Recaps

The Alliance and Horde prepared to attack Tempest Keep and the Black Temple when scouts reported that a massive demon army was approaching Shattrath. Varian, Thrall, and Velen chose to defend the city, where the demons launched a frontal assault.

• A Sha'tar scout reported that more than 150,000 demons, led by two Pit Lords, an Eredar demon, and a Dreadlord, were marching toward Shattrath.
• Varian and Thrall agreed with Velen's proposal to withdraw into Shattrath and use its defenses to reduce casualties.
• The Alliance and Horde entered Shattrath and took separate positions to help defend the city.
• The demon army attacked Shattrath's eastern and southern walls, while the defenders used Holy Light and arcane magic to repel the assault.
• Death Envoy Jovaan urged the demons forward, Omor the Unscarred summoned Felhounds, and two Pit Lords advanced toward the walls.

The Alliance, Horde, and Shattrath defenders fought off a demon assault led by the Pit Lords Makazadun and Mogorolon, while fel contamination spread across the battlefield. Varian and the other leaders debated Illidan’s purpose, then turned to Tyrande, who admitted she could not be certain.

• Makazadun and Mogorolon led demons onto Shattrath’s walls, where Varian and Thrall ordered their forces to target the Pit Lords’ weak points.
• The defenders held most of the walls, but demon deaths spread fel across the battlefield and injured soldiers were carried away.
• Varian wondered whether Illidan was using the assault to delay their advance, while Velen and Duke Leoric considered that Illidan might genuinely be trying to capture Shattrath.
• Garrosh argued that the demons were likely cannon fodder, since Illidan had stronger forces he could have sent instead.
• Varian asked Tyrande what Illidan might intend, and Tyrande said she could not be certain and was still seeking guidance from Elune.

Tyrande, Varian, and Thrall led Alliance and Horde forces in an assault on Illidan’s demons in Outland while Tyrande sought to meet Illidan and investigate why her powers had weakened. In the Eastern Plaguelands, Arthas arrived and ordered a two-pronged attack on Light’s Hope Chapel and Tyr’s Hand, including a strike through the Toxic Forest.

• Tyrande discovered that she could no longer use Starfall in Outland and insisted on contacting Illidan directly, despite Varian and Garrosh warning her about his demonic forces.
• General Tyrith reported that a Legion fortress blocked the route into Shadowmoon Valley, and Thrall and Varian ordered their armies to attack the demons head-on.
• Arthas praised Kel’Thuzad and announced that Naxxramas would attack Light’s Hope Chapel while Darion led the death knights from Acherus Fortress against it.
• Kel’Thuzad explained that Tirion Fordring had reunited the Scarlet Crusade and Argent Dawn and opened a route between Tyr’s Hand and Light’s Hope Chapel.
• Arthas ordered Kel’Thuzad to dig through the Toxic Forest and strike Tyr’s Hand from the rear, while Razuvious looked forward to training new recruits.

Arthas prepared a two-pronged Scourge assault on Light's Hope Chapel, while undead beasts attacked New Faolun City through the Toxic Forest. As Tirion Fordring ordered the Silver Hand to prepare for battle, Demetria sensed an unclear but extreme danger watching them.

• Arthas chose to send one Scourge force through the Toxic Forest toward Light's Hope Chapel while Naxxramas attacked from the southwest.
• The Lich King commanded his death knights to carry out his vengeance against the Scarlet Crusade and Light's Hope Chapel.
• Scourge necromancers raised the dead and sent plague-ravaged beasts through caves into New Faolun City, endangering its residents.
• Maxwell Tyrosus reported the beast attack to Tirion Fordring, who ordered the defenders to prepare for battle.
• Tirion Fordring asked Taelan to have Demetria and Brigitte prepare, and Demetria warned that something extremely dangerous was watching them.

Tirion Fordring prepared Light's Hope Chapel for another Scourge assault, and the defenders initially held firm with the Holy Light empowering their weapons. Darion then led the Knights of the Ebon Blade into the battle, leaving Tirion stunned and accusing him of serving the darkness.

• After Demetria warned of danger, Tirion Fordring ordered the defenders to prepare for battle.
• A messenger reported that the Scourge's floating fortress was approaching the chapel as Undead gathered nearby, so Tirion sent Erigor Dawnbringer to warn New Faolun City and seek reinforcements.
• The Silver Hand distributed supplies and held the chapel's defenses as Tirion and the Paladins purified the advancing Undead with the Holy Light.
• Darion called the Scourge forces and Knights of the Ebon Blade to attack Light's Hope Chapel, and the defenders' line nearly collapsed under the assault.
• Tirion Fordring recognized Darion and accused him of becoming the enemy his father had fought and of being sent to die for what lay beneath the chapel.

Tirion Fordring defeated Darion Mograine, but Alexandros Mograine broke Darion free from Arthas’s control before Arthas appeared and attacked. Darion passed Ashbringer to Tirion, and the heroic souls beneath Light's Hope Chapel answered with a pillar of Holy Light.

• Tirion Fordring knocked Darion from his Skeletal Warhorse and overwhelmed the Scourge forces with Holy Light.
• Alexandros Mograine appeared and severed Darion’s connection to the Helm of Domination, freeing him from Arthas’s control.
• Arthas appeared through a purple magic circle and repelled Darion when he attacked with Ashbringer.
• Arthas unleashed death magic against Tirion Fordring, while Rayne the Earthshatterer, Erigor the Dawn Envoy, Duke Nicolas Zverenhoff, and Kor'fax were blasted aside.
• Darion threw Ashbringer to Tirion, and the heroic souls beneath Light's Hope Chapel sent a pillar of Holy Light into the sky.

Tirion Fordring used the Ashbringer and the heroic spirits’ Holy Light to defeat Arthas at Light’s Hope Chapel, freeing the Knights of the Ebon Blade from his control. After the battle, Alexandros Mograine told Darion to find his older brother Reno to learn the truth behind his death.

• Tirion Fordring’s Ashbringer blazed with Holy Light, and he struck Arthas, destroying the undead around Light’s Hope Chapel.
• Erigor reported that Hawkspear and Nathanos the Blightcaller were bringing Blood Elf and Forsaken reinforcements, so Arthas teleported away after threatening Tirion.
• Tirion and Darion declared that the Silver Hand and the Knights of the Ebon Blade would continue fighting Arthas.
• Alexandros Mograine appeared to Darion and told him to find his older brother, Reno, to learn the truth behind Alexandros’s death.

After the Silver Hand defeated the Scourge at Light's Hope Chapel, Quel'Thalas offered supplies and proposed joining a northern campaign against Arthas. The leaders agreed to seek a united offensive, but Quel'Thalas first needed to resolve the plague contaminating the Sunwell.

• Hawkspear and Nathanos the Blightcaller arrived after the battle and paid their respects to Tirion Fordring.
• Hawkspear explained that he had brought reinforcements after sensing death energy, and he predicted that the Scourge would lose the Eastern Plaguelands as Naxxramas departed.
• Darion said that Arthas had escaped and that the Knights of the Ebon Blade still sought revenge.
• Hawkspear offered supplies from Quel'Thalas and clarified that Regent Cabrolon wanted to join a northern campaign, not claim the Eastern Plaguelands.
• Hawkspear said Quel'Thalas needed to resolve the plague in the Sunwell before marching north, and Tirion offered the Silver Hand's help purifying it.
• Hawkspear asked Tirion to invite the Alliance and Horde to join a campaign against the Scourge, and Tirion agreed with the plan to unite the continent's forces.

The Forsaken and the Knights of the Ebon Blade pledged to support a northern expedition against the Scourge, while the Silver Hand outlined its plans to send an advance force to Northrend. Darion asked to travel through Forsaken territory to reach the Scarlet Monastery and find his brother Reno, leaving Nathanos to consult Sylvanas about granting passage.

• Nathanos the Blightcaller declared that the Forsaken would push for a northern expedition and would not abandon their hatred of the Scourge.
• Taelan explained that High Admiral Bali Westwind would lead an advance force to Northrend, where it would establish a port and gather intelligence before the main force departed.
• Grand General Brigitte Abbendis said the Silver Hand would sail for Northrend once its ships had assembled at King's Harbor, and Darion pledged the Knights of the Ebon Blade's support.
• Darion asked to visit the Scarlet Monastery to fulfill his father's final request and find his older brother, Reno.
• Nathanos said he would consult Sylvanas about letting Darion pass through Forsaken territory, while Darion insisted he would go alone.

Patrick received the Sulfuron Hammer that Gold Coins-Kregan had forged and rewarded the Goblin for completing his assignment. He warned Kregan that future accidents would be charged against his pay, and Kregan asked to bring fellow Goblins to Quel'Thalas to help with his next task.

• Saidana delivered the Sulfuron Hammer to Patrick and described the many explosions and dangerous incidents Kregan had caused while making it.
• Kregan defended the accidents as the result of his efforts to fulfill Patrick's commission quickly.
• Patrick praised Kregan's work and gave him eighteen Magic Coins, more than their agreed payment.
• Patrick warned Kregan that future damage to the Magisters' Legion's property would be deducted from his pay and bonuses.
• Kregan asked Patrick to let other Goblins come to Quel'Thalas and assist him with his work.

Patrick approved Gold Coins-Kregan’s goblin alchemy team entering Quel'Thalas and established rules for their work and conduct. Kregan agreed to bring his friends from Booty Bay, while Patrick warned him to coordinate their arrival with the Magisters' Legion.

• Patrick compared elven, goblin, tauren, and gnomish alchemy before asking Saidana whether she understood goblin alchemy.
• Saidana explained that she and her assistants had been unable to help Kregan make the Sulfuron Hammer and had mainly managed the laboratory’s fires and enchantments.
• Patrick ordered Saidana to have Rommath arrange a residence as a research center for Kregan’s team and register them as advisors or hired mages under the Magisters' Legion.
• Kregan celebrated the decision and said he would summon his friends from Booty Bay to Quel'Thalas.
• Patrick told Kregan to obey Quel'Thalas’s laws, avoid damaging the research residence, and accept deductions from his salary for any losses.
• Patrick instructed Kregan to notify the Magisters' Legion before his team arrived and warned that unannounced sea travelers might be killed.

Patrick transformed the Sulfuron Hammer into Sulfuras, Hand of Ragnaros the Firelord by channeling the Eye of Sulfuras’s lava energy into it. The weapon’s emergence stirred fire elements across Azeroth, drawing the attention of leaders and spellcasters from several factions.

• Patrick used arcane energy to draw the lava elements out of the Eye of Sulfuras and channel them into the Sulfuron Hammer.
• The hammer’s runes activated as it turned orange-red, and the dimmed Eye of Sulfuras released its last energy.
• Patrick completed Sulfuras, Hand of Ragnaros the Firelord, and its aura stirred fire elements throughout the world.
• Halduron and the generals sensed the artifact’s emergence, while Alleria admired Patrick’s achievement and Archmage Rommath recognized the weapon’s power.
• Stormwind City’s Royal Mage Supreme ordered a meeting with the King and the House of Lords after sensing the disturbance.
• Modera and the Council of Six decided to continue their plans concerning Quel'Thalas and instructed an attendant to contact Aethas Sunreavers.

Patrick revealed Sulfuras, Hand of Ragnaros, to the Silvermoon Council and said it had no wielder yet, prompting the leaders to marvel at its power. He considered how Quel'Thalas's political factions and the Sunstrider family's demand for stability constrained his actions, especially any attempt to move against Dar'Khan.

• Patrick summoned the Silvermoon Council to discuss the elemental upheaval and admitted that Sulfuras, Hand of Ragnaros, had caused it.
• Patrick displayed the Firelord Hammer and said he needed to find someone to wield it, leaving the councilors whispering in astonishment.
• Patrick reflected on how the Five Great Families had monopolized power and resources, while the Royalists and Council Party kept separate spheres of influence.
• Patrick recognized that Anasterian required him to preserve Quel'Thalas's stability, making an attack on Dar'Khan a potential trigger for a wider conflict.
• Patrick considered that a war between the Cabrolon family, the Council, and the Royal Family could end in exile, defeat, or a coup.

Patrick explained why he had not moved against Dar'Khan and described his efforts to unite Quel'Thalas's Royalists and Council faction. He ordered the kingdom to prepare for the Burning Legion's interference and announced a northern campaign against the Frozen Throne.

• Patrick explained that before Arthas's invasion, moving against Dar'Khan risked uniting the Council faction against the Sunstrider family and sparking civil war.
• Patrick described reforms that brought Royalists and Council members together in government and gave them shared access to the Discs of Norgannon's arcane energy.
• Patrick ordered military deployments at Quelrins, Elfgate, and Andilien Estate, increased sea surveillance, and preparations for the return of Kael'thas's forces from Outland.
• Halduron Brightwing agreed to reinforce the kingdom's defenses, while Patrick directed Hawkspear to continue trade with the Silver Hand and promote Magic Coins among humans.
• Rommath reported that the Dead Scar within Quel'Thalas had been cleared, and Alleria promised Farstrider patrols across the kingdom.
• Patrick ordered Patterson and Quel'Thalas's suppliers to stockpile food and weapons, then declared that the kingdom would march north to destroy the undead at the Frozen Throne.

After learning that Onyxia had fled Stormwind City, Patrick proposed a joint strike on her lair to the Blue Dragonflight and his Demon Hunter allies. He insisted that Onyxia be captured alive so he could use her to lure out Neltharion.

• Patrick learned that Onyxia had fled Stormwind City and summoned Saragoss and the other Blue Dragons to discuss a plan.
• Patrick asked whether the Blue Dragons would kill Neltharion or his descendants, and Azuregos declared that every Black Dragon was a target.
• Patrick revealed Onyxia's identity and said he had reliable intelligence on her lair and planned to eliminate her minions.
• Loramus and Altruis joined the plan, eager to fight the Black Dragons alongside the Blue Dragons.
• Patrick told the Blue Dragons that Onyxia had to be kept alive because he intended to use her to lure out Neltharion.

Patrick persuaded the blue dragons that Neltharion might be hiding in Deepholm and proposed using his daughter Onyxia to lure him out. The group began planning a journey to Dustwallow Marsh to find her.

• Patrick argued that Neltharion could enter Deepholm through the Titans' seal using his power over earth, then recover in hiding.
• Patrick proposed exploiting Neltharion's schemes and using his direct descendants to draw him out and destroy him.
• Mati'gosa asked why Patrick wanted to spare Onyxia, and Patrick said he hoped to use her to find an opening against Neltharion.
• Mati'gosa agreed to notify Halreen, who was in Kalimdor, so she could join the hunt for Onyxia in Dustwallow Marsh.
• Patrick outlined a team of himself, the blue dragons, and two Demon Hunters, traveling through teleportation circles to Eldre'Dani before heading to Dustwallow Marsh.

Patrick brought Saragoss and a group of Blue Dragons to Eldre'Dani, where they saw the restored city and its renewed arcane energy. He assured Loramus and Altruis they could live there after completing their task, then accepted the Council's welcome and left Observer Krush's position intact despite objections from Elven Mages.

• Saragoss chose to trust Patrick and spare Onyxia after weighing Patrick's request.
• Patrick led the Blue Dragons and two Demon Hunters through a portal to Eldre'Dani, where they saw the restored city and its arcane energy.
• Loramus asked Altruis whether they could live in Eldre'Dani, and Patrick promised to honor his agreement after their task was done.
• Baihaer-Zaofeng welcomed Patrick and introduced the newly promoted Council members, including Observer Krush.
• Patrick's decision to keep Krush on the Council ended the Mages' objections to the Ogre's position.

Patrick led Saragoss, Azuregos, Mati'gosa, Kyrissa, Loramus, and Altruis to Dustwallow Marsh to find Onyxia's lair. After Halreen confirmed the lair’s location, Patrick decided they would break through its barrier and attack, confident Onyxia could not escape underground.

• Patrick arranged for his party to leave for Dustwallow Marsh at first light, and the Blue Dragons carried them there in their true forms.
• Near Stonemaul Ruins, the group met Halreen, who reported Black Dragonkin nearby and a Black Dragon lair farther on.
• Saragoss and Halreen discussed the Blue Dragons’ investigations and the danger posed by the Black Dragons as the party advanced toward the lair.
• The group reached the cave entrance and found a magical barrier blocking the way inside.
• Patrick dismissed the need for stealth, arguing that the underground lair would prevent Onyxia from escaping, and Halreen began gathering arcane energy to break the barrier.

Saragoss led the group into Onyxia's lair, where Onyxia tried to overwhelm them with her breath and Black Dragon servants. Loramus wounded her and warned Patrick that she was using the smoke to escape, but the Demon Hunters' Spectral Sight exposed her plan.

• Saragoss led the group through the lair, and Patrick cut down the Dragonkin they encountered with Diffusing Riftwaves.
• Onyxia saw the Blue Dragons and Demon Hunters confronting her and realized she was trapped in her lair.
• Onyxia summoned lava and strengthened her newly hatched whelps with her breath, while Saragoss shielded the group from the attack.
• Onyxia used the sulfurous smoke and her servants to cover her escape, but Loramus cut her wing and warned Patrick of her plan.
• The Demon Hunters' Spectral Sight let them see through the smoke, foiling Onyxia's attempt to escape unseen.

Patrick’s group defeated Onyxia in her lair after he released the arcane energy that restored the Blue Dragons’ powers. They spared the badly wounded Black Dragon Princess because her life still had a use, then faced the problem of transporting her back to Quel’Thalas.

• Altruis transformed into a greater demon and held off the Black Dragon servants at the cavern entrance.
• Onyxia summoned magma and earth energy, but Patrick lifted the restrictions on his mana and restored the Blue Dragons’ control over arcane energy.
• Mati’gosa, Saragoss, Halreen, Azuregos, and Altruis attacked Onyxia while Loramus guarded the rear; Azuregos killed the whelps and destroyed the eggs.
• Mati’gosa’s frost breath left Onyxia unable to fight, and the group stopped attacking because they had agreed to spare her.
• Patrick asked the others how they could transport the enormous Black Dragon back to Quel’Thalas.

Patrick persuaded Onyxia to abandon her resolve to die by threatening to have Azuregos carry her across the Great Sea, and she changed back into human form. After returning with the group to Eldre'Dani, Patrick reviewed the city's construction and ordered new facilities for airborne warships and dragon riders.

• Patrick told Azuregos to take the wounded Onyxia to Quel'Thalas, joking that he could carry her across the Great Sea in his jaws.
• Onyxia remembered her father Neltharion and chose to survive, changing back into her human form.
• Patrick opened a portal to Eldre'Dani, where Baihar reported that construction in the Highland Wilderness was proceeding according to schedule.
• Patrick praised Baihar's progress and ordered launch platforms or runways built for airborne warships and dragon riders.

Patrick captured Onyxia, marked her with spells that let him control her, and freed Lina from her arcane mark while offering her a post in Quel'Thalas. Back in Sunfury Spire, Patrick told Alleria that he intended to use Onyxia to uncover the secrets of the Void Dragons.

• Patrick welcomed Onyxia to Eldre'Dani and inscribed her with spells that enhanced her magic while allowing him to control her.
• Patrick removed Lina's arcane mark and offered her a position as a public official of Quel'Thalas, which she eagerly accepted.
• Baihaer-Zaofeng arranged treatment for Onyxia, and Patrick sent her to Silvermoon City to recover under the Spellbreakers' watch.
• Patrick returned to Sunfury Spire, where Alleria questioned his motives for capturing Onyxia.
• Patrick told Alleria that he planned to use Onyxia to unravel the secrets of the Void Dragons.

After A'dal helped the Alliance and Horde defeat the demon assault on Shattrath, Varian led the Alliance through Outland toward Tempest Keep. The Alliance established a base in Netherstorm and prepared to secure the region before confronting Kael'thas.

• A'dal unleashed the Holy Light to heal the defenders and destroy the demons attacking Shattrath, including the Pit Lords Makazadun and Mogorolon.
• Varian led the Alliance north through Zangarmarsh and Blade's Edge Mountains, then crossed the Bridge of Light into Netherstorm and occupied the Central Eco-Dome.
• Kael'thas's Blood Elf forces withdrew toward Tempest Keep, while Goblins left Area 52 and established Wrenchville near Manaforge Duro to profit from the Alliance advance.
• Varian, King Magni, Mekkatorque, and the other Alliance leaders decided to take The Stormspire and secure Netherstorm before moving against Kael'thas.

Thrall’s Horde planned to attack the Black Temple while the Alliance advanced through Netherstorm toward Tempest Keep, and Garrosh objected to striking the Blood Elves who had helped the Horde. The chapter ended with Thrall ordering preparations to attack Gul’dan’s Hand, backed by Shattrath and its factions.

• Thrall reviewed reports that the Alliance had taken control of central Netherstorm and was approaching Tempest Keep, while Saurfang said its campaign also targeted the Blood Elves.
• Garrosh protested the Horde’s plans to attack the Blood Elves and the Black Temple, but Thrall, Vol’jin, and Voren argued that the Horde had to limit the Alliance’s growing power.
• Vol’jin speculated that Regent Cabrolon had abandoned Kael’thas to seize complete control of Quel’Thalas, while Marode doubted Kael’thas could challenge the regent’s position.
• Thrall learned that Shattrath supported the Horde’s campaign and that the Aldor and Scryers were willing to send troops to Shadowmoon Valley.
• Thrall ordered the surrounding Felguards to prepare an immediate attack on Gul’dan’s Hand.

Danath, Galin, Falstad, and Duke Falconcrest weighed Patrick’s offer to strengthen ties between Stromgarde, Aerie Peak, the Syndicate, and Quel’Thalas. They accepted the terms and prepared to travel to Quel’Thalas on a diplomatic mission.

• Danath returned to Stromgarde and joined Galin in rebuilding its forces and planning the realm’s recovery, while Falstad and Duke Falconcrest took part in their discussions.
• Galin and Falstad reviewed Patrick’s signed terms, which promised infrastructure linking Aerie Peak and Stromgarde with Quel’Thalas and support for their territories.
• Danath questioned Quel’Thalas’s motives, while Galin explained that the offer would help them break free of Stormwind City’s control and that Kul Tiras had aligned itself with Quel’Thalas.
• After reading another document from Patrick, Danath concluded that Quel’Thalas did not intend to rule them and urged the leaders to accept the terms.
• Danath told everyone to prepare to accompany him on a diplomatic mission to Quel’Thalas.