther forced to follow. Uther commanded Gavinrad the Dire to move to the city of Andorhal to guard the body of Kel’thuzad.

The Culling of Stratholme...is often considered to be the turning point. From this point forward, Lordaeron would only ever slide further and further into chaos. Never again would hope for even simply surviving be present. Arthas Menethil arrived first, stationing his forces outside the city itself and quarantining it. Upon Uther’s arrival, he was informed of the situation. The plagued grain from Andorhal had already reached the city, and been distributed. To Uther’s horror, his former apprentice, current brother, and Crown Prince, Arthas Menethil, ordered him and his knights to purge the city of Stratholme of all life. Uther the Lightbringer refused, and as a result, was charged with treason. Arthas then and there disbanded the Silver Hand through his authority. Uther, and many of the Knights left the field, leaving only those most dedicated to Arthas to follow him. Arthas, and his loyal men, entered the city, and slaughtered every last man, woman, and child within it. Taunted by the dreadlord Mal’ganis before he vanished, Arthas swore he would chase the dreadlords “To the ends of the earth.” And so he did, preparing a fleet and setting sail to Northrend with his men.

What happened in Northrend is difficult to truly discover. One would need to confer with spirits, hope a death Knight answers them, or be in high enough standing to speak with Muradin Bronzebeard, the only man that still lives to tell the tale. All that we know for sure, is that Arthas took the fleet north with his troops. Uther conferred with Terenas, managing to convince the King that Arthas was compromised due to stress. An emissary was sent, recalling the Prince and all his forces. And perhaps surprisingly, Arthas did return. Or perhaps it is better to say, what he had become had returned. The Crown Prince who had left for Northrend never left that continent. This harsh truth would be discovered, as the newly appointed Death Knight, Arthas Menethil, drove the runeblade Frostmourne through his own father’s heart. Thus, the city that had once managed to survive a siege against the Horde, broke beneath the boot of it’s once beloved prince.

The Fall of the Silver Hand This section will detail the last days of the original Silver Hand. Covering the death of Uther the Lightbringer, Gavinrad the Dire, and the majority of the Silver Hand Knights. As well, the story of the Ashbringer crafting will be told, and how the Silver Hand would fracture. This story will cover the points in history, from the Slaying of King Terenas Menethil, up until the splitting of the Silver Hand.

After the death of King Terenas Menethil, and the destruction of Capital City, Arthas would begin his campaign of extermination across Lordaeron. He began with recovering the body of Kel’thuzad, which was being guarded by the Knight Gavinrad the Dire. It is said that Gavinrad, embodiment of Compassion, pleased with Arthas to turn from his path. A fight ensued, and though Gavinrad fought fiercely, he was overcome and slain. Next, Arthas turned to take a magical urn, that was currently holding the ashes of his father. Holding the Urn, was Uther the Lightbringer, his former master, brother, and friend.

Near Andorhal, where the Arthas so long before had first battled against the Scourge, they fought. Warhammer against Runeblade. Light against Dark. Not since Blackrock Mountain had the stakes of a duel been so high, nor the skills displayed been so titanic. Uther was said to gain an initial advantage, even managing to disarm the Death Knight. When Uther raised his warhammer, intending the strike the killing blow, Frostmourne returned to the Death Knight’s hands. Arthas became imbued with the dark powers of the Lich King, and the battle turned. Uther fell to his knees, covered in wounds and his own blood. With a final savage strike, Uther the Lightbringer, Grand Master of the Order of the Silver Hand, would fall. Slain at the hands of the pupil whom he loved dearly.

Many of the other senior Knights of the Silver Hand would also be slain that day, bringing the Order to the absolute brink of destruction. Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan, now the only remaining of the original five Knights still in service, rallied what he could to himself, and began to take increasingly desperate actions to ensure the survival of Lordaeron. Arthas would seemingly become distracted, pursuing other matters. This will be the last time he is mentioned in the story, until we reach the War in Northrend.

Not all hope, however, was lost. Before the scourge truly began it’s assault of Lordaeron, the Highlord Alexandros Mograine, began to pursue an idea. He presented a crystal, taken from an Orc Warlock at the Battle of Blackrock Spire, to others Knights in Southshore. Appalled by the creation, his peers attempted to destroy the crystal with the Holy Light. Yet to their surprise, it simply absorbed it. With the efforts of all knights and priests present pouring their power into the crystal, it changed. Instead, becoming an artifact of Light, healing an old wound Alexandros had received long ago. Saidan Dathrohan then ordered him to take the crystal to Ironforge, where the King Magni Bronzebeard would be asked to help create a weapon like no other. The King agreed, and so labored on the blade. Legends say that when a dwarf forges, he pours his emotions into his work. The King had only just received word that his brother, Muradin, had been killed in Northrend due to the actions of Arthas. And so as he labored, he poured his rage, his anger, his love, his wish for vengeance, into the steel. When the King finally emerged, he held a weapon like no other. A weapon that would be named, Ashbringer.

Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan, together with Alexandros Mograine, would lead the beleaguered forces of the Silver Hand against the Scourge. But there were so few of them left, relegated to the town of Hearthglen merely to survive. Not nearly enough to take back Lordaeron. The cracks had begun to show in the Order, the more xenophobic elements gaining more and more traction. The Scarlet Monastery was rediscovered, to be used as a base of operations against the growing presence of the Forsaken. As well, the Order managed to form an Alliance with the people of Tyr’s Hand, forming a union of mutual assurance.

This last moment will be more speculation than anything, as the history for this time is fuzzy. What can be said is that before the splitting of the Silver Hand, Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan was killed and replaced by the dreadlord Balnazzar. When exactly this occured is unknown. There is also some historical confusion on when exactly the Order split, and the Scarlet Crusade formed. Some claim that Alexandros Mograine was one of the founding members. Others claim that upon his death, the Order split apart. As well, how he was killed. Claims from Alexandros’s close friend, Fairbanks, suggest that he was killed by his own son Renault Mograine. The claims are many, and the truth might be lost forever. What can be said for sure, is that Alexandros Mograine was killed before the gates of Stratholme, and the Order of the Silver Hand was split. The majority joining the Lord Commander in the Scarlet Crusade, of which Renault Mograine became a ranking member. The rest left with Lord Maxwell Tyrosus, to form the Argent Dawn.

The Silver Hand had fractured.

=Age of Division=

''This section will detail the time right after the splitting order the order, meant to fill in the gaps between then, and the more modern history. This section will include events such as the First Siege of Light’s Hope Chapel, a section of the adventures of Darion Mograine, and the formation of the Blood Knights. It will cover the time period from the Fracturing of the Order, to just before the Second Battle of Light’s Hope Chapel.''

The Scarlet Crusade would take up positions in Hearthglen, Tyr’s Hand, Scarlet Monastery, and the Military Quarter of Stratholme. Meanwhile, the Argent Dawn would be based mostly out of Light’s Hope Chapel, with smaller forces present at the Chillwind Camp and the Bulwark. Not all Paladins chose to join these organizations, most notably the Paladins of Stormwind, instead choosing to become part of the Church present there. They were led by Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker. As well, a group of Dwarf Paladins, under Valgar Highforge, stayed within the confines of Ironforge. Neither seemed interested in becoming involved, preferring instead to work within Stormwind to train a new generation of Paladins. Many of these Knights would join the military, rising in ranks there with their skills in combat. Finally, there was Tirion Fordring, the last original Knight of the Silver Hand. He remained in exile, seemingly lost in his own misery.

This time would be made up of many minor actions. With Arthas eventually becoming the Lich King in Northrend, Kel’thuzad was placed in command of the Scourge in Lordaeron. He commanded them from the massive necropolis Naxxramas. While both factions sought the end of the Scourge, their means to do so differed greatly. The Argent Dawn was a smaller, yet more broadly supported organization. They accepted those of any race who wishes to join and battle the Scourge, having embassies in Stormwind and Orgrimmar, as well as forces within Forsaken land. The Scarlet Crusade, however, was much more xenophobic. While there is some suggestion that at the inception of it’s creation they accepted dwarves and elves, it quickly became clear that the Order was a human one, accepting no other races except in the most extreme of circumstances. While not outright hostile to other humans or to the Argent Dawn, they were not friends.

Early into their inceptions, both orders would be graced with sons of the legendary Alexandros Mograine. The Scarlet Crusade had Renault Mograine, named Commander of the Crusade, and given overall command of crusader forces within the Scarlet Monastery. Darion Mograine, would join the Argent Dawn, his rank never specified. Darion would take part in a small infiltration of the floating necropolis Naxxramas, being the only one to escape with his life. However, he was able to retrieve the now corrupted Ashbringer, and supposedly bringing the soul of his father, Alexandros Mograine, to rest when he destroyed his undead body. Darion took the blade to the Scarlet Monastery, to speak with his brother. Some onlookers state that in the confrontation, that the soul of Alexandros Mograine himself appeared, taking up the Ashbringer, and decapitating Renault. This seems to conflict with later reports to Renault was killed by adventurers in their attack on the Monastery, however with the large number of priests within the Crusade, it might be possible that there were many resurrections, and both are true. What is know, is that after this confrontation, Darion left the Monastery to seek out help.

In his search, he came across the controversial yet no less legendary figure of Tirion Fordring. The conversation they had is known only to them, yet when Darion left, it must have stirred Tirion’s spirit in some way. Darion made his way to Light’s Hope Chapel, about to be sieged by an army of the undead led by Kel’thuzad. He discovered the reason that the Chapel was defended so vigorously by the Argents. It contained the bodies of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Lordaeron’s greatest warriors. Warriors that the scourge hoped to raise for their army. The morning after Darion’s arrival, the Scourge attacked. The First Battle of Light’s Hope Chapel had begun. The fighting was brutal, as all fighting against the scourge is. In the midst of this, Tirion Fordring joined the fray. Darion Mograine, with Ashbringer in hand, strode through the battlefield, cutting his way to the lich Kel’thuzad. Onlookers state to have seen the young man falter. Then, in an act of great sacrifice, Darion plunged the Ashbringer into his own chest. The souls of a thousand vengeful Knights erupted around Darion, purging away the army of Scourge. The battle had been won, but at a great cost. From what we learned later of Darion’s fate, it is likely that this is where his body was collected by Kel’thuzad, turned into a powerful agent of the Scourge.

This would be the last of the great actions occurring in the north, and involving any Knights of the Silver Hand for some time. Tirion Fordring would forge ties with the Argent Dawn, more specifically Lord Maxwell Tyrosus. The Dreadlord Balnazzar would create the now dreaded Headless Horseman from the corpse of Sir Thomas. The Scarlet Crusade would launch a failed invasion of Northrend, losing all ships and hands. Adventurers in general would have a part to play. One assisted Tirion Fordring in an attempt to pull his son away from the grip of the Scarlet Crusade. They managed to almost get away, before Taelan was cut down by an Inquisitor of the Crusade. The adventurer was later known to have said that the Knight was filled with such grief, and yet such purpose from the event. To reform the Silver Hand. Though this goal would not be fulfilled for some time.

As well, groups of adventurers cut their way through Scarlet Crusade holdings. The Monastery, killing many high ranking members such as High Inquisitor Sally Whitemane. Though many would be resurrected, the blow still set the Crusade back. As well, another group braved the city of Stratholme. They cut their way past the elite scarlet defenders there all the way to the throne room of Saidan Dathrohan, who revealed himself to be the dreadlord Balnazzar. He was killed in the engagement, though as it is well known, demons cannot truly be killed through normal means. It would seem, as well, that for a short while after the death of Balnazzar, that the Scarlet Crusade normalized a bit, going so far as to work with the Argent Dawn on the Assault on Naxxramas. However, this cooperation would end as soon as the necropolis was taken out of commision, the Scarlets returning to their holdings.

The time of the Burning Crusade would not bring much change to the Silver Hand, and the successor orders that were birthed from it. The only relevant event was the creation of the Blood Knight Order. This was a group of Sin’dorei Knights, who’s light abilities were drained forcefully from the Naaru, M'uru. The group was lead by former knights and priests, having become disillusioned with the Light. In their attempts to prove their supremacy, they would successfully defile the holy site of Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme. It was only after the Sunwell was purified, that these Blood Knights became more traditional paladins, no longer taking the Light forcefully. As well, during the time of the Burning Crusade the Draenei people would officially join the Alliance, their skills in the Light being an added boon though their beliefs were very different from the traditional Azeroth paladin.

=Dawn of the Crusade=

''This section will detail the formation of the Argent Crusade, and its actions in Northrend against the Lich King. It will include such events as the Second Battle of Light’s Hope Chapel, the Siege of Icecrown, and the Fall of the Lich King. It will cover the time from the Second Battle of Light’s Hope Chapel, to the Fall of the Lich King.''

In the days following the cleansing of the Sunwell, the Scourge once more began to raise its ugly head. The Lich King Arthas Menethil arose from his frozen throne in Icecrown, once more attempting to spread his influence across all the mortal races of Azeroth. One of his first hammer blows was against the Scarlet Crusade, the Necropolis Acherus deployed against them at Tyr’s Hand, and the surrounding villages. The Scourge forces made quick work of the crusaders present at the Scarlet Enclave, as well as the reinforcements sent by Hearthglen. The most fanatical of the Scarlets would flee north, rebranding themselves as the Crimson Onslaught. They set sail for Northrend, setting up the bases of New Hearthglen in Dragonblight, and Onslaught Harbor in Icecrown. Those left behind were slaughtered, Avalon and New Havenshire nothing more than smoldering ruins. Though before a final blow was laid at Tyr’s Hand, the gaze of the Lich King shifted.

Light’s Hope Chapel had always been a primary target for the scourge. The bodies buried below it were some of the strongest warriors Lordaeron had ever fielded. However, the forces of the Argent Dawn had always held firm against any aggression. Until now. Even with their full might mustered, the Dawn could hardly field three hundred men and women, Lord Maxwell Tyrosus relying upon the Light to carry the battle. The Lich King ordered the former paladin Darion Mograine to assault this chapel, a place he had once given his life to defend. An unprecedented force of nearly ten thousand undead gathered for the assault. It was said that when the fighting began, the blood of the fallen rained from the skies. Battle was joined, and it seemed as if the Scourge would carry the day. However, the Corrupted Ashbringer that Darion carried seemed to have a will of its own. At just the right time, Tirion Fordring entered the field, and using the power of the holy ground, the majority of the Scourge forces were slain or driven off. Only Darion and a handful of Death Knights remained.

The reason for the Ashbringers unwillingness to slaughter soon became apparent, as the soul of Alexandros Mograine would present itself. This seems to lend credence to the death of Renault Mograine by it. It was only now that the Lich King’s true plans became apparent. Arthas appeared, stealing the soul of the former Highlord. His plan had been to draw Tirion Fordring out of hiding, and to slay him at long last. A short battle ensued, and Darion would throw the Ashbringer to Tirion. With the blade in hand Tirion managed to drive the Lich King back. Surprised by this turn of events, Arthas would flee back to Northrend.

In the moment after victory, Tirion saw an opportunity to fulfill the promise made after his son’s death. He called for a union, the forces of the Argent Crusade and the Silver Hand would join together into a new order whose sole purpose was to rid the world of the Lich King and the scourge. Named the Argent Crusade, it would strike at Northrend, accepting anyone of any race and creed so long as they wished to end the threat of the Scourge forever. The Argent Dawn seemed thrilled, joining the new order under the Ashbringer. Maxwell Tyrosus is assumed to have joined as well, though he was not seen in Northrend. No doubt he was coordinating the efforts on the homefront of Lordaeron, to ensure there was one to return back to. The Paladins of Stormwind and Ironforge, however, were hesitant. Some Paladins would flock to the banner of the Argent Crusade. However, a great deal would choose instead to remain within the Alliance, most notably Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker, leader of the Stormwind Paladins. Despite this, the Crusade would swell in numbers, as the Lich King’s renewed attacks caused many to flock to the banner. They were eager to strike back against this old and hated foe.

The War in Northrend was a long, and brutal slog through freezing tundras and inhospitable forests. While the Crusade would send a small detachment to deal with the Trolls of Zul’drak, the majority of the Crusade would establish itself within Icecrown. There they would set up several bases, starting first with the Argent Vanguard. From there they would establish several smaller bases around the region, with the majority of Crusade forces eventually settling at the Argent Tournament Grounds. There, the Crusade would host a competition, a trial to see who was worthy of assaulting the walls of Icecrown Citadel. As for the Scarlet Onslaught forces within Northrend, they would be quickly be quashed by the Horde and Alliance, Brigitte Abbendis being killed and Admiral Barean Westwind being revealed as the dreadlord Mal’ganis. The majority of Onslaught forces would be killed, those remaining relegated to the area of New Hearthglen, where they would remain long after the conflict in Northrend had ended.

Finally, the time had come. Tirion Fordring, with the assistance of Darion Mograine, The Ashen Verdict, and champions from the Alliance and Horde, broke down the gates of Icecrown and began their assault. Within, they faced countless dangers, monstrosities, dark magics, and all manner of the Lich King’s undead servants. Despite this, they managed to pierce the defenses. Tirion and a handful of champions made their way to the frozen throne, at the very top of Icecrown Citadel. Battle is joined between them and Arthas and as expected, the Lich King held nothing back. The Champions were forced to fight without the assistance of Tirion, who was trapped in a block of ice. They fought bravely for a noble cause, but one by one they were cut down until none remain. In what seemed to be the Lich King's final moment of victory, Tirion Fordring called upon the Light for one final blessing. A blessing he received. Tirion broke free from the ice, and with one slash from The Ashbringer, he shattered the runeblade Frostmourne. With their souls released, the Champions rose once more, throwing every ounce of strength they had left into the now defenseless Lich King. It became too much, and finally, Arthas Menethil fell.

What followed next was a mystery for some time, kept the closest secret the of a select few present. When Arthas fell, a dark forewarning was given by the soul of Terenas Menethil. That there must always be a Lich King. In a moment of surety, Tirion picked up the Helm of Domination, believing himself to be the only who could possibly contain such a threat as the Scourge. Yet there was a call from the throne, where the charred body of Bolvar Fordragon sat. Bolvar offered to take the place of the Lich King, and after a moment of doubt, Tirion placed the crown onto Bolvar’s head. Only those present knew the truth, and were all sworn to the utmost secrecy. This only became available as the events of the Third Legion Invasion played out. Nonetheless, the Argent Crusade had succeeded where the Argent Dawn, Scarlet Crusade, and even the Order of the Silver Hand had failed.

At long last, the Lich King was dead.

=Stagnation=

''This section details the actions of Paladins in the time period of the Cataclysm, the War in Pandaria, and the Expedition into Alternate Draenor. It serves mostly to detail the status of the Scarlet Crusade and Argent Crusade in the time period before the Third Legion Invasion. As well, there will be small notes on the creation of the Sunwalkers, and the actions of the Blood Knights. This section will cover the history from the Fall of the Lich King, up until the beginning of the Third Legion Invasion of Azeroth.''

The Lich King’s destruction was hailed far as wide as one of the greatest victories in recent history. All throughout the lands celebrations were had, with the Argent Crusade hailed as heroes of Azeroth. And yet, despite such high praise and their role within the campaign, it was their rise to such heights that lead to a great deal of doubt for the future. To defeat the Scourge, The Argent Crusade had grown to a massive scale, now acting as a almost third faction in the world. It contained members from Alliance and Horde both, making it unable to truly integrate with one side. And it could not simply be disbanded, not after all the good it had done. Their ultimate goal and purpose had been fulfilled and now, they were directionless.

Tirion Fordring would seek to sate this need for purpose with a smaller, yet more long term goal. The restoration of Lordaeron. To not just scour the land of undead, but to restore the life that had one been so prevalent in the region. For this purpose, he would seek the aid of the Cenarion Circle and together, the two groups would begin the long process of healing the land. In the meantime, The Argents needed a new base of operations. Tirion Fordring himself lead the assault on Hearthglen, clearing it of Scarlet forces. The Argent Crusade added the former Argent Dawn territories to it’s lands. Light’s Hope Chapel, which was fortified, and Chillwind Point would both be manned by Argent Forces. As well, a series of watchtowers were constructed within the Eastern Plaguelands, serving as safe havens along the dangerous paths.

As the power of the Argent Crusade continued to grow, the Scarlet Crusade’s waned. The Dreadlord Balnazzar would return, slaughtering all the scarlet forces within Stratholme and Tyr’s Hand. He raised them as new undead servants loyal to him. As stated earlier, the Scarlets also lost control of Hearthglen to the Argents, their territory being relegated to Tirisfal Glades. Tyr’s Hand would eventually be taken by Argent forces, and a strike team would infiltrate Stratholme, slaying Balnazzar and all the risen Scarlets inside. Though the Argent Crusade would never be able to fully retake the city, it was able to destroy many of the remaining scourge lieutenants that had remained within it. The Scarlet Crusade remained within Scarlet Monastery, and the Scarlet Palisade, licking its wounds and biding its time.

And then...nothing. The Argent Crusade would not take part in much else for the next few years. The Battle for Andorhal took place close to their territory, where the Forsaken unleashed plague upon Alliance soldiers and settlers, but the Crusade refused to intervene. This decision was controversial, but was made to preserve the Argent Crusade by not forcing its members to choose between ties to their original factions and the Crusade itself. This inaction would bring them much criticism, the Paladins of the Alliance nearly disavowing the Argent Crusade as a whole, saying they were not the successor to the Order of the SIlver Hand. The Argent Crusade would supposedly be keeping their eyes on the growing power of the Forsaken, but their main attention seemed to be focused on restoring the plaguelands to their former glory.

It was during the time of the Cataclysm that a new order of Paladins would arise within the ranks of the Horde. The Tauren people would develop a new form of fighting using the power of their sun god, An’she. They would be called Sunwalkers, their leader the Chieftain Aponi Brightmane. The Sunwalkers would participate in a few actions during the Cataclysm in conjunction with the Horde, as well as being present in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms and the Siege of Orgrimmar. The Blood Knights would seem to serve the interests of the Horde, and of Quel’thalas in the years before the Third Legion Invasion, taking part in minor actions on the Thunder Isles and the Siege of Orgrimmar. As well the Blood Knights, under Lady Liadrin, would take part in several actions in the alternate universe draenor working with the Dranei of the region of Talador.

The Scarlet Crusade seemed to be on its last legs. Sally Whitemane was the only member of its original leadership that remained. The forces of the crusade were crippled from constant action throughout the years taken against them. Members of the Alliance and Horde would assault the monastery once more, slaughtering most of the remaining Scarlets, and ensuring that the body of Sally Whitemane could not be raised once more. Those Scarlets who remained went into hiding, the only cluster known to still be active were the Scarlet Onslaught fanatics that remained in New Hearthglen. The Scarlet Crusade would never be defeated truly, but it’s days of glory had long passed.

=Third Legion Invasion of Azeroth=

''This section details the period of the Third Legion Invasion of Azeroth, focusing heavily upon the formation of the new Order of the Silver Hand, and the actions committed by this reincarnation. The events detailed will include the first failed assault upon the Broken Shore by the Argent Crusade, the many organizations that pledged themselves to the order, and the rediscovery of the original Knight Turalyon.This section will cover the time from the initial legion invasion, up just past the events involving the Attack on Netherlight Temple.''

The sky above the Broken Shore cracked open, green fel fire raining down onto the rock beneath it. A massive portal had opened above the Tomb of Sargeras, from which spewed a numberless demon host ready to sweep across Azeroth once more. Word spread quickly throughout the world, and once more the engines of war began to grind to life. There was almost a tinge of excitement in the air with such a clear enemy presenting itself once more. The Legion was a threat the world could agree needed to be stopped, the invasion even seeming to bring out a need of cooperation between Horde and Alliance. Several smaller scale Legion invasions had been pushed back with relative ease, boosting the confidence of the world’s defenders. The Argent Crusade would hear the call, Tirion Fordring himself amassing a fleet. He intended for the Crusade to be the first upon the shores, to arrive before Alliance or Horde. Whatever his reasoning, the old Highlord had picked the best and brightest to accompany him. Champions of the Light who were steeled in their faith. It would not be enough.

The Assault on the Broken Shore was a catastrophe. Crusader forces who managed to make it to the beach were cut down in their dozens, completely and utterly unprepared for the onslaught of the Legion. Tirion Fordring managed to stride forward, but all who followed him were either killed or captured. For the moment at least his fate was unknown. Even the Alliance and Horde were initially repulsed, only managing to break through the beaches when their second wave of troops arrived. They carved their way across blackened ground, through wave after wave of demonic enemies. They managed to free some of the captured Argents along the way. Both Alliance and Horde would reunite just in time to see the Warlock Gul’dan torturing the Highlord above a pool of bubbling Fel Lava. After a brief exchange of words a massive demon by the name of Krosus would rise and strike at Tirion. The Highlord was plunged into the Fel Fire. Though he had fallen, the heroes of the Alliance and Horde would continue their fight towards the Tomb.

The battle would end in retreat for the Alliance and Horde, with the Alliance believing the Horde had betrayed them. Varian would be killed before the tomb, while Vol’jin, Warchief of the Horde, would later die of his wounds in Orgrimmar. However this would not be the end. The Kirin Tor and Archmage Khadgar would relocate Dalaran to the Broken Isles, ready to take the fight to the Legion. It is here that the now legendary Highlord would be contacted by Maxwell Tyrosus. There was news, that Tirion Fordring had not been killed on the Broken Shore as was believed. Instead he had survived and been captured by the Legion. The Highlord, Maxwell, and several Argent Crusaders quickly made their way to a small alcove of the Shore to rescue Tirion. They would find him after suffering many casualties. But Tirion Fordring was beyond saving. In his final moments, he pleaded with the Highlord to take up the Ashbringer, and to stop the legion. And then finally, after everything he had suffered, the Light within Highlord Tirion Fordring would fade. He would die there, on the Broken Shore. Maxwell Tyrosus would gather his body, taking it to Light’s Hope Chapel. It was there in the Sanctum of the Light beneath the chapel,that Maxwell Tyrosus would call for a union once more. The Highlord would be their leader, and together all Paladins of Azeroth would band together under the banner of the Order of the Silver Hand.

Nearly ever Paladin not directly associated with the military of their own faction would take up a place within the Order. The Argent Crusade would become the backbone, and contributed the most troops under Maxwell Tyrosus. They would be joined by many others groups. The Hand of Argus, led by Vindicator Boros. The Blood Knights, lead by Lady Liadrin. And the Sunwalkers, beginning to convert over to Light practices, lead by Aponi Brightmane. Even the members of the older Silver Hand would finally make cause with the new, joining under Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker. The Order of the Silver Hand was reborn, new and more diverse than ever. And whatever the cost they were dedicated to wiping out the Burning Legion.

For some time the Order prepared, organizing the Knights who did join them and training the newer recruits who were eager to learn the ways of the Paladin. As this was taking place, those Champions who had pledged themselves to the Highlord would begin small operations staving off the Legion while the Highlord themself would see to gathering allies across the Broken Isles. They also assisted in the collection of ancient Titan artifacts to seal the portal above the Tomb of Sargeras. It was on one of these operations the smaller operations Maxwell Tyrosus would see something fall from the portal. He assumed that this was simply a piece of debris at first, until he felt a flash of the holy energy within whatever was falling. He brought this news to the Highlord immediately, who set out to confer with Archmage Khadgar. The Highlord would manage to recover the object, a strange thing, though it was clearly not of Legion make. While studying, Archmage Khadgar would uncover a message from someone thought long gong. The Knight, Turalyon. It is revealed that there exists an organization known as the Army of the Light, that Turalyon is a part of. This group had apparently been fighting the Legion for millenia, though that war is quickly coming to an end. Turalyon begs whoever hears the message to bring the device to the Prophet, whom he says is the Key.

These words are acted upon immediately. Reports differ on who exactly would deliver Light’s Heart, the name of the artifact, to the Exodar. Though it is likely that it was the Highlord. There it would be discovered that the Exodar was under siege by Legion forces. The city would be retaken, through the Naaru that laid within the core would be killed. This was the only way to unlock the true purpose of Light’s Heart. As a result, the heart was taken to the Sanctum of Light. During a War Council, the young Arator, son of Alleria and Turalyon, would approach the vessel. Light’s Heart could sense his presence, projecting Turalyon once more with an urgent message. The Dreadlord Balnazzar had been dispatched to Azeroth. He must be hunted down, and destroyed to ensure the Legion’s defeat. The Order of the Silver Hand had a goal now, one that it would be tireless in its efforts to complete.

This goal would not be completed in a night, requiring many smaller operations. This included a failed attempt to apprehend the dreadlord, though the forces of the Silver Hand did manage to capture a book known as the Codex of Command. With the help of a night elf priestess, Delas Moonfang, the text within was deciphered, so that the plans within might be discovered. Inside the text were maps of Felblaze Ingress, a small portal within Azuna that was seemingly being used for a larger operation. Balnazzar was suspected of being within the planet beyond the portal. An assault team was formed of Aponi Brightmane, Arator, Delas Moonfang, a handful of Knights, and priests from Netherlight temple. However this assault would fail, with Aponi, Arathor, and Delas all being captured by Balnazzar. All three were taken through the portal to be interrogated and likely killed by the Legion. The Highlord would be required to travel to this demonic world to save the captures Paladins and Priests. It was there that more dire news came. The Legion seemed to be gathering for a large offensive, however the target was as of yet unknown. After some investigation on the planet it was discovered that the Legion intended to strike at Netherlight temple, having discovered it’s location within the twisting nether. With the dreadlord Balnazzar at the Legion Army’s head. The Highlord also frees a mysterious stranger, seemingly a being of Light with the shape of a Dreadlord. This figure confirms the Legions plans and promises the aid of allies when the time comes before disappearing.

This information was brought back to the war council and in a unanimous decision, it was decided that the Order of the Silver Hand would assist in the defense of Netherlight Temple. They saw it as both their duty to defend their fellow Light users and as a chance to destroy the Dreadlord Balnazzar. Preparations would need to be made, but something rather historic was to happen first. Delas Moonfang, previously a Priestess of Elune, asked for permission to join the Order of the Silver Hand. The Highlord accepted, and after a brief ceremony, Delas Moonfang became the first known Night Elf to join the Order. Armor, weapons, and manpower were gathered, the Order of the Silver Hand preparing for the defense of Netherlight. Attempting to snag the Dreadlord in a trap, the Paladins wait until the assault upon Netherlight has already begun before moving in themselves. The Legion is taken by surprise, being cut down by the Highlord and the Silver Hand Forces. They would gain the initial advantage, with the Highlord engaging Balnazzar in single combat. However, as the battle dragged on it became clear that the limitless numbers of the Legion were too much for even the combined forces of Netherlight and the Silver Hand to handle. Just as the situation began to grow bleak, the mysterious stranger would arrive with his promised aid. Revealed to be Lothraxion, High Commander of the Army of the Light, the stranger teleported in with reinforcements. With their aid the tide was turned once more. Balnazzar and the Legion forces present were defeated. Lothraxion would join the Paladins in the Sanctum of Light, working with them to defend Azeroth. He acted as a liason of sorts from the Army of the Light. For the moment at least, they had won.

A few smaller events occurred within this time, not considered relevant in the greater history, or they did not fit within the overall structure. These things will be included here in no particular order. Hearthglen was attacked by a small Legion force, being repelled with the help of the Silver Hand. The Scarlet Fanatics in New Hearthglen would be confronted by a priest, who recruited several of their dissenting members, and killed their leadership. In the time to come, many Scarlet Reformers would be seen in Netherlight Temple and within the city of Dalaran. The Scarlet Forces that had managed to survive within the Scarlet Monastery would be attacked, the Death Knights of Acherus slaughtering nearly every remaining member inside and raising the spirit and corpse of Sally Whitemane. The Order of the Tyr's Guard would be discovered, the guardians of Tyr’s Tomb. Shortly after it’s discovery it would be reduced to a single member. However despite these losses, the Silver Hand, famous weapon of the Watcher Tyr, would be recovered by the Order of the Silver Hand. As well as this the artifact weapon Truthguard would be recovered by the Order from the resting place of its wielder in Stormheim. Light’s Hope Chapel would be assaulted a third time, by the Knights of Acherus. This assault would take the lives of several Paladins present, nearly resulting in the death of Lady Liadrin. However, in such a holy place, the Light would not allow such sacrilege, bringing those who assaulted the Sanctum to near death. The Death Knights only barely managed to escape. It is unknown why they assaulted the Sanctum, though suspicion suggests they were after the corpse of Tirion Fordring.

=Argus= ''This section will cover the events for the second half of the Legion Invasion of Azeroth, focusing on what happened after the Temple was saved. This section will cover the events of Light’s Heart, the Tomb of Sargeras, the Highlord’s Charger, and the events on Argus. It will begin soon after the Attack on Netherlight Temple, and end with the conclusion to the Siege of Antorus, and slightly beyond.''

The War against the Legion continued rather smoothly, the allies gathered on the Broken Isles preparing for the assault on Suramar City. All of the Titan artifacts had been collected save one, which was residing in the very heart of the Demon occupied city. However before the assault was to begin, Khadgar would present a possible solution to unlock the full potential of Light’s Heart. By using the Tear of Elune, it might be possible to reactivate the vessel, learning of it’s true intention. An unknown hero would do this, gaining communication with a previously undiscovered entity. The Prime Narru, Xe’ra. She would communicate through a vision that Illidan Stormrage would be required to finally drive the Legion from Azeroth. This would mean obtaining the body of Illidain from Gul’dan.

The Siege of Suramar City commenced. Lady Liadrin would be present, accompanied by many of her blood Knights. Though in this instance, she fought beneath the banner of the Horde. While initially taken out of commision by a chronomancy spell, she would eventually be freed and be able to join the main assault. It was during the events of the assault that a massive demonic figure would present itself. Krosos, the demon who had nearly slain Tirion Fordring. The demon would be killed, rumors suggesting that it was the Highlord themselves who struck the final killing blow and avenged the death of Tirion. Regardless, the siege was successful. Gul’dan would be defeated, and Illidan Stormrage would be revived. Now the eyes of Azeroth turned to the Tomb of Sargeras, ready to assault the temple and seal the portal that the Legion streamed through.

The Order of the Silver Hand would participate in the initial landing, working with heros of every class and creed to secure the beachhead. A main camp would be established, from which the Silver Hand would carry out several missions in the area including the consecration of the place where Tirion Fordring was killed. The Highlord would also assist Delas Moonfang with putting her family’s spirits to rest, recruiting the ancient spirit of one of her ancestors as a Champion. As the attack on the tomb intensified, the Highlord was called away from the front by Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker, who had an interesting proposal. In the past Grayson had worked with other Paladins to create a mount of pure Light, a charger that a Paladin might ride into battle. He makes a proposal much the same to the Highlord, but to create a mount of even greater potential.

Shadowbreaker and the Highlord would take a small team to Stratholme, gathering the necessary holy water and barding. They intend to use the former warhorse of Baron Rivendare, Shadowmane. To purify this undead horse for use by the Highlord. It would be within the city that the Highlord would be confronted by a mysterious figure. A necromancer of unknown origin working to continue the efforts of the Scourge within the ruined city. He is easily defeated by the Highlord, Shadowmane claimed for the holy ritual. It would be within the Sanctum of Light that Shadowmane would be bound with the blessing barding and transforming into the Highlord’s Charger. This mount would serve as a constant companion to the Highlord. Though it would seem that Strathome might not be as secure as once believed, for the moment there were more important matters to be dealt with.

The Tomb had been breached, and heroes of the dubbed Legionfall streamed into the old temple. The fighting would be brutal, however it would culminate in the death of Kil'jaeden within the twisting nether above Argus. This act ensured that the demon lord would never return. However just when it seemed Azeroth could breath a sigh of relief, Illidan Stormrage took fate into his own hands. Using an artifact known as the Sargerite Keystone, he would rip a hole in reality between the planets of Argus and Azeroth. With little time to throw blame, the Heroes of Azeroth, Highlord included, would prepare for an expedition to Argus. The forces would travel aboard the now revealed Draenei vessel, The Vindicar. The Highlord, Arator, and Lady Liadrin, would take a small contingent of Silver Hand Knights and Blood Knights on the daring expedition. As well, there were a large number of Draenei Vindicators abroad, though their allegiance seemed to be to the Prophet and their people rather than to the Silver Hand.

Immediately upon arrival the ship of the Army of the Light, The Xenedar, would make itself known to the forces abroad the Vindicar. However shortly after their reveal, the ship would be bombarded and shot down over Krokun. The Vindicar’s forces would disembark, fighting their way to the crashed Xenedar. Along the way, they would be joined by Alleria, and Turalyon, having both survived the crash. There was little time for introduction, as they battled their way to the base of the Xenedar. The Lightofgred Draenei, soldiers of the Army of the Light, had gathered there and establishing a camp of sorts that could be defended. The fight continued until the forces of Azeroth were able to enter the ship itself to collect the body of Xe’ra. They would take it to the Zenedar, reuniting the body with Light’s Heart. Xe’ra was once more made manifest in her physical form. However, this would be short lived. After attempting to force the Light unto Illidan Stormrage to complete his destiny, the Demon Hunter would destroy the Prime Narru. In his rage Turalyon attempted to strike down Illidan, but was eventually comforted and calmed by Prophet Velen. There was a more important fight to finish.

A great deal of reunions were in order. Archmage Khadgar would meet with Turalyon and Alleria once more, sharing memories of old kinship. As well, Alleria and Turalyon would be reunited with their son Arator. Their conversation would be brief, but no less impactful on the young half elf’s mind. The time for pleasantries, sadly, was short. There was much work to be done. The Vindicar did not have sufficient strength to breach Antorus, that main fortress of the Legion on the world. They would require the Crown of the Triumvirate, a piece of which they already had in Velen’s staff, to power the Vindicar to full strength. In the meantime, operations would be commenced by Turalyon and the Army of the Light across Argus. Assaults on Nath’Raxas hold, as well as operations on Mac’aree, proved the proficiency with which the Army of the Light dispatched legion foes. He assisted the prophet in recovering the second piece of the Crown, leaving the recovery of the third to his wife Alleria. In the attempt, she would fully embrace the void, having absorbed the power of a fallen Naaru present on Mac’aree. While costly, all three pieces of the Crown would be placed on the Vindicar, bringing it to full power. The walls of Antorus would be breached, and the Siege could begin in earnest.

The Army of the Light would take part in the brunt of the fighting, being used to hold off the endless waves of demonic creatures while the Heroes of Azeroth made their way through the Fortress. The Highlord was said to be amongst the main assault team, turning demons to ash in their dozens. Many losses were inflicted upon the Lightforged, the eventual victory coming at a steep cost. And yet, with the great sacrifice of so many across countless generations, a final victory was had. Sargeras, greatest enemy to life in the galaxy, would be imprisoned within the Seat of the Pantheon by his fellow Titans. Illidan Stormrage would stay behind, acting as a jailor to the fallen Titan. For the moment at least, a great victory had been won. Turalyon would offer the services of himself, and the Lightforged, to the Alliance, officially joining the faction once more.

=The End=

The Story of Azeroth, and the Silver Hand, is one that constantly changes, and updates. New information about the past is discovered, and actions taken by Knights every day shapes the future of the Order. Presently, the Paladins of the Silver Hand have fractured once again, many rejoining the Alliance to fight beside Turalyon in Stromgarde. Details on this however, are not yet established.