Knights of the Silver Hand

The Knights of the Silver Hand (full name the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand,Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, Human Hero Units, Paladin often referred to as the Order of the Silver Hand, the Paladins of the Silver Hand,The Story of Morgan Ladimore the Silver Hand, or the Paladin OrderWarcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual) is the order of holy knights and warriors, commonly called paladins, created by Archbishop Alonsus Faol as the martial branch of the Church of Light. Empowered by the Holy Light, these mighty warriors brandish both their warhammers and holy fire in the battle against all who would trample the meek and innocent, as they seek to be an example of the Light's teachings, protecting the weak and vanquishing the evil of the world. Under the command of the Uther the Lightbringer, they led the Alliance of Lordaeron to victory against the Old Horde in the Second War.
For years, they remained loyal to King Terenas Menethil II and kept the peace in Lordaeron, settling civil disputes and quelling any demi-human uprisings in the realm. During the Third War, the Order was suspended by one of its own members, Prince Arthas Menethil, as Uther refused to purge the city of Stratholme infected by the plague. Although the paladins continued to fight against the Scourge, their leadership was decimated during the fall of Lordaeron, and Highlord Alexandros Mograine succeeded the late Uther. With the Ashbringer, Alexandros became a symbol of resistance until he was murdered on the orders of Balnazzar and Kel'Thuzad. His death shattered the Silver Hand, who eventually split up between the Argent Dawn and the Scarlet Crusade for ideological reasons.
However, a part of the Order remained active in the Alliance, as human and dwarf paladins from Stormwind and Ironforge were still referred to as "Knights of the Silver Hand".Consecrated Letter (quest)Consecrated Rune (quest) Years later, Tirion Fordring came out of his exile and regrouped the remains of the Order in Lordaeron to resume the fight against the undead and the demons in Outland. At the time of the Scourgewar, Tirion led his knights during the Battle for Light's Hope Chapel, and later merged them with the Argent Dawn to form the Argent Crusade and take the fight to Northrend.The Light of Dawn (quest) Following the fall of the Lich King, the Silver Hand paladins remained loyal to the Alliance and pursued their fight against those who threaten Azeroth, while those in the Argent Crusade worked to restore the Plaguelands of northern Lordaeron.
During the third invasion of the Burning Legion, the Argent Crusade was decimated on the Broken Shore, and in his last breath, Tirion Fordring handed the Ashbringer to a Champion of the Light whom he chose as his successor. In order to save Azeroth, the Silver Hand was formally reestablished and supported by each major paladin order. From the Sanctum of Light under Light's Hope Chapel, they fought alongside the other class orders united as the Armies of Legionfall. At the beginning of the Fourth War, the Silver Hand split up and supported once more the Alliance against the Horde.
==History==
===Foundation and the Second War===
As the human forces amassed for the Second War, the Supreme Commander of the Alliance forces, Anduin Lothar, made other preparations. The Alliance was composed of disparate nations, some of which were rivals. They all had different customs and ways of life. Lothar needed something to bind them as one. He needed champions whom every human could rally behind, no matter where they came from. The clerics were the most obvious choice to fill this role, but they hadn't fared well as the Holy Order of Northshire Clerics was devastated during the First War. Though they were brave, they lacked martial training and were better suited to using the Light to mend wounds off the battlefield. Lothar needed something else.
The solution came from the Church of the Holy Light. Seeking to create an order that would suffer less attrition in battle, the Archbishop Alonsus Faol, who had recently learned everything that had transpired in Stormwind, including how the clerics had fared, met Anduin Lothar and offered him to create a new order that would represent the best qualities of humanity. An order that would include soldiers gifted not only in wielding the Light, but also possessing leadership qualities and mastering the arts of traditional warfare, while embodying the qualities of loyalty, bravery, and honor. With Lothar's consent, Alonsus Faol and Uther recruited noble knights and members of the priesthood from Lordaeron,Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual#Sire Uther Lightbringer so that the Archbishop could respectively train them in the ways of the Light and in martial combat as his apprentices. There was Turalyon, the priest who had helped forge the Alliance at the Council of Seven Nations; then Saidan Dathrohan, a mountain of a man who was gifted with immense physical strength; Tirion Fordring, a knight renowned for his zeal and resilience; Uther, an accomplished knight and a pious believer who had already apprenticed under Faol for some years; and lastly Gavinrad the Dire, a battle-hardened knight from Stormwind, a comrade of Lothar, who had fought in the First War.
Faol welcomed his students with open arms, which he later named paladins, while the city of Stratholme would later serve as their base of operations. Yet for the time being, Lothar kept them close, ordering them to travel alongside the main Alliance army. Day and night, the holy warriors were trained vigorously by Faol, who taught them how to use the Light to comfort their allies and smite their enemies, and also how to lead by example. They would be more than just weapons, as no matter how dire times became, the paladins would serve as lights in the darkness, as beacons of hope to guide the Alliance. The Archbishop instructed them to live simple lives, they would seek no fortune or glory in war. Until the end of their days, they would put the needs of others above their own. As training progressed, Faol presented the five paladins a set of enchanted librams from the church. Each libram represented what Faol saw as a core trait of the Silver Hand and challenged his students to become living embodiments of what their holy tomes represented: Turalyon would hold the Libram of Protection, Uther would hold the Libram of Justice, Tirion would hold the Libram of Retribution, Saidan would hold the Libram of Holiness, and Gavinrad would hold the Libram of Compassion. The Order of the Silver Hand was born.
In Alonsus Chapel, Uther was appointed the first of the paladins. He was then followed by Dathrohan, Tirion, Turalyon,Tides of Darkness, pg. 84 and Gavinrad.Tides of Darkness, pg. 86 Its name and symbol had been taken from the Legend of the Silver Hand, legacy of the Keeper Tyr, as a symbol of those Light-wielding warriors who placed self-sacrifice above all else. During their formation, Lothar often checked in on the emergent order, and was so pleased that he asked the new paladins Turalyon and Uther to serve as his lieutenants. Alonsus Faol gladly agreed to satisfy the Supreme Commander's request, but he did not release his students from his care yet. It would be weeks before they were ready to set foot on the battlefield.
The Knights of the Silver Hand made their first appearance during the Battle of Hillsbrad Foothills, where they rode through the Alliance lines while their presence filled their fellow soldiers with hope and courage. They called upon their holy powers to mend wounded soldiers and ease their fearful hearths, and when they faced the death knights of the Horde, they used their sacred powers in the form of blazing white light waves of energies that rippled over the Alliance soldiers, striking down the reanimated human corpses and sweeping away the death knights' corruptive fog. In the end, both sides were evenly matched, neither able to gain an advantage over the other, and they continued to occupy each other for the duration of the battle.
During the months following the start of the war, Alonsus Faol recruited knights willing to learn how to wield the Light and clerics ready to take up arms for their noble cause in order to become members of the Silver Hand, their number increasing from five paladins to fourteen in a short time.Tides of Darkness, chapter 21Of Blood and Honor, chapter 2 Their leader Uther commanded such presence on the battlefield that his knights at times seemed both invincible and unstoppable.Uther's Guard For the Alliance armies, they were truly a sight to behold, as the paladins healed the wounds sustained in combat and restored faith in the promise of freedom from orcish tyranny,Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Alliance Ground Units, Paladin while the sight of them wielding their mighty warhammers and holy powers gave others inspiration on the battlefield and the home front.Tides of Darkness, pg. 129 - 130 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.Tides of Darkness, chapter 8
They were also known to minister to the masses during the war, gathering inside churches to deepen their faith. Through meditating, communing, and tithing at these sanctified sites, they discovered new ways to channel their healing and spiritual powers.Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Alliance Buildings, Church They could cast their blessing upon soldiers, sense evil, and even heal grievous wounds with but a touch.Tides of Darkness, chapter 20
Subsequently, the paladins were instrumental in winning the war. They quell a peasant revolt at Tyr's Hand,Tyr's Hand (WC2 Human) and confronted the Horde forces in the city and Tyr's Bay until the orcs razed down the city with a massive naval assault.The Razing of Tyr's Hand (WC2 Orc) At the same time, Uther and his knights were watching over the northlands and came to offer comfort to those who were suffering the misfortunes of war on the recently attacked island township of Caer Darrow. During the journey, they faced pirates sent to assassinate the Lightbringer, and destroyed the orc troops still present near the island.The Battle at Darrowmere (WC2 Human) When the Horde managed to reach Lordaeron and began the Siege of Capital City, the paladins took part in the defense of the realm under the command of King Terenas Menethil II.World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 165 At the same time, King Aiden Perenolde's betrayal was revealed by Anduin Lothar, and the Kingdom of Alterac was found guilty of its pact with the Horde. Consequently, some paladins joined the Alliance troops led by the high elf Milan to save the captured peasants and magi, and to attack Alterac City in order to halt the advance of Horde reinforcements towards Capital City.Betrayal and the Destruction of Alterac (WC2 Human) Without their reinforcements and the help of Alterac, the siege ended with the victory of the Alliance and a full retreat of the Horde back to Khaz Modan.World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 168
In the meantime, it was also the support of the paladins that enabled the Alliance to make a swift march south towards Khaz Modan in their pursuit of the orcs, as it would have never been possible without the holy warriors who worked day and night, mending the wounded and filling their hearts with resolve and courage. During the liberation of Ironforge and Gnomeregan from Kilrogg Deadeye and his Bleeding Hollow clan, the paladins under Turalyon led hunting parties to root out the orcs and drive them from the region, while Uther and his knights were sent by Lothar to Lordaeron, in order to make sure that the region was safe again from the orcs.
During the Siege of Blackrock Spire, while Doomhammer and Lothar squared off in a titanic battle, Uther and his men made their return and joined the throng. They ran forward to follow their fellow, auras springing up around them as well as they dove into the gathered Horde. Shortly after the start of the battle, Alexandros Mograine arrived with his troops to support their allies. Though Doomhammer narrowly succeeded in vanquishing Lothar, the great hero's death did not have the effect the warchief had hoped for. Among the paladins, Uther was the first known to have manifested his powers on the battlefield,Tides of Darkness, pg. 127 and Turalyon himself did not master his powers until after Lothar's death, but once he did, the orcish army cowered from his blinding light, which shone "brighter than the brightest day", before he disarmed Doomhammer and struck him unconscious rather than kill him, so that he could stand trial in Capital City for all the crimes he has committed.
After the battle, control over the Alliance army fell to Turalyon. Uther expressed his happiness at seeing Turalyon's faith finally emerge, and Turalyon bestowed the title of "the Lightbringer" upon the older paladin.Tides of Darkness, pg. 359 One week later, Turalyon led the Alliance's charge against the orc's last stand, the Dark Portal itself, in what was considered the fiercest and bloodiest battle of the Second War. The Azerothian side of the Dark Portal was destroyed, thanks in part to the bravery and skill of Uther Lightbringer and the Order of the Silver Hand. Turalyon and the other paladins then rallied the Alliance forces while many of the orcs began to panic, some stood and fought, some surrendered, and others fled. The Alliance was victorious.
===Aftermath of the Second War===
As the fires of the Second War died down, the Order of the Silver Hand coordinated with the Church of the Holy Light to help the Alliance of Lordaeron move forward. On Faol's decree,Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 5 they healed the sick and granted shelter to the survivors broken by the war in Lordaeron and Stormwind, with Turalyon and Uther being present and helping in Stormwind City for a time. At the same time, the Alliance of Lordaeron took aggressive steps to contain the orcish threat, and a number of large internment camps were constructed in southern Lordaeron, guarded by both veteran soldiers and paladins of the Silver Hand, such as Captain Skarloc in the Durnholde military. The camps proved to be a great success, though the captive orcs were tense and anxious to do battle once more, the various camp wardens kept the peace and maintained a strong semblance of order.The Invasion of Draenor
Following the Invasion of Draenor, where only Turalyon had journeyed as he told his comrades to stay behind before the closing of the Dark Portal, the Silver Hand dedicated themselves to safeguarding the land from orc attacks by directing a few settlements across Lordaeron. The Order also began to train new paladins in Stormwind City and Ironforge, swelling the ranks of the Order with a number of stout-hearted dwarvesWoW Character Selection Screen, pre-2.01: "Although paladins were once exclusively human, a number of stout-hearted dwarves have recently been welcomed into the Order of the Silver Hand." and some high elves before the Third War, such as Mehlar Dawnblade, a paladin pupil of Uther the Lightbringer.Blood of the Highborne
During these times, the Bastion of the Silver Hand in Stratholme was considered as the barracks of the Order,Of Love and Family (1) containing countless of their treasures,The Dreadlord Balnazzar while the Silver Hand notably used the Old Monastery, a center for learning and enlightenment known as a proud bastion of Lordaeron's priesthood,Game Guide/World Dungeons#The Scarlet Monastery as a seminary and major training ground for paladins in training, notably those of the Kingdom of Stromgarde.Mythology of the Titans (quest)The Scarlet Monastery (quest)
At some point after the war, the defenders of Tyr's Guard felt an affinity toward the Order of the Silver Hand and consequently learned how to wield the Light, as they adopted more techniques over time to help them in their duty to protect the Tomb of Tyr.Libram of Ancient Kings
At the time of the Alterac crisis, Lord Duncan Senturus and his paladins of the Silver Hand encountered Rhonin and Vereesa Windrunner, sent by the Kirin Tor to save the Dragonqueen Alexstrasza in Grim Batol, and took them to an unnamed settlement of the Order about three days from the port of Hasic. Despite their reluctance to cooperate with the mage, they agreed to help them in their quest, escorting them to Hasic, which they found in ruins after an attack by a pair of dragon riders of the Dragonmaw clan. They subsequently allied with Falstad Dragonreaver and his wing of gryphon riders in order to reach Khaz Modan, and while en route, Senturus sacrificed himself to save Rhonin and his companions when they were ambushed by Dragonmaw dragonriders.Day of the Dragon During meetings of great importance in Lordaeron's palace, especially when monarchs were visiting, the Knights of the Silver Hand were needed for protection and surveillance, being the only military unit they all trusted, so that even King Genn Greymane and Admiral Daelin Proudmoore agreed to having themselves searched by selected sentries from the holy order, even despite its outward allegiance to Terenas Menethil II.Day of the Dragon, chapter 6
Years passed as tensions abated and a lasting peace settled over Lordaeron. With his paladins, the Supreme commander Uther the Lightbringer kept the peace in the kingdom, settling civil disputes and quelling demi-human uprisings throughout the realm, while his apprentice Arthas Menethil integrated the Order through a ceremony performed at the Cathedral of Light by Archbishop Alonsus Faol.Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 45 - 47
When news of an upstart warchief rallying the few remaining orc clans, those not suffering from lethargy like those who were imprisoned, and who succeeded in teaching them all he learned from Aedelas Blackmoore as a gladiator, King Terenas sent Uther and his paladins to quell the warchief's uprising while revolt against the orc internment camps were about to unfold. However, the crafty orcs could never be found as the young warchief proved to be something of a tactical genius and evaded Uther's best efforts to corral his hit-and-run attacks. At the same time, the Silver Hand defended the settlements at the borders of Quel'Thalas from forest troll warbands. Prince Arthas gained fame for counterattacking and defeating the trolls,Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, Human History (since the end of the second war) but Kedehern Falamar, another Silver Hand member, perished during the fight and was considered a hero. Kedehern's Silver Hand masters brought his armor back to his father, Brogan.Mage
At some point, Tirion Fordring's life was saved by the orc Eitrigg. When Eitrigg was captured by Saidan Dathrohan' soldiers, Tirion felt he owed a debt of honor and fought to rescue him. For assaulting Alliance soldiers, Tirion was brought to Stratholme to stand trial before the jury composed of Admiral Daelin Proudmoore, Arch-Mage Antonidas, Archbishop Alonsus Faol, and Prince Arthas. Despite the offer to be freed in exchange for breaking his vow, Tirion refused and Uther had no choice but to excommunicate exile his old friend from Lordaeron.Of Blood and Honor The gnome Myranda the Hag, most trusted advisor of Tirion, was later banished after she openly dissented the verdict of the Order of the Silver Hand.Find Myranda
Prior to the Third War, King Terenas feared that Thrall would soon manage to gather all the remaining renegade orcs hidden in the lands of Lordaeron, which would be critical for the kingdom. He ordered Uther with the Knights of the Silver Hand and his son to ride towards southern Lordaeron,Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, part 2, chapter 8 in order to contain the orcish threat and deal with them once and for all.The Defense of Strahnbrad (WC3 Human) In the Alterac Mountains, the paladins notably fought against the bandits of the Syndicate, and later the Blackrock clan, who have recently captured citizens from Strahnbrad to sacrifice them to the Burning Legion, as they have re-embraced their demon worshiping.Blackrock and Roll (WC3 Human)
In the meantime, a faction largely led by General Abbendis started growing among the ranks of the Silver Hand. This faction was intolerant of what they deemed as the "lesser races".Death is Contagious
===The Scourge of Lordaeron===
In the beginnings of the Third War, after preparing for many long months, Kel'Thuzad and his Cult of the Damned released the Plague of Undeath upon Lordaeron. Consequently, Uther the Lightbringer and his fellow paladins investigated the infected regions in the hope of finding a way to stop the plague, but despite their efforts, the plague continued to spread and threatened to tear the Alliance apart.
While the ranks of the undead swept across Lordaeron, Arthas Menethil had managed to track the shipment of grain to Andorhal, where he succeeded in killing the culprit, the necromancer Kel'Thuzad, but even so, the undead ranks continued to swell with every soldier that fell defending the land. Frustrated and stymied by the seemingly unstoppable enemy, Arthas took increasingly extreme steps to fight against the Scourge and conquer them,The Scourge of Lordaeron (History of Warcraft) notably at Hearthglen in the Eastweald, where the city was about to be attacked by an army of undead, and the defenders had just baked and eaten the grain from Andorhal before the attack started. Along with soldiers of Lordaeron's army, he was able to slay those infected before they could spread the disease to the entire town. Shortly thereafter the large undead army laid siege to the town, Arthas and his armies barely held off the undead long enough for the arrival of Jaina Proudmoore with Uther and his paladins, thus managing to repel the undead.World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 74
Horrified, humiliated, and disturbed by his near-defeat, Arthas quickly left for Stratholme, followed by Uther and his paladins, where they found that the city had been infected with the plague by Mal'Ganis, as the necromancer had told him. When Uther refused to follow Arthas' command to kill the infected population of Stratholme before they could die and be reborn as undead, Arthas turned his back on the other paladins, calling their refusal an act of treason, then relieved Uther from command, suspended his paladins from service and sent them away, while he called all those still loyal to Lordaeron to follow their prince.The Culling (WC3 Human)Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 12 Consequently, Uther took the paladins that remained loyal to him and left Stratholme, abandoning Arthas to his barbaric actions.
After the Culling of Stratholme, some former paladins, now called deathlords, also committed the same heinous act in many other cities across Lordaeron.Shield of the Deathlord When the Scourge swept again through Stratholme, the Silver Hand manufactured holy water to use against the invaders. They stored it inside small crates along with other vital supplies and distributed them throughout the city. Unfortunately, the remaining citizens turned into Scourge reinforcements before the supplies could ever be used.Liquid Gold
At the same time, Alexandros Mograine organized a meeting in Southshore's inn, where he revealed the dark orb he kept after the Second War. With the efforts of Isillien, Fairbanks, Doan, and Abbendis, he succeeded in purifying the artifact and decided that it would be forged into a weapon of retribution. Despite being suspended, the paladins unofficially continued to explore all available options to wipe out the Scourge under the command of Alexandros and Saidan Dathrohan.
Following the purge, Prince Arthas took the fleet to Northrend, while the Silver Hand continued to defend Lordaeron villages. Uther informed King Terenas Menethil of his son's inhumane actions in Stratholme, and much to the sorrow of the King, they agreed that Arthas' judgment, and perhaps sanity, was wavering. Terenas sent an emissary to recall Arthas' expedition in Northrend and order their return. Disenfranchised, the paladins still worked selflessly to protect humanity from the gnawing jaws of evil, and were stretched thin fighting the spread of the plague.Legends Volume 5: A Cleansing Fire However, the Scourge continued to grow, taking villages and its turned inhabitants, with a small help from Baron Rivendare and his corrupted food supplies. When a village that Thomas Thomson was stationed in was turned, Thomas understood that Rivendare was a traitor and reported it to the rest of the Silver Hand.
In the meantime, the Prince's fear and resolve proved to be his ultimate undoing. As he tracked the plague's source to Northrend, intending to end its threat forever, he instead fell prey to the machinations of the Lich King and lost his soul to the cursed runeblade Frostmourne. After Arthas became a death knight in the service of the Lich King and killed all his men of the 1st Legion,Frostmourne (Warcraft III)Army of the Damned he returned to Lordaeron with his armies of undead to kill his father and destroy Capital City. Four days after the death of Terenas, Uther ordered Gavinrad the Dire and his Champions of Peace to guard the cemetery near Andorhal, where the remains of Kel'Thuzad were buried. Despite the horrifying conditions, Andorhal was one of the few places in Lordaeron still under Alliance control. There, Uther and many of the surviving paladins had gathered in the city. They used it as a headquarters from which they launched attacks against the undead. As the Scourge swept over Lordaeron, panic seized the living and many gave in to despair, while some looked to the holy paladins for salvation. Lord Uther was the greatest of these righteous warriors, and if anyone had the power to stop the fallen prince, it was him.Libram of the Dead#Blades of the Fallen Prince
When Arthas came to retrieve the remains of the necromancer in order to revive him, Gavinrad refused and was personally killed by the death knight, who fed Frostmourne with his soul, while he unleashed his undead forces upon the paladins Ballador the Bright and Sage Truthbearer, respective commanders of the Champions of Light and the Champions of Truth. In the city of Andorhal, Uther stood against his former apprentice to protect the enchanted Urn of King Terenas. In a battle that would decide Lordaeron's fate, Frostmourne clashed with the legendary Hammer of the Lightbringer. Each weapon blow between the legendary paladin and the champion of the Lich King erupted in a shower of warring energies, it was a struggle between Light and darkness, between life and death. Although he almost lost against his former master and waited for the killing blow, Arthas took advantage of Uther's hesitation and took his soul with the cursed runeblade. The death knight then recovered and blasphemed his father's urn, before continuing the scourging of the kingdom.Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 17
During the Battle of Darrowshire, a contingent of paladins of the Silver Hand led by Davil Crokford allied themselves with the defenders of Darrowshire led by Captain Joseph Redpath, having learned of the Scourge's impending attack on the town. But despite the paladins' successful efforts in steadying the line and holding back the undead, they ended up being defeated by the death knight Marduk the Black after Davil Crokford managed to slay the ghoul lord Horgus the Ravager, before perishing from his mortal wounds.Annals of DarrowshireExtended Annals of Darrowshire
After learning of the deaths of Terenas and Uther, Alexandros returned from Ironforge with the mighty Ashbringer in hands and was reported to be paring down the Scourge's numbers. Subsequently, many paladins traveled to quarantined lands to ease the suffering of those left within the plague-ridden colonies, but although they were immune to disease of any kind, they were persecuted by the general populace, who believed that they had been infected by the foul plague. Some of these paladins traveled to Northrend. When they finally reached Ner'zhul's icy fortress, embittered by the trials they had to suffer through, they had become dark and brooding. The Lich King offered them untold power in exchange for their services and loyalty. Those fallen paladins, whose souls were twisted and bound to the will of the Frozen Throne, became death knights, the Scourge's mightiest generals.
At the onset of the destruction of Dalaran, while Jaina Proudmoore was gathering troops and Lordaeronians refugees to sail for Kalimdor, the Knights of the Silver Hand stayed behind to defend those that couldn't get on the Kul Tiran ships, such as Krohm Dawnhammer, who guided countless innocents to safety with his legendary shining hammer. A few paladins were also among the Human Expedition which reached Kalimdor. They later fought the Burning Legion, notably Duke Lionheart, who worked alongside the orcs to hunt down the demons left after the death of Mannoroth. During the Battle of Mount Hyjal, the paladin Halford Wyrmbane led the troops of the 7th Legion against the demons and undead.Halford Wyrmbane#Gossip
===After the Third War===
Several months after the end of the Third War, the surviving paladins joined the last bastions of human resistance. However, some of them were captured by Illidan Stormrage and his naga, and were brought to the ruins of Dalaran. Among them was Magroth the Defender, who was later freed by Malfurion Stormrage and Maiev Shadowsong, and subsequently pledged himself to their cause.
Afterward, detachments of paladins emerged again from the rubble of Lordaeron to form a resistance, protecting those who fled to Dalaran under the control of Grand Marshal Garithos and the Alliance resistance. Some joined the Garithos' Elite Guard, notably one who led a few surviving royal guards from the King's Guard.The Crossing After Archimonde's defeat, the others guarded the ruined Lordaeron palace gardens under the command of Dagren the Orcslayer, Magroth the Defender, and Halahk the Lifebringer, respectively directing the Crippling Force, the Defenders of Justice and the Circle of Holy Light. However, their combined efforts were not enough as they were defeated by Arthas Menethil, Kel'Thuzad, and Sylvanas Windrunner, enabling the Scourge to destroy the resistance.
Among the few who managed to survive the massacre, some were rallied by Dagren the Orcslayer to join the ranks of the Human Settlers. They later traveled to Kalimdor under the orders of Lord Admiral Daelin Proudmoore, in order to fight the Horde and locate Jaina Proudmoore.Old Hatreds (WC3 Orc) During the Invasion of Durotar, Dagren the Orcslayer and the paladins were assigned to the protection of Theramore Isle. In the meantime, the Chief Petty Officer was a mighty Kul Tiran paladin and one of the Admiral's most loyal officers who ensured his protection until his death during the final battle in Theramore.A Blaze of Glory (WC3 Orc)
The paladins who remained in Lordaeron continued to fight against the Scourge for the next years. Elusive and resourceful, the undead were unable to defeat them in battle. Under the leadership of Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan and Highlord Alexandros Mograine, wielder of the Ashbringer, the Knights of the Silver Hand banded together to continue the war against the undead throughout the Plaguelands. However, dissensions started appearing in the leadership of the human resistance. Lord Maxwell Tyrosus suggested that, in order to retake their fallen cities, the Order should recruit among the night elves of Kalimdor and the dwarves and gnomes of Khaz Modan. Other prominent leaders such as High General Abbendis disagreed, considering the fate of Lordaeron the affairs of men.
From their base at Hearthglen, used as a rallying point due to Taelan Fordring's offer for refuge, they were able to gain some victories during the next years.World of Warcraft: Ashbringer, Issue 4 - Dust to Dust Worried about the Forsaken entrenching themselves in the Ruins of Lordaeron, the paladins established a base in the now-abandoned Monastery of Tirisfal Glades, that would later be known as the Scarlet Monastery. Hoping to recruit additional personnel, they also made an alliance with Lord Valdelmar of Tyr's Hand, extending their protection to the fortified city from daily attacks of the undead.Ashes to Ashes, pg. 4 & 16 However, during an attack on Stratholme, Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan was killed, his corpse possessed as a fleshly costume by the dreadlord Balnazzar, who then started slowly working against the Order's objectives from the inside.
Fearing that the Ashbringer might destroy the Forsaken before his plans could come to fruition, Varimathras had Balnazzar arrange Alexandros's death by manipulating and corrupting his son, Renault Mograine, to led his father and Fairbanks to Stratholme, where an army of undead waited for them. While Highlord Mograine managed to destroy all the undead, he dropped his blade in fatigue to the ground, and coming from behind, his son Renault picked up Ashbringer and ran it through Mograine's heart. The death of Alexandros shocked the paladins, creating divisions among them, while the corpse of the Highlord and the Ashbringer were later recovered by Kel'Thuzad. The lich raised the legendary paladin into undeath and transformed him into an obedient servant as the leader of the Four Horsemen, while the Ashbringer was no more than an unholy shadow of what it was once after having been used for such an atrocious purpose.Ashes to Ashes
The possessed Saidan Dathrohan then reorganized what remained of the Silver Hand in Lordaeron into the Scarlet Crusade. These paladins strove fanatically to destroy evil, without any regards to the means used, and despised all non-human races. Other paladins, disgusted with the Scarlet Crusaders' immoral zealotry, suspicious of Saidan and his closest companions, and who believed that their comrades had fallen from their once-noble purpose, left to form the Argent Dawn, which took a less extreme approach by remaining faithful to the principles of the Light, and accepted members from all of Azeroth's races into their ranks. At Light's Hope Chapel, Maxwell Tyrosus and a few others were chosen for the secret task of unearthing the bodies of a thousand fallen heroes of the Light, bringing them to be interred once more in sacred ground, in order to protect the honored dead from being raised as nothing more than cogs in the Lich King's undead army.
After his death against Arthas, Uther's body was retrieved and buried in a great tomb built for him to the south of the ruins of Andorhal, at Sorrow Hill, vigilantly guarded by High Priest Thel'danis, the caretaker of the tomb.Uther's Blessing
===World of Warcraft===
Following the Third War, the Cathedral of Light served as the main spiritual hub for the Church of Light and the paladins in the kingdoms of Stormwind and Ironforge, with Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker and Valgar Highforge at their head. Upholders of the Holy Light and defenders of the Alliance, these paladins were present from the northern forests of the Tirisfal Glades, fighting back the advance of the Forsaken, to the southern reaches of the Blasted Lands, ceaselessly upholding their vigil against demonic forces from beyond the Dark Portal.The World of Warcraft Townhall/Classes#The Paladin
After their induction, some human paladins traveled to Northshire Valley in order to continue their training and to help keep the kingdom's peace.Races of World of Warcraft: Human At the abbey, Marshal McBride began marshaling paladins of the Order and other recruits to get rid of the kobolds that infested the woods and moved into Echo Ridge Mine.Marshal McBride's Documents#Contents .28old version.29 In Dun Morogh, some dwarf paladins came to aid in the Coldridge Valley. They were later summoned by Duthorian Rall, one of the most influential paladins of the Alliance, in order to continue their training and studies, but also to perform holy trials to show themselves worthy of serving the Light.Tome of Divinity (Brother Wilhelm)Tome of Divinity (5) These new Knights of the Silver Hand were sent on missions to fight the Defias Brotherhood and the Dark Iron dwarf during their training,The Tome of Valor (2)The Tome of Divinity (dwarf 8) but also against the Scourge in the Western Plaguelands.Chillwind Camp (quest)
Everyone in the Silver Hand thought that Merideth Carlson was mad for coming up with the idea of a special horse feed destined to nourish spiritual horses. Relationships with the horse breeder were eventually mended,Manna-Enriched Horse Feed (quest) in order to allow the young paladins to be able to obtain their own charger,Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker (old) a tedious task that involved months of obtaining materials all over Azeroth, guided by Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker.Preparations Underway
The Silver Hand paladins in Lordaeron remained scattered until Tirion Fordring came out of exile. When his son Taelan was killed by Grand Inquisitor Isillien for trying to leave the Scarlet Crusade, Tirion avenged him and vowed over his son's body to reform the Order of the Silver Hand, once more be a force of good dedicated to extinguishing the evil, regardless of its politics or pleasantries, that plagued the world.In Dreams
The Order is mentioned to be active during the initial assault on Naxxramas, as Eligor Dawnbringer of the Brotherhood of the Light mentioned them in a conversation with Scarlet Commander Marjhan at Light's Hope Chapel, threatening the latter to inform Lord Fordring and his knights that they are no longer here on amicable terms, and that the Highlord would take great pleasure in seeing to their "atonement".Eligor Dawnbringer#Light's Hope Chapel
===The Burning Crusade===
In addition to the Scarlet Crusade, the Silver Hand found a rival in the newly-emerged Blood Knight order, a group of errant paladins who had come to prominence in the restored elven lands north of Lordaeron. Some of these elves had been knights of the Silver Hand before the Third War, such as Mehlar Dawnblade, a former pupil of Uther who held his former master indirectly responsible for the fall of Quel'Thalas and decided to defile Uther's Tomb, believing Uther's "mishandling" of the young prince's training was responsible for Arthas' betrayal, and that he failed to stop him.Defiling Uther's Tomb In order to prove their dominance over the Light, Blood Knights were sent to defile the Alonsus Chapel, the Silver Hand's founding place. The ghostly paladins Aelmar the Vanquisher, Cathela the Seeker, Gregor the Justiciar, Vicar Hieronymus, and Nemas the Arbiter appeared to defend the chapel alongside Lord Aurius Rivendare who was defeated.True Masters of the Light (3)
Following the reopening of the Dark Portal, a few Ironforge paladins joined the Azerothian defenses to repel the attacks of the demons led by a gigantic Pit Commander at the Stair of Destiny.
Some time after the reopening, a battalion of knights of the Silver Hand led by Lord Irulon Trueblade launched an expedition into Outland to help secure the other side of the Dark Portal against the demons of the Burning Legion, notably by helping the Alliance and Horde forces already there to fortify their positions. When one of their paladins accused of desertion, Jorad Mace, returned with the news that an army of fel orcs and nether dragons was on its way to the Dark Portal, Trueblade vouched for him and urged Commander Duron to put the army on high alert.Shadow Wing
Soon after they shored up their defensive lines, the combined strength of the Alliance, Aldor, Silver Hand, Horde, and Broken troops stationed at the portal confronted Ragnok Bloodreaver's forces at the Stair of Destiny. During the battle, Ragnok was disintegrated by a radiant and sacred swing of Jorad's hammer. Without their leader and the nether dragons' support, the remains of the death knight's forces were driven off by the coalition, stopping them from getting a foothold in Azeroth.Nexus Point
Shortly before the war against the Lich King, Korialstrasz decimated a large Scourge army somewhere in Lordaeron. The red dragon noticed that some of the undead wore paladins' armor.Night of the Dragon, chapter 2
The following section was retconned by the comics and no longer refers to the current lore.
In the Old Hillsbrad Foothills instance of the Caverns of Time, adventurers sent a few years prior to the Third War by the bronze dragonflight could be present during Alexandros Mograine's meeting at the inn of Southshore with the other members of the Silver Hand: the two paladins Tirion Fordring and Brigitte Abbendis, the priest Isillien, and the mage Doan. Thus, they were able to witness the purification of what would later become the heart of the Ashbringer.
===Wrath of the Lich King===
At the head of the paladins of the Silver Hand and the Argent Dawn, Highlord Tirion Fordring emerged at Light's Hope Chapel to defend it from the Scourge, unleashing his holy fury upon the armies of undead until the Death Knights of Acherus were ultimately defeated. During his confrontation with the Lich King, Tirion reclaimed and purified the Ashbringer, leading the Dark Lord of the Scourge to retreat and at the same time freeing the death knights from his grip. After the Battle for Light's Hope Chapel, Tirion called for a union between the Argent Dawn and the remains of the Order of the Silver Hand in Lordaeron. Together they formed the Argent Crusade, which sailed to Northrend and fought to end the reign of the Lich King.Argent Crusade#Reputation
During the Scourge Invasion, some members of the Order were present in Shattrath City to protect Bishop Lazaril's altar and her priests, as they were creating holy artifacts from the concentration of light of the naaru, in order to protect the Alliance capitals and destroy the floating necropolises of the Lich King.A Desperate Alliance
In the beginnings of the war against the Scourge, Tirion Fordring managed to set foot at Valgarde in Northrend under the disguise of a Cleric of the Crusade, while an envoy of the Silver Hand named Ares the Oathbound was entrusted to transport the Ashbringer separately, in order to protect the Highlord should the Lich King's forces attempt to intercept him. During the transport, Ares was fatally wounded by an undead, and later directed an adventurer to retrieve the artifact in the Utgarde Catacombs.The Shining Light With his dying breath, he implored them to deliver it to Lord Irulon Trueblade, who returned the weapon to Tirion. In honor of the knights who sacrificed themselves for their sacred duty, the Highlord revealed his identity and declared that the Order of the Silver Hand had arrived, and that they would advance until they defeated the Lich King. Later, Trueblade mentioned that the Silver Hand worked toward Icecrown, and that Tirion remained their greatest hope with the Ashbringer to stand a chance against Arthas.Guided by Honor
Along with the Knights of the Ebon Blade, as the Ashen Verdict, the Silver Hand were instrumental in Arthas's ultimate defeat, with Tirion himself using the Ashbringer to sunder Frostmourne.Lich King (tactics)
In the Culling of Stratholme instance of the Caverns of Time, adventurers were sent by the bronze dragonflight to protect Arthas from the deceptions and assassination attempts of the Infinite dragonflight,Dispelling Illusions which seek to change the course of time by preventing the purge from occurring. Thus, the adventurers witnessed the suspension of the Silver Hand and the purge of Stratholme.A Royal Escort
===Cataclysm and aftermath===
Following the Cataclysm, the paladin trainers in the kingdoms of Stormwind and Ironforge were still greeting new members as part of an Order of the Silver Hand that did not merge with the Argent Crusade. Those paladins who remained loyal to the Alliance were sent in the Blackrock Depths, in order to prevent the deaths of allies at the hands of the Dark Iron clan and the Twilight Hammer,Weapons of Darkness (Alliance) but also at the cursed Shadowfang Keep in Silverpine Forest to obtain unique materials, so that Therum Deepforge can create weapons at the height of their dedication.The Hand of the Light
During Tyr's Hand's conquest, Crusade Commander Korfax of the Brotherhood of the Light ordered adventurers to retrieve some priceless artifacts of the Order in the fortified city, among them the Shroud of Uther and Gavinrad's Sigil, hidden in chests within the barracks as these artifacts of the founding members of the Silver Hand were too holy for the now-undead scarlet crusaders to touch. Once in his possession, Korfax announced that he intends to deliver them to Maxwell Tyrosus at Light's Hope Chapel, as they belong in the hands of the righteous.Scarlet Salvage
In Stratholme, the Knight of the Silver Hand Aurius Rivendare, who succumbed to Baron Rivendare, fell to the corruption of the Scourge and was raised as a death knight. Following his resurrection, Aurius took control of the city in his father's absence until Eligor Dawnbringer sent adventurers to defeat him.Lord Aurius Rivendare (quest)World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 85Stirring in the Shadows The ghost of Lord Raymond George also sent some adventurers in the burning city to retrieve valuable relics of the Silver Hand, among them lost volumes of the Annals of the Silver Hand under the watchful eye of Instructor Galford, considering them as fitting additions to the rededicated Light's Hope Chapel.Annals of the Silver Hand (quest) Under the command of Eligor Dawnbringer, the Scarlet Bastion was reconquered after the defeat of Balnazzar and the Risen, and following their victory, he mentioned that the former Bastion of the Silver Hand was now back in the hands of its rightful owners, with the countless treasures of the Order still inside.Eligor Dawnbringer#Quotes
At the time of the Invasion of Pandaria, a few paladins of the Silver Hand were present among the ranks of the Operation: Shieldwall forces, and during the Alliance assault of Domination Point.Domination Point (scenario)#Background
During the war against the Iron Horde in , paladins of Stormwind joined the ranks of the Alliance forces in Ashran. Among them, Valant Brightsworn was mobilized as the paladin leader at the Stormshield Outpost, where he managed the patrols on the island, while Guardian knights, Holy knights, and Retribution knights of the Silver Hand were seen fighting against the Horde forces on the battlefield. Some of them could also be met as followers at the Lunarfall garrison.
===Legion===
Following the failed Argent Crusade's assault on the Broken Shore, and the loss of Highlord Tirion Fordring during the Battle for Broken Shore, Lord Maxwell Tyrosus came into contact with a paladin hero in order to reunite those who still have the conviction to save their home,An Urgent Gathering but also to find and secure the holy legendary artifacts that are The Silver Hand (artifact), the Truthguard and the Ashbringer (artifact), the only weapons that would allow them to fight back against the Legion.Weapons of Legend (paladin)
During the demonic invasions, Marshal Gryan Stoutmantle led the defense of Westfall and managed to repel the attacks. In Dun Morogh, some crusaders came to help defend Ironforge after being rescued from demons by adventurers of the Alliance.
After successfully securing all of the artifacts, and bringing back Tirion's body to be buried with dignity amongst the ancient heroes of the Light,We Meet at Light's Hope a ceremony took place within the hidden Sanctum of Light beneath Light's Hope Chapel to unite every paladin order on Azeroth. The reformed Silver Hand grew and was made up of the paladins of Stormwind and Ironforge, the remnants of the Argent Crusade led by Lord Maxwell Tyrosus, the Hand of Argus led by Vindicator Boros, the Blood Knights led by Lady Liadrin, and the Sunwalkers led by Aponi Brightmane. Each of them pledged their order's loyalty to the paladin hero, now the new Highlord as Tirion Fordring's heir.A United Force
During the Burning Legion's third invasion, the Order of the Silver Hand began to mobilize on the Broken Isles, with the support of Lord Shadowbreaker, who has volunteered to coordinate their forces on the ground,Logistical Matters sending reconnaissance troops across the islands to watch over the legion's movements and bring back the survivors they found.Dark Storms (paladin) Subsequently, the Silver Hand organized the recruitment and training of new troops with the help of Commander Ansela,Recruiting the Troops (paladin) Commander Born,Silver Hand Knights and Crusader Kern. The ongoing offensive on the Broken Shore also drew the interest of many paladins who wished to join the ranks of the Silver Hand, some were judged by the Highlord itself, who eliminated the Legion infiltrator among them.Judgment Awaits
Although Stratholme was still under the control of the Scourge led by Raemien the Soultaker, the Silver Hand managed to regain control of Alonsus Chapel as their base of operations in the Elders' Square.
Later, the Sanctum of Light was attacked by the Knights of the Ebon Blade who came to retrieve Tirion's body, in order to make him the last member of the Four Horsemen. They overpowered Maxwell Tyrosus, then made their way to the bottom of the catacombs where Lady Liadrin tried to stop them, but was defeated as well. Just as they were about to claim Tirion, the Light itself intervened and burned the surrounded death knights, forcing them to flee and granting victory to the paladins.The Fourth Horseman
During one of their expedition, Maxwell Tyrosus and his scouts reported to Archmage Khadgar and the Highlord that an extraordinarily luminescent object had emerged from the Felstorm, before it crashed towards the coast of Suramar.A Sign From The Sky Their discovery was in fact the Light's Heart, the heart of the naaru Xe'ra bearing Turalyon's message for Azeroth, and according to him, the key that must be brought to the Prophet Velen to defeat the Legion, or all the universe would be doomed.A Falling Star In another message for Arator, Turalyon informed his son that the dreadlord Balnazzar has been sent to Azeroth to destroy all that he holds dear, and that he must gather the defenders of the Light to fight.The Scion's Legacy
With the information sent by Turalyon, the war council of the Silver Hand sent their troops on different missions,The Highlord's Command notably to pursue Balnazzar by pinpointing his movements in eastern Azsuna,The Highlord's Command: Nemesis to bolster their forces by increasing recruitment efforts and seeking for new allies,The Highlord's Command: Holy Allies and to dealt with demons incursions across the Broken Isles.The Highlord's Command: Legion DefenseThe Highlord's Command: Procuring SuppliesWrath and Justice (quest)Wrath and Justice Under the command of Vindicator Boros and Justicar Julia Celeste, the Silver Hand kept a close eye on Legion movements at Faronaar in Azsuna, where their intel suggested that Balnazzar was possibly present.To Faronaar They managed to sabotage the advance of the Legion by killing the Imp mother Ozram and a large number of demons,This Is RetributionMother Ozram (quest)Communication Orbs and also found Balnazzar's :Codex of Command. As they were unable to access the information inside, Delas Moonfang was contacted to help,Cracking the Codex and she deciphered it after the paladins brought her a :Fel LexiconAssault on Violet Hold: The Fel Lexicon and demon blood.Blood of Our EnemyBlood of Our Enemy
The contents of the Codex taught the paladins about a Legion invasion force at Felblaze Ingress, where they planned to open a portal directly to the demon world of Niskara.Translation: Danger! Alongside the Conclave, Aponi Brightmane and Arator the Redeemer led an assault with their troops. However, the paladins gave no further news after their departure.To Felblaze Ingress They were later rescued by the Highlord, who learned from Aponi's libram that their assault was a failure when Balnazzar appeared through his portal and defeated them, before imprisoning them on Niskara.Aponi's Trail They also learned from a Mysterious Stranger that Balnazzar and his armies were about to attack the Netherlight Temple, headquarters of the Conclave hidden in the Twisting Nether.The Mind of the Enemy (paladin)
The Order of the Silver Hand agreed to support the Conclave,United As One (paladin) and accepted Delas' request to join them as the first night elf paladin,Champion: Delas Moonfang alongside her uncle Nerus Moonfang after the Highlord freed his family from Oathbinder Zorak's curse.Oath Breaker Subsequently, the paladins were sent in recovery and supply missions across the Broken Isles,Lumenstone#Source notably to collect :Blood of Sargeras,Blood of Sargeras (quest) but also a rare metal called :Lumenstone for the creation of weapons and armors.Lumenstone (paladin) When the battle began in the Netherlight Temple, the Silver Hand fought against the demonic assailants, which led to the final death of Balnazzar with the help of Lothraxion and the Army of the Light.A Light in the Darkness (paladin)Warriors of Light
Following their victory, the Knights of the Silver Hand joined the other class orders in Dalaran, represented by Gryan Stoutmantle during the meeting,World of Warcraft: Legion - Patch 7.2 – The Tomb of Sargeras Trailer to form the Armies of Legionfall. The paladins then helped to repel the legion's assault on Dalaran, and fought alongside their allies during the Assault on Broken Shore, with the Highlord and Captain Ridgers at their head at Deliverance Point.
During the Argus Campaign, the Silver Hand troops were present on Argus under the orders of the Highlord, Lady Liadrin, Arator the Redeemer, and Vindicator Boros, and were sent to fight the Legion and protect the Vindicaar at Darkfall Ridge. When Sargeras impaled Azeroth with his sword, gravely injuring its world-soul, a paladin champion among other champions of Azeroth drained the sword of its corruption with a sacred artifact of the Silver Hand, serving as a vessel for its vast power.The Power in Our Hands
===Battle for Azeroth===
During the Battle for Stromgarde, the paladins of the Alliance bore the banner of the Silver Hand and planted Blessed Banners on the battlefield. They only employed Alliance races and fought once more on the side of the Alliance against the Horde, notably Lady Liadrin and her Blood Knights alongside the Sunwalkers,Sunwalker Champion indicating that the Silver Hand has splintered once again at the beginning of the Fourth War. Under the orders of High Exarch Turalyon, they fought alongside several elite members of the Army of the Light, while Turalyon scoffed at the idea of the Horde armies being led by a paladin, Lady Liadrin, questioning what has happened on Azeroth to allow this. He then claimed he would take pleasure in enacting justice from a "misguided paladin of the Horde".Battle for Stromgarde#Quotes
In Arathi Basin, the paladins Kyara Bladeturner, Matron Dreya, and Nella Slagheart fought against Horde soldiers during the Brawl: Comp Stomp.
During the Battle of Dazar'alor, the Champion Frida Ironbellows fought the Horde as the vanguard for the Alliance's assault, she was accompanied by Anointed Disciples and the Darkforged Crusader.
During the Faction Assaults, paladins of the Silver Hand were present among the 7th Legion and the Stormwind Army troops sent in missions on ZandalarGrand Marshal Fury (quest)Azerite TransportAzerite Caravan and Kul Tiras.Wet Work: Fort KnightFogsail for a Day
After the armistice, Mathias Shaw reported that the Knights of the Silver Hand were still present in the Sanctum of Light, where its halls have been cleared to store many artifacts mostly recovered from Scholomance, Stratholme and the Plaguelands. These artifacts were far too dangerous to be stored elsewhere, and above all far too tempting for anyone to resist, which requires sacred protections.World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 84 - 85 After Lorekeeper Mykos removed the mark from the Athenaeum on :The Light and How to Swing It, a book written by Uther for Arthas Menethil, he donated it to the Sanctum's archives.
===Shadowlands===
After the Alliance sent an expedition to Exile's Reach, but lost all contact with, they sent a bigger and stronger expeditionary force. Aboard the ship, young human and dwarf paladins were among a crew of novice adventurers charged to find out what happened.Shadowlands: Adventure Awaits in the New Starting Experience
In Stormwind City, the Silver Hand made its appearance in the paladin section of the Training Hall, represented by Gilda Silvershield and one of the foremost paladins in the realm,Ezul'aan Calls the paladin trainer Ezul'aan, who asked to meet young paladins who impressed him with their rapid progress.Meet with Ezul'aan He later sent them to fight the enemies of the Alliance in Blackrock Depths,Weapons of Darkness (Alliance) and at Shadowfang Keep to obtain materials for the creation of weapons at the height of their dedication,The Hand of the Light as Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker did in the past.
In the Shadowlands, through Uther's memories, the Maw Walkers witnessed the creation of the Order of the Silver Hand in Alonsus Chapel, where the first paladins and the Archbishop were present to induct Uther into their ranks. In Uther's corrupted memories of the Culling of Stratholme, some Silver Hand Betrayers were present among the followers of Arthas and torched the city when the prince began his purge.Step Into the Light In Uther's final memory, paladins of the order were seen fighting the undead in Andorhal, while some of them were healed by priests of the Church.I Intend to Live Forever
In his grimoire, the broker Ta'lora mentioned that the paladins of Azeroth, like the now kyrian Uther, were an example of mortals who dedicated themselves to service and duty in life and whose souls were consequently sent to Bastion after death.
===Dragonflight===
Following the discovery of the Dragon Isles, a few paladins joined the Dragonscale Expedition in their exploration of the ancestral homeland of Azeroth's dragonflights.Cariel Roame, Vaayu Hestavari, Dragonscale Expedition Defenders
After they collected one of Tyr's memories in his tomb, Travard of the Tyr's Guard followed Watcher Koranos and the adventurer to Tyrhold. Honored to help the Dragon Aspects in the restoration of the legendary keeper, the old paladin decided to alert the Knights of the Silver Hand, considering that they may know something, and as followers of Tyr, that they deserved to hear what he witnessed and would certainly help their cause.A Sliver of Silver
During the Time-Lost Battlefield in the Dawn of the Infinite, an infinite battle between the forces Alliance and the Horde which have bled into the timeways, paladins of the Silver Hand could be seen fighting on the battlefield under the leadership of an alternate version of Anduin Lothar. They were later confronted by adventurers sent to end this time anomaly.
A representative of the Silver Hand was later sent at Tyrhold, and was consulted by Travard and Watcher Koranos to found worty recruits to reforge the Tyr's Guard. However, while the Silver Hand envoy gave them the names of a few of their paladins, none of them were what they were looking for.Reforging the Tyr's Guard
==Culture==
The Order of the Silver Hand was founded on the moral foundation of five core traits, inspired by five holy tomes that were some of the church's most ancient relics. Each libram represented what Archbishop Alonsus Faol saw as a core trait of the Order: retribution, holiness, protection, justice, and compassion.
As the martial branch of the Church of Light, the paladins of the Silver Hand are followers of the philosophy of the Holy Light, which boils down to the three teachings called the Three Virtues. They apply them at all times in order to make the world a place everyone can appreciate; a world of honor and justice, and embody the qualities of loyalty, bravery and honor. Compassion, patience, bravery mean as much to a paladin as strength in battle,The Tome of Divinity (human 2) and sacrifice is a key component in what it takes to uphold their duties.To Show Due Judgment
The paladins seem to have a thousand different rites for every minor occasion,Day of the Dragon, chapter 8 and are also known to be very sanctimonious. For them; any service, however humble, that helped another was of the Light.The Shattering: Prelude to Cataclysm, chapter 6 Nevertheless, they are known for their experience in meting out justice, which can sometimes turn into an inquisition.
The paladins had a more ritualistic way of looking at battle, and focused more on the attitude one brought into the fight than the actual mechanics of swordplay.Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 40 In battle, they charge their enemies onto their steeds, using mainly swords and warhammers, but also maces, axes, and their shields. During a fight to the death, the Holy code of the Order asks the paladin that they give a reprieve to their enemy if they collapse, as butchering a fallen foe in the midst of single combat is unquestionably dishonorable.Of Blood and Honor, chapter 1 They also cannot slay any foe who cannot defend himself, notably someone asleep or unconscious, as the stain would be too great for their oaths.Day of the Dragon, chapter 5 According to Khadgar, they have an aura about them, a sense of calm and wisdom and even majesty, as if they were above the problems of this world. For the mage, it was a magic he did not understand but one he respected a great deal, and in many ways it was the opposite of his own magic, which sought to control the elements and other forces.
Not all paladins of the Silver Hand come from noble families, like Sir Thomas who came from a family that owned and worked a pumpkin farm in Tirisfal Glades. When a paladin enters the ranks of the Order they can change their name, like Davil Lightfire, originally Davil Crokford.Extended Annals of Darrowshire As paladins, they consider themselves to be “Brothers” and “Sisters”.Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, part 1, chapter 5 Along with their shoulders and warhammer, they received their own libram during their ceremony of induction, but also their paladin symbol.Smash the PumpkinThe Hand of the Light They are holy relics filled with sacred texts, and which paladins use to channel their powers, or to write down important information. When they obtain their steed, they name them following the tradition of the paladins and priests,Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 107 inherited from the informal tradition of the knights and nobles of Lordaeron, by a quality they admire.Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 26
Before a dangerous mission, the Knights of the Silver Hand take no risks, the chief paladin of the group gives their seal of command to their second in case something happens to them. If the leader dies, their second in possession of the seal of command rises to the rank of their predecessor and takes charge of the troops.Day of the Dragon, pg. 60 After being killed on a mission or on the battlefield, the armor of a fallen paladin is retrieved by its comrades and later brought back in honor to the family by the master(s) of the deceased.Mage, page 41 When buried, paladins can be placed in conventional cemeteries, or in the resting places of the honored dead such as the catacombs of the Cathedral of Light,Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms, pg. 19 the cemetery of Light's Hope Chapel, and the crypts of the Sanctum of Light.Hall of Champions (Sanctum of Light)
In times of peace, some of them exchange their weapons and armor for simple robes, applying the teachings of Faol on the dichotomy of paladins to serve humbly in devastated communities after wars; as they are both warriors and healers.Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 5 They also support the society through charitable works,The Tome of Divinity (human 4)Emphasis on Sacrifice are sent on missions to protect the Alliance and their allies, and allowed the undead and spirits to rest,The Cries of the DeadExorcising Terrordale either by purging or by using a holy censer to exorcise them.To Show Due JudgmentSoothing Spirits
The paladins of the Silver Hand do not mistreat their prisoners, and do not deny them any basic rights, including food, drink, and the right to defend themselves by giving their side of the story.Ashes to Ashes, pg. 5 During interrogation, they disapprove the practice of torture or brutality,Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 9 instead asking the accused to confess, or by seeking to negotiate with them.Shadows Rising In case of total refusal to comply, they use the Light to make them answer their questions, forcing them to tell the truth although it is very painful.Beyond the Dark Portal, chapter 13
In case of treason, desertion, or any acts contrary to the rules of the Order, paladins can be excommunicated. After having stand trial, their light-given powers are stripped, and they are then banned from the paladinship and exiled. Though it had only been used a few times, every paladin lived in mortal fear of it.Of Blood and Honor, chapter 5 Sometimes used by some of the more fringe elements of the priesthood and the paladinhood, the scourges are instruments of self-flagellation meant to cleanse impurities.Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 137 - 138
===Formation===
The training to become a paladin of the Order can take several months for priests and knights, and up to several years for younger and inexperienced apprentices,Arthas: Rise of the Lich King although training can be accelerated for squires if necessary. Becoming an apprentice requires attending to an establishment of the Church or the Silver Hand, and proving itself worthy of receiving the teachings of the Light. Whether young or adult, those who succeed are admitted and begin their training, the unworthy are dismissed but may retry later.Judgment Awaits
In the past, they were mainly trained at the Cathedral of Capital City, the former main spiritual hub of the Church before the Third War, or at the Monastery, a center for learning and enlightenment known as a proud bastion of Lordaeron's priesthood,Game Guide/World Dungeons#The Scarlet Monastery which served as a seminary and major training ground for paladins in training.Mythology of the Titans (quest)The Scarlet Monastery (quest) Nowadays, they are mainly trained by their seniors in the Sanctum of Light, in the Northshire Abbey of Northshire Valley, or in the Cathedral of Light and the Training Hall of Stormwind City. In Ironforge, they are trained in the Hall of Mysteries, a temple that serves as a center of arcane and divine practice and study.
Despite the Church's wishes to bolster its ranks, it understands the sacrifices needed to ensure the paladins serving it are worthy, thus requiring long training and several tests that could take their lives.The Tome of Valor Apprentices are trained to use a variety of weapons, they learn combat tactics and many techniques, as well as how to ride and fight on their steed. Their training sessions are long and difficult, lasting up to several hours a day until exhaustion,Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 8 and this for days and nights. Training at arms is important for a paladin, so are prayer and meditation, as they must be able to cut down their enemies but must also be able to heal their allies and themselves.Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 7 In places of worship, they are instructed to pray, to meditate for hours, and often discuss the nature of paladins and the rigorous disciplines they must observe.Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, chapter 4 They study many sacred texts, learn to take care of church duties and religious services, are instructed on the ways of the Order and its code of honor, but also on the protocols of politics and knighthood. They also learn to abnegate themselves through meditation, in order to become conduits for the Light and use its powers.World of Warcraft: The Comic, Issue 22: Whispers
After being deemed worthy, becoming a paladin and officially joining the organization requires passing a ceremony of induction headed by a high member of the Church of the Light, in presence of priests and fellow paladins,Of Blood and Honor, chapter 8 where they take their oath of allegianceOf Lost Honor on a banner of the Silver Hand:
:Alonsus Faol: In the Light, we gather to empower our brother. In its grace, he will be made anew. In its power, he shall educate the masses. In its strength, he shall combat the shadow. And, in its wisdom, he shall lead his brethren to the eternal rewards of paradise.
:The Archbishop closed the book and turned toward the men on the left.
:Alonsus Faol: Clerics of the Northshire, if you deem this man worthy, place your blessings upon him.
:One of the clerics comes with a blessed dark blue embroidered stole in his hands, which he placed reverently around Arthas' neck. Then, he dipped his thumb in a small vial of sacred oil and anointed Arthas' forehead.
:Cleric: By the grace of the Light, may your brethren be healed.
:The Archbishop turned to the men on the right.
:Alonsus Faol: Knights of the Silver Hand, if you deem this man worthy, place your blessings upon him.
:Two of the armored men comes, the first laid the warhammer before Arthas' feet. The second, Uther the Lightbringer, placed the silver plates upon Arthas' shoulders.
:Gavinrad: By the strength of the Light, may your enemies be undone.
:Alonsus Faol: Arise and be recognized.
:Arthas stood up in front of the Archbishop.
:Alonsus Faol: Do you, Arthas Menethil, vow to uphold the honor and codes of the Order of the Silver Hand.
:Arthas Menethil: I do.
:Alonsus Faol: Do you vow to walk in the grace of the Light and spread its wisdom to your fellow man?
:Arthas Menethil: I do.
:Alonsus Faol: Do you vow to vanquish evil wherever it be found, and protect the weak and innocent with your very life?
:Arthas Menethil: By my blood and honor, I do.
:The Archbishop closed the book and walked back toward the center of the altar, he turned to face the entire assembly.
:Alonsus Faol: Brothers — you who have gathered here to bear witness — raise your hands and let the Light illuminate this man.
:Each of the clerics and knights raised their right hands and pointed toward Arthas, empowering him with the holy light.
:Alonsus Faol: Arise, Arthas Menethil — Paladin defender of Lordaeron. Welcome to the Order of the Silver Hand.Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, part 1, chapter 5
When Delas Moonfang became a paladin, she was instructed to "speak the vows".A New Path She vowed to follow the guiding principles - to act honorably, to uphold what is righteous, to fight against injustice,Champion: Delas Moonfang and to celebrate with her new brothers and sisters of the Silver Hand:
:Delas walks down the aisle and then kneels at the steps leading up to the Altar of Ancient Kings.
:
:
:
:
:After Delas has completed the vow, the Highlord used the ability to complete the induction.
:Delas stands and walks the rest of the way to the altar before kneeling again. Upon arising, she is reborn as a paladin.
Following the ceremony, these new paladins receive their tabard and the :Badge of the Silver Hand to formalize their status. Thereafter, they continue to be trained by their master, in order to learn how to use their new holy powers.Arthas: Rise of the Lich King, pg. 62 Once their training is complete, and to improve their new abilities, young paladins are given various missions and trials. One of the most influential paladins of the Alliance, Duthorian Rall, is notably responsible for placing the new members on the path to greater virtue, as they devote themselves to the Light and defend Azeroth from any threats.The Tome of Divinity (human 1) They must succeed to prove themselves worthy to learn the use of the perception of the undead,The Tome of Valor (4) but above all, to access to one of the paladin's greatest honors, the power of resurrection.The Tome of Divinity (human 9)
Young paladins get a warhorse as their first mount.The Tome of Nobility (2) After proving themselves, Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker helped them to obtain their own Charger.Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker (old) Those holy steeds are devoted to the cause of their owner,Summon Charger#Mount Journal and are the spirits of former deathchargers recovered from death knights and redeemed by a sacred ritual.Exorcising TerrordaleJudgment and Redemption Once a tedious task that involved months of obtaining materials all over Azeroth, the Silver Hand has now most of those materials at hand since the Cataclysm.
==Organization==
As the martial branch of the Church of the Holy Light, the Order of the Silver Hand seeks to be an example of the Light's teachings as well as enforce its laws, and therefore, has its own hierarchical structure to organize its activities, in order to protect the weak and vanquish the evil of Azeroth. The Sanctum of Light is the secret hall located beneath Light's Hope Chapel that serves as a catacomb. It houses the remains of a thousand heroes of Lordaeron and is the headquarters of the organization from where they operated since the third invasion of the Burning Legion.
===Leadership===
;The Highlord
Once under the command of the Supreme Commander and the Archbishop of the Church, the Silver Hand is led by an Highlord since the Third War. When they are chosen by their predecessor, the new Highlord must record their name in the Libram of Ancient Kings during a ceremony attended by all members of the Silver Hand. They act as the highest authority of the organization, are recognized as a heroic figure among the paladins, embodying the faith and justice of the Light, and the one to whom all paladins swear fidelity.
* – Current leader of the Silver Hand.
* – Died from his torture wounds following the Battle for Broken Shore.
* – Assassinated by his son Renault Mograine with the Ashbringer.
* – Killed in a duel by his apprentice Arthas Menethil with Frostmourne.
;The war council
The leaders of the Silver Hand, or the "war council",United As One (priest) are the high-ranking members entrusted with a position of authority in the organization. They advise and assist the Highlord, take care of organizing and directing the missions of their paladins, make decisions to determine future objectives and actions of the Order, and represent it when the Highlord is not present. Since the reformation of the Silver Hand, the actual leaders are:
* – Leader of the Argent Crusade
* – Leader of the Army of the Light
* – Chief paladin of Stormwind
* – Champion of the Silver Hand
* – Veteran of the Scourgewar
* – First of the Triumvirate of the Hand of Argus
During the Third War, many leaders of the Silver Hand were killed by Arthas and the Scourge. Others such as Lord Commander Saidan Dathrohan, High General Abbendis and Grand Inquisitor Isillien founded the Scarlet Crusade. During the Fourth War, the leaders Lady Liadrin of the Blood Knights and Aponi Brightmane of the Sunwalkers left the ranks of the Silver Hand and fought under the banner of the Horde during the Battle for Stromgarde.
;The Champions
The Champions of the Silver Hand are chosen by the Highlord to lead the paladin troops against the enemies of the Silver Hand, and also to perform the function of bodyguard for the Highlord. Since the reformation of the Silver Hand, the actual champions are: Delas Moonfang, Nerus Moonfang, Maximillian of Northshire, and Lothraxion. Before the Third War, Prince Arthas Menethil was the revered champion of the Silver Hand.Blood of the Highborne, chapter 2
===Membership===
Once only made up of humans, the Silver Hand began recruiting dwarves from Ironforge and high elves from Quel'Thalas after the Second War. After their integration into the Alliance, the draeneiEzul'aan and Dark Iron dwarvesNella Slagheart & Frida Ironbellows were also recruited. The night elves Delas Moonfang and Nerus Moonfang, and the nathrezim Lothraxion, are unique cases recruited by the Highlord to serve as champions.
At the Sanctum of Light, the recruitment of new troops is organized by Commander Ansela, a grizzled war veteran and seasoned teacher, and Commander Born, a hard teacher who has trained some of the greatest paladin knights in the recent times. With some officers, Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker is in charge of coordinating the forces of the Silver Hand,Logistical Matters thus they organize the missions, assaults, and investigations for the paladins, but also the meetings between leaders of the organization,Meeting of the Silver Hand the contact and recruitment of potential allies, the establishment of defenses to counter enemy attacks, all of this with the consideration of dozens of logistics, among them communications, resources, weapons, armors, the creation of supply lines for foods and medicines, and many others.The Scion's Legacy
The Order of the Silver Hand has a large number of paladins in its ranks. Under the orders of a military hierarchy, including captains,Captain RidgersMage, page 35 commanders,Commander Born & Commander Ansela generals,High General Abbendis and champions, they dedicate their lives to the protection of Azeroth in the name of the Light. Many of them were once warriors, knights, and priests from the Seven Kingdoms.
*The Squires are at the lowest rung, they aspire to one day become paladins themselves, and many see it as an honor to serve someone who has given themselves fully to the Light.
*The Shieldbearers specialize in defensive combat, forming an impenetrable wall of protection, while most paladins of the Silver Hand charge into battle on warhorses.
*The Knights devote themselves as diligently to combat training as much as they do to their daily prayers, honoring their battle skills in order to best defend the weak and the innocent.
*The Templars are not only the most skilled in battle, but also the most righteous in their demeanor. Strength of arms and purity of mind are strict requirements, and only those who possess both are named champions. They act as officers in the Order of the Silver Hand.
*The Crusaders are the Silver Hand's answer to an immovable barrier, and are deployed to only the most vicious battlefields.Class Hall followers#Paladin
According to their specialty, some paladins may become Protectors who defend their allies in battle, while others may become Menders acting as healers. The mission of the Highguards is to protect the Sanctum of Light and the Highlord when they are on a mission. The scouts are sent to perform reconnaissance on the field and obtain information for their superiors. The Order has its own blacksmiths,Champion Armaments (paladin) who recently learned to produce weapons and armor made of Lumenstone.Lumenstone (paladin) It is the task of the scholars, with Sister Elda as their Head Archivist, to preserve, study and archive in their libraries all the knowledge the Silver Hand accumulated over time.Furthering Knowledge (paladin)Delivering Lost Knowledge (paladin)
In times of great need, the Order of the Silver Hand can rally its mightiest forces into one pure destructive form, the Vanguard of the Silver Hand. Through a Libram in which the paladins had channeled their power, the Highlord can unleash that power to send his army for an important mission or battle.Blessing of the Order (quest) In the Sanctum of Light, Terric the Illuminator is the one who takes care of rallying the troops to form the Vanguard of the Silver Hand.
At the time of the Third War, the Silver Hand counted among its ranks some priests, such as Isillien and Fairbanks, but also possibly mages, the only one known being Arcanist Doan.
====Sub-groups====
;Detachments
Name 	Leader(s)	Status
Champions of Peace 	 	Defeated
Champions of Light 	 	Defeated
Champions of Truth 	 	Defeated
Circle of Holy Light	 	Defeated
Defenders of Justice	 	Defeated
Crippling Force 	(MIA) 	Defeated
;Allied orders
Name 	Leader(s) 	Status
Hand of Argus 	Vindicator Boros Vindicator Kuros Vindicator Aesom	
Argent Crusade	 	
;Former allies
Name 	Leader(s) 	Status
Blood Knights‎	Lady Liadrin 	
Sunwalkers 	Aponi Brightmane	
==Relations==
Having led the Alliance of Lordaeron to victory against the Old Horde during the Second War, the holy knights of the Silver Hand are recognized as valiant and mighty champions of Humanity. By their nature of warriors of the Light affiliated with the Church, they were the only military unit trusted by all the monarchs of the Seven Kingdoms, and served as protectors during meetings of great importance in Lordaeron's palace, while they would not have been a part of the defense under normal conditions.Day of the Dragon, chapter 6 In the modern Alliance, the paladins of the Silver Hand are an elite known for their abilities as fighters, healers, and for leading their comrades in battle.
They are close allies of the Argent Crusade, as their remaining members in Lordaeron cooperated with the Argent Dawn, until the Battle for Light's Hope Chapel where they merged together to form the Argent Crusade under the command of Highlord Tirion Fordring. Conversely, they oppose the Scarlet Crusade and consider them as an aberration of the Silver Hand,Tirion Fordring#Tirion's story in his own words since their extreme and corrupt fanaticism led to the death of many innocent people.
The Wildhammer dwarves respect, if not like the Knights of the Silver Hand, as they know the prowess of the holy order in battle. During the Battle of Grim Batol, Falstad Dragonreaver and his wing of gryphon riders even agreed to let Lord Duncan Senturus ride with them on their gryphons for a battle against Dragonmaw dragonriders.Day of the Dragon, chapter 8
Just like the Church considered the Kirin Tor and its magi as heretics for centuries,Road to Damnation some paladins showed hostility for Rhonin and all the others wizards, seeing them as damned souls, but also as an occasional and necessary evil, which they would do without at any other time.Day of the Dragon, chapter 2 Even Uther the Lightbringer had never been very comfortable with magi, sharing the common perception that their magic was unholy and possibly even demonic, but he learned to accept it.Tides of Darkness, chapter 22
Despite being allies against the Legion, the Silver Hand and the Blood Knights maintain a strained and aggressive relationship. They are factionally opposed, with a different philosophy on their relationship with the Light. Once, the Blood Knights considered themselves to be better than the other paladins, and the true masters of the Light, going so far as to attempt to assert their dominance with their assault on Alonsus Chapel.True Masters of the Light (3) This duality resurfaced noticeably during the Fourth War.
The Silver Hand have a hostile relationship with the Knights of the Ebon Blade. Despite their alliance to defeat the Lich King, the death knights led an assault on the Sanctum of Light to retrieve Tirion's body and make him the last member of the Four Horsemen. Although they managed to make their way through the paladins, their attempt was interrupted by the Light itself,The Fourth Horseman leaving the Ebon Blade in hostility with the Silver Hand, but also with the Argent Crusade.Argent Sentry (Death Rising)#Gossip
==Items==
==In Warcraft III==
The Silver Hand was a human faction led by Uther. Among their ranks it counted the hero units paladins, and regular units like footmen, knights, riflemen, and some militias. They appeared as an allied faction in The Defense of Strahnbrad, Blackrock and Roll, and as an enemy faction in Digging up the Dead.
==In the RPG==
Although the study of the Holy Light lends itself to scholars and priests, they are not the only faithful followers. The Knights of the Silver Hand is an organization of paladins who have also studied and devoted themselves to the three virtues. It is the holy order that gives the paladins their sense of righteousness and allows a sense of community to strengthen their resolve. Although it is a proud organization, the paladins must give up a great deal to join, including their independence. Uther Lightbringer founded the Order before the Alliance launched the Second War. The paladins were instrumental in winning the war and actually helped the Holy Light catch on with the citizenry of Azeroth when people saw the mighty paladins do battle with their holy power.
In recent years, the Knights of the Silver Hand entered a dark period when one of their own, Prince Arthas, turned his back on the Order in his dark pursuit of vengeance. He fully embraced the evil he thought he was hunting and became a death knight in service to the Scourge. This event dealt a great blow to the paladins of the Order, as they had to watch one of their best turn into a mighty enemy. Many paladins feel responsibility for him because the Holy Light teaches that every person can strengthen other people. Since they were unable to strengthen Arthas, the entire world suffered.Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 125
Many Knights of the Silver Hand remained on Lordaeron for several reasons ranging from missing the fleeing boats, to a sense of duty to clear their homeland of the undead. With the destruction of Lordaeron in front of them and the knowledge that Arthas had betrayed them, some knights actually went mad.Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg. 169 Following the invasion of the Scourge, many of the Order's paladins joined a zealous group of followers of the Light known as the Scarlet Crusade.Dark Factions, pg. 76 However, many of these paladins have become fanatical towards their ambition of destroying the Scourge, to the point that those not wearing their colors are deemed corrupted. They hunt the undead in Lordaeron with a zeal that frightens. Many innocent mortals have been killed through misunderstandings, or simply "just making sure". These paladins have a frightening policy: When in doubt, assume the person is undead and kill him. These knights would never admit that they walk the same dark road that led to Arthas’s damnation, but few of them continue to follow the three virtues. Those who question their leaders are assumed to be undead sympathizers and are slain. Many serve the Scarlet Crusade out of fear, as to speak up means instant death.
After leaving the Crusade, some paladins decided to join the Argent Dawn.Dark Factions, pg. 124 Some paladins of the Silver Hand, brought to their knees by their failure to do anything to stop the plague and save Lordaeron from the Lich King's depredations, have also turned from the light and joined Arthas Menethil as death knights.Dark Factions, pg. 57 Others fled south, to the Kingdom of Stormwind. The paladin order, still referring to themselves as the Order of the Silver Hand, now thrives under new leadership at the Cathedral of Light in Stormwind City. Over time, the followers of the Holy Light spread their philosophy to the dwarves of Ironforge, who soon adopted the tenets of the Order as well. Though decimated, the Knights of the Silver Hand eventually bounced back.Dark Factions, pg. 154 - 155
*Even after the triumph at Mount Hyjal, the paladins remembered Arthas's betrayal and just how close their order and all of Azeroth had come to complete destruction. 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.Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 21
*While the Knights of the Silver Hand survived the Scourge, few paladins were left in the Order.Lands of Mystery, pg. 8, 187 The remaining knights started hunting Arthas's servants, the undead, with a ruthlessness that frightened some, but they were determined to fix their mistakes.
*The stalwart paladins of the Silver Hand who traveled to Kalimdor worked to establish a new church there.
*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 (they had previously accepted a few dwarven paladins as far back as the Second War, though it was uncommon). The Order was not nearly as active as it once had been, but those belonging to the organization became some of the most active members of the Alliance.Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 177
*In addition to the night elves, many guests and diplomats from elsewhere reside in Darnassus, including Knights of the Silver Hand.Lands of Mystery, pg. 22
*Auradins are paladins of the Silver Hand who focus the power of their faith and of their traditions solely into their auras.Alliance Player's Guide, pg. 18
*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.Magic & Mayhem, pg. 15
*Verius attempted to infiltrate the Order of the Knights of the Silver Hand after the Third War.Magic & Mayhem, pg. 11 - 12
*Brann believes that blue dragons may be found in the ranks of many mortal orders, including the Knights of the Silver Hand.Lands of Mystery, pg. 114
*Delgren the Purifier is a Knight of the Silver Hand.Lands of Mystery, pg. 8
*Forthisal D'Neve is studying with the Knights of the Silver Hand to become a paladin.Lands of Conflict, pg. 170
*The Phylactery of Faithfulness, a small box containing religious scripture affixed to a leather cord and tied around the forehead, is commonly used by night elves and members of the Silver Hand.Magic & Mayhem, pg. 145
*In the Scarlet Crusade, it is the duty of the Scarlet inquisitor to transform a broken Knight of the Silver Hand into a loyal zealot of the Scarlet Crusade, such as Highlord Taelan Fordring.Dark Factions, pg. 79
*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).Horde Player's Guide, pg. 47
*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.Lands of Mystery, pg. 167
Brann also fought with a good number of Uther's knights in the Second War. He says that they were good folk, if a bit too righteous for their own good, but he finds some habits of the knighthood stubborn.
==In the TCG==
*":Antonidas' Aegis of Rapt Concentration was originally created as a holy shield for the Silver Hand, but its energies have been twisted by close proximity to the Burning Legion."Antonidas's Aegis of Rapt Concentration (Blood of Gladiators)
*"The Order was shattered when Lordaeron fell to the Scourge, but the relics of the Silver Hand persevere."Ring of the Silver Hand (Servants of the Betrayer)
*"Uther, the first paladin of the Knights of the Silver Hand, was betrayed by his favorite pupil, the young prince of Lordaeron, Arthas Menethil."Legacy of Lordaeron
==In Hearthstone==
In Hearthstone, the following cards represent the members of the Silver Hand:
==In Heroes of the Storm==
*"The Knights of the Silver Hand breed their warhorses to serve fearlessly on the battlefield. Even the hardest of orcs quake with fear at the sight of paladins upon these mighty steeds."
*"Despite surviving Arthas's brutal assault, Uther was unable to prevent Lordaeron's fall. Now under Varian's banner, he leads the Silver Hand into Northrend to mete out justice."
==Notes and trivia==
*It seems that before the Third War, the paladins could embark on a pilgrimage through Lordaeron, as the Scourging of the kingdom by Arthas was described as "a dark version of a paladin’s pilgrimage".
*The Judgement Armor is meant to be an Inquisitor-like outfit for the Knights of the Silver Hand. It is the paladin's embodiment of delivering their sentence upon the enemy. This armor does not represent the defender aspect of the holy knights, but the commanding, faceless aspect of justice and judgment, as there is more to a paladin than shining armor. It's a suit of plate armor fitted with precious icons and scripture of justice from the paladins' tenets of Holy Light.World of Warcraft: Exploring Azeroth: Kalimdor, pg. 67
*Contrary to popular belief, the paladins of the Order are not subject to the vows of celibacy and chastity. They can freely marry and have children.Blizzard lore posts#Sean Copeland
*The Highlord of the Silver Hand is a heroic figure among the paladins, many want to impress them, and a few rumors circulate about them. Some even wonder if they could be a demigod.
*The testimony of Fairbanks before his execution was written in the Libram of Ancient Kings, allowing the Silver Hand to learn the truth about the murder of Alexandros Mograine.
*As a boy, Bolvar Fordragon was impressing his paladin mentors with his determination and noble spirit.We Ride Forth, pg. 14
**In his childhood, Stephon Marris wanted to become a paladin of the Silver Hand.Dark Mirror
**As a young man, Jordan Stilwell was to become a paladin of the Order,The Test of Righteousness (1) but instead became an incredible smith in his father's footsteps.The Tome of Valor (2)
**When he felt a connection to the Light as an inquisitor of the Order of Embers, Hadwin sought out the Silver Hand to train him as a paladin, but he wasn't satisfied and left the order.
*The Silver Hand is the only Order Hall from Legion to have gone back on its neutrality, and there have been no depictions of any Horde-race Silver Hand members since the end of Legion.
*According to A Cleansing Fire, the Silver Hand splintered into the Argent Dawn and Scarlet Crusade four years after the death of Terenas Menethil. In the current timeline, it happened only two years after.
*During early development, there was a quest to christen the Order of the Silver Hand using the Libram of the Order in Light's Hope Sanctum.Wowhead
*The Roleplaying server Silver Hand US is named after the Order.
;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.
**The silver hand was already a common symbol for the human tribes of Tirisfal many centuries ago, appearing on clothing and pendants, worn to ward away evil spirits, to protect warriors in battle and to cure diseases.
*As of Legion, the Silver Hand's banner has an alternate depiction used predominantly throughout the expansion, from a closed fist, to that of an open one.
**Both are still used, however, as the tabards depict the closed fist, and Turalyon's forces use the closed-fist banner during the Battle for Stromgarde.
**The open hand seems to be in reference to the Ashbringer, as the symbol can be seen on the "disk" of the blade.
*In Battle for Azeroth, the Path of Uther and Uther's Tomb were updated with Silver Hand banners.
*In Shadowlands, early versions of the Barracks had Silver Hand symbols on display, this was later removed entirely and replaced with its current version.Ian Bates on Twitter: "The mag'har have lost their mini-capital and its now an area for class trainers (Geya'rah and a couple patrolling ones are still outside though)." (with associated picture)
;Status during the Third War
*Most sources state that Uther was accused of treason and relieved of his command with his paladins being suspended from service by Prince Arthas Menethil near Stratholme.Uther Lightbringer, The Paladin
**Other sources contradict this issue. Most notably, Uther's dialogue implies that Arthas did not have the power to disband the paladins, and the premise of the "Dissension" mission implies that King Terenas agreed.
*The Ultimate Visual Guide stated that Arthas disbanded the Knights of the Silver Hand.Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 44, 166 Its updated version, however, stated that Arthas just sent Uther and his knights away and that they were decimated during the war.World of Warcraft: Ultimate Visual Guide, Updated and Expanded, pg. 44, 190
* states that Arthas turned his back on the paladins and called their refusal an act of treason.
==Speculation==
*The codices written by Mereldar, and the other early human prophets, might have become the five librams given to the first Knights of the Silver Hand.
*As the Brotherhood of Light existed before the Argent Dawn,The Fate of Ramaladni it may have been a faction that grew in the ranks of the order before the Third War, like the Scarlet Crusade.
==Gallery==
File:Silver Hand Fist.jpg|Old banner in Stratholme.
File:Silver Hand palm banner 3.jpg|Modern banner in the Sanctum of Light.
File:Silver Hand palm banner 1.jpg|Alternate version.
File:Silver Hand palm banner 4.jpg|Alternate version.
File:Silver Hand palm banner 2.jpg|Alternate version.
File:Blessed Banner.png|Blessed Banner
File:Silverhand Claymore1.jpg|Silver Hand Claymore
File:Silver Hand shield.jpg|Silver Hand shield
File:Silver Hand Armor.jpg|Silver Hand Armor
File:Chronicle2 Death knights versus paladins Alternate.jpg|Alternate version of Paladins versus Death knights from Chronicle Volume 2.
File:Chronicle2 Art.jpg|Paladin facing a Death knight from Chronicle Volume 2.
File:Paladin by Yee-ling Chung.jpg|The Silver Hand by Yee-ling Chung for Legion: Celebrate the Classes.
File:Paladin Class Mount by Veli Nyström.jpg|The Highlord on his mount by Veli Nyström for the class mount artwork series.
File:Warcraft RPG.jpg|Paladin on the cover art for Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game.
File:Ring of the Silver Hand TCG.jpg|Ring of the Silver Hand in the Trading Card Game.
File:Uther HotS Silver Hand.jpg|Silver Hand in Heroes of the Storm.
File:Yrel HotS Silver Hand.jpg|Silver Hand in Heroes of the Storm.
File:Warcraft Film- first concept illustration.jpg|A paladin battling an eredar in an early Warcraft movie concept illustration.
;Warcraft series
File:Paladin.gif|Paladin unit portrait in Warcraft II has glowing eyes.
File:HumanKnight.gif|Paladin unit sprite in Warcraft II.
File:PaladinW2.jpg|Paladin in the Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual.
File:Charge of the Silver Hand by Chris Metzen.jpg|Charge of the Silver Hand by Chris Metzen.
File:Mounted paladin WC2 wallpaper.jpg|Mounted paladin Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition wallpaper, a knight in the manual.
File:Paladin WC2 wallpaper.jpg|Paladin Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition wallpaper.
File:Human Paladin WC3 concept art.jpg|Human Paladin concept art from Warcraft III original website.
File:BTNHeroPaladin.png|Paladin unit portrait in Warcraft III: Classic.
File:Paladin warcraft III.gif|Paladin hero unit model in Warcraft III: Classic.
File:BTNHeroPaladin-Reforged.png|Paladin unit portrait in Warcraft III: Reforged.
File:Warcraft III Reforged - Paladin.png|Paladin hero unit model in Warcraft III: Reforged.
File:AllianceVSHordeWC3.jpg|Paladin at the front of a battle against the Horde.
File:Warcraft III Reforged - Ranked Gold badge.jpg|Ranked Gold badge in Warcraft III: Reforged.
;Hearthstone
File:Silver Hand Recruit.png|, and paladin hero power , reused TCG art for Seal of Light
File:Royal Guardian Jameson TCG.jpg|, reused TCG art for Royal Guardian Jameson
File:Philosopher Kirilenko TCG.jpg|, reused TCG art for Philosopher Kirilenko
File:Crusader Farisa TCG.jpg|, reused TCG art for Crusader Farisa
File:Auralyn the Light of Dawn TCG.jpg|, reused TCG art for Auralyn the Light of Dawn
File:The Silver Hand HS.jpg|
File:Silver Vanguard HS.jpg|
File:Righteousness HS.jpg|
File:Level Up! HS.jpg|
File:Rise to the Occasion HS.jpg|
File:Stand Against Darkness HS.jpg|
File:Pursuit of Justice HS.jpg|
File:A Light in the Darkness HS.jpg|
File:Lost in the Jungle HS.jpg|
File:Bomb Toss HS.jpg|
File:Jury Duty HS.jpg|
File:Day at the Faire HS.jpg|
File:City Tax HS.jpg|
File:Air Raid HS.jpg|
File:Backup HS.jpg|
File:Silver Hand Murloc HS.jpg|
File:Silver Hand Recruit - March of the Lich King HS.jpg|A Silver Hand Recruit in the cinematic trailer of .
;Fan art
File:Knights of the Silver Hand by Jiang Feng.jpg|Paladins of the Silver Hand by Jiang Feng.
File:Silver Hand Recruit - Hearthstone.jpg|Silver Hand Recruit by Andrew Theophilopoulos.
File:Warcraft Paladin.jpg|Warcraft Paladin by X WH.
File:Paladin - Cole Eastburn.jpg|Paladin by Cole Eastburn at the BlizzCon Art Demo 2017.
File:FormationoftheSilverHand.jpg|The Silver Hand, as featured in Chronicle Tribute: Hourglass of Time.
==See also==
*Silver Hand Aspirant's Codex
*Silver Hand Orders
*Silver Hand Ornament
*Blessings of the Silver Hand
*Bulwark of the Silver Hand
*Ferocity of the Silver Hand
*Light of the Silver Hand
*Obsolete Silver Hand Orders
*Power of the Silver Hand (artifact trait)
==References==
 
Category:Religions
Category:Paladin organizations
Category:Church of the Holy Light
Category:Sanctum of Light
Category:Class Orders
Category:Lore
fr:Chevaliers de la Main d'Argent
es:Caballeros de la Mano de Plata
pl:Knights of the Silver Hand