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| + | {{this|the history of the skull|the in-game trinket|The Skull of Gul'dan (trinket)|the Beyond the Dark Portal mission|Beyond the Dark Portal missions#II. The Skull of Gul'dan}} |
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| − | {{infobox town |
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| − | |name=Theramore Isle |
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| − | |ss=Theramore1.jpg |
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| − | |faction=Alliance |
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| − | |type=City |
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| − | |pop=9,500<ref>''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', pg 37-38</ref> - 13,000<ref>''[[World of Warcraft The Roleplaying Game]]'', pg 18</ref> |
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| − | |race={{Race|Human}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Dwarf}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|High Elf}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Night Elf}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Gnome}}<br /> |
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| − | {{Race|Half-Elf}}<br /> |
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| − | |loc=Eastern [[Dustwallow Marsh]] |
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| − | |leader=Lady [[Jaina Proudmoore]] |
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| − | |government=Elected council |
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| − | |affiliation=[[Alliance]] |
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| − | | facilities = yes |
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| − | | inn = yes |
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| − | | mailbox = yes |
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| − | | stables = yes |
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| − | | anvil = yes |
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| − | | trainers = yes |
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| − | | class = yes |
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| − | | profession = yes |
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| − | |travel = yes |
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| − | | flightpath = yes |
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| − | | boat = yes |
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| − | | status = Active |
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| − | |source=''[[Lands of Mystery]]'', pg 37-38<br />''[[World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game]]'', pg 18 |
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| − | }} |
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| + | '''The Skull of Gul'dan''' was a powerful demonic artifact created from the skull of the [[orc]] sorcerer [[Gul'dan]]. Used for a plethora of demonic activity, from opening portals to corrupting the northern forests of [[Ashenvale]], its powers were finally consumed by [[Illidan Stormrage]]. Although already consumed by Illidan, the skull still holds power and is in Illidan's possession. |
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| − | Not only is '''Theramore Isle''' the [[Alliance]]'s only heavily fortified stronghold in [[Kalimdor]] and the capital of the [[Dustwallow Marsh]] with a population of 9,500 people,{{Cite|LoM|36}} it is also the official home of the newer, western Alliance in Kalimdor.{{Cite|WoWRPG|12}} |
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| + | ==History== |
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| − | Theramore is a rocky island east of Dustwallow; the city, which bears the same name as the island, is alternatively known as '''Theramore Keep'''.<ref>''[[World of Warcraft: The Comic]]''</ref> It was originally settled with the sole purpose of survival. Yet the time since the Third War has seen the city prosper, making for a natural progression from mere subsistence to a desire to restore the glory of old. This large island is the Alliance's stronghold upon Southern Kalimdor. |
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| + | [[File:KhadgarDarkPortalW2.JPG|thumb|Khadgar uses the skull of Gul'dan to close the Dark Portal in ''Warcraft II''.]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | After the insidious warlock [[Gul'dan]] died, his skull was turned into a channeling totem for demonic energy. It was briefly held by a low-ranking [[Bonechewer]] warrior before it was claimed by [[Hurkan Skullsplinter]], the Bonechewer chieftain. Not realizing its power, the orc wore the skull as a symbol of his station, before he was killed by [[Grom Hellscream]].<ref>''[[Beyond the Dark Portal]]'', 43-99</ref> The skull was acquired by [[Ner'zhul]] for use in opening portals to other worlds, which also required the [[Book of Medivh]], the [[Eye of Dalaran]], and the [[Jeweled Scepter of Sargeras]]. |
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| + | It turned out that the skull wasn't really needed to rebuild the Dark Portal, but Ner'zhul kept it as a trophy of his triumph over his apprentice. The skull appeared to hold some shard of Gul'dan's soul within, enabling the dead warlock to communicate with Ner'zhul. [[Deathwing]] later demanded it as payment for his services for purposes unknown.<ref>{{ref book |author= Rosenberg, Aaron |authorlink= Aaron Rosenberg |coauthors= [[Christie Golden]] |title= [[Beyond the Dark Portal]] |
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| − | It was built primarily as a military fortress, but has grown somewhat to serve as a trading port. Approach from the sea is extremely difficult due to the jagged rocks jutting out of Dustwallow Bay, leaving travelers to journey on foot through the marsh to one of the villages that run ferries out to the island. Fearful of pirates from [[Ratchet]] and elsewhere, the cannons of Theramore will fire without warning on any ship approaching the island unannounced.{{Cite|WRPG|199}} |
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| + | |isbn= 978-1-4165-5086-0 |pages= 225}}</ref> |
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| + | Additionally, it is implied several times that the Skull has corrupting properties on its wielder as the voice of Gul'dan slowly tempts him over time.<ref>{{ref book |author= Rosenberg, Aaron |authorlink= Aaron Rosenberg |coauthors= [[Christie Golden]] |title= [[Beyond the Dark Portal]] |
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| + | |isbn= 978-1-4165-5086-0 |pages= 77|chapter= Chapter Six}}</ref> |
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| + | [[Khadgar]], [[Alleria Windrunner]], and [[Turalyon]] managed to steal the skull and the Book of Medivh from Ner'zhul well into the [[Alliance Expedition]]'s campaign. Khadgar used the skull and the Book of Medivh to close the [[Dark Portal]], and sent both artifacts back to Azeroth via gryphon rider, but wasn't certain if they completed the transit. |
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| − | The importance of Theramore is emphasized by the fact that many class trainers reside here. A mage with sufficient skill can even use [[teleport]] and open [[Portal (spell)|portals]] into this city. |
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| − | == |
+ | ===Reign of Chaos=== |
| + | {{WC3-section}} |
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| − | Inside the thick walls of Theramore, the people have labored hard to recreate a piece of [[Lordaeron]]. Graceful towers rise high above clean, cobblestone streets lined with shops and homes. At the eastern part of the city lies the [[Foothold Citadel]], a squat keep housing the chambers of the Alliance Assembly. |
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| + | Years later it would appear again on [[Azeroth (world)|Azeroth]], this time used by the [[Burning Legion]] to corrupt the forests of [[Felwood]]. The skull's powers were eventually consumed by [[Illidan Stormrage]] who, upon absorbing its power, became half [[night elf]] and half [[demon]]. With his newfound power, he struck a major blow to the Legion by killing [[Tichondrius]]. Illidan retained memories of the [[Tomb of Sargeras]] from Gul'dan, which he used in tandem with his own knowledge of [[Suramar]] to find the [[Eye of Sargeras]]. |
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| − | [[File:Theramore_Anniversary.jpg|thumb|]] |
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| + | ''Exactly how the Legion regained the Skull is unknown. [[Beyond the Dark Portal]] establishes that Khadgar intended for it to return to Azeroth, but it is vague as to what happened. The fact that Gul'dan's spirit lingered on within the Skull was long speculated by some, and this feature may explain some of Illidan's behavior.'' |
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| − | === People and culture === |
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| − | Though the streets recall the quiet serenity of the Alliance of Lordaeron, the meetings of the Assembly reveal the considerable strain among the city's residents. After years of near-paternal guidance of the humans of Lordaeron, the [[high elves]] resent being forced to rely on the hospitality of the younger race since arriving on Kalimdor. As humans hold five of the seven seats on the Alliance Assembly, both the elves (with two seats) and the [[dwarves]] (with none) feel under-represented in the leadership of both Theramore and the Alliance in general. As the dwarves continue to accumulate more evidence of their Titan heritage that they want to present to their King in [[Khaz Modan]], their protests that the Alliance does little to return across the sea grow louder and louder.{{Cite|WRPG|199}} Also, diplomatic relationship between the humans on Kalimdor and their brethren in the Eastern Kingdoms — especially the people of Stormwind, whose leadership wants to challenge Theramore on its new role as the Alliance's capital — have been getting worse in the past, with each side accusing the other of fatal mistakes during the last war. While the people of Theramore hold a grudge against their relatives for triggering the [[Horde]]'s counterattack on the city, the humans on the other side of the ocean feel they have a right to get more support from Theramore. |
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| + | ===The Burning Crusade=== |
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| − | Despite this internal debate, the Alliance places a high value on law and order in Theramore, and city guards make regular patrols to maintain the peace. When skirmishes break out between high elves and night elves or a dwarf gets too rowdy, the guards are quick to round up the offenders for a speedy trial at the Foothold Citadel and imprisonment in Ironclad Prison, the dungeons of which are along tunnels dug deep into the rock of the island. Sentences for fighting and disturbing the peace tend to be light (usually only a few days' incarceration), but sentences for more serious violations of the Alliance's code of law, such as high robbery or murder, can be much more severe.{{Cite|WRPG|199}} |
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| + | [[File:Illidan skull.jpg|thumb|right|The skull of Gul'dan in Illidan's grasp]] |
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| + | {{bc-section}} |
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| + | When Illidan "consumed" the skull it was not destroyed, and Illidan kept it in his possession. The opening cinematic of [[the Burning Crusade]] features him holding the skull in his claws, and he can be seen in-game doing the same thing. The skull is now part of Illidan's [[Illidan Stormrage (tactics)#Loot|loot table]]. |
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| − | == |
+ | ==Powers== |
| + | In ''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'', consuming The Skull of Gul'dan doubled Illidan's base attack damage (from 34-56 to 75-123) and allowed him to deal chaos damage, which was fully effective against all types of armor (including the Divine Armor of Tichondrius). In addition, it metamorphosed Illidan in a powerful demon with ranged attack. It also increased Illidan's strength, agility and intelligence which resulted in his health points increasing by 300 and his mana points by 90. |
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| − | [[File:Theramore.jpg|thumb|Theramore City at night]] |
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| − | Theramore Isle is the Home of [[Jaina Proudmoore]] and the remaining Alliance forces who followed [[Medivh|Medivh's]] advice before the [[Burning Legion|Burning Legion's]] invasion and evacuated to [[Kalimdor]]. Theramore soldiers can also be found guarding [[Northwatch Hold]]. |
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| − | |||
| − | Several [[Knights of the Silver Hand]], who travelled to Kalimdor together with Jaina Proudmoore, also have a small paladin lodge in the city.{{fact}} |
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| − | |||
| − | It appears that despite Jaina's efforts, some people in Theramore continue to desire ill upon the orcs.{{Cite|WoWRPG|12}} They have attacked [[Balandar Brightstar]]'s ships and stolen his cargo and his first mate. [[Lieutenant Caldwell]] also displays a hatred for Horde and executed [[Paval Reethe]] for alleged involvement with the Horde. |
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| − | |||
| − | But despite these feelings, the people of Theramore regardless of race are deeply loyal to Jaina Proudmoore especially those who fought under her in the Third War and would not act on their opinions. As seen in the novel, [[Cycle of Hatred]] a single comment of speaking ill about the lady would have led to a fight. |
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| − | |||
| − | ==In Cataclysm== |
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| − | With the [[Southern Barrens]] being divided and being fought over, the [[Alliance]] has had a highway constructed that connects Theramore to Dustwallow Marsh, allowing the Alliance to more quickly move supplies and troops from Theramore to Alliance military bases in the Southern Barrens. |
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| + | ==Gallery== |
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<gallery> |
<gallery> |
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| + | File:Skull discarded.jpg|The Skull of Gul'dan is tossed aside after the [[Dark Portal]] is closed. |
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| − | File:Dustwallow 070910 013601 - Theramore -Kirkburn 12319.jpg|Theramore from the air, looking west |
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| + | File:SkullofGul'dan.jpg|Once a powerful user of demonic magics, the demons answered his calls, and found a greater use for his head. |
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| − | File:Dustwallow 071010 014313 - Theramore - Kirkburn 12319.jpg|Theramore from the air, looking north |
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| + | File:Wrath of the Lich King Outland loading screen.jpg|Loading screen of [[Outland]] showing Illidan with the skull. |
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| − | File:Dustwallow 070910 013622 - Theramore - Kirkburn 12319.jpg|North entrance |
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| + | File:The Skull of Gul'dan.jpg|Illidan holding the Skull of Gul'dan (in-game). |
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| − | File:Dustwallow 070910 013633 - Theramore - Kirkburn 12319.jpg|New exit and road to the Barrens |
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| + | File:Skull of guldan (wow).jpg|The Skull before Illidan takes it (in-game). |
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| − | File:Dustwallow 070910 013645 - Theramore - Kirkburn 12319.jpg|Initial stretch of the Barrens-bound road |
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| − | File:Dustwallow 071010 014350 - Theramore - Kirkburn 12319.jpg|Theramore docks |
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| − | File:Dustwallow 071010 014344 - Theramore - Kirkburn 12319.jpg|Theramore docks |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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| + | ==References== |
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| − | == Banner of Theramore == |
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| − | The anchor device on Theramore's banner perhaps has a double meaning: most obviously that Theramore is a port city; and that Theramore is a kind of anchor for the Alliance in Kalimdor and will not waver. The banner also displays a solar disk with rays and three stars appear below the anchor. The meaning for those are not certain. Some banners also display the "L"-like symbol of the [[Alliance of Lordaeron]], clearly indicating the city's roots. [[Jaina Proudmoore]] - the ruler of Theramore - is the daughter of Lord Admiral [[Daelin Proudmoore]], former leader of the merchant nation of [[Kul Tiras]]. The similarity between Theramore's banner and the flag of [[Kul Tiras]] stems from this relationship. |
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| − | |||
| − | The tabard that Theramore guards wear bear the anchor device only. It appears only on the front, and instead of using blue, on the tabard it is gold. |
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| − | |||
| − | <gallery widths="150"> |
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| − | Image:Theramore Tabard.jpg|[[Theramore]] |
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| − | Image:Theramore banner.jpg|The flag of Theramore |
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| − | Image:Theramore Sentry male elf.jpg|Theramore uniform |
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| − | Image:Kul-tiras-flag.jpg|The flag of Kul Tiras |
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| − | </gallery> |
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| − | |||
| − | == Notable characters == |
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| − | *{{RaceIconExt|Jaina|Small}} [[Jaina Proudmoore]] |
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| − | *{{RaceIconExt|Aegwynn|Small}} [[Aegwynn]] |
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| − | *{{RaceIconExt|Human Female|Small}} [[Lorena]] |
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| − | *{{RaceIconExt|Human Male|Small}} [[Archmage Tervosh]] |
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| − | |||
| − | == Military Units == |
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| − | *[[Theramore Guard]] |
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| − | *[[Theramore Elite Guard]] |
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| − | |||
| − | == Notable amenities == |
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| − | * [[Mage trainer]] |
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| − | * [[Paladin trainer]] |
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| − | * [[Warrior trainer]] |
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| − | * [[Herbalism trainer]] |
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| − | * [[Expert]] [[alchemy trainer]] |
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| − | * [[Master]] [[tailoring trainer]] |
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| − | * [[Artisan]] [[first aid trainer]] |
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| − | |||
| − | ==Travel connections== |
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| − | [[File:Theramorecomic.JPG|thumb|300px|Theramore as seen in [[World of Warcraft: The Comic]].]] |
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| − | |||
| − | ===Flight=== |
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| − | ;{{Alliance Icon Small}} [[Auberdine]] |
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| − | ;{{Alliance Icon Small}} [[Astranaar]] |
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| − | ;{{Alliance Icon Small}} [[Talrendis Point]] |
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| − | ;{{Alliance Icon Small}} [[Nijel's Point]] |
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| − | ;{{Alliance Icon Small}} [[Thalanaar]] |
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| − | ;{{Neutral Icon Small}} [[Ratchet]] |
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| − | ;{{Neutral Icon Small}} [[Mudsprocket]] |
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| − | ;{{Neutral Icon Small}} [[Gadgetzan]] |
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| − | |||
| − | ===Boat=== |
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| − | ;{{Alliance Icon Small}} [[Menethil Harbor]] |
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| − | |||
| − | == Warcraft III Loading Screens == |
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| − | <gallery> |
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| − | Image:WC3x-O02-03.jpg|Loading screen in Act Two of the [[The Founding of Durotar|Bonus Campaign]]. |
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| − | Image:WC3x-O03-02.jpg|Loading screen in Act Three of the [[The Founding of Durotar|Bonus Campaign]]. |
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| − | </gallery> |
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| − | |||
| − | ==Patch changes== |
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| − | *{{Patch 1.6.1|note=Faction removed.}} |
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| − | *{{Patch 1.6.0|note=The "Human, Theramore" faction is now the "Theramore" faction. This faction is allied with the Alliance and is at war with the Horde.}} |
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| − | |||
| − | ==Reference list== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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| + | {{DEFAULTSORT:Skull Of Gul'dan, The}} |
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| + | [[es:Calavera de Gul'dan]] |
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| − | {{Human nations}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | {{Dustwallow Marsh}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | |||
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| − | [[fr:Île de Theramore]] |
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Revision as of 08:00, 18 March 2011
- This article is about the history of the skull. For the in-game trinket, see
[The Skull of Gul'dan]. For the Beyond the Dark Portal mission, see Beyond the Dark Portal missions#II. The Skull of Gul'dan.
The Skull of Gul'dan was a powerful demonic artifact created from the skull of the orc sorcerer Gul'dan. Used for a plethora of demonic activity, from opening portals to corrupting the northern forests of Ashenvale, its powers were finally consumed by Illidan Stormrage. Although already consumed by Illidan, the skull still holds power and is in Illidan's possession.
History
Khadgar uses the skull of Gul'dan to close the Dark Portal in Warcraft II.
After the insidious warlock Gul'dan died, his skull was turned into a channeling totem for demonic energy. It was briefly held by a low-ranking Bonechewer warrior before it was claimed by Hurkan Skullsplinter, the Bonechewer chieftain. Not realizing its power, the orc wore the skull as a symbol of his station, before he was killed by Grom Hellscream.[1] The skull was acquired by Ner'zhul for use in opening portals to other worlds, which also required the Book of Medivh, the Eye of Dalaran, and the Jeweled Scepter of Sargeras.
It turned out that the skull wasn't really needed to rebuild the Dark Portal, but Ner'zhul kept it as a trophy of his triumph over his apprentice. The skull appeared to hold some shard of Gul'dan's soul within, enabling the dead warlock to communicate with Ner'zhul. Deathwing later demanded it as payment for his services for purposes unknown.[2] Additionally, it is implied several times that the Skull has corrupting properties on its wielder as the voice of Gul'dan slowly tempts him over time.[3]
Khadgar, Alleria Windrunner, and Turalyon managed to steal the skull and the Book of Medivh from Ner'zhul well into the Alliance Expedition's campaign. Khadgar used the skull and the Book of Medivh to close the Dark Portal, and sent both artifacts back to Azeroth via gryphon rider, but wasn't certain if they completed the transit.
Reign of Chaos
Years later it would appear again on Azeroth, this time used by the Burning Legion to corrupt the forests of Felwood. The skull's powers were eventually consumed by Illidan Stormrage who, upon absorbing its power, became half night elf and half demon. With his newfound power, he struck a major blow to the Legion by killing Tichondrius. Illidan retained memories of the Tomb of Sargeras from Gul'dan, which he used in tandem with his own knowledge of Suramar to find the Eye of Sargeras.
Exactly how the Legion regained the Skull is unknown. Beyond the Dark Portal establishes that Khadgar intended for it to return to Azeroth, but it is vague as to what happened. The fact that Gul'dan's spirit lingered on within the Skull was long speculated by some, and this feature may explain some of Illidan's behavior.
The Burning Crusade
The skull of Gul'dan in Illidan's grasp
When Illidan "consumed" the skull it was not destroyed, and Illidan kept it in his possession. The opening cinematic of the Burning Crusade features him holding the skull in his claws, and he can be seen in-game doing the same thing. The skull is now part of Illidan's loot table.
Powers
In Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, consuming The Skull of Gul'dan doubled Illidan's base attack damage (from 34-56 to 75-123) and allowed him to deal chaos damage, which was fully effective against all types of armor (including the Divine Armor of Tichondrius). In addition, it metamorphosed Illidan in a powerful demon with ranged attack. It also increased Illidan's strength, agility and intelligence which resulted in his health points increasing by 300 and his mana points by 90.
Gallery
The Skull of Gul'dan is tossed aside after the Dark Portal is closed.
Once a powerful user of demonic magics, the demons answered his calls, and found a greater use for his head.
Loading screen of Outland showing Illidan with the skull.
Illidan holding the Skull of Gul'dan (in-game).
- Skull of guldan (wow).jpg
The Skull before Illidan takes it (in-game).
References
- ^ Beyond the Dark Portal, 43-99
- ^ Rosenberg, Aaron; Christie Golden. Beyond the Dark Portal, 225. ISBN 978-1-4165-5086-0.
- ^ Rosenberg, Aaron; Christie Golden. "Chapter Six", Beyond the Dark Portal, 77. ISBN 978-1-4165-5086-0.