Recaps

The Elven Allied Forces overwhelmed Darkan’s Scourge defenses at Deatholme, forcing him to prepare an escape to Northrend. Sylvanas diverted Kol'tira and Saurfang to confront the Silver Dawn and Oscar in the Western Plaguelands as Deatholme’s gate fell.

• Darkan’s forces were crushed by the Forsaken, Night Elf rangers, Kael'thas’s mages, and the elemental Ascended during the assault on Deatholme.
• Kel'Thuzad ordered Darkan to gather anything useful and flee to Northrend through a one-use teleportation array.
• After receiving news that Oscar had joined the Silver Dawn to contest Andorhal, Sylvanas ordered Kol'tira to lead the Banshee's Blade Legion there.
• Sylvanas let Saurfang accompany Kol'tira, then teased him and Kael'thas about their romantic lives.
• The gate section of Deatholme’s wall collapsed, leaving the battle’s outcome beyond doubt.

Deathwing built a fearsome power base in the Storm Peaks while the Horde and Night Empire negotiated over Gruul’s Magnaron giants and a Manaforge dispute. The Horde dismantled the Manaforge and apologized to Quel'Thalas, and its envoys left furious at the High Elves.

• Deathwing transformed the Ecosystem Ship into a dark laboratory, expanded the Dragon-Worshippers, and drove Shattrath forces away while extorting The Astral Consortium.
• The Ethereals offered ten million gold coins for Deathwing’s defeat, but no adventurers accepted the challenge.
• Thrall sent Garrosh and Grandmother Gaia'an back to the World of Azeroth, allowing the Horde to focus on the Magnaron giants occupying Gruul's Lair.
• The Night Empire discovered that the High Elves’ dispute with the Horde over a Manaforge had led it to keep Gruul’s giants in Blade's Edge Mountains as leverage.
• Thrall ordered the Horde to dismantle the Manaforge and withdraw, then issued an apology to Quel'Thalas at Liadrin’s demand.
• The Horde envoys left the High Elf fortress town and cursed the High Elves for insisting on an apology.

The Lich King planned to use the Knights of the Ebon Blade to seize the paladin remains beneath Light's Hope Chapel and strengthen the Scourge. Meanwhile, Onyxia secured her faction's recognition at Wyrmrest Temple, leaving her as the legitimate representative of the Black Dragonflight.

• The Lich King chose Light's Hope Chapel as his target and planned to trade the Knights of the Ebon Blade for the remains buried beneath it.
• At Wyrmrest Temple, Malygos reassured Alexstrasza, Ysera, and Nozdormu that he understood the plan behind Sindragosa's resurrection and the blue dragons' chance at revival.
• The Four Great Dragons ordered Dragonblight's defenses strengthened, especially around Galakrond's burial ground.
• Nalis told the Four Great Dragons that she represented Onyxia's Black Dragon faction and asked for its seat at Wyrmrest Temple to be restored.
• The Four Great Dragons accepted Onyxia's faction, and Onyxia publicized its return as the legitimate Black Dragonflight.

The druids took over Coilfang Reservoir as Lady Vashj prepared to return to Queen Azshara. Hu Feng restored Vashj to her Night Elf form, and he and the White Tiger affirmed his resolve to rule as a tyrant for the Empire and the world.

• Orthodox druids led by Malfurion took over Coilfang Reservoir, while Fandral Staghelm led the Dawn Druids.
• Lady Vashj completed the handover and sent the Coilfang Naga to new coastal duties in Darkshore, Ashenvale, and Feralas.
• Hu Feng used divine power to restore Vashj’s Night Elf body while leaving her accumulated magic intact.
• Vashj promised to persuade Queen Azshara to serve Hu Feng and then departed for the Empire’s Azshara region.
• Hu Feng and the White Tiger discussed his tyrannical rule, and the White Tiger declared that Azeroth could trust him.

Hu Feng oversaw the founding of White Tiger Temple in Winterspring while Elune asked about her artificial moon and the White Tiger settled in among the Frostblade Panthers. The White Tiger then agreed to return to Pandaria after Flower-Bird-Wind-Moon delivered Azure Dragon Yu-Long’s message and demanded reimbursement for the trip.

• The White Tiger accepted the temple plans from Hu Feng and greeted Elune, who remembered him from Pandaria and asked Hu Feng when her artificial moon would be finished.
• Hu Feng promised Elune that she could visit Outland once she could maintain her avatar, and her avatar returned to the planet’s core to train.
• Construction began on White Tiger Temple in northern Winterspring, and the Frostblade Panthers accepted the White Tiger as their master.
• Flower-Bird-Wind-Moon relayed Azure Dragon Yu-Long’s question about whether the White Tiger would return to Pandaria, and the White Tiger decided to go back after saying farewell to his Frostblade Panther companions.
• Flower-Bird-Wind-Moon asked Hu Feng for more divine power to cover her travel expenses, and he complained that she was filing for reimbursement.

Vareesa underwent a high-level Ghost Ranger conversion while Sylvanas and Alleria watched over her. Meanwhile, the Silver Fleet’s formation fueled factional maneuvering across the Night Empire, and Elisande let the factions continue competing as she monitored Sylvanas’s actions.

• Vareesa endured injections for the Ghost Ranger conversion, while Alleria reassured her and Sylvanas watched anxiously.
• Sylvanas tried to enter the Crusaders’ top-secret Extermination Order department but was turned away by a guard.
• The Night Empire’s factions sought places for their favored candidates in the Silver Fleet, and Sylvanas’s faction began pressuring Turalyon’s Soulbinder priests.
• Cenarius sensed danger in the factional alliances and told Malfurion and Tyrande to avoid getting involved.
• Auriel reported the factional maneuvering to Elisande, who said she would keep observing Sylvanas and leave the final judgment to the Eternal Night Divine Emperor.

Illidan and Maiev began married life together at Shadowmoon Citadel, where their affection took the form of constant arguments over Illidan’s messy room and belongings. After Garrond visited, Illidan learned that Maiev might kill him if he ever abandoned her.

• News of Illidan and Maiev’s relationship spread across Outland and Azeroth.
• Maiev cleaned and reorganized Illidan’s quarters, throwing away his flower and skull and moving his weapons to a display room.
• Illidan and Maiev continued to bicker and fight as they settled into life together.
• The Eternal Night Divine Emperor, Malfurion, Tyrande, and Elisande sent congratulations, while Illidan tore up Malfurion and Tyrande’s letter.
• Garrond visited Shadowmoon Citadel and warned Illidan that Maiev would kill and dismember him if he abandoned her.

The powers divided and developed the territories and resources they had gained in Outland. The Night Empire established its foothold in Hellfire Peninsula, the High Elves secured The Storm Peaks, and the Alliance began mining Shadowmoon Valley.

• The Night Empire occupied Hellfire Peninsula, renamed Hellfire Citadel Nightmare Fortress, and began restoring the region while Hu Feng ordered the Draenei bones along Path of Glory returned for burial.
• Turalyon's Draenei settled at the Temple of Taha'mat, while the High Elves abandoned Eagle's Perch and moved the Blood Knight Order into The Storm Peaks.
• Maiev Shadowsong bargained with Countess Liadrin to sell the High Elves Void Drakes, and the High Elves built defensive walls against the Horde and Deathwing's Dragon-Worshippers.
• The Astral Consortium offered the High Elves discounted laser defenses after the Dragon-Worshippers threatened its own holdings.
• The Alliance opened mines across Shadowmoon Valley, sending Fel Iron home and driving down ore prices across Azeroth.

The Horde prospered from Outland’s ores and wildlife, then hosted a Hunting Moon festival that brought Alliance and Horde races together. Thrall pledged Horde forces to the coming campaign against the Lich King, while he and Hu Feng affirmed the need for Azeroth’s factions to stay united.

• The Horde gained control of Nagrand and Blade's Edge Mountains, profiting from Adamantite Ore, rare Kryptonite Ore, and local beasts.
• Thrall promoted hunting and animal sales, then opened the Horde’s Hunting Moon festival to Alliance visitors who paid for tickets.
• At the bonfire outside Garadar, members of the Alliance and Horde shared their hunts and praised skilled warriors regardless of faction.
• Hu Feng told Thrall that the allied forces would next campaign against the Lich King in Northrend, and Thrall promised the Horde’s elite troops.
• Thrall suggested that Hu Feng make the Night Empire an independent faction, but Hu Feng declined and called for unity against the Burning Legion and Void Lords.

VanCleef balanced his family life and the Artisans Guild’s shipbuilding contract while reading about the Alliance’s plans and the Syndicate’s attacks. He arrived at the docks and began work, considering whether to expand the guild’s business by helping Westfall’s militia.

• VanCleef rode his Gnome-made motorcycle through Old Town traffic on his way to the docks, thinking about his family and the Artisans Guild’s lucrative shipbuilding contract.
• Reading the newspaper, VanCleef noted the Alliance’s prosperity after the Outland war and suspected that its shipbuilding signaled an upcoming expedition to Northrend.
• VanCleef read that Syndicate bandits had damaged a Westfall farm and considered using his rogue skills and the Artisans Guild’s craft expertise to help the militia and gain new business.
• VanCleef reached the docks, saw four ironclad warships under construction, and joined his old subordinates to start the day’s work.

The Alliance, Horde, Theramore, and Dalaran prepared to join the northern expedition, while Dalaran returned as a floating city and opened its mage training to all. The chapter left the world’s factions mobilizing and the Heklar Consortium and Steamwheedle Cartel emerging as powerful monopolistic businesses.

• The Alliance, Horde, and Night Empire began preparations for the Northrend expedition, with the Night Empire building a new Floating Island to strengthen Hellfire Peninsula’s defenses.
• Jaina began building two warships and offered the Alliance Kul Tiras’s shipbuilding knowledge in exchange for Theramore’s forces joining the expedition alongside the Alliance.
• Aegwynn handed much of her authority back to Jaina and began spending time with Medivh in Karazhan, while Merith watched over the tower and hosted performances.
• Dalaran reappeared after years of reconstruction, rose into the sky, and declared that it would take part in the Northrend expedition against the Scourge.
• Rhonin’s Kirin Tor established ties with the Lordaeron and Stromgarde Restoration Armies and welcomed both Alliance and Horde mages to Dalaran’s training courses.
• Elisande dismissed Dalaran as a threat to Suramar, while newspapers and paparazzi spread and the Heklar Consortium and Steamwheedle Cartel displayed growing monopolistic power.

Hu Feng visited Pandaria, where Yu-Long stopped him and White Tiger from drinking with Shaohao, then returned to the Terrace of Endless Spring to strengthen Flower-Bird-Wind-Moon. He discovered that she was creating an azure-lantern spirit to serve as a storyteller and a combat helper.

• Yu-Long interrupted Hu Feng, White Tiger, and Shaohao’s drinking and scolded them for neglecting their duties.
• After Shaohao left drunk, Yu-Long blasted Hu Feng and White Tiger with emerald flames until they sobered up.
• Hu Feng returned to the Terrace of Endless Spring and replenished Flower-Bird-Wind-Moon’s divine power, learning more about her life-creating and healing abilities.
• Flower-Bird-Wind-Moon told Hu Feng she was creating a self-aware companion who would obey her and could be erased at any time.
• Hu Feng followed Flower-Bird-Wind-Moon into the Scourge Lands within the painting and saw the developing spirit above an eerie azure lantern staff.
• Flower-Bird-Wind-Moon explained that the spirit could manifest Pandaria’s demons and monsters to help Hu Feng in battle, and he praised her work.

An unnamed European Emperor adventurer recalled his rise from a novice in Elwynn Forest to a legendary guild leader who fought across Azeroth and Outland. Now retired alone in Nagrand, he mourned the companions and youthful era he could never return to.

• He left Northshire Abbey, completed the sheriff’s tasks, and began adventuring in Goldshire with other newcomers.
• He led his team to Suramar, earned a legendary breastplate through their shared contribution points, and grew wealthy and powerful.
• He founded an adventurer guild, fought through major battles across Azeroth, and led his companions through the Dark Portal into Outland.
• As the group aged and suffered losses, he disbanded the guild and watched his old companions begin new lives.
• He settled in a small wooden cabin on a floating rock above Nagrand, stored away his legendary gear, and grieved that his adventuring days were over.

The Knights of the Ebon Blade attacked the Crimson Vanguard’s coastal town, drawing the Silver Dawn into a fierce battle while the Lich King prepared a hidden assault on Light’s Hope Chapel. Oscar warned Tirion Fordring and delivered a crystal that could awaken the chapel’s heroic spirits, leaving Tirion ready to defend the chapel and pursue Ashbringer.

• The Knights of the Ebon Blade attacked Crimson County, and Bridget Abendis led the Crimson Vanguard’s counterattack with Silver Dawn reinforcements as they fought to reopen the route to the docks.
• The Alliance and Horde offered support, but Bridget refused their aid because she believed the battle remained under control.
• The Lich King told Alexandros Mograine to keep the Crimson Vanguard believing it was winning and draw more Silver Dawn forces into the fighting.
• Oscar warned Tirion Fordring that the Lich King was targeting Light’s Hope Chapel and promised reinforcements from Stratholme’s Army of the Dead.
• Oscar gave Tirion a one-use crystal that could awaken the heroic spirits beneath the chapel, and suggested using their power to purify Ashbringer from Mograine.

Fashqi persuaded Queen Azshara to seek a powerful role in the empire, and Azshara applied to join the Eternal Night Chancellor Council. The council approved her after debating her past and abilities, and Sarodal’s decree admitted her immediately.

• Fashqi urged Queen Azshara to leave her isolation and pursue a position of influence in the empire.
• Queen Azshara applied to join the Chancellor’s Council and submitted a separate application to Sarodal.
• Fandral Staghelm opposed Azshara’s admission because he blamed her for the empire’s past destruction, while Malfurion argued that her abilities could serve the empire.
• Turalyon supported allowing Azshara to contribute, and Elisande warned the council not to obstruct her appointment.
• Elisande announced that Sarodal had approved Queen Azshara’s immediate entry into the Chancellor’s Council.

At Light's Hope Chapel, the Silver Dawn defended against Mograine's Scourge army while Tirion prepared the Holy Light crystal to break the Lich King's control. Darian helped Tirion reclaim and purify Ashbringer, leaving Mograine resisting the cleansing as Arthas intervened.

• Bridget Abendis inspected Scarlet Harbor's supplies and thanked Kol'tira for the Forsaken's aid, agreeing to cooperate in freeing Death Knights from the Lich King's control.
• Mograine led Darian and Acherus's Death Knights in an assault on Light's Hope Chapel, where Tirion and the Silver Dawn prepared their defenses.
• Tirion activated the chapel's Holy Light crystal, and Oscar arrived with undead reinforcements from Stratholme as the battle intensified.
• The crystal unleashed the heroic spirits' power, weakening the Death Knights and clearing Darian's mind of the Lich King's influence.
• Darian took Ashbringer from Mograine and threw it to Tirion, who purified the blade as Arthas appeared and poured death energy into Mograine.

Tirion and the liberated Death Knights drove off the Lich King at Light's Hope Chapel, and the victorious factions reorganized for the coming Northrend campaign. Mograine allied Oscar's Stratholme with the Knights of the Ebon Blade, while leaders prepared to meet at Karazhan to finalize the expedition plans.

• Tirion struck at the Lich King's projection with Ashbringer, forcing it to retreat after it warned that their final battle would come later.
• The Silver Dawn and the reorganized Silver Hand merged into the Argent Crusade, while Mograine led the liberated Knights of the Ebon Blade.
• Sylvanas absorbed the Death Knights from Scarlet County, and Mograine chose not to challenge her claim.
• Mograine apologized to Oscar and invited him to rejoin the Knights of the Ebon Blade; Oscar agreed to make Stratholme an allied faction.
• Merith Winterwind invited faction leaders to Karazhan to discuss the Northrend expedition, and the Dragon Aspects sent Alexstrasza as their representative.

Hu Feng hosted the leaders of the factions at Karazhan to plan their northern campaign. He proposed landing in Borean Tundra and Howling Fjord and using mixed forces, leaving the details of deployment and territory division for discussion.

• Hu Feng waited at Karazhan while his wives and companions explored the tower, and he teased Merith and Medivh about their love lives.
• The faction leaders arrived, and Varian and Garrosh exchanged insults before Thrall and Saurfang intervened.
• Tirion reported that the Argent Crusade was stable and ready to campaign, while Calia, Mograine, Darian, and Oscar greeted Hu Feng.
• Hu Feng gathered the leaders and projected a map of Northrend, recommending landings in Borean Tundra and Howling Fjord and mixed operations among the factions.
• Hu Feng left the leaders to discuss how to combine their forces and divide territory across Northrend.

As the Alliance sailed north to fight the Scourge, VanCleef formed the Defias Brotherhood to protect Westfall and secure construction work for his Artisans Guild. After the Brotherhood struck the Syndicate with help from local druids, Vanessa became Garona’s apprentice under the codename "Hope."

• VanCleef persuaded King Varian and Highlord Bolvar to appoint his guild to fight the Syndicate in Westfall in exchange for exclusive construction work there.
• VanCleef led most of his former subordinates to Westfall and formed the Defias Brotherhood, while others stayed in Stormwind City to manage the guild’s business.
• The Defias Brotherhood launched coordinated attacks on the Syndicate and executed captured bandits at Gold Coast Mine.
• Westfall’s farmers and Night Elf druids joined the fight, with the druids scouting in panther form to help the Brotherhood strike the Syndicate.
• Vanessa asked Garona to train her as a thief so she could help her father, and Garona accepted her as an apprentice named "Hope."

The Alliance, its allies, and the Horde launched their expeditions toward Northrend to establish strongholds and fight the Lich King. The fleets departed on separate routes as the northern campaign began.

• King Varian watched the Alliance fleet depart Stormwind under Highlord Bolvar, bound for the Borean Tundra.
• Tirion Fording, Bridget, and Princess Calia combined their forces and sailed toward Howling Fjord, while Dalaran set out with Jaina and ambassadors aboard.
• Vareesa Windrunner was appointed the joint representative of the Alliance and the Night Empire in Dalaran, and the Night Empire's Floating Island headed for Cendragon.
• Garrosh rallied the Horde expedition at Orgrimmar with General Nazgrim and Little Saurfang serving as marshals with authority to check his command.
• The Warsong Expeditionary Force sailed for Northrend with its airships, vowing to defeat the Lich King.

Sylvanas received Naxxramas from Hu Feng and led the Forsaken army north to begin their campaign against the Lich King. At sea, the Alliance and Horde fleets traded insults and mock cannon fire before separating for their destinations.

• Hu Feng gave Sylvanas Naxxramas to transport the Forsaken army and told her to retreat to him if she could not win.
• Sylvanas ordered the Forsaken to board Naxxramas, assigned the undead forces to its districts, and prepared the fortress for the journey north.
• Sylvanas used Naxxramas's broadcast system to order the army to attack the Night Empire fleet with plague barrels if they encountered it.
• The Alliance and Horde fleets met at sea, where their soldiers exchanged taunts and Garrosh ordered a mock exchange of cannon fire.
• Highlord Bolvar let the soldiers blow off steam, and the two fleets eventually separated while their crews exchanged crude good wishes for the coming war.

Azshara returned to the Night Empire and used a press appearance to present herself as a repentant, capable leader before joining the Chancellor's Council. Llane and Heklar recognized her as a formidable political rival, while Heklar remained willing to work with her unless she tried to become God Queen.

• Azshara traveled toward the Eternal Night Palace and decided to build power through the Chancellor's Council.
• Azshara addressed reporters, promised to improve citizens' lives, and asked forgiveness for the disaster ten thousand years earlier, blaming demons for deceiving her.
• Llane told Lothar that Azshara's political skills made her more dangerous than the Black Dragon Princess and could threaten Elisande and the council.
• Elisande asked Heklar whether he would accept Azshara despite their past grievances, and he said he would cooperate if she served the Empire.
• When Elisande asked what would happen if Azshara sought to become God Queen, Heklar said the Divine Emperor would make her obey.

The Alliance and Horde fleets fought undead forces as they tried to land in Borean Tundra, while the Iron Horde joined the Horde’s assault from the air. After Grom and Kargath teased Garrosh during the battle, Hu Feng turned Grom into the performer in his livestream, handing him a dead Arcane Spectral Dragon to eat.

• Admiral Rogers ordered the Gnome Gyrocopter Squadron to take off as undead nerubians attacked the Alliance fleet near Borean Tundra.
• Garrosh led the Horde assault on shore, charging into the undead while Horde ships and Steam Tanks fired on them.
• The Iron Horde’s Black Dragon Riders arrived and bombed the undead, while Grom and Kargath taunted Garrosh from their armored dragons.
• Hu Feng livestreamed from the Floating Island and introduced Grom to viewers as the performer who would eat a dead Arcane Spectral Dragon.
• Hu Feng handed the bewildered Grom the dragon and told him to take a bite for the watching audience.

The Alliance, Horde, and several other factions established footholds across Northrend after landing and driving back local Scourge forces. As they prepared their next moves, the Forsaken clashed with the Vrykul, while the Argent Crusade’s coalition began planning an assault on the Gate of the Scourge.

• The Alliance began building Valiance Keep in Borean Tundra, while the Horde established a stronghold for Warsong Fortress nearby.
• The Argent Crusade, Crimson Vanguard, and Lordaeron Restoration Army landed in Howling Fjord and began constructing Westguard Fortress after repelling small Scourge and Vrykul forces.
• The Argent Crusade planned to advance toward Icecrown Glacier, while the Crimson Vanguard prepared to establish a stronghold near Wyrmrest Temple and confront Kel'Thuzad.
• The Forsaken established Vengeance Landing and New Agamand, then attacked nearby Vrykul towns with Plague Bombs.
• The Forsaken’s attacks fueled friction with the three allied forces, while all factions consolidated their bases before the planned assault on the Gate of the Scourge.

Hu Feng met with Malygos on Cendragon, promised to restore Sindragosa, and asked the blue dragons to support Onyxia’s envoys. As the Night Empire’s forces advanced into Dragonblight, Loken and Kel’Thuzad grew anxious about the Titan’s arrival, and the Scourge launched an attack.

• The blue dragons built a lavish State Guesthouse on Cendragon for the Night Empire’s guests and welcomed Hu Feng.
• Malygos thanked Hu Feng for saving the blue dragon eggs and asked about Sindragosa, whom Hu Feng promised to return to him.
• Hu Feng asked Malygos to look after Onyxia’s black dragon envoys at Wyrmrest Temple, and Malygos agreed.
• Loken feared the arriving Titan would uncover Ulduar’s corruption, unaware that a Lesser Titan had received Odyn’s emergency signal and was heading to Azeroth.
• Kel’Thuzad learned that the Crimson Vanguard had established positions near Wyrmrest Temple and ordered Scourge forces to attack them and the Scarlet Crusade at New Light’s Hope Chapel.