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| − | '''Power leveling''' is the term used to describe the process of leveling a character as rapidly as possible with the least amount of play time. It can be used from any level up to the maximum level in the game which is currently 80. Contrary to what many believe, efficient power leveling does not require endless hours of grinding. The best methods of power leveling involve doing many [[quests]] in an orderly fashion. |
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| + | | image = Epic paladin.jpg |
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| + | | name = Knights of the Silver Hand |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | | leader = [[Uther the Lightbringer]] (formerly, deceased); [[Tirion Fordring]] (currently) |
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| + | | leaders = [[Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker]] |
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| + | | capital = [[Stratholme]] (destroyed) |
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| + | | capitals = [[Stormwind City]], [[Ironforge]] |
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| + | | language = [[Common]] |
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| + | | affiliation = [[Church of the Holy Light]], [[Scarlet Crusade]], [[Argent Dawn]], [[Argent Crusade]], [[Ashen Verdict]], [[Brotherhood of the Light]], [[Circle of Holy Light]], [[Defenders of Justice]], [[Crippling Force]], [[Champions of Peace]], [[Champions of Light]], [[Champions of Truth]] |
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| + | | slang = Dwarven members speak their [[Dwarvish|native tongue]] |
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| + | | races = [[Human]], [[Dwarf]], [[High elf]], [[Half-elf]] |
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| + | | theater = [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]] |
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| + | | status = Tirion's order has been Merged to become the [[Argent Crusade]] while the Stormwind order remains with the Alliance |
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| + | | alignment = [[Lawful good]] |
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| + | }} |
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| + | '''Knights of the Silver Hand''' (a.k.a. '''Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand''', '''Order of the Silver Hand''', or simply the '''Silver Hand''') was the order of [[paladin (lore)|paladin]]s created after the [[First War]] by [[Uther the Lightbringer]] and Archbishop [[Alonsus Faol]]. Years after its decimation by the corrupted [[Arthas Menethil|Prince Arthas]] during the [[Third War]], the order in Lordaeron was then reformed by [[Tirion Fordring]], who later merged it with the [[Argent Dawn]] to form the [[Argent Crusade]] in order to take the fight against the [[Lich King]] to [[Northrend]]. |
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| − | The goal of these guides is to help you level a character, whether your first on the server or not, to the level of your choice as quickly and efficiently as possible. At the same the quests will be ordered in such fashion to ensure you gain [[reputation]] with each of the 3 major factions on either the [[Alliance]] or [[Horde]] side. |
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| + | However, the Knights of the Silver Hand present in Stormwind and the Southern Kingdoms were not affected by the ravages of the Scourge, and thus remain active members of the Alliance. All Human and Dwarf paladin player characters join the Silver Hand upon completion of their class introduction quest. |
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| − | Common methods of power leveling include doing only those quests which are most efficient in terms of experience over time, and analyzing the quests in a given zone so as to do them in the most efficient order possible. Remember, the idea of power leveling is speed and efficiency--you may wish to obtain an addon that will show you how much experience per hour you are gaining to test your techniques. Additionally, ensure your character's talent build is crafted for maximum endurance. You want as little downtime (walking, drinking, eating, crafting, typing, etc.) as possible. |
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| + | ==History== |
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| − | With regard to [[profession]]s, an example would be for a [[tailoring|tailor]] to [[farming|farm]] or purchase large quantities of [[cloth]], then identify and repeat the cheapest tailoring recipes so as to maximize skill point gain compared to cost. |
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| + | ===Foundation and the Second War=== |
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| + | [[File:AlonsusCoT.jpg|thumb|left|Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme before Third War]] |
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| + | The former order led by Archbishop [[Alonsus Faol]], the [[Clerics of Northshire|Holy Order of Northshire Clerics]], was devastated during the [[First War]]. When Faol refounded the order in [[Lordaeron]], he recruited noble knights and former clerics to train in the ways of war and the Light. Even a few members of the priesthood decided to take up the more physical and steadfast path. In [[Alonsus Chapel]] in [[Stratholme]], [[Uther the Lightbringer]] was appointed the first of the paladins, followed by [[Saidan Dathrohan]], [[Tirion Fordring]], [[Turalyon]], candidates recommended by Alonsus Faol himself,<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', 84</ref> and [[Gavinrad the Dire]], a candidate proposed by [[Anduin Lothar|Lord Anduin Lothar]].<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', 86</ref> The Silver Hand was thus born. |
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| + | The paladins were instrumental in winning the war,<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 152</ref> and the sight of them wielding their mighty warhammers and holy powers gave others inspiration on the battlefield and the home front.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', 129-130</ref> Uther and his paladins were truly a sight to behold. Even some of the Alliance's greatest knights and warriors were in awe when they saw them smashing orcs down while healing fallen allies at the same time.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]''</ref> Uther is the first paladin known to have manifested his powers on the battlefield.<ref>''[[Tides of Darkness]]'', 127</ref>[[File:Old Strat SB.jpg|thumb|right|The Silver Hand bastion in Stratholme.]] |
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| − | [[Twink]]ing is distinct from power leveling. A twink is usually intended to remain at its current level for an extended period of time, thus providing some justification for the large investment into its gear. A character being power leveled is often equipped with inexpensive gear, since the [[player]] will be planning on outleveling it quickly. |
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| + | ===Destruction of the original Order=== |
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| − | Also note that power leveling is sometimes used to refer to paying someone else to level your character to 80 as fast as possible (i.e. they power level for you); a distinction used by Blizzard is to refer to the paid leveling as "power leveling '''service'''." '''This behavior is against Blizzard's [[Terms of Service]].''' Power leveling yourself, which this article covers, is perfectly acceptable. |
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| + | [[File:Alonsuschapel-burning.jpg|thumb|left|Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme.]] |
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| + | The introduction of the [[Plague]] nearly marked the end of the Order of the Silver Hand. The Knights of the Silver Hand<ref name="ReferenceA">''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 77</ref> entered a dark period when one of their own, [[Prince Arthas]], turned his back on the order in his dark pursuit of vengeance.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 84</ref> When Uther refused to follow Arthas' order of killing the infected population of [[Stratholme]] before they could die and be reborn as undead, Arthas disbanded the Order (though most paladins chose to ignore this). Arthas later fully embraced the evil he had been hunting and became a [[death knight]] in the service of the [[Lich King]]. Returning to Lordaeron, Arthas killed [[Uther Lightbringer]] and decimated the Order.<ref>''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'', "[[The Scourge of Lordaeron]]" campaign, chapter 6: "[[The Culling]]"</ref> |
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| + | However, the remaining paladins continued to fight against the [[Scourge]]. Under the lead of Lord Commander [[Saidan Dathrohan]] and Highlord [[Alexandros Mograine]], who wielded the [[Ashbringer]], the paladins fought the undead through the [[Plaguelands]]. From their base at [[Hearthglen]], they were able to gain some victories, but they weren't able to achieve their goal: the complete destruction of the Scourge. |
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| − | == Assumption == |
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| − | * This is not your first [[character]]. Usually people learn the basics on their first character by trial and error and stumbling around. |
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| − | * Since it's not your first character, you understand the basic elements of the game (like [[class]], [[talents]], [[tradeskills]], etc). |
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| − | == |
+ | ===After the Third War=== |
| + | [[File:The Scarlet Bastion.jpg|thumb|right|Former The Silver Hand bastion now The Scarlet Bastion in Stratholme.]] |
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| − | * Learn how to use Keyboard Shortcuts. Clicking on toolbars is great for newbies to learn, but the fractions of seconds you save while using keyboard shortcuts will help you level much faster |
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| + | Even after the triumph at [[Battle of Mount Hyjal|Mount Hyjal]], the paladins remembered Arthas's betrayal,<ref name="WOWRPG 170">''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 170</ref> and just how close their order and all of Azeroth had come to complete destruction.<ref name="WRPG 125">''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 125</ref> Many paladins felt responsibility for Arthas, because the Holy Light teaches that every person can strengthen other people. Since they were unable to strengthen Arthas, the entire world suffered. After such an enormous breach of trust, the paladins resolved anew to eliminate all traces of corruption in their ranks.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 18</ref> |
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| − | * Learn how to play. Read a lot. For example, if you are a [[warrior]], read the entire warrior wowwiki article. |
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| − | * Most macros and addons usually aren't truly necessary until you start raiding, but some can help |
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| − | * Max out your gear as much as you can afford. You should rarely have a piece of gear that is more than about 10 levels below you. |
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| − | * Use a proven leveling spec that someone else created, or if you are making your own spec, understand that some talents are more pvp oriented (for example, stun resistance is very useful in PVP, not so much in PVE) |
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| − | * Enchantments aren't necessary since you'll be upgrading your gear constantly. That said cheap enchants that help with your damage are always welcome. |
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| − | * Usually it's best to avoid a lot of instance runs. It is too difficult to account for bad groups, and some instances are too far away with too few quests. Since the experience is very good, it's a good idea to clear nearby instances which have a lot of quests once (Gnomeregan, Deadmines for Alliance). Distant instances with few quests should be avoided (Deadmines for Horde). Low level instances can be cleared by paying or befriending a single high level character. However, since patch 3.3 a new Dungeon group finding system has been implemented, as well as a direct port to dungeons (when entering the group you get ported to the dungeon and back to the same location if you leave it) and thus the travel time to dungeons has been greatly reduced. |
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| − | * Specing healing or prot is fine if you are leveling with instances, but that is not considered power leveling. Usually spec for max DPS. One exception is Prot Pally which can slowly grind multiple mobs and level efficiently. |
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| − | * Some classes can efficiently burn two or more mobs simultaneously (like warlocks and Priests with fear and DOTs, or prot Pally's) |
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| − | * Always end your session in a [[capital]] city or [[inn]], so that you remain [[rested]]. |
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| − | * If you are a non-healing class, have a good supply of [[:Category:Bandages|bandages]] through [[First Aid]] since bandaging is much faster (and more expensive) than eating. |
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| − | * New food and water types are available at levels 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75. |
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| − | * New ammo types are available at levels 10, 25, 40, 45, 55, 65, and 75 |
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| − | * The first thing you should do when you arrive at an auction house is fill your four vacant bag slots with the largest bags you can afford |
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| − | * Learn how to auto loot (shift + right click) |
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| − | *Always put a temporary buff on your weapon (sharpening stones and weightstones for melee classes; mana oil for hunters; wizard oil for casters). |
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| − | *If you can afford it, always have one guardian and one battle elixir active. This gets really expensive really fast, so it's only for those with deep pockets or alts who can farm them. |
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| − | *If you enjoy PVP, spend a few hours at level 29 in Arathi Basin and get 30 marks to buy a Talisman of Arathor (or Horde equivalent). This trinket will likely endure until you get Outland trinkets. The bubble will save you countless times for the Plan ahead. |
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| − | *Occasionally search the auction house for gear that is about 10 levels beyond you. This is especially true at around level 50, when you should start stockpiling level 57 Outland gear that will be a huge upgrade for you. |
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| − | * Do something productive while flying like organizing your bags, reading about future talents, or organizing your quest log. |
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| − | * Use a guide (free or paid) that will tell you the order to do quests efficiently. |
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| + | While the [[Alliance]] still had the Knights of the Silver Hand, few paladins were left in the order.<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', 8, 187</ref> The remaining knights started hunting Arthas's servants, the undead, with a ruthlessness that frightens some, but they were determined to fix their mistakes.<ref name="WOWRPG 170" /><ref name="WRPG 125" /> The stalwart paladins of the Silver Hand who had traveled to [[Kalimdor]] worked to establish a new church there.<ref name="WRPG 125" /> |
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| − | == Tradeskills == |
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| − | With the goal of obtaining levels as quickly as possible it is recommended that if you decide to pursue tradeskills you choose those which will support the process. |
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| − | * [[Herbalism]] can be used to support Alchemy or add to your gold through sales on the Auction House or to vendors. Lifeblood will prevent you from dying so easily. |
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| − | * [[Mining]] can be used to augment your income by selling the materials on the Auction House or to vendors. Toughness increases your health. |
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| − | * [[Alchemy]] when combined with Herbalism provides many methods of negating damage done by mobs, especially casters like [[Shaman]]s who can be more easily handled if you have Nature Resistance potions available. |
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| − | * [[Skinning]] is a good money maker as throughout your travels you will fight many beasts. It also won't take much time, only 1-5 seconds after every beast. Miners and herbalists have to travel all the way to the nodes. |
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| − | * [[Tailoring]] might be a good choice if you are a caster or you just want access to cheap bags. Otherwise the cloth is better used for [[First Aid]]. |
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| − | * [[Blacksmithing]] is not recommended during the course of these guides as long term development is involved and costly. |
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| − | * [[Leatherworking]] is not recommended during the course of these guides as long term development is involved and costly. |
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| − | * [[Engineering]] is not recommended during the course of these guides as long term development is involved and costly. |
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| − | ** EXCEPTION: If you have Mining and only use Engineering to craft ammunition (for a gun-using hunter) or explosives (dynamite and bombs), then this may be a useful tradeskill. However, it should only be used to assist the leveling process and should not be focused upon as a skill. In other words, only use it for supplying essentials for your leveling (mainly gun ammunition) and not for any other purpose. |
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| − | * [[Enchanting]] is not recommended during the course of these guides as long term development is involved and costly. |
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| − | * [[Jewelcrafting]] is not recommended during the course of these guides as long term development is involved and costly. |
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| − | ** EXCEPTION: If you have Mining and only use Jewelcrafting to craft stone statues (for additional in-combat healing), then this may be a useful tradeskill. However, like [[Engineering]] above, it should not be a leveling focus and should only be used to assist with power leveling. Doing any more than this will become costly and should not be undertaken during the power-leveling process. |
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| − | * [[First Aid]] should be trained no matter what class you are playing. It won't yield much money, but it is inexpensive to train and a great help to reduce downtime. |
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| − | * [[Cooking]] benefits all classes, especially melee and hunters (it is a free source of food). Until higher levels, the benefits it provides are almost exclusively stamina buffs. While more stamina is always nice, cooking is not essential to leveling. Considering the time investment required, if you pick up [[skinning]] then cooking would absolutely be a wise skill to level prior to hitting your level cap, as beasts often drop meat useful for skilling up. |
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| − | * [[Fishing]] requires much time and does not yield much profit until its later levels. Unless you enjoy it for its own sake, avoid fishing until your level limit. |
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| + | Though decimated in Lordaeron, the Silver Hand eventually bounced back.<ref name="Dark Factions, 154-155">''[[Dark Factions]]'', 154-155</ref> [[Humans]] founded the Knights of the Silver Hand, and though they remained the bulk of its membership, the new order started to accept [[dwarves]] into the ranks to replace paladins lost during the [[Third War]] (although they had previously accepted a few dwarven paladins as far back as the [[Second War]], it was uncommon). The order was not nearly as active as it once had been,<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 164</ref> however those belonging to the organization became some of the most active members of the Alliance.<ref name="APG 177">''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 177</ref> |
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| − | == The guides == |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | ** 01-70 [[Users' Power-Levelling Guide for Alliance]] |
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| − | ** 01-06 [[Powerlevel Coldridge Valley|Coldridge Valley (Dwarf & Gnome)]] |
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| − | ** 01-06 [[Powerlevel Northshire Valley|Northshire Valley (Human)]] |
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| − | ** 01-06 [[Powerlevel Shadowglen|Shadowglen (Night Elf)]] |
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| − | ** 01-06 [[Powerlevel Ammen Vale|Ammen Vale (Draenei)]] |
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| − | ** 06-10 [[Powerlevel Dun Morogh|Dun Morogh (Dwarf & Gnome)]] |
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| − | ** 06-10 [[Powerlevel Teldrassil|Teldrassil (Night Elf)]] |
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| − | ** 06-10 [[Powerlevel Elwynn Forest|Elwynn Forest (Human)]] |
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| − | ** 06-10 [[Powerlevel Azuremyst Isle|Azuremyst Isle (Draenei)]] |
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| − | ** 11-20 [[Powerlevel Loch Modan|Loch Modan]] |
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| − | ** 10-22 [[Powerlevel Westfall and Deadmines|Westfall and Deadmines]] |
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| − | ** 15-21 [[Powerlevel Redridge Mountains|Redridge Mountains]] |
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| − | ** 10-18 [[Powerlevel Darkshore|Darkshore]] |
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| − | ** 13-20 [[Powerlevel Bloodmyst Isle|Bloodmyst Isle]] |
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| − | ** 50-55 [[Powerlevel Western Plaguelands|Western Plaguelands (Alliance)]] |
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| + | The Knights continued their battle against the undead on several fronts. The paladins, worried about the [[Forsaken]] entrenching themselves in the [[Ruins of Lordaeron]], established a base in what would later be known as the [[Scarlet Monastery]] in [[Tirisfal Glades]]. They also made an alliance with Lord [[Valdelmar]] of [[Tyr's Hand]] for mutual help. However, during an attack on [[Stratholme]], Lord Commander [[Saidan Dathrohan]] was possesed by the spirit of the [[dreadlord]] [[Balnazzar]], though no other paladin was able to notice this. Balnazzar started slowly working against the Order's objectives from the inside. |
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| − | * Horde |
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| − | ** 01-06 [[Powerlevel Valley of Trials|Valley of Trials (Orc & Troll)]] |
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| − | ** 01-06 [[Powerlevel Red Cloud Mesa|Red Cloud Mesa (Tauren)]] |
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| − | ** 01-06 [[Powerlevel Sunstrider Isle|Sunstrider Isle (Blood Elf)]] |
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| − | ** 06-10 [[Powerlevel Durotar|Durotar (Orc & Troll)]] |
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| − | ** 06-10 [[Powerlevel Mulgore|Mulgore (Tauren)]] |
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| − | ** 01-10 [[Powerlevel Tirisfal Glades|Tirisfal Glades (Undead)]] |
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| − | ** 06-10 [[Powerlevel Eversong Woods|Eversong Woods (Blood Elf)]] |
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| − | ** 10-20 [[Powerlevel Ghostlands|Ghostlands (Blood Elf)]] |
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| − | ** 10-20 [[Powerlevel Silverpine|Silverpine Forest (Undead)]] |
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| − | ** 51-55 [[Powerlevel Horde Western Plaguelands|Western Plaguelands (Horde)]] |
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| + | Some former members of the Silver Hand, led by the possesed Saidan, formed the [[Scarlet Crusade]]. These paladins strive fanatically to destroy evil, without any regards to the means used. They despise all non-human races, which they deem as "lesser". Other paladins, disgusted with the Scarlet Crusaders' zealotry, formed the [[Argent Dawn]], taking a less extreme approach, and deciding to accept in their order paladins from all of Azeroth's races. |
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| − | * Professions |
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| − | **All Alliance and Horde 1-375 based on a [http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=102789457&sid=1 guide by Highlander on EU-Terenas]. Compiled by Elzix (aka Sixen on Battle.net) by Highlanders request. |
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| − | ** [[Powerlevel fishing and cooking]] |
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| − | ** [[Tailoring leveling guide]] |
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| + | Eventually, the paladin [[Tirion Fordring]] united the remains of the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn into the new [[Argent Crusade]]. Along with the [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]], they traveled to [[Northrend]] to end the [[Lich King]]'s reign, and they were instrumental in his ultimate defeat. |
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| − | * Multiple Account Power Leveling |
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| − | ** [[Character Towing]] |
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| + | ==Symbolism== |
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| + | The Order of the Silver Hand took its name and symbol from the legend of [[Tyr]]. A paragon of order and justice, Tyr sacrificed his right hand in a fight against an unfathomable evil. Although it was within his power to fix his hand after the fighting had ended, the hero instead chose to replace it with a closed fist made of the purest silver. In this way, he impressed upon those who followed him that true order and justice can only be accomplished through personal sacrifice.<ref name="Ask CDev #1">{{ref web|url=http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=25626575587&sid=1|title=World of Warcraft Forums - Ask CDev #1 Answers|accessdate=2010-06-30}}</ref> |
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| + | ==Notes== |
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| − | * Commercial Guides |
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| + | [[File:Tabard of the Lightbringer.jpg|thumb|Tabard of the Lightbringer]] |
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| + | Miscellaneous information regarding the order in the present times (post Third War). |
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| + | *The paladin order, also called the Knights of the Silver Hand, grew out of humanity’s culture, and its greatest heroes and fiercest proponents are humans. Ironforge dwarves possess the toughness needed to withstand the onslaught of the paladins' many enemies.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> |
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| + | *[[Paladin warrior]]s universally belong to the Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', 88</ref> |
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| + | *Some of the surviving paladins formed the [[Scarlet Crusade]] in an attempt to reclaim their homeland.<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]''</ref> This zealous order hunts Arthas's servants, the undead. |
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| + | *Others joined the [[Argent Dawn]] (some were both members of the Silver Hand and of the Argent Dawn, others were former members of the Silver Hand). |
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| + | *In addition to the night elves, many guests and diplomats from elsewhere reside in [[Darnassus]], groups such as the Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[lands of Mystery]]'', 22</ref> |
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| + | *Templars see corruption in their homes and many other organizations, including the Knights of the Silver Hand. While the templars see paladins as allies and vice versa, templars feel that the Silver Hand overemphasizes tradition and order over general goodness and the other values of the Light.<ref>''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', 15</ref> |
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| + | *[[Verius]] attempted to infiltrate the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand after the Third War.<ref>''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', 11-12</ref> |
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| + | *Brann believes that blue dragons may be found in the ranks of many mortal orders: Including the Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', 114</ref> |
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| + | *[[Forthisal D'Neve]] is studying with the Knights of the Silver Hand to become a paladin.<ref>''[[Lands of Conflict]]'', 170</ref> |
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| + | *The [[Phylactery]] of Faithfulness is a small box containing religious scripture affixed to a leather cord and tied around the forehead. Commonly used by night elves and members of the Silver Hand, use of this item has started to spread through the Horde faithful.<ref>''[[Magic & Mayhem]]'', 145</ref> |
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| + | *Once indoctrinated, a [[lightslayer]] receives missions to combat the Holy Light, particularly the Scarlet Crusade (though Knights of the Silver Hand and ordinary priests and parishioners are also fair game).<ref>''[[Horde Player's Guide]]'', 47</ref> |
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| + | *Many paladins remained loyal to the Alliance. They may have fought under different flags but still pledged themselves to the Alliance's cause forever. |
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| + | *{{wotlk-inline}} The [[Argent Crusade]] was created from the union of the Argent Dawn and the Knights of the Silver Hand.<ref>http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/08/03/ask-a-beta-tester-the-argent-crusade/</ref><ref>{{questlong|Neutral|80|Tirion's Help}}</ref> |
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| + | *{{wotlk-inline}} [[Badge of the Silver Hand]], which is to be given to Uther's spirit, is a medal given upon acceptance to the Knights of the Silver Hand. |
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| + | *{{wotlk-inline}} [[Tabard of the Lightbringer]], which can be received from Uther's spirit, bears the presumed symbol of the Silver Hand. |
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| + | *{{c-inline}} [[Gavinrad's Sigil]] probably belonged to [[Gavinrad the Dire]]. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|Engraved with the image of a silver fist, held up triumphantly.}}"'' |
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| + | *{{c-inline}} [[Shroud of Uther]] belonging to Uther. Its flavor text reads ''"{{Text|Yellow|A heavy piece of canvas, probably used as a blanket or shawl.}}"'' |
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| + | ==Status of the Order== |
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| − | There are some guides available which you can buy, the most known Joana's Horde Levelling Guide and Brian Kopps Alliance Guide. See a full list at [[Wow game guides]] |
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| + | [[File:Silver Hand Fist.jpg|thumb|A banner depicting the symbol of the Silver Hand.|right]] |
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| − | Whether these guides are more useful than the content you can find here or elsewhere on the web for free is left up to you. |
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| + | According to [[Brann Bronzebeard]]; |
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| − | == Related comments from Blizzard == |
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| + | :''We have the Knights of the Silver Hand on our side, but this is a group that has experienced more hardships than most during these dark days. Once the pinnacle of enlightenment, goodness, purity and light, they are forever shamed that the powerful Lich King who sits upon the [[Frozen Throne|frozen throne]] was one of theirs. They wrack their brains on where they went wrong, why they couldn’t see the streak of evil that obviously lurked inside Arthas. If he were truly a paladin, as they are, then there is no way he would have been corrupted. I think they have rather a too high opinion of the paladins, but I’m not the one to tell them.'' |
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| − | Some power levelers have hoped for a day when you could use real money to buy individual items in-game, some times called "micro-transactions." At a {{wplink|Game Developers Conference}} 2008, [[Rob Pardo]] gave a strong indication, [[Blizz]]ard would not ever go this route with World of Warcraft. |
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| + | :''Even though paladins are some of our most powerful weapons against the Scourge, with their holy power over undead, the paladins are not what they once were. Some have been driven into obsessive madness, forming the Scarlet Crusade and killing living and undead alike in their eagerness to eradicate the Scourge. Others traveled across the sea with Jaina Proudmoore to help defeat the [[Burning Legion]] and now reside on Theramore. They certainly do what they can to destroy undead they discover on [[Kalimdor]], but the Scourge's numbers there are like a thimble of beer compared to the great kegs that are Lordaeron and Northrend. We’ll need the paladins to defeat the Scourge, but they are not up to the task right now, and I don’t know how much longer we can wait.''<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', 167</ref> |
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| − | {{elink|prefix=Excerpt from |icon=wowinsider|site=WoW Insider|link=http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-live-from-rob-pardo-talks-about-blizzards-approach-to-mm/|desc=GDC08: Live from Rob Pardo talks about Blizzard's approach to MMOs:}} |
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| − | :'''''Q:''' Have you considered micro-transactions in WoW?'' |
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| − | :'''''A:''' We chose to go with the subscription-based model instead of that approach. We've taken the approach that we want players to feel like it's a level playing field once they're in WoW. Outside resources don't play into it -- no gold buying, etc. We take a hard line stance against it. What you get out of microtransactions is kind of the same thing and I think our player base would feel betrayed by it. I think that's something else you have to decide on up-front instead of implementing later.'' |
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| + | According to the [[Tirion Fordring]] questline, from his perspective and opinion, the order no longer exists, having been destroyed by [[Arthas Menethil|Arthas]]. After losing their leadership and being driven from their headquarters, the paladins scattered all over the continent, with some even following [[Jaina Proudmoore]] across the ocean to stay in [[Theramore]]. Tirion Fordring believes that no other paladin had the right to take up Uther's mantle as the leader of the Silver Hand. However, spurred by his son [[Taelan Fordring|Taelan's]] death, Tirion vows to reform the Order, and to take his place as Highlord to combat the [[Scarlet Crusade]] and the [[Scourge]]. |
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| − | :'''''Q:''' But it might make it easier for the casuals to catch up....'' |
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| − | :'''''A:''' They aren't going to be the ones spending the money.'' |
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| + | Time will tell how many paladins will unite under his banner: the fact that [[Uther Lightbringer]] himself ordered his exile might keep some hardliners of the old order from trusting his way. |
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| − | ==External links== |
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| − | <!-- Read http://www.wowwiki.com/WoWWiki:External_links before posting your links here. |
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| − | Links that do not conform to the rules will be DELETED. |
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| − | Repeat violations may result in a BAN. |
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| − | Have a nice day. :) --> |
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| + | However, other characters in the game have a different view regarding the current status of the Order. Several in-game sources and the [[Warcraft RPG]] indicates that an "Order of Silver Hand" in some form is still in existence. According to the paladin history in character selection screen (pre-[[patch 2.01]]): |
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| − | <!-- do not post links to "buy our guide" web pages. Use www.wowwiki.com/List_of_commercial_WoW_guides/Commercial_guides_for_Wow for those. --> |
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| − | {{Elink|link=http://www.ding80.com|site=Ding80|desc=Alliance & Horde Leveling Guides|icon=externalarticle}} |
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| + | <blockquote>''"Although paladins were once exclusively human, number of stout-hearted dwarves have recently been welcomed into the Order of the Silver Hand"''</blockquote> |
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| − | {{guides}} |
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| + | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | Several paladin trainers in [[Stormwind City]] and [[Ironforge]] consider themselves to be part of the Order. A human paladin, [[Brother Sammuel]], invites a new human paladin into the Order of the Silver Hand: |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | <blockquote>''"But until then, be patient... Knight of the Silver Hand."''</blockquote> |
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| + | |||
| + | The dwarven paladin [[Bromos Grummner]] also invites a new dwarf paladin into the Order of the Silver Hand: |
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| + | |||
| + | <blockquote>''"You're a Knight of the Silver Hand now, be ready to play the part."''</blockquote> |
||
| + | |||
| + | Even articles and short stories in the RPG, for example ''Alliance Player's Guide'' of 2006, confirms the current existence the Order, and that there are still individuals calling themselves "Knights of the Silver Hand" in modern times. Although it appears to be much smaller than the original order, as well as reference to some kind of leadership which is still in control. |
||
| + | |||
| + | [[Trey Lightforge]] is described as being a Knight of the Silver Hand. |
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| + | |||
| + | For example, according to ''Alliance Player's Guide'', it says that the Argent Dawn has members who are still Knights of the Silver Hand (as well as members who were former Silver Hand Knights).<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 150</ref> The book also discusses that organization of the Knights of Silver Hand still exists,<ref name="APG 177" /> even though it was nearly wiped out, and elsewhere in the book that Tirion Fordring has not yet taken over leadership of the Silver Hand and is still in exile.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 173</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | They are members of a "current" order of the Silver Hand, which "bounced back" after its decimation.<ref name="Dark Factions, 154-155"/> Tirion is pledging to reform the original Order by reestablishing himself as the leader of the current one. The RPG discusses the existence of the current Order of the Silver Hand that still exists. Brann believed if Tirion Fordring could be recruited into the Silver Hand, he could whip it back into action, and also bring the Scarlet Crusade back into the realm of sanity.<ref>''[[Alliance Player's Guide]]'', 164, 173</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:Fordring Ashbringer.jpg|thumb|200px|Tirion Fordring wielding Ashbringer.]] |
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| + | |||
| + | === In Wrath of the Lich King: Return of the Silver Hand === |
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| + | {{wotlk-section}} |
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| + | It was announced at [[BlizzCon 2007]] — based on the quest chain involving him and his son — that [[Tirion Fordring]] will appear in the new expansion, ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King]]'', near the port of [[Valgarde]] in the [[Howling Fjord]].<ref>http://www.wowinsider.com/2007/08/04/blizzcon-day-2-wow-lore-and-quests-panel-liveblog/</ref> He has been identified as ''Highlord'' Tirion Fordring (he hinted at this after completing {{questlong|Neutral|60|In Dreams}}: ''"I now take my place as Highlord of the new Order of the Silver Hand"''). |
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| + | |||
| + | After {{questlong|neutral|56|The Light of Dawn}}, the last of the [[death knight]] quests, Fordring unites the Silver Hand and the [[Argent Dawn]] into the new [[Argent Crusade]]. Now along with the [[Knights of the Ebon Blade]], they travel to Northrend to end the Lich King's reign. |
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| + | |||
| + | ==Members== |
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| + | For a complete list of Knights of the Silver Hand, see [[List of Knights of the Silver Hand paladins]]. |
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| + | |||
| + | == References == |
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| + | {{Reflist}} |
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| + | |||
| + | [[fr:Main d'Argent]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | [[Category:Organizations]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
Revision as of 23:14, 8 June 2011
 Knights of the Silver Hand | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Main leader | Uther the Lightbringer (formerly, deceased); Tirion Fordring (currently) |
| Secondary leaders | Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker |
| Race(s) | Human, Dwarf, High elf, Half-elf |
| Capital | Stratholme (destroyed) |
| Other major settlements | Stormwind City, Ironforge |
| Theater of operations | Azeroth |
| Language(s) | Common |
| Affiliation | Church of the Holy Light, Scarlet Crusade, Argent Dawn, Argent Crusade, Ashen Verdict, Brotherhood of the Light, Circle of Holy Light, Defenders of Justice, Crippling Force, Champions of Peace, Champions of Light, Champions of Truth |
| Status | Tirion's order has been Merged to become the Argent Crusade while the Stormwind order remains with the Alliance |
Knights of the Silver Hand (a.k.a. Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand, Order of the Silver Hand, or simply the Silver Hand) was the order of paladins created after the First War by Uther the Lightbringer and Archbishop Alonsus Faol. Years after its decimation by the corrupted Prince Arthas during the Third War, the order in Lordaeron was then reformed by Tirion Fordring, who later merged it with the Argent Dawn to form the Argent Crusade in order to take the fight against the Lich King to Northrend.
However, the Knights of the Silver Hand present in Stormwind and the Southern Kingdoms were not affected by the ravages of the Scourge, and thus remain active members of the Alliance. All Human and Dwarf paladin player characters join the Silver Hand upon completion of their class introduction quest.
History
Foundation and the Second War
Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme before Third War
The former order led by Archbishop Alonsus Faol, the Holy Order of Northshire Clerics, was devastated during the First War. When Faol refounded the order in Lordaeron, he recruited noble knights and former clerics to train in the ways of war and the Light. Even a few members of the priesthood decided to take up the more physical and steadfast path. In Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme, Uther the Lightbringer was appointed the first of the paladins, followed by Saidan Dathrohan, Tirion Fordring, Turalyon, candidates recommended by Alonsus Faol himself,[1] and Gavinrad the Dire, a candidate proposed by Lord Anduin Lothar.[2] The Silver Hand was thus born.
The paladins were instrumental in winning the war,[3] and the sight of them wielding their mighty warhammers and holy powers gave others inspiration on the battlefield and the home front.[4] Uther and his paladins were truly a sight to behold. Even some of the Alliance's greatest knights and warriors were in awe when they saw them smashing orcs down while healing fallen allies at the same time.[5] Uther is the first paladin known to have manifested his powers on the battlefield.[6]
The Silver Hand bastion in Stratholme.
Destruction of the original Order
Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme.
The introduction of the Plague nearly marked the end of the Order of the Silver Hand. The Knights of the Silver Hand[7] entered a dark period when one of their own, Prince Arthas, turned his back on the order in his dark pursuit of vengeance.[8] When Uther refused to follow Arthas' order of killing the infected population of Stratholme before they could die and be reborn as undead, Arthas disbanded the Order (though most paladins chose to ignore this). Arthas later fully embraced the evil he had been hunting and became a death knight in the service of the Lich King. Returning to Lordaeron, Arthas killed Uther Lightbringer and decimated the Order.[9]
However, the remaining paladins continued to fight against the Scourge. Under the lead of Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan and Highlord Alexandros Mograine, who wielded the Ashbringer, the paladins fought the undead through the Plaguelands. From their base at Hearthglen, they were able to gain some victories, but they weren't able to achieve their goal: the complete destruction of the Scourge.
After the Third War
Former The Silver Hand bastion now The Scarlet Bastion in Stratholme.
Even after the triumph at Mount Hyjal, the paladins remembered Arthas's betrayal,[10] and just how close their order and all of Azeroth had come to complete destruction.[11] Many paladins felt responsibility for Arthas, because the Holy Light teaches that every person can strengthen other people. Since they were unable to strengthen Arthas, the entire world suffered. After such an enormous breach of trust, the paladins resolved anew to eliminate all traces of corruption in their ranks.[12]
While the Alliance still had the Knights of the Silver Hand, few paladins were left in the order.[13] The remaining knights started hunting Arthas's servants, the undead, with a ruthlessness that frightens some, but they were determined to fix their mistakes.[10][11] The stalwart paladins of the Silver Hand who had traveled to Kalimdor worked to establish a new church there.[11]
Though decimated in Lordaeron, the Silver Hand eventually bounced back.[14] Humans founded the Knights of the Silver Hand, and though they remained the bulk of its membership, the new order started to accept dwarves into the ranks to replace paladins lost during the Third War (although they had previously accepted a few dwarven paladins as far back as the Second War, it was uncommon). The order was not nearly as active as it once had been,[15] however those belonging to the organization became some of the most active members of the Alliance.[16]
The Knights continued their battle against the undead on several fronts. The paladins, worried about the Forsaken entrenching themselves in the Ruins of Lordaeron, established a base in what would later be known as the Scarlet Monastery in Tirisfal Glades. They also made an alliance with Lord Valdelmar of Tyr's Hand for mutual help. However, during an attack on Stratholme, Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan was possesed by the spirit of the dreadlord Balnazzar, though no other paladin was able to notice this. Balnazzar started slowly working against the Order's objectives from the inside.
Some former members of the Silver Hand, led by the possesed Saidan, formed the Scarlet Crusade. These paladins strive fanatically to destroy evil, without any regards to the means used. They despise all non-human races, which they deem as "lesser". Other paladins, disgusted with the Scarlet Crusaders' zealotry, formed the Argent Dawn, taking a less extreme approach, and deciding to accept in their order paladins from all of Azeroth's races.
Eventually, the paladin Tirion Fordring united the remains of the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn into the new Argent Crusade. Along with the Knights of the Ebon Blade, they traveled to Northrend to end the Lich King's reign, and they were instrumental in his ultimate defeat.
Symbolism
The Order of the Silver Hand took its name and symbol from the legend of Tyr. A paragon of order and justice, Tyr sacrificed his right hand in a fight against an unfathomable evil. Although it was within his power to fix his hand after the fighting had ended, the hero instead chose to replace it with a closed fist made of the purest silver. In this way, he impressed upon those who followed him that true order and justice can only be accomplished through personal sacrifice.[17]
Notes
Tabard of the Lightbringer
Miscellaneous information regarding the order in the present times (post Third War).
- The paladin order, also called the Knights of the Silver Hand, grew out of humanity’s culture, and its greatest heroes and fiercest proponents are humans. Ironforge dwarves possess the toughness needed to withstand the onslaught of the paladins' many enemies.[7]
- Paladin warriors universally belong to the Knights of the Silver Hand.[18]
- Some of the surviving paladins formed the Scarlet Crusade in an attempt to reclaim their homeland.[19] This zealous order hunts Arthas's servants, the undead.
- Others joined the Argent Dawn (some were both members of the Silver Hand and of the Argent Dawn, others were former members of the Silver Hand).
- In addition to the night elves, many guests and diplomats from elsewhere reside in Darnassus, groups such as the Knights of the Silver Hand.[20]
- Templars see corruption in their homes and many other organizations, including the Knights of the Silver Hand. While the templars see paladins as allies and vice versa, templars feel that the Silver Hand overemphasizes tradition and order over general goodness and the other values of the Light.[21]
- Verius attempted to infiltrate the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand after the Third War.[22]
- Brann believes that blue dragons may be found in the ranks of many mortal orders: Including the Knights of the Silver Hand.[23]
- Forthisal D'Neve is studying with the Knights of the Silver Hand to become a paladin.[24]
- The Phylactery of Faithfulness is a small box containing religious scripture affixed to a leather cord and tied around the forehead. Commonly used by night elves and members of the Silver Hand, use of this item has started to spread through the Horde faithful.[25]
- Once indoctrinated, a lightslayer receives missions to combat the Holy Light, particularly the Scarlet Crusade (though Knights of the Silver Hand and ordinary priests and parishioners are also fair game).[26]
- Many paladins remained loyal to the Alliance. They may have fought under different flags but still pledged themselves to the Alliance's cause forever.
The Argent Crusade was created from the union of the Argent Dawn and the Knights of the Silver Hand.[27][28]-
[Badge of the Silver Hand], which is to be given to Uther's spirit, is a medal given upon acceptance to the Knights of the Silver Hand. -
[Tabard of the Lightbringer], which can be received from Uther's spirit, bears the presumed symbol of the Silver Hand. - [Gavinrad's Sigil] probably belonged to Gavinrad the Dire. Its flavor text reads "Engraved with the image of a silver fist, held up triumphantly."
- [Shroud of Uther] belonging to Uther. Its flavor text reads "A heavy piece of canvas, probably used as a blanket or shawl."
Status of the Order
A banner depicting the symbol of the Silver Hand.
According to Brann Bronzebeard;
- We have the Knights of the Silver Hand on our side, but this is a group that has experienced more hardships than most during these dark days. Once the pinnacle of enlightenment, goodness, purity and light, they are forever shamed that the powerful Lich King who sits upon the frozen throne was one of theirs. They wrack their brains on where they went wrong, why they couldn’t see the streak of evil that obviously lurked inside Arthas. If he were truly a paladin, as they are, then there is no way he would have been corrupted. I think they have rather a too high opinion of the paladins, but I’m not the one to tell them.
- Even though paladins are some of our most powerful weapons against the Scourge, with their holy power over undead, the paladins are not what they once were. Some have been driven into obsessive madness, forming the Scarlet Crusade and killing living and undead alike in their eagerness to eradicate the Scourge. Others traveled across the sea with Jaina Proudmoore to help defeat the Burning Legion and now reside on Theramore. They certainly do what they can to destroy undead they discover on Kalimdor, but the Scourge's numbers there are like a thimble of beer compared to the great kegs that are Lordaeron and Northrend. We’ll need the paladins to defeat the Scourge, but they are not up to the task right now, and I don’t know how much longer we can wait.[29]
According to the Tirion Fordring questline, from his perspective and opinion, the order no longer exists, having been destroyed by Arthas. After losing their leadership and being driven from their headquarters, the paladins scattered all over the continent, with some even following Jaina Proudmoore across the ocean to stay in Theramore. Tirion Fordring believes that no other paladin had the right to take up Uther's mantle as the leader of the Silver Hand. However, spurred by his son Taelan's death, Tirion vows to reform the Order, and to take his place as Highlord to combat the Scarlet Crusade and the Scourge.
Time will tell how many paladins will unite under his banner: the fact that Uther Lightbringer himself ordered his exile might keep some hardliners of the old order from trusting his way.
However, other characters in the game have a different view regarding the current status of the Order. Several in-game sources and the Warcraft RPG indicates that an "Order of Silver Hand" in some form is still in existence. According to the paladin history in character selection screen (pre-patch 2.01):
"Although paladins were once exclusively human, number of stout-hearted dwarves have recently been welcomed into the Order of the Silver Hand"
Several paladin trainers in Stormwind City and Ironforge consider themselves to be part of the Order. A human paladin, Brother Sammuel, invites a new human paladin into the Order of the Silver Hand:
"But until then, be patient... Knight of the Silver Hand."
The dwarven paladin Bromos Grummner also invites a new dwarf paladin into the Order of the Silver Hand:
"You're a Knight of the Silver Hand now, be ready to play the part."
Even articles and short stories in the RPG, for example Alliance Player's Guide of 2006, confirms the current existence the Order, and that there are still individuals calling themselves "Knights of the Silver Hand" in modern times. Although it appears to be much smaller than the original order, as well as reference to some kind of leadership which is still in control.
Trey Lightforge is described as being a Knight of the Silver Hand.
For example, according to Alliance Player's Guide, it says that the Argent Dawn has members who are still Knights of the Silver Hand (as well as members who were former Silver Hand Knights).[30] The book also discusses that organization of the Knights of Silver Hand still exists,[16] even though it was nearly wiped out, and elsewhere in the book that Tirion Fordring has not yet taken over leadership of the Silver Hand and is still in exile.[31]
They are members of a "current" order of the Silver Hand, which "bounced back" after its decimation.[14] Tirion is pledging to reform the original Order by reestablishing himself as the leader of the current one. The RPG discusses the existence of the current Order of the Silver Hand that still exists. Brann believed if Tirion Fordring could be recruited into the Silver Hand, he could whip it back into action, and also bring the Scarlet Crusade back into the realm of sanity.[32]
Tirion Fordring wielding Ashbringer.
In Wrath of the Lich King: Return of the Silver Hand
It was announced at BlizzCon 2007 — based on the quest chain involving him and his son — that Tirion Fordring will appear in the new expansion, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, near the port of Valgarde in the Howling Fjord.[33] He has been identified as Highlord Tirion Fordring (he hinted at this after completing 
[60] In Dreams: "I now take my place as Highlord of the new Order of the Silver Hand").
After [56] The Light of Dawn, the last of the death knight quests, Fordring unites the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn into the new Argent Crusade. Now along with the Knights of the Ebon Blade, they travel to Northrend to end the Lich King's reign.
Members
For a complete list of Knights of the Silver Hand, see List of Knights of the Silver Hand paladins.
References
- ^ Tides of Darkness, 84
- ^ Tides of Darkness, 86
- ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 152
- ^ Tides of Darkness, 129-130
- ^ Tides of Darkness
- ^ Tides of Darkness, 127
- ^ a b World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 77
- ^ World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 84
- ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, "The Scourge of Lordaeron" campaign, chapter 6: "The Culling"
- ^ a b World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 170
- ^ a b c Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 125
- ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 18
- ^ Lands of Mystery, 8, 187
- ^ a b Dark Factions, 154-155
- ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 164
- ^ a b Alliance Player's Guide, 177
- ^ World of Warcraft Forums - Ask CDev #1 Answers. Retrieved on 2010-06-30.
- ^ Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, 88
- ^ Lands of Mystery
- ^ lands of Mystery, 22
- ^ Magic & Mayhem, 15
- ^ Magic & Mayhem, 11-12
- ^ Lands of Mystery, 114
- ^ Lands of Conflict, 170
- ^ Magic & Mayhem, 145
- ^ Horde Player's Guide, 47
- ^ http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/08/03/ask-a-beta-tester-the-argent-crusade/
- ^ [80] Tirion's Help
- ^ Lands of Mystery, 167
- ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 150
- ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 173
- ^ Alliance Player's Guide, 164, 173
- ^ http://www.wowinsider.com/2007/08/04/blizzcon-day-2-wow-lore-and-quests-panel-liveblog/